\Port of Menteith
10am. Christmas fayre The Gartmore News Christmas fayre will be held in the village hall tomorrow (Saturday) from 2pm. There will be lots of baking, gifts and crafts, Christmas wreaths and decorations, bric-a- brac, a raffle and a hamper to be won. There may also be a visit from Santa. Entry £2 adults, 50p children, including tea, coffee and biscuits. Concert The Strathendrick Singers Christmas Concert takes place in the village hall on Sunday, December 10 at 7pm. Tickets £10 adults and £3 children (including festive refreshments) are available from choir members or at the door.
\Killearn
Walking group Thursdays 2-2.45pm, alternate weeks between Blanefield and Killearn. Call 07557 439111. Otago Active adults strength and balance class, Tuesdays 9.30-10am and 10.10-10.40am in the church hall, £2. Call Active Stirling: 01786 448308. Kirk Rev Alan Dunnett will lead Sunday’s service at 10.30am when the Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated. The Guild Christmas coffee morning is tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am to noon. Baking, gifts and books will be on sale. On Tuesday, December 5 at 7.30pm Jean Woodburn will be the speaker at the Guild meeting.
\Killin
Walk in the park Led by trained volunteers. Lasts 15-60 minutes. Meet on Wednesday, December 13 at Capercaillie at 10.20am for Craignavie Road walk. Christmas lunch at noon in Capercaillie. Please pre-order your food. This is the last walk of the year; next walk is Wednesday, January 17. Contact Cathy Scott on 01877 330055 or cathy.scott@lochlomondtrossachs.org. Strength and balance Exercise class for older adults Wednesdays in the Killin Hotel 1.30-2.30pm, followed by 10-minute walk. SWI The next meeting will be on Thursday, December 7, in the Courie Inn. Michael Crowe will provide canapes, perhaps accompanied by a festive drink.
\Gartocharn
Christmas Concert The Gartocharn based choir, The B Flats, are holding their annual Christmas Concert in the Millenium Hall on Friday, December 8. Doors open at 7pm and the concert will begin at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 and are available from any B Flat member or by telephoning Lynne on 01360 661259.
\Kinlochard
Yoga and mindfulness Class in the village hall Tuesdays 7.15-8.45pm. Contact Gillian on 01877 387201 or 07738 225996. Festive event On Sunday, December 10, please join with Aberfoyle and Port of Menteith Churches in at the village hall at 3pm for carols, mulled wine and mince pies. All welcome. Councillor’s surgery Councillor Evelyn Tweed will be in the village hall on Thursday, December 7 at 7pm.
\Kippen
Toddlers Meet in the village hall on Thursdays, 10.30am to noon. Cappuccino Chatter Church House, Wednesdays, 10.30-11.30am. Whist drive The monthly wee whist in the Reading Room takes place on Wednesday, December 6 at 7.30pm when all who enjoy playing are welcome. Concert Torbrex Community Choir will present ‘A Flavour of Christmas’ in Kippen Kirk on Thursday, December 7 at 7.30pm. Donations received at the door for Guide Dogs for the Blind and Citizens Advice Bureau. Santa’s Grotto Tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday, December 3, John and Shirley Lamb welcome all to Linton, Cauldhame, for a family festival to aid Start-Up Stirling and Down’s Syndrome. Already Santa’s diary to speak personally to children is full. There will be soup, mulled wine and home baking as you chat and buy tickets for the excellent raffle. Church Service on Sunday at 11.15am will be led by Rev Ellen Larson Davidson. All welcome. There will be a Traidcraft stall in the side vestibule after the service. Guild The Guild Lunch - cost £21 for members and friends - is being held in The Lion and Unicorn, Thornhill, on Tuesday, December 12 at 12.15pm. If interested collect a menu from Joanna 01786 870681. Menu choices should be returned to Joanna by Monday, December 4 with payment if possible. Christmas Gathering The over 60s always look forward to this event and this year it takes place in the village hall on Monday, December 4 at 2pm. Where requested transport has been arranged. Contact is Debbie More on 01786 871141. Cancer Cards Margaret Diamond (01786 870429) has Christmas cards to aid Cancer Research available and 2018 diaries are in McNicoll’s Stores. Carol Singing Members of the Wee Sing Group invite villagers to join them again this year to sing carols in aid of Strathcarron Hospice on Monday, December 18 at 6.30pm around the village Christmas tree. School The P1-3 Nativity Concert takes place in the school hall on Thursday and Friday (December 7 and 8) at 2pm. Tickets for parents will soon be available. The parent council will again organise the Christmas Community Concert in Kippen Church on Wednesday, December 20 at 6.30pm featuring a cast of local talent. All welcome, adults £6, children free. Christmas Market The village hall was busy last Saturday afernoon with plenty to purchase, a super cafe and prize draw, which brought £3200 to playgroup/toddler funds. The organisers are most grateful for the support received. Woodland Group The monthly meeting to see to the paths etc takes place on Sunday, December 3. Volunteers welcome, please meet on the sports field at 10am. Councillor’s surgery Councillor Evelyn Tweed will be in the village hall on Monday, December 4 at 6.30pm. Hogmanay The Port Hall Hogmanay ceilidh is happening again and tickets will be on sale soon, although there are already a few reserved. Christmas Fair On Sunday, December 10 in the village hall 11am-3pm. Entrance £1.50 adults, 50p child includes glass of mulled wine or juice and mince pie. All funds to the Port of Menteith Primary. For more info regarding stalls please contact Clare@ wendyhouse.uk.com. Parish Church Worship on Sunday, the first Sunday in Advent, will include the Sacrament of Holy Communion. This service will be conducted by Rev Dr Valerie Allen and will start at 10am. On Sunday, December 10, please join in at Kinlochard Village Hall at 3pm for carols, mulled wine and mince pies. All welcome.
\Strathblane
Mini Makers Tuesday in the kirkrooms, 9.30-10.30am. Art and creative fun for 18 months-five years. Councillor’s surgery Graham Lambie will be in the Village Club on Monday, December 4 at 7pm. Parish Church Songs of Praise evening on Sunday with a selection of favourite hymns and praises at 6.30pm in the Kirkrooms. Light Up A Life Service is on Wednesday, December 6 at 7.15pm in the church to celebrate the memories of those we remember with love who are no longer with us. Campsie Crooners will be taking part in this service and there will be a retiral offering for the work of Strathcarron Hospice. Festive Film Night is on Friday, December 8 at 7pm in the Kirkrooms. Gifts (unwrapped) for Prison Fellowship can be handed in on Sunday.