Latest news with #Strathcarron
Daily Record
a day ago
- General
- Daily Record
Jewellery designer turning trashed spoons into treasures to raise funds for hospice
Mark Drury, 78, who also volunteers at Strathcarron, was inspired by the BBC programme 'Money for Nothing' - and will be selling his creations at his Stirlingshire studio. A jewellery designer who makes products from old silver spoons will be selling his creations in aid of Strathcarron Hospice as part of Open Studio Stirlingshire June 7-15. Mark Drury, who also volunteers at the hospice, was inspired to fundraise for Strathcarron after wanting to do something for a charity which he felt would impact most on local people's lives. Mark decided to share his story as part of Volunteer Week June 2-8. The 78-year-old started donating money to the hospice from selling his paintings and then decided to create jewellery from old silver spoons after being inspired by the BBC programme 'Money for Nothing', where entrepreneur Sarah Moore saves things from being dumped and transforms them into valuable pieces. Mark, who lives near Doune, said: 'I have always liked silver – it's bright and shiny and I am like a magpie! It is easy and relatively cheap to work with. I could buy a box of cutlery for £45 and create items for sale recycled and sell them for £200 for the hospice. 'People like them because they are handmade, for a charity and silver is very popular at the moment. It is amazing what you can make from something that no one wants anymore!' When Mark retired from his commercial property job aged 54 he says he struggled with the transition to retirement, so decided to go travelling around the world for a few months at a time over seven years. His new experiences across the globe inspired him creatively and he also witnessed the abuse of aid and subsidy in some countries, sparking an interest in how he could help others at a local level in his own area. Aged 61 he enrolled in Glasgow School of Art, followed by Jo Pudelko's Jewellery School in Dunblane. Mark has been making artwork and silver jewellery for seven years with all the proceeds being donated to Strathcarron. Mark said: 'All my life I had worked in a desk job and ran offices dealing with huge commercial property deals. It can be a real problem for men when they retire, to disconnect from the role they have had all their working life. They get the suit, the tie, and the title and they think that is their identity, and then some people struggle when they retire. 'I went back packing all over the world for a few months at a time. I needed the time and space to like myself and find that I had the confidence to try new things and use those skills to help others. Having spent my life behind a desk, I love the tactile side of making things and knowing that it has helped others at the Hospice as a result.' Mark added: 'Two years ago I started volunteering at the hospice after Eileen the Volunteer Co-ordinator had reached out saying the hospice needed people to help. 'I assist the domestic team with duties, serve tea and coffee to patients and their family members and help set up the trollies for lunch. 'When I am there I am no longer Mark Drury the double breasted suit and shiny shoes businesses man – it is a real leveller working at the hospice and I meet a whole range of people. It is extraordinary to find out about the life and experiences they have had – people are really interesting. 'I love the people at Strathcarron and it is an amazingly happy place. The domestic team I work with are absolutely fantastic – we have good fun. They have a great sense of humour! I couldn't have been stuffy or I wouldn't have lasted! It has been a real insight into people, I have learnt a lot. 'Volunteering at the hospice has made me realise it's about enjoying the moment and realising that by helping others you get as much, if not more, than what you give. There is a wonderful feel good factor and sense of self-worth and contribution. 'To know that me bringing my energy into a room can help make a patient's day so much better, that's a nice thing. It is what being human is all about – these connections.' Mark Drury is taking part in Open Studios Stirlingshire in aid of Strathcarron Hospice June 7-14, at this studio at Northland House off the B826, KY16 6AD. For more information visit
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Tractor run organisers share hospice fundraising with special visit
The group behind the popular tractor run through the roads of Stirling were at Strathcarron Hospice to hand over the sum raised - and gave staff and visitors a quick shot on the vehicles. The organisers of a popular tractor run through the streets of rural Stirling were celebrating at the weekend as they handed over a £5,000 fundraising cheque for a local hospice. It was the third such event run in Stirling in memory of well-loved former Arnprior blacksmith Bobby Gunn, with hundreds of classic and modern-day farm vehicles out in a spectactular display. One of the charities supported by this year's tractor run was Strathcarron Hospice - and organisers of the event attended the charity to hand over a cheque for £5,104 raised by various fundraising routes. They even brought along 11 tractors on the day, giving visitors, patients and staff the unique opportunity to look at and even get in the tractors for a test drive. Organiser Robert (Bob) Wilson said: 'My wife and I run the Trossachs Tractor Run twice a year in memory of local blacksmith, Bobby Gunn. 'This year we raised money for Strathcarron Hospice, which is a fantastic local charity. 'We started this event to put a smile on people's faces and it's great to see that everyone that drives their tractors enjoy it, and people at the sides of the road enjoy it too. 'We'd always promised to come up to the hospice, for a wee jaunt with the tractors, so it is great to see everyone.' The tractors then headed for a spin up to Stirling chippy Vincenzo's, who were running a special menu to also raise money for Strathcarron. Melissa Duffy, community fundraiser at Strathcarron Hospice, said: 'Thank you to Bob and everyone behind Trossachs Tractor Run for choosing to support Strathcarron, as well as all who donated at this wonderful and unique event. We really do appreciate all your support.'
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Trek to Everest base camp for Stirling councillor following double hip replacement
Rosemary Fraser is hoping to raise as much money for charity as possible, including for Strathcarron Hospice. Climbing to Everest Base Camp is a 'different level of crazy' says a Stirling councillor — who is about to do just a double hip replacement. Rosemary Fraser admits she may have 'bitten off' more than she can chew with her latest challenge. But she will be spurred on at the thought of raising funds for charity. The SNP councillor for Forth and Endrick ward is taking part in the Tenzing-Hillary Base Camp Marathon on May 29, hoping to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice and for a Dunblane community project. 'I have been an avid supporter of Strathcarron for many years, as I appreciate the reach that the charity has across the Stirling area and understand what a wonderful service it offers people who are at their most vulnerable, as well as the tremendous support it offers to their families and friends. 'Back in the 90s a very close family friend spent her last few weeks in Strathcarron and the staff were outstanding. 'At all times ensuring that our friend was comfortable and in what felt as homely a setting as possible while providing the intense medical care that was necessary. 'Around 10 years ago another good friend was in for a period of time until his family could organise to have him back home for his last few weeks. Again the care was sensitive and calm, providing a safe place for him to be until he could go home. 'So many people have been touched by Strathcarron support over the years and it is such a valuable service that I wanted to see if I could raise a bit of money to go towards it's running costs while on my trip to Nepal.' In addition, having run Weigh Ahead, a community interest company, comprising of a sustainable refill shop and an artists and makers outlet in Dunblane for the last six years, Rosemary is also fundraising for Nepal Evergreen, via The Juniper Trust. The trust raises funds towards planting native species to encourage greater biodiversity in the region in which she will be trekking. 'As the Weigh Ahead shops are now owned for the benefit of the community and with the environment being part of our social purpose this seemed like an appropriate charity to raise funds for,' said Rosemary. She left on her travels this week with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Rosemary will trek, via Goyka Ri at 17,988 feet, to Everest Base Camp, 17,598 feet and then run/walk the Tenzing-Hillary Base Camp Marathon on May 29. 'I'm excited about all aspects of the trip. Experiencing a vastly different culture, the heat of Kathmandu and its hectic and bustling city; the nail biting flight to Lukla Airport, renowned for being one of the most dangerous airports on earth; being lucky enough to trek through picturesque scenery with Everest and the Himalayas as a stunning backdrop; meeting the Nepalese people living in the hills and gaining some insight into their culture. 'There's also the food; finding out if my body can cope with the thinning air as the altitude increases; wondering if my two bionic hips will manage to cope with the varied landscape on race day, meeting my fellow adventurers and hearing their stories and learning about where they are from; staying in the teahouses and lodges enroute. 'Also, having the experience of sleeping at base camp where so many intrepid climbers have slept before venturing up the mountain — and being thoughtful of those who didn't make it down; and having time away from my normal reality. 'There is also a fair amount of trepidation as to whether I've bitten off more than I can chew with this one. 'I have run 10 marathons and two Ultras, but none since my double hip replacement — and this is a different level of crazy. 'I plan to walk most of the uneven and stony sections and run where the path is smoother. 'I had looked at the map of the race and it looked largely downhill — but when I read the smallprint, just last week, realised that there is around 3000 metres of ascent as well as 4900 metres of descent to be done to complete the race. 'That's three full Munros' uphill and five downhill...' In 2013 Rosemary completed the Artemis Quadrathlon at Loch Tay where she climbed seven Munros in one day, as well as swimming over Loch Tay, a seven mile kayak and cycled 34 miles round the loch. In November 2023 she also trekked for some days in the Moroccan Sahara and then climbed Mount Toubkal at 4167 meters (13,671 feet). 'Recently as a training expedition I climbed five Munros at Lochnagar, walking 19 miles and taking 10 hours — so I've done a bit of this type of thing before, but not at nearly 18,000 feet where the air contains only 75 per cent of normal oxygen. 'Will this 57 year old body cope? We will find out soon...' ●To donate to Rosemary's effort visit:
Glasgow Times
04-05-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Birthday event for Strathcarron Hospice's 44th anniversary
More than 150 groups, schools, and businesses took part in the Strathcarron Hospice Big Birthday Tea, which saw multiple fundraising events take place across Cumbernauld, Forth Valley and Kilsyth. Bridge of Allan (Image: Supplied) The fundraiser was held to mark the anniversary of the hospice, which opened in April 1981. People were encouraged to host a get-together and donate to Strathcarron, with a range of events and activities taking place. Strathcarron mascot Ron popped along to some of the events to say thank you, enjoying a cake and cuppa along the way. Costa Drive-through Cumbernauld (Image: Supplied) Charity partner Central FM broadcasted live from the hospice throughout the day and included interviews with staff, patients, and family members. There were also live performances in the hospice from local singers Steffan McGechie, VH5, and Barry Honeyman. Roving reporters from Central FM were also out in the area, visiting registered Big Birthday Tea fundraisers. Claire Kennedy, Strathcarron, Liam, Central FM, Barry Honeyman, Shaz, Central FM (Image: Supplied) In Stirling, they visited fundraisers including the King Robert Hotel, Santa Cruz Kustom Club, Bridge of Allan Golf Club, and Bridge of Allan Primary School. Santa Cruz Kustom club (Image: Supplied) Meanwhile, in Falkirk, they visited Lime Salon, Kutchenhaus Kitchens Falkirk, Nutmeg Café, Vets for Pets, and Ian Grieve Car Showrooms. Vets for Pets Stirling (Image: Supplied) Businesses were also encouraged to offer customers the chance to make a £1 donation at the point of payment, with local venues such as Inglewood House and Spa signing up. The Big Birthday Tea was sponsored by Candied Ice Cream. Marion Blaney, community fundraiser, said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated, and supported our 44th Strathcarron Big Birthday Tea Party. "It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm of our local community getting behind the hospice. Roselea Care Home (Image: Supplied) "We are very grateful for every donation – every wee contribution makes a big difference to those we support. "Strathcarron needs £16,637 daily to be able to provide palliative care and end-of-life services to patients and their loved ones – every pound donated is vital. "We look forward to sharing the total raised by our community in the coming weeks." More information on the fundraisers, including how to donate, can be found on the Strathcarron Hospice website.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Angela Rayner's banter crackdown is threat to free speech, warns EHRC
Labour's crackdown on banter is a threat to free speech that will allow people to 'sue for hurt feelings', ministers have been warned. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said new rules requiring companies to take 'all reasonable steps' to prevent harassment of staff by third parties were too broad-brush and could lead to 'excessive limitations on debate'. In a briefing to peers, the equalities watchdog urged Parliament to weigh-up the 'complexities' of Angela Rayner's Employment Rights Bill to ensure that free speech 'is not subject to disproportionate interference'. During a second reading of the Bill in the House of Lords, Lord Strathcarron said the requirement to stop harassment of staff by third parties, including customers, was an 'Alice in Wonderland' clause that would 'satisfy the whims of the ever-changing, latest version of group think'. Lord Strathcarron, the chairman of Unicorn Publishing Group, warned of a chilling effect on free speech. He said: 'Would Waterstones, for example, risk arranging another book signing by JK Rowling on the off-chance that one of the author's fans will arrive wearing a T-shirt saying 'woman = adult human female', knowing that their employees could sue for hurt feelings, real or vexatious?' Lord Young echoed his concerns and said he was worried the heavy-handed rules would 'accelerate the erasure of such a vital part of our history and heritage – the good old British pub'. Bosses have warned the new legislation will burden them with excessive red tape, put them off hiring and threaten to chill free speech in public spaces such as pubs. The far-reaching new rules will hand greater power to unions and make it easier for staff to take their employers to tribunal over workplace grievances. Ms Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, is overseeing the reforms and said they would help make employment more secure in Britain. However, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) this week acknowledged that the Bill was likely to have a 'net negative' impact on the economy. Business groups have called on Ms Rayner to delay her employment rights reforms. The leaders of UKHospitality and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) told The Telegraph that the Deputy Prime Minister should rethink her plans in light of the OBR's warning. The groups collectively represent millions of British businesses, who are already facing a rise in employers' National Insurance contributions (NICs) next month. Kate Nicholls, the chief of UKHospitality, said: 'Our sector will be disproportionately hit by these costs, and if the Government gets it wrong, there would be some serious unforeseen consequences, which could hit employment and have effects in the wider economy.' Craig Beaumont, the executive director of the FSB, said: 'The Government should push back these reforms as far as possible to give businesses more clarity.' Free speech campaigners have warned that attempts to prevent harassment could force pub staff to act as 'banter cops'. Lord Young of Acton, who co-founded the Free Speech Union, said: 'How will publicans be expected to protect their employees from overhearing conversations in pubs by customers that they may find offensive or upsetting? 'When it was suggested [in the House of Commons] that pubs might have to employ 'banter bouncers' as one of the reasonable steps to protect employees, it was met with derisive, dismissive laughter by the government benches as a ludicrous straw man, but I don't think it is a straw man. 'Publicans will have to take legal advice on how to limit their liability. I wonder how many publicans will decide, in the face of all their other difficulties, that this new duty, the cost of complying with it and the additional risks it entails, will mean the game is no longer worth the candle?' Sir Tim Martin, founder and chairman of JD Wetherspoon, has previously criticised the legislation, saying it 'sounds like Big Brother thought control'. Baroness Bray of Coln said the 'big state has just got bigger', adding that she was 'deeply concerned' that 'pubs, shops and other customer-facing businesses may be forced to limit what can be said by customers on their premises to avoid offending staff working there'. In its briefing this week, the EHRC pointed to a court case, Burton and Rhule v De Vere Hotels, which 'highlighted how the behaviour of third parties towards employees can be problematic'. In that case, waitresses were subjected to racist 'jokes' by a comedian as well as insulting behaviour by some of the guests who were watching him perform. While an employment tribunal found the hotel liable for their behaviours, the House of Lords later found that the case had been wrongly decided. Ahead of the second reading of the Bill in the House of Lords, the equalities watchdog said there was only 'limited' evidence of workplace harassment by third parties that was not sexual. The EHRC said more analysis was needed. A government spokesman said: 'The Employment Rights Bill will not affect anyone's right to lawful free speech, which this Government stands squarely behind. 'We are strengthening workplace protections to tackle the harassment of employees, but upsetting remarks do not fall within the definition of harassment.' The Lords debate on Thursday lasted almost six hours as peers raised concerns about how the reforms would batter the economy and damage hiring. Lord Hunt of Wirral argued that the Bill was 'not only anti-business' but also 'anti-worker'. He said: 'If it passes in anything like its current form it could be more appropriate to call it an unemployment bill', adding that it was based on 'unfounded, optimistic speculation that this legislation could lead to growth', which it could 'actively undermine'. Lord Londesborough added that the Bill was 'fundamentally misguided' and that its authors have 'little feel for, or experience, of creating jobs, developing careers or meeting payroll'. Baroness Noakes called it an 'economic disaster zone', arguing there needed to be further amendments to protect small and medium-sized businesses. She said: 'People with a history of health-related absence, or young people with no track record, will be less attractive for employees due to 'day-one' rights and higher sick pay. This Bill will make life worse for many that want to work.' Only when the Commons and Lords agree on the final version of the Bill can the proposals become law. A government spokesman said: 'Through our transformative Plan for Change, this Government has delivered the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation, and our measures already have strong support amongst business and the public. 'We've engaged extensively with business on our proposals, and we will take time to also consult on the implementation of legislation to ensure it works for employers and workers alike.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
