BOFA - Magazine March-April 2018

M A R C H - A P R I L 2 0 1 8

P A G E 1 | B R I D G E O F A L L A N P A R I S H C H U R C H M A G A Z I N E
FROM THE
MANSE
Winter is passing, the snow is behind us and the
nights are starting to draw out. Spring is clearly on
the horizon and the new beginning that is presented
in spring and the forgiveness of our mistakes that is
inherent in Easter is clearly on the horizon.
New beginning and forgiveness are a key part of what
Christianity is and is something that we must accept
for ourselves and others.
A part of our parish and a part of civic life, where new
beginnings and forgiveness is needed in ways many of
us cannot imagine, is for the women of HMP & YOI
Cornton Vale as well as those engaged with the
criminal justice system in other ways. It is often
difficult to forgive, both ourselves and others, for the
mistakes we have made in the past, but forgive we
must, and in forgiving others, we are forgiven by God.
Forgiveness is so much more than saying “I forgive
you” or blithely claiming to live in a “forgive and
forget” kind of way. In fact, that can be dangerous and
unhelpful, as true forgiveness is missed, grudges still
are held and trust is never extended. Being forgiving
and offering forgiveness is something we live out in
our actions rather than something we say in our
words.
As part of that active show of forgiveness and
therefore recognition of humanity and dignity, in
Bridge of Allan Parish Church we have a number of
people doing a number of different things.
The support we give through the Stirling Interfaith Community Justice Group and the Family
Help Hub at HMP & YOI Cornton Vale are a key area of work that we as a Church and as
individuals within the Church are involved in. We also offer support to Grace Chocolates, who
provide work experience opportunities from women engaged with the criminal justice system.
Dan
https://www.facebook.com/gracechocolatesUK/
http://gracechocolates.co.uk/

P A G E 2 | B R I D G E O F A L L A N P A R I S H C H U R C H M A G A Z I N E
OUR CHURCH
OVERSEAS -
ZAMBIA
Just before Christmas we had a letter from our
missionary partners in Zambia, Keith and Ida
Waddell. As usual a full copy of this letter has
been put up on the noticeboard in the
Honeyman Hall. However one particular part of
the letter stood out for me. So many people in
the world are being affected by wars and being
displaced, fleeing from persecution and
bloodshed. We often fail to hear the news from
the African subcontinent as we get caught up
in troubles nearer home or wars where
photographs are more easily obtained by the
media but there is a war raging in Eastern
Congo affecting Zambia. The Waddells write
“A major challenge nationally, and locally for
us at Jagaimo Clinic, has been a new influx of
refugees fleeing the militia violence in Eastern
Congo. These now number over 12,000 with
8,000 having arrived in the past 3 months with
80% being women and children. People have
been murdered and raped, their houses looted
and burned at the hands of the armed gangs.
Around 4 million people are displaced in the
DRC itself, while Zambia looks after another
30,000. The increased numbers of refugees at
Jagaimo Refugee Centre is putting a great
strain on the infrastructure at our small Clinic
there.
A new maternity ward is planned to meet more fully maternal and child health needs. Running water is
required instead of relying on an outside handpump used by the community as well, and solar panels and
batteries are required for lighting and to power equipment as there is no national grid electricity in the
vicinity. All these new developments at our hospitals and clinics will exacerbate the chronic shortage of
bed-linen.’ All this adds to the challenges of working in Zambia which is already struggling to provide for
its own people. However the Waddells remain positive and are proud of improvements they have been
involved in both in education and health care as can be seen from their letter. They are also very grateful
for help and supplies they are receiving. Nearest to home they mention the Fife churches sending out
dental equipment, sewing machines, baby goods and more. All this must help them feel they are not alone
and are appreciated in what they are doing.“

P A G E 3 | B R I D G E O F A L L A N P A R I S H
C H U R C H M A G A Z I N E
OUR CHURCH
OVERSEAS -
DR JEAN IN
MALAWI
Many will know that one of our members, Jean
McIntyre, has given up work as a doctor locally to
work in Malawi. Jean writes "I have been here in
Chembe for over 2 months and have a further 3
months to go of this volunteering post. For those
of you who were unaware I left [retired from]
general practice in June last year. As you may be
aware, I loved my work overseas in earlier years
and so it was great to have this opportunity to
return to this position. I am working with a small
Irish NGO called the Billy Riordan Memorial Trust.
It was set up to provide medical services to this
area which previously lacked any health
provision. It relies on volunteer doctors and
nurses- most of whom come out for 4 month
stints. It is basically a primary care provision but
we do admit patients for up to 2 or 3 days which
allows us to treat cerebral malaria/ meningitis/
sepsis and many of the AIDS related infections.
One of the major challenges however is the
total limit on investigation. The total range of
tests are Hb/ malaria/syphilis/ HIV/blood sugar/
urinalysis. However the local referral hospital is
unable to do much more…they still remain with
no biochemistry although they do have x-rays
as long as there is electricity…so all back to
relying on basic diagnostic skills with minimal
investigation. A quick brush up on my tropical
medicine was needed before heading out and so
over last winter I did a tropical medicine course
with Glasgow Uni which was just great. Most of
the others on the course were half my age but I
had a couple of companions of similar vintage.
Initial concerns were just how our ageing brains
were going to cope with the challenge but we
just loved being students again….really enjoyed
all the reading and being back in the lecture
theatre! Work can be challenging with some
basic resources being very scarce but very
enjoyable and we are in a most beautiful
location. I awaken to the lapping of the waves
and wander down the beach to start the day
with an early morning swim....not much of a
hardship posting! Pics of the lake, the kids next
door and our local "westlife" band who
entertain brilliantly with their
homemade instruments."
If anyone is interested more can be found about
this hospital and its origins on its website:
http://www.billysmalawiproject.org/
Sandy Grieve

P A G E 4 | B R I D G E O F A L L A N P A R I S H C H U R C H M A G A Z I N E
GRACE AND
PEACE TO YOU
FROM GOD OUR
FATHER AND
FROM THE
LORD JESUS
CHRIST
ROMANS 1:7

P A G E 5 | B R I D G E O F A L L A N P A R I S H C H U R C H M A G A Z I N E
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER
Sunday 25 March
11.00 am
Palm Sunday Service
Holy Week Services -
Tuesday 27 March - Voices in a Mystery
Poetry Cycle - Bridge of Allan Parish Church
7.30 pm
Wednesday 28 March -
Stations of the Cross - St. Saviour's Church
7.30 pm
Thursday 29 March - Maundy Thursday
Service with Communion -
Bridge of Allan Parish Church
Friday 30 March - Good Friday Service -
12noon - Procession of Witness -
starting at Lecropt Kirk
2.00pm - Solemn Liturgy -
St Saviour's Church
Sunday 1 April
9.00 am - Communion Easter Celebration
by the Allan Water
(opposite Blairforkie Drive)
10.00am - Bacon Rolls in the Chalmers Hall
11:00am - Family Service celebrating Easter
All are welcome to join us
at any of these services

P A G E 6 | B R I D G E O F A L L A N P A R I S H C H U R C H M A G A Z I N E
GUILD
The Guild had a great start to 2018 when Sheena Malcolm
entertained us with a fantastic Spanish Tapas Night. She
made all the food, most of which had come over from
Sheena's great Spanish friends. The food was amazing and
all our Guild Ladies enjoyed an authentic Tapas evening.
On 23 January, we welcomed Gill Lyth from our project
partner, Care for the Family. It was an excellent night
enjoyed by those who attended.
Our first meeting in February Tricia Chillas had us 'Rocking
and Reeling'. It's always a really popular night. A great time
was had by all and it was keeping us fit. The Guild looks
after the body as well as the soul! As this goes to print we
are looking forward to hearing all about the MS Therapy
Centre on 20 February. The Centre was originally situated
in Bridge of Allan.
We are also hosting The World Day of Prayer on Friday, 2
March at 10.00am in our own Church. Please come along to
join us in worship.
On 6 March we welcome our final Project Partners, Haiti,
Mission International.
Our final meeting on 20 March will be our ABM. Looking
forward to seeing everyone there.
A very important date for your diaries :
Saturday, 7 April - Daffodil Tea - 2.00pm - 4.00pm -
Chalmers Hall.
Tickets will be on sale nearer the time.
Finally, a massive thanks to the Guild Committee. You have
been amazing ladies!
Dorothy McGowan
CRECHE
From time to time, we in the Crèche have been fortunate in
having a young volunteer/assistant as part of their
commitment to working towards Guide Badges or Duke of
Edinburgh Awards. For the past few years, we have had the
pleasure of having our very own ambitious Emma Macrae
who has now achieved her Bronze, Silver and most recently,
her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. A fantastic achievement
in a relatively short time. Despite having reached her goal,
Emma still helps when her commitments allow. All the
Children and the Mums would like to say a big Thank You
and Congratulations to Emma and to wish her well as she
moves on to University later in the year.

P A G E 7 | B R I D G E O F A L L A N P A R I S H C H U R C H M A G A Z I N E
SOCIAL TEAM
As you know, our charities last year were for the Mother
Theresa Orphanage in Goa and Neuro Central, a group that
supports people with neurological problems such as Motor
NeuroneDisease and Parkinsons.
Thanks to your support we raised £1,000 for each charity.
The orphanage now has solar panels so do not have to pay
for electricity. We also paid for school uniforms for the boys
and have sent two young lads to college. About £200 went
on food - it's amazing how far your money goes in India!
We have also had a thank you from Heather Wilson, Chair,
Neuro Central who writes:
'We are a fairly new charity but we are already providing
therapies and support to nearly 70 people who are living
with a variety of neurological conditions. In real terms, your
contribution will enable us to do this for 3 months, which
will be a huge benefit.'
We have not yet decided on our charities for 2018, but here
are future dates for your diary:
21 April - Bridge of Allan Bake Off! Plus a floral
demonstration.
26 October - Time of Your Life - excellent evening with two
fabulous entertainers.
And, of course, our usual Easter breakfast, Summer Coffee
Mornings and Harvest Lunch. We have had successful social
events in 2017 and we hope to repeat our success this
year. Looking forward to seeing you all at some of our
events.
Mo Wilson
Social Team
BOOK GROUP
'Nutshell' by Ian McEwan. This meeting is on Monday, 5
March at Alastair and Jill Howie's home. Told from a
perspective unlike any other, it is a classic tale of murder and
deceit from one of Britain's master storytellers. The title
comes from Hamlet. 'I could be bounded in a nutshell and
count myself king of infinite space'.
We will then meet on Monday, 23 April to discuss "The
Tobacconist " by Robert Seethaler.
If you are interested in joining us you will be most welcome.

MEN'S SPEAKER GROUP
The Men's Speaker Group will meet on Thursday, 8 March
when Ian Souter will give a talk on the tramways on the UK.
In the presentation, Ian will explore how the development
of tramways changed the towns and cities they served.
On Thursday, 19 April, Bill Kidd and Bill Young will give a
presentation entitled 'Bridge of Allan station - 150 years
old?' In addition to the ups and downs of the station, the
effect of the station on the village will be explored. As
always, all are welcome at our meetings which start at
7.30pm and conclude with a glass or wine or soft drink.
In January, we had Simon Oldham and Morven Mands
explaining how 'Highland Spring' has grown to become a
major Brand known to everyone. In addition they informed
us how Highland Spring ensures the environment from
where the water is collected is kept 'pure'. They also
brought us up to date with their plans to develop railway
sidings at Blackford so most of their products will be
transported by trains.
In February, Niall Logan gave us a presentation on decoy
sites used during the second world war to avert enemy
bombers from their intended targets, paying particular
emphasis on those in the west of Scotland. He showed
drawings of the installations and pictures of the remains of
some of the sites, which can be seen today - if you know
where to look. He also explored their effectiveness in
protecting industrial and heavily populated areas.
Bill Young
P A G E 8 | B R I D G E O F A L L A N P A R I S H C H U R C H M A G A Z I N E
FRIENDS OF
ABBEYFIELD PARK
We would welcome two or three friends to join our existing
team.
We work to improve the quality of life for the elderly
residents in the house. Our work centres around our once
weekly Friday Coffee Morning in the House, but, also includes
other events/activities and types of support to residents,
most of which are in the daytime.
All friends can pick and choose what they wish to be involved
with, or indeed can propose or lead new initiatives or
activities.
For more information, contact Church Office on 834155

RETIRED AND SENIOR
VOLUNTEER
PROGRAMME
A new RSVP walk may commence on a weekly basis on
Thursdays from 5 April 2018, starting and finishing at
Strathallan Court (Bield Housing, Cornton Road).
It would be up to one hour commencing at 10.30am and
tea/coffee will be provided in the lounge in Strathallan
Court afterwards.
We hope to attract residents and local people, but it can
only happen with additional Walk Leaders.
No experience is needed, but there will be a short training
session provided by Disclosure Scotland.
I will be the front Walk Leader initially.
Please pass this on to anyone you know who might be
interested.
For further information please contact
Alison Archibald - 834155
P A G E 9 | B R I D G E O F A L L A N P A R I S H C H U R C H M A G A Z I N E
THURSDAY NIGHT
GROUP
We held our first meeting of 2018 on 18 January when
Eleanor Young was our guest speaker. She gave a most
interesting talk on the 1000 years history of Logie Kirk.
Eleanor and her team are responsible for the restoration of
the old cemetery and have done amazing work on the
buildings and gravestones. The fund raising is ongoing for
future plans, and guides are available for visitors on Sunday
afternoons during the summer months.
On 1 February, Amy Thomson paid a return visit and gave an illustrated talk on her visit to Iceland
two years ago. Her photographs were spectacular and we learned a lot about this beautiful country
from lifestyle to exorbitant prices and she was fortunate enough to witness the Aurora Borealis
three times. Our session is due to end in March, having passed so quickly.
Please join us for our March meetings, as follows -
1 March - Sunlite Community Cafe at the Cowane Centre. Shelley Batty
15 March - The "Angels Share" Glass story - Karen Somerville
29 March - Springtime Meal - Still to be arranged at time of publication
Meetings are held in the Session Room where, as always, a warm welcome awaits.
Mary Gairns

P A G E 1 0 | B R I D G E O F A L L A N P A R I S H
C H U R C H M A G A Z I N E
YOUTH GROUP
Friday, 2 March - Youth Group (P5-7) Chalmers Suite
7.00-8.30pm
The youth group will have lots of fun learning about
Easter. There will be a variety of crafts and games to
help the children explore why Christians celebrate
Easter.
The youth group run the first Friday of every month,
unless it is a school holiday when other activities are
planned. All children in P5-P7 are welcome to come
along and consent forms are available in the church
office or from Lynda
Friday, 9 March - Hear & Now group (S2+) Chalmers
Suite 7.00-8.30pm
As a teenager it is sometime difficult to hear God's
voice when the world seems so noisy. Hear and Now
is a peer group where young people meet for dinner
and have the opportunity to safely discuss issues
relevant or important to them. The meetings are very
informal and often address some of the difficult
questions in life. This month we will be looking
more at the Sacrament of Holy Communion as well as
deciding on which charity the group will be
supporting this year. Each month the young people
choose what we will have for dinner and we ask that
the young people put a £2 donation towards the cost
of the meal.
As a rule, the Hear and Now group meet on the
second Friday of the month, however there are many
youth events coming up so would all members please
ensure Lynda has an up-to-date email address for you
so that you can receive all the relevant information.
FYI: we have been invited by another CoS youth
group on Friday, 13 April to a quiz night. Some of
their young people are going to South Africa later
this year to help build a house and this is a
fundraiser for their overseas mission. It sounds as if
it will be a great evening so please mark the date in
your diary.
On Friday, 27 April we will be taking a group of S1+
young people to Powerpoint in Edinburgh.
Powerpoint is a great opportunity for young people
from all church denominations to gather together to
worship and learn about Jesus. There is more
information on this in the youth space.

P A G E 1 1 | B R I D G E O F A L L A N P A R I S H
C H U R C H M A G A Z I N E
YOUTH GROUP
Friday, 30 March - Afternoon Community
Easter Hunt. (Weather Permitting)
The Easter Bunny has got lost in the Village.
Come along and follow the clues to find the
Easter Bunny and his stash of chocolate!
This is a free event and all are welcome to
take part. Please not that all children must
be accompanied by an adult for this event.
As this is an outdoor event please dress
appropriately for the weather conditions.
Please see Posters in the Church for more
details nearer the time.
Easter Morning
Between the 9.00am and the 11.00am Services,
there will be a range of family friendly Easter crafts
available in the Chalmers Hall. Children are
encouraged to sit with their families until they have
finished their breakfast and then come over to the
activity area. At the young people's request, the
Easter Bonnet Parade around the church is set to be
an annual occurrence. Children will have the
opportunity to make a bonnet after the Easter
Morning Breakfast which they can show off to the
congregation at the 11.00am service. We only have
child sized bonnets but, as always, adults are
welcome to join in.
If you have a hat that you'd like to decorate please
bring it along to the Easter Morning Breakfast or
decorate it at home and bring it to the service.
Everyone who enters the Easter Bonnet Parade will
receive a little Easter treat.
FRIDAY, 6 April - Fun & Games for Everyone!
Chalmers Hall 7.00pm
A fun filled evening of board games for everyone.
Entry is 50p and includes juice/tea/coffee. We will
have all the classic games such as dominoes,
monopoly, snakes and ladders, draughts, and good
old "SNAP". We will also have some of the more
contemporary games such as Rapidough, Jenga, and
Guess Who?
The Games Night is a great opportunity for the
younger and older members of our church community
to come together and have some fun and get to know
each other better. Many of the younger generation
have had little opportunity to experience the joy of
playing board games and the social interactions that
accompanies such activities so please come along
and help create an evening of good, traditional fun.
Please not that all children must be accompanied by
an adult for this event.

P A G E 1 2 | B R I D G E O F A L L A N P A R I S H
C H U R C H M A G A Z I N E
YOUTH GROUP
Helpers
As a church, we are fortunate to have a core group
of young people in our family. We do lots of
different activities to help them feel part of the
church and to help them learn about the Christian
faith. None of these activities would be possible
without the volunteers who come along to support
the young people. Most of the young people enjoy
sitting down and having a blether, some like to
bake, some like to draw, some like to knit, some
enjoy playing scrabble or doing word searches,
while others enjoy more active sporty games. The
interest of our young people range greatly which
is why we need a range of volunteers to support
them. If you can give up 90 minutes of your time,
either as a one off or once every two-three months
then please speak to me. Even if you are not sure
but fancy popping in sometime to meet the young
people I am sure they would be delighted to meet
you.
Kindest Wishes,
Lynda
STIRLING INTERFAITH COMMUNITY
JUSTICE GROUP
Coffee Morning
(in support of Family Help Hub at
HMP/YOI Cornton Vale and HMP Glenochil)
Saturday, 24 March - 10.00am-noon
Chalmers Hall
£3.00

JESUS IS THE
MESSIAH, THE
SON OF GOD,
AND THAT
BELIEVING IN
HIM YOU MAY
HAVE LIFE IN
HIS NAME
JOHN 20:31

P A G E 1 3 | B R I D G E O F A L L A N P A R I S H
C H U R C H M A G A Z I N E
CONGREGATIONAL
REGISTER
Baptisms:
4 February - Oliver James Mackie
Funerals:
18 January - Miss Lilias McDonald
24 January - Mrs Olive Orchard
14 February - Mrs Clementine Minto
DATES FOR THE DIARY
THURSDAY 1ST & 15TH MARCH THURSDAY NIGHT GROUP 7:45PM
FRIDAY 2ND MARCH
SUNDAY 4TH MARCH
MONDAY 5TH MARCH &
23RD APRIL
TUESDAY 6TH & 20TH MARCH
WEDNESDAYS DURING LENT
THURSDAY 8TH MARCH
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE
AROUND THE TABLE COMMUNION SERVICE
BOOK GROUP
GUILD
LENT STUDY - ST. SAVIOUR'S
MEN'S SPEAKER GROUP
10:30AM
6:30PM
7:30PM
7:30PM
7:30PM
7:30PM
SUNDAY 11TH MARCH
SUNDAY 18TH MARCH
WEDNESDAY 28TH MARCH
SATURDAY 7TH APRIL
SUNDAY 15TH APRIL
COMMUNION
COMMUNION SERVICE AT
STRATHALLAN COURT
BRIDGE OF ALLAN PRIMARY SCHOOL
EASTER SERVICE
GUILD DAFFODIL TEA
SERVICE AT STRATHALLAN COURT
SERVICE AT ABBEYFEILD
11AM & 6:30PM
2:00PM
7:45PM
2:00PM
2:00PM
3:00PM
MONDAY 16TH APRIL MAY/JUNE MAGAZINE DEADLINE -
SUNDAY 29TH APRIL
MAY/JUNE MAGAZINE AVAILABLE -
WEEKLY EVENTS
SUNDAYS
COFFEE FELLOWSHIP
12:00PM
THURSDAYS
STREETS AHEAD COFFEE MORNING
10:00AM

Minister - Rev. Dan Harper
dharper@churchofscotland.org.uk
01786 832753
Church Office - Cathrine Morton
office@bridgeofallanparishcurch.org.uk
01786 834155
www.bridgeofallanparishchurch.org.uk
Bridge of Allan Parish Church
BRIDGE OF ALLAN PARISH CHURCH - SCO15171