Dumbarton, Vale of Leven, Balloch & Drymen Community Advertiser - February 2020

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Dumbarton, Vale of Leven, Balloch & Drymen

FREE • February 2020

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Valentine’s Day See our Valentine's Feature on pages 18-19 BURNSLAND • MAIN ROAD • CARDROSS • G82 5NY

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LOCAL NEWS • WHAT'S ON • NIGHTLIFE • TRADE DIRECTORY • ESSENTIAL INFO • SUPPORT GROUPS

Contents Four Days for Burgh Diaries ........ 3 Set for a Showcase Festival .......... 4 New Cancer Support Service ....... 5 Will Those Royals be There? ........ 5 Authors Plan their Fifth Book ..... 6 Plan to Ease Parking Snags .......... 7 Scots Nights for Seniors ................ 8 ‘Loony Ski’ Boost for Charity ....... 8 Owl Group Opens Park ................ 8 Walkway Plan is Going Live ....... 10 New Homes for School Site ........ 11 Awards Honour Top Workers .... 12 Sparing Time to Help Others ..... 12 What’s Up Doc ............................ 14 Get to Know your Family Tree .... 17 Support Groups ............................. 17 Valentine's Feature .............. 18&19 Should Summer Hols be Cut? ..... 20 Legal Matters ................................. 20 What’s On Calendar .............. 21-26 Tributes for Chris ......................... 27 Plans for Backdoor Gallery ........ 28 Successful Year of Nature .......... 28 Store Opens a Lidl Earlier ............ 30 Action-packed Fun at Show ...... 30 Nightlife ....................................... 30 Search is on for Best Firms ......... 33 Call Out for Help ......................... 33 Plea by Tragic Tot Parents .......... 34 Advertisers' Index ....................... 34

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Tourist Information Centre

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West Dunbartonshire Council

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Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute Valuation Joint Board • Assessor & Electoral Registration Officer: 0141 562 1200 • ero-wdc@dab-vjb.gov.uk

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Local News | February 2020

FOUR DAYS FOR BURGH DIARIES Forget the idea of an early summer holiday in Benidorm or Tenerife if you haven’t booked one already, because a fantastic programme of homebased fun is on the cards.

On a dreich, blustery winter’s day the first ever Dumbarton Festival was recently officially launched, and with it the promise of a spectacular which promises to delight local residents and also pull in visitors from farther afield.

We’ve known about this special local happening for quite some time, of course, but it’s only now that some of the main elements have been revealed in what is still a steadily-evolving programme.

Sir James Cosmo will be lending his iconic presence to the venture – there could hardly be a better choice – and the plan is to involve as many local people and groups as possible in the activities running from June 4 to 7.

The Festival will be the main regional attraction of 2020, to which will be added a welter of established crowd-pullers including the hugely-popular Highland Games events in

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summer and the annual Pipe Band Championships in Levengrove Park.

However while there will be plenty to see and do on land the main focus of the entertainment is firmly on the Clyde, as the overarching theme of the Festival is “water” – slotting neatly into the celebrations for Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters.

Expect family-friendly events which celebrate the area’s long and fascinating coastal history – from the rampaging Vikings sailing up the Clyde (who will be a main feature of this year’s Rock of Ages event) to the yards which built a stream of world-renowned vessels.

Besides the council the main players involved in this landmark new celebration of local heritage are The Dumbarton Castle Society and main tourism body Visitscotland… which now has a brand new tourism lure to add to

Dumbarton waterfront will be the backdrop for events featuring artists and national companies, who will “join local schools and community groups to reinvigorate the town’s maritime history”.

The Festival will also see the launch of a new Dumbarton Rowing Club on the River Leven (it’s not all about the Clyde), in a partnership with the charity Alternatives.

The area’s historic connection with tea trade events will celebrate the heritage of the great clippers which plied the seas in ages past – especially the Cutty Sark.

There will be pop-up opera from Scottish Opera, boat races, street theatre, live music, Hidden Dumbarton walks, games, and a grand finale community parade on the Sunday afternoon – rounding off a programme which will literally have the proverbial “something for everyone” to enjoy.

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February 2020 | Local News

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SET FOR A SHOWCASE FESTIVAL For members of the Castle Society the Festival is a brilliant example of what can be achieved by positive community action.

One which underlines the argument that the one-time stronghold of the ancient kingdom of Strathclyde should be in the same heritage league as Stirling or Edinburgh.

Paul Neeson from the Castle Society, who chairs the Dumbarton Festival Planning Group, said: “The Festival Group

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has been planning this event since 2017, and the additional support from EventScotland will now enable us to deliver a really high quality event and reach audiences from further afield as well as help us reconnect with those living in other Dumbarton towns all over the world.

“We have many reasons to be proud of Dumbarton, including the recent regeneration of Levengrove Park, the municipal buildings, the new council offices and renovated courthouse.

“The festival is the perfect way to showcase how we are regenerating the area and bringing our past together with our future.”

The old burgh has weathered worse storms than the long years of austerity which

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have brought so much grief and privation to the community, and the council is making it plain that regeneration is more than just a word as the battle continues to not only survive but also flourish in extremely difficult times.

Regeneration convener Councillor Iain McLaren said: “We are very proud to host Dumbarton Festival, and are looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors from near and far to enjoy such a range of fantastic events.

“The festival will showcase the very best our town has to offer and highlight our wonderful coastal and maritime heritage.

“I think I speak for everybody when I say the excitement is really building and I hope everyone joins us in June to celebrate.”

We’ll have more on the Festival and its programme in the editions leading up to the big launch date on June 4.

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Local News | February 2020

NEW CANCER SUPPORT SERVICE A pioneering new service to support people affected by cancer in West Dunbartonshire has been launched, involving a partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support and the council.

WILL THOSE ROYALS BE THERE? The Scotsman newspaper recently published an article in which local people were asked whether or not they were really bothered if Harry and Meghan might add some blue-blooded lustre to the Festival with at least a token appearance.

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The consensus seemed to be that they are not – which is perhaps just as well, given the ongoing stramash over the couple’s determination to split their time between the UK and Canada.

It offers all newly-diagnosed adults the opportunity to meet with a dedicated support worker on a one-to-one basis.

The worker will then help the patient access a wide range of support, from benefits advice and emotional support to help at home or with other practical needs.

The service is open to any person over the age of 16 and living with cancer in West Dunbartonshire.

To arrange an appointment complete the online referral form at www.west-dunbarton.gov. uk/jobs-and-training/working4u/ money-advice/cancer-journeyservice, call the Macmillan Support Line on 0800 9809070 or email improving.cancerjourney@ west-dunbarton.gov.uk.

Despite the Dumbarton royal title link one local resident reckoned the honorific was “just a piece of paper” which did not imply any particular link or special regard for the area itself – so the Prince of Wales doesn’t spend huge amounts of time in Wales, and the Duke of Edinburgh isn’t a frequent flier to Edinburgh.

Yet speculation was rife throughout last year that the glamorous twosome might just deign to put in an appearance, and although at time of going to press there has been no royal acknowledgement of the event there could yet be a big surprise in store.

In the turbulent world of royal politics almost anything could happen over the next few months (many were surprised at the couple’s decision to spend a lot of their time in North America, for example), but they were never an essential part of the plan – so a visit, should it happen, would simply be a welcome bonus.

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February 2020 | Local News

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Local authors Anne Marshall and Mary Irvine have already raised considerable sums for charity from the sale of their local heritage books – but there’s more to come.

The pair’s Local Tales volumes have become must-haves for anyone with a passing interest in the area’s past, and it’s obvious from the material already published that there’s scope for more of the same.

Their original aim was to raise money for the Beatson charity through sales of their books at just £1 per copy, but thanks to local generosity and the Loch Lomond Craft Shop in Alexandria’s Mitchell Way they have more than doubled the target sum.

We can expect some stories about the under-publicised life and times of local man Robert Bontine Cunningham Graham, a major political figure whose claims to fame include having been the first president of the Scottish National Party – but whose colourful life also included riding the South American pampas with the gauchos of Argentina.

The book is also likely to include some insight into the lives of

some famous local authors and actors.

Mary is also happy to report that the in-process book isn’t all about people who belong to the realms of history, as some fascinating still living characters will also feature.

Their efforts have already given the Beatson charity £700 – all from those individual £1 purchases – and that, plus the great reading material is plenty of incentive for people to buy the fifth book when it appears.

Encouraged by the response from local people – who cannot easily access the information in those tales from any other source – thoughts soon turned to producing volume number five.

It has some way to go, but the material is already to hand and fans of their efforts looking to own a complete collection will soon have another edition to enjoy.

Left, Anne Marshall and right, Mary Irvine

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Local News | February 2020

PLAN TO EASE PARKING SNAGS Stirling Council began the year by unveiling proposals for parking management in Balmaha, and details of a Traffic Regulation Order should be available around now.

also on the amenity of the area generally – who wants to be stuck in a queue of caravans?

On the Balmaha problem, Stirling Council’s environment chairman Councillor Jim Thomson says: “We want to encourage people to come to our beautiful villages but we have to make sure the parking doesn’t cause problems for visitors or for residents.

“Appropriate parking is also an important element of improving the environment by limiting congestion and pollution, and these proposals are a step in the right direction to addressing those issues.”

The council is proposing to bring in charges for the car park

What’s it all about?

Balmaha is a popular tourist destination, and an influx of vehicles to the area during holiday periods can cause problems for visitors and local residents.

The council is proposing to bring in charges for the car park alongside improvements and provision of additional parking spaces for caravans and camper vans.

It is an issue which will strike a chord with the local authority in West Dunbartonshire and also neighbouring Argyll and Bute, because while tourism is generally seen as a good thing (although not without some key caveats to that) one of the main problems it can bring is a deluge of traffic.

It can have a direct knock-on effect on local drivers, of course, but

Vice Convener, Councillor Danny Gibson, said: “A critical part of getting parking management right is being able to balance demand for parking without impacting on growth opportunities.

“Tourism is important for the Stirling economy and in Balmaha and other East Loch Lomond villages we will be working with the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Authority to manage it in ways that work for visitors, local people and our environment.”

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February 2020 | Local News

SCOTS NIGHTS FOR SENIORS St Patrick's Church Hall in Dumbarton will be the venue for fun nights on a distinctly Scottish theme organised by the Dumbarton Senior Citizens Committee for the nights of February 11 and 12.

The popular annual fixture is a great way to cheer up a rather bleak time of year, and on past form is a great way to spend what could otherwise be a dreich and dreary evening.

Tickets for the event, which runs from 7pm to 9pm, are just £1, and can be bought at the Concord Community Centre.

OWL GROUP OPENS PARK BRANCH Steve Kinghorn from Arrochar presents a cheque to Martin Shields at last year's event

‘LOONY SKI’ BOOST FOR CHARITY Congratulations to the Loch Lomond Water Ski Club for pulling off not only a successful fundraiser for a worthy cause but also the area’s zaniest cheque presentation.

The picture is from last year’s annual new year’s day event, but it gives the idea what’s involved – and it definitely isn’t as easy as it looks.

Last time around the club was able to hand almost £900 to the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat, and this time the beneficiary will be Alzheimer Scotland.

It may rank as not only one of the boldest but one of the most unusual January 1 fundraisers in the area, and is staged at the Cameron House Marina in front

of a probably bleary-eyed but enthusiastic crowd of onlookers.

Proper gear is worn, of course, but the feat of water-skiing through the icy waters of the loch on a day when much of the population is feeling fairly fragile deserves plenty of praise.

Alzheimer Scotland will be glad of the funds increment from last month’s event at a quiet time of year, as of course it is striving to meet the challenge of a disease which has touched many or even most families across the country.

The title of this new group refers not to the wonderful nocturnal aerial predator and is an acronym for the Outdoor and Woodland Learning Scotland base now opening at the national park base in Balloch.

Its aims include increasing the opportunities for learning outdoors, and increasing skills, knowledge and understanding of outdoor environments.

Outdoor & Woodland Learning Scotland – increasing opportunities for learning outdoors OWL Scotland is dedicated to increasing the use of Scotland's outdoor environments for learning.

OWL Scotland is supported

by Scottish Forestry and evolved out of the Forest Education Initiative (FEI) which has run successfully for over 20 years.

For further details email wd_ owl@hotmail.com.

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Local Business | February 2020

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February 2020 | Local News

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The close of last year saw important clearance work taking place along the River Leven shore to pave the way for the promised new waterfront walkway – now set to become a reality.

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Regular readers of Dumbarton Community Advertiser will be aware the scheme is a lynchpin of efforts to revitalise not only the waterfront but also the town centre.

The schedule included removing old structures, demolition waste and flotsam, and the foreshore was upgraded with new materials to make the area more suitable for walking while also enhancing its look.

Work was carried out from the west side of Dumbarton Football Club at the foot of Dumbarton Rock, along the east bank of the River Leven, to the entrance

of the tidal basin, and when complete the waterfront path will link the town centre with the Rock and Castle and provide continuous public access to the foreshore of the River for the first time in 150 years.

Two sections of the path – within the site of the former Ballantine's Distillery and along the tidal basin - are currently being delivered by landowners Culross and supermarket giant Lidl.

The remaining sections will be delivered by Turnberry Homes and Dumbarton Football Club in cooperation with the council.

Regeneration convener Councillor Iain McLaren said: “When complete the waterfront path will not only give residents and visitors access to the River Leven that hasn’t been available in more than a century, it will also link our historical attractions to the town centre, bringing with it the benefits of additional footfall and custom to our local businesses.”

Vice convener Councillor Marie McNair said: “The waterfront path will make a huge difference to this area and attract visitors to the area to take in the spectacular views we have to offer.”

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Local News | February 2020

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ce EEAdvi FimRates &

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NEW HOMES FOR SCHOOL SITE Your The old Aitkenbar Local Primary School is already just a fond Electrician memory, while the New council homes now under development

new year has brought with it the promise of dozens of new homes for its site.

“We want our tenants to be proud of their home, and I look forward to seeing them enjoying living in them in the near future.”

In fact no fewer than 55 “affordable and stylish” new council homes are now under development, almost half of which will be one-bedroom flats – helping to fill what is often seen as a critical gap in the housing stock – along with two, three and four semi-detached homes and even four-bedroom detached houses.

Besides two accessible threebedroom bungalows the new estate is to include some welcome community breathing space, including a seating area, shrubbery and locally-created artwork.

That’s not all, because the centre of the development will also be bisected by a new tree-lined road from Howatshaws Road, while

honoured privilege of cutting the first sod, said: “I am so pleased to see work getting underway at this site. The development will bring a great deal of benefit to the surrounding area, and the facilities on offer will ensure it is a popular site when complete.

Vice convener Councillor Caroline McAllister said: “Seeing work begin on yet another development of homes which are not only affordable, but also stylish and environmentally friendly, is wonderful.

“Each home will be built to the same high quality that our design standard requires – which means extra floor space, home office space, flexible layouts and adhering to the Silver standard for energy efficiency.” a footpath will link the homes with a children’s play area and woodland track.

Housing convener Diane Docherty, who had the time-

The project is being delivered by building firm CCG on behalf of the council, and it has agreed to provide “community benefits” while work is ongoing – watch this space.

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February 2020 | Local News

TIME TO HELP OTHERS AWARDS HONOUR TOP WORKERS SPARING West Dunbartonshire CAB is looking to recruit Local residents are being encouraged to highlight council employees who have “gone the extra mile” by nominating them for an Employee Recognition Award.

volunteers to train as advisers in a “friendly, hard-working and stimulating environment”.

However the deadline for nominations is February 14 – so if you have someone in mind there’s no time to lose.

Every nominee will receive a personal letter from chief executive Joyce White, and those shortlisted will be invited to a presentation on Tuesday, March 24.

Categories will include Team of the Year, Employee of the Year, Young Ambassador of the Year and the Communities Award.

Corporate services convener Councillor Iain McLaren said: “I’d urge anyone who has been grateful for the hard work of an employee to please consider nominating that person so we can properly celebrate them.

“We know we have many dedicated employees who are a credit to the Council in so many different areas, from home care visits to street cleaning, and

these members of staff often go above and beyond what is expected.

“The Employee Awards are about recognising those efforts and letting our employees know how valued they are.

“Many of these people are unsung heroes, who work tirelessly under the radar, making improvements for residents, so it is important for us to say thank you.”

To make a nomination, visit www.wdcawards.co.uk and fill in the online form.

All sorts of people volunteer as CAB advisors and they are shown how to provide free, confidential, independent and impartial advice.

However there are some things Bureau Advisors have in common – for example they need to be good listeners, work well in teams and be able to bring some skills to the table, for example IT proficiency.

They also need to be able to commit to a minimum of six hours per week.

The sort of problems people bring to CAB are wide-ranging, and can include, for example, difficulties with welfare entitlement or debt.

Joe Cormack, chief executive at

West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau, said: “Volunteering with your CAB might just be one of the most rewarding things you ever do.”

“Trained volunteers have always been the lifeblood of our service, ordinary people who devote just a few hours of their time each week to help others in their local community.”

If you would like to find out more about volunteering with West Dunbartonshire CAB contact Natalie Roger at: natalie@wdcab. co.uk or 01389 717174 or apply online www.wdcab.co.uk/ volunteer.

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February 2020 | What's Up Doc?

What's Up Doc? with Dr Nick Dunn

WHERE’S This month: DONALD, YOUR TROOSERS…?

Do you suffer from Dry Eye? Your tears are made up of three distinct layers – a mucous/sticky layer, a watery layer and an oily layer. All three layers have to be working properly and have to be of good quality to prevent you suffering from Dry Eye. If they are not working properly you may suffer from the following symptoms: • Dry Eyes

• Foreign Body Sensation (like something is in your eye)

• Watery Eyes • Gritty/Sandy Eyes • Burning Sensation

• Intermittent Reduced Vision

Dry Eye is more common in the over 50s and in females, however it can also be caused by environmental factors (for example – VDU, mobile phone use, air-conditioning), smoking and some medications.

Dry Eye is most commonly treated with drops or gels. Sometime a combination of both may be needed to control your symptoms. In severe cases of Dry Eye, you may need further treatments.

If you suffer from any of the symptoms above, pop in and we can advise you on the correct course of treatment.

Come in and see what we can do to help you

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Doctors prescribing bed-rest for various ailments is very much a thing of the past.

More rapid diagnosis and treatment, day surgery, and increased awareness of the dangers of immobility have very much put that idea to bed!

Despite this, we know that hospital patients spend excessive time in, or by, their bed, especially in longer stay medical wards. This is not planned and may be related to staffing pressures, but there is thought to be another factor – pyjama paralysis.

People in hospital, in pyjamas or hospital gowns leaving them half-exposed, tend not to feel so able to get up and

walk about. Psychologically it leaves them feeling a bit powerless and dependent.

The results are harmful and includes muscle wasting after just a few days which can result in frail elderly people losing what mobility they once had. Other harm includes blood clots in the leg or lungs, delirium, pressure sores, infection, incontinence or constipation.

People who are able are being encouraged to wear their own clothes in hospital, to aid their recovery and independence.

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Local Business | February 2020

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February 2020 | Local Business

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Local News | February 2020

GET TO KNOW YOUR FAMILY TREE Lennox Heritage Society’s talk on Wednesday, February 19 will see speaker Stewart Noble introduce his audience to the complex subject of Scottish family trees, and genealogy in general.

Many visitors from North America are to the fore when it comes to exploring authentic Scottish roots, but some may be surprised to find how a number of names we tend

to regard as specifically “ours” are in fact completely foreign – thanks to the vagaries of our medieval history.

The most obvious one that may spring to mind is “Fleming”, which unsurprisingly stems from Flanders and Belgium, which in the middle ages was heavily involved in the woollen trade.

These medieval Belgians set up trading enterprises in Scotland and some grew to be rich magnates with a key role in Scottish history, Many other supposedly common Scottish names date from around the time of King David I in the 12th century, and hearken back to his feudalisation of Scotland.

At its simplest, this monarch wanted to import foreign nobles, their culture and particularly their heavily armoured followers to act as a foil for the Normans who had conquered England.

A whole welter of Normanic, French or Breton names were to become Scottish – Fraser from “fraiseur” (grower of strawberries), Sinclair from St Clair – and so on.

Other names now common once denoted specific trades, for example “Fletcher” – arrow maker – and Bowyer, maker of bows.

Still more foreign names arrived much later, particularly after the megalomaniac Louis XIV of France carried out a vicious persecution of French Huguenots (Protestants) before exiling them altogether – hence names such as Duvernay (from “verre” – glass maker) found their way into the Scottish genealogical lexicon.

Society meetings are at 7pm in the Concord Centre in Dumbarton, and annual subscription is £10 – or you can pay £2 for a single talk.

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Al-Anon Family Groups Understanding, strength and hope for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking. Local meetings available. 24hr helpline: 020 7403 0888

Alzheimers Scotland Information and advice. Drop-In Cafe on Wednesdays (10am-12noon). Miller Street, Clydebank. Tel: 0141 410 5306. 24-hour Helpline – Freephone 0808 808 3000

DACA Advice and information about reducing the harms of drinking. Free, confidential 1-to-1 alcohol counselling. Call anytime on 01389 731456 (out of hours answering service).

Tel: 01389 731456

Dumbartons Women’s Aid A free confidential service of support and counelling for women and children who have been affected by domestic abuse, rape, sexual assault or child abuse.

Tel: 01389 751036

Leven Addiction Services Rehabilitation & Other Services: Access to supported accommodation.

Tel: 01389 812018

Lomond & Clyde Care and Repair Help for senior citizens who struggle to maintain their properties or would like help adapting their house to their needs.

Call the care and repair office on 01389 734188

Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Services We offer a listening ear and time for you to talk. Call Helen on 01389 608049 or 07747 791089

National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Breastfeeding Support Trained NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor to offer support and information.

Call Sally on 01436 673942

National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Lomond Branch Support for expecting parents, new parents and parents of young children.

Call Sally on 01436 673942

Overeaters Anonymous Self help Fellowship group meeting.

Mondays 6.30pm, Vale of Leven Hospital & Thursdays, 7.30pm, Benview, Dumbarton Call us on 07505 848 493

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The national charity helping serving and ex service men, women and their families, in need. Tel: 07453 031443 or visit www.ssafa.org.uk

Smokeline For free advice and help and to be put in touch with local services please call 0800 848484

The Carers of West Dunbartonshire Helping to make a positive difference in the lifes of carers. Tel: 0141 941 1550

West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau Free service that helps people to know their rights covering Dumbarton, Alexandria and Clydebank. Tel: 01389 744690

February 2020 | Valentine's Feature

Valentine’s Day is all about romance and expressing your love to the one person you cherish most. By putting in a little effort and some planning, you’ll not only create a very special day, but you’ll create a day that will be memorable. Here are a few tips for planning that perfect day.

Going out for dinner

Dress up and go out on the town for dinner and pick a restaurant that both of you have been wanting to try out. Organise a bouquet of flowers to be on your table or a bottle of fizz. Make it an adventure!

Romantic night at home

If you plan a romantic evening at home, clean up the clutter and decorate for the evening!

Candles, rose petals and romantic music. Create a romantic playlist in advance. Cater dinner or cook it together and dress up for dinner! Pick out a favourite wine or champagne and enjoy each others company. Try serving dessert first! Watch a romantic movie or dance in the living room, bedroom or kitchen!

Have a romantic picnic Take a blanket, a bottle of champagne and a candle to a nice viewpoint. This viewpoint could be anything from a hilltop to the roof of your house. Either way, lay out the blanket, light the candle, crack the champagne and enjoy.

Surprise them Surprise your partner with a gift selected especially for them! Maybe it’s their favourite perfume or cologne or bottle of wine. Maybe it’s jewellery or a trip to the spa. Everyone loves a surprise.

Do an activity you both love!

Valentine’s Day is Friday this year! Take the day off and spend it together! Make it a 3-day weekend! Plan a trip for the weekend and get out of town. If you stay at home, get out and do some activities together! Find something cultural that’s going on around you and go for it!

Write a love letter or a poem or even a song!

Tell that special someone what they really mean to you. Put it in your own handwriting rather than typing it out and put some real thought into it. Everyone likes to hear how special they really are. Something written down can be cherished for many years to come.

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Valentine's Feature | February 2020

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Send flowers to the workplace as you want the recipient to enjoy them all day and you want colleagues to be green with envy.

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Look at small gestures They don’t go unnoticed!

Offer to help out with the chores; open doors; listen intently when spoken to; pay compliments; take care of a pressing matter that has needed some attention; fix or replace something broken; serve breakfast in bed; take the dog to the groomer; give a massage; or draw a bath.

Make this Valentine’s Day one you’ll both cherish and remember from when you wake up in the morning until your head hits the pillow that night.

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February 2020 | Legal Matters

Legal Matters with Gill Bowman BA LLB from Cairns Brown Solicitors

SHOULD SUMMER HOLS BE CUT? Pupils in areas including Drymen and Balmaha may in future have to do without one of their present summer holiday weeks – but would enjoy two weeks in October.

Stirling Council is considering whether to follow Clackmannanshire and Falkirk by studying whether to reduce the seven week break in summer to six weeks, while extending the autumn break to a fortnight.

The consultation was agreed at a meeting of the Children and Young People Committee and is open to all pupils, parents, parent councils and school based staff.

The survey will be available at www.stirling.gov.uk/councildemocracy/consultations and details will be issued to all schools, parents and Parent Councils so that they can complete the

questionnaire. It will be open until February 21.

Several councils in Scotland already adopt this approach to holidays and start the new academic year a week earlier than those in the Stirling council area, with a two week October break.

Many consider the present summer break is too long (the kids might not agree), while a shorter break could also address food poverty issues – not all children get free school meals during the holidays.

However for those with strong feelings on the issue there’s still time this month to make their views known.

This month: PET AGREEMENTS Apologies to those not so keen on animals. However, for pet owners the following discussion may be a point of interest. There has been a notable increase in the number of disputes for couples following separation that involve the rightful ownership or ‘custody’ of a pet, particularly dogs.

The wellpublicised dispute of Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong should be a cautionary tale to all. On some occasions the dispute between former couples escalates to court proceedings; which can be financially, as well as emotionally, draining.

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FENCING

considering bringing one onto your family, it may be worthwhile considering entering into an agreement that would regulate what would happen to them if you were to separate.

This would be similar to a pre/ post nuptial or cohabitation agreement and could prevent possible conflict in the future. The agreement could regulate whether the animal would be considered to belong to one party, shared care or even who is to be responsible for costs associated with their keep.

If these matters are agreed at the time the animal is adopted or purchased then it may prevent unnecessary conflict down the line.

#75 Live DUMBARTON

PEOPLE’S THEATRE

SEASON 75 PRODUCTION 3

PRESENTS

BASED IN DUNBARTONSHIRE

GASLIGHT • All Timber Fencing • All Metal Fencing • Driveway Gates • Decking • Astro Grass • Grass Cutting • Tree Cutting • Landscaping Our aim is to provide high quality, reliable, fairly priced fencing and groundwork service to both industrial and domestic customers.

MacKinnon Fencing & Groundworks

SEPA REGISTERED

FULLY INSURED

t: 07854 485 968 or 01389 721909 e: james@mackinnonfencing.co.uk

by Patrick Hamilton

DUMBARTON PEOPLE’S THEATRE (DPT)

DENNY CIVIC THEATRE, DUMBARTON – 26TH TO 29TH FEBRUARY 2020

Doors: 7pm | Curtain: 7.30pm Tickets £5. Available from 1st February from Club Members, McDermid’s Keystore, at the Box Office or by emailing dumbartonpeoplestheatre@outlook.com

20 | To advertise call Debbie or Martin now on 01389 717035

What's On Calendar | February 2020

What's On...

YOUR DEFINITIVE EVENTS DIARY FOR THE DUMBARTON, BALLOCH, VALE OF LEVEN & DRYMEN AREA.

LEVENGROVE PARKRUN 9.30am Saturday 1st â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Pavilion, Levengrove Park More info on page 24...

SUN

2

FEB

SUNRISE GOOSE WALK RSPB Loch Lomond 3RD VALE OF LEVEN BROWNIES Lennox Hall, Jamestown

SAT

22 FEB

THU

6

FEB

CLYDE ORIENTEERING COACHING EVENT Balloch Country Park

FillOn in Form our What's On Form on our website: communityadvertiser.co.uk/whatson Fill in our What's on our website: communityadvertiser.co.uk/whatson

by Monday 10th February

|

21

February 2020 | What's On Calendar

Calendar of events Saturday 1st Balloch Run 'n' Park Balloch Park Gates, Balloch Road 9.30am. Stay in shape & meet new people. runnpark.leaguerepublic.com Weekly

FREE Techjockeys Gaming Club (8-14yrs)

Longcrags Centre 10am-12pm. Awesome gear! PS4 with VR headset, Gaming PCs with Oculus Rift VR Headset, XboxS1, FIFA 2020 and more!

01389 767115 mick.maloney@wwmail.co.uk Weekly

Dave Arcari

Buchanan Memorial Hall, Milton of Buchanan 7.30pm. Scottish alt.blues troubadour Dave Arcari returns to home territory to play his first show of 2020. www.davearcari.com

The Pavilion, Levengrove Park 9.30am. A free, weekly, timed 5k walk/ jog/run. Open to all ages and abilities. levengrove@parkrun.com www.parkrun.org.uk/levengrove/ Weekly

Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers

St Michael's Church Hall, Helensburgh 10-12pm. Players of all ages and levels are welcome to join us, we have vacancies in all sections. Come along and give it a go.

We provide percussion instruments.

07976 726822 Weekly

Doughnut Hill 9.30am. Meet at Helensburgh Swimming Pool Car Park. Climb along tracks to Lang Craigs and then via Black Linn Reservoir to Doughnut Hill. Sorry, no dogs except registered assistance dogs.

01389 731953 mather.joyce@gmail.com

Levenvale Older People's Welfare

Who Let the Dads Out?

Clan Yogis Studio 1.30pm. In our family class, children and adults get introduced to yoga through the practice of postures, non competitive games, breathing exercises and relaxation.

Suitable for children aged 3-12. www.clanyogis.com Weekly

Lennox Evangelical Church 10-11.30am. Time and space where dads, father figures and their children can have fun together. lennoxec@gmail.com www.lennoxevangelicalchurch.org First Saturday of every month

             

Levenvale Primary School 10-12pm. Grace Ledgerwood will entertain. All members are welcome. 07743 752286 1st Saturday of month (term time only)

Family Yoga

PRESSURE WASHING

FREE Internet Café

GUTTER CLEARING

   

   

Longcrags Centre MON: 9.30-11.30am; FRI: 9.30-11.30am, 1.30-3.30pm. 10 PCs, fast and reliable wi-fi.

Free. 01389 767115 mick.maloney@wwmail.co.uk Weekly

Sporting Memories Club

Sunday 2nd Sunrise Goose Walk

RSPB Loch Lomond 7-9.30am approx. Join the team for an early woodland walk to one of their favourite roosting spots. As the sun rises, watch the geese move off to their daytime feeding spots.

Booking essential. £8.50/£7 for RSPB members. 01389 830670 loch.lomond@rspb.org.uk

Sunday 2nd Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers

Ben Our 8.30am. Meet at Helensburgh Swimming Pool Car Park. A steady climb to the summit which in good weather provides great views of the surrounding hills.

Return via outward route. Sorry, no dogs except registered assistance dogs.

01389 731953 mather.joyce@gmail.com

Bellsmyre Trust

The Cutty Sark Centre 10.30am-1pm. Dumbarton Baptist Church. www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk Weekly

PHONE NOW FOR A FREE QUOTE

01436 679994

www.nightanddaycleaning.co.uk

Food for Thought

St Augustine's Community Hall 10-4pm. We provide emergency food aid parcels, which are given out to people, that are deliberately built to last for three days. Donations Welcome Mon-Fri 104pm. Community Lunches held Wed & the 11.30-1.30pm. 01389 734514 www.foodforthought3.webnode.com Weekly

Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Drop-in Service For anyone affected by cancer MON: 10.30am-12.30pm: Alexandria Library. 12-2pm: Dalmuir Library.

TUE: 2-4pm: Balloch Library.

WED: 11am-1pm: Dumbarton Library.

THU: 1-4pm: Clydebank Library. helen.shearer@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Weekly

Baby Yoga/Baby Massage

Strathleven House 11.30am. A free day of introductory selfcare workshops. Entry is FREE but ticketed. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/88495084179

Sunday Meditation Class

Age Concern Dumbarton

Meditation Centre of Scotland 4-5.30pm. Guided meditation lessons for inner peace and mindfulness. Beginners welcome. All classes are free. Non profit organisation. Donations welcome (suggested amount: £3).

01436 676024 • FB @MCS072 Weekly

The Crosslet Centre, Dumbarton 12-3pm. A local older peoples group, join us and make new friends. Come along and enjoy card making, photographic restoration, keep fit and knitting bee.

Vacancies on our members list for 2019/20.

01389742743 Weekly Conditions of acceptance of advertising

IS PUBLISHED BY:

WINDOW CLEANING

Dumbarton Library 10-12pm. Bringing together older people living with long term conditions, such as dementia, through sporting reminiscence and physical activities. Aiming to improve well-being and reducing loneliness and social isolation.

07393 284406 • maurice@thesmf.co.uk Weekly

Alexandria Library: FRI: 11.30am-12.30pm (Massage), MON: 11am-12pm (Yoga); Dumbarton Library: MON: 1.30-2.30pm (Massage), TUE: 1.30-2.30pm (Yoga), THU: 11am-12pm (Massage) Weekly

Self-Care Sunday at Strathleven

CLEANING & POLISHING

The Cutty Sark Centre 9.30-11.30am: Cutty Tiddlers Toddler Drop In. 6.30-8pm: Girl Group (P7 plus). www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk Weekly CAB Office, Alexandria 9.30-3.30pm. New opportunities. Come along to our drop-ins. 0800 980 9070 Weekly (Also on Thursday & Friday)

Longcrags Centre 10am-12pm. Super secure, in-house Minecraft group at Tech Jockeys, plus all of our ultimate gaming gear for you to enjoy. 01389 767115 mick.maloney@wwmail.co.uk Weekly

Lomond and Clyde Community Orchestra

Bellsmyre Trust

Working 4U

FREE Minecraft Breakfast Club (8-14yrs)

Levengrove Parkrun

Monday 3rd

Community Advertiser Ltd 24-28 James Street, Helensburgh G84 8UH T: 01389 717035 E: editor@communityadvertiser.co.uk

THE TEAM: Stuart Mainland (Editor/Publisher) Iain McEwan (Publisher) Debbie Mainland (Head of Sales) Darren Clarke (Sales Executive) Roy Smith (Journalist) Fraser Thompson (Design & Production Manager) Jennifer Marno (Graphic Designer) Stuart 'Rupert' Brodie (Design & Production) Alan Richmond (Design & Production) Elizabeth Grant (Accounts) Vicki Robinson (Delivery Manager) Aileen Dorrian (Proofreader) and the best delivery team in the area

22 | To advertise call Debbie or Martin now on 01389 717035

DEFINITIONS: ‘Standards’ means the British Code of Advertising Practice and the provisions of any law applicable to advertising including, but not limited to, the Trade Descriptions Act 1968, the consumer Credit Act 1974, the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988, the Financial Services Act 1986, the Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 and all amendments and replacements.

It is hereby agreed that: the placing by the Advertising Client of an Advertisement is deemed to be acceptance of these Conditions of Acceptance of Advertising. All advertisements in this publication must not contravene the Standards. Insertion of Advertisements and/or is strictly at the discretion of the Publisher. The Publisher shall not liable for any loss or damage incurred by the Advertising Client as a result of any failure, negligence or omission by any party in the course of the distribution or circulation of the Publication in which the Advertisement is scheduled to appear.

In the event of any error, misprint or omission by the Publisher in printing of an Advertisement, the Publisher will either re-insert the advertisement, adjust the cost or provide a refund. This does not apply if the Advertisement has been already been approved by the Advertising Client prior to the publication. The total liability of the Publisher for such an occurrence shall not exceed the amount of a full refund for that particular Advertisement.

The Advertising Client agreed to indemnify the Publisher in respect to all costs, damages or other charges falling upon the Publisher as a result of legal actions or threatened legal actions arising from the publication of the Advertisement, or any one of more of the series of Advertisements, published in accordance with the copy instructions supplied to the Publisher.

The opinions of the Contributors to this Publication are not necessarily the Official views of the Publisher.

Readers are reminded that when purchasing items or services advertised in the Publication that the Publisher cannot be held in any way responsible for the quality or correctness of the items or services included in the Advertisement.

What's On Calendar | February 2020 Mousemates Computer Club

Longcrags Centre 1.30-3.30pm. The perfect club for you to improve your computer skills and make new friends. 01389 767115 mick.maloney@wwmail.co.uk Weekly

Bookbug

FREE 30 minute sessions for babies, toddlers and their Parents & Carers.

Alexandria Library (01389 608974): MON: 1.302.15pm, TUES: 10-10.45am; Balloch Library (01389 608989): WED: 10-10.45am; Dumbarton Library (01389 608992): MON: 10-10.45am, TUES: 6-6.45pm (Bedtime session), WED: 1.30-2.15pm, FRI: 1.30-2.15pm.

Weekly (Term time only)

Hop, Skip and Jump

Annexe Building, Jamestown Primary School 3-5pm. Hop into Spring with some creative art sessions. For P4-P7. 50p a session. haldaneyouthservices@hotmail.co.uk Weekly

Dumbarton Army Cadets

ACF Hut, Latta Street, Dumbarton 7-9pm. The ACF offers a variety of militarythemed activities along with adventurous training and STEM, young people 12-18 yrs. 07894 088911 2456youn@armymail.mod.uk armycadets.com/county/argyll-and-sutherlandhighlanders-battalion-acf Weekly (Also on Wednesday)

Vale of Leven Walking Football Club OLSP High School 7.45-9pm. Available for anyone who wants to take part in the beautiful game but at a slower pace. All abilities and ages welcome. 07814 540035 FB: Vale of Leven Walking Football Club Twitter @lomondwfc. phildawson1335@me.com Weekly

Alternatives Family Support Group Alternatives, in Quay Street 6-8pm. Are you affected by someone's misuse of drugs/alcohol?

01389 734500 Weekly

Project 7 - Youth Group

Haldane Youth Services 6-8pm. Primary 7 only. 01389 600367 haldaneyouthservices@hotmail.co.uk Weekly

Family Walking Group

Unit 1 Leven Valley Enterprise 6pm. Family Walking Group leaving from Unit 1 Leven Valley Enterprise in Castlehill, a walk around the local community then a tea or coffee and biscuit for afters. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 07809 216 568 janice@corra.scot Weekly

Youth Café Nights

The Phoenix, Dumbarton 6-7.15pm: P4-7s; 7.30-9pm: S1-S4s. 50p.

Games, crafts, café and space to chill. oli@rockcommunitychurch.org.uk Weekly

1st/2nd Dumbarton Boys' Brigade

Working 4U

Vale of Leven Library 9.30-3.30pm. New opportunities. Come along to our drop-ins.

0800 980 9070 Weekly

FREE CSCS Construction Course – Level 1

Longcrags Centre 9.30am-12pm. Delivered in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Council Employability Team and SQA. All employees on a building site are required to have this qualification. Interested? 01389 767115 mick.maloney@wwmail.co.uk Weekly (Also on Wed & Thu) Strathleven House 10-11am. £5. Learn deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, simple body awareness and meditation techniques in this small informal group. No experience required, all welcome. Bring your own mat and blanket along 07562 333731 greentreremedies@outlook.com FB: Green Tree Remedies Weekly

Free Tablet/Phone Class

Lennox Evangelical Church 12-1.30pm. Free soup and a roll, donations accepted for charity. lennoxec@gmail.com Weekly

ENCE RI

07947 646436

Youth Club

Vale of Leven Army Cadets ACF Hut, Heather Avenue, Alexandria 6.45-9.15pm. The ACF offers a variety of military-themed activities along with adventurous training and STEM, young people 12-18 yrs.

07894 088911 2456youn@armymail.mod.uk armycadets.com/county/argyll-and-sutherlandhighlanders-battalion-acf Weekly (Also on Thursday)

Storytime is aimed at children aged three to seven, but may be suitable for slightly older children. Dumbarton Library: Tues 3.30-4.15pm; Alexandria Library: Wed 10.3011.15am. 01389 772137 / 01389 772151 learning.development@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Weekly (Term time only)

Lomond Badminton Club Vale of Leven Academy 6-8pm: Juniors. 8-10pm: Adults. From beginner to competitor, our club can cater for all. We have plenty space for new members. Just turn up at one of our sessions, email or see Facebook.

07740 473247 lomondbc@outlook.com Weekly

St Patrick’s Church Hall P4-P7 6.15-7.45pm; S1 upwards. 8-9.30pm.

For kids from 10 plus. Activities that we have: ball games, board games, music, computers, arts and crafts and internet.

Wii, tuck shop, organised parties, outings, group sharing, community services and weekend away. All welcome. £1 entry. stpatsyouthg1@btconnect.com Weekly (Term time only)

Psoas Classes The Phoenix Centre Tues 6.30pm & 8pm; Thurs 10.30am; Sun 8pm. Psoas classes help relax and focus the mind and create space, strength and muscle tone in the body. Perfect for those with old injuries and general stiffness and those who need to de-stress and unwind.

07786 062759 • www.psoas.co.uk Weekly

Dumbarton Lions Club Abbotsford Hotel 7.30pm. Local fundraising club. New members welcome.

01389 763592 Second Tuesday of the month

Wednesday 5th Bellsmyre Trust The Cutty Sark Centre 9.30-11.30am: Cutty Tiddlers Toddler Drop In. www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk Weekly

VAN & DRIVER REMOVALS Single Items

●

2 Men Available

• HOUSE & OFFICE REMOVALS • • HOUSE & OFFICE CLEARANCES • • RAPID RUBBISH REMOVALS •

07919 654569

Tel: 07919 654569 MOBILE

TELEPHONE

07771 708 780

01389 841 423

Make Your Dreams Come True

RS EA EXPE

30 Y

Longcrags Centre 1.30-3pm. Small classes to help you get to grips with your tablet or phone.

01389 767115 mick.maloney@wwmail.co.uk Weekly

Natural Stone Work Specialists

DENIS CAIRNEY

PLASTERER No job too big or too small Free Estimates

Riverside Church 12pm. Meet friends and enjoy homemade soup and filled rolls. www.dumbartonriverside.org.uk Weekly

Relaxation Group

Open Mic

The Handyman

Tuesday Lunches

Storytime

Tuesday 4th

Tuesday Soup Spot

CHARLES

Meditation Centre of Scotland 6-7.15pm. Learn the chanting and meditation methods from the Thai Buddhist Community. Beginners welcome. All classes are free. Non profit organisation. Donations Welcome (Suggested Amount: £3). 01436 676024 FB @MCS072 Weekly

The Cutty Sark Centre 3.30-4.30pm: Myre Munchkins (P1-P3).

6-8pm: Cutty Kids (P4-P7). www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk Weekly

Dumbarton Riverside Church Halls Anchor Section (P1-P3) 6.15-7.15pm.

Junior Section (P4-P6) 7.15-8.45pm.

Company Section (P7-S6) 7.15-9.30pm.

01389 731069 rebeccalyall@btinternet.com Weekly Balloch House Hotel 7pm. Poetry and prose from all genres. 5 minute slots bookable from 6.15pm.

01389 729279 First Monday of every month

Chanting & Meditation Class

Victoria Halls, Helensburgh 1.30pm. A friendly and informal club for intermediate players. No partners are required. 01436 673362 Weekly

Bellsmyre Trust

Desta Laiolo Ballet & Theatre School

4pm. MON: Drymen Village Hall, school ages, ballet & musical theatre; TUE: Killearn Church Hall 07900861396 modestalaiolo@aol.com Weekly

Tuesday Afternoon Bridge Club

tel: 01389 734413 mob: 07810 172 008

• WALLS • CEILINGS & ARCHWAYS • CORNICE WORK • ARTEX REMOVAL • ROUGHCAST REMOVAL & REPAIR • INSURANCE WORK • FREE ESTIMATES

COMPOSITE DECKING Specialists

GARDEN DESIGN Specialists

ARTIFICIAL GRASS Specialists

SOFT LANDSCAPING PATIOS POWER WASHING LAWN CARE

DRIVEWAYS

DECKING

TURFING

WWW.JOHNMACAULAYLANDSCAPES.CO.UK

Fill in our What's On Form on our website: communityadvertiser.co.uk/whatson |

23

February 2020 | What's On Calendar

Calendar of events Working 4U Housing & Homeless Hub, Mitchell Way 9.30-3.30pm. New opportunities. Come along to our drop-ins.

0800 980 9070 Weekly

Alexandria Quilters Alexandria Leisure Centre 10am-12pm. New members welcome. Just pop in. Weekly

Cardross Baby and Toddler Group Cardross Parish Church Hall 10-11.30am. Come join us for coffee and a chat while the wee ones play! cardrossmotherandtoddlers@gmail.com Weekly (Term time only)

Dumbarton & District MS Group Drop In Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre 12.30-4.30pm. All MS welcome, plenty of chat, coffee/tea, lunch, exercise class, themed parties and transport available door to door.

Fortnightly

Vale of Leven Academy, 10-12pm; Y Sort It, Clydebank, 4-6.30pm. Offers 12-26 year olds one to one support, group support and the opportunity to get involved in designing, developing and testing out a new programme of support for young people affected by alcohol or drugs in the family. Get in touch to see us out with these dropins. Weekly

Drymen & Croftamie Health Walk

Longcrags Centre 1.30-3.30pm. Do you need help with the basics of computing - Searching the Internet, emails etc. Then, we can help.

Classes will be kept to small numbers so that we can give you one to one support..

01389 767115 mick.maloney@wwmail.co.uk Weekly

Ur-Turn - Youth group

Greenspace Volunteers

Thursday 6th Dumbarton Probus Club Balloch Tourist Information Centre 10.20am. Join us for a free, fun and easy way to get fit and feel better. Simply turn up and join in. All welcome. A great way to meet new people and we usually enjoy a coffee and chat after. 01389 722645 fran.crumley@lochlomond-trossachs.org www.trustinthepark.org/walk-in-the-park Weekly

Dumbarton Library

Village Square, outside The Winnock Hotel 10.20am. Join us for a free, fun and easy way to get fit and feel better. Simply turn up and join in… everyone’s welcome! A great way to meet new people and we usually enjoy a coffee and chat after.

01389 722645 fran.crumley@lochlomond-trossachs.org www.trustinthepark.org/walk-in-the-park Weekly

FREE Computer Class for Absolute Beginners

Haldane Youth Services 7-9pm. £1 entry. 01389 600367 haldaneyouthservices@hotmail.co.uk Weekly

Balloch Health Walk

Young Person’s National Demonstration Project

Concord Community Centre 10-11.30am. Like other Probus clubs the purpose of the club is to provide a regular meeting point for retired and semi-retired men. There are regular speakers and visits from some very special guests. Come along and see if it is something you may be interested in joining. The Probus is not a fund raising organisation. 01389 753 267 donvick@blueyonder.co.uk Weekly

Balloch Castle Courtyard Building 11am-3pm. Help to carry out a range of practical conservation tasks and wildlife surveys. To book text by 12pm the prior Wednesday. 07909 595 283 Also 13th, 20th & 27th

Free iPad/iPhone Class

Longcrags Centre 1.30-3.30pm. Learn the basics and then how to really enjoy your Apple.

01389 767115 mick.maloney@wwmail.co.uk Weekly

3-4.30pm. Fun FREE 30-40-minute sessions which include stories, games and activities for parents/carers and their 3-5-year-olds.

Register in your local library.

Weekly

Bellsmyre Trust The Cutty Sark Centre 3.30-4pm: Myre Munchkins (P1-P3). www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk Weekly

Evening Meditation Class Meditation Centre of Scotland 6-7.30pm. Guided meditation course for inner peace and mindfulness. Beginners welcome. All classes are free. Non profit organisation. Donations welcome (Suggested amount: £3).

01436 676024 • FB @MCS072 Weekly

Dumbarton Music Group Ben View Resource Centre, Dumbarton 7.30-10pm. £2. Acoustic Folk/Country Jam night. For all ranges and abilities. If you want to come and practice some chords or play through something you have been trying to learn, James and Jim will be around for moral support. Come along and join in for a friendly relaxing jam night. Feel free to bring your own acoustic instrument. 01389 606 552 Weekly

Contentment Lennox Evangelical Church 7.30pm. We can all feel discontented with our lives – with what we have, how much we get, what we do and what the future promises. Discover how Jesus Christ helps us experience contentment in our daily lives. 07581197535 • lennoxec@gmail.com Weekly

Vale of Leven Walking Football Club Argyll Park, Alexandria 7.45-9pm. Available for anyone who wants to take part in the beautiful game but at a slower pace. All abilities and ages welcome. 07814 540035 FB: Vale of Leven Walking Football Club Twitter @lomondwfc. phildawson1335@me.com Weekly

Friday 7th

DONATE TO OUR CLYDEBANK STORE and we’ll pick up your items for FREE

Your unwanted furniture and electricals will help us fund life saving research. We collect all sorts of items: • • • • •

Working 4U

Thursday 6th 3rd Vale of Leven Brownies

Lennox Hall, Jamestown 6.30-8.00pm. 3rd Vale of Leven Brownies invite girls aged 7 to 10 to join them on. Brownies play games, earn badges, bake cakes, make crafts and have adventures outdoors. thirdvalebrownies@outlook.com Weekly

Balloch Library 9.30-12.30pm. New opportunities. Come along to our drop-ins.

0800 980 9070 Weekly

Balloch Baby Toddler Playgroup Bonhill Church 9.30-11.30am. FRI & TUE: Playgroup. £5 and kids are left with qualified playleader; MON & THU: Babies and Toddlers. Cost per session: £1 for 0-9 months. £2 for 9-18 months, £3 for 18 months.

Weekly

Local Family Business

Sofas, beds, tables, chairs TVs, Hi-Fi’s Washing machines, fridges Small electrical items Games consoles, docking stations

Working and living in the community

Call 0141 413 8225 or book online at bhf.org.uk/collection

Tel: 01389 729999 M Mob: ob:: 07899 878610 ob www.thistleblinds.co.uk

20% OFF

Please don’t be disappointed if we are unable to accept items for reasons of safety or quality. © British Heart Foundation, registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426).

GUTTER CLEARING

t: 01436 679 994 • w: www.nightanddaycleaning.co.uk

24 | To advertise call Debbie or Martin now on 01389 717035

What's On Calendar | February 2020 All weekly classes

West Dunbartonshire Leisure Community Sports Programme

(Term Time Only)

Bellsmyre Trust

The Cutty Sark Centre 10.30am-12pm: Bingo Mornings. www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk Weekly

Bellsmyre Trust

Ready, Steady, Kick (1.5-3yrs):

Tennis (5-12yrs): Dumbarton

Concord Community Centre: THU: 3.30-4.15pm. Alexandria Community Centre: FRI: 10-10.45am. Vale of Leven Academy: SAT: 9-9.45am. Dumbarton Academy: SUN: 9.30-10.15am

Academy: TUE: 6-7pm.

Mini Kickers (3-4yrs): Alexandria Community Centre: WED: 4-5pm; FRI: 11am-12pm. Dumbarton Academy: WED: 5-6pm. SUN: 10.30-11.30am & 11.30-12.30pm. Vale of Leven Academy: SAT: 10-11am & 11-12pm.

Ready, Steady, Run, Jump, Throw: Alexandria Community Centre: MON: 4-5pm (3-6yrs) TUE: 1.302.15pm (18mnth-3yr). Meadow Sports Centre: THU: 6-7pm (3-4yrs).

Ready, Steady, Play! (up to 4yrs): Dumbarton Gymnastics Centre: MON: 1-2pm; FRI: 11am-12pm.

Ready, Steady, Roll!: Dumbarton Gymnastics Centre: TUE: 10-10.40am (1.5-3yrs), 10.50-11.35am (3-4yrs); THU: 10-10.40am, 10.50-11.35am (1.5-3yrs); FRI: 12.30-1.10pm (1.5-3yrs), 1.15-2pm (3-4yrs).

Pre Gym (4yrs): Dumbarton Gymnastics Centre: THU: 4-5pm.

Ready, Steady, Splish! (3-18 months): Vale of Leven Swimming Pool: MON: 10-10.30am; FRI: 1111.30am. Meadow Sports Centre: TUE: 11-11.30am; THU: 10.30-11am.

Ready, Steady, Splash! (18-36 months): Vale of Leven Swimming Pool: MON: 10.30-11am; FRI: 11.30am12pm. Meadow Sports Centre: TUE: 11.30am-12pm; THU: 11-11.30am.

Athletics – Run, Jump & Throw: Alexandria Community Centre: MON: 4-5pm (3-6yrs), 5-6pm (5-11yrs).

Meadow Sports Centre: THU: 6-7pm (5-11yrs).

Badminton (7-12yrs): Dumbarton Academy: TUE: 6-7pm.

Basketball (8-11yrs): Alexandria Community Centre: MON: 6-7pm.

Hockey (5-12yrs): Meadow Sports Centre: WED: 6-7pm.

Football: Argyle Park*: MON: 4.306pm (7-14yrs). Alexandria Community Centre: TUE: 4-5pm (5-6yrs), 5-6pm (7-9yrs), 6-7pm (10-14yrs); WED: 5-6pm (5-6yrs). Concord Community Centre: THU: 5.30-6.30pm (5-7yrs), 6.30-7.30pm (8-12yrs).

Loch Lomond Camera Club

* Outdoor facility

ACCESS Youth Club for P7 to S6

Station Street, Renton 7-9pm. All levels and non-members welcome. www.meetup.com/lochlomondcameraclub Weekly

Sunday 9th

(9-16yrs).

Lennox Evangelical Church 8pm. Weekly ACCESS Youth Club for P7 to S6. lennoxec@gmail.com Weekly

Goalkeeping: Argyll Park: MON:

Astronomy Club

Striker: Argyll Park: MON: 8-9pm

7-8pm (7-16yrs).

Girls Football (5-12yrs): Alexandria Community Centre: WED: 6-7pm. Concord Community Centre: THU: 4.30-5.30pm.

Disability Football: Dumbarton Academy: WED: 6-7pm (5-12yrs), 7-8pm (13-19yrs).

Longcrags Centre 8-10pm. Join us in a fabulous sky gazing experience! See Jupiter and its moons, Saturn and its rings amid a magical carpet of stars. Beginners welcome. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Membership £20 per annum.

Children £10 per annum. 01389 767115 mick.maloney@wwmail.co.uk Also on 21st

Gymnastics: Vale of Leven

Adult Classes (16+) Badminton: Jog Scotland:

Meadow Centre: WED: 7-8pm.

Swimming:

Walking Football: Concord Community Centre: MON: 6-7pm (40+). Alexandria Community Centre: TUE: 3-4pm (18+ with additional support needs).

Friday 14th Dumbarton Acoustic Music Night

Painting & Decorating

Netball:

Vale of Leven Swimming Pool: WED: 8-8.45pm.

Balmaha to Drymen via Conic Hill 9.15am. Meet at Balloch bus station to catch the 9.40am bus to Balmaha. From Balmaha to Conic Hill by rough path and then along the West Highland Way to Drymen via Garadhban Forest. At Drymen we have the option of a pub lunch before returning to Balloch by bus. Sorry, no dogs except registered assistance dogs.

01389 731953 mather.joyce@gmail.com

Donnie Dallas

Meadow Centre: WED: 8-9pm.

Concord Community Centre: TUE: 6.30pm. Alexandria Community Centre: THU: 6:30pm.

Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers

St Augustine's Church 7.30pm. £5 entry, BYOB and glass. Come along and support a wonderful night of varied live music. Local acts: Wrong Direction, Kerry Smith and Toast and more will be performing on the night. Money raised from the night will be donated to a local charity. Tickets available from Discography Records, Bell Arcade Market, 143-145 High St, Dumbarton or pay at door on the night. 07787 310 391 Facebook - DumbartonAcousticMusicNight

Academy: MON: 5-6pm & 6-7pm (5-7yrs), 7-8pm (8-10yrs). Dumbarton Gymnastics Centre: TUE: 4-5pm & 5-6pm (5-7yrs), 6-7pm (8-10yrs); THU: 5-6pm (5-7yrs), 6-7pm (5-10yrs boys only & 8-10yrs), 7.15-8.15pm (8-10yrs & 11-15yrs); FRI: 4-5pm (5-7yrs).

01389 757806

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Fill in our What's On Form on our website: communityadvertiser.co.uk/whatson |

25

February 2020 | What's On Calendar

Calendar of events

Tuesday 25th Age Concern Dumbarton

The Crosslet Centre, Dumbarton 11.30-3pm. Monthly meeting. 01389742743 Last Tuesday of every month

Saturday 15th

Saturday 29th

Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers Inverary Forest - Dun na Cuaiche Tower & Forest Circuit 9.30am. Meet at Helensburgh Swimming Pool Car Park. Follow the estate road past Inverary Castle and take the forest track up to Dun na CuaicheTower. Descend by the same route and then head north along the River Aray to Carloonan Bridge.

Return by forest roads past the fish pond.

Sorry, no dogs except registered assistance dogs. 01389 731953 mather.joyce@gmail.com

Saturday 22nd Clyde Orienteering Coaching Event

Thursday 20th Bellsmyre Trust The Cutty Sark Centre 11-12.30pm. Messy Monsters Messy Play. www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk Third Thursday of each month

Friday 21st Alexandria Townswomen’s Guild Alexandria Community Facility 7.30pm. The speaker will be David McDonald.

Saturday 22nd

Sunday 16th

Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers

Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers Beinn Odhar 9am. Meet at Helensburgh Swimming Pool Car Park. This is a strenuous walk which involves exposed mountainous terrain and is not recommended for inexperienced hill walkers. Sorry, no dogs except registered assistance dogs.

01389 731953 mather.joyce@gmail.com

Balloch Country Park 1.30pm. Come along and try orienteering at Balloch Country Park with local club Clydeside Orienteers. There will be orienteering exercises for novices of all ages and coaches to help you. info@clydesideorienteers.org.uk www.clydesideorienteers.org.uk/home

Caldercruix to Blackridge 9.15amam. Meet at Helensburgh Central Station to catch the 9.26 train from Helensburgh Central and return from Blackridge. A linear walk from Caldercruix, past Hillend Reservoir along paths and farm tracks visiting a raised peat bog before dropping down to Blackridge.

Sorry, no dogs except registered assistance dogs. 01389 731953 mather.joyce@gmail.com

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Sunday 23rd Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers

Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond) 8.30am. Meet at Helensburgh Swimming Pool Car Park. This is a strenuous walk which involves exposed mountainous terrain and is not recommended for inexperienced hill walkers. Sorry, no dogs except registered assistance dogs.

01389 731953 mather.joyce@gmail.com

Monday 24th Bellsmyre Trust

The Cutty Sark Centre 6.30-7.30pm. Monthly Book Club. www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk Last Monday of each month

Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers

Troisgeach 9.30am. Meet at Helensburgh Swimming Pool Car Park. This is a strenuous walk which involves exposed mountainous terrain and is not recommended for inexperienced hill walkers. Sorry, no dogs except registered assistance dogs.

01389 731953 mather.joyce@gmail.com

Sunset Goose Walk

RSPB Loch Lomond 5-7.30pm approx. Join the team for an evening woodland walk to one of their favourite roosting spots. As the sunsets, watch the geese move in from their daytime feeding spots. Booking essential. £8.50/£7 for RSPB members.

01389 830670 • loch.lomond@rspb.org.uk

Carboot Sale

Old Jamestown Primary Car Park 10am-2pm. Contact Carolyn to book.

01389600367/07795112037 haldaneyouthservices@hotmail.co.uk Weekly

Submit your What's On information at www.communityadvertiser.co.uk March deadline: Monday 10th February

Helensburgh: 01436 653 096 Mobile: 07836 217 298

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Tribute | February 2020 © Daren Borzynski

TRIBUTES FOR CHRIS Tributes flood in for 37-year-old ex-Royal Marine Major, teacher, businessman & athletics club President Chris Moses who sadly passed away on Sunday 12th January after a tragic accident.

Chris was well-known, much respected and greatly loved by family and friends in his home village of Cardross and the surrounding area. He was the President of Helensburgh Athletics, owner of tree surgery business One Two Tree, a recently retrained maths teacher and tutor and a loving husband to Joanne, a clinical director in a veterinary practice.

Chris was born and brought up in Plymouth, Devon, and was a successful sprinter and semiprofessional footballer with Plymouth Argyle FC in his youth.

He went on to university and graduated in economics. He spent 13 years as a Royal Marine and served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Staying in Scotland after his retirement from the Royal Navy, Chris immersed himself in local life and work. He displayed his natural leadership qualities in

abundance as president of the athletics club and he was also as co-race director of the Babcock Helensburgh 10k.

Fellow director Kevin Johnson said of Chris: “He delivered everything with quiet efficiency and military precision but always with a laugh and a joke and a smile on his face. Chris knew how to motivate and lead by example, whether it was his troop of Royal Marines or a group of club volunteers and youngsters.”

Chris was also a talented runner and triathlete and won medals in the Dunbartonshire Cross Country Championships.

Having recently become a maths teacher, he taught at Vale of Leven Academy where the headteacher described him as “bright, cheerful and passionate about his new career”. Chris also tutored youngsters in the evening and ran his tree surgery business at weekends.

Chris Moses

Chris loved a challenge and once, with a friend, he cycled between Britain’s three highest mountains and then ran up them.

He was also just as happy to support Joanne, a talented horsewoman, as a groom, stable boy and driver.

Kevin added: “Chris was dearly loved and respected in equal measure by the Marines he led, his fellow officers, pupils and colleagues at work and the club

members that he inspired with such affection and praise.

“He touched the hearts of everyone he met, made a positive impact on their lives and put a smile on their faces. He was a great man of humility, integrity and compassion and one that will be sadly missed but never forgotten.”

Chris, who died in a tree-cutting accident in Rhu, leaves behind Joanne, a mum and dad, who still live in Devon, and two sisters.

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Visit our website at: communityadvertiser.co.uk | 27

February 2020 | Local News

SUCCESSFUL YEAR OF LOOKING AFTER NATURE PLANS FOR OLD Dunbartonshire Council’s Greenspace BACKDOOR GALLERY West Volunteers have enjoyed another successful year Councillors have approved plans to rename the Council’s Backdoor Gallery in Dalmuir and invest up to £15,000 to see how it could be transformed into a destination venue.

From now on it will be known as the Dalmuir Gallery and work will be carried out to consider how to attract new exhibitions.

The funding will pay for experts to produce a new vision of the exhibition space in Dalmuir Library.

Once complete, exhibitions could be aligned with the programme at Clydebank Museum to complement exhibits, and further enhance the experience of visitors to the area.

The proposals will be developed and reported back to the Cultural Committee within six months.

of looking after nature.

Working with the Countryside Ranger Service they manage and create new habitats for the benefit of wildlife and visitors. In 2019 some of the projects included banishing the invasive non-native species such as Rhododendron, Himalayan balsam and Skunk cabbage.

A lot of time has been spent last summer improving their wildflower identification skills at the new meadows in Balloch park with funding from Buglife.

This year they will inspect and clean out the 50 bird boxes that were put up last year after finding most of them had been used. A new pond was created and planted up and a further two pond projects are coming up in 2020 with help from their partners at Froglife.

The volunteers have another great year ahead to look forward to and start again on Feb 6th at Balloch Park where they meet most Thursdays 11 -3.

The volunteers are of all ages

The team having some lunch

An abandoned bird box nest

A new pond was created

and backgrounds and have a wonderful positive impact on their local community and its wildlife. Lots of people enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors in nature and learning some new skills and giving back.

they would love you to get in touch if you feel this is something you would enjoy. No weekly commitment required. There are tasks for all abilities available and no previous experience is needed.

Lunch, refreshments and all equipment provided.

The group is made up of members of the local community that contact us directly, and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park volunteers. There are lots of experienced volunteers to help with new arrivals and

Contact details to Greenspace office wdc.greenspace@ west-dunbarton.gov.uk, call 01389 608413 or visit www. west-dunbarton.gov.uk/ greenspacevolunteers.

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28 | To advertise call Debbie or Martin now on 01389 717035

GREENSPACE VOLUNTEERS

Local Business | February 2020

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Visit our website at: communityadvertiser.co.uk | 29

February 2020 | Local News

STORE OPENS A ACTION-PACKED FUN AT SHOW LIDL EARLIER

There was controversy about the high profile site of Dumbarton’s new Lidl store, but it won the go-ahead and was scheduled to open its doors next month.

However many local shoppers will be delighted to find the store, at Dumbarton Harbour, will now open on February 20, creating around 40 full time and part time jobs in the process.

It is on the site of the former Allied Distillers base and will bring a new seam of discount shopping to an area which hasn’t had its retail woes to seek in recent years.

An annual outdoor pursuits show is encouraging visitors from across Scotland to be on their marks to get set for a host of fun activities.

This year, the popular Scottish Cycling, Running and Outdoor Pursuits Show (SCROPS) takes place at the SEC in Glasgow over the weekend of Saturday February 29 and Sunday March 1 and promises even more interactive challenges and sports competitions.

for all abilities and aims to increase coordination, balance and endurance. Families are also sure to enjoy the CalMac Stand Up Paddleboard activity and a Jet 2 Watt Bike Challenge Competition.

Some of the more popular activities are back, including the busy Triathlon Challenge, indoor running, cycling and mountain bike tracks, as well as the Kids’ Active and Bike Zones.

As well as all the action, visitors can pop along to the Show Theatre, where a range of industry leading professionals and athletes will be talking about their specialist sports and providing valuable tips and insights on how to perform at your best.

New for the fourth SCROPS is an innovative Adidas Rotating Climbing Wall, which is suitable

A packed hall of stalls offers the opportunity to shop and engage with some of the biggest brands

in physical pursuits and outdoor sports.

Julia Girvan, from show organiser PSP Media Group, is anticipating another great event. She said: “The SCROPS show in 2019 was our best to date and the 2020 show promises to be even bigger and better with the addition of some exciting new activities and great brands from the world of sport and outdoor pursuits.

“There will be some great prizes up for grabs, too, so everyone is encouraged to come ready to participate and, in some cases, compete to win. The show offers a great day out for all ages and it is well worth making the journey to Glasgow for.”

To buy tickets and for further information see www.scrops.co.uk.

Enjoy testing the old grey matter at a quiz? Tickling your tonsils at karaoke or hitting the dance floor? We have the list to inspire you.

AL E XA N DRI A Dempsey’s Bar

1 Hillview Place, 01389 757988 l THU: Poker Night (8pm) l FRI: Bingo Night (8pm)

The Laughing Fox

119 Bridge St, 01389 750746 l Live Sports l Beer Garden

Station Bar 140 Bank St, 01389 752504 l Pool table, jukebox, sports TV screen

B AL LO C H Club Desire Balloch Rd, 01389 729002 l Contact for entertainment details

Corries Restaurant

Balloch Road, 01389 753 552 l MON: Folk Club (8.30pm) l THU: Music with Angus

The Doghouse Bar

54 Balloch Rd, 01389 607300 l THU: Live Football l Open Mic l Karaoke l Live Football

Lomond Park Hotel

Balloch Rd, 01389 752494 l THU: Quiz l FRI & SUN: Karaoke l SAT: Live Band l Live Sports

Kerbside Night Club

The Counting House

Balloch Rd, 01389 752494 l Contact for entertainment details

17 High St, 01389 765457 l THU: Pub Quiz l FRI & SAT: DJ l Beer Garden l Live Sports

The Glenroy Balloch Rd, 01389 752494 THU: Pub Quiz l FRI & SUN: Karaoke l l Live Sports l Live Music

DRYMEN The Buchanan Arms Main Street, 01360 660 588 l Chic atmosphere for wining & dining

The Clachan Main Street, 01360 660824 l SAT: Live music l Open 11am-Midnight

The Drymen Inn 5 Stirling Road, Drymen, 01360 660123 l WED: Quiz Night l SAT: Live Music l SUN: Live Entertainment

The Winnock The Square, 01360 660245 l Variety themed nights

DU MBARTON Cheers 1 Brewery Lane, 01389 742333 l FRI & SAT: DJ Clubnights

The Dumbuck House Hotel Glasgow Road, 01389 734 336 l Live Sports l Live Music l Family Days l Tribute Nights l Pool Table l Beer Garden l Food Served All Day

LOC H LOM O ND Drovers Inn

15-19 Bridge St, 01389 732816 l FRI: Quiz l SAT: Karaoke

Inverarnan, 01301 704234 l SAT 1: Jeff Jeffrey l SAT 8: Jono l SAT 15: Stuart MacFarlane l SAT 22: Hell For Leather l SAT 29: The Minogue Brothers

The Stag’s Head

The Inn on Loch Lomond

The Glencairn Lounge

116 Glasgow Rd, 01389 732642 l FRI: Karaoke l Live Music l Live Sports

The Waverley Bar 30 West Bridgend, Dumbarton Live Music l Live Sports l l Beer Garden l Karaoke

JA M E STOWN Fenton’s Bar 174 Main Street, 01389 602564 l WED: Pub Quiz & Pool Competition l THU: Jam / Open Mic

30 | To advertise call Debbie or Martin now on 01389 717035

Luss, 01436 860430 l SAT 1: Robert Carmichael l FRI 7: Joe Quinn l SAT 8: Scott MacDonald l FRI 14: On The Wagon l SAT 15: Robert Carmichael l FRI 21: On The Wagon l SAT 22: Paul Murdoch l FRI 28: Joe Quinn l SAT 29: On The Wagon

Unless otherwise stated, all entertainment runs 9pm – 12 midnight.

Local News | February 2020

Visit our website at: communityadvertiser.co.uk | 31

February 2020 | Local News

THE BATHROOM COMPANY GLASGOW

Extended Showroom now open

THE MOST STYLISH SHOWROOM IN GLASGOW WITH THE MOST EXPERIENCED TEAMS OF FITTERS IN SCOTLAND

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We are absolutely delighted to be voted the winners of the best bathroom company at the Scottish Home Improvements Awards 2019.

It’s extremely rewarding for our team’s to be recognised for all the hard work that we deliver creating stunning new Bathrooms for our customers.'

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Looking to have your dream Bathroom then come and see the very best showroom in Hillington with all the latest tiles and styles We now have over 30 full sized bathroom displays complete with some amazing brands such as: Exclusive to The Bathroom Company

At the Bathroom Company Glasgow we offer a full installation service. All work is carried out by our highly experienced teams in as little as 3 days. We also do supply only for our customers who just wish to purchase products

We had our bathroom fitted recently and love it! Had looked at a few bathroom shops and wasn't too keen on buying the products and arranging our own fitter but these guys do everything as a package. When we visited the store the only problem was narrowing it down as I saw loads that I liked. The price was quoted in store (with no pressure) and when Richard came out to measure up and ensure everything would fit there was no change to the price. The guys were in and out in 3 days and the work was perfect. On third day I came home from work to find the finished bathroom and not even a speck of dust left behind.

Would 100% recommend. Also the price was really competitive. Definitely with a look!

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Local News | February 2020

SEARCH IS ON FOR BEST FIRMS

CALL OUT FOR HELP

Best Medium Business will go to the best firm employing from six to 25 full time employees.

Best Large Business is aimed at companies with more than 25 full time employees.

Best Family Business, for this category judges will look for evidence of professional management and responsible ownership.

Entries for the annual Working4Business Awards are now open, with a closing date of February 28 – and there’s no charge to enter your own company or nominate another.

This year’s event will select winners from ten different categories including Most Promising New Business, Best Family Business, Developing the Young Workforce and Innovation in Business.

Awards can prove crucially important to businesses of all sizes, giving the winners an instant and easy way to advertise the fact that they are up to the mark.

The top titles are Employer of the Year and Young Business Person

of the Year, but every category is important and on previous form the contest is likely to highlight some seriously good local talent.

The other categories are: Most Promising New Business Award which is for businesses less than three years old that demonstrate a high degree of entrepreneurship and vision for the future.

Best Small Business is for firms employing between one to five full time employees.

Developing the Young Workforce Award is open to organisations which have developed a partnership that prepares young people for the world of work.

Best Food and Drink Provider is open to local firms that manufacture or provide high quality food and drink products.

Innovation in Business is open to businesses that have either implemented a new product or service, modified an existing one or introduced an innovative way of working.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony to be staged in Clydebank on May 22.

There is more information at www. working4business.com or email info@working4business.com.

Thanks to the generosity of donors in 2019, furniture reuse charity Home from Home were able to give furniture to 207 low-income households in West Dunbartonshire.

The charity currently have 8 households (occupants include 7 children) awaiting essential items such as mattresses, bed bases, wardrobes, chests of drawers, sofas, small dining tables, coffee tables, microwaves, kettles, toasters etc. Items need to be in good clean condition please, with safety labelling where relevant. A Free uplift service is available.

If you can help please get in touch by phone 01389 733733, email enquiries@ homefromhome.plus.com.

Or pop along to the showroom at 3 Ash Road in Dumbarton's Broadmeadow Industrial Estate, which is open from 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

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Visit our website at: communityadvertiser.co.uk | 33

February 2020 | Local News

PLEA BY TRAGIC TOT PARENTS The grieving parents of a toddler who died after contracting sepsis have issued an appeal in the hope others will learn from the tragedy.

Eliza Woods was just three months short of her third birthday when her life was cruelly cut short in December by the blood-poisoning illness. Now her mum and dad, Jodie and Mike, of Rhu, are campaigning to raise awareness of the killer condition.

ANY CHILD WHO: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Is breathing very fast Has a ‘fit’ or convulsion Looks mottled, bluish or pale Has a rash that does not fade when you press it Is very lethargic or difficult to wake Feels abnormally cold to touch

MIGHT HAVE SEPSIS

Call 999 and ask: could it be sepsis?

The UK Sepsis Trust registered charity number (England & Wales) 1158843

They will be working with the UK Sepsis Trust and they have been supplying local businesses with cards detailing sepsis symptoms.

Mike said: “Until 90 minutes before our daughter’s death, the only indication that anything was amiss was a fever that had started less than 48 hours before.

“Sepsis is caused by the body over-reacting to an infection, any infection, and in the case of Eliza, her sepsis was triggered

by Group A Streptococcus, one of the most common bacterial infections.”

Every year, sepsis affects 245,000 people in the UK with 1000 deaths each week. Mike said: “This is equivalent to a death every 12 minutes and accounts for more than breast, bowel and prostate cancer deaths combined. More worryingly the mortality rate among UK children is nearly twice that of elsewhere in Europe, largely due to the speed at which sepsis can overwhelm a child’s body.”

ANY CHILD UNDER 5 WHO: 1 2 3

Sepsis can be challenging to differentiate in the early stages from a normal “bug” yet there are a number of symptoms to look out for, including a fever, low temperature, breathing fast, fits, mottled skin, a rash that doesn’t fade, being lethargic or feeling cold to touch.

Jodie and Mike also want to thank everyone who has supported them locally since the tragedy. Mike said: “The outpouring of community support has been incredible and we want to sincerely thank all of you who have supported us in our grief.”

Is not feeding

You can donate to the UK Sepsis Trust in Eliza’s memory at www.justgiving. com/fundraising/ MichaelWoods17. Further information at www.sepsistrust. org.

Is vomiting repeatedly Hasn’t had a wee or wet nappy for 12 hours

MIGHT HAVE SEPSIS If you’re worried they’re deteriorating call 111 or see your GP

JUST ASK

“COULDITBESEPSIS?” IT’S A SIMPLE QUESTION, BUT IT COULD SAVE A LIFE.

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01436 676921

Commercial & Domestic Cleaners spkcleaning.co.uk

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A.D.S Motors..........................................................10 A1 Road Surfacing..........................................6 & 26 Access 4 Lofts...........................................................8 Alan Robinson Domestic Appliance.....................11 Amk Self Drive.........................................................5 Andrew Steele Decorator ....................................27 Argyll Hotel ...........................................................10 Ben View Antiques................................................18 Blind Cleaning..........................................................4 Bonhill Chippy........................................................19 Bridge Street Dental Practice................................17 Brooke & Bros..........................................................7 Buchanan Castle Golf Club...................................16 Caledonia Property Letting & Estate Agent........33 Caledonian Wood Fuels..........................................4 Charles's Handyman..............................................23 Cheaper Car Insurance............................................1 Church Dental Practice............................................1 Cloudy2Clear Glasgow Ltd......................................7 Clydeside Domestics ...............................................3 CMC Home Improvements......................................3 Countryside Ranger Service..................................29 Cupcakes by Carly..................................................25 David Wilson Handyman.........................................2 DC Cairney..............................................................23 Denny Theatre.......................................................23 Dollface Beautique..................................................1 Domestic Solutions..................................................2 Donnie Dallas.........................................................25 Dumbarton Foot Clinic............................................7 Dunbartonshire Property Buyers..........................15 E S Fencing.............................................................10 Ferguson Flooring Scotland Ltd............................36 Forbes Handyman Services....................................10 Furniture Clinic ......................................................17 Glasgow Premier Physiotherapy...........................12 Haveli Family Buffet Restaurant ..........................19 HC-ONE ....................................................................5 Heavinly Beauty.....................................................19 Helensburgh Driving Instructor ...........................10 Helensburgh Floor Plan.........................................35

34 | To advertise call Debbie or Martin now on 01389 717035

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Home from Home..................................................22 Independant Vetcare...............................................4 J & J Garage Doors...................................................6 Jamie Hamilton Plumbing.......................................2 JDW Electrical Services............................................4 JGS Plumbing & Heating.........................................4 Joans Carers............................................................14 John Dobbin.............................................................2 John Macaulay Landscapes...................................20 JRM Heating.............................................................7 K Glass & Glazing.....................................................2 Keys Galore..............................................................2 KG Gas Services .....................................................17 Lomond Electrical Services....................................11 Mackinnon Fencing...............................................20 Maximus Roofing.....................................................5 McGregor Aerials.....................................................6 Night & Day ...........................................................22 Preston Fleming Ltd.................................................1 Realseal Roofing......................................................3 Scottish Cycling and Running...............................13 Scratch 2 Shine.........................................................4 Slimming World ....................................................19 Sorbus Tree Services.................................................6 Sovereign Blinds......................................................5 Sparkle......................................................................5 Stitt Removals..........................................................7 The Bathroom Company Glasgow.......................32 The British Heart Foundation...............................24 The Doors Group Limited......................................31 The Handyman Home Improvement Centre.........9 The Witches Hut......................................................1 Thermaseal...............................................................1 Thistle Blinds..........................................................24 Van Driver Removals..............................................20 West College Scotland...........................................28 Wilkie And Rider....................................................14 Window Scene ......................................................11 Windows & Conservatory Repair Company..........3 Wood Made Good...................................................3

FLOORING STUDIO Beautiful flooring to suit your home interior and needs

CRUCIAL TRADING BESPOKE RUGS AND STAIR RUNNERS

SHOWROOM: 21-23 East King Street Helensburgh G84 7QQ

01436 672693 office@helensburghfloorplan.co.uk

Inspired by nature.

Designed for living.

Lifetime guarantee View the full range in store:

Ferguson Flooring (Scotland) Ltd 8 Ash Road, Broadmeadow Industrial Estate, Dumbarton, G82 2RS 01389 298349 | www.fergusonflooring.com Featured floor: Glacier Oak RL21

Available in a wide range of designs, colours, textures and formats Can be personalised with designs strips or complementary borders