wcn - 857

Clackmannanshire was well and truly thrown into the New Year

as the county was battered by gale force winds.

Winds of around 95mph swept through the area causing widespread chaos and road closures. Central Scotland police advised people to avoid travelling on Tuesday (January 3) as the wind caused trees to fall and damage to buildings.

The Scottish Government placed a red warning across the country as homes in Alva and Clackmannan were left without power for hours.Part of the damage saw a tree block the B910 road in Clackmannan and part of the Kidz World Nursery roof blew onto Kelliebank.

Part of the roof of St Serf’s primary school, Tullibody was blown off but council workers have already started repair work to ensure it will be fit for the pupils to return next week.SEPA, the environment agency, had also issued flood warnings across the central belt as heavy rain fell. The aftermath of the weather was felt into Wednesday (January 4) as Central Scotland police urged drivers to take care on the roads.

A Central Scotland Police spokeswoman said: “More winds and heavy rain are expected later today which could bring localised flooding. “Some debris could be covering drains which may block them. Motorists should be aware of the potential for surface water and flooding on the roads. We urge motorists to reduce their speeds and to drive with care.”

Trains were also affected and on Wednesday there were still problems on the Alloa to Glasgow Central line.

Friday 6.1.12 Issue 857

In this issue... £350K refurb of Cochrane HallPage 5

Price 45p

weecountynews

Alloa & Hillfoots

Alloa residents enjoy computer coursePage 9

WIN A MEAL FOR TWO SEE PAGE 14• FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Continued on page 10

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weecountyFriday 6.1.12 2

ContactsNEW ADDRESS:38 Primrose Street,AlloaFK10 1JG

Advertising & Bookings01259 [email protected]

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In your weecounty

this weekFamily Announcements P2

District News P11What’s on in your Wee County

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

Lifestyle P15How to have a better 2012

Money P16Tips for a better new year financially

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

services has to offer

Recruitment P18-19

Motoring P20Fixing your beloved car, or flogging your old run around, have a read at the weecounty

motoring for some tips and hints

weecounty Sport P21-24

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Flowers around the corner or around the world, from a single rose to a magnificent bouquet.

Give someone the gift of FlowersThe 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 this month will close on January 25th and a winner will be announced on January 27th. The editors decision is final.

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Dear weecounty,

Happy Birthday Claire Adam

Lots of Love Robert and little Mylo

xx

HAGGARTJune, partner to Clive.Mother to Scott and

Lyndsey. Proud grandmother to

Sophie, Myat and Grace.Passed away peacefully at Strathcarron Hospice on January 3rd, 2012.

We would like to thank all the staff at the hospice

for their extraordinary care and support.

Funeral service will be held at 10.30Am on

Tuesday 10th January 2012 at the Dunmar

House Hotel, Alloa and thereafter to Sunnyside Cemetery. Immediate

family flowers only – any donations to

Strathcarron Hospice most welcome.

Hillview Funeral Services 01259-725999.

ANNOUNCEMENT

What a terrible time we’ve been having of late with the wind! There’s trees strewn about and I’m scared to get into my car in case something happens.

I hope everything is cleared up quickly so we can all get on with our lives.Marjorie, via e-mail

Dear weecounty,I was saddened to see a man being put behind bars on Christmas Eve due to silly drink driving.I really wish people would think about it before getting into their car after having a drink, it’s just not worth it.

As someone who has been caught myself, I know how much the consequences can damage your life so please, don’t do it.Anon, via e-mail

As I was flipping through your paper I was intrigued to see a short story by the Alloa Writ-ers entitled ‘The best gift of all’.

I have to say I enjoyed it very much and am now looking forward to reading the next short story published in the paper.

It’s good to see the real talent in the Wee County for once, rather than the negative aspects of the area.Thanks,Jean McKillop, Alloa

Dear weecounty,

Happy 45th James Sneddon

love your work colleagues - have a great day. xx

Alloa RFC minis section held their Christmas party on

18th December. More than fifty of the minis section along with their parents turned out at the club-rooms at Earlsfield and ev-eryone had a thoroughly great time.

The usual mix of dancing, party games, food, drink and a visit from Santa were enjoyed by the kids. The highlight for most of the kids however was a visit by ex Alloa minis players Grant Gilchrist and Sean Kennedy, seen in the back row of the picture. Both Grant and Sean started off playing rugby at Alloa and have progressed to playing international rugby at various age groups.

Grant is now playing pro-fessional rugby for Edinburgh and starred in their win over Cardiff Blues on Friday night at Murrayfield in the Heinek-en cup. Sean meanwhile has

been part of the Scotland sevens squad currently playing in the World Sevens tournament and has been in Dubai and South Africa recently.

The success shown by

Grant, Sean and Stuart Ed-wards, another ex Alloa mini now playing for Scotland has been mirrored by the success of the Alloa Minis section.

The minis section at Alloa has recently been going from strength to strength and has increased its number by more than 100% since the start of the season.

Grant, Sean and Stuart have all agreed to come down to the club in the new year and help out with the training sessions for the kids, something that all of the young Alloa players were very excited about.

So if there are any primary school kids out there with

aspirations to play rugby for Scotland why not come along to Alloa rugby club and see if

you can emulate Grant, Sean and Stuart.

Contact numbers are Scott

Harrison 07803855017 and Paddy Langan 07825 597 486.

weecounty Friday 6.1.12 3

News BriefUnrest at CouncilClackmannanshire councillors are holding a special meeting which could change the face of the council.The meeting held today (Friday, January 6) could see the removal of Provost Derek Stewart, Depute Provost Harry McLaren, council leader Cllr Sam Ovens and depute leader Cllr Bobby McGill.It could also see official portfolio holders removed from their posts. All roles will then be appointed.The special meeting was called by Cllr Gary Womersly, Cllr Mark English, Cllr Donald Balsille, Cllr Irene Hamilton, Cllr Tina Murphy, Cllr Janis Paterson and Cllr Walter McAdam.

Many Clacks residents flocked to Stirling Castle to bring in the New Year in style.

Thousands of people lined the streets and attended a huge Hogmanay party in the castle on December 31. Those who

attended were treated to a show by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Eddie Reader and the Tree Blind

Wolves. They were also entertained by the Heart of Scotland Choir during the

exciting event.

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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

Boundary changes could see three more community councils spring up in Clackmannanshire

The new community councils could be up and running as soon as spring 2012, after

Clackmannanshire Council adopted a new Scheme for Establishment of Community Councils which changes the boundaries for some areas.

New boundary changes to the current provision for 12 community councils will mean that nine community councils will now serve the Clackmannanshire area, covering: Alloa; Alva; Clackmannan; Dollar; Menstrie; Muckhart; Sauchie and Fishcross; Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton and Devonside; and Tullibody, Cambus and Glenochil.

Community Councils are set up to work with the local authority and other public agencies, representing the views and needs of their local community on matters for which the local authority is responsible, including planning and licensing applications, as well as safeguarding and improving local amenities. Many

do much more, including organising local projects and managing community assets.

The Council’s adoption of the new scheme follows nine months of consultation on community council governance which saw the Clackmannanshire public asking for changes to the boundaries of community councils and a review of the framework within which they operate.

Provost Derek Stewart said: “The consultation process highlighted how important it is that the public participate in the business of community councils and the election process. We have quite a good distribution of community councillors across Clackmannanshire but there is a tremendous opportunity now for people in all areas of the county to become involved and take an active role in issues that affect their local communities.”

Les Sharp, Chair of Menstrie Community Council,

said: “People can see what a community council does when they come to a village gala, take part in a social event or enjoy the open spaces we manage. “But we have influence over other important aspects of community life. Our community council, for example, has been the main protagonist in improvements to the Dumyat Centre through dialogue and work with Clackmannanshire Council. So when I’m asked ‘Why would anyone join a community council? Why would you bother? Why would you spend your own free time with it all?’ the simple answer is because you can make a difference.” The Council is now accepting petitions to establish the new community councils in Alloa, Sauchie and Fishcross, and Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton and Devonside.

Further information is available from Governance Services in the Council or from Clacksweb.

New Community Councils on the way

University exhibition marks the 400th anniversary of Archbishop Robert LeightonThe University of Stirling Library is hosting a

special display of books to mark the 400th anniversary of the birth of Archbishop Robert Leighton.

The exhibition from the Leighton Library in Dunblane highlights some treasures, including a 1562 edition of the New Testament in Syriac, a 1667 index of books prohibited by the Catholic Church, as well as volumes of Buffon’s Histoire naturelle (1749-1804) with superb illustrations. Stirling history lecturer Dr Alastair Mann, and Helen Beardsley, of Academic Liaison and Development at the University, curated the display.

Helen Beardsley said: “This exhibition gives snapshots into the life of Robert Leighton and into Scottish history which visitors will find extremely interesting. Leighton was a very important man and quite a controversial figure in his time, though he was a mediator and a man of great integrity. “It is an honour for the University to host this display and hopefully it will encourage visitors to go on and view the extensive and fascinating collection in the Leighton Library in Dunblane.”Leighton lived through one of the most turbulent periods in Scottish history. He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister, yet took up the office of Bishop

in the then small and poor diocese of Dunblane, in the restored Episcopal Church. This was Leighton’s attempt to reconcile Presbyterians and Episcopalians in a united Church of Scotland.He was later installed as Archbishop of Glasgow, though he failed to bring about the reconciliation in church affairs which he hoped for.

Leighton was a learned scholar, with wide ranging interests. He bequeathed more than 1500 books and pamphlets to the Cathedral of Dunblane and left £100 in his will, with a request that a library be built to house his collection.The Leighton Library was built between 1684 and 1688 and was used by the local clergy. From 1734 it became one of the first subscription libraries in Scotland and thrived until around 1870. It is the oldest purpose built library in Scotland.Leighton’s collection of books was supplemented by 18th and 19th century additions, bringing the total number of titles to around 3500.

The collection covers a variety of subject areas including politics (particularly 17th century), history, medicine, travel, language and the occult. The library is also of interest to book historians.The exhibition will run in the University of Stirling Library until 24 February 2012 and is free and open to all.

Helen Beardsley is pictured with items from the collection.

Post-Christmas stress could vanish as the world-famous Stress Control class comes to Clackmannanshire.

Stress Control was devised by Dr Jim White - the STEPS team leader (NHS

Glasgow) - and is now used across the world.

It is a free class that runs over six sessions. If you want to learn better ways to handle common problems such as anxiety, depression, low self-confidence, poor sleep and panic attacks then come along to Stress Control. Stress Control is an evening class - not a group therapy - so attendees do not have to talk about their problems in front of others. Attendees just sit back and learn some great ways to control stress. Each week, you will get handouts to take away as well as a free relaxation CD. Stress Control classes are coming to Clackmannanshire thanks to the Council’s Integrated Mental Health Services. Classes start on 10th January and will be held at

Forth Valley College, Alloa. What happens at the sessions: Session 1: Information about stress Session 2: Control your body: relaxation, exercise Session 3: Control your thoughts: learn to think your way out of stress Session 4: Control your actions: boost self confidence Session 5: Control panic Session 6: Control sleep problems; control your future As a part of the Stress Control classes, there are booklets to read before the course starts. These will tell you: All about stress, How to measure stress, How to work out how and why stress is affecting you, Self-help ideas to tackle stress.

To register, please contact Carsebridge House on 01259 215048

Wee County stress control


By Alison Mann

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The Cochrane Hall in Alva has had a refurbishment worth

almost £350,000 in order to ensure it can serve the Hillfoots community for years to come.

The £344,000 refurbishment of the Alva hall is now complete after beginning back in September. The refurbishment took place on the building’s exterior and included repairs which will prolong the Hall’s lifespan and have improved its appearance.

A total of 17 windows have been replaced, meeting with Historic Scotland’s requirements, and the entrance doors have also been overhauled. Much needed repairs to the roof have been carried out as part of the project also.

Internally the improvements include the Hall being rewired and a performance standard lighting and sound system has been installed. Two large, wall-mounted televisions have also been put up and the acoustics have been improved.

Money has been invested in a modern, efficient heating system, a new fire alarm and security alarm have been fitted.

A new office has been created, all the toilets have been upgraded, the kitchen has been upgraded and new toilets have been created in the Green Room. The floor of the main hall has been sanded, repaired and re-varnished and linings for a badminton court have been applied. The Hall has been redecorated throughout with CCTV being installed.

Depute Leader Councillor Bobby McGill said: “We carried out extensive consultation with the local community before carrying out these improvement works. We listened to the feedback and have carried out the work based on the comments we received. “When we agreed the capital budget back in February, we set a realistic, affordable and achievable programme which aimed to deliver continued investment in Clackmannanshire’s infrastructure, and it’s fantastic

to see one of the projects in that budget, come to fruition. “The Cochrane Hall has many fine architectural details and this refurbishment ensures that these features can be admired in their full glory for many decades to come. This is a realistic,

£344,000 refurb of Cochrane Hall

College receive bronze award from the Healthy Working Lives

Waimun Lee, Leisure Facilities Co-ordinator

and Fiona Duff, Health and Safety Co-ordinator collected the award recently at a ceremony at the Riverhouse in Stirling.

The award programme supports employers and employees to develop health promotion and safety initiatives in a wide range of workplaces. Achieving an award recognises success in doing this, and organisations reap the benefits of providing a healthier and safer workplace.

There are three levels of award from bronze right up to gold. Forth Valley College is now focusing on working towards the silver award with the long term goal of achieving gold.

Initiatives which the college have undertaken so far include planning and recording staff training in health and safety, developing an occupational health and safety and encouraging employees to report and act on accidents, incidents and ‘near misses‘. They also a carried out a

health needs assessment and from the results are providing information and activities to address the requirements of staff. This includes implementing a policy on smoking and providing access to smoking cessation support.

Waimun, who leads the College’s Healthy Working Lives Steering Group said: “It was excellent to gain external recognition for our success.

The Bronze Award helped us to focus on specific areas in relation to healthier lives and safety issues and brought them together in a meaningful way.

“We are already recognising the added value we have gained from the many initiatives and look forward to continuing our ‘very healthy relationship’ with Healthy Working Lives.”

FVC Bronze award for healthy working programme

affordable and achievable capital programme which aims to deliver continued investment in Clackmannanshire’s infrastructure “The work was carried out by local company Marshall Construction following a

competitive tendering process. “The Hall is well-used by the local community, and the first event in the newly refurbished hall will be a Hogmanay party.

Alva Community Council have given the refurbishment the thumbs up and representative

Dorothy Harvey said: “This is a job well done. The colours and lighting are beautiful. The hall looks far more spacious now and I hope it will be well used.”

To book the Hall call us on 213131 or email [email protected].

Councillors take a tour of the newly refurbished Cochrane Hall

The RSPB, The Kennel Club, the Feline Advisory Bureau and the

Dogs Trust are alerting pet owners to the fact that over the last 10 years, at least 56 dogs and 22 cats are known to have suffered from pesticide abuse instances.

In most cases illegally poisoned baits would have been placed in the countryside for killing wildlife, including birds of prey. However, the indiscriminate nature of these crimes has resulted in many pets being the unintended victims.

The organisations are warning the public to be aware of poisoned baits being left to kill wildlife but which pets can encounter. Dog walkers and cat owners living in rural areas particularly need to be aware of the issue.

Martin Harper is the RSPB’s Conservation Director. He said: “To lose a pet is heart-breaking, but it must be unbearable to know that a pet has died because someone callously wanted to kill foxes or birds

of prey and that your companion was just an unintended casualty in the war on predators.”

Employees on rogue shooting estates will illegally douse rabbit or pheasant carcasses with poisons. These poisoned baits are then carelessly left out in areas where foxes or birds of prey may take the bait, with the inevitable consequences. The use of poisoned baits was outlawed in 1911, but the practice still continues illegally.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “Behind every one of these incidents is a tragic story, which could have been avoided. Whether it’s a red kite or a red setter, there are too many victims of illegal poisoning and it’s time for the law to change. We urge dog owners to avoid letting their dogs go out of sight when they are out for a walk, so that they can try and prevent them from picking up potential poisoned bait.”

The RSPB is campaigning for a list of the most widely-abused and lethal poisons to be added to the legislation, so that only those with a legitimate

use for them can have them in their possession.

Jeff Knott, the RSPB’s bird of prey policy officer, said: “It is illegal to poison a bird of prey, but in a bizarre quirk, it is not illegal in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for individuals to possess some of the most deadly poisons capable of killing these species, even though they have no legitimate need to possess them.

“Currently it is only a crime to use these poisons to kill wildlife, but by making it an offence to hold stockpiles of these chemicals, we believe we can lower the threat to wildlife and pets.”

The previous Government accepted in 2006 that it was sensible to make it illegal for unauthorised people to possess these poisons, but despite the law being in place, the Government hasn’t listed the banned pesticides. This is despite the controls being in place in Scotland since 2005, where police find it a very useful tool in the fight against wildlife crime as 10 convictions have already been secured. The RSPB is asking the Government to add a list of chemicals to Section 43.

The RSPB Birdcrime 2010 report reveals there were 128 reports of illegal poisoning in the UK, and the early figures for this year suggest a similar pattern. In 2010, 20 red kites, 30 buzzards, two goshawks, eight peregrines, five golden eagles, one white-tailed eagle and one sparrowhawk were found poisoned in the UK. The RSPB believes that the number of recorded incidents is way below the actual number.


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Clackmannanshire residents are being urged to ensure their pets are safe from pesticides this winter season.

Pet Poison

By Alison Mann

Blue Badge users are set to benefit from a new design which should

make it more difficult for fraudsters to use disabled parking spaces.

The new design launched in Scotland on January 1 and will also assist disa-bled drivers in finding a parking space.

Clackmannanshire’s 2,500 Blue Badge holders are also set to benefit from the changes to the national park-ing concessions scheme through im-proved customer service and faster badge renewals. The new badge design, which includes digital photographs, makes the badges harder to tamper with, copy or forge.

The reform measures are being intro-duced by the Department of Transport and the Scottish and Welsh Govern-ments following a period of public con-sultation.

From January, the current process for issuing Blue Badges in Scotland will be superseded with a single national data-base, the Blue Badge Improvement Ser-vice (BBIS), being the only legal way to issue new or replacement badges. The new database of badge holders and their key details will prevent multiple and fraudulent applications, as well as enabling quick and easy validity checks to be made anywhere in the country.

Local authorities will retain respon-sibility for application forms and as-sessing drivers’ eligibility. Under new

assessment procedures, GPs will no longer carry out mobility assessments, with councils assuming responsibility for new Independent Mobility Assess-ments, the need for which is deter-mined by individual circumstances.

Councillor Eddie Carrick, Sustain-ability portfolio holder, said: “It has been widely acknowledged that there were concerns around aspects of the scheme, including allocation of badges and high levels of abuse, and therefore this reform is to be welcomed.”

Keith Brown MSP, Minister for Hous-ing and Transport, said: “It is a logical move to make changes to the design of the Blue Badge and to introduce a na-tional database with central distribution of more secure badges. These changes should help to reduce misuse of the badge.”

A new helpline will signpost callers to the relevant local authority and appli-cants will be able to apply for a badge on-line via www.bluebadgesscotland.org

Alternatively, Clackmannanshire Council can be contacted for advice and assistance with paper applications. Pa-per application forms can either be sent out by post or can be downloaded from the Council’s Blue Badge Scheme page on Clacksweb.

Further information and relevant doc-uments relating to BBIS and the new legislation can be found on the Trans-port Scotland Blue Badge website.

By Alison Mann

New blue badges in use to prevent fraudsters


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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 16

Congratulations to Mary Stewart from Clackmannan who won a meal for two at the Bridge Inn in our crossword competition last week.

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Panto display in Childrens ward

Special Performance at Forth Valley Hospital for children

A special dose of fun was administered in the children’s ward at Forth Valley Royal Hospital

this week. On January 2, the magic of pantomime arrived,

courtesy of the charity Starlight.Part of a UK-wide campaign, youngsters enjoyed

a wonderful performance of Aladdin, created exclusively for Starlight by theatre group The Panto Company. The interactive show was full of laughs and fun, giving children the chance to escape from the pain and anxiety that being in hospital can bring.

NHS Forth Valley Play Leader Kate McLaughlin

said: “This time of year can be really difficult for kids that are stuck in hospital and Starlight’s pantomime gives our young patients and their families something to look forward to. While the panto can really help cheer up a sick child’s day, it can also help to take their minds off their illness and this in turn can have a positive effect on their condition and response to treatment.”

Claire Farr, who plays Wishy Washy, added: “We are thrilled to support Starlight’s pantomime tour. The aim of the panto is to bring some much needed fun and entertainment to the many poorly children and we really hope that they all enjoyed the show.”

Online education award for Forth Valley College

The College won a JISC TechDis OASES (online accessibility self-

evaluation service) Award 2011 for Institutional Progress on Equality using Technology.

The awards celebrate the achievements of organisations successfully integrating accessibility into real activity and institutional policy. Forth Valley College received the award in regards to the exemplary work carried out by their e-inclusion working group to engage learners and staff in using the Moodle Virtual Learning Resource to promote inclusion and accessibility. As well as providing access to free enabling technologies such as downloadable tools for all learners, the e-inclusion working group focused on enhancing the accessibility of the college website and influencing strategy and policy across the college.

Forth Valley was one of three Scottish, and six UK institutions to

be awarded the accolade, putting the College on the map for championing equality and inclusion. The work of the group was also previously recognised by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIe) as sector leading practice.

Jasmin Hodge, Organisation Learning Co-ordinator for Forth Valley College and Chair of the e-inclusion group, said: “We’re delighted to have been recognised for our efforts in promoting accessibility and inclusion. Our Moodle resource is packed with innovative features which enhance the learning experience for all our students and it just keeps getting better. The feedback we have received so far has been very positive. We have a strong equalities ethos within the college and this is thanks to the commitment overstaff throughout the organisation. This award is testament to the hard work of all those involved and it’s a privilege to be flying

College have been celebrating after receiving award

the flag for equalities at a national level.”Margaret McKay, Advisor for Inclusion

at JISC RSC Scotland said: “It was a great pleasure and indeed a great privilege for the RSC Scotland to be able to present Forth Valley College with their OASES Award for ‘Institutional Progress on

Equality using Technology’ on behalf of JISC Techdis.

“The Forth Valley College project highlights the spirit of partnership working to promote learner engagement and accessibility. It demonstrates a real

ownership of inclusive practice, where staff from across Forth Valley College along with students, and the JISC RSC Scotland North and East helped to put inclusion at the heart of the college policy and practice.”

weecountyFriday 6.1.128

weecounty photos

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

or telephone: 01259 404006

or email: [email protected]

See a picture you like in the weecounty?

Get your copy from only £5!

Alison MannMunro a month or not?

HAVE YOUR SAYDo you have something you want to say, or something for Alison to talk about: [email protected]

We are now in Alloa. Come and visit us at 38 Primrose Street

We are now six days into the New Year and many of us

will have made our long list of resolutions and will be sticking to them religiously – or will we?

I’d probably bet my gerbil Petula-Marie that most people reading this have already caved in. I tried to stick to eating healthier as I absent-mindedly ordered a takeaway pizza. My boyfriend told me how he was

sticking to his “no chocolate for January” resolution as he opened up another Quality Street.

When I asked Heather here in the office what her resolution she proudly stated “not to bite my nails” only to concede minutes later that

she’d only lasted three days.I do love the idea of a fresh start and a hopeful resolution to make me a better person or even just a bit healthier but since I never stick to it why do I even bother?

Casting that aside, however, I’ve decided to make a promise to myself – not a resolution as such as I’d just break it then wouldn’t I? It’s more a goal if you like - to climb at least one Munro a month.I was disappointed when I looked back on 2011 and thought that apart from trekking across the lava fields in Iceland, the amount of times I actually managed to make it outdoors was rather small, minute even.My climbing blog – Munros and

other things – is empty and makes me quite reluctant to call myself a climber.

However, that will all change in 2012, with my new goal! I’m already planning my first outing and have my fingers and toes crossed the gale-force winds that seem to be becoming the norm stay away. I’ll keep you all updated – or maybe not if my goal fails in January! Let me know what your resolutions are and whether you have stuck to them or already let them fall by the wayside. Contact me at [email protected] or via Facebook.com/WeeCountyNews or Twitter.com/WeeCountyNews1.

Iceland was one of the few times I got out walking last year

Stirling researcher presented climate change report at New Delhi festivalA University of Stirling

academic, Dr Matthew Hibberd, presented findings from a major Indian and UK research project examining

climate change communica-tions and young people at the Vatavaran Environment and Wildlife Film Festival in New Delhi back in December.

In their report, Look Forward in Anger, Dr Hibberd and his University of Bournemouth col-league, Dr An Nguyen, state that young people in the UK

and India remain deeply frus-trated at the lack of progress in tacking climate change, amounting to a shared lack of vision for improving the lives and future prospects of young people around the world.

Dr Hibberd says: “While participants in the UK under-stand key aspects of climate change, there is a high de-gree of pessimism about cur-rent international inaction to tackle climate change. This is linked to broader concerns about the state of the world economy, particularly in the UK, and to the perceived in-ability of some leaders who lack the necessary vision to tackle key social issues.

“We are living in a soci-ety that does not encourage much hope for the future, par-ticularly for young people, with fewer jobs and less prospects and opportunities. This could contribute to a general lack of enthusiasm about many ar-eas, including sustainability.”

However, the research teams in the UK and India found key examples of good practice in-volving young campaigners in sustainability projects: partic-ipants valued the experience of working on environmental projects which helped them to promote greener lifestyles,

greater self awareness and confidence.

Dr Hibberd continues: “We found that only a minority of our focus group members in the UK were actively involved in climate change campaigns. There was a perception among some that environmental cam-paigns did not have any dis-cernable effect on everyday lives.

“Some focus group mem-bers felt a certain detachment from nature, chiming with Sir David Attenborough’s recent argument that ‘We have a huge moral responsibility to-wards the rest of the planet. A hundred years ago people certainly had that...They were aware of the seasons and aware of what they were do-ing to the land and animals around them... So over 50% is to some degree out of touch with the natural world and don’t even see an animal from one day to the next unless it’s

a rat or a pigeon’”. Speaking before the launch

of the report, Dr Hibberd said: “Our research demonstrates clear evidence of youth in-volvement in environmental activities. There is a lot of good work being done by youth organisations, campaign groups, schools and national and local governments. But there remains much scepti-cism whether the international community as a whole wishes to tackle this problem seri-ously and present a coherent low carbon vision to our young people. There is no doubt that this scepticism is related to the current negative economic and geo political outlook.”

The interim research report, Look Forward in Anger, has been funded by the British Council-run UK and India Edu-cation and Research Initiative (UKIERI) and the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland.

Matthew Hibberd


GIGABYTES: (From left to right) Bert, Liz and Jane used to be wary of computers.

College computer course a hit

Hawkhill residents Jane Grzebien,46, Albert

McLure,57 and Liz Elliott,45 have been attending the Thursday evening European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) basic computer course at the college since September and they are gradually getting to grips with the world of IT.

All three work closely with the Hawkhill Community Association (HCA), but were previously wary of computers to such an extent that they all claim they couldn’t even turn one on. Now they are working through the course at their own pace and looking forward to exploring the internet when they return in the New Year.Jane, who works as an administrator and a cleaner at the HCA, said: “The course has been ideal for us. It has helped me because I am more

confident around computers now. It means I am able to keep in touch with my daughter who works as a mental health nurse in Cardiff via e-mail and that saves on phone bills. I would definitely recommend it to other local residents and an added advantage is that this great campus is sitting on our doorstep.”

Albert, who is the Vice Chair of the HCA, said: “My wife and kids are on the computer all the time and have been at me for years to pick it up. I was wary at the start, but it has been interesting and I was surprised to have passed the first module. In this day and age our new skills are going to make our lives much easier.”Liz, who is an HCA Committee member, said: “The lecturers have been absolutely brilliant with us and they have been delighted with the way we

have stuck at the course. My confidence increases every time I attend the course and I am really excited that I can now keep in touch with a friend of mine in the Western Isles via e-mail. I am even thinking about coming to the college for some other classes after I have completed this one.”

Gail Harris, FVC Associate Principal with responsibility for the Alloa Campus, said: “Jane, Bert and Liz are a real inspiration and I am proud of them for starting and sticking with the ECDL, particularly as they were complete novices around computers. “The local community of Hawkhill and the wider residents of Alloa have been very supportive of our new state-of-the-art campus and it’s great that they are taking advantage of this excellent facility. “We have a wide range of part-time and evening courses which can give people the skills to make their lives easier and we would encourage anyone interested to drop in and have a chat about what’s on offer or pick up a prospectus.”

Further information on courses available at FVC’s Alloa Campus can be obtained by calling 0845 634 4444 or visiting www.forthvalley.ac.uk.

Hawkhill residents have been inspired learning more about computers

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News Brief

Stirling Hillwalking Club

The Stirling Hillwalking Club walk on January 8th will be Muiravonside Country Park, starting at 10am. Minimal ascent, 8km distance. OS map 65, grid ref 974759. Phone 01506 418568 for further details. Information about Stirling Hillwalking club is available on the website at www.stirlinghillwalkingclub.org.uk______________________

Alloa pupils entertain Rotary Club

For their last meeting of 2011 the Rotary Club of Alloa met for Christmas Lunch at Gean House. President Graham Kerr invited Ladies from Alloa Inner Wheel and Music teacher Miss Jenny Nunn and her pupils from Alloa Academy. After an excellent traditional Festive Christmas Lunch the company was treated to a most enjoyable performance of Carols from our guests from Alloa Academy.


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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

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Premier League snooker

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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!

Continued from front page

Welcome to 2012!The Clackmannanshire Bridge was also again closed to high sided vehicles throughout Tuesday and Wednesday.Transport Minister and MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, Keith Brown said: “As a result of contingency arrangements, power companies had already drafted in addition staff to

deal with the impact of the high winds and they are being deployed as quickly as possible to restore power supplies once it is safe to do so.

“Transport operators are similarly extremely busy clearing roads and railway lines where fallen trees, other debris, fallen power

lines and overturned vehicles are causing considerable disruption.

“Local police forces have also been issuing travel advice based on the conditions in their area, and in many cases this advice has been not to travel - we urge everyone to heed this important advice.”

Photos by Jim Hensby

Clackmannanshire Tenant & Residents Annual General Meeting: Is being held on Tuesday 31 January at 2pm in Craigleith Room Alloa Business Centre. All Tenant & Resident Groups welcome. Contact Federation office 01259 725757.

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.

Royal Scottish Country Dance Society: The new session of Alloa class will resume on Thursday, 12 January 2012. Classes will be held in Alloa Ludgate Church Halls (West Church) from 7.30pm – 9.30pm. We have a fully registered teacher and would welcome new dancers to come along and enjoy an evening of dance. Further informations 01259 212576.

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.

The first meeting of the whist and dominoes will take place on Thursday 12 January 2012 at 2pm in Alva Parish Church Hall. All members and any non-members will be made very 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 7pm. All members of the public are welcome to attend.

Clackmannan Chapter No. 464 Oder of the Eastern Star: A bingo tea will be held on Tuesday February 28, 2012 in the Masonic Hall, Clackmannan at 7.30pm. Admission and tea 60p. All welcome. An invitation is extended to all members, 60 years and over (accompanied by their partner) to the senior members dinner which is being held on Tuesday March 13, 2012 in the Masonic Hall, Clackmannan, 6.30pm for 7pm. Names by 10 February to secretary 01259 215470.

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 service next Sunday 8th January is at

10:30am and will be led by Rev Douglas Aitken. Tea and coffee will be served after the service. Creche available.

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.

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.

Sauchie and Fishcross U F Church: Services on Sunday January 8 will be as usual at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. The Kites Group and crèche will resume on January 15. The Kirk Session meets on Monday January 9 at 6.30 p.m. The Christian Explored will begin on Wednesday January 11. This is a series containing seven topics which cover the basics of the Christian Faith. An invitation is given to anyone who feels that they would benefit. We shall meet from 7 until 8.30 p.m. on January 11, 18 and 25, on February 1, and if required, on alternate Wednesdays from February 15. Each topic is based around teaching on a DVD.

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.

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 weecountyAlloa

Clackmannan

Dollar

Kincardine

Menstrie

Muckhart

Sauchie

Alva

Fishcross

Coalsnaughton

Tillicoultry

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

Tullibody

Friday 6.1.12 12 Friday 6.1.12 13

To assist her with her goal of increasing her fitness, we thought we would publish some rather helpful tips to help in her quest. In the current hustle and bustle environment that we live in, many of us do find it very difficult to start exercising. Even if you look at the changing times, the level of activity that we do has fallen considerably to that of our ancestors. For example, we all pretty much own cars and rely on them heavily to get around and the computer generation has had an impact too – we all

spend a lot of time in front of them at work. When we get home, after we have seen to the kids, ate dinner and dealt with any other household chores, we think nothing of spending the rest evening sitting or even lying down in front of the TV. According to the BBC, many people’s views on sport and exercise were formed during school PE lessons – endless laps of a muddy field, or standing around shivering in T-shirt and shorts, hoping the ball

didn’t come near you. Most of us have seen film of people running a marathon who look ready to keel over. Not surprising then that many people regard exercise as something miserable that has to be very, very hard to do you any good. It doesn’t. Here are some tips to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.

At WorkTry taking the stairs instead of the lift (walk up and not down!)At lunch go for a walk – just a simple 5 minute walk will make a differenceIf you can, leave the car at home and walk or cycle to workIf you take the train or bus, try getting on 1 stop early and walking from there.

If you have ChildrenJoin in with the kids in what they are doingTake them to the park and enjoy it togetherIf they go swimming or play sports, why not join them.

At HomeWalk to the local shopIf you can afford to, get some exercise equipment like a treadmill or exercise bike – use them whilst watching tv. Use your stairs to help you exercise.

Now that we have you doing some exercise, to what degree is best for you? Strenuous, moderate or mild? The intensity at which you workout can be described as strenuous, moderate or mild. What constitutes a strenuous, moderate or mild exercise workload for you will depend on your current fitness. If you’re an Olympic 10,000m runner, jogging one mile in nine minutes would count as mild activity. For most people, though, it would be strenuous, if not impossible. Experts recommend that for purposes of general health, mild to moderate levels of physical activity are all that’s required. For many of us, this means brisk or purposeful walking, or the equivalent level of effort in another activity. It’s a pace at which you feel you’re making good progress while still being able to hold a conversation.

As a rule of thumb, exercise of moderate intensity will make

you a little warm or sweaty, and slightly out of breath, but no more than that.

Recommended activity levelsAccording to the government, only 37 per cent of men and 24 per cent of women take enough exercise to get any benefit from it. To avoid obesity, heart disease and other life-limiting conditions, the chief medical officer (the government’s top doctor) recommends the following:• Adults should do a minimum of 30 minutes moderate-intensity physical activity, five days a week. • You don’t have to do the whole 30 minutes in one go. Your half-hour could be made up of three ten-minute bursts of activity spread through the day, if you prefer. • The activity can be a ‘lifestyle activity’ (in other words, walking to the shops or taking the dog out) or structured exercise or sport,

or a combination of these. But it does need to be of at least moderate intensity. • People who are at specific risk from obesity, or who need to manage their weight because of a medical condition, need 45-60 minutes of exercise at least five times a week.

Older peopleOlder people need to keep active so these

recommendations also apply to older adults, assuming they’re healthy and mobile enough to manage them. In fact, older people should take particular care to retain their mobility through daily activity. Specific activities to improve strength, coordination and balance are particularly beneficial for older people. • Warm up and stretch. Again, this is more important the longer and harder your planned exercise is, but it’s a good habit to get into if you want to prevent injuries, such as pulled muscles.

The bottom line is that any physical activity, no matter how little, is better than none.

2012:YOUR YEAR TO LOOK GOOD AND FEEL GREATWelcome to 2012 – the start of the year. We all have, no doubt made some new year’s resolutions – what are they? Lose weight? Get a new job? Stop smoking? Give up Yum Yums?

Well here at the Wee County, our Creative Director decided that hers was to get fit.

Rather than following an extreme detox plan that limits just about every food

except fruit and veg while at the same time getting you to down a nasty ‘detox’ drink every day, this plan is safer and more sensible and shouldn’t leave you short on nutrients if you follow it for just one week.

Foods to include in the planYour plan can include:

• Fruit – your plan can include any fruit including fresh, frozen, dried or canned in natural fruit juice. This includes apples, bananas, pears, oranges, grapefruit, satsumas, sultanas, raisins, pineapple, mango, kiwi fruit, strawberries, raspberries,

blackcurrants, nectarines, peaches, melons, star fruit etc• Fruit juice – either make homemade fruit juices or smoothies from fresh fruit, or drink ready-made juices. Make sure ready-made juices are labelled as being ‘pure’ or ‘unsweetened’.• Vegetables – eat any vegetables including fresh, frozen or canned in water (without salt added). This includes carrots, onions, turnip, swede, sprouts, cabbage, peppers, mushrooms, sweetcorn, peppers, leeks, courgettes, broccoli, cauliflower, salad, tomatoes, cucumber, spring onions etc• Beans and lentils – eat any beans, including those that have been dried or canned in water. This includes red kidney, haricot, cannellini, butter, black eye, pinto, red lentils, green lentils and brown lentils• Tofu and Quorn• Oats – sprinkle oats over fresh fruit or use to make porridge, sweetened with honey and fresh fruit• Potatoes – all types• Brown rice and rice noodles• Rye crackers, rice cakes and oatcakes

• Fresh fish – eat any fresh fish including cod, plaice, mackerel, salmon, lobster, crab, trout, haddock, tuna, prawns, Dover sole, red mullet, halibut, lemon sole, monkfish, swordfish etc. Canned fish in water is suitable too eg salmon or tuna• Unsalted nuts – eat any including Brazil, peanuts, almonds, cashew, hazel nuts, macadamia, pecans, pine nuts, pistachio, walnuts etc• Unsalted seeds – eat any including sunflower and pumpkin• Plain popcorn – without sugar or salt• Live natural yoghurt• Extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar• Garlic, ginger and fresh herbs• Ground black pepper• Honey• Water – at least 2 litres a day. Tap or mineral water is fine.• Herbal or fruit teas

Foods to avoid during your detox

• Red meat, chicken, turkey and any meat products like sausages, burgers, and pate• Milk, cheese, eggs, cream• Butter and margarine• Any food that contains wheat including bread, croissants, cereals, cakes, biscuits, pies, pastry, quiche, battered or breadcrumbed foods, etc• Crisps and savoury snacks including salted nuts• Chocolate, sweets, jam and sugar• Processed foods, ready meals, ready-made sauces and takeaways• Alcohol• Coffee and tea• Sauces, pickles, shop bought salad dressing, mayonnaise• Salt• Fizzy drinks and squashes, including diet versions

Detox Plan Breakfasts

• Banana porridgePorridge made with water and topped with natural yoghurt, banana, raisins and sweetened with honey.• Fruit salad with yoghurt and oatsFresh fruit salad with natural yoghurt and a sprinkling of oats.• Fresh fruit smoothieFruit smoothie made from fresh fruit, natural yoghurt and honey to sweeten if needed.• Muesli and yoghurtHomemade muesli made from oats, seeds, nuts and dried fruit served with natural yoghurt.• Fresh fruit and yoghurtFresh fruit and a pot of natural yoghurt sweetened with honey.

Detox Plan Lunches

• Vegetable soup and oatcakesLarge bowl of vegetable or lentil soup (either homemade or supermarket ‘fresh’) with oatcakes.• Tuna and sweetcorn jacket potato and saladJacket potato topped with tuna (canned in water) mixed with sweetcorn and natural yoghurt and served with salad.• Mediterranean salad with rice cakes

Rice cakes served with rocket, avocado, tomatoes, fresh basil and black pepper. Plus a handful of unsalted nuts.• Guacamole with cruditésHomemade guacamole made from avocado, lemon juice, fresh chilli, tomatoe and garlic served with vegetable crudités and oatcakes.• Tzatziki with cruditésHomemade tzatziki made from natural yoghurt, garlic, cucumber and lemon juice served with vegetable crudités and oatcakes.• Avocado and prawn saladFresh avocado served with prawns, salad, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice.• Jacket potato with grilled codGrilled cod fillet served with jacket potatoes and lightly steamed vegetables.

Detox Plan Dinners

• Chinese vegetable stir fry

Stir fry a selection of vegetables such as bok choi, spring onions, mushrooms, bamboo shoots and beansprouts in a little olive oil with garlic and ginger. Serve with brown rice.• Baked salmon with jacket potatoBake a salmon fillet and serve with a jacket potato and steamed vegetables.• Tuna and prawns with noodlesGently fry a selection of vegetables such as onions, mushrooms, peppers, courgette and leek in a little olive oil. When lightly browned, add a handful of prawns. Cook for a few minutes,

then add canned tomatoes, tomato puree, black pepper and tuna canned in water. Bring to the boil and simmer until the sauce thickens. Serve with rice noodles. • Sweet and sour stir fry with riceGently fry a selection of chopped vegetables such as onions, peppers, baby sweetcorn and mushrooms. Add canned pineapple (in fruit juice), canned tomatoes, tomato purée, white wine vinegar and honey. Bring to the boil and simmer until the sauce has thickened. Serve with brown rice.• Potato and bean casseroleGently fry a selection of typical casserole vegetables such as onion, carrots and parsnip in a little olive oil with garlic. When browned, add diced potato and fry for a few minutes. Add fresh vegetable stock, black pepper and your favourite beans. Bring to the boil and simmer until the casserole thickens.

Detox Plan Snacks

• Fresh fruit or fresh fruit salad • Natural yoghurt mixed with honey • Plain popcorn • Handful of unsalted nuts or seeds

DetoxWEEK

Juliette Kellow BSc RDworldpress.com

weecountyFriday 6.1.12 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.

Q’s Views!The Wee County is pleased to have the infamous ‘Q, from Airdrie’ writing for the Entertainment Pages, to give you all some comic relief. As a regular contributor to the Glasgow Metro newspaper, and a regular in the comedy scene in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Q has given the Wee County an exclusive column, which we are sure will have you wanting for more in the next edition of the Wee County!

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:. ............................................

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Across1. Metallic element (4)3. Fruit (5)8. Insular (9)9. Bend (5)10. Female relative (4)14. Portent (4)15. System of reasoning (5)18. With identity

concealed (9)20. Proverb (5)21. Jealousy (4)

Down1. Nothing (4)2. Roman counterpart of Greek Poseidon (7)4. Step (4)5. Garland (3)

6. Courageous (5)7. Arboreal mammal (5)11. Imaginary creature (7)12. Poisonous (5)13. Subject (5)16. Highly excited (4)17. Diminutive (4)19. Type of fish (3)

THE CHAIN OF COMMANDI have just seen a trailer for yet another movie featuring the US Army which contains the following scene:

* “Who’s in charge here?”* “You are Sir”

It concerns me that in so many films featuring the US Army, nobody understands the command structure in a crisis. How ever did they get such a vast and powerful army?

MAIL CHARGESJust before Christmas, I got a card from Royal Mail through my letterbox telling me that a letter could not be delivered to me due to insufficient postage on it, and

I’d have to come to the sorting office in person to pay it.

Upon paying £1.36 I discovered why there was insufficient postage. The person mailing the letter to me forgot to put a stamp on it. So I had to pay more than the cost of a first class stamp for something that should have arrived with me free of charge. It’s a bit like when one of your mates who is always tight with his cash rings your phone and hangs up so as you’ll ring him back and he incurs no cost.

Seeing as it was a Christmas card, it seemed a bit much to contact the person and demand £1.36, so I decided not to pursue it. It did, however, give me an idea to get back at the next person who upsets me. Next time someone upsets me, I’ll get a big item which would require a high amount of

postage to send, and then send it minus any stamps to his address. When he pays the postage and opens the item, he’ll find nothing of any worth inside whatsoever (apart from maybe a note saying “Ha ha!”).

If you want to try this ruse yourself, make sure the item you decide to post is not too big to fit in a postbox. Otherwise you’ll have to go to the post office, and the postmaster will make you pay the postage before continuing. Unless of course he doesn’t like the person you intend to send it to either.

BLACKBURN ROVERSCan you remember the days

when Blackburn Rovers were in the Second Division, and couldn’t have dreamt of winning the Second Division Title, let alone the Premiership? When they couldn’t even afford to pay their electricity bill, let alone sign players such as Alan Shearer or Chris Sutton? When Kenny Dalglish would have had a heart attack laughing if they’d offered him the manager’s job, let alone accept it and win the league?

If the answer to these questions is “Yes”, you’re just like me. And just like the idiots who are giving serious hassle to their current

manager Steve Kean (except unlike them, you haven’t resorted to giving the poor man dogs abuse and demanded he be sacked). By the time you read this, he may be out of a job, and his effigy may be burning in the middle of Ewood Park.

Hopefully these fans will grow a brain some time soon and realise that when your team is struggling is the time they need you most. Being a fan is about supporting your team no matter how good or bad they are playing, spurring them on to win rather than expecting it and not taking a hissy fit when they don’t manage it every week. If football was as simple as turning up and winning every week, we’d all pack in our jobs and become footballers.

Finally, I’d draw the Blackburn fans attention to another Scottish guy who, just like Steve Kean, took over as manager of a Premiership side one day. He could not for love nor money win any cups or titles, and after a few years had won nothing. That man is known better as Sir Alex Ferguson. And by their logic he’d have been sacked from Manchester United before he even got the chance to become the greatest Scottish manager ever.

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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An improvement in finances is indicated or at least they should become less a cause for concern, or even panic. It is also likely that someone who has been expressing an interest in you and what you do may actually start to put their money where there mouth is and start investing in you either personally or financially or both.

Aries Mar 20 - Apr 20

Taurus 20 Apr - 20 MayWith Venus, your planetary ruler, in Aquarius you should soon have subtle although growing sense that the tide is beginning tao turn and flow in your flavour after a period where you’ve felt like you weren’t getting what you deserve for your efforts and application. In recent weeks you may have felt the urge to push ahead and yet may at time have felt like you were your own worse enemy as your enthusiasm was misconstrued and misinterpreted

Gemini 21 May - 21 JunPersonal finances are set to improve, or at least not be such a cause for concern. While this appears to have been a busy period for you professionally with a sense of something unexpected, unpredictable or a feeling you don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes or what’s just around the corner.

Cancer 22 Jun - 22 JulAn important personal or commercial relationship that seemed fated and yet a bit too convoluted or complex or difficult or down right strange is about to start to get a bit easier and straightforward. That’s not to say the difficulaties will suddenly disappear or that the emotional side will be easy, no, but you’re getting there.

Leo 23 Jul - 22 AugYou may feel you deserve greater reward for the quality of your work, your efforts and just because you’re you. With Venus in your opposite sign of Aquarius, and Jupiter in Aries in harmony with Leo, your Sun sign, it looks like an improvement is on the cards. However, others may try to complicate matters and add some strings and so what appears like the best deal may not be so in the long term.

Virgo 23 Aug - 22 SepWith a new Moon in Pisces, opposite Virgo, your Sun sign, it looks like it’s time to get the show on the road, professionally and romantically. This also suggests you’ll be able finally to take a big step forward as the preparation stage draws to a close and you start promote your wares and get the rewards for your recent hard graft.

Libra 23 Sep - 23 OctWith Saturn in Libra, is no picnic at the best of times. Others may have expressed a higher opinion of you and your worth than you might have thought you merited but that is really for private consumption not public debate. Despite the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune you’ve hung in there, sometimes by your fingernails, but this week represents a milestone as a millstone you’ve worn around your neck for what seems like an eternity slowly starts to ease up, giving you a bit more room to breathe.

Scorpio 24 Oct - 21 NovTime to make serious attempts to communicate your vision to others. For those of you involved in study then you should soon start to feel things fitting into place as your recent hard work starts to bear fruit and the bigger picture starts to take shape

Sagittarius 22 Nov - 21 DecWith a new Moon in Pisces, it looks like you could find yourself having to sort out your domestic affairs or private life before you can really get on with things. It looks like you’ll be able to resolve an important financial, commercial or property matter that has dragged on for what seems like ages.

Capricorn 22 Dec - 19 JanYou’ll be in the mood for some sensual self-indulgence and good old fashioned fun. This also likely to correspond with an improvement in communication with an important relationship in which you should start to find it easier to give and receive in the more intimate areas of your love life.

Aquarius 20 Jan - 18 FebIt looks like the changes that have been in the pipeline lately will soon make themselves apparent. With Saturn, your planetary ruler, changes on the work front could not only offer an opportunity to ra With Venus in Aquarius, your Sun sign, you’re looking good. If one individual has been less than fair it looks like someone else will take your side and be able to bring back some peace and harmony. Recent difficulties on the work front which are likely to have caused you much stress will begin to improve. earrange your finances you could also be freed up from some con-cerns that have prevented you from doing your thing.

Pisces 19 Feb - 20 MarWith a new Moon in Pisces, your Sun sign this week, it looks like this is an important turning point where an important relationship is concerned. For some of you it looks like an important discussion with your opposite number over children that has been bubbling away will need to be addressed.

weecounty Friday 6.1.12 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: 9Breed: Spaniel

Lives: Tullibody

Likes: Cosy nights in, walks on the beach.

Dislikes: The postman

Professor Murph

PETof the week

weecounty recipes

Sweet Potato GnocchiGnocchi is a traditional Italian dish but can be rather bland. Boost the flavour by substituting the usual mash for sweet potato instead. Delicious with a creamy or cheesy pasta sauce. Serves 4.

INGREDIENTS• 2 large sweet potatoes• 1 clove garlic, crushed• 1/2 tsp salt• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg• 1 egg, beaten• 250g plain flour

METHOD1. Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas Mark 42. Bake the sweet potatoes in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.3. Once cooled, remove the skin and mash the flesh in a bowl, then add the garlic, salt, nutmeg and egg and combine thoroughly.4. Gradually mix in the flour until

a soft dough forms, then split into sections. Using the palm of your hand, roll each section out on a floured surface into a snake shape, then cut into pieces around 2cm wide to make the gnocchi shapes.5. Bring a pan of water to the boil. Drop in the gnocchi and cook until

they float. Drain well, then serve immediately with your favourite pasta sauce.

Obesity is a growing problem, not only for people’s waistlines but

also for employers. With predictions that 28 per cent of women and 33 per cent of men will be obese by 2010, the ill-effects for obese people and employers are only going to get worse. The Department of Health estimates that 18 million working days a year are being lost due to obesity-related health problems. With shift-work, overtime and other working practices all linked to unhealthy eating and lack of exercise, employers are being urged to intervene by way of offering healthy eating options and encouraging staff to take exercise. Research conducted by IRS Employment Review shows that more than nine out of 10 workplaces have some sort of catering facility, ranging from vending machines and canteens to visits by sandwich sellers. Occupational health specialists believe these catering facilities should more actively promote healthier eating. Their suggestions include making healthy foods available in

on-site vending machines, subsidising healthy eating options in workplace cafés and canteens, providing nutritional information on packaging of food for staff and offering free fruit for employees. IRS’s research found that four in 10 employers already believe they are encouraging healthy lifestyle choices for their employees. The most common approaches include healthy eating choices on the menu in the staff canteen (62 per cent) or to provide subsidised fitness activities for employees (59 per cent). Over half of employers (55 per cent) also offer weight-loss and healthy eating advice, while 29 per cent offer low-fat food options in vending machines. Other less common types of support offered by employers are access to occupational health services and slimming clubs based in or near workplaces. However, the research’s conclusion is that more must be done in smaller businesses and private sector companies, where all forms of healthy lifestyle initiatives are severely lacking. IRS believes all employers,

small or large, should be motivated by the potential costs of obesity-related illness in the workplace. In the US, 43 per cent of all healthcare spending by businesses goes to employees with coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and a range of other obesity-related conditions, according to health coaching consultancy Leade Health. While employers in the UK may not fund staff healthcare, they will count a heavy cost in loss of productivity. In the US, obese workers are more than twice as likely to have high levels of absence than other staff. The cost of working days lost due to obesity-related illnesses for an employer with 1,000 workers is over £42,000 a year. Britain, unfortunately, is catching up on the obesity levels seen in the US. To avoid facing the same amount of obesity-related absenteeism, employers are being urged to act now. Leade Health say weight management programmes offered in the workplace can help employees lose an average of 10 per cent of their body weight.

Weighty decisions for UK bosses

Arresting the epidemic - US employers feel the impact of obesity-related illness; the UK could soon follow.

weecountyFriday 6.1.12 16 lifestyle

Get out of debt and on with your lifeAlmost everyone has

some sort of debt, whether it’s the mortgage, credit cards, an overdraft or loans. And whether it’s hundreds or thousands of pounds, finding yourself in debt is both frightening and overwhelming.

Getting into debt is always easier than getting out. Credit card companies and retailers encourage shoppers to take out cards with attractive sign-up benefits, and banks continually offer their customers loans - all involving repayment at a healthy annual percentage rate. Lenders have made it far too easy to get into

trouble. Depending on how deep in

debt you are, you may feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel but rest assured there is. People find themselves in financial difficulty for any number of reasons, such as unemployment, illness, marital breakdown or other unforeseen circumstances. Although you cannot do anything about these or past mistakes, there are things you can do to improve your current situation.

Many people ignore debts when they experience financial difficulty. Some fear contacting their creditors. They do not understand the consequences of not paying bills. Ignoring debts will affect your credit rating. In addition, creditors may take action against you in an effort to get payment. Or your bill can be turned over to a debt collector, your property can be repossessed or you may be forced into bankruptcy.

If trying to get out of debt seems like trying to run a race while being tied to the starting line, and no matter how much energy you put into it you never seem to get anywhere, it’s time to get some serious help. The key to solving the financial difficulty is communication.

If you follow these golden rules from the national debt line, you shouldn’t go far wrong. Don’t ignore the problem: it won’t go away and the longer you leave it the worse it gets.

Don’t borrow money to pay off your debts without thinking carefully: get advice first as this kind of borrowing could lead to you losing your home. If you have lost your job, or are off work because of illness, check whether your payments are covered by payment protection insurance. Check you are claiming all the benefits and tax credits you can. Get in touch with your creditors straight away and explain your difficulties.

Make sure you tackle your priority debts first - for example, debts that could mean losing your home or having the gas or electricity cut off. Contact everyone you owe money to. If you make arrangements to pay some creditors but not others, you could run into difficulties again. If the first person you speak to is unhelpful, ask to speak to someone more senior who may be able to agree to what you want. Always attend court hearings and take a copy of your personal budget with you. Don’t think that going to the County Court makes you a criminal; it isn’t that type of court. You won’t go to prison and there’s no jury. Always keep copies of any letters or court forms you send or receive.

National Debtline is a national telephone helpline for people with debt problems in England, Scotland and Wales.

The service is free, confidential and independent. Phone 0808 8084000 for advice.

Shopping is a constant temptation to some - but it’s also a leading cause of debt.

It’s all very well for fitness trainers to recommend three full-on cardio ses-

sions plus toning and strengthening exercises every week, but not every-one can find time for all that. As you may well know, it is all too easy to sign up for gym membership but it is not that easy to fit regular exercise into a busy lifestyle.

Physical activity combined with a healthy diet keeps you looking good and, more importantly, is the best prevention you can get against obesity and many major health problems. The fact is, your health should always be your priority but this doesn’t mean that you have to spend hours gruelling away at the gym to make it number one. Gym member or not, you can always find the time for exercise, if you set realistic goals. If you have a busy lifestyle but want to workout, aim for a more sustain-able routine. The intention to spend an hour-and-a-half in the gym after work is only worthwhile if you can achieve that. Start by increasing your daily activity levels: walk to and from the station, get off the bus a stop early, walk the kids to school and back or take the stairs in-stead of the lift to your office. This is a start, but you can do better than that.

The time that you might spend watch-ing Coronation Street or the first half of The Bill can be put to much better use - you can even workout while you are watching them so you don’t miss out.

At least three times a week, slot 20 minutes in your busy life for a selection of these fast workouts.

Interval training sessions: This is a good workout for your heart and stam-ina. Pick an aerobic activity - such as running, cycling, swimming or even skip-ping. Rather than stick at the same pace for 20 minutes, try alternating between sprinting or an all-out effort for one minute and then slowing down until you get your breath back and then speeding up again. Follow a five-minute cool down and stretch.

Circuit session: This is a good total toning and cardio workout. Choose five or six toning exercises - such as the squats, lunges, hamstring curls, push-ups and pectoral squeezes - and per-form 10 repetitions of each exercise one after the other, without resting. Repeat this up to four times and you’ll have completed a great fat-burning session by keeping your heart rate up and also incorporating resistance exercises. Fol-low a five-minute cool down and stretch.

Gym body part workout: This will help strengthen or reshape problem areas of your body. In just 20 minutes you could perform three sets for three or four tar-geted exercises using gym equipment. Follow with targeted stretches. A good weekly routine would include targeted body part workouts in between cardio sessions.

Stretching: This helps re-balance your body, improve flexibility and length-en and tone your muscles. If you are un-sure of how to correctly stretch, speak to a personal trainer in order to avoid injury.

Relaxation: Busy lifestyles mean stressful ones, so part of your short ex-ercise sessions should focus on balanc-ing the mind and easing muscle tension. Lie on the floor with your palms face up. Close your eyes and breathe deeply through your diaphragm. Allow your lungs and diaphragm to fill as much as possible, counting in for four, and then slowly exhale, counting out for five.

You can also relax muscle tension. Start at your toes and clench then relax them, move to your calves and clench and relax and slowly use this technique for all of your body parts to help relax tight muscles.

Fitness training for busy livesBusy lifestyles limit our opportunities to exercise, but keeping a regular workout routine will help to keep you in shape

weecounty Friday 6.1.12 17Services

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weecounty Friday 6.1.12 18 recruitment

Find your way to successTelesales ExecutiveAre you looking to make the next move that will put your career on the right path?This is an outstanding opportunity to join an expanding newspaper group.You will be part of a dynamic and friendly sales environment, where rewards reflect effort.We will expect you to have drive, determination and flair.A lack of sales experience is not an issue as we pride ourselves on our excellent in-house training.But we will expect you to have excellent communication skills and the ability to work on your own initiative.In return, we will give you a first class salary and excellent bonus potential.If you think you have what it takes, contact us today.

Send your CV with a covering letter by post or email to:HUB Media LtdScott MocharEllismuir House, Ellismuir Way, Uddingston G71 5PW Tel: 01698 803909 Email: [email protected]

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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LANARKSHIRE’S LARGEST, OLDEST & THE BESTDRY CLEANERSSINCE 1987 LAUNDERETTEOPEN 7 DAYS

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*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

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

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

secure funding

page 3 Charity Zumbathon raises

money for The Samaritanspage 8Premier League Snooker

competition

page 9HUB SportsRound up of the latest sportpage 14, 15 & 16

Community in Unity

Issue Number 27

16th - 29th September 2011

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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

HUB Launchcentre pages Craigie Playgroup

page 5HUB Grubpage 11HUB SportsRound up of the latest sportpage 15 & 16

Serving Perth and Surrounding Areas

Issue Number 10

15th - 28th September 2011

THE PERTHSHIRE FREE!

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

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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 CompetitionAmerican Retro Glass

Centre Pages

Renowned artist Petra Kaiser visits Retro Glass in Alloa

Waiting StaffJob No: ALL/22995Wage Meets Nat Min WageHours 5 days from 7 Location Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire FK13Duration PermanentClosing Date 11 January 2012Description Must have previous experience, must have a flexible attitude to working hours, with a good knowledge of customer service must be able to provide references. Please email your current CV and a covering letter to [email protected] to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/

written application to David Rutherford at Bridge Inn, [email protected] Bridge Inn

Kitchen AssistantJob No: ALL/22980Wage £12646.40 per annumHours Days & hours to be agreedLocation Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10Duration PermanentClosing date 02 January 2012Description 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].

Hotel Duty ManagerJob No: ALL/22945Wage £6.50+ PER HOURHours 30-40 PER WEEK, 5 DAYS OVER 7, BETWEEN 7AM AND 12 MIDNIGHTLocation TILLICOULTRY,CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK13Duration Permanent

Description 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 InnAdditional information• If you are looking for work, Tax Credits could top up your earnings • This vacancy meets the requirements of the National Minimum Wage Act • If you are unable to apply for the job advertised by the method displayed, due to a health condition or disability, please contact Jobcentre Plus for further assistance. For more information about tax credits, visit the HM Revenue and Customs website To find out how to get to this location go to Transport Direct

ElectricianJob No: ALL/22985Wage NEGOTIABLE DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCEHours 35 HOURS PER WEEK, MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9AM - 5PMLocation ALLOA, CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK10Duration TemporaryDescription We are looking for a 17th Edition Electrician with previous experience for routing maintenance repairs, fault finding, test and expecting. Full clean driving

licence is essential. This is temporary for 3 months with the possibility of going permanent for the right applicant. How to apply For further details about job reference ALL/22985, 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.

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

weecounty Friday 6.1.12 19recruitment

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

Assistant Manager/ManageressJob No: ALL/22954Wage £6.50 PER HOURHours 30 HOURS PER WEEK,4-5 DAYS FROM7,10.00AM-6.00PMLocation TILLICOULTRY,CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK13Duration PermanentDescription 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.

Bulk Tipper DriversJob No: ALL/22969Wage £8 Per HourHours VARIOUSLocation Alloa FK10Duration TemporaryDescription This vacancy is advertised by Recruitment Direct who are operating as

an employment business. HGV 1 Bulk Tipper drivers require for temporary ongoing work. Dayshift and Nightshift. Must be prepared to do overnights. Immediate starts available. How to applyFor further details about job reference ALL/22969, 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.

Call Centre AgentJob No: ALL/22970Wage £10.40 Per Hour + Weekend, Evening, Night EnhancementHours 36 hours per week, Location Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10Duration PermanentClosing date 20 January 2012Description 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.

Diesel MechanicJob No: ALL/22952Wage Meets Nat Min WageHours MON - FRILocation Alloa, Clackmannanshire FK10Duration PermanentDescription 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 SolutionsAdditional information• If you are looking for work, Tax Credits could top up your earnings • This vacancy meets the requirements of the National

Minimum Wage Act • If you are unable to apply for the job advertised by the method displayed, due to a health condition or disability, please contact Jobcentre Plus for further assistance. For more information about tax credits, visit the HM Revenue and Customs website To find out how to get to this location go to Transport Direct

Cleaning OperativeJob No: ALL/22942Wage £7.50 Per HourHours 12 hours over 5 daysLocation Tillicoultry Duration TemporaryDescription 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 emailing aCV or letter of application to Michelle Dixon at Platinum Environmental and Hygiene Ltd, [email protected] Platinum Environmental and Hygiene LtdAdditional information• If you are looking for work, Tax Credits could top up your earnings • This vacancy meets the

requirements of the National Minimum Wage Act • If you are unable to apply for the job advertised by the method displayed, due to a health condition or disability, please contact Jobcentre Plus for further assistance. For more information about tax credits, visit the HM Revenue and Customs website To find out how to get to this location go to Transport Direct

Commis ChefJob No: ALL/22996Wage Exceeds Nat Min WageHours 40 PER WEEK, 5 DAYS OUT OF 7 BETWEEN 8AM-9PMLocation TILLICOULTRY,CLACKMANNANSHIRE FK13Duration PermanentClosing date 11 January 2012Description Fully qualified Commis Chef required. Must have Food and Hygiene certificates. Must be able to work under own initiative. Duties include cooking, general housekeeping of the kitchen, stock ordering, stock checks and any other related tasks. Please email your current CV and a covering letter to the employerHow to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to David Rutherford at Bridge Inn, [email protected].

Reporter/Trainee ReporterAre 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]

weecountyFriday 6.1.12 20 motoring

Motoring

PETROL PRICESUNLEADEDASDA - Alloa - 128.7Morrisons - Alloa - 128.9 Tesco - Alloa - 128.9Highest - 131.9DIESELASDA - Alloa - 136.7Morrisons - Alloa - 136.9Tesco - Alloa - 137.9Highest - 143.9Source: petrolprices.com Prices correct at time of print.

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Whether or not you like the idea,

environmentally friendly motoring is coming. The rising costs of running a car these days is making your average motorist take a long hard think. When car manufacturers, such as

Toyota, offer a hybrid, you would assume they know what they are doing? The Prius has been with us for many years now, and whilst it is not to everyone’s style, it has by all accounts been successful. In keeping things fresh, Toyota has given their hybrid Prius a revamp. To differentiate from ‘run of the mill’ versions, the anniversary special edition has brand new side skirts and front and rear bumper extensions while at the same time maintaining its eco rating. It also gets dark-finish alloys, bodykit and embossed black leather upholstery add to the impressive

streamlined body to create an attention-grabbing car. It’s also sporting a new safety pack with a pre-crash safety system and the title of best selling Japanese car of 2010 as well as a Which? Best Buy Award. Performance Ok, buyers of a hybrid will probably not have ‘performance’ as top of their wish list but the Prius’ beltless 1798cc engine makes for a smooth drive with fourteen percent fewer emissions than the previous Prius model and 8.5 percent

better fuel consumption. This engine helps combat rising fuel costs while the electric engine eradicates the use of fuel altogether when travelling under thirty-one miles an hour. It also leads to no engine noise or emissions and because the engine is beltless it needs far less maintenance. It can hit 62mph from a standstill in just over 10 seconds. The Prius offers enough room for five adults and the headroom has increased by 12mm. Improved suspension also leads to a more comfortable ride. The wide door frames allow easy access into both front and back seats. The Prius also gained five stars in the EuroNCAP crash test. The safely pack is a real comfort to families with crash precautions. If the driver fails to respond to a warning buzzer, the system activates seatbelt pretensioners and begins an emergency stop to decrease impact force. With the Prius the initial purchase cost is not cheap, anything upwards from £20,000 depending on your chosen model but when you consider the cheaper running costs, it will balance itself out

later. The Prius is also Road Tax exempt as its emissions are so low and special mention has to be given to the huge reduction in the running costs achievable due to a conservative use of fuel. The battery has also been improved meaning it is less likely to need replaced. The Prius’s Continuously Variable Transmission improves fuel economy and means it can travel an impressive 72.4 miles to a gallon. The Prius now comes with LED low beam headlights with washers and dusk detection. These LEDs conserve energy and last longer. The front side windows are water repellant for improved viability. The Touch Tracer

Display brings essential information, such as auto settings, to the driver’s fingertips with its clever steering wheel control panel and sensor. It also allows the driver to continue safely as the screen is under the windscreen and in the line of sight. The Prius is certainly not for everyone but as fuel costs look set to rise further it may be worthwhile to give the Hybrid Prius another look.

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S t a t sCost: From £20,6950-62: 10.4 secondsCo2: 92g/kmPower: 136bhpMax. Speed: 112mphTorque: 349NM@4000rpmEconomy: Combined 72.43mpg

weecounty Friday 6.1.12 21sport

FANZONE

PETER HILL PAIRS FINALS - Sponsored By Oakwood & Abercromby

The Ladies & Gents Finals will be held in the Oakwood on Friday Jan 6th, All players please be in venue for 715pm

SCOTTISH MIXED PAIRS

The County Play offs for the Mixed pairs will be held in the Oakwood on Saturday Jan 7th, All players please reg for 1230pm

ALLOA MASTERS QUALIFER

The first Alloa Masters qualifier will be held in the Oakwood on Saturday Jan 7th with a 2pm reg. Entry is £5 all names to Davie Hanson asap. One winner on the day goes forward to the finals in August.

CAPTAINS MEETING

The first captains meeting of the new year takes place at the Oakwood on Tuesday Jan 10th with a 730pm start. Names & Fees for the Ladies & Gents County Doubles will be taken.

Plus £4 league fees. This is also the last Transfer meeting of the season.

Tenders will be taken for the Wee County News Cup and the County Doubles Prelims & Finals.

COUNTY DOUBLES

The Gents County Doubles Prelims will be held on Friday Jan 27th with the Ladies & Gents Finals on Friday Feb 3rd.

Venues will be confirmed soon !

COUNTY AWAY TO HIGHLAND

The County Squad are away to Highland on Saturday Jan 28th. Transport Times for Inverness will follow

DARTS RUGBY

After winning RBS Club of the Month in October,

Hillfoots Rugby Club, have added to their rugby development accolades and become the first Bill McLaren Positive Coaching Scotland accredited club in the country.

The Positive Coaching Scotland (PCS) programme in association with the Bill McLaren Foundation encourages parents, players and coaches to work together and formulate a mission statement and ethos by which the club lives and

breathes, with the process being managed by the Positive Coaching Scotland manager, Bosman Du Plessis.

For Hillfoots they have created a motto, “Everybody Plays” with all players and members from five years old to 75 years old endeavoring to uphold the values of integrity, friendship, commitment and having a positive attitude.

Hillfoots president, Peter Norman, said: “We believe that playing rugby is not about winning first and foremost, it’s about everyone

GOLF

being involved and making sure every single person wanting to play is given the opportunity to play.

“The work Michael Power and his team in our junior section have put in is just superb and the growth we have seen since the beginning of the season is a testament to the PCS method of coaching.

“But, I don’t just think it’s having an effect on the players, I think the spectators and parents and non-playing members see the changes and improvements this programme has made and they want to be involved in promoting our ethos.

“Going forward we will continue to train and coach the PCS way and we will

always work to this policy as long as it’s encouraging everyone involved.”

From now the club will strive to attain this new mentality in every game, coaching session, social event and so on in the belief that winning is the end result of persistent effort and making mistakes is part of the learning process.

Bosman du Plessis commented on the accreditation: “Hillfoots RFC has provided evidence of creating an environment where young rugby players are developed and where young people can be developed through the game of rugby.“They have a positive and strong club culture and

they have a long-term plan to build and sustain that culture. This aligns with the programme aims which enable us to present them with accreditation. It has been a privilege for me to work with club leaders, coaches and parents as they took ownership of the programme – this is the key ingredient to drive a successful programme in a club. We currently have 11 clubs on the programme and I am looking forward to see which club will be the next to achieve accreditation.”

The Positive Coaching Scotland initiative is a nationwide project which invests in the lives of young people involved in rugby, football and swimming.

Dollar saw out the year with a good field for

the in-coming Captain’s Hogmanay Stableford competition.

Soggy conditions under foot and a dreich outlook did not dampen spirits with some very fine scores returned. In this inaugural event the Captain, Scott Maxwell, presented first prize to 13 handicapper David Brodie whose 41 Stableford points saw him top the leaderboard on count-back from Louis Caine (8), also scoring 41 points, Alistair Simpson (22) was in third place with 40 points. The Captain extended his best wishes for the New Year to all members, guests

and visitors - and visitors are reminded that throughout the winter season Dollar offers 18 holes of golf, soup and a filled roll for just £15, call 01259 742400 or visit www.dollargolfclub.com for further details.

Brodie wins annual Hogmanay Stableford

David Brodie

Hillfoots gain Bill McLaren Foundation accreditation

weecountyFriday 6.1.12 22 sport

weecounty photos

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

or telephone: 01259 404006

or email: [email protected]

See a picture you like in the weecounty?

Get your copy from only £5!

home goal but the big keeper saved well.

Alloa where lucky to have 11 play-ers on the park with Ryan MCCord clashing with Kevin Turner in the middle of the park but the wasps number 8 was given a yellow card from ref Matt Northcroft. The second half was only 2 minutes old when the visitors went back in front. Steve May picked up a loose ball on the half way line and is strong run took him clear of the defence and from 25 yards his unstoppable shot flew high into the net. And only 5 mins later, the on loan striker netted from a corner again but this time ref Northcroft deemed the on fire striker to have been offside. However the lively striker did get his hat- trick after good play from

McCord and Cawley, and from the edge of the box fired a bullet of a shot pass the helpless Antell. On this form the wasps will find it hard to keep the St Johnstone man at the recs come end of January.Alloa brought on Steve Masterton for Graham Holmes and the sub nearly added to the tally when his 30 yard shot was only inches wide with Antell well beat. East Stirling did have a rare move in the Alloa box but Bain was equal to the lacklustre attempt and never looked to be in any danger. It was a very good performance from Alloa who moved back to the top of the 3rd division, keeping the pressure on both Stranraer and An-nan – both of whom are due to face the Wasps in the coming weeks.

Referee Matt Northcroft ATT. 591

continued from back page

MANAGER’S COMMENTSAlloa Manager Paul Hartley:

“I am delighted to be back at the top of the league, our second half performance was very good today, which included a great hat-trick by Stevie May, who made the difference, that is why he was brought in; to score goals and he certainly was on song today, all three goals were top drawer and we could have had more especially in the second half.

“The East Stirlingshire goal was a miss judgement by our goalkeeper who has been excellent for us on many days this season, but he got caught with the bounce of the ball and the pace of it which was all down to the strong wind.

“I had a word with the players at half-time and we then got on top again in the second half, some of our passing and football in the

second period was a joy to watch. The three points were the most important statistic today with no game next week.

Talking about the excellent performances of on loan striker Stevie May, Hartley said;

“Stevie May still has a couple of games left in his loan period, but he is definitely a player I would like to keep longer at the club, I will be speaking to Steve Lomas over the next couple of days just to see where we are at with him.

“He has good quality, and he works his socks off, him and Kevin Cawley are a handful for any team in this league.

weecounty Friday 6.1.12 23sport

Irn Bru Division 3: League Table

IRN BRU DIV 3 RESULTS

Pld W D L W D L GD PtsALLOA 18 5 3 0 5 3 2 8 36STRANRAER 18 6 2 2 4 2 2 21 34ANNAN ATHLETIC 17 6 2 1 3 2 3 7 31QUEEN’S PARK 17 4 3 1 4 1 4 5 28BERWICK 18 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 24ELGIN 15 5 1 1 1 3 4 3 22CLYDE 17 3 2 4 2 4 2 3 21MONTROSE 17 3 1 3 2 2 6 -11 18PETERHEAD 17 2 3 4 1 1 6 -8 13EAST STIRLING 18 2 2 6 0 1 7 -31 9

SATURDAY 31ST DECEMBER 2011Stranraer 4 Annan Athletic 2S Winter (41, 69) I Harty (pen 36)S Stirling (pen 61) S O’Connor (59)C Malcolm (88)

MONDAY 2ND JANUARY 2012Berwick Rangers 2 Montrose 2M Deland (15 S Johnston (45)D Greenhill (62) M Boyle (58)

Clyde 1 Queen’s Park 2J White (45) J Longworth (6) M Daly (78)

East Stirlingshire 1 Alloa 3S Beveridge (6) S May (2, 46, 74)

Peterhead 3 Elgin City 0R McAllister (pen 21)G Sharp (45)S Ross (72)

Fixtures: SATURDAY 7TH JANUARY 2012Annan Athletic v ClydeElgin City v East StirlingshireMontrose v Stranraer

Forthcoming fixturesManager Paul Hartley will be hoping that he has a full squad to select from for the potential title deciding encounter with Annan at the Recs next weekend. This weekend, Alloa have a free week on the due to Peterhead playing Celtic in the Scottish Cup.

weecountyDesign & Print

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Tel: 01259 404 006A trading style of athena design & print ltd.Email: [email protected] • www.athenaprint.com

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G71 5PW.Printed by Newsquest, Cambuslang, Glasgow.

weecounty sportHILLFOOTS GAIN BILL MCLAREN ACCREDITATION Page 21

May scores a hat-trick as Wasps start 2012 as league leaders

Alloa travelled over the Forth for their New Year match looking to go top of the 3rd

division, after Stranraer had moved top with their win over Annan on Saturday – followed by a large sup-port that outnumbered the home support by some margin.

Alloa made one change from the winning team against Elgin, out went the banned Ben Gordon and in came Fraser Forrest in the heart of the Wasps defence.

Paul Hartley decided to go with

loan striker Steve May and fans favourite Kevin Cawley up front.

It was the on loan St Johnstone striker May who stole the show with an excellent hat-trick (and even had one chopped off for being offside).

The Wasps started well and put the home defence under immediate pressure, seeking an early goal. An early effort was blocked and gave way to a Wasps corner in the 2nd minute. May managed to get on the end of Docherty’s delivery and with a glancing header floated the

ball into the top corner of the net- in front of the Alloa supporters, giving them something to cheer about early on.

The home side levelled in the 6th minute with a freak goal. From his own half, Stuart Beveridge punted a long clearance up field but as the out rushing Alloa keeper Scott Bain went to catch the ball, the wind took the ball over him and into the empty net.

The home sides goal was certain-ly against the run of play and did not

deter the Wasps. They set about their own game plan and started to play some very good football.

The Wasps were unlucky not to have gone ahead on when good play between McCord and Cawley linked well with the forward charging Mark Docherty, and from 18 yards his rocket shot cannoned off the cross bar.

Alloa had another good chance just before the half time whistle, Graham Holmes tested Antell in the

East Stirling 1 Alloa 3

continued on page 22 & 23

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