The_Wee_Vine_21_cloner

0ooooo
Winter 2021/22 Issue 21 £1
The Wee Vine
news & resources for the community of Kippen
INSIDE
● Special Feature ● Clubs ● Community Affairs
● Did You Know ● Supporters
theweevine.org
www.theweevine.org 1

Welcome
The Wee Vine
Editor
Denis Bradley
Editorial Group
Ali Thom
Naomi Hirst
Rick Dekker
Stuart Thomson
Original Design
Rick Dekker
Layout
Stewart Hislop
Proof Reading
Annabel Griffin
Printing
Mixam
Website
www.theweevine.org
Contact us at:
enquiries@theweevine.org
The Wee Vine, The Windings, Fore Road
Kippen, FK8 3DT
The Wee Vine is produced quarterly and
distributed within the Kippen area.
The Wee Vine magazine accepts no responsibility
for the return or the condition of unsolicited
manuscripts, art and photographs.
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the
accuracy of the information contained within
the magazine, the publishers, printers and their
agents cannot accept responsibility for the errors
or omissions. Views held by contributors are their
own and do not necessarily coincide with those of
the editorial team.
We also reserve the right to edit or refuse insertion
of any article submitted.
The Wee Vine magazine is published by The Wee
Vine, which is a not-for-profit organisation.
Welcome to
issue 21 of
The Wee Vine
Would you believe it we are 5 years
old this issue - how time flies.
Our thanks go to all the contributions over the
last 5 years covering life in Kippen nd a big thank
you to our supporters who make it possible to
produce The Wee Vine.
This is a packed edition and features Santa Claus
visit to Kippen on pages 14/15, The Over 60s
Christmas Dinner on pages 16/17. There is an
update from Kippen Heritage on page 19 plus a
new crossword on page 23. Coverage of the Cubs
Bonfire night on pages 28/29 and thanks to them
for their kind donation to our funds.
Our next issue is scheduled for the second half
of April and contributions will be needed by 31st
March.
Your feedback about the Wee Vine is important
to us so please get in touch with your comments/
ideas for this year. Instances of Covid togetherness
especially welcome.
Email to enquiries@theweevine.org or text/
Whatsapp to 07736 362011. If you wish to donate
go to https://theweevine.org/donations/ If
you would like your photograph featured on the
front cover, send to enquiries@theweevine.
org (minimum size 1 MB). This should feature a
seasonal picture at time of printing.
Index
Special Feature 3
Clubs 4
Community Affairs 5
Did You Know 23
The Wee Vine Supporters 31
2 www.theweevine.org

Kippen Reading Room
The saddest aspect of the effects of the
Pandemic has been the absence of all
those social gatherings – tea parties,
jumble sales, keep fit exercises – which
form such an important part of village life.
In common with every village organisation,
for the entire year, the Committee of the
Reading Room has had to apply a range of
decidedly restrictive but understandable
COVID regulations. However, the
relaxation of the initial rules has allowed
an encouraging number of meetings and
social events to take place between mid-
November and Christmas time.
Of particular note was all the behind-thescenes
preparations for the Over Sixties
Christmas lunch with goody bags filling
all the tables, and these being collected
and delivered by volunteers. This activity
provided a welcome relief, with many
smiling faces brightening our day.
But it was not to last, and the changes,
in COVID rules which became effective
from Boxing Day, resulted in a number
of planned events being cancelled. The
Committee are extremely grateful for
the forbearance and understanding of all
those affected.
Kitchen Project
Our kitchen project has focussed on
the planned internal improvements
and alterations despite unavoidable
delays caused by a high level of activity
in the building industry. That time delay,
however, provided the opportunity for
further detailed assessment of the plans
to be undertaken without disruption to
the recent functions. In this respect, the
Committee was very pleased to be able
to add Ian Donald – a retired surveyor
– to its ranks. Ian has agreed to be fully
involved in the finalisation and execution
of the refurbishing of the facilities. Subject
to COVID regulations, it is hoped that the
work will be undertaken at some stage
during the first 3 to 4 months of 2022.
Special Feature
Re-styling
The Committee believes that, once
the building work associated with the
refurbishment has been completed, there
will be an opportunity to re-style our
decoration with the purpose of creating
an attractive social centre for the village.
With that in mind, the committee would
very much like to hear from anyone in the
village who both enjoys and is trained in the
field of internal decorative improvement.
Our committee and trustees, however,
face a particularly difficult decision over
the future of our Summer Ice table, which
is no longer used as it occupies a valuable
space which we would like to open-up to
our garden.
We will welcome advice on the disposal of
this historic item.
We all look forward to a better New Year
in which to open-up the Reading Room to
village activities.
Jeremy Gaywood and Ricky Muir-Simpson.
Burngreen Grass Areas
The Wee Vine has received information
from concerned residents in the
Burngreen area, many of whom are ill or
retired, about misuse by Kippen residents
of the estate’s grass
areas.
These are the areas
at the top of the
estate and at the
bottom opposite the homes for retired
people. Over the last 16 years, and more,
these areas have been used by Kippen
residents as off-the-lead areas for their
dogs, and as play areas for their children.
These areas are not play areas for Kippen
residents, but are part of the Burngreen
estate with the costs of maintaining these
areas borne by Burngreen residents.
It would be appreciated if the village would
recognise this, and refrain from letting
dogs and children loose in these areas.
www.theweevine.org 3

Clubs
Kippen Bridge Club
I have never had any real intention of learning how to play Bridge. My mother used to
tell me all about her games and I never really understood a word of what she said so just
nodded politely. I moved to Kippen in June 2021 and one of my tennis-playing companions
(Annabel) suggested I try the Bridge Club. Once the winter nights set in, along I went and
I’m very glad I did! I would echo much of what Lynne said in the Autumn issue of The Wee
Vine in that the club is extremely friendly and the seasoned players so patient with us
beginners. There is a roaring log fire and a friendly barman on hand to cater for all our
needs. What more could you ask for as entertainment on a cold dark evening? We also
had a lovely Christmas meal in the Cross Keys which was made all the more special as it
was one of the few events which escaped restrictions this year.
Bridge is quite complicated, and I can only profess that much of it remains a mystery to
me, but over the weeks I have been there, a little light has dawned, and with the expert
help from Stuart et al, I am sure I will be proficient in no time or failing that, at least, I’ll
understand the bidding.
So have a think about Bridge - if you are looking for something entertaining which will also
challenge you (but without puffing up hills in lycra or costing you a fortune in equipment)
come along to the Cross Keys on a Thursday evening at 8 pm, or The Inn at Kippen on
Tuesdays.
Or if you would like to know more contact kippenbridge@aol.com
Rosie Cochrane
Shirgarton Cottage
Curling Club
Even with all the Covid uncertainty, it’s been great to be
on the ice and we are hopeful we will be able to have a
full season of curling. It’s been a busy few months with lots
of good curling and various silverware up for grabs. Some
competitions have been won and more still to play for
between now and the end of the season.
If the Covid restrictions allow, we are looking to book some
practice ice over the next few weeks and arrange for a coach
to do some initial training with some new club members.
If anybody fancies learning to curl, we would love to hear
from you. Please contact kippencurlingclub@gmail.com
Hope you have a great festive period and best wishes for 2022.
Dougie Chalmers, Secretary
Kippen Curling Club
4 www.theweevine.org

P1, 2 and 3 Nativity
Community Affairs
The 2021 Kippen Primary Nativity was called ‘The Angel Who Nearly Missed It All!’ Pupils
had lots of fun performing this upbeat Christmas nativity and enjoyed learning the lyrics,
lines, and dance moves. They told the story of the Angel chorus who had been rehearsing
for hours in preparation of sharing the news of the birth of the new baby. Unfortunately,
one Angel is late and nearly misses it all. She meets some different Nativity characters
along the way and makes it to the stable just in time. The Nativity was filmed and then
shared with parents. We received lots of lovely messages from families to say how much
they enjoyed watching the performance. Hopefully, we will be able to welcome parents
back into school next year to watch a live performance.
Primary 1/2
This has been a very busy term in P1/2. Alongside nativity rehearsals we have been
learning about ‘Light and Dark.’ We enjoyed learning about nocturnal and diurnal animals.
We did some science experiments to investigate different light sources and materials and
shadows. We have also been learning about winter. We made some beautiful snow globes
and winter mittens artwork. After Storm Arwen we wrote newspaper reports about what
had happened and how the storm effected Kippen. At the end-of-term we really enjoyed
making lots of Christmas crafts and decorations. We had so much fun at our Christmas
lunch and Christmas parties!
“I loved the Christmas crafts
and making Christmas tree
cards.” (Lisa, P1)
“I loved making the snow globes
with the paint.” (Gray, P1)
“Learning about Storm Arwen
was interesting. I liked writing a
news report about it.” (Sam, P2)
www.theweevine.org 5

Community Affairs
Primary 2/3 Topic Light & Dark
This term we have been exploring the science of light and dark. Inspired by reading the
story Stellaluna, we found out what nocturnal and diurnal means. After watching the film,
‘La Luna’ we investigated how shadows are made and created shadows using torches and
different toys. We also discoved that different materials are transparent or opaque. Using
our understanding we created and performed
shadow puppet plays for each other. We had a
exploration tent with glowing toys and flashing
lights and made scratch art by discovering
colour under a black surface.
We learned about how to stay safe in the dark, by
wearing reflective and bright clothing. (Agnes P3)
I thought it was a really fun science topic! (Jamie
P3)
We loved the science exploration stations.
(Muireann & Campbell P3)
It was really fun in the tent! (Amelia P2)
We loved making the shadow puppets and putting
on a show! (Isla & Emily P3)
I enjoyed watching each others puppet shows.
(Holly P2)
Primary 3/4
P3/4 have had another busy term. We have worked hard exploring new and more
challenging reading, developing our knowledge of our new topic ‘Childhoods Around the
World,’ reading our class novel and creating very festive writing and artwork.
Also, this term we have created
Halloween themed poetry
and spooky house writing.
We used our imagination as
well as spooky music, images,
and all of our senses to create
descriptive and spine-tingling
scary stories.
Throughout this term we have
travelled all over the world
developing our knowledge of
what life is like on different
continents. We have learned
about the school life of
French children, played Spanish playground games, explored Canadian sports, and even
celebrated American Thanksgiving.
6 www.theweevine.org

Community Affairs
Our class novel this term has been ‘The
Christmasaurus’ by Tom Fletcher. The
story follows a boy named William and
his Christmas adventure where he makes
a best friend who is a dinosaur. Whilst
following the story we have created
beautiful Christmas themed artwork,
created rhyming Elf poems, and wrote
letters to William giving him advice on how
to deal with a bully. We have really enjoyed
this book and have loved watching the
characters grow and be challenged.
Primary 5/6
This term Primary 5/6 have been
exploring our history through the topic
of ‘The Victorians’. We have learned
about what life was like for children
in Victorian Britain and noticed many
differences between their lives and the
lives of many children now. It has been
interesting to see how much life has
changed since Victorian times, not only
in terms of inventions and technology
but also in how people are treated.
We learned about how children’s rights have changed, how often Victorian children were
made to go out and work, what games they played and also how education became more
common during Victorian times and why. To help us to get a feel for what life in a Victorian
school was like, p5/6 also took turns sitting at ‘the Victorian desk’ where they could put
their resources under the lid and try writing on a chalkboard. They also had to make sure
that they remembered to stand up politely when talking to the teacher!
We particularly explored the differences between the lives of the rich and poor during
Victorian times and to help us with this learning we started creating a mural which showed
some of the differences in clothing, housing, lifestyle, and health. It was hard to think about
children the same age having to go out to work every day and all of the jobs sounded quite
hard or dangerous, so p5/6 was glad that they were modern day children!
We also made sure to stay linked to the modern
day during our Victorian topic and so one of
the activities which we did in the run-up to
Christmas was participate in a couple of online
coding sessions, where someone talked us
through creating Scratch projects! P5/6 created
two games during these sessions and, though
some of the coding was tricky, they enjoyed
the opportunity to learn something new and
developed some useful Scratch coding skills
which we can continue to build upon next term!
www.theweevine.org 7

Community Affairs
Primary 6/7 Victorian Times
This term, P 6/7 have been learning about what life was like in the Victorian era. They
began with creating art profiles of Queen Victoria and learning about the different
lifestyles of the rich and poor at that time. P 6/7 were keen to learn about what schools
and homes were like and the types of food that would have been eaten then. There
were many inventions and innovations developed in Victorian times and the children
paired up to present a piece highlighting a wondrous invention of the day such as the
telephone! This helped us with literacy too as we have been learning about persuasive
writing.
Fact files were created about Brunel and of course the Victorian Christmas has lots of
relevance to things we still do today. P6/7 created spinning image makers and salt dough
tree decorations to get into the Christmas spirit. For reading focus P 7 read ‘A Christmas
Carol and P6 read ‘Street Child’ which tells the life of a poor Victorian child! The class were
surprised to learn that Christmas Day was not a holiday until relatively recently!
Start Up Stirling
Our school community collected an
amazing 70 kgs of donations for Start
Up Stirling as part of their ‘Nobody
Forgotten This Christmas’ Appeal.
The idea to have a collection was
started by Emma, a pupil in P3, who
wrote a letter to her Headteacher
asking if the school could be involved
in a collection. A meeting was
arranged between Emma and the
House and Vice Captains and together
they organised information to go out
to classes, messages for parents/carers and collection boxes and posters.
Before long we received lots of donations of food and toiletries. Parents volunteered to
take the collection into Start Up Stirling, and we were delighted to receive a lovely thank
you card and a special star, which has been given to Emma for having such a good idea to
help others over Christmas.
Thank you to everyone who helped us to support this local charity.
8 www.theweevine.org

1 st Stirlingshire Carse Beaver Colony
Community Affairs
The local Beaver colony continues to thrive with 23 children from Kippen, Gargunnock,
Aberfoyle and Kinlochard all regularly attending at the Kippen Primary School multicourt
each week.
Last term we only had to cancel once due to poor weather, and another two evenings we
were able to use the Reading Rooms for indoor sessions (adhering to covid rules) when it
was too wet to use the multicourt. Covid restrictions mean we mostly use the multicourt,
and I am always amazed as to how cheerfully the Beavers play and carry out our planned
activities despite the cold and dark!
The Beavers carried out activities including astronomy, storytelling, Christmas card
making, map making, road safety, football skills and lots of games.
I’d like to thank Ellen Larson Davidson for helping lead the Beavers, all the parent helpers
who make sure each session can go ahead, and the Reading Rooms for allowing us to use
the rooms.
We do have some places free for new Beavers. If you have a child between 6 and 8 years
old who might like to join, please do contact me at c_cutts@hotmail.com. We are also
always on the lookout for new assistant leaders / leaders. It is only through volunteering
that the Beavers can continue.
Chris Cutts, Beavers Team Leader
www.theweevine.org 9

Community Affairs
Kippen Playgroup and Toddlers
We are delighted to be back exploring the woods and the village after the October Holidays.
With the poorer weather we haven’t been out in the woods as much as we would hope,
but the children have had lots of fun exploring the back lanes and the church gardens and
other parts of the village.
Kippen residents received a special visit from Santa Claus on Sunday 12th December.
Santa took time out of his busy schedule to tour the village and spread some Christmas
cheer and raise funds for the local Playgroup and Toddlers. Santa’s reindeer had a muchneeded
rest before the big day, and instead Santa was chauffeured on his tractor and
trailer.
Santa ended his tour outside
Kippen Parish Church, where
the Playgroup and Toddler
annual raffle was drawn, along
with stalls with home baking
and tombola. All the fundraising
efforts on the day raised a
magnificent £3500, which is
essential to the running costs of
Playgroup and Toddlers.
The Playgroup and Toddlers
Committee would like to extend
a huge thank you to everyone
who supported this event, in
particular Santa, Bobby Wilson
(Stephen Paul Associates), Rev.
Ellen Larson Davidson (Kippen
Church), all the local businesses
who donated raffle prizes and
all the volunteer parents and
carers who helped organised
the event. The Committee is
overwhelmed by the fantastic
support shown by the Kippen
community.
10 www.theweevine.org

Community Affairs
There are currently spaces in our Tuesday and Friday (9:30am – 12noon) Playgroup
sessions, which operates during school term, and is open to any children aged 2 years
plus. Weather permitting the Playgroup sessions are held at monkey camp in the local
woods, which provides a fantastic setting for children to learn and play.
Toddler sessions run on a
Thursday morning (10:15am –
12noon), in Kippen Village Hall,
these sessions are open to all
parents and carers with preschool
aged children.
Kippen Playgroup and Toddlers
is a registered charity managed
by local parents and carers which
relies on fundraising efforts to
support the ongoing operating
costs of the group.
Further information about
Kippen Playgroup and Toddlers
can be found on the Facebook
page or contact playgroup.
toddlers.kippen@gmail.com
The children, staff and parents of
Kippen Playgroup and toddlers
would like to wish everyone
a very merry Christmas and a
happy new year.
www.theweevine.org 11

Community Affairs
1 st Kippen Rainbows have been busy with celebrating Halloween, Guy Fawkes and working
on their helpers’ badges.
We celebrated Halloween with a party and games. For Guy Fawkes Night celebrations we
roasted marshmallows and tried out some sparklers.
For our helpers badge we made Christmas cards for the over 60s dinner, a wreath for
Remembrance Day and we made Christmas arrangements for some of the local residents
of the village.
We would like to thank Rev Ellen Larson Davidson for displaying our remembrance wreath
in the church. We made the wreath out of handprints from all the rainbows.
If your daughter is aged between 5 and 7 or will be 5 in the next couple of months, please
get in touch by emailing kippen.rainbows@gmail.com or register your daughter on the
Girlguiding website. Rainbows meet every Wednesday Term Time in the Kippen Village
Hall from 4.30pm to 5.30pm
From all the Rainbows and leaders from the 1 st Kippen Rainbows, we wish you a very
happy New Year.
Jolanda, Emily and Charlotte
12 www.theweevine.org

The Village Burns Supper
The Friends of Kippen Kirk Trust, who
have organised the Village Burns Supper
for a number of years, decided in the late
summer that there were still too many
Covid-related risks in trying to organise the
Village Burns Supper, which last took place
in January 2019 – and that was some time
before the Omicron variant hit our shores.
We are hopeful that the Covid virus will
have abated sufficiently for us to plan a
Burns Supper next year, so tempting fate,
please make a note in your diaries for
Saturday 28 January 2023. Thanks for your
understanding about the action my fellow
trustees have had to take in cancelling last
year and this, what is a popular village
event.
Sir Michael Hirst
Thistle Cottage, Fore Road, Kippen,
Stirlingshire FK8 3DT
Tel. +44 (0)1786 870283
Mobile +44 (0) 7885 627600
Railton Scott Appeal for
Cancer Research
Kippen Village raised £4,227 in our delayed
Appeal in June this year. This was a wonderful
sum to raise under difficult conditions.
Consequently, there will be no annual Appeal
in February. Because of ongoing restrictions,
we will not be able to hold the Whist evening
in the Village Hall, but we would like people to
consider inviting friends to an afternoon tea
or supper, when they could have a game of
Whist and request a donation to the Charity.
We suggest delaying an event like this until
March when hopefully there will be a clearer
picture regarding Covid. There will be further
communication through Kippen Facebook
page and posters in the village giving a
firm date and more details. Let’s hope, in
this way, we can keep up the good work of
Kippen Village in supporting this worthwhile
charity.
Naomi Hirst
Community Affairs
A Word of Thanks
We are sure that we’re not the only
residents of Kippen who greatly appreciate
the voluntary work of Kevin Murphy in
picking up the litter which is discarded on
Station Brae between the roundabout and
the Cross.
It is heart-warming to find someone who
takes sufficient pride in the village that
he will give his time, and risk his safety, to
clear the rubbish which is so thoughtlessly
discarded. Thanks Kevin!
Michael and Naomi Hirst
Kippen Parish Church Guild
“Look Forward in Faith” - “Lights and
Bushels”
It is disappointing that just when we
thought Covid might be going away it
seems to be spreading faster than ever.
We do hope that Kippen Parish Church
Guild will meet again in the future. If you
are interested in reading the regular Guild
Newsletters, please let Joanna have your
email address.
God of the community well,
God of our individual needs:
we will draw from these days
a shared experience for years and years.
Yet each of us balances
this pandemic’s challenge
with private struggles and
dissimilar circumstances.
May we take into account
the additional weight
that we and our neighbours will carry,
so that as we lend
each other support
we can draw out more lessons
from this well of community,
and bring home all that we can.
Amen Corrrymeela Community
Further information is available from
Joanna M. McPhail 01786 870681 or
joanna.mcphail@btinternet.com
www.theweevine.org 13

Community Affairs
Santa Claus came to Kippen
Kippen residents received a special visit from Santa Claus on Sunday 12 th December. Santa
took time out of his busy schedule to tour the village and spread some Christmas cheer and
raise funds for the local Playgroup and Toddlers. Santa’s reindeer had a much-needed rest
before the big day, and instead Santa was chauffeured on his tractor and trailer.
Santa ended his tour outside Kippen Parish Church, where the Playgroup and Toddler annual
raffle was drawn, along with stalls with home baking and tombola. All the fundraising efforts on
the day raised a magnificent £3500, which is essential to the running costs of Playgroup and
Toddlers.
The Playgroup and Toddlers
Committee would like to
extend a huge thank you to
everyone who supported this
event, in particular Santa,
Bobby Wilson (Stephen Paul
Associates), Rev. Ellen Larson
Davidson (Kippen Church),
all the local businesses who
donated raffle prizes and all
the volunteer parents and
carers who helped organised
the event. The Committee is
overwhelmed by the fantastic
support shown by the Kippen
community.
14 www.theweevine.org

Community Affairs
There are currently spaces in our Tuesday
and Friday (9:30am – 12noon) Playgroup
sessions, which operates during school term,
and is open to any children aged 2 years plus.
Weather permitting the Playgroup sessions
are held at monkey camp in the local woods,
which provides a fantastic setting for children
to learn and play.
Toddler sessions run on a Thursday morning
(10:15am – 12noon), in Kippen Village Hall, these sessions are open to all parents and carers
with pre-school aged children.
Kippen Playgroup and Toddlers is a registered charity managed by local parents and carers
which relies on fundraising efforts to support the ongoing operating costs of the group.
Further information about Kippen Playgroup and Toddlers can be found on the Facebook page
or contact playgroup.toddlers.kippen@gmail.com
Photographs by Annabel Griffin
www.theweevine.org 15

Community Affairs
Kippen Over 60s Christmas Dinner 2021
The Committee would like to thank everyone who contributed to the successful delivery of 214
meals to the older residents of Kippen village on Monday, 6th December.
This really was a village team effort, and our very grateful thanks go to Cameron Skinner
and all his team who devised a delicious 3 course meal in containers, with full instructions on
heating and serving. Cammy would especially like to mention and thank the following: Laurie
Newlands, Jackie McEwan, Poom Ferrier, Sue Donald, Mandy Dow, Andy Struthers, Derek
Shanks, Toni Odorico, Mike Bastock, Diane Louttit, and David Jones. The logistics of making
sure everyone gets the correct choices delivered to the right door are complex, but the bags
were ready as promised for the team of volunteers to collect.
16 www.theweevine.org

Community Affairs
Once again, the volunteers of the Kippen Risk and Resilience Group, under the meticulous and
tireless direction of Jeremy Gaywood, efficiently delivered the invitations and then the meals
and matching goody bags to the correct addresses with festive good cheer. Thank you all so
much.
Local businesses, especially McNicolls and the Inn were very supportive and the children
of Kippen Primary School, the Beavers, Rainbows, Nursery and Playgroup made colourful
Christmas cards for every household.
Greater funds than normal are obviously required for this event. We are very grateful for
the grant of £1,000 from Kippen Community Trust (Falck Windfarm) and £500 from the
Risk & Resilience Group as well as financial support from many village organisations and
businesses. If you feel able to donate, please contact Alasdair McCall, Treasurer, on 870546
or alasdairmccall@btinternet.com
There was delightful friendly chat on zoom, thanks to Ellen Larson Davidson and, as Chair,
I would like to thank the whole committee – Patsy, Tracy, Alasdair, Dawn, and Laurence, for
bringing together all the elements required to deliver such a successful event. We very much
hope to be back together in the hall next year and wish you all a very Happy Christmas.
Mary Lawson
www.theweevine.org 17

Community Affairs
Kippen Community Woodland Group
The Group is pleased to report that the pond platform was
replaced with a new structure in early December by Arbuckle
Contractors. The platform is closer to the surface of the pond
and level with the bank of the pond, making access for dipping
easier. The new platform looks super, and it is great to have
replaced the platform before year end.
The work was made possible due to financial support from
the Falck Renewables Kingsburn Community Fund which is
administered by the Kippen Community Trust with support
from Foundation Scotland.
As Spring approaches, it
is hoped that the benefit
of the improved platform
is realised, particularly by
youngsters.
Woodland work mornings
continue to be held on the
first Sunday of the month
with a slightly earlier start
time of 10.30. In addition to
carrying out routine work
checking paths on these
mornings, a tree that had
fallen across the Black Brae
Path was removed in early
October and further work
18 www.theweevine.org
was carried out to clear
up after storm Arwen late
November.
At the Annual General
Meeting held in October,
the current office bearers
were re-elected with
Iain McNeil remaining as
Chair.
If you would like to find
out more about the
work of the Group or
receive details of our
activities, just email
kippenwoodlandgroup@
gmail.com or find us on
Facebook.
Paula Watson,
Secretary

Kippen Heritage
Community Affairs
Despite the problems of Covid, we have made progress with various projects.
Archaeological Dig
In December, Irene Chapman and I met up with Murray Cook (County Archaeologist) and
Jeremy Gaywood to discuss holding a second Dig in May this year. Keir Hill of Dasher, on
Jeremy and Janet Gaywood’s land, is an ancient Fort, almost certainly in use during Viking
Age Scotland (9 th – 11 th Century), and there are also signs of activity from the early Bronze
Age in the vicinity.
In 2019 we held a very successful first Dig there, and we hope to follow this up by digging
a second trench on the South side of the fortification. This is scheduled for the weekend
of the 27 th – 30 th May 2022. The Dig would again include schoolchildren and volunteers.
A second phase of Digs is also planned over this Summer. These would involve opening
small test pits to determine the site of a very early church. Exciting stuff!
Kippen Kirkyard
As many of you will know, The Old Kirkyard gate at the Cross has been locked to all by
Stirling Council since 2019. This was due to many of the memorials being deemed unsafe.
The disputed ownership of the Belfry and church ruins (between the Church of Scotland
and Stirling Council) has prevented progress on our efforts to repair the old Church.
However we are now in the process of organising a “Licence to Occupy” from Stirling
Council to enable us to carry out repairs on the structures. They have promised to make
safe the headstones by the end of March. We can at last move on with this project and
further fund – raising can begin again.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-to-save-kippen-old-kirk?qid=ea2f8964b942edf2
1bc5f9703b690735
Kippen Heritage Website
Our website is currently being refreshed and added to by our “IT man” Eric Law and
myself. We are currently setting out all our Primary School photos in decade order for
ease of access.
Management Team
At our AGM in August we welcomed Doreen Edmands as our new Secretary, and recently
Hugh Aitcheson as a co-opted member. Our thanks go to both Stuart Thomson (our
Treasurer for six years) and to Margaret Diamond (our long – standing Chairperson) for
their commitment to Kippen Heritage. Margaret formed Kippen Heritage with Winnie
Dunlop over 20 years ago. They instigated a big exhibition in Kippen Public Hall in 2000,
and went on to hold annual displays and exhibitions of village life in the Reading Rooms.
Due to ill-health in 2020, Margaret passed on the Chairmanship to me, but continues as
a valued member.
Margaret Oswald (Chair)
www.theweevine.org 19

Community Affairs
Risk, Resilience and the Community
The year 2021 has ended with almost as much Covid related turmoil as it began.
Indeed, when we activated our resilience plan (yes, there was a sort of a plan) in March
2020 we could not have envisaged that we would still be ‘in activation’ nearly two years
later.
We think of emergencies as being sudden, perhaps frightening, but never long term. Even
in wartime 1914, everyone thought ‘they would be home by Christmas’.
We now must adapt to a more stable way of handling our lives – and I believe that we are
doing so.
We have learned that few of our problems at home can be solved by government –
whether district or national. No administration can be ‘everywhere at once,’ especially
during a pandemic, a power cut or even a serious snowfall.
Thoughts are now moving towards resilience planning which can be of long-term benefit
to the community. Volunteers have found that they find great comfort in serving fellow
villagers in the village. If you ask any member of our team which delivered the Christmas
lunches to the Over Sixties, they will tell you that it was an enjoyable experience – good
fun, and not a chore.
Community activities like this tend to jump across age groups. In fact, it has often been
remarked in Kippen that the Over Eighties may be found serving the Over Sixties.
But our new stars can also be found amongst ‘The young mothers.’
With this experience behind us, it is a good moment to examine where we are today.
Our volunteer team, formed in March 2020, did not ‘sign up’ for a long-term commitment.
But it is likely that many, if asked, would be prepared to support a properly constituted,
permanent team of volunteers, prepared to help during such situations as Power Cuts,
neighbours needing transport for medical services, short term shopping crises and
defibrillator training.
With the advent of newcomers to the developing village, there will be a growing need for
introductory support, similar to the’ Welcome Wagon’ which exists in many small towns
in the USA.
The plan is therefore to convene a public meeting in the village (as soon as we are all free
of all COVID restrictions) to explore and develop ideas.
It is time to look forward, and to put COVID behind us.
On this note, I would like to thank all our volunteers for their support during the year, and
also to pass on their Good Wishes to everyone in the village for a much better Year 2022.
Jeremy Gaywood
20 www.theweevine.org

Remembrance Service
Community Affairs
Rev Dr Martin Davidson RN
led a well-attended Service
of Remembrance and wreath
laying at Kippen on Sunday, 14th
November. Sir Michael Hirst
marked the beginning of the 2
minutes silence by reading the
Kohima Epitaph followed with
Millie, Ellin, Fraser and Agnes
reading the names of those listed
on the war memorial.
Following that an all-age
service in the church was
led by Rev Ellen Larson
Davidson. Sir Michael Hirst
opened worship and bible
readings were conducted
by Mrs Barbara Page
and Lieutenant Colonel
Campbell. Poppies released
from the ceiling floated
down during the 2 minutes
of reflection.
Many thanks, Annabel Griffin
www.theweevine.org 21

Community Affairs
Minister’s Musings
As the year 2021 was coming to a crashing
close, I found a wee team braving the
typical but disappointing December driechness
planting bulbs in the church garden.
I was informed of their proper variety
names but all I know is that I am waiting
for waves of white snowdrops, yellow and
orange daffodils and vibrant and muted
coloured tulips. Now, all that needs done
is the waiting. I don’t know about you,
but waiting is not my favourite pass-time.
Hurry up and wait was not a favourite
activity of childhood. I have learned over
the years sometimes you must wait but
what you do in the waiting matters as
much as the practice of patience.
As I wait this year for the bulbs to burst
forth in the spring, I will be tending the soil
of the flower beds by weeding (removing
the flowers I’d rather not have in that
space). I may prune some shrubs that have
become chaotically overgrown, and I’ll
research a better structure to hold up my
clematis that storms like Arwen won’t be
able to destroy. I will spend time dreaming
as I gaze down the garden. I may also
break out the gardener’s handbook or ask
gardener friends some advice.
Throughout pandemic life, I as a minister
and follower of Jesus have wanted
‘normality’ or ‘familiarity’ to return, yet
I have been reminded again and again
that with each year passing nothing is
the same as it once was. And all we do is
grown and learn, die back, redirect, pivot,
shift, and live under the circumstances
we find ourselves. In an old book in the
bible, one of the wise prophets spoke to
people who had known destruction and
disillusionment who wondered where God
would be at work and Isaiah said, ‘See the
former things have come to pass, and new
things I now declare; before they spring
forth, I tell you of them. Sing to the Lord a
new song, his praise from the ends of the
earth.’ (Isaiah 42:9-10)
I would love to know the new things 2022
will hold, but I do not. I would love to see
into the future what may come this year
because I have hope there will be new and
exciting things, however I also know there
will be heartache and loss this year. In the
bulbs planted there is promise of a flower,
in each new year we hope for flourishing
and goodness to come. May you know joy
and love amid whatever the days of 2022
hold. May you sing new songs for these
new days. May you patiently and excitedly
anticipate the good awaiting us. May
you find rest when the road is wearying.
May you know God’s steadfast love that
endures forever, no matter what the
future holds.
God bless, Ellen
Kippen Kirk is doing our best to worship
each Sunday in the church building at
11.15 am. We ask everyone to lateral
flow test before coming and if you have
symptoms to take a PCR test and isolate
as per government advice. During services
face masks are required and the seating is
distanced.
Rev. Ellen Larson Davidson
Minister
Kippen linked with Norrieston Parishes
Church of Scotland
Reg. Charity No. SC004286 (Kip) & SC028719
(Nor)
22 www.theweevine.org

Did you know
www.theweevine.org 23

Did you know
COP26 – BURKINA FASO DELEGATION
Burkina Faso is a land-locked country in
French-speaking West Africa. It is seriously
affected by climate change, which is evident
from desertification as the Sahara Desert
extends further south into agricultural
land. The country has the unenviable
distinction of being the nation with the
5 th highest rate globally of % falling GDP
due to climate change. Although a small
country with a small voice, representation
at COP26 was important for its delegation
to contribute to negotiations along with
other African nations.
entry to the UK and the daily protocol of
testing required to enter the COP26 blue
zone. 23 placements in local villages were
accepted. Some delegates made their own
arrangements and others did not get visas
in time. Initially 2 administrators moved
in with the Waleys at Burnbank. By the
start of COP26 the EU ambassador and
her press officer/security man were also
in residence, followed by 2 senior civil
servants. In total 5 Kippen households
opened their doors and received 14
Africans.
Before COP26 opened the media reported
that no accommodation arrangements
had been made for thousands of delegates
and that, without plans, they should not
leave their countries. June and Giles Waley
became aware of this situation in relation
to Burkina Faso and offered to help.
Four days before the conference began,
thanks to social media and personal
networks, offers of hospitality were being
made and within 48 hours 42 beds were
found. Risks associated with Covid were
mitigated by travel test requirements for
Delegates represented the most senior
civil service positions in the Burkina Faso
government as negotiators, researchers
and government advisors in Sustainable
Development and Climate Change. Days
at COP26 were spent giving and listening
to relevant presentations, networking,
and looking for project partners and
potential funders. A charity, “One Child
One Schoolbag”, was also represented.
At a political level the Minister for
the Environment was present to sign
agreements.
24 www.theweevine.org

After the opening reception for heads of state his driver
drove him to Kippen as he wanted to thank June and
Giles in person for coordinating the accommodation and
transport for the delegation.
Some 30 international delegations were staying in
Gleneagles and travelling daily by motorcade. In sharp
contrast some Kippen Burkinabe began their commute
by catching the 6.10 am bus from Balfron. Others,
including the Ambassador, joined pupils in Fore Road
waiting for the school bus. The X10 mopped up delegates
in villages along its route and saw its busiest time since
the pandemic began.
For 3 weeks life was quite exceptional for all those
involved, with challenging logistics and very long and busy
days. Most hosts rose to solving issues way beyond what
they thought they were initially signing up for. Burnbank
became a daily hub for organisation, solving problems
and serving meals for up to 11 people as delegates
arrived home off evening buses. Packed lunches were
offered after a delegate said that a lunch at COP cost the
same as 1 month’s school fees for his daughter. This was
balanced by many offers of help from people grateful to
have a way of contributing to supporting COP26. There
were deliveries of large pots and trays of food for evening
meals at Burnbank, warm clothes, local transport, airport
pick-ups and drop-offs, translation, outings, sponsorship
of tickets to the Tolbooth and a meal at the Inn.
Did you know
www.theweevine.org 25

Did you know
Delegates regularly expressed gratitude
from the bottom of their hearts as they
were overwhelmed by the friendship,
kindness, generosity, and hospitality which
the met. They invited hosts and helpers
to a presentation in the Reading Rooms
where they showed images of wildlife
and a video about Burkina Faso and how
seriously it is affected by climate change.
This was followed by a most convivial
evening in The Inn where all attending
enjoyed a wonderful meal accompanied
by local singers and musicians. The
Burkinabe contributed by singing their
national anthem. The evening ended with
a whisky night cap for 16 at Burnbank, but
due to COVID Giles had the quaich all to
himself.
During gaps in individual programmes
some delegates enjoyed outings to the
Trossachs, Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle
and Flanders Moss. On November 5 th
a number of them enjoyed the Kippen
community bonfire and fireworks.
The experience brought many challenges,
both cultural and linguistic, but also some
humorous moments. A 4-year-old boy,
having practiced “bonjour” to perfection,
announced the following morning that
“Bonjour is awake now”. After a couple of
days, he thought that all Burkinabe were
called Bonjour. Interesting conversation
might have followed a statement that one
man had 3 wives, when in fact he meant
3 daughters. A mishearing of Londres for
laundry was clarified when, after much
incredulity that it was 800 kilometres away,
it was indeed available in the utility room.
At an early stage one of the delegates
explained that, if 2 people say they are
coming, 20 may turn up but not the original
2 and on a different day. On one hand the
experience could be characterised like
this, but on the other hand it has led to an
understanding of another culture and one
where new friendship have been forged
and plans made for projects together. On
departure, as some delegates waited with
luggage at the bus stop, they were catching
falling autumn leaves and wishing wishes.
June Waley
26 www.theweevine.org

1st Stirlingshire Carse Cubs
Carse Cubs are part of 1st Stirlingshire
Scout Group which was formed in 1908.
Scouting started in 1907 so it is one of
the oldest Scout Groups in the world. We
have members from Kippen, Gargunnock,
Arnprior and the surrounding area.
Since we recommenced our meetings in
April 2021, the Pack has been meeting
outdoors each Tuesday evening. We have
continued to meet outdoors throughout
the winter months despite the cold, dark
and sometimes evenings.
During the Summer and Autumn terms,
Cubs have taken part in many different
activities, tried many new things and learnt
lots of new skills including:
Naturalist badge - making nature art, tree/
mini-beast ID, blueberry picking, learn
about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code,
observing changes in nature over several
months Pioneering badge - learning 5
different knots and lashings, making rope,
making stretchers and carrying a bucket
of water for 500m Communicator badge
- write an article for a newsletter, using
two way radios, having conversations with
adults, learning about Morse Code, using
Morse Code to find their way around the
woods and find sweetie treasure Bonfire
Night - making guys for the bonfire and
being part of the volunteer team helping
to run the event.
Cubs is much more than the just a fun
weekly activity program. It is about
developing young people’s character and
their skills for life. Cubs make the Cub
Scout Promise which includes keeping the
Cub Scout Law.
The Cubs Scout Law:
Cubs Scouts always do their best
Think of others before themselves
And do a good turn every day.
Congratulations to the following Cubs who
have been selected as the leaders of our
four Clans: Sixers: Fraser Davidson, Peter
Fleming, Tom Sullivan, and Lola Warttig
Did you know
Seconders: Harry Exeter, Heidi Fielden,
Marlie Olivarious and Ruari Skinne
A big thank you to all of the adult leaders
Stuart Fielden, Iain MacKinnon, Carl
Olivarius, Andrew Sullivan, Wallis Weir and
Cameron Skinner. Without these people
being willing to volunteer their time each
week, Cubs cannot exist.
The Cub section is for girls and boys aged
8 to 10 ½ years. We currently have a few
spaces available If you are interested
in your child being put on the waiting
list, please contact Mick Foran via email
mickforan@yahoo.com.au
Mick Foran, Cub Leader
Fibre Broadband
The article below from the Daily Record
was forwarded to the Wee Vine by Rick
Dekker. Many thanks.
“Hundreds of homes and businesses in
Drymen and Kippen are set for a major
broadband boost as part of a £95million
investment by Openreach.
The nation’s largest digital network provider
is used by customers of service providers
like BT, Sky, TalkTalk, and Vodafone.
The Stirlingshire towns will be upgraded
following the company’s latest build
announcement, with a new, ultrafast, ultrareliable
‘full fibre’ broadband network to be
built to most premises in the areas.
The digital network provider has now reached
more than six million homes and businesses
across the UK with ultrafast full fibre, around
480,000 of them in Scotland.
The latest plans follow news earlier this year
that around 300,000 Scottish homes and
businesses would get access to Openreach’s
new network, mostly in rural and harder to
serve areas. The company has previously
announced plans to upgrade Balfron,
Blanefield, Callander, Doune, Dunblane and
Killearn.”
www.theweevine.org 27

Did you know
Cubs Bonfire Night - 5th November 2021
On Friday 5th November, the 1st
Stirlingshire Carse Cubs succeeded in
putting on the annual Bonfire Night
display at the sports field. This was a
much-anticipated event after 2020’s
Bonfire Night was cancelled due to Covid
restrictions.
and to collect donations. The cubs did an
excellent job of guiding folk along the path
safely to the sports field and were not shy
when asking for donations. They took their
jobs seriously and worked tirelessly to
make sure everyone that needed support
received it.
After weeks of preparation and the
building of many Guy Fawkes effigies, the
cubs were in attendance early to help set
up for the night ahead. All cubs were given
head torches to help guide people along
the dark path along to the sports field.
Cubs were stationed at the entrance to
Burngreen as well as at the small bridge
across to the duck pond to help attendees
The night started slowly but by 6.30pm
swarms of people were coming from all
directions to join in one of the first outdoor
community events in quite a while. One
cub described the scene as, “out of this
world” whilst another said, “I could not run
fast enough to keep up with the number of
people arriving.”
28 www.theweevine.org

Back at the sports field, Cammy was
serving up hotdogs at an incredible rate
and unfortunately, demand surpassed
supply and we had to close the hotdog
stall with many people unable to get one
of Skinners amazing hotdogs.
By 7pm it was time to set the night sky
alight and Bobby and Derek were on hand
to make sure the fireworks were safely
launched. The display was a fantastic
festival of light with ‘Oohs’ and ‘Ahhs’ being
heard from the onlooking crowd. Many
spectators stood watching the display
with a hot drink and home baking donated
by the parents of cubs and community
members.
Did you know
Once the display and had come to its
conclusion, people were encouraged to
make their way to the bonfire where they
could watch the Guy Fawkes effigies that
the Cubs had built during the previous 2
weeks be burnt. The fire had been built
up and stoked by Wallace and Peter and
certainly gave off a welcome heat and light.
Overall, the night was a great success and
was enjoyed by people far and wide. It was
great to see the community once again
coming together to celebrate Bonfire
Night.
Thanks to each one of the businesses and
community organisations that supported
the event.
- Arnprior Farm
- Blue Juice Media
- Dawn Homes
- Fallen Brewery
- Kippen Street Fayre
- Kippen Sports Development Ltd
- McNicolls Country Store
- Rhubarb Lime
- Skinner of Kippen
- The Cross Keys
- The Gin Thing
- The Inn at Kippen
- The Woodhouse
- Trossachs Search and Rescue
- Weir Forestry
Funds raised from the event were
distributed to
- Kippen Cubs & Beavers
- Kippen Playgroup
- Kippen Rainbows
- Kippen Sports Development
- Kippen Woodland Group
- The Wee Vine
- Trossachs Search and Rescue
Written by Cub Scouts Georgie Hewitt and
Lucy Wilson Edited by Stu Fielden
www.theweevine.org 29

Did you know
Riding for the Disabled – Appeal
In 2014, Scotland lost its leading centre for disabled riders - Bannockburn RDA. There
was a national outcry as over 350 people lost access to a life changing community
that had provided essential therapeutic, employment, volunteering, social and respite
opportunities.
In response to the loss, Equi-Power Central Scotland Riding for the Disabled Group was
established: their vision – #StartSomethingSpecial for the whole community; to create a
new, purpose-built RDA centre of excellence in Central Scotland.
For the last five years we at Equi-Power Central Scotland have been working hard behind
the scenes to secure the site at Kildean as the permanent home of Equi-Power RDA.
The good news is that we are ready to submit a planning application to Stirling Council, with
a view to being on site in 2022. The bad news is that due to the impact of the pandemic, we
simply can’t afford to progress the project any further.
So, we are crowd funding to raise money to get Equi-Power on site at Kildean in 2022:
and this is how YOU can help. Our Christmas Crowd Fund is NOW LIVE, and we urgently
need your help to make it a success!
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/startsomethingspecial
30 www.theweevine.org

Supporters
The Wee Vine Supporters
Without our supporters, there would be no Wee Vine. They offer support in a variety of
ways. All essential.
Firstly, our financial supporters. Printing and other costs are totally met through the
support of a number of local organisations. These have all been affected to a greater or
lesser extent by the current Covid crisis, but continue to provide support, which is greatly
appreciated. Currently, these are (in alphabetical order):
Acorn Cottage (03454986900}
Arnbeg Farm Stay (01786 871121)
Arnprior Swimming Pool (870481)
Brian Reynolds Carpentry (870531)
Cameron Skinner, Skinner of Kippen (870203)
Central Auto Repairs (Glengyle) (870254)
Classics@Kippen
Fallen Brewing Company (07500 906924)
Fusion Flowers Magazine (870204)
Graeme Thompson Plumbing & Heating Engineers (870648)
John Coubrough & Son, Joiners &Funeral Directors (870737)
McNicolls Country Store (870237)
Munro Electrical Service (07951 913983)
Stephen Paul Associates (870906)
The Cross Keys (870293)
The Inn at Kippen (870500)
The Woodhouse (870156)
As of this issue, we have one further very welcome source of funding. Over a pint
in the Inn, a deal was struck with 1 st Stirlingshire Carse Cubs group, whereby a
donation of £100 would be made following their successful Fireworks evening as
long as the acknowledgement was printed in larger type then normal. (They also
made similar donations to a number of other Community projects as can be seen in their
article.)
Secondly, many thanks to those who have supported this issue by contributing articles.
The Wee Vine is for Kippen, about Kippen and by Kippen. We would like to know about
events as they happen, and also those which are planned. Also, organisations, clubs and
their programmes and activities. Plus comments, queries, photos and anything else that
takes your fancy.
And finally, those who support by offering help in many ways, such as the delivery of the
magazine round the village.
Stuart Thomson
www.theweevine.org 31

Kippen Post Office
Full Postal Service
• Free cash withdrawals from
all named banks
• Full banking service-
Business and Personal
• Utility bill and road tax
payments
• Full Bureau de Change
• Euros and US Dollars
stocked
• Money Transfers
Opening Times
Mon-Tue-Thur-Fri 0900-1300 1400-1730
Wednesday 0900-1300
Saturday 0900-1230
Mobile Outreach Service
Van 1 - Buchlyvie-Croftamie-Fintry Village, Sports Centre
and Caravan Park- Gargunnock-Killearn-Thornhill
Van 2 - Blackford-Braco-Carnock-Clackmannan
Village and Town- Torrance