Dumbarton, Vale of Leven, Balloch & Drymen Community Advertiser - January 2019

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Dumbarton, Vale of Leven, Balloch & Drymen

FREE • January 2019

2019

Bring. it. on.

Dumbarton,

Vale of Leven,

2018 CALENDAR 2019

Balloch & Drymen

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W communityadvertise

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Dr Michael Barrett Dr Gayle MacVicar Clunie

Dentists:

Dr David Crawford Hygienist: Clare

12 DECEMBER

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Useful Dates

FREE 2019 CALENDAR INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Helensburgh Private Hire

JUNE

1 2 3 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 29 30 25 26 27 28

MON 6 MAY MON 27 MAY FRI 12 JUL MON 5 AUG MON 26 AUG

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09 SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER

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

Contents

Essential Info

The Road to Monte Carlo ............ 3 Saving Our A-List Station ............. 4 Running into a New Year ............ 5 Cause that Relies on Us ................ 6 Literary Lights in Balloch .............. 7 Story of the Gregorach ................ 8 Supermarket’s Free Fruit Gift .... 10 Support the Local Heroes .......... 11 Bird is the Word in Park ............. 12 Late News .................................... 12 Dumbarton East Café? ............... 14 What’s Up Doc ............................ 14 Donate Those Glad Rags ........... 17 Support Groups ............................. 17 New Year Resolutions ........ 18&19 Fire Safety Checks ....................... 20 Legal Matters ................................. 20 What’s On Calendar .............. 21-26

Little Ship Could Not Die ........... 27 New Year Fitness Boost .............. 28 Nightlife ....................................... 30 Babcock Support 10K Series ......

Keep Safe Tips for Hogmanay ....

Early Start for the Geese ............

Make Tracks for Fun Day ...........

Advertisers Index ........................

32 33 34 34 34

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End of tenancy cleaning Washings & Ironing Daily, weekly or monthly shop (incl. putting it away) Housekeeping, home help & local key holding service Bespoke property management & house sitting services Construction & Welfare Cleaning Befriending services Holiday Lets & Serviced accommodation and much more…

ME ER E SA EAN TIM CL ERY EV

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TOTAL CONFIDENTIALITY GUARANTEED

Police Station: 101

• AA 24 Hour Breakdown Service: 0800 88 77 66 • RAC 24 Hour Breakdown Service: 0800 82 82 82

Road Breakdown Service

Water Help Line 0845 601 8855 Powercut Help Line: 105

Taxis • Wrights Taxis: 01389 721 020 • Co-op Taxis: 01389 753 376 • TOA Taxis: 01389 742 121

• 24-hour: 08457 90 90 90

07773 192581

01436 675649

• Visit Scotland, Balloch: 01389 753 533

The Samaritans

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CAR & MOTORCYCLE KEYS CUT & PROGRAMMED + DOOR ENTRY FOBS

Tourist Information Centre

• Fire Brigade • Police • Ambulance • Coastguard • Mountain rescue • Cave rescue

Gas Emergencies: 0800 111 999

Quality childcare, before & after school, for Christie Park pupils

direct to doors 24,000 Delivered businesses, 1,000 towaiting rooms etc.

999 or 112 for…

Airports

NHS 24: 111 Medical Centre – Dumbarton • • • • • • •

Dr Dunn: 01389 811 833 Dr Logan: 01389 811 811 Dr McMaster: 01389 811 862 Dr McDevitt: 01389 811 855 Dr Neilston: 01389 811 851 Dr Tooke: 01389 811 811 Levenside: 01389 811844

Rail Enquiries • National Rail: 08457 48 49 50 • Trainchecker: 08712 00 49 50

Bus and Coach • National Express: 0870 580 8080 • McGill’s: 08000 51 56 51

Hospitals • Gartnavel Royal Hospital: 1055 Great Western Road 0141 211 3600 • Golden Jubilee Hospital: Clydebank.

0141 951 5000 • The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital: 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow 0141 201 1100 • Royal Alexandra Hospital: Corsebar Road, Paisley: 0141 887 9111 • Vale of Leven General Hospital: North Main Street, Alexandria.

01389 754121

Chemists/Pharmacies • • • • • • • • • • •

Alliance: 01389 752 038 Alexandria: 01389 752 012 Balloch: 01389 752 476 Bellsmyre: 01389 768 818 Bonhill: 01389 722 822 Boots: 01389 763907 Brucehill: 01389 742 384 Cardross: 01389 841 999 Greenhead: 01389 742225 Kemps: 01389 762 598 Lloyds: Station Road 01389 765 077

High Street 01389 762 359 • Marchbanks: 01389 752 914

• Glasgow: 0844 481 5555 • Edinburgh: 0844 448 8833 • Prestwick: 01292 479822

Vets • Glenbrae Veterinary Clinic: 18 Station Road, Dumbarton 01389 765 555 • McKenzie Vets: 26 Gilmour Street, Alexandria. 01389 751 182

West Dunbartonshire Council • Main: 01389 737 000 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm • Customer Contact Centre: 01389 738 282 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm • Out of Hours Emergencies: 0800 197 1004 • Social Work Emergencies: 0300 343 1505

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

Libraries • Alexandria: 01389 608974 • Balloch: 01389 608989 • Dumbarton: 01389 608992

Locksmith • Keys Galore: 01436 675649 • 24-hour: 07718 197957

Get in touch Sales:

01389 717035

mel@communityadvertiser.co.uk

General: editor@communityadvertiser.co.uk Design:

01389 717277

jennifer@communityadvertiser.co.uk

Local Family Business

Working and living in the community

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

PC Medic Computer repair based in Dumbarton covering a large a surrounding are

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Before

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2 | To advertise call Mel or Debbie now on 01389 717035

After

Before

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After

TIME SERVED TRADESMAN

Local News | January 2019

THE ROAD TO MONTE CARLO The Monte Carlo Rally is one of the world’s premier motorsports events, and this month West Dunbartonshire will again be the perhaps surprising starting point for entrants beginning the course from Britain.

The historic 2019 Monte Carlo Rally will see crews from the USA and France cheered on by local residents as they prepare to leave for the epic 1,500-mile trip to the South of France.

It will run over eight days on open public roads with the cars and crews undertaking a series of fourteen demanding test stages in the mountains of southern France.

Last time the British wing of the event began here was 2012, when thousands turned out locally to cheer on the contestants.

The Classique event is for older cars, and in the 2019 entry list there are no less than five Riley cars from the 1930s – three of them driven by American crews –and an MG from 1949.

A total of 80 cars are expected to drive past the Titan Crane at 6pm on Wednesday January 31, and they are in three separate categories.

The Historique Class is restricted to car models which competed in the Monte Carlo Rallies between 1955 and 1980.

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They will follow the same route to Monte Carlo but will not compete in any test stages, the goal simply being to finish after checking in at a series of control points on the way, including Dumfries, Barnby Moor in

Nottinghamshire and Banbury in Oxfordshire.

that drivers are travelling from America and France is testament to this.

Once again the event will feature the popular “It will be a thrilling Monte Heritage start to the Runs which year for West will follow Dunbartonshire, on from the and not to be full-scale missed.” starts and Douglas take in Anderson, a series the UK of short coordinator classic Convener of the Cultural Committee at of the event, routes in West Dunbartonshire Council, said: “It is Scotland Bailie Denis Agnew (left), wonderful to including UK co-ordinator of the event, have the Scottish John O’Groats, Douglas Anderson (right) start returning to Aberdeen, Clydeside.

Stirling and Dumfries.

“The event grows in stature every West Dunbartonshire culture year and we’re confident the convener Baillie Denis Agnew 2019 event will attract big crowds said: “I’ve always felt that hosting to wave them off on their drive the Monte Carlo Rally projects to the sunshine in the South of West Dunbartonshire onto a France. They’ll all be sharing the world platform and the fact magic of the Monte”.

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3

January 2019 | Local News

ALAN ROBINSON

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SAVING OUR A-LIST STATION Dumbarton Stations Improvement Trust has commissioned one of Scotland’s most experienced conservation architects, writes Dave Harvie, Convener.

Numerous issues have already revealed themselves as significant.

Critically there is the necessity of stopping severe water ingress affecting steel and stone-work.

Could a re-opening of the original entrance, with lifts, stairs and a bigger ticket office serving both platforms be possible? – surely better than the long, steep ramps which are a problem for many?

Equally important is improvement to nearby public areas, with better linkages to other parts of the town centre.

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Lesley Kerr, and her team of five specialists, to produce a Conservation Management Plan for Dumbarton Central Station – one of only 12 ‘A’-Listed stations in Scotland.

This project has arisen after years of growing public concern for its deteriorating condition and its poor public impact; it is supported by both Network Rail and Scotrail/ Abellio and is being funded by West Dunbartonshire Council.

The Plan will examine the history and current condition of the

structure and propose a number of costed options for repair, renovation and reconstruction, with a particular interest in opening up disused underplatform areas for community and other users.

People may remember the former entrance to the Station, under the Townend Road bridge, or the wide, tiled staircases which led to the platforms; indeed, a century ago there were three restaurants serving the needs of workmen, families and wedding parties.

As part of the commission, a public consultation event will be held in the last two weeks of January at Dumbarton Library, where members of the public can engage with some of the potential options – and offer comments; there will be social media and on-line elements, and the project team will welcome memories of the station, and any relevant photographs or artefacts relating to Dumbarton Central which may be lent will be carefully examined, acknowledged and if appropriate, copied.

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Local News | January 2019

FENCING & GROUNDWORKS

RUNNING INTO A NEW YEAR The annual Shortbread Run in Balloch on January 2 is not quite as eccentric as plunging into the icy waters of the Clyde or Forth on January 1 – and you don’t need to be a hero to take part.

This year’s event is on a Wednesday, beginning at 10.30am, so no early bird start on what for many or even most people can be a bit of a couch potato day.

Despite the name, you don’t necessarily have to run, either, because the whole idea of this communitarian event is to get as many people involved as possible – so you can jog round the course or simply walk round it.

A spokesperson for organisers West Dunbartonshire Athletics Club said: “It’s your chance to take part in your first event of 2019.

The run starts just inside the main gates of the park on Balloch Road (opposite the bus terminus, beside the Co-op supermarket), and will be marked out with directional signs and limited stewards.

There’s no fee and no official recording of times and, as a reminder of why shortbread is in the title, there’s a complimentary piece of this great Scottish invention at the finish – sponsored by Walkers Shortbread.

For further details visit runnpark.leaguerepublic.com.

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You do run at your own risk, of course, and children under 11 years old must be accompanied by an adult, but it’s probably not the most strenuous exercise most of us will ever face – and is a great way to wish some familiar faces a happy new year.

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“The course route follows the pathways around the park

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5

January 2019 | Local News

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CAUSE THAT RELIES ON US Animal charity the SSPCA works wonders at its Dumbarton area rescue and rehoming centre, but relies on the public to help it operate to full efficiency – as in the case of this lurcher dog, abandoned and tied to a bin in Dumbarton Cemetery.

Sadly it is just one case that is typical of the sort of cruelty the SSPCA has to confront and deal with on an almost weekly basis, as its regular news reports from around the country testify.

It’s equally unfortunate that after Christmas there’s often a surge in cases of abandoned pets (although this dog was found in the weeks running up to the festive season) as people who should know better suddenly find the puppy they thought so endearing isn’t a toy after all, and requires proper care and attention.

She’s a lovely dog and seems to be in good condition

At least in this case a member of the public found the dog and got in touch with the Dumbarton centre, meaning at least she was out of immediate risk.

“If anyone recognises this lurcher, we’d urge them to contact us as we are keen to identify the person responsible for abandoning her.”

Manager Judy Button said: “She’s Abandoning an animal is an a lovely dog and seems to be in good condition, so we aren’t sure offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) how long she was tied up there.

Act 2006. Anyone found guilty “The person who found her took of doing so can expect to be her home for the night before banned from keeping animals calling us to collect her. for a fixed period or life.

“We’re grateful the member of Anyone with information is being the public was able to help her for the night and that she wasn’t urged to contact our animal left alone, unable to take shelter. helpline on 03000 999 999.

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Local News | January 2019

LITERARY LIGHTS IN BALLOCH “There have been quite a few of those lately – apart from attracting the local writing talents – of which there are many – we have had visitors from across the border (Helensburgh and Cove) and the far reaches of Glasgow.

“There is usually a ‘headline’ act after the break and everyone invited has so far agreed, and often return to book a slot, and a big thank you is due to all of them”.

Open mic night is not just for singing or stand up comedy

When you see “open mic night” advertised in a bar or hotel it usually means either folk singing or stand-up comedy – which is why a regular fixture at the Balloch House Hotel is so interestingly different.

Literary evenings sounds a bit pompous for the sort of event involving local writers such as Ann MacKinnon, George Gibson and Mary Irvine, because what they and their friends have been quietly developing is altogether more spontaneous and – very possibly – fun.

She adds: “The content of the readings is eclectic, poems, prose, articles, funny (sometimes scurrilous), serious – in English or Scots.

“What is rewarding most of all is the comment that we are such a welcoming group which makes for a pleasant and entertaining night out. People are even turning up just to listen”.

Mary, looking forward to another year of entertaining and stimulating open mic nights at the hotel, tells us: “This event just gets better each time it’s on.

The sessions take place in the pleasant function room of the Balloch House Hotel on the first Monday of the month apart from Bank Holiday Mondays.

“We are now at the stage where people are booking slots in advance, although we do try to reserve a few for ‘first-timers’.

Slots are bookable from 6.15pm and sessions start promptly at 7pm. For further information email Mary at alexwriters1@gmail.

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January 2019 | Local News

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STORY OF THE GREGORACH For a clan whose name was once proscribed, making its members literally outlaws, Clan Gregor has done not too badly since the days when Dumbarton was an outpost of “civilisation” on the fringes of the wild and woolly Lennox, and Argyll.

Everybody has heard of Rob Roy MacGregor – a fascinating character, whatever the truth of his complex story – and local residents with an interest in history have probably heard of

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the earlier Battle of Glen Fruin… when the Gregorach and their allies, amid much bloodshed, sent their Colquhoun opponents home to think again.

However beneath all the legend is a saga every bit as involved as the story of, say, a Native American tribe of the 19th century – a people who amid much hardship somehow survived the hard circumstances of their times to not only win back their name but also make it famous.

Liam Neeson as Rob Roy in the 1995 movie of that name

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begins this bleak and blustery month with a talk on the clan, and its history, in the area above Tyndrum in Argyll – a nice spot for a nature ramble, these days, but in days gone by a territory governed by musket and broadsword, where the rule of kings – Scottish or British – was somewhat ephemeral.

Telling the story is a man who can surely empathise with his distant ancestors – Dr Gavin MacGregor of Northlight Heritage – who has been unearthing the details of their history and bringing them to a modern audience (at a time when series like Outlander have been reviving interest in Scottish clan history).

Northlight Heritage is an independent charity which delivers projects and programmes that encourage practical engagement with archaeology, creating volunteering opportunities and blend arts and heritage.

His talk is on Wednesday, January 9, at the Concord Centre (next to the Denny Civic Theatre) at 7pm for 7.30pm, and admission for a single session is just £2 – or £10 per year.

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Local Business | January 2019

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Visit our website at: communityadvertiser.co.uk |

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SUPERMARKET’S FREE FRUIT GIFT

RS EA

Full marks to Dumbarton’s Morrison’s branch for a scheme that will see it giving away thousands of free pieces of fruit to children every week – an initiative that rivals might arguably do well to follow.

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January 2019 | Local News

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The Free Fruit for Kids scheme will mean that this fruit - which is ripe, sweet and of good eating quality - does not go to waste.

These goods will be within their sell-by window, but at risk of not being sold in time, so rather than take the greater risk of having to bin fruit which can’t be shifted before it’s no longer saleable Morrison’s is simply giving it away/

It is hoped the scheme will encourage children to taste and enjoy different types of fruit,

Russell McCaw store manager at Morrisons Dumbarton said: “Sometimes our store is left with unsold fruit and customers would prefer us to find a use for it.

“So we’re putting out fruit that’s at risk of not being sold - for children to help themselves.

“It’s healthy for them, reduces food waste in our store and will help make shopping easier for parents.”

Morrisons Dumbarton will offer a wide range of varieties of fruit in the scheme including; “top fruit” such as apples and pears; citrus, such as oranges and clementines; and tropical fruit, such as bananas.

The supermarket chain says it is the first to offer free

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Local News | January 2019

SUPPORT THE LOCAL HEROES The museum of a regiment strongly associated with West Dunbartonshire reopens this summer as a state of the art A-class visitor attraction – one set to draw tens of thousands of visitors from across the world – but meantime there is still plenty of other activity taking place.

by way of massive involvement in both world wars.

However before the museum reopens its doors to the public there’s a unique event to look forward to in March – and if you are interested in attending it’s advisable to book now, as tickets were selling well even before Christmas.

The final result will be a dazzling interactive tour through centuries of the regiment’s astonishing story, from the Battle of Balaklava to the Korean War and beyond –

To discuss further, contact Jennifer Campbell on 0141 814 4729 / jennifer.campbell@erskine.org.uk

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The story of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders is being preserved in a £4m heritage centre in Stirling Castle, a project that has meant carrying out the mother of all spring cleaning exercises, and even an auction of

If you would like to support Sounds from Stirling Castle there are various ways you can get involved, from sponsorship at the show, gifts-in-kind or the donation of a prize for the raffle.

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It will feature performances from The Capital Concert Band, The Herald Trumpets of Scotland and the Pipes, Drums and Dancers of Queen Victoria School.

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Sounds from Stirling Castle: Summon the Heroes, on March 16 is hosted by the legendary voice of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Alasdair Hutton, and will raise funds for Erskine Proud to Care and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Trust.

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Visit our website at: communityadvertiser.co.uk | 11

January 2019 | Local News

BIRD IS THE WORD IN PARK techniques, helping participants with the correct use of art materials and organising activities for the class.

Levengrove Park is famous as the spectacular venue for the annual Scottish Pipe Band Championships, but even its biggest fans might have been puzzled that it's now a prime site for birdwatching.

Yet that’s just what’s behind a new drive to add further diversity to what is already a broader range of uses than typically found in any average municipal park.

and families and various bird watching activities.

Just ahead of the new year, the park’s community ranger was seeking volunteers with an interest in bird-watching – or art – to help with an interesting series of new classes.

It’s likely the volunteer vacancies have now been filled, but still worth checking – if only to find whether similar opportunities may occur in future.

Levengrove is one of the crown jewels of local amenities, and further development could be possible – bringing fresh opportunities.

The new workshops are set to begin around now, and include art for adults, art for children

Volunteering for the art workshops involves working with adults and children, teaching art

The birdwatching activities involve setting up surveys which will include identification of different types of bird species within the park, through sight and sound and recording information found.

The role means you’re working alongside the Community Engagement Ranger with different members of the community, school groups, youth groups and carrying out nature activities at community events and fun days in the park.

Regeneration convener Councillor Iain McLaren said: “We are very proud of our parks and always looking at ways that we can improve the services on offer.

“If you have a passion for art or birdwatching, please get in touch.”

For further information contact West Dunbartonshire Council’s Community Engagement Ranger, Sandra Anton, on 01389 772090 or Sandra.anton@westdunbarton.gov.uk.

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12 | To advertise call Mel or Debbie now on 01389 717035

Local Business | January 2019

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Visit our website at: communityadvertiser.co.uk | 13

January 2019 | What's Up Doc?

DUMBARTON EAST CAFÉ?

What's Up Doc?

ScotRail says it has earmarked Dumbarton East station as one of a number across the country that could benefit from a coffee or food outlet – or some other unspecified service that could benefit the local community.

This month: HERE’S TO YOUR HEALTH…

If such a move ever took place it would be a franchise operation that would pay to use the space – but would such a development be of much interest to local people or rail travellers?

Earlier this year, Flahute Coffee opened at Markinch station offering artisan coffee, luxury Belgian hot chocolate, speciality teas and nutritious snacks to the 315,000 people travelling to and from the station each year.

That was a case of a local entrepreneur spotting a niche opportunity in a location where there’s guaranteed heavy footfall (and thus opportunities for sales) at peak times – and it has clearly worked well.

Whether a similar opportunity at Dumbarton East could appeal to some local operator remains to be seen.

with Dr Nick Dunn

The World Health Organisation defines Health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not just the absence of illness”.

While many people probably woke up on New Year’s Day in a state, I am not sure it would have been one of “complete well-being”!

However Scotrail has the station tagged as one of 20, from Aviemore to Bathgate, currently being made available for new ventures – often in locations offering significant footfall in the centre of towns and cities.

Available space and properties range from vacant station buildings and existing retail outlets to the opportunity for stand-alone kiosks in the station.

That said, the start of a New Year gives us a chance to wipe the slate clean and make a fresh start with life.

Although health can be subject to factors outside our control, getting the most out of life depends upon the balance of what we do physically, mentally and socially.

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That will mean different things to different people.

Some may need to reconnect with friends or family, or simply ask for support.

Others may want to improve their psychological outlook, either by getting professional help, dealing with alcohol or drug problems or using methods such as mindfulness to reduce stress.

Or it may simply be a commitment to getting more regular exercise, losing weight or stopping smoking.

Whatever it means to you, try not to get derailed by short term distractions, but stick to a longer term plan for 2019!

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14 | To advertise call Mel or Debbie now on 01389 717035

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Local Business | January 2019

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For details contact: 01360 660330 Or email: secretary@buchanancastlegolfclub.co.uk Visit our website at: communityadvertiser.co.uk For application form: www.buchanancastlegolfclub.co.uk/membership

| 15

January 2019 | Local Business

JUST ENGAGED? THEN THIS IS ONE WEDDING SHOW YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!

The Helensburgh and Loch Lomond Wedding Show Victoria Halls, Helensburgh Sunday 3rd February 12noon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm Wedding Fayre | Over 70 Wedding Experts | Live Catwalks Entertainment | Book your band | Car Display Register now to get in free with four free tickets by emailing your name and the word HELENSBURGH to tickets@scotteventmanagement.co.uk All pre-books also get a free wedding planning pack on arrival!

Accepting new patients

Your long established local dental practice is now accepting NHS and dental implant patients.

Please call their friendly reception on 01389 763027 Dentists: Dr Michael Barrett | Dr David Clunie | Dr Shona Lambie Dr Gayle MacVicar | Dr Melissa Wylie | Dr Luis Barbosa Hygienist: Clare Crawford Manager: Kay Hume

f The Helensburgh and Loch Lomond Wedding Fayre Victoria Halls, Sinclair St, Helensburgh G84 8TU

16 | To advertise call Mel or Debbie now on 01389 717035

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Local News | January 2019

DONATE THOSE GLAD RAGS

Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous

Scots don’t stint themselves when it comes to buying special outfits for the festive season, according to research carried out by Oxfam – but many of the items bought are only ever worn once.

Help for those who may have a problem with alcohol. There’s a meeting near you.

Call the national helpline 0800 9177 650

Al-Anon 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

A tenth of people surveyed in Scotland said they would buy at least FIVE pairs of shoes for Christmas, and five per cent said they would be buying four or more tops for family gatherings, the office party and Christmas Day itself.

fester in wardrobes or end up in landfill.

The most important consideration for Scots buying a Christmas party outfit was that they will be able to wear it again and that it was a good fit – just over a fifth in each case – while just 13 per cent were concerned it should cost a low price.

But a quarter of people across the country said they would only wear the item once over the festive period – leaving clothes to

Naturally Oxfam has its own ideas about where those unwanted party clothes should go.

The charity’s unique textile recycling operation means none of the donated clothes, whatever the quality, end up in landfill.

Microfibre pollution and the toxic chemicals used in dying textiles to meet consumers’ appetite for fast fashion is also blamed for polluting our oceans.

A third of Scots asked said it never crossed their mind that clothes

they throw away go straight to landfill sites, while a tenth admitted they are concerned – but do nothing about it.

Oxfam’s Fee Gilfeather said: “The figures revealed by this research are staggering, and it is vital clothes don’t just go to waste.

“Oxfam is the right destination for ethical fashion lovers, because our shops are stocked with glamourous pieces which help save the planet and raise money for the world’s poorest people to access clean water, food and shelter.”

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

Commercial & Domestic Cleaners

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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

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Visit our website at: communityadvertiser.co.uk

Self help Fellowship group meeting.

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

Scottish Association for Mental Health Information to the public, professionals and people with mental health problems. Phone 0141 568 7000 (Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm)

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association Help (SSAFA) 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

January 2019 | New Year Resolutions

STAY ON TARGET WITH YOUR:

RESOLUTIONS I suppose I should be upfront about this, I’m writing about something I’ve never done and I’ll be keeping up that tradition in 2019, (writes Nick Cowie).

ANDREA ALLAN STEELE Teacher of Pianoforte and Theory

Enquiries welcomed 01389 841818

Why? Well making big promises to yourself at the start of the year is exactly what you shouldn’t do to reach some of the popular destinations in our panel.

The Romans started the whole fandango. They made vows to the god Janus in the hope of reward. I’d only comment that Janus was a two faced god and so unsurprisingly didn’t come up with the goods. Neither will a Big Resolution in the month named after him.

A study from the University of Bristol which involved 3,000 people, showed that 88% of those who set New Year resolutions failed.

Those who did achieve their goal made it by NOT making a big resolution to start with.

Instead they engaged in small measurable steps such as, a pound a week, instead of saying "lose weight" Multiple research shows that attempting to move any more than 5% on from where you are

is courting failure. If you resolve say to lose a stone, drink less, take up running and save £10 a week, by January 31 chances are you’ll have run once, strained a ligament, put on a couple of pounds by comforting yourself with biscuits and saved nothing.

You’ve joined the 88%.

Instead, in January, aim to lose two pounds, don’t run, walk one bus or train stop, drink one less glass of wine a week, buy one less coffee. Repeat and slightly escalate in February, again in March

be daring! with

Slimming World ALEXANDRIA AREA Tuesday 10am, 5pm & 7pm

St Martins Church Hall Main Street, Renton Contact: Hannah 07897 359132

Tuesday 5.30pm & 7.30pm Friday 9.30am & 11.30am

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Carrochan Road, Balloch Contact: Arlene 07814 059668

DUMBARTON AREA Thursday 5.30pm & 7.30pm

St Andrews Church Hall Bellsmyre Contact: Hannah 07897 359132

IYENGAR YOGA

Weekly general level classes starting Thurs in St. St. Kessogs Kessogs Hall, Hall, Balloch Balloch Thurs 5th 24thApril Jan in 9.30am -- 11.00 11.00am 9.30am am £8.50 per class.

Weekly general classes continuing in RNCYC, Classes also in Rhu, contact for further details Rhu, Thursdays 5.45pm - 7.00pm. £8.00 For For more more details, details, and and to to book book go go to to facebook.com/lochlomondyoga/ , or email facebook.com/lochlomondyoga/, or email diaedward@aol.com diaedward@aol.com All classes are suitable for beginners Iyengar Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga that has an emphasis on detail, precision and alignment in the performance of posture (asana).

The development of strength, mobility and stability is gained through the asanas.

slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

18 | To advertise call Mel or Debbie now on 01389 717035

New Year Resolutions | January 2019

POPULAR NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

and April, e.g. two fewer coffees and wines, another 400 yards walking.

By May you’ll have lost 10 pounds, become a regular walker and be saving

a heck of a lot more than a tenner a week from cutting back the alcohol and caffeine. The principle works whatever the goal. By December you could be a different person and what’s more you’ll have hardly noticed it happening.

• Get in shape

• Become more organised

• Start eating healthier food, and less food overall

• Learn a new language

• Stop procrastinating

• Pick up useful skills or fun hobbies

• Improve your concentration and mental skills

• Learn to let go of grudges and avoid moping

• Meet new people

• Travel more and see the world

• Become more active

• Learn to cook

• Reduce stress

• See your doctor more often

• Learn to be happier with your life

• Stop being late all the time

• Get more quality sleep

• Learn how to be more self-reliant

• Give up smoking

• Turn your hobby into a career

• Watch less TV

• Start being more responsible

• Read more

• Learn more about art, music & culture

• Become tidier • Spend more time with the people that matter • Start drinking in moderation or quit drinking altogether • Get out of debt • Start saving money • Volunteer and give more to charity

• Spend less time on social media • Learn how to defend yourself • Become more romantic • Start remembering important dates • Start being more creative • Start writing a book or journal

WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE, GOOD LUCK

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January 2019 | Legal Matters

FIRE SAFETY CHECKS FOR OVER-60S Local senior citizens are being urged to take up the offer of free Home Fire Safety Visits this winter. they are more likely to be affected by limited mobility or long-term medical conditions.

New statistics released

by The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) show that more than half of accidental house fire fatalities involved people over the age of 60.

Some 61 per cent of all the home fire fatalities in the last five years involved people over 60, while more than a third of accidental dwelling fire casualties (34 per cent) were also people in this age group.

“Limited sight or hearing can mean an individual is less likely to be aware of fire when it breaks out.

“We want to make sure that every older person is offered support to reduce the risk of fire in the home.”

A SFRS spokesperson said: “There are many reasons why older people could be affected by fire.

If you are aged over 60 or have a friend, relative or neighbour who is in this age group, you can request a free home fire safety visit, which takes around 20 minutes.

“They may spend more time at home or live alone and

Call 0800 0731 999 or visit www.firescotland.gov.uk

INDIAN

CHINESE

ITALIAN

TURKISH

Legal Matters with Gill Bowman BA LLB

This month: CHILD CAR SEAT SAFETY This is a subject I have previously discussed. However, it’s a good time of the year to remind everyone of the rules surrounding car seat safety.

unexpected journeys, taxis and buses.

Although it is clearly not a legal requirement, it is important that children do not wear their thick, cosy jackets or snow suits while strapped into their car seats as the belts are unable to be tightened enough to secure them appropriately.

Children can be vulnerable passengers in motor vehicles and therefore the law does provide that any child under 135cm in height or 12 years of age must use an appropriate restraint, with certain exceptions of

Car seats must be EU approved and should have the required (E) label. All children under three years old must use a car seat, whether they are traveling in the front or back.

In the event there is no seatbelt to allow the appropriate seat to be fitted then the child should not travel.

It is also important to be aware that you must not use a rearfacing child seats where a front airbag is activated.

It is the driver’s legal responsibility to ensure that children are using the correct restraint. Failure to do so is a criminal offence and you could receive a fine of £500.

DESSERTS THAI

SALAD BAR CARVERY

Valentines bookings now being taken

KIDS SECTION

BUFFET MON-FRI

ALL DAY BUFFET

LUNCH 12-4 £6.95 DINNER 4-9 £10.95 UNDER 10’s £5.95 FREE REFILLS!

SAT & SUN LUNCH • DINNER £7.95 • £11.95

SAT: 12.00-16.00 SUN: 14.00-16.00

WHEN YOU PURCHASE ANY LARGE SOFT DRINK

16.00-21.00 16.00-21.00

KIDS EAT FREE!

01389 734 376 20 | To advertise call Mel or Debbie now on 01389 717035

5 STEPS TO GREATNESS Order Drinks Grab and fill you plate Compliment with Tea/Coffee Grab a bowl for desserts Pay for meal

2 STATION ROAD ( THE OLD STATION BAR ) 127 COLLEGE STREET DUMBARTON G82 1NH

What's On...

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

FAMILY HOGMANAY PARTY 9pm-2am Monday 31st December – The Cutty Sark Centre More info on page 22...

TUE

1

JAN

FANCY DRESS WATER SKI Cameron Marina YOUTH CLUB St Patrick’s Church Hall

FRI

11 JAN

TUE

8

JAN

ACOUSTIC MUSIC NIGHT St Augustine's Church

Email next month's events by Monday 7th January to editor@communityadvertiser.co.uk

21

January 2019 | What's On Calendar

Calendar of events

Friday 4th Working 4U Balloch Library

Monday 31st Dec

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

0800 980 9070 Weekly

Family Hogmanay Party The Cutty Sark Centre

9pm-2am. Adult Tickets cost £10 and Kids Tickets £5. Price Includes Music, entertainment and buffet. BYOB. All tickets can be purchased in the Cutty Sark Centre.

01389 730111

Wednesday 2nd New Year's Shortbread 2 Mile Walk, Jog or Run Balloch Country Park (Main Gates)

Tuesday 1st Fancy Dress Charity Water Ski Event Cameron Marina

1pm. Come along and support the intrepid skiers at Loch Lomond Water Ski Club’s annual event!

35 years of fundraising continues!

01436 860632

21 Years at

New Image Hair Studio 202 Bank Street Alexandria Tel: 01389 752806

Celebrate With Us Open Day 26 January 2019 Drop In From 1pm – 4pm

Entertainer Tea, Coffee, Cake, Prosecco and Goodie Bags

10.30am. Now celebrating its 8th year, this iconic venue hosts this event where all participants get the chance to kick start their New Year’s resolution to get fit and active by going that extra mile or 2 miles to be precise. mauricedonohue@btinternet.com www.runnpark.leaguerepublic.com

Thursday 3rd Working 4U CAB Office, Alexandria

9.30-3.30pm. New opportunities.

Come along to our drop-ins.

0800 980 9070 Weekly (Also on Mon & Fri)

Coffee Morning Lennox Evangelical Church

10am-12pm. Proceeds to local charities. www.lennoxevangelicalchurch.org Weekly

Lomond and Clyde Community Orchestra Rehearsals St Michael's Church Hall

10-12pm. Rehearsals for our Spring Concert start. We have vacancies in all sections. A friendly community orchestra, come along to our rehearsal.

No auditions or minimum standards. Percussion provided.

Parents with playing children are welcome.

Anne Evans 07976 726822

Wargames + Miniatures Games Store Unit 4, 7 Merkins Avenue

5pm. Our Magic: The Gathering 'Learn Magic' programme. Boys and girls welcome. Including a FREE Introductory starter pack! events@wargamesandminiatures.com 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

Friday Soup St Augustine's Community Hall

12-1pm. Maggie and the others in the Friday team would like to welcome you to the Friday soup lunches... although to be fair you can buy far more than soup.

Weekly

VAN & DRIVER REMOVALS Van & Driver Hire  £15 per hour Single Items  2 Men Available 07919 654569

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

Tel: 07919 654569

DELIVERY STAFF WANTED Deliver once a month in your area Good rates of pay Various runs, various hours

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

MUST BE

13+

APPLY ONLINE AT: communityadvertiser.co.uk, go to ‘SUBMIT’ then ‘DELIVERY STAFF APPLICATION’ Or send a text to 07876 161 548 with your name, address, landline, mobile, email postcode, date of birth & area of delivery or phone and leave a message with the above details

What's On Calendar | January 2019 Farmers' Market Loch Lomond Shores

Saturday 5th Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers Corlick Hill from Overton

Balloch Run 'n' Park Balloch Park Gates, Balloch Road

9.30am. Stay in shape & meet new people. runnpark. leaguerepublic.com Weekly

Bellsmyre Trust The Cutty Sark Centre

9.30am. MAE Fitness Techniques. www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk Weekly

Who Let the Dads Out? Lennox Evangelical Church 10am. Dads and toddlers/preschool children welcome for fun, banter and bacon rolls. We meet the first Saturday of every month.

01389 849142 lennoxevangelicalchurch@gmail.com First Saturday of every month

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

Alternatives Family Support Group Alternatives, in Quay Street

6-8pm. Are you affected by someone's misuse of drugs/alcohol?

01389 734500 Weekly

10am-12pm. All members welcome.

First Saturday of every month

Sunday 6th Bellsmyre Trust The Cutty Sark Centre

10.30am-1pm. Dumbarton Baptist Church. www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk Weekly

Vale of Leven Library

9.30-3.30pm. New opportunities.

Come along to our drop-ins.

0800 980 9070 Weekly

Bellsmyre Trust The Cutty Sark Centre

9.30-10.30am: MAE Fitness Techniques. 3.30-4.30pm: Myre Munchkins.

6-8pm: Cutty Kids. www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk Weekly

Relaxation Group Strathleven House

Anchor Section (P1-P3) 6.15-7.15pm.

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

Company Section (P7-S6) 7.159.30pm.

01389 731069 rebeccalyall@btinternet.com Weekly

Open Mic

Tuesday Lunches

Balloch House Hotel

Riverside Church

7pm. Poetry and prose from all genres. 5 minute slots bookable from 6.15pm. 01389 729279 First Monday of every month

12pm. Meet friends and enjoy home-made soup and filled rolls. www.dumbartonriverside.org.uk Weekly

Dumbarton Riverside Church Halls

Levenvale Primary School

Working 4U

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.

Contact Jo 07562 333 731 greentreremedies@outlook.com Facebook @Green Tree Remedies Weekly

1st/2nd Dumbarton Boys' Brigade

Levenvale Older People's Welfare

Tuesday 8th

SEASONED, BARN-DRIED FIREWOOD & KINDLING

Moshi Beads

L d BS stere HI gi R re for

9.30am. Meet at Helensburgh Swimming Pool Car Park. From Overton follow track across the Greenock Cut to New Yetts Reservoir. Continue to Jock’s Hill and Round Hill before descending to Killochend road. From here follow tracks / minor roads past Whitelees to Corlick Hill. After Corlick Hill follow track / path north and then west round Whinhill Reservoir to join the old Largs Road. A short walk down the hill leads to the Long Dam at the end of the Greenock Cut which is followed back to the car park. Extensive views over the Clyde Estuary throughout the walk and panoramic views of Ayrshire from Corlick Hill.

Terrain:- Mostly good paths and tracks with some sections of minor roads and open, pathless hillside. Distance:- 11km. Ascend 340m to a height of 303m.

Sorry, no dogs except registered assistance dogs.

01389 731953 mather.joyce@gmail.com

10am. With fresh and local produce piled high on every stall, free parking, lots to do for kids and families and plenty of local shopping – all in all, a great day out. www.lochlomondshores.com Weekly Sat & Sun

Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Drop-in Service

HARD & SOFT WOOD LOGS

Antartex Village

11am-4pm.

Weekly

VARIOUS LENGTHS BIOFUEL CHIPS & PELLETS

Monday 7th

For all enquiries call us on

Bellsmyre Trust The Cutty Sark Centre

9.30-11.30am: Little Rascals Toddlers. 5.30pm & 6.30pm: MAE Fitness Techniques. 6.307.30pm: Girls Group. www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk Weekly

01505 872929

DONATE TO OUR NEW CLYDEBANK STORE

Complete bathroom

Free estimates

neilmcinnes1@hotmail.co.uk

07792 136 033 0141 316 2634

ctscolin1@gmail.com DELIVERY & STACKING AVAILABLE

Abbie Bathrooms Wet Walls • Tiling Plumbing • Joinery

or email

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: • • • • •

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

Call 0141 413 8224 or book online at bhf.org.uk/collection 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).

Visit our website at: communityadvertiser.co.uk | 23

January 2019 | What's On Calendar

Calendar of events Tuesday Afternoon Bridge Club Victoria Halls

1.30pm. A friendly and informal club for intermediate players.

No partners are required.

01436 673362 Weekly

Dumbarton Lions Club Abbotsford Hotel

7.30pm. Local fundraising club.

New members welcome.

01389 763592 2nd Tuesday of every month

Wednesday 9th Working 4U Housing & Homeless Hub, Mitchell Way

9.30-3.30pm. New opportunities.

Come along to our drop-ins.

0800 980 9070 Weekly

Bellsmyre Trust The Cutty Sark Centre

9.30-11.30am: Little Rascals Toddlers. 5.45pm, 6.45pm: MAE Fitness Techniques. www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk Weekly

Tuesday 8th

Cardross Mother and Toddler Group

Youth Club St Patrick’s Church Hall

8-9.30pm. For kids from 10 plus. Activities that we have: ball games, board games, music, computers and internet, Wii, tuck shop, organised parties, outings, group sharing, community services and weekend away. All welcome. stpatsyouthg1@btconnect.com Weekly

Cardross Church Hall

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 FB. 07740 473247 lomondbc@outlook.com Weekly

AJM joiners & builders offers a wide range of construction and landscaping solutions in Clydebank and the surrounding areas.

• Extension & Conversions • Construction & Landscaping • Kitchen & Bathroom Fitting • Fencing & Decking • Reliable Maintenance • Commercial Maintenance

10-11.30am. Come join us for coffee and a chat while the wee ones play! 07717 238979 cardrossmotherandtoddlers@gmail.com Weekly

Alexandria Quilters Alexandria Leisure Centre

10am-12pm. New members welcome. Just pop in.

Weekly Balloch Health Walk 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… 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 trustinthepark.org/walk-in-the-park/ Weekly

(OTTRA) Overburn,Townend Tenants & Residents Association

Thursday 10th Drymen & Croftamie Health Walk 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 trustinthepark.org/walk-in-the-park/ Weekly

Dumbarton Library 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.

6.15pm: MAE Fitness Techniques. www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk Weekly

Okeko Healing Group sessions Bioenergy Therapy Cardross Library

5-7pm. One treatment plan consists of 15 min, sessions p.p. in 5 consecutive days.

Registering and booking required. Free of charge.

Donations gratefully accepted.

07411181177 okeko.org Weekly

Writers Alexandria Library

6pm. Every Thursday writers are invited to meet and share their work.

07922 833472 Weekly

The Brock Bowling Club

Loch Lomond Camera Club

7pm. (OTTRA) meeting will be held on Wednesday 9th January, all welcome along to help improve the local area.

07711 399544 ottra01@gmail.com

Station Street, Renton

7-9pm. All levels and nonmembers welcome. www.meetup.com/lochlomondcameraclub/ Weekly

PRESSURE WASHING

WINDOW CLEANING

CLEANING & POLISHING

GUTTER CLEARING

For a FREE estimate call us now on 07951 635 443 e: ajmjoinersandbuilders@gmail.com w: www.ajmjoinersandbuilders.co.uk

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

PHONE NOW FOR A FREE QUOTE

01436 679994

www.nightanddaycleaning.co.uk

What's On Calendar | January 2019

West Dunbartonshire Leisure Community Sports Programme Ready, Steady, Kick (1.5-3yrs) – Alexandria Community Centre: WED: 1.15-2pm; FRI: 10-10.45am. Vale of Leven Academy: SAT: 9-9.45am.

Dumbarton Academy: SUN: 9.3010.15am

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.

All weekly classes (Term Time Only)

Football – Argyle Park: MON: 4.306pm (7-14yrs). Alexandria Community Centre: TUE: 4-5pm (5-6yrs), 5-6pm (79yrs) & 6-7pm (10-14yrs); WED: 5-6pm (5-6yrs). Vale of Leven Academy: SAT: 11am-12pm (5-6yrs). Concord Community Centre: THU: 5.30-6.30pm (5-6yrs), 6.30-7.30pm (7-9yrs).

Concord Community Centre: MON: 4-5pm. Alexandria Community Centre: TUE: 1.30-2.30pm.

Ready, Steady, Roll! (Pre-School Sport) – Dumbarton Gymnastics Centre: MON: 9.30-10.10am (1.5-3yrs), 10.20-11am (Crawling-1.5yrs). TUE: 10-10.40am (1.5-3yrs), 10.50-11.35am (3-4yrs), 1.45-2.30pm (3-4yrs). THU: 10-10.40am (1.5-3yrs), 10.50-11.35am (3-4yrs). FRI: 1.15-2pm (3-4yrs), 2.102.50pm (1.5-3yrs).

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

7-8pm (7-11yrs), 8-9pm (12-16yrs)

Disability Football – Dumbarton Academy: WED: 6-7pm (5-12yrs).

Gymnastics – Vale of Leven 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).

Adult Classes (16+) Badminton – Meadow Centre: WED: 8-9pm.

Centre: MON: 1.30-2.30pm.

Concord Community Centre: TUE: 6.30pm (16+yrs). Alexandria Community Centre: THU: 6:30pm.

Centre: MON: 5-6pm. Meadow Sports Centre: THU: 6-7pm.

Badminton (5-12yrs) – Dumbarton Academy: TUE: 6-7pm.

Basketball (8-14yrs) – Alexandria Community Centre: MON: 6-7pm.

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

THE

SCOTTISH

DOG

Swimming –

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

WHISPERER

To discuss what is best for your dog call

01360 660 491

Dumbarton Acoustic Music Night St Augustine's Church

7.30-10.30pm. £5 entry, BYOB and glass and enjoy a wonderful night of varied music. Local acts the Experimental Scone Kitchen, Salud, Westport, Ralph Thomson, Kerry Smith are performing on the night. Money raised from the night will be donated to a local charity.

Tickets available from Discography Records, Bell Arcade Market, 143145 High St, Dumbarton or pay at door on the night.

For more info call Alistair 07787 310 391 on www.facebook.com/ DumbartonAcousticMusicNight

Ben A'an (The Pinnacle)

9am. Meet at Helensburgh Swimming Pool Car Park. Wellmarked path to the summit which climbs steeply up, first through woods then open hillside with splendid views.

Return on an indistinct and sometimes boggy path. This goes north from the summit and then west down to the tarmac track beside Loch Katrine to the pier and then by minor road back to Loch Achray and the start point. Terrain:- Track, boggy path and road. Distance:6km. Ascend 355m to a height of 462m. Sorry, no dogs except registered assistance dogs.

01389 731953 mather.joyce@gmail.com

A different way to help you move into work

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

LOCAL BUSINESS

I can help with... > Pulling on Lead > Barking at Door Bell > Dog to Dog Aggression > Poor Recall and all points in-between

9.10am. MAE Fitness Techniques.

10.30am-12pm: Bingo Mornings. www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk Weekly

Meadow Centre: WED: 7-8pm.

www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk

Having trouble with your dog?

Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers

The Cutty Sark Centre

Netball –

Alexandria Community Centre: THU: 7.30-8.30pm

Academy: TUE: 6-7pm.

01389 757806

Jog Scotland (16+) –

Ladies Football (16+) –

Tennis (5-12yrs) – Dumbarton

Bellsmyre Trust

Community Centre: WED: 6-7pm (512yrs). Concord Community Centre: THU: 3.30-4:30pm (5-7yrs), 4.305.30pm (8-12yrs).

Ready, Steady, Play! (Pre-School Sport) – Dumbarton Gymnastics

Athletics – Run, Jump & Throw (5-11yrs) – Alexandria Community

Sunday 13th

Girls Football – Alexandria

Goalkeeping – Argyll Park: MON:

Ready, Steady, Go! (3-4yrs) –

Friday 11th

20% OFF GUTTER CLEARING

Phone now for a free quote

01436 679994

If you live in West Dunbartonshire and aren’t currently working, Fair Start can help you get to where you want to be. With Fair Start, you’ll develop your skills and make positive steps towards finding a job that suits you.

Managed in the west by the Wise Group, Fair Start helped 53 yearold James McKay (pictured) back to work following the fire at Cameron House.

James, from Dumbarton, finds it difficult to read or write. He had been a friendly face at Cameron House for 14 years before he lost his job following the fire almost a year ago. Such was the impression

left by James at is first Fair Start meeting, his work coach decided to approach local employers himself.

After an interview at the Abbotsford Hotel earned him a trial in the kitchen, he was offered a job a week later. Now, three months on, James is a well-kent face around the hotel and turning his hand to all sorts of tasks, adding to his skills every day.

To find out how Fair Start can help you take those first steps towards work, call 0300 303 3381 or email fairstart@thewisegroup.co.uk.

You can also find out more about Fair Start Scotland in the west at www.thewisegroup.co.uk/helpforyou/getting-into-work/fairstart.

Taking part is completely voluntary and won’t affect your benefits.You’ve got nothing to lose – give it a shot!

www.nightanddaycleaning.co.uk

www.scotdogwhisperer.co.uk

Visit our website at: communityadvertiser.co.uk | 25

January 2019 | What's On Calendar

Calendar of events Tuesday 15th Youth Club St Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church Hall

6.15-7.45pm. For P6 and P7.

Activities that we have: ball games, board games, music, computers and internet, Wii, tuck shop, organised parties, outings, group sharing, community services and weekend away. All welcome. stpatsyouthg1@btconnect.com Weekly

Saturday 19th Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers

Monday 14th 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

Sunday 20th

Monday 28th

Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers

Bellsmyre Trust

Tom na h-Airidh

9.30am. Meet at Helensburgh Swimming Pool Car Park. A climb on woodland paths to open hillside with good views. Some rock cup-marks for viewing. Terrain:- Rough tracks on hillside, moorland and woodland. Boggy and steep in places with a few small rivers to cross. Distance:- 8km. Ascend 302m to a height of 354m.

Sorry, no dogs except registered assistance dogs.

01389 731953 mather.joyce@gmail.com

The Cutty Sark Centre

6.30-7:30pm. Monthly book club. www.bellsmyretrust.org.uk Last Monday of every month

Saturday 26th

Beinn Chaorach

Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers

9.30am. Meet at Helensburgh Swimming Pool Car Park. Track from Old Glen Fruin road towards Auchengaich reservoir. Leave track for steep grassy ascent to Auchengaich Hill. On to Beinn Tharsuin and then Ben Chaorach trig point. Descend to reservoir and follow track back to start. Terrain:- Some made up tracks but mostly trackless hillside Distance:- 7km. Ascend 620m to a height of 713m. Sorry, no dogs except registered assistance dogs.

01389 731953 mather.joyce@gmail.com

9.15am. Meet at Helensburgh Central Station to catch the 9.26 am train. Follow the Three Lochs Way. Including Stoneymollan Rd, Darleith Muir, Goukhill Muir and then the Red Burn to the outskirts of Helensburgh. Two ascents relatively steep and a long descent. Terrain:- Minor roads, tracks, forest tracks and pavement. Distance:- 14km.

Ascend 350m to a height of 277m. Sorry, no dogs except registered assistance dogs.

01389 731953 mather.joyce@gmail.com

Balloch to Helensburgh

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Access All Areas 2019 LAUNCH EVENT Friday 2th January 6:30pm Looking for artists for the October 2019 AAA Festival

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Sunday 3rd Feb The Helensburgh and Loch Lomond Wedding Show Victoria Halls, Helensburgh

12-4pm. Over 70 wedding experts, live catwalks, entertainment, book your band and a car display. tickets@scotteventmanagement.co.uk See Page 16 for more details

Submit your What's On information at

www.communityadvertiser.co.uk February deadline: Monday 7th January

Local News | January 2019

LITTLE SHIP COULD NOT DIE The team who have worked so hard for so long to rescue once-derelict Skylark IX – the vessel that rescued so many lives in the Dunkirk evacuation of 1940 – are set to begin 2019 with the realistic goal of seeing her become a permanent floating Clydeside museum.

Last month saw a dream come true for the volunteers when the Heritage Lottery Fund confirmed a grant worth more than £400,000, prompting an enthusiastic “thankyou” from her rescuers to everyone who has supported their campaign over the past five years.

The Lottery has recognised that Skylark IX is part of Scotland’s maritime history – and of course in a very real sense she is part of Britain’s history too.

Trust volunteers are unpaid and work relentlessly in between their full time jobs and other pursuits to raise funds for the restoration effort.

It’s a venture which forges a living link between the present and a glorious past, and although this little vessel wasn’t launched

on the Clyde (as were some of the other civilian vessels at Dunkirk), Dumbarton will be her permanent home, as an emblem of maritime pride and a reminder of heroic times gone by.

The Skylark Trust’s aim is to promote the heritage and history of shipbuilding in Dumbarton

and Scotland, and has very farreaching ambitions.

The funds will cover the restoration of the Skylark IX boat, set to begin in Irvine this month, as well as funding educational aspects of the project and the recording of her history.

She was originally launched in Dorset, and after saving more than 600 people in 1940 finally wound up – after many adventures – on Lomondside.

There, unfortunately, she sank, and that could easily have been the end of the story, but volunteers successfully refloated her, assisted by the Royal Navy, and the idea of bringing her back to working condition began to take root.

Skylark IX

Ch C

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

January 2019 | Local News

fun

NEW YEAR FITNESS BOOST

RECYCLE YOUR CALENDARS

West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust is looking forward to what could be a bumper year, after a glowing report on attendance in 2018 saw the number of people using swimming facilities in Dumbarton, Alexandria and Clydebank increase by almost 45,000 visits – a rise of about an eighth.

There are only 14 possible calendars.

In 2019, you can re-use calendars from these years: 1918, 1929, 1935, 1946, 1957, 1963, 1974, 1985, 1991, 2002 and keep your 2019 calendars for 2030, 2041, 2047, 2058.

hacks SCHEDULE YOUR RESOLUTIONS

Meanwhile the number of residents taking part in activities like fitness classes has gone up by more than 146,000 (35.8 per cent) at the Vale Pool, Meadow Centre and Clydebank Leisure Centre.

There has also been more success in younger age groups, with a record number of Active Schools participants, as well as more Primary Seven pupils being able

to swim 25 metres than ever before.

“We are committed to helping our residents improve their health and wellbeing, and giving them access to good value, well maintained facilities which enable them to do this.”

However despite what the council says are vast improvements, the figures still fell slightly short of ambitious targets set for the year.

Enhancing the sports programme on offer for both children and adults has seen an 11 per cent rise in sports development participation.

New improvements include selfservice kiosks at Vale of Leven and Clydebank swimming pools, and a new mobile phone app which allows users to make bookings.

Leisure convener Councillor Iain Mclaren said: “I am delighted to see such improvements across the Leisure Trust.

Over the last year WDLT delivered 78 festivals and finals, with over 6,000 attendance, upgraded the Concord Centre and Denny Civic Theatre and introduced a student placement project in partnership with West College Scotland giving HND Sports Coach students an opportunity to improve their coaching skills and to deliver sports sessions to 400 local nursery children.

A time-frame is a good motivator for achieving your resolution. The way you assess your short-term progress towards the ultimate longterm goal. Buy a calendar or diary so you can plan your actions for the coming weeks or months, and decide when and how often to evaluate.

The service also supported schools to achieve sportscotland’s School Sport Award, with three primary schools achieving the Gold Award.

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Local Business | January 2019

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January 2019 | Nightlife

ALEXANDRIA

Corries Restaurant

1 Hillview Place, 01389 757988

Balloch Road, 01389 753 552 l MON: Folk Club l THU: Music with Angus

l THU: Poker Night (8pm)

The Doghouse Bar

Dempseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar

l FRI: Bingo Night (8pm)

The Laughing Fox 119 Bridge St, 01389 750746 l Live sports

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

Lomond Park Hotel

l Beer garden

l Friendly local, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the localâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s localâ&#x20AC;&#x153;

Balloch Rd, 01389 752494 l THU: Quiz l FRI & SUN: Karaoke l SAT: Live Band l Live football, rugby, BBC, Sky Sports, BT & ESPN

The Old Vale Bar

Tullie Inn

304 Main St, 01389 753769

Fisherwood Rd, 01389 752052 l WED: Burger Night from 5pm l THU Steak Night from 5pm l SAT: DJ l Live sports

l Contact bar for entertainment details

The Fountain Tavern 9 Bank St, 01389 604929

l Quaint family run business

Station Bar 140 Bank St, 01389 752504

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 l Contact bar for more details

The Drymen Inn 5 Stirling Road, Drymen, 01360 660123 l WED: Quiz Night l SAT: Live Music l SUN: Live Entertainment l Contact bar for more details

The Winnock The Square, 01360 660245 l Variety themed nights l Contact bar for entertainment details

D U M B A R TO N The Abbotsford Hotel

l Pool table, jukebox, sports TV screen

BONHILL

B A L LO C H

Stirling Road, 01389 733304 l Available for functions

The Riverside Inn

The Burgh Bar

480 Main St, 01389 754543 l Live sport & music l Contact the bar for more details

117 High St, 01389 739144 l Contact bar for entertainment details

C R O F TA M I E

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

The Wayfarers

The Captain James Lang

Main St, 01360 660358 l Monthly karaoke

97-99 High Street, 01389 742112 l Live sport

Balloch House Vintage Inn Balloch Rd, 01389 752579 l Contact bar for entertainment details

Club Desire Balloch Rd, 01389 729002 l Contact for entertainment details

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Nightlife | January 2019 The Clipper

The Stonefield

3 High St, 01389 731981

Dumbarton Rd, 01389 767940 l Monthly pool competitions and quiz nights

l All major sport shown l Jukebox l Live atmosphere

The Waterside

l THU: Pub Quiz

1a Riverside Lane, 01389 731221 l TUE: Bingo l FRI & SAT: Live acts l SUN: Karaoke

l FRI & SAT: DJ

The Waverley Bar

l Beer garden

30 West Bridgend, Dumbarton l Wide range of music played l Live football & rugby l Beer garden, karaoke & jukebox

The Counting House 17 High St, 01389 765457

l Football and rugby shown, BT, SKY & ESPN

The Dumbuck House Hotel Glasgow Road, 01389 734 336 l Contact bar for entertainment details

The Glencairn Lounge 15-19 Bridge St, 01389 732816 l SAT: Karaoke

The Lennox Bar

J A M E S TO W N Fenton’s Bar 174 Main Street, 01389 602564 l WED: Pub Quiz & Pool Competition l THU: Jam / Open Mic

137-139 High St, 01389 730120

LO C H L O M O N D

l Weekend entertainment, contact bar for further information

Drovers Inn

The Malt and Myre Lomondgate Drive, 0871 527 9274 l Accommodation and restaurant

The Milton Inn 401 Milton, Dumbarton, 01389 761 401 l FRI & SAT: Disco/Karaoke l Sky Sports & pool table

Inverarnan, 01301 704234 l TUE 1: Our BIG Quiz and music from Peter l SAT 5: Davie McEwan l SAT 12: Marty l SAT 19: Hell 4 Leather l SAT 26: Stuart McFarlane

The Inn on Loch Lomond Luss, 01436 860430 l TUE 1: On The Wagon

The Stag’s Head 116 Glasgow Rd, 01389 732642 l FRI: Karaoke l Live Music

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

January 2019 | Local News

BABCOCK CONTINUES SUPPORT OF 10K SERIES Babcock, the highly – skilled engineering services company, will continue its support of the eponymous ‘Babcock 10k Race Series’ for a third year in 2019.

Nearly 1900 runners entered the three-race series earlier this year, a more than 50% increase in numbers in the first year in 2017.

Fitness and More Mile will also supply goody bags containing different running accessories at each race.

Dates for the 2019 series are:

Start Fitness and More Mile will be providing more than £3,000 in vouchers for individuals, teams and age group winners whilst the leading athletes will compete for more than £2,000 in cash prizes. The winner in each race will receive £125 with time bonuses for course and series records. Local company Sparkle cleaning will carry on their annual sponsorship of £300 split between the first local male and female winners of each race & AG Barr will provide over six thousand bottles of water across the series to keep runners refreshed and rehydrated.

• Babcock Helensburgh 10k Thursday 9th May 7.30pm • Babcock Dumbarton 10k Thursday 16th May 7.30pm • Babcock Shettleston 10k Sunday 26th May 10.00am Entries are now open @ entrycentral.com and until 31st December there is a special ‘early bird’ discount, reducing the three-race series entry from £43.00 for affiliated club runners to £33.00 and the £49.00 rate for unaffiliated runners to £39.00.

Every series entrant will receive an exclusively designed commemorative technical t-shirt from More Mile and every finisher in each race will receive a unique commemorative medal, making up a set of three. Sponsors Start

The series records remain 34.25 set by Fionnuala Ross of Shettleston on Glasgow Green in 2017 and Olympian Wayney Ghebresilassie her clubmate who

ran 30.11 in the same year at the same event. Ross recently won the famous Abbey Dash 10km in Leeds ahead of 10,000 runners.

The series this year takes on a particularly important dimension with the celebration of Dumbarton Athletic Club’s centenary. There will be special incentives and rewards for runners in that race, to be announced shortly.

Gavin Leckie, Managing Director

GUTTER

CLEARING

of Babcock at HMNB Clyde said: “We are delighted to support the Babcock 10k Race Series for a third year. This is an excellent series of races which play an important role in promoting health and fitness within the local communities in which they are run. I’m personally very enthusiastic about getting involved and joining in with participants from across our teams in HMNB Clyde.”

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Local News | January 2019

KEEP SAFE TIPS FOR HOGMANAY As the New Year parties get underway, it is also a time when occasionally things go wrong and revellers become victims of crime.

hacks ONE STEP BACK TWO STEPS FORWARD Worrying you will not stick to your New Years Resolution? Expect to revert to your old habits from time to time. Treat any failure as a temporary setback rather than a reason to give up altogether. One bad day doesn’t have to be a bad week..

We pass on some good advice from the Neighbourhood Watch team. First of all they say when you are out try and keep within a group.

Keeping with a number of people won’t leave you vulnerable to the types of crimes that are aimed towards individuals and will mean that other people can also keep an eye on you and vice versa.

Don’t leave any members of your group behind at anytime.

and act out of character which in itself could present you with a dangerous situation.

Always take your drink wherever you go to prevent the chances of it being spiked and keep an eye on anybody offering to buy you a drink to ensure it is not tampered with.

Book a taxi or a lift, organising a lift home or booking a taxi before going out will ensure that you get home safely and are not putting yourself in a position where Drink in moderation – It is easier you do not recognise the hire said than done however when you drink more alcohol than usual company, driver or area especially if you are out-of-town. you can lose your inhibitions

Always try and share transport with others. Keep in the spotlight – If you cannot stay in a group for whatever reason for the whole night or day always try to stick to public areas and don’t walk down unlit areas that can leave you susceptible to danger.

And while you are out, don't leave car keys, ID cards or valuables near windows, doors or letterboxes, where burglars can reach through to steal them.

Lock your garden gates and side entrances. Don't leave tools lying around in the garden which could be used to break into your home.

Commercial & Domestic Cleaners

fun THE YEAR THEY CANCELLED JANUARY Prior to 1752 Britian celebrated New Year on 25th March (Annunciation Day). The year 1752 only lasted nine months, as the dates from 1st January to 24th March and from 3rd-13th September were skipped in order for 1753 to begin on 1st January like in other countries.

to Ge uc t i ht n od ay

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

January 2019 | Advertiser's Index

MAKE TRACKS FOR FUN DAY EARLY START FOR THE GEESE The new year begins on a noisy but fun note at RSPB Loch Lomond, where thousands of geese spend the winter months feeding and roosting.

As the sun comes up (so yes, we’re talking about a very early start) you can watch as they move on to their daytime feeding areas – a must for anyone interested in one of our great local wildlife spectacles.

Inevitably, you’re advised to wear suitable clothes and footwear – and if possible, bring binoculars. The January 12 session runs from 7.15am to 9.30am, and costs £7.50 (RSPB members £6), and booking is essential – you can get in touch at 01389 830670.

Children and adults are invited to join a mountain biking family fun day this month – and to get involved in launching a new club.

TrailCoach, a mountain bike tuition and coaching company, is organising a day at the trails developed by the Endura Lifecycle Trust near Balfron on Sunday January 6. Children will learn a host of top tips from coaches and make new friends while they ride the trails.

“Most clubs rely on volunteers, so we are attempting to create a premium club for the west central area of Scotland, potentially with a ‘roaming venue’ to make sure the travel is fair for everyone. We have an abundance of potential spots to use, so we think it’s a good idea to explore them all.

The fun day is also the opportunity to be involved in creating an MTB club. Ramsay MacFarlane, founder of TrailCoach, said: “With mountain biking booming we think the time is right to launch an all-new mountain biking club for children. It will be a club where kids can come to learn bike skills, build confidence and socialise with other biking enthusiasts.

“At the family fun day there will be a questionnaire for participants to complete to get a better idea of what will work best.”

PRESSURE WASHING PATHS PATIOS DRIVEWAYS t: 01436 679994

w: www.nightanddaycleaning.co.uk

Page

Keys Galore .............................................................2 KFP Security Systems.............................................12

Access 4 Lofts ........................................................13

Linda's Childcare .....................................................2

AJM Joiners & Builders .........................................24

Loch Lomond Yoga ...............................................18

Alan Robinson Domestic Appliance ......................4

Lomond Electrical Services ...................................11

Allsorts Recycling .................................................14

Lomond Wood Fuel ................................................6

Andrea Allan Steele Piano Tuition ......................18

Mackinnon Fencing ................................................6

Andrew Steel Decorator ......................................28

Music School of Douglas Academy ....................11

Awestruck Academy ............................................26

New Image Hair Studio ........................................22

Be Pack Leader ........................................................8

Night & Day ..........................................................24

Ben View Antiques ...............................................17

Oakburn Gardens .................................................12

Blind Cleaning .........................................................8

Cheaper Car Insurance ...........................................1 Church Dental Practice ..................................1 & 16

THE TEAM: Stuart Mainland (Editor/Publisher) Iain McEwan (Publisher) Debbie Mainland (Head of Sales) Mel Webb (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

Page

Abbie Bathrooms .................................................23

Caledonian Wood Fuels .......................................23

Community Advertiser Ltd 24-28 James Street, Helensburgh G84 8UH T: 0141 433 1526 E: info@thecommunitymagazine.co.uk

Company Name

A1 Road Surfacing .........................................5 & 10

Caledonia Property Letting & Estate Agents......31

IS PUBLISHED BY:

See www.trailcoach.co.uk/event/ family-fun-day or call Ramsay on 07729 900 997.

ADVERTISER’S INDEX Company Name

Buchanan Castle Golf Club ..................................15

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.

It’s vital that riders bring their own fully functional bikes and kit, including a helmet and gloves.

Knee and elbow pads are also recommended. Wear appropriate clothing and bring a change of clothes for afterwards.

There are two ticket types for the fun day. A family ticket is £10 for any number of adults and kids, as long as the parents/guardians hang around to supervise their own kids.

Bonhill Chippy .......................................................10

Conditions of acceptance of advertising

The child “drop-off” ticket is £40 for kids who will be unsupervised by parents.

Cleanfast Carpets ....................................................7 Clydeside Domestics ..............................................3 CMC Home Improvements .....................................3 David Wilson Handyman........................................4 DC Cairney .............................................................10 DL Plastering ...........................................................2 Domestic Solutions .................................................2 Dominos ..................................................................1 Donnie Dallas ..........................................................8

Pc Medic...................................................................2 Preston Fleming ......................................................1 R&D Loft Ladders Ltd .............................................8 Realseal Roofing .....................................................3 Scratch 2 Shine ........................................................2 SEM Events Ltd ......................................................16 Sims Gas Services .....................................................3 Slimming World ....................................................18 Sorbus Tree Services ................................................6 Sovereign Blinds......................................................7 Sparkle ...................................................................33 T Townsley Roofing ..............................................30 The Bathroom Company Glasgow ......................29 The Beachcomber ...................................................9 The British Heart Foundation ..............................23

E S Fencing ..............................................................5

The Handyman Home Improvement Centre ........4

Energie Fitness Dumbarton ..........................1 & 19

The Scottish Dog Whisperer ................................25

Ferguson Flooring Scotland Ltd...........................36

The Wise Group ....................................................25

Furniture Clinic .......................................................9

Thermaseal ..............................................................1

Glasgow Builders ....................................................5

Thistle All Weather Grass .....................................16

Haveli Family Buffet Restaurant .........................20

Thistle Blinds ...........................................................2

I & S Property ........................................................30

Travel Counsellors ...................................................9

J & J Garage Doors..................................................6

Van Driver Removals.............................................22

Jamie Hamilton Plumbing....................................11

West Of Scotland College ....................................27

JJR Print ...................................................................8

Windows & Conservatory Repair Company..........3

Joans Carers.............................................................8

WJT Trades...............................................................9

John Dobbin ..........................................................35

Wright For Pets .....................................................12

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

OHN DOBBIN J

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