The Falkirk Herald (Falkirk, Scotland) back issues from April 2008:
KemFine calls time on social club.
Apr 03, 2008 ... A MAJOR chemical manufacturer is forcing scores of sports and recreation clubs to look for somewhere else to play. The Earls Gate Social Club, formerly the ICI Club, will be closing its doors for good in a matter of months. It is the current base of Syngenta Juvenile ...
Homelessness is on the increase.
Apr 03, 2008 ... A FIVE-year plan to tackle homeless- ness has been revealed. The blueprint takes a critical look at what has been done in the past - and what has to be done now and in the future to deliver a better deal for homeless people. It is aimed at not simply providing people ...
It's a nursery crime.
Apr 03, 2008 ... A GRANDAD is leading a campaign to save his grandson's nursery from the axe. John Robertson takes his daughter's four-year-old son Alan to Glenfair in Camelon five days a week. But the nursery, praised by inspectors as a "high performer" is under threat from Falkirk ...
Catriona and the waves!
Apr 03, 2008 ... MOUNTAINS and midgies will not keep Catriona from the waves as she prepares to set sail to raise funds for a cancer charity. Nurse Catriona Quirk (32) will experience all the hardships land can throw at her when she walks the West Highland Way - then she will brave the wind and ...
Lessons learned in ambitious project.
Apr 03, 2008 ... PUPILS in all schools will benefit from lessons learned in a [pounds sterling]22 million project. One of the secondaries which will be passing on tips on how to improve is Braes High School. In 2005 it was one of the first to be selected for the ''Schools of ...
U-21 booze ban saluted.
Apr 03, 2008 ... DRINKERS under the age of 21 are in for a shock. Central Scotland Police have launched a six month campaign aiming to tackle the escalating problem of underage drinking. The 'Stop the Supply' voluntary scheme is being piloted in Larbert and Stenhousemuir ...
The joy of six.
Apr 03, 2008 ... WHEN the plug was pulled on Mike Lennon's dream of owning a Gibson Les Paul he took matters into his own hands. A spray painter to trade, 39-year-old Mike desperately wanted to own and play rock's classic instrument since he began playing guitar at the age of 12. He ...
We're the proudest grandmas in Grangemouth.
Apr 03, 2008 ... ISABELLA Baldi and Cecelia Russell were easily the proudest grandmothers in Grangemouth on Saturday night. Their only grand-daughter Ashley Russell won through to the next round of BBC1's I'd Do Anything programme, which is searching for a girl to star as Nancy in the West End. ...
Ex-soccer star Jim toasts pub retiral.
Apr 03, 2008 ... A VETERAN footballer turned publican is set to enjoy life on the other side of the bar when he retires after 36 years of pulling pints. Jim Scott's successful football career spanned both sides of the border and saw him notch up Newcastle United's first ever goal in Europe ? ...
Bus-ted!
Apr 03, 2008 ... BUS bosses have been hit with a whopping fine after passengers complained about poor service. First Scotland East, which operates buses throughout Forth Valley and Edinburgh, was ordered to stump up [pounds sterling]131,750 in penalties by Scotland's Traffic Commissioner. ...
Fury eye up the double.
Apr 03, 2008 ... FURY'S cadet men erased their Scottish Cup final loss to St Mirren from their memories as they took the National League title for the second season in a row. The Falkirk side travelled to Paisley knowing that, while mathematically they had already won the league, they wanted to ...
It's all go for Shand.
Apr 03, 2008 ... STENHOUSEMUIR'S Scott Shand will be marking his 10th anniversary as a motorbike racer by entering the opening round of the Shark/Pirelli 600cc Production Series at Knockhill Circuit this Sunday. Riding the number five SDS Racing Yamaha YZF-R6, Shand will be hoping to continue ...
Everyone a winner at annual sports awards.
Apr 03, 2008 ... LOCAL, national and European sports champions - even one on top of the world was present. An abundance of talent, in the form of individuals, groups, clubs and teams, gathered last Thursday evening for a glittering prize ceremony. But this was not the BBC Sports ...
Within reach.
Apr 03, 2008 ... DESPITE Falkirk's meteoric rise up the leagues during the past five seasons, this was still a magnificent victory. When all is said and done, to beat a club with the pedigree and stature of Langholm by such a margin is a fantastic achievement. Even to compete with the ...
Stags buck the trend with vital win.
Apr 03, 2008 ... WITH the threat of relegation in their minds, the bottom two teams in National Division Two knew this match was a 'must win' for both. But it was Grangemouth that looked the more focussed and determined from the outset. Accurate kicking from number 10 Johnny Campbell ...
A sign of things to come.
Apr 03, 2008 ... FALKIRK Otter ASC member Kieran McGuckin has broken a 12-year-old record that was originally set by Gregor Tait. The St Mungo's High School pupil set a new 100m backstroke West District time at the Scottish Open Championships in January. And it could be a sign of big ...
Coughlin's praying for some divine intervention.
Apr 03, 2008 ... JOHN COUGHLIN is hoping for a miracle. Although arithmetically still possible, the likelihood of Stenhousemuir securing a play-off spot has now significantly diminished. Realistically, the Warriors boss knew that his team needed three points against Montrose to keep ...
Who cares who scores?
Apr 03, 2008 ... IF Shire's defenders score the goals that take the team off the bottom of the Third Division then Jim McInally, for one, won't be complaining. The Firs Park faithful may be consumed by debate about the effectiveness of Andy Rodgers as a striker, not to mention the disappearance ...
It's a late, late show for the Mariners.
Apr 03, 2008 ... THIS was the only East Superleague fixture to be played last weekend and leaders Camelon took full advantage by opening up a four-point gap at the top of the table. Mind you, it took two late goals to earn the Mariners all three points against a Glenrothes side that finished ...
Falkirk Cup is a huge success.
Apr 03, 2008 ... NO less than 42 local teams played in the inaugural Falkirk Cup over the Easter weekend. Held at Little Kerse, Grangemouth, children from under-nines to 14s took part in the two-day event organised by Falkirk in the Community. "It really was brilliant, with just under ...
Firs park opens gates for FREE.
Apr 03, 2008 ... EAST STIRLINGSHIRE will throw open the gates of Firs Park this weekend in a bid to get as much support as they can muster for their vital match against Elgin City. The club is paying for everyone - home and away fans - as well as interested neutrals, to get into the match ...
Evidence suggests hopes are over.
Apr 03, 2008 ... STENHOUSEMUIR's defeat at Montrose last weekend virtually killed of their play-off hopes. And when manager John Coughlin spoke to Heraldsport this week he was in no mood to disagree. "As long as we have a chance we will keep on trying," he said. "We would ...
All systems are go!
Apr 03, 2008 ... EVERYTHING is already in place for Falkirk's crucial top six decider with Aberdeen on Monday. Everything, that is, except what system to play against their fellow contenders for a place in the upper echelons of the SPL. The squad have been firing on all cylinders at ...
All to play for!
Apr 03, 2008 ... GET out your calculators and start doing the arithmetic. By 4.45 p.m. this Saturday Hearts' encounter with Kilmarnock, at Rugby Park, will have been concluded and Falkirk will know exactly what they have to do to claim a top six finish. Simply put? If the Edinburgh ...
Bairns miss out on top six finish.
Apr 07, 2008 ... ABERDEEN broke fighting Falkirk's hearts when they snatched a goal eight minutes from time to deny the Bairns the last top six place in the SPL. Falkirk only needed a draw to secure the coveted spot - but Chris Maguire pounced on Sone Aluko's low pass to squeeze the ball home ...
Revised planning blueprint wins approval.
Apr 10, 2008 ... THE building 'blueprint' that will shape the face of Falkirk in the next decade has been approved by councillors. The environment and heritage committee agreed to support the Falkirk Council Local Plan at the end of a two-hour meeting yesterday (Wednesday). But the ...
The baw's burst!
Apr 10, 2008 ... PLANS for a multi-million-pound sports academy in Falkirk have been scrapped. It's another blow for sport in the area in a week which also saw Falkirk FC being denied a spot in the top six of the SPL and young footballers from Syngenta fearing for their future. The ...
Club's future in doubt.
Apr 10, 2008 ... SYNGENTA Juveniles will be left high, dry and homeless at the end of this season. The club, which has been in existence in one form or another for half a century, may be finished for good if it cannot find a place to play soon. More than 200 talented youngsters could ...
Dancer Anthea wins over judges down under.
Apr 10, 2008 ... A YOUNG highland dancer has the world at her talented feet after bringing home a haul of medals and awards from Oz. Grangemouth girl Anthea Bundy (12), who just returned from a three-week trip to Australia with mum Selena, recently competed in the Champion of Champions event and ...
She's done us proud again.
Apr 10, 2008 ... OUR girl did it again! Falkirk's Bairn Ashley Russell, pictured, sailed into the final 10 of BBC1's 'I'd Do Anything' with a stunning performance of Duffy's 'Mercy' on Saturday night. The former Grangemouth High pupil received glowing praise from the show's judges. ...
School vows to improve.
Apr 10, 2008 ... A MAJOR shake-up at a Falkirk school has been ordered after a shock report on its performance. Victoria Primary was criticised by HM Inspectors for failing pupils in key areas. Now it has been told to improve: - The quality of the curriculum. - ...
Alarm bells are ringing.
Apr 10, 2008 ... CAMPAIGNERS have launched a bid to stop the native bluebell vanishing from Scotland. The popular plant is under threat due to interbreeding with foreign species and the disappearance of its preferred habitat. To stem the decline, the Central Scotland Forest Trust ...
Safety call as PO reprieved.
Apr 10, 2008 ... Residents are to have their post office services restored in one area of Falkirk. But although the news has been welcomed, a councillor has raised road safety fears over where the branch will be situated. Bainsford Post Office in Carron Road closed in January ...
Time to re-think nursery closures.
Apr 10, 2008 ... PRESSURE is growing on Falkirk Council to re-think its controversial nursery closure programme. There were calls this week for more public meetings to be held in every area under threat - with local councillors and community groups as well as parents and carers having their say ....
Their eyes opened to blindness problems.
Apr 10, 2008 ... TWO councillors saw Falkirk town centre in a whole new light this week - without using their eyes. Provost Pat Reid and Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn took a 'blindfolded challenge' on Thursday to find out what life's like for people with visual problems. Provost Reid ...
History lesson.
Apr 10, 2008 ... A LOCAL primary school stepped back in time to celebrate its centenary. Pupils, teachers and parents at Airth Primary gathered last week to look back in time at the development of the school over the last 100 years. The primary hosted a multitude of events to mark ...
Wheel tyre you out.
Apr 10, 2008 ... The staff at National Tyres, Beancross Road, Grangemouth, are pumped up and ready to meet the guests at their recent charity ladies' night. The evening, a fun-packed awareness-raising event for road safety and health ...
Fury topple Kings.
Apr 10, 2008 ... FURY men had a storming first half performance at the Mariner Centre last weekend against already crowned league champions the Edinburgh Kings. With a 48-29 scoreline at the break they completely dominated the capital side at both ends of the floor. With centre Marek ...
One win from glory.
Apr 10, 2008 ... FALKIRK RFC have one hand firmly on the National League Division One championship trophy. A 33-0 defeat of Annan at Sunnyside last Saturday left the table toppers just a single victory away from the silverware. And a win, again at home, this weekend against Edinburgh ...
Vics star aims for 2014.
Apr 10, 2008 ... FALKIRK Victoria Harrier runner Kirsty Hunter has set her sights on the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games after being given a helping hand by double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes. Hunter's once-in-a-lifetime experience came after being selected ahead of up-and-coming ...
SDS Racing frozen out at Knockhill.
Apr 10, 2008 ... STENHOUSEMUIR motorcycle racing team SDS Racing didn't have the best of weekends at the opening round of the 2008 Shark Helmets/Pirelli Tyres 600cc Scottish Production Series at Knockhill. Intermittent hail and freezing temperatures contributed to a nasty crash for rider Scott ...
A sense of injustice as play-offs dream ends.
Apr 10, 2008 ... STENHOUSEMUIR'S slim chances of a play-off spot this season ended at Stair Park last Saturday. But that was down, in no small part, to referee Alan Muir according to Warriors boss John Coughlin. His team fully controlled proceedings and took a first half lead through ...
Mariners scrape through in East of Scotland Cup.
Apr 10, 2008 ... TWENTY ONE league places separate Superleague leaders Camelon from Armadale Thistle - a side battling against relegation from the East Premier League. But, on a day when the Mariners' title hopes were given a boost by Bonyrigg's 2-1 win over Lochee United, it took a last-minute ...
How could it get this bad?
Apr 10, 2008 ... ONE question has been nagging away at the back of Jim McInally's mind almost since he took over the coaching reins at Firs Park ... how could it have got as bad as this? His disbelief that a team like Shire could ever get themselves into the mess they are in has grown with each ...
The future's bright for Kayleigh.
Apr 10, 2008 ... TWO footballers from West Lothian who both have very bright futures ahead of them came face to face at The Falkirk Stadium last week. Bairns star Scott Arfield, who was this week shortlisted for the SPFA Young Player of the Year award, welcomed new signing Kayleigh McConnell to ...
Gutted.
Apr 10, 2008 ... THEIR faces told the whole story. When the final whistle blew at Pittodrie Stadium, Falkirk's dejection was plain to see. Disappointed? Try gutted, utterly sickened, that their dream of a top six finish had been cruelly snatched away by Aberdeen with just eight minutes ...
Pride and contracts still at stake.
Apr 10, 2008 ... STENHOUSEMUIR'S hopes of extending the season with a play-off place finally bit the dust at Stair Park last week when they were controversially beaten 3-1 by Stranraer. However, John Coughlin is to be congratulated for keeping interest alive until the final three games after ...
Mixed emotions for skipper Brand.
Apr 10, 2008 ... IF WE finish bottom, then we will only have ourselves to blame. That's the view of East Stirlingshire captain Andrew Brand in what has been a mixed week for the player. On the one hand, the 24-year-old was named as one of four nominees for the SPFA Third Division Player of the ...
Credit where it's due.
Apr 10, 2008 ... WHEN the dust has settled and the pain has subsided a little, Falkirk need to take a long, hard look at themselves. For failing to make it into the top six this season? No way. Rather for being in the remarkable position of having that opportunity in the first place. ...
Grangemouth 'a terror target'.
Apr 14, 2008 ... GRANGEMOUTH oil refinery has been revealed as a possible target for liquid bomb terrorists. It has emerged that eight men, currently on trial at Woolwich Crown Court for plotting to blow up transatlantic jets, also had detailed information on the local plant, which employs more ...
Rugby club's five-star performance.
Apr 15, 2008 ... FIVE seasons, five different National Leagues, FIVE championship titles. Falkirk RFC made a little bit of history last weekend by becoming the first rugby club in Scotland to have ever achieved that incredible statistic. From their lowly standings in National Five in ...
Ethel Austin stores' fate hangs in balance.
Apr 16, 2008 ... THE future of two local clothes stores is now uncertain after administrators moved in this week. Ethel Austin, which has branches in Grangemouth and Carron Village, has gone into administration after experiencing financial difficulties. Manchester-based administrator ...
Town centre parking charges are cut.
Apr 17, 2008 ... TOWN centre workers and shoppers will enjoy cheaper car parking. Falkirk Council is slashing the cost of leaving vehicles in two of the main parking areas from Monday. Charges at Meeks Road and Kemper Avenue will be halved. The new cost will be: ...
Strikes loom after pay deal is rejected.
Apr 17, 2008 ... FALKIRK district is bracing itself for a summer of discontent after angry trades union bosses representing thousands of council workers rejected a pay offer. The prospect of an all-out strike which would cripple services and hit everybody from the young to the old cannot be ...
Last minute bid to ward off Ineos strike.
Apr 17, 2008 ... UNION bosses are set to enter into last-ditch talks today (Thursday) in an effort to avert strikes at Ineos. Members of Unite are overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action in response to the company's pension deal - despite warnings from management that any strikes ...
Another one bites the dust.
Apr 17, 2008 ... THE REGENERATION of a local town centre has reached another landmark. The latest stage of the [pounds sterling]15 million upgrade to Stenhousemuir has seen the demolition of old shop units and maisonette flats in King Street. This will make room for more retail ...
Get yourself armed for fitter life.
Apr 17, 2008 ... STAYING fit and healthy is a priority for most people. However, finding the time in a busy schedule to look after yourself is difficult. Next week, a whole host of health and wellbeing advice will be available right on your doorstep at The Mall Howgate. ...
Healthy respect for staff.
Apr 17, 2008 ... MOVES to give NHS staff more protection from abusive patients were welcomed this week. Michael Matheson, MSP for Falkirk West, says the Scottish Government's enhancement of laws aimed at covering emergency workers will go even further to defend hard-pressed staff. ...
Blood donor dog Zak saves spaniel.
Apr 17, 2008 ... POLICE dog Zak changed from criminal catcher to lifesaver ... all thanks to a blood donation. The four-year-old German Shepherd came to the rescue when a sick cocker spaniel desperately needed blood if it was to survive. Vets at Broadleys animal hospital in Stirling ...
Work starts on new bedroom for Lewis.
Apr 17, 2008 ... WORK has started on a vital house conversion to help make a youngster's life as comfortable and safe as possible. Torwood School pupil Lewis Broadley (10) was diagnosed with a rare terminal condition known as Mucopolysaccharidosis III - or Sanfilippo Disease - at the tender age ...
Daughter was treated like a criminal - for dropping litter.
Apr 17, 2008 ... A MUM says her teenage daughter felt intimidated by litter wardens, who spotted her dropping a piece of plastic wrapping. S6 pupil Laurina Keeble (17) was returning to Graeme High from a trip to Tesco for her lunch with a friend when she was approached by two Falkirk ...
End of the eyesore!
Apr 17, 2008 ... SUPERSTORE giants Tesco have moved a major step closer to opening in Camelon. Its bid for a supermarket to be included in the Local Plan as part of any redevelopment of Glasgow Road has the backing of the council. The Labour-led administration forced a change to the ...
Friends aim high to say thanks.
Apr 17, 2008 ... BEST friends Louise Fisher and Gwen MacMurray hope to conquer their fear of heights to raise charity cash. The brave pair also want to raise awareness through their planned abseil of the life-threatening medical conditions and treatment they've had. Last October, ...
Peter part of the human league.
Apr 17, 2008 ... WITH the wedding season about to begin in earnest, engaged couples have a new choice when deciding what kind of ceremony to have. Humanist weddings were made legal three years ago, but Falkirk district now has its own celebrant to carry out weddings in the local area. ...
Ashley amazed by last-nine TV place.
Apr 17, 2008 ... ASHLEY Russell proved she was a real winner when she won a place in the final nine Nancys. The 24-year-old from Grangemouth wowed the judges with her stunning performance of 'The Winner Takes It All' from Mamma Mia on BBC1's I'd Do Anything. Speaking exclusively to ...