Opinion

Eighty years ago the world was on the brink of a war which would destroy the lives of thousands of brave men and women and rob families of the futures they had dreamed of having.

A new life form entered the Trimble household last week and it has already got all four paws under the table.

What do you want to be when you grow up is a question that we’re all guilty of asking youngsters.

AN idea to organise an American adventure eight years ago saw a group of 23 enjoy nearly four weeks in the USA this summer.

I’m happy to relate good news stories and one such passed across my desk this week.

Are disabled people represented in the media?

Summer is here but there is no guarantee the sun will be shining.

This Saturday the Free Colliers will once again march through the streets of the Braes villages just as their forefathers have done since the brotherhood was formed over 150 years ago.

This Saturday the Free Colliers will once again march through the streets of the Braes villages just as their forefathers have done since the brotherhood was formed over 150 years ago.

What an unbelievable few weeks: Firstly I received the news that my recent CT scan result is stable.

On Tuesday of this week I was in the fabulous Hippodrome Cinema in Bo’ness but not this time to watch the stars of the silver screen.

Last week I was busy telling you about how clearing out my attic and cupboards was therapeutic ... but this week I’m not so sure!

In light of recent events I would like to tell you a story about an Englishman and a Scotsman.

Call me sad but I’m not sure if there is anything more satisfying than clearing out some cupboards and making a trip to one of the district’s amenity tips!

This is rather a delicate question but here goes ... how often do you wash your, well delicate items?

A community’s appeal for help was answered by a band of green fingered Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

I am indebted to the skipper of 7th Falkirk (Baptist Church), Jim McLean for updating me on proceedings at the annual Mid Scottish District Parade of Queensmen, hailing from Arbroath, down through Dundee and Fife to our own Falkirk & District Battalion.
Of the 40 or so on parade there were around 20 from our battalion, including those from 1st and 7th Falkirk, 1st Haggs, 1st and 2nd Polmont, 2nd and 5th Larbert . Many of the boys already had their badges and this parade allowed them to wear them with priden. Many I have mentioned when their names were passed to me at closing company events. However, can I mention Ben Malcolm from 7th Falkirk who was the only Queensman from his company to gain the award in this their centenary year. Accompanied by a guard of honour and led by a pipe band the Queensmen paraded on the afternoon of Sunday, June 9, to St Margaret’s Church, Glenrothes, where their certificates were presented before parents and friends by the Lord Lieutenant of Fife. Following a march-past, those assembled repaired to the ground of Glenrothes Football Club where a civic reception was laid on. A day for those attending to remember with pride as a conclusion of years of work. Mr McLean also informs me that following being authorised nationally and very ‘‘up to the minute’’ in terms of ‘‘equality’’, 7th Falkirk now have been registered as a company also having a BB Girls’ Association. This summer’s camp for this company will be at Craggan Outdoor Centre on Loch Tay from July 8-14. There they will be able to enjoy activities such as kayaking and hill walking along with the other attraction provided there by The Edinburgh and Leith Battalion who own the facility.

Exactly 80 years ago the new Central Scotland Aerodrome in Grangemouth was opened by Air Marshall Viscount Trenchard, the ‘‘Father of the Royal Air Force’’.