Members' Centres and
Friends' Groups
STIRLING MEMBERS' CENTRE
NEWSLETTER, MARCH 2012
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Dear Members
In this, my first report as your new Chairman, may I extend a belated seasons greetings and my wish for a Happy and Healthy New Year to you all.
The AGM in October heralded the start of a season of great change. Firstly a complete change of office bearers, with myself taking over the Chair, Sandy and Margaret Moreland taking over the composite Secretary duties, Robert Jackson taking over as Treasurer and two other new faces on the committee in Kate Luke and Neil Pollock. In addition we retain the services of Gill, my wife, and former office bearers Bob McKean, Jack Sutherland and Donald Way. Bob, Jack and Donald have agreed to stand for a further year as committee members to assist in a smooth transfer of the reins. with Jack occupying the Vice Chairman role. My thanks to them for that and for all those many years of service given in their Office Bearer roles. Donald 29 years, Jack 18 years and Bob 10 years, quite remarkable! In addition, Neil has agreed to stand by to continue Stanley Rennie's good work when he decides to retire. However, I have to remind you that at the end of this season it is the intention of Donald, Jack and Bob to stand down, and, therefore, more members are asked to come forward to fill those places on committee. The Constitution allows for 'up to seven in addition to the office bearers' on the committee, so please try to fill those gaps. It is very important to be well represented particularly when arranging speakers, outings or holidays. Not necessarily to nominate candidates or venues, but to discuss our varied interests in those proposed, thereby producing a more balanced view, representative of a wider number of members.
Further changes involve the complete revamp of the Bannockburn Heritage site which involves the complete closure of facilities and site. We all knew it was coming, as was illustrated by the excellent talk given by Scott McMaster, the Manager, following our AGM. However, things became more urgent when, on leaving the premises after the December meeting, we became aware, during casual conversation with staff, that the centre would be closing in October, 2012. This would mean a change of venue for our winter talks, arrangements for which are already under way. Over the Christmas period I received a letter from the Project Manager, which included information of the intention to start work involving that area currently used as a Car Park in May. This, therefore, highlighted the need to relocate the pickup point for this years summer outings, which have already been arranged. After his return to work, on 9th January, I contacted Scott and he was able to confirm, it was hoped that work on the project would commence in May 2012, and also that the Centre was due to close on 31st October 2012. He also informed me that work on the Centre was due to be completed by 31st December, 2013, and that changes of venue for the interim period would be advisable.
Your committee has not been slow to react to these problems, and it has been arranged for us to use the parking area adjacent to PC World, Springkerse, for the purposes of a "Pick Up" and "Set Down" area to start off and finish our Summer outings. It will provide a safe area for parking and moving between our cars and the coach, with no major roads to cross before and after our trips. In addition we shall continue to have a secondary pick up point at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum. For the purposes of our evening meetings, through the winter, we have decided to hire the Lecture Theatre at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum. This will enable us to adopt the same format as we have become used to, with a glass of wine and nibbles at the conclusion of business. For this purpose we shall arrange afternoon meetings throughout the winter. These arrangements will continue for the duration of the work on the Bannockburn site. Upon completion of the Bannockburn project we shall be welcomed back to the Centre, where, I am assured by Scott, we shall be very pleased with the transformation.
With regard to the new Heritage Centre I have asked Scott McMaster for a "Shopping List" of additional requirements to the completion of the project. Preferably some substantial and individual item which which we could all, as members of the Stirling Members Centre, view with pride whenever visiting with friends or associates.
In closing, I wish you all an enjoyable season and great interest in those outings chosen for you by your committee. If you experience any problem or perceive any fault do not hesitate to let me know, and I shall endeavour to rectify matters.
Regards
Jack McGregor.
Chairman.
OBITUARY
We have been informed of the deaths of the following members.
Dr Moira B Campbell
Dr Campbell was a founder member of the Centre who contributed greatly to its development over many years.
Mrs Olive Hinderwell
Mrs Hinderwell was a very long standing member of the Centre from the very early years.
Mr Leslie Turner and Mrs Steffi McInnes
Mr Turner and Mrs McInnes have been very generous supporters of the Centre.
We would like to offer their family and friends our deep and sincere sympathy on their sad loss.
Treasurer/Membership Secretary Report
Current membership stands at 211 members.
In February a donation of £1,290.00 was made to Bannockburn Heritage centre to purchase specialist armour equipment for the Visitor Centre ready for the new season.
Members who have not paid this year's subscription (September 2011) are reminded that they are now overdue.
If you have a query regarding your payment status please contact Robert Jackson.
Summer Outings 2012
All outings start from Springkerse Retail Park (PC World) calling at the Smith Art Gallery.
- Wednesday 18th April 2012
- Glasgow Riverside Museum of Transport
Depart 10.00am - Return 4.00pm approx - Tuesday 8th May 2012
- Largs, Kelburn Castle and Country Centre
Depart 09.15am - Return 5.00pm approx - Thursday 7th June 2012
- "Oliver" at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
Depart 11.15am - Return 7.00pm approx.
Further tickets may be available - Contact Sandy Moreland - Wednesday 11th July 2012
- Culzean Castle
Depart 09.00am - Return 6.00pm approx. - Thursday 16th August 2012
- Floors Castle
Depart 09.00am - Return 6.00pm approx. - Wednesday 12th September 2012
- House of Dun
Depart 09.00am - Return 6.00pm approx.