Bees, BBs, Sinatra and a golf walk – there’s plenty to do in and around Kirkintilloch

BB members have a ball...

STRATHKELVIN Battalion Senior Boys’ Brigade were on target recently as they had fun at A1 Paintball in Edinburgh.

It was one of many events in which the boys have participated over the last session. Battalion reps Cameron Gray and Gareth Ramsay are now preparing many new events for the boys this coming September.

The battalion is now starting a new recruitment campaign to increase each company by 10 per cent.

If you would like to join check out the website at http://strathkelvin.boys-brigade.org.uk

Last chance at the Oasis

THURSDAY, June 28, will be your last chance to visit the Oasis Coffee Stop before it takes a break over July and August. Oasis is held in St Columba’s Church on Old Aisle Road, Kirkintilloch, between noon and 2pm.

It is a happy and friendly place for a light lunch, serving baked potatoes, freshly-prepared soup and sandwiches, tea, coffee and home-baking.

Enjoy Sinatra and Big Bands!

DANCERS are being invited to waltz along to a popular event in Bishopbriggs.

The ever-popular Over-60s Dance takes place on Tuesday, June 26, from 2pm--4pm, at Cadder Freestone Social Club, 5 St Mungo Street, Bishopbriggs.

This is your chance to enjoy live music and dancing to the music of the Big Bands, Sinatra, 40s, 50s and country favourites.

Entry is by £2 donation. All proceeds to Marie Curie.

Everyone welcome.

Golf walk will be a tee-rrific day

PEOPLE are being urged to walk from ‘Tee to Tee’ this Sunday (June 24) from 1pm – 3.30pm.

Countryside rangers will be leading the free walk cross-country from Campsie Golf Club in Lennoxtown to Kirkintilloch Golf Club.

You can find out more about the flora, fauna and history of the area as you stroll. There will be a public bus back to the start. Booking essential – call 0141 956 6586.

Mary Poppins inspires display

LENZIE and District Flower Club were awarded a silver medal at the Gardening Scotland show recently for their interpretation of Mary Poppins. The exhibit was undertaken by Wendy Bryson and May Bassy.

The theme was ‘Hooray for Hollywood’.

Time to take the lead, folks!

RESPONSIBLE pet owners are being urged to ‘chip in’ and help to make sure their faithful friends don’t go missing.

Fiona McLeod, MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden, recently met up with the Kennel Club and the Microchipping Alliance to promote the benefits of compulsory microchipping and the importance of keeping database details updated.

Ms McLeod said: “I had my dalmatian, Rona, chipped on her first visit to the vet as a puppy, giving me peace of mind should anything happen to her.”

To find out more information or to get involved, visit www.nationalmicrochippingmonth.org.uk

Safari, so goody at Merkland

A SPECIAL safari is taking place in Kirkintilloch next week.

The Merkland Safari is a free event to celebrate National Insect Week. Countryside rangers will be looking for the wee beasties that live in Merkland Local Nature Reserve.

You are invited to dip in a pond, delve in the long grass and watch the bird boxes to find out what feathered friends are nesting there on Thursday, June 28, from 2pm-3.30pm. Meet in the nature reserve car park off Merkland Drive, Kirkintilloch.

Bee there for fun at Mugdock

AN introduction to the basics of bumblebee ID and ecology will take place at Mugdock Country Park this Saturday, June 23, from 2.30pm-4pm.

‘Bumblebees for Beginners’ is a free event which involves a picture show followed by a walk to spot bees amongst the flowers. There will be a longer indoor talk if the weather is wet. Suitable for over 14 years. Donations to Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Booking essential – call 0141 956 6586.

The following day, at Mugdock, the Junior Nature Club will meet (no parents required).

The event on Sunday takes place between 1.45pm and 4pm and will involve shelter building. Youngsters will be shown how to remove invasive birch from Drumclog Moor and build a shelter.

The countryside ranger-led activity is for eight-12-year-olds. Cost £1. Again, booking essential – call 0141 956 6586.

‘Summer Tree ID’ is the name of an event at Mugdock on Tuesday, June 26, from 7pm-8.30pm.

It’s a free beginners guide which will help you name some of the trees we see every day. Meet at the visitor centre.

Football event

A charity football tournament for all the family is being held in Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld, on Sunday, July 1, in aid of Children’s Hospice Association Scotland and ScotERVS.

Sixteen teams will take part in a knock-out competition.

There will be family entertainment, including a raffle, and hot and cold snacks will be available throughout the day. For more information contact John Bleasdale at [email protected]