STIRLING ARTIST HOLDS MAJOR EXHIBITION

The University of Stirling is delighted to be exhibiting Relatively Closer, the work of the internationally famous Scottish artist, Lys Hansen.

Lys Hansen, who is based in Blairlogie, was born in Falkirk and brought up in Alloa during the war. She came to prominence as a dynamic and challenging figurative painter in the early 1980s, before the emergence of the New Glasgow Boys: Howson, Campbell, Currie and Wisniewski.

The Relatively Closer exhibition will range from some of her earliest works through to works that Lys showed last year in Relatively Close, her major exhibition at Bornholms Kunstmuseum in Denmark.

Lys Hansen has had a long association with the University and its outstanding Art Collection, and in fact the University first acquired one of her works, Boatmaker’s Fishgarden, in 1968 when the Collection was just starting.

Jane Cameron, Curator of the University of Stirling Art Collection, said: ”While preparing for this exhibition I have been pleased to get to know Lys, not only as an artist based close to the University in Blairlogie but as someone who regularly shares her passion for art with the community.”

For eighteen years over the 1970s and 1980s while bringing up her two boys, Lys ran the annual Crowsteps in Blairlogie, a month long summer festival of arts and crafts with the work of scores of visiting artists such as William Gillies, Jack Knox, Ian Mackenzie Smith, Will McLean, Willie Rodger, George Wyllie, Barbara Rae and Neil Dallas Brown.

She taught in Alloa and at Falkirk College but her salvation has always been her painting. Her “white painted studio” in Braco is full of her colourful and explosive images.

The exhibition continues until 10 July, open seven days a week in the Pathfoot Building, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA. Admission is free.

MOZART Symphony No 29
DVORÁK Czech Suite
MOZART Sinfonia Concertante
Alexander Janiczek director / violin
Jane Atkins viola

Austrian virtuoso Alexander Janiczek directs the Scottish Chamber Orchestrafrom the violin in a spell-binding evening of music from Central Europe.

At the heart of the programme is Dvorák’s lively Czech Suite, whose warmth and emotion conveys the essence of the composer’s homeland.It is coupled with two landmark works by Mozart - Symphony No 29, written when the composer was just seventeen and the Sinfonia Concertante in which Janiczek shares the honours with the SCO’s outstanding Principal Viola Jane Atkins.

For more information on the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, visit www.sco.org.uk.

Stirling Council Countryside Team is offering anyone interested a chance to get to grips with basic map reading. With summer here it’s time to get out and explore the countryside, although maps can be a great resource and perfect for helping you discover new paths they can at times be a bit daunting if you haven’t used them before.

Come and join Stirling Council Countryside Team and Active Stirling on Sunday 7 June between 1 and 4pm at the MacRobert Arts Centre on Stirling University campus to have a go.

This will be an informal drop-in event for beginners, just turn up and try your new skills at finding your way around the site. Maps will be provided and the event is free. Community Paths leaflets will also be available to take away for you to try using after the event.

Everyone is welcome; a responsible adult must accompany under 16s.

For more information, please telephone 01786 443482 during office hours. There is a regular bus service from Stirling to Stirling University.

From the Stirling Council website.

Slumdog Millionaire
Fundraiser night

To help raise funds for our film-making project 'Kirk', we are showing Slumdog Millionaire in the Theatre of Balfron High School at 7.30 pm on Friday 12 June. The theatre has a 21 foot screen.

Tickets cost £5 and will be available from the committee members and Balfron Library.

A coach will pick up in surrounding villages, subject to 20 booking, with Joan Macpherson on 449253 between noon and 7 pm Monday-Friday only (coach cost £5).

Coach picks up:
Aberfoyle TI 5.50 pm.
Gartmore P.O. 6. pm.
Buchlyvie 6.15pm.
Drymen 6.30pm.
Killearn 6.45pm.
Printers row 6.55pm.
Balfron clinic 6.57pm.
Book at Balfron Library 01360 440407.

New members welcome.
Further information www.film-society.org or
contact: Joanmacp@aol.com

Strathendrick Film Society based in rural West Stirlingshire, is in its fourth year and gives you the chance to see blockbuster movies as well as entertaining and unusual films from all over the world in Balfron Campus theatre.
The society is a community group and is run by a team of committed volunteer film enthusiasts in a welcoming and appreciative atmosphere and membership is open to everyone aged 16 and over. (Family membership allows younger children in with parents). The Society is a member of the British Federation of Film Societies.

Scottish Association of Farmers Markets
Save food miles and visit your local Farmers Market this week.

A very busy and well organised market, with a superb cross section of producers from all over central Scotland. The market is currently located in the pedestrian area of the town centre and is within easy access of the main streets, car parks, rail and bus stations and has a splendid family atmosphere, well supported by the locals.

2nd Saturday of each month at Port Street, Stirling from 10am to 3pm.

What: Ringing Presentations
Where: Dunblane Cathedral, Dunblane
When: Sunday 14 June 2009 at 7.30pm
Who: Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ringers

Dunblane Cathedral begin a new group for children in primary 4 every year in February, and in this, their first public performance the group of 8-year-olds will mesmerise and delight with how much they have learned about music notation, rhythms and performance skills. The 9-11-year-olds will follow with lively performances of "Pogo Stick Boogie" and "Road Bumps", fun original pieces by US composer Kirtsy Mitchell. The high school group will show off their versatility with upbeat arrangements of contemporary praise songs. And the two adult groups will show just how versatile and entertaining a handbell ensemble can be with a mix of well-known music and contemporary original compositions, including the theme tune from Hollywood blockbuster Titanic.

This is the 32nd Anniversary Annual Presentation Evening of all the handbell groups in Dunblane Cathedral. Each of the performances will be interspersed with some background information about the groups and presentations to ringers. The performances will be followed by refreshments in the hall. Admission is free though donations will be very welcome.

Handbell ringing is a highly cooperative performing art. A handbell ensemble is akin to a living piano, with each of eleven ringers taking responsibility for several notes. Treble ringers may hold as many as four bells in their hands at one time, while bass ringers use their whole bodies to move 8-pound bronze bells with rhythmic precision. Ringers combine synchronised aerobic movement with musical energy to create what might be described as a larger-than-life and highly visual musical box.

DUNBLANE CATHEDRAL HANDBELL RINGERS www.dunblanecathedral.org.uk own and perform on Scotland's largest sets of handbell instruments. Since formation in 1977 Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ringers have made 15 television appearances, 22 radio broadcasts, travelled over 35,000 miles throughout the UK to give over 650 performances from Exeter to Inverness, won the only UK-wide competition open to all 1000 handbell groups in the UK, shared stages with 14 well-known orchestras, bands or choirs, performed in 9 different countries, produced 3 commercial recordings and been featured on those of 2 other groups, and raised many thousands of pounds for numerous charities. They have been selected to perform at national showcase concerts of the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain on 4 occasions, performed in 5 international symposia, organised 4 Scottish Festivals, hosted 25 overseas groups, organised 19 seminars, supported the formation of 75 handbell groups in Scotland, and organised 4 residential ringing weeks for ringers from around the world. Notable performance venues have included Scotland's major concert venues such as the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Edinburgh's Usher Hall, Glasgow City Hall, and Dundee's Caird Hall.

FREE Admission (donations invited)

www.dunblanecathedral.org.uk handbells@dunblanecathedral.org.uk

What: US IVEY RINGERS IN CONCERT
Where: Dunblane Cathedral, Dunblane
When: Wednesday 24 June 2009 at 7.30pm
Who: The Ivey Ringers of First Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

On Wednesday 24th June the American teenage handbell ensemble The Ivey Ringers of First Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, North Carolina, will present a free concert in Dunblane Cathedral at 7.30pm. This energetic 10-member ensemble performs on 5 octaves of handbells and handchimes and is directed by Becky Puster. They have performed widely both in the USA, Canada, Puerto Rica as well as across Europe. The programme will include an exciting mix of classics, traditional melodies and contemporary music. A concert not to be missed! Admission to the concert will be free, with donations invited.

Handbell ringing is a highly cooperative performing art. A handbell ensemble is akin to a living piano, with each ringer taking responsibility for a range of notes. Treble ringers may hold as many as four bells in their hands at one time, while bass ringers use their whole bodies to move 8-pound bronze bells with rhythmic precision. Ringers combine synchronised aerobic movement with musical energy to create what might be described as a larger-than-life and highly visual musical box.

FREE Admission (donations invited)

www.dunblanecathedral.org.uk handbells@dunblanecathedral.org.uk

Help the Countryside Rangers hunt for a most elusive Scottish mammal.

Stirling Ranger Service
01786 442971 (Mon - Fri 9-5pm)
www.stirling.gov.uk/countryside

STIRLING ARTIST HOLDS MAJOR EXHIBITION

The University of Stirling is delighted to be exhibiting Relatively Closer, the work of the internationally famous Scottish artist, Lys Hansen.

Lys Hansen, who is based in Blairlogie, was born in Falkirk and brought up in Alloa during the war. She came to prominence as a dynamic and challenging figurative painter in the early 1980s, before the emergence of the New Glasgow Boys: Howson, Campbell, Currie and Wisniewski.

The Relatively Closer exhibition will range from some of her earliest works through to works that Lys showed last year in Relatively Close, her major exhibition at Bornholms Kunstmuseum in Denmark.

Lys Hansen has had a long association with the University and its outstanding Art Collection, and in fact the University first acquired one of her works, Boatmaker’s Fishgarden, in 1968 when the Collection was just starting.

Jane Cameron, Curator of the University of Stirling Art Collection, said: ”While preparing for this exhibition I have been pleased to get to know Lys, not only as an artist based close to the University in Blairlogie but as someone who regularly shares her passion for art with the community.”

For eighteen years over the 1970s and 1980s while bringing up her two boys, Lys ran the annual Crowsteps in Blairlogie, a month long summer festival of arts and crafts with the work of scores of visiting artists such as William Gillies, Jack Knox, Ian Mackenzie Smith, Will McLean, Willie Rodger, George Wyllie, Barbara Rae and Neil Dallas Brown.

She taught in Alloa and at Falkirk College but her salvation has always been her painting. Her “white painted studio” in Braco is full of her colourful and explosive images.

The exhibition continues until 10 July, open seven days a week in the Pathfoot Building, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA. Admission is free.

Stirling Castle Esplanade 7.15-8.15pm
Every Tuesday in July and August

Come and enjoy a short half hour display of Highland Dancing provided by a local dancing school and piper. This is followed by a stirring half hour performance by a local pipe band playing traditional jigs, reels and strathspeys.

Leganda - ‘Once in a life time’

The Moscow State Circus returns to the UK with this once in a life time opportunity to see this award winning show LEGENDA. Bringing with it a huge cast of Russia's greatest and most flexible circus performers.

Many of the critically acclaimed acts are pushing the boundary of human physical ingenuity to its limits. However this time the greatest show on earth has had a face lift and been revolutionised. The worlds most famous circus collides with the legendary Russian folklore figure Rasputin to create a sensational show that combines contemporary and classical circus at it’s very best.

The newly devised show includes -

The Didyk, a double Russian swing troupe acrobatically catapulting themselves high into the big top & across the ring.

Gregory's Girls suspended in mid-air on floating silks.

Doctorovs unbelievable Human Statues and breathtaking balancing action which defy gravity and the laws of physics.

Bortnikova body twisting contortionists.

Award-winning clowns,Valik & Valerik, who have perfected the art of slapstick and Buster Keeton style cunning capers.

Kvlividze Troupe on the rotating Wheel of death and

The unbelievable crossbow act of The Popazovs, you will see a wife shoot an apple off her husbands head from 7 simultaneous crossbows.

All hosted by Andre Voronin as Rasputin.

FIND OUT MORE about
The Moscow State Circus at Stirling Kings Park

Site purchase admission prices
Rear Circle Adults £10 Concs £7
Side Circle Adults £15 Concs £10
Grandstand Adults £20 Concs £15
Deluxe Adults £24 Concs £18
Ringside Adults £27 Concs £20

Concession price available for:
Under 16s & over 60s, Students & Job Seekers (proof of status may be required).

Contact Stirling Ranger Service
01786 442971 (Mon - Fri 9-5pm)
www.stirling.gov.uk/countryside

Scottish Association of Farmers Markets
Save food miles and visit your local Farmers Market this week.

A very busy and well organised market, with a superb cross section of producers from all over central Scotland. The market is currently located in the pedestrian area of the town centre and is within easy access of the main streets, car parks, rail and bus stations and has a splendid family atmosphere, well supported by the locals.

2nd Saturday of each month at Port Street, Stirling from 10am to 3pm.

Celebrating our four-legged friends and their well behaved owners.

Contact Stirling Ranger Service
01786 442971 (Mon - Fri 9-5pm)
www.stirling.gov.uk/countryside

The Alva Highland Games has been taking place since the 19th century and in 2006 celebrated its 150th gathering. It continues to be characterised by sports, including the "heavy" events, and the celebration of local culture - from whisky to bagpipes and tartans.

The "heavy" events, in addition to the track and field, include those in which large men in tartan sweat profusely as they hurl large objects as far as they can: shots (which are putt), hammers (which are thrown) and cabers (which are tossed). For teams of heavies there is a five-a-side tug-of-war competition. Then there are the more artistic activities - Scottish dancing and both solo and massed bagpiping.

Alva also hosts the Scottish 3200 metre cycle race championship and the British 800 metre championship footrace, while the Hill Race to the top of the Ochils is unique to these Games.

Adult Entry - £5.00
Children/Senior Citizens - £2.00
Car Park - £2.00

Chieftain
Main Arena Events
includes Pipe Band Performances
Solo Piping Competition (Starts 12.00)
Highland Dancing Competition (Starts TBA)
Scottish Backhold Wrestling Competition (Starts 1.30)
Heavyweight Competition (Starts 1.00)
Scottish National Tug-of-War Championship (Starts 11.30)
There is NO Athletics or Cycling at Stirling Highland Games
Haggis Eating Competition
Trade Stands (Booking online from Feb to Apr)
Craft Tent operated by Loch Lomond Craft Association
Kid's Funfair (Inflatables etc.)
Hot Food Stalls & Beer Tent (Fully Booked)

Ticket Prices:
Adults - £8.00
Adults Purchased in Advance Online - £4.00
National Trust Members - £4.00
Seniors and Children (5-17 yrs) - £4.00
Student (with Student Card) - £4.00
Parent Accompanied Children - FREE
Discounts Available for Groups of 10 or more Booked in Advance
Free Car Parking Nearby
Full Colour Souvenir Programme - £1.00

We are holding a Rare and Interesting Book Auction within our premises at 79, Murray Place, Stirling on 16th July at 5.00p.m. This will encompass books from our Edinburgh and Perth Bookshops as well as Stirling. Oxfam are holding a Book Fest from the 4th July until 17th July and we are trying to raise our profile within the second hand book market.A warm welcome is extended to anyone interested in books and it should be a fun night. Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering.

17/18/19th July

Starts Friday 17th July
Evening with live music and a get together in the marquee.
Licenced bar.

Saturday 18th July
Plummer Terrier Show 11am
Full classification.
PTCGB and PTA registered dogs only
Docked pups/dogs will be allowed to be shown – No entry Fee No Admission

From 1pm
Open Dog Show
Terrier and Lurcher racing
Retrieving across water.

Late afternoon /Evening
Carronbridgers Challenge for a Tug of War!!! Enter your team now!
Sumo Wrestling –
Arm Wrestling-

Live Music on most of the afternoon until late

Sunday Morning
Question time about the future of the Plummer Terrier

Camping and caravans welcome
Dogs in the hotel grounds must be on a lead at all times.
No alcohol allowed on the hotel grounds unless purchased on site,

Free family fun. Learn about butterflies, bees and other bugs.

Contact Stirling Ranger Service
01786 442971 (Mon - Fri 9-5pm)
www.stirling.gov.uk/countryside

The Dunedin Dancers are pleased to return to Stirling Castle for the final performance of their 20th International Folk Dance Festival. Over 100 dancers and musicians from Germany, Slovenia, Norway and their Scottish hosts will present a lively and colourful display in the Queen Anne Garden.

The nearest you're going to get to the real thing.
Read about the Upbeat Beatles >>
Relive the sounds and excitement of the 60's with this leading Beatles tribute band... Imagine it's 1963 and there’s a show at your local theatre...

It is 1963 and at this point in their career, The Beatles are rockin'. There isn't a band to touch them. After all the grueling one nighters in Liverpool and the long residences in Hamburg, the hard work is finally paying off and they blow the audience away with their sound - a fabulous cocktail of early Motown, Blues, Rock 'n' Roll and original material!

It is this sound that The Upbeat Beatles re-create. Raw powerhouse vocals, breathtaking harmonies and punchy tight musicianship - and in the world of Beatles tribute bands, there isn't a band to touch them!

Tickets £15 & £13 Conc.

Stirling Castle Esplanade 7.15-8.15pm
Every Tuesday in August

Come and enjoy a short half hour display of Highland Dancing provided by a local dancing school and piper. This is followed by a stirring half hour performance by a local pipe band playing traditional jigs, reels and strathspeys.

Explore the watery world of pond dipping and meet the weird, wonderful creatures of the woodland - butterflies, bees and other bugs.

Contact Stirling Ranger Service
01786 442971 (Mon - Fri 9-5pm)
www.stirling.gov.uk/countryside

Bridge of Allan, near Stirling, hosts its annual games every August. Clansmen gather to compete in various strength-testing events, known as the "heavy" sports, while the Scottish dancing and piping competitions are more genteel.
Harking back to the warrior clan days, the popular "heavy" events - the shot putt, hammer throwing and caber tossing - feature large men in tartan sweating profusely as they hurl large objects as far as they can. These Games also feature the weights - heavier than either the shot or the hammer (which weigh in at either 16lbs or 22lbs). The 28lb weight is for throwing the greatest distance, while the 56lb weight is for throwing the highest.
Team events include the tug-of-war, and the Bridge of Allan Games host the Central Scottish tug o' war championship and Scottish national ladies tug o' war championship. There is also the Scottish wrestling championship (13st 7lb) as well as the Scottish cycling grass track championship.

Scottish Association of Farmers Markets
Save food miles and visit your local Farmers Market this week.

A very busy and well organised market, with a superb cross section of producers from all over central Scotland. The market is currently located in the pedestrian area of the town centre and is within easy access of the main streets, car parks, rail and bus stations and has a splendid family atmosphere, well supported by the locals.

2nd Saturday of each month at Port Street, Stirling from 10am to 3pm.

Stirling Castle, 19 September 2009, 20 September 2009

Following the success of this inaugural event last year, this expanded event gives visitors to chance to meet the most famous icons of Scotland’s history, including Robert the Bruce, William Wallace, Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

In addition, meet some other notorious characters, including The Doomster -Scotland’s most infamous executioner.

Admission to the event is included in the admission price to Stirling Castle.

Stirling Castle, 6 December 2009

Enjoy one of the most original Christmas events this year, as a series of amusing, entertaining and informative shows tell how the celebration of Christmas evolved from the 16th to the 21st century.

Find out about the time when Christmas was banned!

Admission to the event is included in the admission price to Stirling Castle.