221 February 2013 - Gryffe Advertizer

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February 2013

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No.221

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your LOCAL community magazine

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Macmillan Figures

Last year’s (2012) Macmillan Art Show took in £74,551 net for Macmillan and Christmas cards at the last count came in at £6,993 with more to come.

Thank you to everyone for their ongoing support.

You can donate online by visiting our website at www.macmillan.org. uk/Donate/Donate.aspx

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welcome to February 2013 this month....

We seem to have missed the worst of the snow, but if you’d like to take your mind off the weather for a while, once again Maureen Horton of Travel a la Carte is participating in a Wedding Fair at which she’ll spoil you with her portfolio of exotic destinations. The event is to be held in the Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm on Saturday 2nd March from 12noon until 3pm. Last year’s event was very successful and the organisers hope for a similar, or even better, turnout this year. There will be plenty of offers available on the day.

If you sent in news and did not receive an auto-reply, chances are we may have missed your email. Just prior to our deadline, we had no email for the best part of a day and we can’t be sure that some didn’t go amiss. The joys of technology! So, a wee reminder - please make sure you’ve had your reply and if not, please call to check.

We now have lovely new signage in our offices, so there’s no need to guess which windows belong to The Advertizer; the first floor above Bernie’s Cafe in the heart of Bridge of Weir. Many thanks BD Print in Quarriers for a prompt and professional service. The other offices on the first floor are now occupied by Carol Cowan Photography and Pulse Electrical.

And yes, the scaffolding has gone at long last. The roof repairs are now finished, but vehicle access to the frontage remains closed since Renfrewshire Council has deemed it unsafe. A new surface to the frontage of Bernie’s Cafe is in progress - weather permitting; this will be for pedestrian use only. Obviously it’s not desirable to lose parking spaces, but safety has to come first.

Contents

For this month we have added a new section on “Planning” which carries i n f o r m a t i o n on the formation of the Local Development Plan for both Inverclyde and Renfrewshire. Everyone should take an interest in this process since it will affect all of us, please take the time to consider the proposals and make your voice heard, whether for or against.

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VILLAGES

Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank 24-27 Brookfield, Crosslee & Houston 32-33 Howwood & Elderslie 33 Kilbarchan & Lochwinnoch 30-31 Kilmacolm & Quarriers 28-29 L COMMUNITY OF YOUR LOCA A FREE COPY PLEASE TAKE

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L COMMUNITY OF YOUR LOCA A FREE COPY PLEASE TAKE

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Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN

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The Gryffe Advertizer

A bit early too be thinking of summer, but never too soon to start planning. Bridge of Weir’s Gala Queen selection interviews will take place on Saturday 2nd March at 6.30pm in the Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir.

Application forms are currently being handed out to the local schools.

MAGAZINE

No.220

advertiser directory business classified property classified deadlines sales & wants

All this and more in our February magazine..... enjoy!

January 2013

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NEWS & FEATURES

Whilst on parking, since Maxwell Place was resurfaced last year it has become a popular parking spot. It tends now to be over congested and this makes deliveries difficult for the businesses which use the lane as access.

Drivers are urged to park considerately, otherwise preventative measures will have to come into force. It is actually illegal to park on a pavement and one car has already been damaged by a delivery lorry.

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All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. The Gryffe Advertizer cannot be held responsible for unsolicited materials. The views and opinions by contributors in this magazine may not represent the views of the publishers. The Gryffe Advertizer takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisements in this publication.

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Please support the Grant Cadden Fund I am Grant Cadden’s big sister, Rachel Cadden, I am a student studying at the University of Aberdeen and I am trying to raise money to send him on holiday.

Last year on the 13th March 2012 Grant, a keen bagpiper at Houston BB (who stays in Houston, Renfrewshire and was a pupil at Gryffe High School), was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 16. He spent the day after his 17th birthday, 12th April, in hospital for his angiogram and on May 4th he had the operation to remove the tumour. The test results came back that the tumour was benign and they managed to remove the whole tumour. He had his operation at the Southern General Hospital.

Since the operation he has suffered a seizure and has been back in hospital once.

This June he is going on his first holiday, however the travel insurance is very high due to his condition, so I set up the Grant Cadden Fund in order to raise funds for him to get on holiday and to give some money to the Neurology Department at the Southern General.

I am hoping that this article might raise awareness and attract some donations. Our goal is £2,000 and so far, through events and Facebook, we have managed to raise around £400.

To donate online, visit: thegrantcaddenfund.co.uk, and go to the donate page.

Photos are: Grant before the operation; Grant with me and our Mum, Rona Cadden; Duncan Webb and Grant Cadden playing the bagpipes.

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Erskine Volunteer Walks For Veterans Erskine volunteer, Ian Gunn, went the extra mile for his favourite charity Erskine, when he walked the West Highland Way solo in December to raise vital funds.

Ian (20), from Langbank, braved the icy winter weather to walk the 95 miles of the West Highland Way for the veterans’ charity who care for over 1100 veterans every year raising a fantastic £1,431 to boost vital funds. Not to be daunted by such a long walk on his own, Ian walked during daylight and camped out most nights, finishing the walk in five days.

Ian said: “I have always wanted to walk the West Highland Way and it made sense to fundraise at the same time and I can’t think of a better charity to fundraise for. I had previously volunteered for Erskine and had seen first-hand the brilliant work it does for our veterans so it was a pleasure to do something worthwhile to help.”

Erskine fundraiser Alan Moss said “Ian has raised a terrific amount for Erskine and we’re delighted that his West Highland Way challenge went so well. It is not easy walking the 95 miles in December, but even more impressive that he took it on all by himself. Very well done and thank you for thinking of our brave veterans.”

Love Your Leftovers This Pancake Day Pancakes are traditionally made on 12th February, Shrove Tuesday, to use up any remaining butter, milk and eggs the day before Lent begins. It’s also a great opportunity to use up any leftovers from your fridge or kitchen cupboards, waste less and save more!

‘Love Food Hate Waste’ has the perfect recipe for creating something delicious from leftover yoghurt and over-ripe bananas which might otherwise go to waste. If you have any spare sultanas, flaked almonds or soft berries at home these all make tasty additions to the batter too.

Research shows that over 1 million unopened yoghurts are thrown away every day in the UK, and fresh fruit and veg tops the list of the most wasted food type. Each year in Scotland we buy and then waste £1bn on food and drink which could have been eaten. That’s an average of £35 per month for the average Scottish household. So instead of sending your leftovers to the bin, why not follow our simple recipe for a Shrove Tuesday treat.

Emma Marsh from Love Food Hate Waste commented: “Using up leftovers is a really easy way to make the most of the food we buy and save money, especially on Pancake Day. Save money and a trip to the shops by using up what you already have at home. Pancakes are so versatile and as long as you have the basic ingredients of milk, eggs and flour you can use anything you like as an accompaniment. Plus, it’s a great chance to get creative with your leftovers.”

Mushy banana and sour cream pancakes

These are great for using up speckled bananas quickly and for using up milk that has gone sour.

• 2 over-ripe bananas, chopped into a bowl • 2 teaspoons lemon juice • 125g plain flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • Pinch of salt • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 tablespoon soft brown sugar • 2 eggs, separated • 125ml soured milk or cream • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence • Zest of half a lemon • Melted butter Mash the bananas with a little lemon juice. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon into a large bowl and add the sugar. Mix together the mashed banana, egg yolks, soured milk or cream, vanilla and lemon zest, add to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Whisk the whites in a separate bowl until soft peaks form. Fold into the batter lightly. Heat a large frying pan over a medium heat and brush with a little melted butter. Use a ladle of mixture for each pancake. Cook for 2 minutes on one side and then flip the pancake and cook for a further 1 minute. If you don’t manage to eat all of them in one go, they freeze very well.

For more creative ideas for using up your leftovers visit www. lovefoodhatewaste.com and visit info@myleapproject.org to find out more about our local food initiatives.

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Travel Blog

by Maureen Horton of Travel a la Carte

Wedding Fever The temperature is slowly rising and if you have a wedding planned for this year, temperatures will certainly be rising with all the organisation and anticipation. Once the venue has been chosen, the dress purchased, the flowers and all the other arrangements finalised, thoughts turn to your honeymoon.

We really do enjoy helping couples to choose their dream destination for this very very special holiday and are often asked where the most popular Honeymoon is. Long haul it is definitely the Maldives (Kuoni’s statistic).

There are so many beautiful tiny islands to choose from, accessible from Glasgow with Emirates airline twice-daily service to Dubai. You can connect from there to Male, the capital of the Maldives, or spend a few days in Dubai en-route for a slice of glitz and shopping before chilling out on a blissful beach or over-water bungalow.

The USA can provide turbo packed variety coast to coast with lots in between e.g., San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, The Grand Canyon, Miami and New York.

Closer to home, the most popular honeymoon destination is definitely Italy…. A combination of Cities, Culture, Coast or Countryside. Could there be anything more romantic than starting you life together with a candlelit dinner by a canal overlooking Venice?

Travel a la Carte is taking part in a Wedding fair on Saturday 2nd March being held in the Kilmacolm Community Centre. If you would like to discuss plans for your Honeymoon, why not come along and we will happily give you some suggestions.

www.advertizer.co.uk for weekly updates

Wherever you chose …….we can help get you there!

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CLIC Sargent Race Night I was approached last year by CLIC Sargent and asked if I would be interested in helping form a committee to organise fundraising events and jumped at the chance. The reason I was asked was because over the past 5 years, my husband and I have organised many fundraising events and raised over £30,000 for CLIC Sargent and Yorkhill Children’s Foundation. We were inspired to do this by our daughter Megan, who was diagnosed with a Wilms Tumour in 2007, aged just 3 (see photo right). She endured surgery and months of chemotherapy and is now a happy, healthy 8 year old (see photo below). During her treatment, we were helped greatly by CLIC Sargent, and it was an eye opener for us to see just how much support other families like us needed from the charity. CLIC Sargent provide clinical, practical and emotional support to help children and young people cope with cancer and get the most out of life. Without them we would have been even more baffled than we already were when Megan was first diagnosed.

Our Ladies Night at the Races is being held in River Inn, Houston on Saturday 23rd February, champagne cocktails and canapés at 7pm, followed by a buffet meal at 8pm, with races starting prompt at 8.30pm.

After the races have finished, there will be a disco to finish off the evening. Tickets are £15 and horses are also available to buy beforehand for £5 (and you choose its name!). For further information or to purchase tickets, please contact Lesley on 07786 528467. You can find our event on Facebook too!

Lesley Finn

*Rock-a-Buy Baby & Kid’s Market* in association with *Baby Booty Sale* Pre-loved MEGA Market 50+ stalls, nearly-new & craft The Lagoon Leisure Centre, Paisley Sat 9th Feb, 10:30am - 1:30pm Admission £1, Children Free

Scottish Country Dance Music Do you love listening to Scottish Country Dance Music? Have you ever wondered why, when the music enters your ears, it set your toes tapping right away?

Would you like to put that very question to Jim McColl MBE (of BBC Beechgrove Garden fame) ? Well, if you would, he will be the MC at the ‘TOURIE BAND CONCERT in Troon Townhall on the evening of Friday 22nd February. The concert is organised each year by the Rotary Club of Troon with the proceeds going to national and local charities. You can get your tickets on the night at the door of the Town Hall. This is located close to the beach and near the centre of the town .

In and around Troon, as you probably know, there is a fine selection of hotels and restaurants, so why not come with friends, make up a foursome (or in two cars an eightsome!). Come down for a breath of sea air and a meal, followed by the concert in the Townhall at 7.30pm. Make a night of it – a night of music and laughter – one your toes will remember!

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The Wonderful Jazz Duo of Sophie Bancroft and Tom Lyne Presented by CFS Music in the Old Kilbarchan Library on Friday 22nd February at 7.30pm

Sophie Bancroft, vocalist and songwriter, and her long time partner, the outstanding jazz double bass player Tom Lyne, are both very well known, each in their own right, in the Scottish jazz scene and beyond.

Sophie and Tom will fill the evening with their dynamic, intimate and very entertaining interpretations of classic jazz songs, both old and new, interspersed with original material of Sophie’s, some of which are featured on their newly released album ‘You Turned the Tables on Me’ which is currently receiving critical acclaim.

The original pieces reflect some of the musical legends Sophie admits have shaped her work such as Billie Holliday and Doris Day. Her Scottish roots are not forgotten either as is very apparent in their Blues version of Robert Burns’ song ‘Can Ye Sew Cushions’. Her lyrics are mainly drawn from her own life experiences, but not surprisingly seem to strike a chord with audiences of all ages.

No matter where they take their influences from, when performing together they become ‘as one’ creating a truly unique blend of voice and musicianship which is a joy to experience.

“Bancroft and Lyne kept their audience entertained throughout the set. The hour flew by and thanks to the intimate setting, the anecdotes and the warmth of the two performers, it was like an evening with old friends.”

Looking for something new in 2013?

Broadwaybaby.com (4 stars) Tickets are £12 and are available directly from the venue by calling 01505 706070 between 10am - 12 noon and 2pm - 4pm or by emailing Carol at cfsmusic@btinternet.com

Diaporama Why not try volunteering for you local Hospice?

Enhance your CV, gain experience, make new friends and have fun!

Fundraising Team – Help needed in various areas. Schools Liaison speaking to local schools to encourage fundraising activity, Community Ambassador – representing the Hospice at local fundraising activities, Admin Volunteers and House-to House Collectors.

Maintenance Team – Help needed with the general maintenance. Anyone with painting, plumbing or joinery skills or general DIY skills please get in touch.

Furniture Pick-up and Delivery –Volunteers needed to assist the Hospice driver with furniture pick-ups and deliveries for our busy furniture shops.

Other volunteer roles available, please contact Christine Haddock, Volunteer Co-ordinator, on 01505 705635 or call into any of our shops and pick up a volunteer application form.

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At our January meeting Tony and Joan showed some of their sequences which took us from Rome (ancient and modern) to Cheshire (their home county) to the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway via a ‘Piece of Nonsense’ - the Owl and the Pussy Cat! They were both informative and entertaining.

We had a report back from Adrian and Sue of their visit to the Great Northern Festival in Wilmslow held last December. They were able to borrow 2 sequences to share. One was a personal view of a visit to ‘Beamish’ by Peter Appleton who was awarded the RPS Pollock Medal in the restricted category. The other was a superb sequence by Malcolm and Jenny Gee all about the island on Madeira including its geology and climate and was called ‘Madeira Blooms’. It was great to be able to see work by other AV workers we wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to look at. We finished with a re-made version of ‘The 3 Little Pigs’ based on the advice and comments gained from the visit.

Our next meeting, An evening with Gerry and Hugh, is on Monday 11th February, 7.30pm at the Kilmacolm Community Centre.

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Meetings for Curious Minds 211th Lecture Series - The Royal Philosophical Society of Glasgow

All meetings take place on Wednesdays at 7.30pm in the Main Lecture Theatre (3.25), John Anderson Building, Strathclyde University, Rottenrow East, Glasgow. G4 0NG. Non members welcome - disable access. www.royalphil.org or email info@royalphil.org

The Minerva Lecture

20th February - Duncan Macniven, Registrar General for Scotland 2003-2011. Scotland’s people 1855-2011

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Jean Armour Ladies’ Dinner Gleddoch House Hotel, Langbank

Friday 22nd February at 7pm for 7.30pm Guest Speakers: Baroness Helen Liddell and Ms Annabel Goldie MSP Tickets: £25 (to incl entertainment) Contact: Mrs Marion Dornan 07436 114333 or Mrs June Lockhart 07956 142619.

Kilmacolm Dramatic Society With ‘Beauty & the Beast’ now firmly behind us - but still attracting compliments and requests for another pantomime this Christmas - (yes, only 342 days to go as I write!), the cast of ‘Calendar Girls’ are about to go into rehearsal, with mutterings of “I must, I must, improve my.....” memory in my case! Suddenly April 24th doesn’t seem so far away! As ever, I would like to say “Please don’t be shy about offering to help your local Dramatic Society be it backstage or front of house - it’s not all about being on stage! Or why not become a ‘Friend’?”

Further information regarding the above, or advertising in our programmes, is always available from myself on 01505 872465 or at u2.jocknellie@virgin.net or from Rosie Thirde on 01505 873088 or at rosiethirde@ btinternet.com

Angus Black

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Upside Down Heart West End Wurdz is presenting Upside Down Heart, another poetry and music afternoon - this time celebrating Valentine’s Day. An offer of a different kind of Valentine – upside down and sideways, love, lust, passion and devotion. This is another FREE event with the chance for everyone to relax with some refreshments and take part in the signature suspense of the raffle. Budding and experienced literary folk can also take this opportunity to read and entertain at the open mic.

Local poets, Graham Fulton (putting the Punk into poetry), Derek McLuckie (…looking at the person next to you to find out if it’s alright to laugh) and Gwen McKerrell (Love words all the way from Houston) are our invited guests who will read from their collections.

Local musician guests are Coleslaw and Pauline Vallance – both returning by popular demand.

Presenting a gathering of love, laughter and lyricism, in association with Weaving Musical Threads. Everyone is welcome from 2 – 4pm on Sunday 10th February at the Ashtree House Hotel, Orr Square, Paisley. Contains some adult material.

Mass in B Minor

Sunday 3rd March at 7.30pm in Paisley Abbey A celebration of the Abbey’s 850th anniversary

Come along for a wonderful literary afternoon – literally musical too!

Mass in B Minor J S Bach with the Choir of Paisley Abbey

Directed by George McPhee with soloists Dame Emma Kirkby, Libby Crabtree, Stuart Patterson, James Arthur. Accompanied by an orchestra of period instruments.

Tickets: £15 (Nave); £18 (Gallery); £10 (Student). Available at the Abbey Shop; Abbey Office - 0141 889 7654; at the door.

Information at www.paisleyabbey.org.uk

Langbank Camera Club The Langbank Express and Rouken Glen Falls were the Langbank Camera Club’s top photographs in the January competition. Derrick McPherson took top spot with these in the ‘motion’ category.

The Club also celebrated 7 years, having been established in 2006

by Langbank residents wishing to improve the comers skills. As the meeting also included the AGM, the members took the opportunity to look to the future and 2013 will see more local involvement to encourage membership.

The February meeting will take place on Monday 11th at 7.30pm in the Church Halls and the competition subject will be ‘Street Photography’. All are welcome to come along and bring any new cameras that arrived at Christmas. Check out the Club website at www.langbankcameraclub. weebly.com where there is the Club Blog and a marvellous gallery of photographs taken over the years by the members.

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Erskine Needs You Erskine, Scotland’s leading veterans’ charity, is looking for experienced individuals to organise small events and promote awareness of the charity throughout Bridge of Weir and surrounding villages.

If you have experience in working as part of a team, organising events and have good communication skills Erskine needs you! The charity is looking for proactive individuals, with time to spare, willing to meeting once a month with fellow group members to organise local fundraising events and to raise awareness of Erskine, its services and the need for fundraising.

Once formed, each group will be part of the network of volunteers throughout Scotland who play a major role in raising the profile of the charity, raising vital funds and promoting fundraising initiatives of Erskine to a diverse range of audiences. Every day Erskine volunteers fundraise and raise awareness in communities across Scotland. As well as organised events and can collections, they also speak to groups and supporters about Erskine’s commitment of caring for the Armed Forces community. Quite simply, without volunteers Erskine would not be able to continue its work.

With five homes based in Bishopton, Erskine, Glasgow and Edinburgh, our volunteers would be asked to join groups in the vicinity of these locations.

Erskine volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and age groups.

Training will be provided and the opportunity to share experience and information welcomed. In return for joining a Fundraising Volunteer Group Erskine will aim to ensure that volunteering for the charity will be a fulfilling and worthwhile experience.

Susan Bradley Erskine Community Fundraiser said: “If you think you could make a difference in promoting the awareness of Erskine and raising some of the much needed funds in your local community, we’d love to hear from you! By being a volunteer group member you will be part of the wider volunteer community where all resources and training is provided in order to set you off of the best possible start on your volunteering journey. Our team of volunteers are a fun and dedicated bunch who are always looking for more people to join the team.”

For further information about becoming a Volunteer Speaker or to request an application form, please contact Susan Bradley, Erskine Fundraiser, on 0141 814 4625 or email susan.bradley@erskine.org.uk

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what’s on...

Until Mon 25 February

Mon 4 February

Renfrewshire’s Local Development Plan

Houston Jogging Buddies Beginners Night

Renfrewshire House and Local Libraries

Houston Village Hall 6.15pm/6.30pm

6 week consultation period to get your co mpl ai nts and s ug g e s t io n s b a c k t o Renfrewshire Council Planning Department.

Two sites in Ward 10, currently in the Green Belt, marked as suitable for development. Both these sites are in Bridge of Weir and include an area to the west of Shillingworth Place and Earl Place, and also at Bracken Road.

Fri 1 February Kilbarchan Agricultural Show Whist Drive The Guide Hut, Kilbarchan 7.30pm Price: £3 includes refreshments. Contact Secretary: Aileen 07766 221369. Everyone welcome.

Film Night at the Bridge The Bridge, Main St, Bridge of Weir 6.30pm “Ruthless People” - a very funny comedy starring Danny de Vito and Bette Midler.

Entry free, but donations to Bridge funds very welcome. Doors open 6.30pm, film starts 7pm.

fri 1 Feb - thur 28th feb roberta drennan art exhibition and sale The Bridge, Main St, Bridge of Weir Call 07543 823252 for further information. www.facebook.com/RobertaDrennanArt

Sat 2 February Kilbarchan East Church Guild - Annual coffee morning East Church Hall, Kilbarchan 10am to 12noon Tickets priced Adults £2, Children 50p on sale now or at the door. All will be made welcome.

If you have never run before, or if you haven’t run for a while, please come along - we look forward to meeting you.

First Aid at Work Training Strathgryffe Tennis Club, Houston 6 hour emergency first aid at work training (£65).

Call 07564 294284 for further information.

British Legion AGM British Legion, Bridge of Weir 7pm We’re looking for a good turnout of members for this.

Fri 8 February St Vincent’s Hospice Red Red Rose Supper Watermill Hotel, Paisley A special romantic Burns night with a 3 course meal plus coffee and a dram, live entertainment and all for just £25 a great start to our 25th Anniversary celebrations. For more information on this romantic burns night please contact the Fundraising Team on 01505 705635 or email karen.milne@svh.co.uk

Sat 9 February Abbey Nursery Open Day South Street, Houston 2pm to 4pm Call 01505 612369 or visit our website at www. abbey-nursery.co.uk for further information.

Rock-a-Buy Baby & Kid’s Market The Lagoon Leisure Centre, Paisley 10.30am to 1.30pm In association with *Baby Booty Sale*. Preloved MEGA Market 50+ stalls, nearly-new & craft Admission £1, Children Free.

Sun 10 February Upside Down Heart Ashtree House Hotel, Orr Square, Paisley 2pm to 4pm Presenting a gathering of love, laughter and lyricism, in association with Weaving Musical Threads. Contains some adult material. Come along for a wonderful literary afternoon – literally musical too!

Tue 12 February Bridge of Weir Festival AGM Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir 7.30pm.

Changes to the constitution, Gala Queen Selection and the annual Gala Week are amongst the items for discussion.

Shrove Tuesday Coffee Morning St. Fillan’s Church, Moss Road Kilmacolm 10.30am to 12noon Lovely pancakes, sausage rolls and home baking and stalls.

Wed 13 February Visibility road show Bishopton Community Centre 10am to 1pm Products and services to assist people who have a visual impairment. Call 0141 332 4632 or visit the website at www.visibility.org.uk for further information.

Fri 15 February Whist Drive New Community Centre, Kilmacolm 7.30pm Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow Agricultural Society Whist Drive. Tickets £3 includes light supper.

Houston Friends of ACCORD Quiz Night J G Fleming Bowling Club, Houston £5 per person. More information from 0141 581 2000.

Sat 16 February Lochwinnoch Parish Church - Intimation for Lochwinnoch Drop-in Kirk Café 10am to noon Adults £2. Children £1.

‘chix with stix’ pancake morning Houston Kirk Hall 10.30am to 12noon Hand knitted goods and baking will be on sale. Admission for adults will be £2 and £1 for children.

Valentine Dance Royal British Legion Club, Bridge of Weir 8pm to Midnight Music by “Hot Property”. All welcome. £5.

t: 01505 613340

regular events weekly every Tuesday Birkmyre Park Running Club Birkmyre Park Gym, Kilmacolm 7pm Join us for an enjoyable and invigorating run in and around Kilmacolm. Tel: 01475 715750.

every WEDNESDAY Line dancing Bishopton Primary School 7pm - 8.30pm Join us for some fun - all abilities welcome.

Call Mellissa on 07970 396212 for further details.

every Thursday Kilmacolm Walkers Birkmyre Park Pavilion, Kilmacolm 10am Join us for an enjoyable health walk in and around Kilmacolm. Tel: David Goddard 01505 874192 or email kilmacolmwalkers@ talktalk.net

monthly 1st Sunday

Paisley Abbey Saturday Recitals

Car Boot Sale

Paisley Abbey 12.30pm

Bridge of Weir Car Park 9am-1pm

Andrew Laird (clarinet). Tickets £5 on sale at the door.

Set up from 8am - £5 per car. Call 01505 615992 for more details.

Sun 17 February

2nd Wednesday

Snowdrop Walk Ardgowan Estate

Inverclyde Carers Outreach Surgery

Ardgowan Estate, Inverkip

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 11am-2pm

It’s snowdrop time again! Come along and enjoy a walk through the beautiful policies.

Lady Shaw Stewart has kindly agreed to allow the gardens to be open on that day with charities benefiting, mainly Ardgowan Hospice.

Admission is £2 and there will be lovely homemade teas at a nominal price. Waterproof shoes are sometimes a good idea!

Tue 19 February First Aid at Work Training Strathgryffe Tennis Club, Houston 6 hour emergency first aid at work training (£65).

Call 07564 294284 for further information.

Wed 20 February Kilmacolm Horticultural Society lecture Kilmacolm Community Centre 7.30pm Presented by Fergus Cumming, President of Busby & Clarkston Society. His topic : WHO SAYS CACTI ARE UGLY : With some interesting exhibits and excellent slides of cacti, Fergus is sure to make our evening enjoyable.

Everyone most welcome, refreshments served at end of lecture.

For further information email enquiries@ inverclydecarerscentre.org.uk or call: 01475 735180.

2nd Saturday ‘Brunch & Browse’ St Fillan’s Hall, Moss Road, Kilmacolm 10am-2pm Home made soups, home baking, tea, coffee, books & lots of stalls. Great value! Disabled access. £4.

farmers markets 1st Saturday Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 10am-2pm (“The Square”)

1st & 3rd Sunday Loch Lomond Shores 10am-3pm Tel: 07977 179 861

2nd & last Saturday Paisley County Square 9am-1pm Tel: 01655 770217

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Inverclyde Branch of Alzheimer Scotland

12.30pm - 16th February

“Do you have a diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia or similar illness and you want to have your voice heard to make positive changes to improve services, why not join us?”

Andrew Laird (clarinet) 12.30pm - 23rd March

The local branch is run voluntarily by carers and those with a diagnosis.

Among our aims is to campaign to improve services, raise public awareness, facilitate activities.

Andrew Tipple (bass) Tickets £5 on sale at the door

Alistair Laurie Childreach Charity

We meet in “Your Voice” premises, Clyde Square, Greenock on 2nd Tuesday of each month at 1.30pm til 3pm. Next meeting Tuesday 12th February.

Everest Expedition in Aid of Childreach International

Alistair Laurie, (pictured) from Kilbarchan is currently in training to climb Mount Everest Base Camp in May this year in aid of Childreach International. Alistair, who served in the army for 4 years and spent 7 months on deployment in Afghanistan, is now in his first year at Glasgow University studying Mechanical Engineering. As well as being a demanding physical challenge, it will also raise awareness and funds for an amazing charitable cause.

Childreach International is a UK registered charity working at the grassroots level. They work in partnership with local communities in the developing world to improve children’s access to healthcare, education and child rights and protection, to help them unlock their full potential.

They currently have projects in India, Nepal, Tanzania, Cambodia, Pakistan and Bangladesh with over 300,000 beneficiaries to date.

During the course of the expedition Alistair and his group of 15 volunteers will see first hand the impact of the donations raised from previous expeditions. On their journey they will visit a school and children’s’ hospital that have been built through Childreach. Each member must reach a target of £1,950 in donations to be able to take part in this fantastic experience for an amazing cause. If you would like to help Children that are unable to help themselves then simply follow the link below and click ‘Make a secure donation’. Alternatively you can text ‘UNLOCK 110513’ to 70007 to donate £3 directly. Thank you so much for reading and for any donations that you make. Every little donation can make a massive difference to children all over the world.

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk Wed 20 February

Fri 1 March

Alzheimer Scotland Information Day

World Day of Prayer

Kilmacolm New Community Centre 11am to 2pm Come along to see how you can make sure noone goes through dementia on their own.

Thu 21 February Film Night at the Bridge The Bridge, Main St, Bridge of Weir 6.30pm “The Railway Children” (U) - one of the best children’s films ever made with Jenny Agutter, Bernard Cribbins and Dinah Sheridan. Entry free, but donations to Bridge funds very welcome. Doors open 6.30pm, film starts 7pm.

Fri 22 February Jean Armour Ladies’ Dinner Gleddoch House Hotel, Langbank 7pm-7.30pm Guest Speakers: Baroness Helen Liddell and Ms Annabel Goldie MSP. Tickets: £25 (to incl entertainment). Contact: Mrs Marion Dornan T. 07436 114333 or Mrs June Lockhart T. 07956 142619.

Classique Window Blinds Winter Sale Ends Today

St. Columba Church Hall, Bridge of Weir Road, Kilmacolm 1.30pm Written by the Christian Women of France ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me’.

We would be very pleased to see you at the Service Call Maureen Russell Convenor on 01505 872905 for further information.

Film Night at the Bridge The Bridge, Main St, Bridge of Weir 6.30pm “Now Voyager” (PG) - classic cinema from 1942 and a love story ‘now, then and forever’ with Bette Davis, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains and Gladys Cooper. Entry free, but donations to Bridge funds very welcome. Doors open 6.30pm, film starts 7pm.

Sat 2 March GALA QUEEN SELECTION Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir 7pm Entrants have to be in Primary 6 or 7 and live in the PA11 postcode area. Entry forms will be collected from the Schools during the last week of February and NO entries will be accepted on the night. A light snack and drink for the girls provided half way through the proceedings as this will take approx 3 hours.

Wedding Fair New Community Centre Kilmacolm 12noon to 3pm

Block 5, Unit 2, Paddockholm Industrial Estate, Kilbirnie

A selection of companies will be exhibiting at this Wedding Fair. Plenty of offers on the day.

Today is your final chance to pop along to our Showroom for a bargain. Call 01505 684441 for details or see main advert on page 8.

Kilbarchan West Junior Church Fayre

Scottish Country Dance Music TOURIE BAND CONCERT Troon Townhall 7.30pm The concert is organised each year by the Rotary Club of Troon with the proceeds going to national and local charities. You can get your tickets at the door of the Town Hall on the night, which is located close to the beach and near the centre of the town .

The Wonderful Jazz Duo Of Sophie Bancroft And Tom Lyne Kilbarchan Old Library 7.30pm Tickets are £12 and are available directly from the venue by calling 01505 706070 between 10am - 12 noon and 2pm - 4pm or by emailing Carol at cfsmusic@btinternet.com

SAT 23rd february CLIC SARGENT RACE NIGHT River Inn, Houston 7pm Come along and support this worthy cause.

Tickets £15. Horses available to purchase beforehand at £5 - you can even choose it’s name! Call Lesley for tickets and details on 07786 528467.

wed 27 February Visibility road show Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir 10am to 1pm Products and services to assist people who have a visual impairment. Call 0141 332 4632 or visit the website at www.visibility.org.uk for further information.

Fri 1 March Lochwinnoch Playgroup Quiz/ race night Lochbarr, Lochwinnoch 8pm Cost £5pp which will include entry to the Quiz and a light buffet. You can pay on the night, but to register your team (ideally 6-8 people) please contact Cheryl on 07748 859683 or Paula on 07772 173910.

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Kilbarchan West Church Hall 10am to 2pm Coffee, Stalls and fun for all the family.

Coffee Morning for Motor Neuron Disease Scotland New Community Centre Kilmacolm (first floor) 10am to 12noon Motor Neuron Disease Scotland - Coffee Morning. Tickets £2.50.

Sun 3 March Mass in B Minor Paisley Abbey 7.30pm Accompanied by an orchestra of period instruments. Tickets: £15 (Nave); £18 (Gallery); £10 (Student) available at the Abbey Shop; Abbey Office - 0141 889 7654; or at the door. Information at www.paisleyabbey. org.uk

Wed 6 March Junior Casting Tuition Night Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir 7pm to 9.30pm Bridge of Weir Angling Club have organised demonstrations by Peter Anderson, British, European and World Fly Casting Champion.

Fly-Tying demonstrations by Alistair Keir, world renowned fly-tyer and inventor of ‘Sunburst’. Permits can be paid on the night.

All youngsters under 18 welcome as well as senior members.

Fri 8 March Erskine Sportsman’s Dinner Glasgow Hilton Hotel 7pm To book your table/ticket and help raise vital funds for the ex-Service men and women of Erskine, please contact Steve McManus, Events Fundraiser at Erskine on 0141 814 4567 or email: Steven.McManus@erskine. org.uk

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local History

by Renfrewshire Local History Forum

Medieval Mottes in Strathgryffe Mottes were mounds, usually artificially constructed, with a defensive wooden or stone castle tower built on the flat top. They were introduced into Scotland by Norman settlers in the twelfth century. The best examples in the Gryffe area are Denniston Motte and Castle Hill Motte (alternatively designated as Ranfurly Motte) which is situated on Old Ranfurly Golf Course. Both would have been topped by towers.

Denniston Motte is a strange looking grass covered mound, 4 metres high, and appears incongruous in the surrounding terrain. It is situated to the south of the B788 and can be seen from the cycle path from Bridge of Weir to Kilmacolm.

The site was partially excavated in the nineteenth century and revealed four rows of rough boulders a metre below the surface at the summit. This was regarded as possible evidence of stone foundations of a structure.

Later, evidence of the motte’s occupation and use in the early medieval period was corroborated when a sherd of twelfth or thirteenth century white gritty pottery was found on the south side of the mound.

Greenock Writers’ Club The Greenock Writers’ Club recent competition, ‘A Poem with a Scottish Theme’ was won by the club’s president, Lesley Holligan from Kilmacolm.

Lesley, a teacher at Gryffe High School, is seen receiving the Lydia Webster Memorial Trophy for her entry ‘A Lassie’s Memories’. The trophy was donated by the family of the late Lydia Webster, a founder member of the club. Lydia’s sons, John and Jeff Webster, are pictured at the presentation with the competition’s adjudicator Isobel Lind, head teacher of Aileymill Primary School. Taking joint 2nd place in the competition were Greenock’s Con Deveney and Jennifer Higgins who also teaches at Gryffe.

It’s been an exciting time for the club as they have produced a new anthology, ‘Scotchpotch’.

The collection of contemporary writing by members old and new is available at various outlets across Renfrewshire and Inverclyde. The club are using the anthology to raise funds for the Ardgowan Hospice and to fondly remember and celebrate the work of members such as Lydia and Marion Harris who was cared for at the hospice.

It is considered possible that the motte belonged to Hugh de Danielstoun, a knight whose name appeared on the Ragman Roll in 1296. (The 1296 Ragman Roll was signed at Berwick by most of the prominent Scottish landowners to swear allegiance to Edward I after his victory at the Battle of Dunbar.) Later use of the site as some kind of meeting place was indicated by the discovery of a 15th - 16th century bronze or copper jetton or counting piece, found in a sheep scrape on the north side of the motte.

Castle Hill Motte on Old Ranfurly Golf Course is more widely known and is regarded as the best example of a motte in Renfrewshire. The mound itself is not man-made. It sits on the edge of a five metre high north-facing natural scarp and is surrounded on the other sides by a rock-cut man-made ditch three to four metres wide and up to one metre in depth. Finds from Castle Hill Motte, including Samian pottery (Roman), a bronze key, green glazed pottery, bones, charcoal and whitening material were displayed at the Palace of History Exhibition in Glasgow in 1911.

Further information can be found in Renfrewshire, A Scottish County’s Hidden Past by Derek Alexander and Gordon McCrae and in RLHF Journal, Vol. 4.

©2013 Helen J Calcluth

The club meet on a Wednesday evening at 7.30pm in the Ardgowan Club, Ardgowan Square, Greenock and welcome new members. So feel free to come along and enjoy the company of a lively, friendly and talented group aged from teens to the ever so slightly more mature!

For further information, please contact the club secretary Isabel Watt on 01475 723744 or see the website www.greenockwritersclub.co.uk Photo left to right: Isabel Lind, Jeff Webster, Lesley Holligan, John Webster

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in business with Steve Povey

If you have two frogs, eat the ugliest one first!

I don’t know about you, but if I had to eat a live frog every morning, the challenges of the rest of the day wouldn’t seem so bad after all – in fact I’m sure I would get a lot more done with a happier spirit too!

Now how does this fit in with Managing Our Time?

Care And Connect….. …..Linking local people together, to make life better

Care and Connect is an innovative new homesupport project being developed in Renfrewshire. We want to link up people who need low-level support to stay independent, with fitter people living close by who want to offer a combination of voluntary and paid support to those in their communities who are less able. The project would offer:• flexible, reliable and affordable support for physically frail older and disabled people with low-level needs such as help with shopping, cleaning and transport, • a trusted local person to help families support elderly parents when they are unable to provide help themselves due to distance or other commitments, • a fulfilling combination of voluntary and paid support work for people who want to help others in their local community on a flexible, part-time, selfemployed basis as part of a trusted charity.

We are not up and running yet, but we hope to establish Care and Connect this summer. With funding from The Big Lottery and, in association with Lochwinnoch Millennium Events Group (LMEG), we are gathering views from people about the things they would like Care and Connect to provide and the costs of the service. Feedback from those we have spoken to so far has been very positive and we’d like to thank those who have taken part. We would like to speak to more people, so that we can clearly show potential funders that this project is worth supporting. We need your help to get started.

Could Care and Connect make a difference to your life? Might you need flexible support (excluding personal care) now or in the future either for yourself or for family or friends you support? Would you like to become a helper and support people in your local community as part of our charity?

Or are you interested in joining our steering group to help turn this innovative idea into reality? If so then we would like to hear from you. For more information please call Trish Miller on 01505 843336 or check our website www.careandconnect.org.uk

The smart answer is – you can’t actually manage time – but we can manage the tasks that we choose to spend it on, and in doing that we in effect “manage our time”. Or as someone once said ‘The bad news is time flies, the good news is you’re the pilot.’ Although it’s quite easy to spend a whole day with me learning skills that seem to manage our time, let’s consider just two really effective, simple and easy to take steps that can help us get started, at work and at home:First – PLAN YOUR DAY - have a ‘to do’ list for each day. Prioritise the most important tasks and make sure they happen. Some things may not get done - that’s just how it is. The ‘to do’ list is the single most effective time management technique there is – yes, in my experience this is really true …. and make sure that you update it every day, priorities have a habit of changing!

Second - EAT THAT FROG. By doing your most important task first you will less likely procrastinate on the other tasks later in the day, and you also set the tone for the rest of the day for getting work done, using your time effectively.

There’s lots more we can discuss and work on together about planning, schedules, work/life balance …. but for now just consider two more hugely important principles which have really helped me.

THE 10/90 RULE. The first 10% of time that you spend planning and organizing your work before you begin will save you as much as 90% of the time in getting the job done once you get started.

THE 80/20 RULE. This helps determine your most valuable tasks, because 80% of the results will always come from just 20% of the tasks. So identify them and you will get so much more from your time. “It is not how hard you work that counts.

It is what you achieve that really matters.”

If you would like some advice on how to improve the effectiveness of your business contact Steve on 07949 197658 or steve@developmentpartners. co.uk (Next month – The CHALLENGES OF EMAILS!)

Kilmacolm Camera Club The Club began 2013 with a viewing of the SPF Portfolio – a selection of images judged to be the best selected out of an entry from Scotland’s Camera Clubs. It always makes for a controversial evening – traditionally, no one ever agrees with the judges’ choice…..and this year was no exception. On the night, our critical evaluations included such technical terms as “Wow!”, “Eh!” or just “Whit?”

We also had a very informative evening in which Bill Ham (the “Old Master” himself) demonstrated how to “Maximise our Images”. Using his know-how on photographic composition and his wealth of knowledge on image processing with Photoshop Elements, he transformed some of our ugly duckling images into almost-acceptable swans. To see the “before” and “after” demonstrated that you shouldn’t be too quick to consign an image to the computer’s Trash Can – all is not lost in the hands of an expert! A very good practical night.

Too many ‘ugly duckings’ and not enough ‘swans’? Come along, and we’ll ‘transform’ you into a good photographer!

Venue: Kilmacolm New Community Centre, Room 1.01; Tuesday evening, time 7.30pm. Contacts: Billy Blair, Tel: 873383; Janice Stevenson, Tel: 01505 873595.

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legal matters with Kingsley Wood & Co

Powers of Attorney This is a busy time for us all and last month in the practice was no exception.

From advising on new business ventures to finalising shop leases, and completing and tidying up the loose ends of property transactions before the Christmas shut down, it has all been pretty hectic.

On the personal side, this is a time when many folk want to set their own affairs in order - signing that Will they’ve been putting off or looking at granting a Power of Attorney. We helped with the estate of a client who recently suffered a severe stroke, but had previously both granted a will and Power of Attorney which helped dealing with the 1,001 issues arising in that situation, not least the question of the level of medical care to be given.

Three main things to consider about Powers of Attorney are - How do they work? Who can be an attorney? And - perhaps most important of all - what happens if I don’t grant one?

1st: Dr Jim Black, “Lonely” (above). Below (left) top overall image in the competition “Titiana’s Fritillary”. Below (right) “Small Heath”.

It’s a common misconception that granting a Power of Attorney (POA) effectively makes you unable to deal with your own affairs, but this is not the case. How then does a POA work? We’d encourage you to look on it as insurance cover to help manage your affairs - whatever happens in the future. A POA will remain effective until it is formally revoked or until your death.

Who would you appoint as your Attorney?

Really this is your personal choice. For property and financial matters a friend or relative or a professional such as lawyer or accountant may be appropriate. On the other hand, when it comes to dealing with personal and welfare issues, a friend or relative who knows you well may be best placed to know what you would want in the circumstances.

What happens if I don’t grant a POA and lose capacity? * your assets will be frozen;

* you or your family will have a time-consuming and expensive court process to appoint a Guardian or obtain authority to make decisions for you under the legislation; * you will have little or no control over who is appointed to act for you if the decision is left to the court. It may even be someone from the local authority.

There are three main types of POA:

The Borbasket Memorial Trophy 2012/13 Recently at the McMaster Centre in Renfrew, Paisley Colour Photographic Club’s competition for the Borbasket Memorial Trophy was held.

Entry for this competition consisted of three images judged as a set. The first image in each set must be a table-top, a portrait or a still life. Judging the competition were previous winner of the Trophy, Charles Hamilton and the winner of last season’s Henderson Trophy, David Dalziel and they had the difficult task of having to rank the top four sets in a high quality entry of over thirty sets. In turn, the judges gave detailed consideration to each image giving encouraging comments and also providing suggestions as to how an image may be improved.

4th position in the competition was awarded to Don McLean for his three images “Ahhh”, “Hillside Furrows” and “Evening Falls”.

* a Continuing Power of Attorney where you give one (or more) people the ability to look after eg., your property and/or your financial affairs.

As explained, with your agreement, this can be used while you are away on holiday or housebound for any reason, but is there also as a “fallback” if you become unable to make decisions yourself; * a Welfare Power of Attorney where you give authority to someone to decide how you would be cared for if you were injured or incapacitated and no longer able to make decisions about your medical care or treatment ; * a general Power of Attorney where you could eg., give specific authority for a specific job. This perhaps more appropriate for business users.

If you are uncomfortable about granting a POA for any reason you can also specifically provide for a “springing power” which would only become registered or usable if you could not act for yourself.

If you would like to update your Will or find out more about Powers of Attorney and how we could help you, please contact our offices in Kilmacolm or Bridge of Weir to arrange an appointment. Home visits with one of our solicitors can be made to suit you. Call us on 01505 874114.

Kilmacolm Camera Club February Forthcoming Events 5th Feb - Camera Club members will provide audio-visual entertainment with a selection of their image sequences, set to music.

12th Feb - Denis Alyshev returns by popular demand with another demonstration of his spectacular 3-D photographic skills.

19th Feb - Another evening of instruction and advice by Club members, in which Billy Blair gives tips on “Detail” and David Walker shows examples on “Architecture”.

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4th: Don McLean “Hillside Furrows” In 3rd place was Bill Ham for his images “Fringe Girl”, “I-max & Science Tower” and “Scallop on the Beach”.

Runner-up was new club member Linda 3rd: Bill Ham “Fringe Girl” Rodger for her images “Laura”, Dead Vlei” and “Cumbraes & Arran” and in 1st place and winner of The Borbasket Memorial Trophy for 2012-13 was top club photographer Dr Jim Black for his three images “Lonely”, “Small Heath” and for the image judged to be the top overall image in the competition “Titiana’s Fritillary”.

For further details about PCPC and updated members galleries please view: www. paisleycolour.co.uk

2nd: Linda Rodger “Cumbraes & Arran” (our cover picture)

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TV Tech with Kenny McIntyre of Millennium Group

Skype through Smart TV This month I want to talk about Skype relating to Smart TVs. For those of you who do not know Skype is a free program which allows its users to communicate with one another, free of charge, via chat, voice calling or video calling. The service has a wide range of benefits beyond this capability, including the ability for users to call phones and send SMS text messages with pre-paid Skype credit.

Skype’s primary benefit is it allows members to make free phone calls between one another when logged into the service. If you’re signed into your Skype account and notice one of the people in your contact list is also signed in, you can communicate with him, free of charge, in one of three ways: chat, voice call or video call.

Skype also allows its users to call and send text messages to phones albeit with a small charge, one which varies depending on the country you’re calling and the location from which you’re making the call. Once you purchase pre-paid Skype credit, you can use it to make calls and send text messages.

On a recent installation a customer required a Skype connection with her new Smart TV as she wished to contact friends and family in other countries. I was asked to source a suitable Smart TV model for this purpose. I recommended the Samsung UE-40ES6300 LED TV with 3D, (including two pairs of glasses), Freeview and Freesat HD tuners and has built in Wi-Fi. As mentioned in previous columns, LED TVs use up to 40% less power than other flat screen TV’s and even less again than our customer’s existing CRT TV and Freeview box.

This screen costs £899, supplied, delivered, installed and demonstrated and with the addition of a £99 Skype camera cost £500 less than the Samsung 8 Series equivalent TV with built in camera.

The Skype camera is very discreet and sits on top of the frame on the screen and plugs into a USB connection. It was then a matter of simply accessing the Smart TV App Store and downloading Skype. Once this was completed I entered the customers Skype ID as requested by the set up process. Whilst demonstrating other features of the TV a family member made an incoming Skype call and we were able to speak to and view them while watching a TV programme.

Regarding the TV this set is ready to interact wirelessly with a home network. The HDMI and USB counts are pretty good at three a piece. A minus of this TV is that at the back most of the sockets face rear-wards, including two of the HDMIs, the digital optical output and the Ethernet socket, so although the screen can be wall mounted it is better suited to being on a stand where more cables can project freely. Only two USBs and one HDMI face the side. This issue can be overcome by ourselves, if TV wall mounting is required. On the plus side the remote control is rather impressive with keys a decent size and yet nicely spaced. The screen is non-reflective, had good HD pictures and offers strong Smart TV capabilities. The strengths of this set are significant and its capable of delivering outstanding HD images so in conclusion it’s well worth the investment.

Look out in next month’s issue for more interesting TV Tech. For further help or advice call Kenny or Clare of Millennium Group on 01294 465478 or visit www.aerials4u.co.uk

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CP Fundraising We at CP Fundraising & Entertainment pride ourselves on providing quality cost effective entertainment nights for you to enjoy. We are looking for venues to host karaoke or any other entertainment nights you may have in mind.

We will donate 5% of all we make to charity, but also arrange entertainment for charity fundraisers at very reasonable rates.

We are a local company, Sandy Woods is from Paisley and has been fundraising for 8yrs and has raised over £15,000 for various charities, he has also been nominated twice for the Renfrewshire provost awards for his continuing work helping others, he has been performing stand up comedy for 2yrs and has already performed at both the Edinburgh Fringe and the Magners Glasgow Comedy Festival, he currently runs a free comedy club in Jamjar, Shuttle Street, Paisley which runs on the last Wednesday of each month.

Sharon Dillon has been fundraising for over a year now helping to organise charity fundraisers for various charities and is the brains behind the company, and is working hard to organise a charity firewalk for McMillan nurses and Quarriers brain injury unit, this will take place in April and if you require any details please get in contact. Sharon does all the administration and is a pivotal part of what we are trying to achieve.

We currently run a comedy club in Paisley, have so far this year we have run a comedy fundraiser for the beatson clinic in Cottons Bar, Renfrew and are hoping to continue running fundraisers

throughout the year.

£250 for the Beatson

We decided to branch out and provide karaoke and dj’s in order that we can help promote CP Fundraisin ourselves and also raise that g raised £250 recently at C ottons Bar in little bit extra for charities.

Renfrew for th Massive than e Beatson. ks to all the staf So if you’re a pub or other f and customer Also massive s. venue looking for a regular thank you to the comedians who gave up karaoke at a reasonable there time fo r nothing Sc Laird, Chris ot cost, or a one off charity Stephen, Iain Pollock, Gerry M cK el ve y, Tom Tumilty an event then please do not d Ann Addiso n CP Fundrais hesitate to get in contact with ing, bringing joy and us on: 07792 143408, www. laughter in or der that you have a cpfundraising.co.uk or email better quality of life! cpfundrausing@live.co.uk

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RBS Staff Give Some Christmas Cheer To Children supported by Charity Quarriers

Kind-hearted Royal Bank of Scotland staff spread some Christmas cheer when they delivered presents for children supported by charity Quarriers.

Dozens of donated presents dropped off by RBS analyst Alec McGhee were handed out at Christmas parties at projects run by the charity that support children and their families.

Fiona Nicolson, interim head of children’s services at Quarriers, was on hand to receive the presents from RBS staff at Quarriers head office in Bridge of Weir. She said: “Quarriers is extremely grateful for this generous donation of presents from staff at RBS – the children were thrilled to receive these gifts at their Christmas parties.”

RBS staff created a ‘Christmas Giving Tree’ for Quarriers which provided the first names and ages of children supported at various projects and each employee then bought a present for a child supported by the charity.

Alec McGhee, an analyst at RBS, said: “All staff really enjoyed taking part in the ‘Christmas Giving Tree’ as it was for such a good cause.

Quarriers does some amazing work across Scotland and we were delighted to bring some Christmas cheer to children the charity supports.”

West Renfrewshire Young Farmers As the winter nights and cold days continue, West Renfrewshire Young Farmers club remains a hustle of activity. With a club meeting being held every Monday night over the winter, there is something for everyone to get involved in.

Most Monday night meetings take place in the Carrick Centre, Houston. So far they have included a speech making competition, a talk from a team of young farmers, who visited Texas on exchange, and a club quiz to name a few. The club also tried its hand at a new activity - carpet bowls! Thanks to the members of Houston Bowling Club, our club members were shown the ropes, I don’t think we have any budding bowlers yet, but a great night was had by all! Perhaps the favourite meetings of the winter syllabus took place over the Christmas period. A visit to the panto and to George Square for open air ice skating which put us all in the festive mood.

Fun Business Opportunity Meet Val Lawrence (you may remember her from Redress in Bridge of Weir).

Looking for a new venture, she read an article in The Herald about Stella & Dot, one of the top 500 fastest growing companies in the States. They just launched in the UK and sell costume jewellery through parties and events. For a small investment you can be your own boss! For £169 you receive all the materials and training you need along with £300 of samples. When Val saw the jewellery she was hooked! She started with booking 5 parties with friends and has shared the unique shopping experience with over 50 hostesses (who are also well looked after with lots of free jewels!)

She now has 6 more girls working in her team from Kilmacolm to Queensferry. It’s Val’s perfect job mixing socialising with selling. The job suits most women as you can work as much or as little as your lifestyle allows.She loves selling the jewellery, enticing girls to host parties and sharing the job opportunity. With a new product launch in February, Val is raring to go. So if you are looking for a purchase, want to host a show or keen on a job that is so much fun,then please get in touch.

Val Lawrence tel 0781 515 7820 vallawrence0309@hotmail.com www.stelladot.co.uk/ValerieLawrence

The favourite meeting for most though was our club Christmas party at Fun World Greenock. We hired the play area for the night and had a great turnout, with the majority of club members coming to relive there childhood years.

As well as this, the club has been getting ready for our annual variety concert, which will take place in a new venue - the TWEEDIE HALL, LINWOOD from 7th-9th February, with a dance to follow on the Saturday night in Beith Community Centre. If you would like tickets please contact Andrew Mackie on 07722 887120, tickets £7- OAPs go free on the Thursday night. If you would like to come along to any of our club meetings or for more information contact our secretary Hazel Ritchie on 07874 242315 or like us on facebook.

We look forward to seeing you all at our concert!

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Bridge Of Weir Community Council The Community Council have received correspondence from Drew McNab Transportation Manager, Department of Planning and Transport stating that the Council has not gained full support and permission from residents and business to carry out the much needed improvement to the frontages at Neva Place. He informed us that the monies allocated to this have now been transferred to another project that can be completed within the current financial year. He said he was disappointed that this project could not progress after all the efforts of his staff.

BoW Gala Queen Selection Evening The Gala Queen & Attendants selection night is on Saturday 2nd March in Cargill Hall at 7pm. Entry forms have been sent to Bridge of Weir Primary and St Fillan’s Primary schools as well as the Guides and Scouts. The Girls have to be in Primary 6 or 7 and live in the PA11 postcode area. Entry forms will be collected from the Schools

by Wednesday 27th February and NO entries will be accepted on the night. We will be providing a light snack and drink for the girls half way through the proceedings as this will take approx 3 hours. Parents are invited to stay if they wish but there will not be much to see until the end when the fortunate selected Gala Queen and her Attendants will be announced.

History Society At the meeting on Monday 25th February, Nigel Willis will give a talk about “Scotts of Greenock, Shipbuilders: a family enterprise from 1711 ‘til Nationalisation in 1977”.

All meetings (which are generally the last Monday of the month) start at 8pm and are held in the large hall of Freeland Church, in Bridge of Weir.

Tea & coffee is served after the talk. Everyone welcome, visitors invited to make donation of £1.50 at the door. Any queries, please phone either Rosemary 01505 614252 or Lorraine 01505 612202.

BoW Rural - SWRI The next meeting of the Bridge of Weir Rural takes place on Thursday 7th February in the British Legion hall at 7.15 for 7.30pm. Our topic for the evening is “A At the Royal British Legion, Girl’s Night In” with the staff Bridge of Weir. Saturday 16th from Tulips. All visitors and February, from 8pm till midnight, with members will be made most music by “Hot Property”. Tickets £5. welcome.

Looking forward to your support.

Valentine Dance

New Podiatry Service The Erskine Home in Bishopton will be offering its podiatry services to the public on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 8.30am until 10am and on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 10am. To take advantage of this service please contact The Erskine Home Reception on 0141 812 1100.

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The Community Council have since learned that the owners and residents at this late stage may have reached an agreement on this matter and we have written to our three Councillors to see if the transfer of funding can be reversed, however we fear it’s now too late. The Community Council are disappointed that after many years of asking Renfrewshire Council to make improvement to this area thus enhancing the village centre it was finally coming to fruition.

The Community Council received a request to host a public meeting with Dawn Developments, after giving this full consideration we have agreed to hold a meeting on the Wednesday 20th February in the Cargill Hall at 7.30pm. At this stage we are uncertain as to what Dawn’s proposals are for Bridge of Weir.

The 14th January sees the consultation period open for the Local Plan.

The Community Council will assess the document before making our representations to the Council. There is 6 week period of consultation. If anyone wishes us to make representation on any matter contained within the plan please contact www.bridgeofweir.org The Community Council welcome recent improvement works within the village. Work is currently in progress at the junction of Freeland Drive and Houston Road to alleviate flooding.

Resurfacing works are being carried out on the pathway between Main Street and The Glen (Ranfurly Park).

Another welcome improvement was the resurfacing at the junction of Houston Road and Elm Road.

The next ordinary meeting of the Community Council will be held in the Cargill Hall on Tuesday 5th of February at 7pm.

Bridge of Weir Elderly Forum We now meet once a month on the second Tuesday of each month in the Royal British Legion Hall in Bridge of Weir at 2pm until May The Senior Citizens’ Association meets fortnightly in the Cargill Hall on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month until the end of April 2013. St. Machar’s Ranfurly Guild meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month until the end of March in the Church Hall, Kilbarchan Road.

Christmas Card deliveries Christian Aid again organised the delivery of Christmas Cards in Bishopton and Erskine. The Bishopton Christian Aid Committee would like to thank : • Keystore, Costcutters, the Co-op and The Salon in Greenock Road, Bishopton our local collection points • Clergy and Members of Bishopton Parish Church and Our Lady of Lourdes • An intrepid group of over 60 deliverers from the two Churches delivered the Christmas Cards • The local Community who generously support our fundraising

We are pleased to announce that a record total of £1,044 was raised, which is £43 more than last year, to help make it Christmas in the Developing World next year.

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bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir Film Nights at the Bridge Our next cinema event is on Friday 1st February featuring “Ruthless People” (15) - Danny de Vito and Bette Midler star in this ‘fiendishly funny comedy’. Entry is free, but any donations to Bridge funds is very welcome. Doors open from 6.30pm and the film starts at 7pm.

On Thursday 21st February we will be showing “The Railway Children” (U) - one of the best children’s films ever made with Jenny Agutter, Bernard Cribbins and Dinah Sheridan.

On Friday 1st March, the film is “Now Voyager” (PG) - classic cinema from 1942 and a love story ‘now, then and forever’ with Bette Davis, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains and Gladys Cooper.

For all events, entry is free, but any donations to Bridge funds is very welcome. Doors open from 6.30pm and the film starts at 7pm.

Line Dancing Bishopton Primary School, Old Greenock Road, Bishopton. Every Wednesday evening from 7pm -8.30pm.

Come and join the fun - all abilities welcome.

Instructor - Lynn McCrombie. Call Mellissa on 07970 396212 for further information.

Bridge of Weir Festival AGM Will take place on Tuesday 12th February in the Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir at 7.30pm. Changes to the constitution, Gala Queen Selection and the annual Gala Week are amongst the items for discussion.

Langbank SWRI Our meeting on Thursday 21st February will be a cookery demonstration

by Sainsbury’s. We would welcome visitors to this evening which will be at 7.30pm in The Village Centre. Competitions this month will be for :1) Pineapple Tarts x 3, 2) Beadwork Article, 3) Pin Cushion

Bridge of Weir Embroiderers’ Guild Out first meeting this year was a tour round the world in embroidery and textiles. We visited India with Jane with all its bright colours and lucky charms, Japan with Jennifer with its elegant styles, patterns and colours and we went to Singapore with Anna to learn about Batik with its intricate multi-coloured patterns and the day/night skirts - one garment to cover both times! It was particularly great to be able to not only look at but to feel the beautiful pieces. Our next meeting at the Bridge is ‘Philandering’ with Cora and Margaret on Wednesday 6th February at 7.30pm. For more information contact Sue Whitaker 01505 612979.

BoW National Women’s Register We meet fortnightly, on Tuesday evenings, in members homes, to enjoy lively discussions on serious – and not so serious! - matters. And you don’t need to live in Bridge of Weir, all are welcome. For further details contact www.nwr. org or phone 01505 2672.

British Legion AGM

The Annual General Meeting will take place on 4th February, starting at 7pm. It is vital that there is a good turnout of members for this. The next Dance at the Club will be held on Saturday 16th February at 8pm, with music from Hot Property. £5.

Upgrading of Neva Place Unfortunately the project to upgrade Neva Place did not receive the support of all the property owners. And, with the financial year end approaching, Renfrewshire Council has had to re-allocate the dedicated budget to another project. This alternative project is in Linwood; therefore Bridge of Weir loses out. Neva Place has been an eyesore for as long as most can remember and, under the current climate of cutbacks, it seems extremely unlikely that another funding opportunity to address this will arise.

During the Council’s design process various options for the frontage were considered, but in the end a mixed pedestrian/vehicle use was deemed unsafe. The proposed upgrade was to be pedestrian only, in a style matching the neighbouring Livery Walk area, with the vehicle access off Maxwell Place being closed.

It is now left to the owners to make their own improvements to a standard deemed acceptable by Renfrewshire Council; therefore vehicle access and parking will not feature. Works to the frontage of Bernie’s Café is due to commence as soon as possible. However it’s is unclear at this time what the plans are for the frontage of the Butcher’s and the rest of the area between the Butcher’s and the Bank.

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LEAP Car Club in Bridge of Weir and Lochwinnoch January saw the LEAP Car Club welcome its first new members in Bridge of Weir. These lucky members have taken advantage of the £15 introductory offer on their first year of membership, which is available only to the first 15 people who sign up.

Spring Tidings It’s been an all too brief lull between the Christmas and New Year celebrations and February. The Brighter Bridge of Weir group is now beginning to think about preparing the ground for spring. Not that everyone’s been sitting around for a month doing nothing; some of us have been working on trying to avoid breaking our New Year resolutions. Here’s hoping for better luck than last year!

Looking back to the festive season, Brighter Bridge of Weir wish to thank all of those local businesses and residents who, once again, allowed us access to their premises (and electricity supplies) to augment the Community Council’s festive lighting display. Many readers will have noticed the illuminations on trees in gardens, wreaths hanging from balconies and windows, and stars clinging to fences. Thanks again to those unsung members of the community who helped us make that happen.

The Brighter Bridge of Weir group members are now considering what and where to plant next. After last year’s difficult summer, green fingers are crossed for better conditions in 2013. The planters in Main Street may have a different look in the coming months, with new varieties and new colours being planted.

The perennial planting throughout the village, such as at Torr Road, will be more mature and should look even better than last year, but the first flush of growth is expected to appear in the street planters just a few weeks from now.

If you’ve got any thoughts on what you’d like to see, or would like to help in some way, please contact us either through our website www. brighterbridgeofweir.org or by calling 07810 722806.

The Bridge of Weir Car Club car can be accessed 24 hours a day from its space in Livery Walk car park. We sort out the car tax and insurance, MOT, servicing, fuel payment, cleaning and breakdown cover. You book the car, pick it up and pay only for when you use it. LEAP Car Club provides a car just when you need it. If you would like more information, please contact Diane at diane@myleapproject.org, or pop into the LEAP office.

LEAP Education - Bee Active for Wildlife LEAP have secured a Community Projects Fund grant from the Central Scotland Green Network (www.centralscotlandgreennetwork.org), to work with Lochwinnoch, Kilbarchan and Bridge of Weir Primary schools, improving their local environment by planting trees, flowers and bulbs.

The first phase was planting of native bulbs in the school playgrounds. The children braved the cold to plant hundreds of snowdrops, bluebells and wood anemones. Richard Graham, from Starling Learning in Lochwinnoch, taught them how they should be planted and the benefits the bulbs would bring.

The next stage, in February, will be to plant trees and wildflowers. As part of this, LEAP will be funding fruit trees and bushes, which will help teach the children about the growing of food and also create foraging opportunities for the local communities.

Children from Kilbarchan Primary School enjoying Bulb Planting LEAP’s ‘Off-Grid Group’ Do you use LPG, Oil or Coal to heat your home? Are you finding the costs of heating your home are rising?

LEAP are interested in getting householders together who are not on mains gas, to discuss options to make your home heating more economical. This could include possibilities like renewable energy, district heating, grouping together for bulk purchase or mains gas extensions. There are a range of grants and subsidies available. We’d love to hear from you whatever your circumstances. To find out more about this or any part of the LEAP Project, please contact us at info@myleapproject.org, drop in, or telephone one of our offices: 22 Church St, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4AD, Tel: 01505 842 530 9 High Barholm, Kilbarchan, PA10 2EF, Tel: 01505 706 070 Advance Place, Main St, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3PB, Tel: 01505 612 034

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BoW TARA Update At the Bridge of Weir Tenants & Residents Association (TARA) meeting held on Tuesday 15th January we were informed by the Council, via Drew McNab Transportation Manager that the Neva Place project has been withdrawn and that the funding set aside for it is to be used elsewhere in Renfrewshire. Councillor Michael Holmes expressed the disappointment of all the three Bridge of Weir Councillors and Council officers that the Neva Place project has fallen through despite all the hard work and effort put in by Drew McNab and Colin McGinn to get this project off the ground. This project has been ongoing for some years.

TARA would like to stress to all Tenants in Bridge of Weir involved with the Scottish Quality Housing Standard (SQHS) that any complaints regarding workmanship with work being carried out at their homes should be passed to their Local Councillors (Maria Brown - cllr.maria. brown@renfrewshire.gov.uk, Michael Holmes cllr.michael.holmes@renfrewshire.gov.uk 0141 587 4662, James MacLaren - cllr.james. maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk 07946 999302) and/or to TARA via Gordon Lethorn (01505 615992) ASAP. Drew McNab advised those present that the Houston Road will be having patching work done, weather permitting, throughout February once the drainage repair at the junction of Houston Road / Freeland Drive has been completed. Ranfurly Place will be resurfaced during February also weather permitting. The Roads Dept are aware of the potholes at Bulls Garage and these will be repaired in due course.

Dog Fouling is still an ongoing issue and seems to be getting worse. If anyone has a problem with either dog fouling or dogs out of control they should contact the wardens who can issue fines or impose restrictions under the terms of the Control of Dogs Act. They can impose restrictions on owners eg., a dog must wear a muzzle when out, must be kept on a lead etc. Any problems should be reported to the wardens on their new number 0300 300 0380.

Police Crime Report - on the run up to the Christmas and New Year period there were 16 incidents in the village of which 5 were detected. The Police have asked all Residents to be vigilant and not to leave doors open. All non-emergency calls should be made to 01505 404000 and ask to be put through to the Johnstone Police Station.

The next meeting of TARA will be on Tuesday 19th February in the Cargill Hall at 7pm to 10pm.

Bridge of Weir Elderly Forum The Bridge of Weir Elderly Forum held their Christmas Event on 20th December in the Royal British Legion Hall. It was attended by around 60 members. After a lovely meal we were entertained by Jim Inglis and Willie Kirkwood. A good night was had by all. The Gala Queen and her attendant were there to give out the raffle prizes.

With great sadness, Harold Tidswell, one of our long standing members, recently passed away. Harold was our vice president for many years and contributed a great deal to the running of the Forum. He had to resign due to ill health and we missed him at our meetings.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 12th February when we are having a speaker on Family Protection Trusts. All are welcome to attend this meeting. We will also be considering where to go for our Summer Outing.

by Margaret Mills

The Bridge – Post Office & Community Centre 63 Main Street, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3NR After the Season’s festivities, the dull days of January are behind us and we look forward to Spring; with lighter nights and hopefully, brighter weather. It may be the time to replenish your stocks of Stationery and get ready for all the birthdays and celebrations 2013 will bring.

POST OFFICE – You can be assured of a friendly, efficient service within your Post Office Local. We are in discussion with Post Office Ltd in the hope of increasing the range of services on offer.

STATIONERY– we stock a comprehensive range of stationery items. The Post Office workers like to handle a securely wrapped parcel so please buy your mail boxes, parcel & adhesive tape, wrapping paper, string, padded bags, mail bags, bubble wrap and adhesive labels from your community shop.

GREETING CARDS – we are continually replenishing our stock to cover life’s events. For those with milestone birthdays the range of cards now covers from ages 1 to 100.

POCKET MONEY TOYS – our range has increased! We stock items for party gift bags as well as items popular with grandparents to ensure the grandchildren are kept busy and interested.

FAIRTRADE - to help to promote Fairtrade within the village we have a selection of popular chocolate bars and sweets.

CAFÉ, LOCAL CRAFT WORKERS & ART – please drop in to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee whilst browsing through the selection of local crafted items and Artwork on sale.

We look forward to seeing you in The Bridge – YOU may become one of our Volunteers!

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kilmacolm & quarriers The Fourth Kilmacolm Old Kirk Tree Festival Kilmacolm Horticultural Society The February lecture for Kilmacolm Horticultural Society will be held in the New Community Centre at 7.30pm on Wednesday 20th February.

It will be presented by Fergus Cumming, President of Busby & Clarkston Society. His topic : WHO SAYS CACTI ARE UGLY : With some interesting exhibits, and excellent slides of cacti, Fergus is sure to make our evening enjoyable. Everyone most welcome, refreshments served at end of lecture.

Bagels and Business Join us at our women’s networking breakfast event in Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers Village, on Thursday morning’s from 9.30am-11am.

This is a networking breakfast especially for women from all walks of life, but who all have something in common, they want or need to work for themselves! Meetings take place on the last Thursday of every month.

Why not come along and see what the buzz is all about?

Shrove Tuesday Coffee Morning St. Fillan’s Church, Moss Road Kilmacolm : Tuesday 12th February 10.30 – noon, lovely pancakes, sausage rolls and home baking and stalls.

The Fourth Kilmacolm Old Kirk Tree Festival was again a successful venture.

14 businesses and organisations participated, and the net sum of £530 was raised towards an Old Kirk appeal to assist with a new classroom and toilet block for a school connected with a church we are twinned with in Gweru, Zimbabwe.

The success of the event was in no small way due to the participation of St Columba School’s Junior Section choir, and Kilmacolm Primary School Choir. ‘Voices of Angels’ were heard, though some parents might be inclined to disagree, as they live with ‘the angels’! Many thanks are also due the volunteers who assisted with the distribution of teas, coffees and mince pies to the visitors to the Festival.

As you may be aware, prizes are offered to the visitors favourite ‘Senior’ and ‘Junior’ trees.

The ladies of The Handycraft Group won the senior prize, and the junior p r i z e was won by The Old Kirk Sunday School, but, as Kilmacolm Primary School’s entry only received 4 votes less than the Sunday School, it was decided to give both organisations an equal prize.

So thank you again to everyone who entered a tree, the volunteers who staffed the event, and every man woman and child who supported us.

Same again later this year, with hopefully more trees?

World Day of Prayer In St Columba Church Hall, Bridge of Weir Road, Kilmacolm at 1.30pm on Friday 1st March. Written by the Christian Women of France - “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” The local WDP group warmly welcomes you to share worship and fellowship with people around the world who will be participating in the World Day of Prayer. We are delighted that the children’s choir from Kilmacolm Primary School will be able to join us again with their singing and music. There will be refreshments after the Service.

Our World Day of Prayer Committee is made up of representatives from local churches: St Columba, Old Kirk, St Colm’s, St Fillan’s and the Fellowship at Quarrier’s.

We would be very pleased to see you at the Service and if you want to know more about the event, please call Maureen Russell, Convenor, on 01505 872905.

Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow Agricultural Society Whist Drive & Coffee Morning Friday 15th February at 7.30pm in the New Community Centre Kilmacolm - Whist Drive - tickets £3 includes light supper and Saturday 2nd March in the New Community Centre Kilmacolm (first floor) - Motor Neuron Disease Scotland “Coffee Morning” from 10am - 12noon. Tickets £2.50.

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The Council meets on Thursday 14 February to set its budget for the next 3 financial years. Due to ongoing reductions in our funding from the Scottish Government and the Council Tax freeze we face some very difficult decisions as we seek to limit the impact on frontline services and continue investing in the regeneration of the area.

Through prudent financial management we already have a balanced budget for 2013/14 and we should be able to close the funding gap for 2014/15 without too much pain. In 2015/16 however the funding gap is estimated at just under £5m, which leaves us little choice, but to reduce services and increase charges in a number of areas.

Inverclyde’s approach to financial management has recently been praised by our external auditors, Grant Thorton. They are of the view that the Council is in relatively good financial health and is taking appropriate action to manage its financial position in the medium term.

I am delighted to report that at the Environment & Regeneration Committee on 17 January Quarrier’s Village Council was awarded a grant of £41,000 from the Council’s Community Facilities Fund to pay for the installation of a lift and disabled toilets in Sommerville Weir Hall. I very much support the proposal to make the hall accessible to people with disabilities, which will create a community facility for the whole village.

I have received representations about the level of water pressure from some householders in Kilmacolm. Anyone who feels they are not receiving an appropriate level of pressure should contact the Scottish Water helpline on 0845 601 8855 to request that a pressure test be taken adjacent to their property.

My advice surgeries this month are on Tuesday 12th February, 6-7 pm in Boglestone Community Centre and on Tuesday 26th February, 6-7 pm in St Francis Primary School. My surgeries are advertised on the Council’s website (www.inverclyde.gov.uk) and in The Greenock Telegraph.

You can also contact me directly to discuss any matters that are of concern to you by telephone on 01475 712020 (during office hours) and 871368 (home) or by email to Stephen.McCabe@inverclyde.gov.uk. Alternatively you can write to me at 10 Victoria Gardens, Kilmacolm PA13 4HL. You can keep up to date with my work as a Councillor by visiting my blog: http://councillorstephenmccabe.blogspot.com/

Lodge Sir Michael No 989 Wednesday 13th February: Masonic Hall, Glebe Road, Kilmacolm 7.30pm.

Regular Meeting – FC Degree presented by Lodge Barns O’Clyde No1018. “A warm welcome to Visiting Brethren”

Extraordinary General Meeting An Extraordinary General Meeting of the Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow Agricultural Society will be held on Tuesday 5th February in the KNCC at 8pm.

A few weeks ago I received a complaint that water pressure was below what it should have been in Kilmacolm. This was reported to Scottish Water and thankfully it was quickly sorted. There have been continuing works carried out by Scottish Water in and around Kilmacolm over the past months, hopefully these works will soon be completed.

Although I do not sit on the council’s Planning Board, I attended the meeting on the 9th January to listen to the report regarding St Columba’s application for an extension to be built for the school. Personally, having listened to all contributions to the debate, I felt that the right decision was reached. I have very serious concerns about the use of green belt and road safety. However, I deliberately did not let my feelings known in advance of the board meeting as I may have been called in as a substitute should one of my SNP group members have called off through illness. I also did not want to be accused of seeking to influence the vote one way or another before the application was heard.

It is great to see that that new Beacon Centre has now been completed. My wife and I have just bought tickets for a tribute production to the Rat Pack which I cannot wait to see. I am sure the Beacon will be well attended by members of our community for many years to come.

My next surgeries will be on Tuesday 12th February in Park Farm Community Hall from 6pm - 7pm and on Tuesday 26th February in Kilmacolm Community Centre from 6.30pm - 7.30pm. Anyone wanting to contact me can do so by phoning me at my council office on 01475-712727 or on my mobile phone 07747 765839, or by emailing me at jim.macleod@inverclyde.gov.uk or writing to me at Inverclyde Council, Municipal Buildings, Clyde Square, Greenock, PA15 ILY.

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kilbarchan & lochwinnoch Kilbarchan Beekeeping Association Honey Show

November was the time for the Kilbarchan Beekeepers Annual Honey Show and despite a year of lower yields from the hives, we had a surprising array of submissions for the Judge to consider. Most people will associate Honey Bees and the main product of Honey, but there are so many other things that can be produced and the honey itself can be in many textures and flavours. The Categories include Honey (categorized by Type), Baking using set recipes using honey, mead and wax products.

This years Fulton Trophy went to Duncan McGilp for his excellent Cut Comb Honey and the Duncan Cup for the overall points winner for all classes was Emma Evans who also won the Thomson Cup for best in show for her cake of Beeswax.

Kilbarchan West Church Now that we are into a New Year all the activities have started up again.

The Wednesday Morning Fellowship is back after the Christmas break and meets at 10.30am in the Session House. There is tea & coffee and then a short act of worship. Please come and join us. You will be made most welcome.

The Guild meets on Monday 4th February and again on the 18th February. On the 4th Douglas Keith will talk about ‘Paisley, Yesterday and Today’ and on the 18th February we hold our Open Evening when a group from the United Reform Church in Barrhead will lead us in a ‘Moody and Sankey Evening’. All are most welcome.

The Junior Church Fayre is on Saturday 2nd March from 10am to 12noon.

There will be stalls and fun for all the family as well as coffee and home baking.

Following the success last year of their Afternoon Tea, the West Life Team are planning to hold another one in Brookfield Village Hall on Saturday 16th March at 2pm. Ticket prices have been held to last year’s figure of £7 and can be had from any of the team. A not to be missed afternoon out.

Old Library Centre, Kilbarchan It is over the nine years since Kilbarchan Improvement Projects, a registered Scottish Charity, created and took over the running of The Old Library Centre.

The venue is used for a wide variety of uses by many people. The calibre of the entertainment provided has attracted people from as far afield as Edinburgh! Performers, touring the UK and appearing in major venues, have expressed their delight with the intimate environment of Kilbarchan’s upstairs room. Some of the American musicians have even borrowed books and returned them on their next visit. The audiences appreciate the entertainment, the atmosphere, the low cost of tickets and the fact that it is BYOB. Perhaps you would like to come to the next concert. This will be on Friday, 22nd February and will feature the talented jazz vocal, guitar and bass duo of Sophie Bancroft and Tom Lyne. Doors open at 7pm, concert starts 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12 and are available from the Centre. Seating is limited to 50 and booking is advised: Phone 01505 706070 or visit the Centre open 10am-12noon and 2pm-4pm – Monday to Friday.

We still have a few spaces in our Friday afternoon Bridge group. This group will welcome learners and those wishing to improve their skill. The Tuesday afternoon Craft group, meeting fortnightly, and our afternoon Pilates class and Wednesday night. Yoga Class would also welcome new participants.

Go to www.kipcokil.com to find out more details of the Centre’s activities or just drop in to meet the team.

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Local Gent Receives MBE in New Years Honours List for Services to Beekeeping

Renfrewshire should be proud of Ian Craig of Kilbarchan Beekeepers and resident of Brookfield who received an MBE for Services to Beekeeping in the 2013 New Years Honours List, the first in his field in Scotland to receive such an accolade.

The President of the Scottish Beekeepers Association Phil McAnespie, said “The SBA Executive Committee could not be more pleased and are delighted that Ian has been bestowed this Honour as it could not have been given to a more deserving person who has contributed so much to Beekeeping selfishly over the many years he has dedicated to beekeeping in Scotland”.

Ian, who has been the Secretary of the Kilbarchan Beekeeping Association for over 30 Years, has twice Presided over the Scottish Beekeeping Association and is the current President of the Glasgow Beekeeping Association. Ian has just been made an Honorary Member of the Kilbarchan Beekeeping Association in recognition of his selfless work and promotion of Beekeeping not just in the local area, but across the whole of Scotland and further a field.

The KBA meet during Autumn & Winter months in Kilbarchan Steeple Hall, the meeting times are 7.30pm until 10pm and the next meeting is on 12th February. If you are interested in beekeeping for yourself or the whole family, anyone is welcome to join. Either Drop in and meet us, or contact Ian Craig, the KBA Secretary on 01505 322684 or via e-mail beekeeper30@ btinternet.com if you would like to know more!

Kilbarchan National Women’s Register The NWR group meets fortnightly on Wednesdays and has a varied programme of speakers and discussion topics. If you’d like to find out more about NWR and the Kilbarchan group, please contact the website: www.nwr.org.

The group has 3 meetings during the month - “Inventions during the decades” starting in 1903, a cinema visit and a “May I recommend” evening. For more information please visit the website: www.nwr.org

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Lochwinnoch Arts Festival ART EXHIBITION Wednesday 13th March - Saturday 23rd March Once again we are looking for entries, from the local areas, to this now well supported annual exhibition.

The exhibition will be held once again in the Library Room of Lochwinnoch Library. We are most grateful to our Librarian, Margaret Sweenie for all her help and cooperation in the planning of this exhibition.

All exhibits must be accompanied by an entry form which is available from the Calder Gallery, 8 High Street, Lochwinnoch. The form details all rules and instructions. The handing in date for all exhibits is Saturday 9th March. We look forward to seeing everyone’s hard work then.

Lochwinnoch SWRI The February Meeting of the Lochwinnoch SWRI will be on Wednesday 20th at 7.30pm in the McKillop Hall. May McCallum will be speaking about “The Children’s Panel” The competitions are: 1. Soda Bread. 2. Coaster (any craft) We look forward to welcoming all members and friends, please remember to bring a cup/mug for a cuppa!

Lochwinnoch Parish Church - Intimation for Lochwinnoch Drop-in Kirk Café - Saturday 16th February - 10am - noon Adults £2. Children £1.

Knit at the 19th The Lochwinnoch knitting group meet at the Golf Club on Mondays 10am - 12noon. All welcome.

For more info 07809 120577.

Lochwinnoch Country Dance Club Our Autumn session proved to be most enjoyable , thanks to our new tutor Gill Reynolds and an influx of several new members.

However we would love to see even more folk keen to exercise mind and bodies and have fun at the same time.

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Kilbarchan East Church Services continue at 11am on Sundays with Sunday School, Bible Class and the crèche meeting from 10.45am in the halls. On February 17th, there is a joint Boys’ Brigade service in the East church. Our services will be conducted by Locum Minister Mr Russell Banks.

The Bible Class had a campaign entitled “Putting the Christ back into Christmas “ throughout December, when they raised the magnificent sum of £878 for the charity “Mary’s Meals”- this will help to feed over 80 children for a whole year. Well done to the young people and the East church members who supported them.

The Tots’ club is now operating at near-capacity with 60 children and their accompanying adults. The group meets on Mondays from 9.15am-11.30am in the East church hall, where there is a huge variety of toys, books and jigsaws for the tots to play with. Adults pay £1 for their coffee.

On Saturday 2nd February the Church Guild we will be holding our Annual coffee morning in the church hall from 10am -12noon. Tickets priced Adults £2, Children 50p on sale now or at the door.

Our Guild Project night will be held on Tuesday 12th February when we will hear of the work of the Project ‘Comfort Rwanda - a little can change a life’.

On February 26th, we will be entertained by the Kilbarchan Junior Choir.

All will be made welcome.

Eat Lochwinnoch The local food group, Eat Lochwinnoch, set up under the auspices of LEAP (Local Energy Action Plan), is making the first steps towards establishing a food co-op to broaden the foods available to the people of Lochwinnoch, thus also reducing the number of trips needed to shops outside the village.

One aspect of this co-op is to set up a club among interested locals, to order in fresh, organic fruit and veg.

We have identified a farm/farm shop which is keen to work with us, Whitmuir Organics http://www.whitmuirtheorganicplace.co.uk

Please come along to the McKillop Hall on Tuesdays at 7.30pm and try it out for yourselves.... you will be made most welcome.

For any questions please phone Lorna Black 01505 843048

It’s NOW! Renfrewshire Mindfulness & Meditation Group in the tradition of Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh Thursdays - 7.30pm - 9pm Old Library Centre, 9 High Barholm, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire PA10 2AT Meditation is a perfect way to relax and relieve stress and bring us into the here & now.

By being mindful, we learn how to “live” in the present moment, and truly appreciate our life and each other.

Although the practice is based on Buddha’s teachings, this practice is NOT specific to religion, it’s about Mindfulness & Peace!

Non-Buddhists are welcome, as are all men, women, children, teens!

There is no requirement to attend on a regular basis.

The group in Non-profit making – Recommended donation is £5 to cover hall hire.

Call 07921 829788 or visit www.itsnowrenfrewshire.wordpress.com for further information.

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Social Events at Houston Kirk The Social Committee have been planning a set of exciting events to entertain us and also raise funds for the Kirk Extension.

February 16th Chix with Stix are organising a Pancake Morning from 10.30am till 12noon in the Church Halls. Hand knitted goods and baking will be on sale. Admission for adults will be £2 and £1 for children.

February 19th there will be a Guild Fundraiser, although I have as yet no further details.

March 16th we are planning a Quiz Night with a fish and chip supper. You can expect to have a wonderful time at all of these events. Please give them your support!

You can also use Easy Fundraising to help raise money for the Kirk Extension! Support Houston & Killellan Kirk Building Fund for free when shopping online with over 3000 popular retailers, including Argos, M&S, John Lewis, Debenhams, Amazon, eBay, B&Q, Vodafone, DELL, Sky, Thomson, Interflora, Asda, Tesco and many more. ?http://www. easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/hkk Raise funds for Houston & Killellan Kirk Building Fund when you search the Web with easysearch - the best results are from Yahoo!, Bing and Ask.com in one simple search. http://hkk.easysearch.org.uk

1st Houston and Crosslee Scout Group

howwood & elderslie

The Christmas Fayre in early December continued to go from strength to strength and this years was our most successful ever, with almost £2500 raised through ticket sales and stalls on the day. The committee would like to offer a big thank you to all the cubs, scouts and explorer scouts and leaders as well as parents who braved the December wind and rain to sell tickets throughout the village.

Thanks also go to the local co-op for providing Christmas pies, tea and coffee -

Howwood WRI We meet in Howwood Village Hall at 7.30pm every 3rd Tuesday of each month from September to April. Members please note there will be a sales table each month except November, December and April. The proceeds from the sales tables to be donated to St Vincent’s Hospice.

Tuesday 19th February

The History of Shopping Bags by Margaret Dundas.

Competition - Favourite Scarf. Hostesses: Mrs Chris Darroch & Mrs Alison MacLeod. Vote of Thanks: Mrs Irene MacTaggart

Tuesday 19th March

Talk by Evelyn Hood the Author. Competition - Spring Bulbs. Hostesses: Mrs Nana Glen & Mrs Anne McCallum. Vote of Thanks: Mrs Ellen Osbourne

free of charge and to all the sections for manning the variety of stalls on the day. This years successes included the home made Christmas wreaths as well as bird boxes made by the scouts.

Now that the festive period is over, all the boys are now back to the normal routine. Unfortunately the Scout midnight hike from Knapps Loch near Kilmacolm to

Houston was cancelled due to safety concerns caused by the very cold and icy weather.

However it is hoped to re-arrange this for the near future as the scouts were eagerly looking forward to testing their mapping and orienteering skills.

The cubs recently visited Houston & Kilellan Kirk as part of their My Faith Activity and Promise Challenge Badge. The 26 boys were met by the minister Rev Donald Campbell, who explained about the different parts of the church including the history of the Killellan Bell. The boys then sang the hymn “Kumbaya” to the minister.

The group are still actively looking to fill a number of vacancies in the leader and committee departments. Any parent interested in contributing a small amount of time to ensure the continued successful running of the group should contact the group James McDonald (Group Scout leader) on 01505 615441.

The newly refurbished hall is now attracting a number of Children’s parties.

The hall is generally free on weekend afternoons and any requests can be made to Colin Berry on 01505 612617. The current charge is £50 for a 2 hour party and this includes kitchen facilities.

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houston, crosslee & brookfield Resident Honoured - Mr Ian Craig Mr Ian Craig of Burnside Avenue, Brookfield, has been awarded an MBE for services to beekeeping in the New Year’s Honours. Mr Craig has been beekeeping for 62 years.

He has held a variety of positions over the years including President of the Scottish Beekeepers’ Association on two separate occasions, Chairman of the Council of the National Beekeeping Association and Education Convener of the Scottish Beekeeping Association from 1994 to 2012. He is currently President of Glasgow Beekeeping Association and Secretary of Kilbarchan Beekeeping Association, a post which he has held for the past 34 years. He has lectured to beekeepers throughout the UK and is a Honey Judge at the Royal Highland Show and other Honey Shows. 2012 will be a year to remember for Mr Craig - the award of the MBE and also celebrating with his wife, Aileen their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

Houston and Killellan Kirk Guild Houston and Killellan Kirk Guild is held every second Tuesday in the Church Hall, Main Street Houston where you would made very welcome our dates for February and March are as follows:-

Houston and Crosslee SWRI We are having a meal at the River Inn on Wednesday 13th February at 7pm for 7.30pm. Please bring a gift for the raffle. The Handiwives will be doing Japanese folded patchwork on Monday 4th February at 7.30pm in the Bowling Club.

19th Feb - Aria Singers tickets are £4 including tea/coffee and cakes - tickets are available from Guild members.

1st March - World Day of Prayer St Fillan’s Houston.

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Come along to the McKillop Hall on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm and have fun while improving your long term health and wellbeing. You will be made very welcome….

See you there!

5th March - As Time Goes By speaker Aliffe McPhail.

19th March - AGM

HOST - The Carrick Centre, Houston February Events Monday to Friday Houston Community Nursery - 01505 615876. Monday to Friday Woodlands After School - 01505 615438 MON: Embroiderers’ Guild (weekly) 10am/12noon.

Houston Show AGM 11th 7.30pm. Young Farmers 4th - 7.30pm. Yoga ( over 50’s) - 1.15pm M. Laidlaw 01505 842877 TUES: Tots Gym class - 1.30pm. Paint Pot Tots (weekly) 10am D Campbell - 07789 262350.

Pilates (weekly) - 7.30/8.30pm J McKellar 01505 612391. Yoga (weekly) - 7pm M/s Lawson 01505 613690 WED: Camera Club (weekly) - 7.30pm. Melody Makers 13th 27th - 7pm. Drama Class - 5-6pm C Collins 07814 699127. Galaxy Dancing - 4pm.

Houston Community Council 20th - 7.30pm.

Councillors Surgeries 20th - 6.30pm. French Class (weekly) Madame McDevitt - 0141 886 6282 THURS: Crafty Friends 7th 21st - 7.30pm. Folk Club (weekly) - 8pm. Zumba weekly - 6.30pm Aily 0141 812 2609. French Class (weekly) Madame McDevitt 0141 886 6282 FRI: Galaxy Dancing - 3.30pm.

SAT: Galaxy Dancing - 9.30am SUN: Baptist Church -11am & 6pm Booking enquiries to Ian Simpson 01505 612203 or Sandy Young 01505 613613 or The Coffee Shop.

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Lochwinnoch Country Dance Club

5th Feb - Mercy Ships speaker Helen Dunbar.

Houston Friends of ACCORD Quiz Night J G Fleming Bowling Club - Friday 15th February. £5 per person. More info from 0141 581 2000.

Great Singing Houston!

We had a great evening of song and fun at the Houston Community Big Christmas Sing, with lots of different groups from the village joining in and we raised around £1500 for Christian Aid. We’ll have another go at raising the rafters in the summer so keep a watch out for more information.

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Residents and pedestrians will be pleased that the missing speed bump on Old Greenock Road (outside Our Lady of Lourdes) has finally been replaced. The old bump was damaged when it was removed in preparation for resurfacing and it took some time for the replacement to arrive. There were several reports of cars swerving onto the wrong side of the road to avoid the remaining speed bump and I am pleased it has finally been replaced.

The car park at the Co-op in Bishopton should have a marked pedestrian crossing in order to protect shoppers. There are very poor sight lines outside the front entrance and people who use wheelchairs and children can often be unseen. Hopefully we will have a marked pedestrian crossing soon.

Drivers will be pleased that Joe’s Brae in Bridge of Weir has now been resurfaced. What a difference it has made. That said there are still a number of pothole repairs in Bridge of Weir, Bishopton and Langbank that are outstanding and I will continue to make the case for speedy and permanent repairs.

The UK Government’s Welfare Reforms are coming into force with the biggest changes being implemented from April. The biggest group affected are those in work, mainly in low paid occupations (it is a misconception that only those out of work are affected). The statistics are frightening – at least £10million will come out of the pockets of disabled people in Renfrewshire alone, and those who have a spare bedroom (including foster carers) will lose out. The council does not have enough oneAfter decades of neglect, hopes were riding high in Bridge of Weir that at last, Neva Place was going to be made pedestrian friendly and safe. It was frustrating that despite the best efforts of some of the owners and others, a minority of owners could not be persuaded to accept the Council’s offer to fund the upgrade of this area. It remains a dangerous interface between vehicles and pedestrians and the uneven surface is a trip hazard. This saga is not ended …

In Bishopton the creation of a footpath on Ferry Road, will cause some inconvenience due to the traffic diversion requirement for 3 months, which is the estimated duration of this work. I have been advised that the diversion is required because the 700 metre length of road involved in the works area is too great a distance for a safe, temporary traffic light system. The new footpath will hopefully prove to have been worth the inconvenience.

In Langbank the community council is continuing its mission to improve safety at the roundabout with suggestions put to Amey and to Transport Scotland.

Welfare Reforms being driven forward by the UK Government, will begin to have an impact on many people, on a phased basis, from now through till 2017. At the December meeting of the full Council, I proposed setting up a cross-party Welfare group, which would have been able to meet as required to monitor the impact of the Welfare Reform Act and ensure that the Council responded quickly and appropriately to the areas of greatest need. Unfortunately, this idea was rejected as it was claimed this work can be covered by one of the formal Boards, which will only meet five times a year. I do not consider that this will be a sufficient focus for this huge area of concern. There is some comfort for the Council, in as much that the Scottish Government is attempting to shield Scottish Councils from the worst effects of certain changes. The Social Fund for helping those in dire need, which was provided by the DWP will be transferred to Councils to administer. Although the Westminster Government will reduce this fund by £9 million, the Scottish Government has undertaken to replace this shortfall. The Scottish Government is also providing Councils with an extra £23 million to mitigate the effect of the reduction in the provision of Council Tax Benefit. If you are affected or think you might be by the Welfare Reforms please contact the Advice Works helpline on 0300 300 1238 or go online for detail of the changes at: - www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ benefitchanges.

I can be contacted by email at: cllr.maria.brown@renfrewshire.gov.uk by phone: 0300 300 1259. Mobile: 07534 148 734. My surgeries are: Bridge of Weir 1st Tues of month at Cargill Hall 6.30pm - 7pm.

Bishopton 2nd Wed of month at Bishopton Community Library 6.15pm - 6.45pm. Langbank 2nd Wed of month at Langbank Village Hall 7pm - 7.30pm.

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bedroom properties to rent (we have 3,651) to those that want these (4,418 people in Renfrewshire). That it why it is right that the Council announced the recruitment of a team of staff to work with those affected, to support families with budgeting, to offer what advice and support we can. It is important to note that the changes affect people of ‘working age’ – anyone aged 16 – 64. If you would like more information on the changes please log on to www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/benefitchanges or contact 0300 300 1238 (Monday to Friday 1pm – 4pm).

Renfrewshire Council will be setting its budget for the coming year on February 14th. The Council faces a very difficult financial future and one much more difficult than other local authorities. Renfrewshire Council is the only mainland local authority to have been on the Scottish Government’s ‘grant floor’ receiving the worst level of annual grant change every year since 2009. If we were in Perth & Kinross Council we would have over £40million more to deliver public services – and if we were in Dundee (the local authority most similar to Renfrewshire in terms of population and deprivation levels) we would have an additional £20million.

Can I urge all Bridge of Weir residents to use the Bridge on Main Street. There’s a whole range of services available – from post office services, a café, a cinema with some classics, fairtrade goods and, in keeping with its name even Bridge for Beginners! Pop in and see – you’re guaranteed a warm welcome.

E-mail: cllr.michael.holmes@renfrewshire.gov.uk Surgeries: 4th Monday: Langbank PS (from 6pm) and Bishopton Library (from 6.45pm) and Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir 4th Wednesday (from 6.30pm). Tel: 0300 300 1295.

The Local Development Plan is available to view at Renfrewshire House and the local libraries. Two items of concern for Ward 10 are a “brown field” site and the other “Green Belt”. First, the site to the west of Shillingworth Place and Earl Place in Bridge of Weir, currently in the Green Belt, is marked up as suitable for development. Nine years ago this proposal was successfully challenged. The other site is the on-going development at the old ROF site in Bishopton. The development proposed is significant with building work expected to last another fifteen years. You have until the 25th February to get your suggestions and objections back to Mr Fraser Carlin, Head of Planning and Development, Planning and Transport, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley PA1 1LL. Last month I mentioned that there were doubts about the Council’s proposed landscaping work in front of the shopping area at Neva Place in Bridge of Weir - unfortunately an agreement was not reached in time and Council funded work will not go ahead at present.

The winter weather is certainly causing havoc with the roads. I myself lost a wheel trim, but I know a number of you have fared much worse. If you are unlucky and feel that you want to claim Renfrewshire Council then you should know that, all claims for compensation are independently assessed by claim handlers appointed by the Council’s liability insurers, Gallagher Bassett, and they will consider the circumstances of each case to determine whether a claim is paid. As part of this process they will look at the dimensions of the defect, service records on inspection frequency, when the road was last inspected, whether any defects were noted at that time, defects reported subsequent to inspections; if a repair is required, when was the defect passed for repair, and the time taken to complete the repair? In all of these circumstances the claim handlers will determine, based on all of the facts, whether the Council acted reasonably, taking into account external circumstances like adverse weather, and utilities accessing road and footpath surfaces.

To report road defects such as potholes or faulty street lights, you can call the Customer Contact Centre on 0300 300 0300 from Monday - Friday, 8am - 6pm.

Outwith these hours, you can call 0300 300 0144 to report faults. You can also find an online fault reporting form at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk and search for “road and lighting faults”.

You can follow Renfrewshire Council Roads & Transport Department on Facebook by going to www.facebook.com/renfrewshirecouncil I am available to meet residents in each of the three villages and I have arranged a time when I will come along and meet with constituents. Surgery details: Bishopton Community Library - 1st Monday of every month (6.30pm); Cargill Hall - 2nd Monday of every month (7.30pm); Langbank Village Hall - 3rd Monday of every month (6.30pm).

I can be contacted by phone on 0300-300-1291 or by email to cllr.james. maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk. Please feel free to contact me with any of your concerns and I am happy to meet with you at a mutually convenient time.

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The proposed Local Development Plan for Renfrewshire has now been published and is available for inspection until 25th February 2013. The proposed plan can be viewed at the Customer Service Centre, Renfrewshire House Paisley, online at http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ and in Council Libraries.

In the plan under Policy P3 - Additional Housing Sites, Merchiston Hospital in Brookfield is described as a redevelopment opportunity in the Green Belt with an indicative capacity for 200 units. Two sites in Houston have been proposed and are described as Green Belt release. The first is east of Fleming Road with an indicative capacity for 23 units with the second at Houston Road again with a capacity for 10 units.

The former care homes, Killallan House and Urquhart House are described under Policy P1 as potential residential sites for 20 and 10 units respectively, while the land at Manse Crescent and south of the Bridge of Weir Road are described as amenity space not suitable for development.

As stated in the Foreword of the document by the Planning Convener he would encourage everyone to contribute to this plan during the consultation period. If you wish to make representations this can be done through the Council’s consultation portal on the Planning and Building Standards page at http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/.

Only three weeks into the new year and the first road closure. Barochan Road is due to be closed from the junction of Darluith Road to Deafhillock r/about from 21st January for a maximum of two weeks due to emergency Gas works. Diversion routes will be signposted.

Having discussed a number of parking problems with Renfrewshire Council I was pleased to see that white ‘ KEEP CLEAR ‘ road markings have been applied at the foot of Whirlie Road. Still waiting for no parking signs on the footpath opposite the River Inn and improvements to the entrance of the playpark off Whirlie Road. As in previous years I have again forwarded, as requested by Renfrewshire’s Roads Department, a number of roads and footpaths I feel should be included in the 2013/14 roads resurfacing programme. I will know early in the new financial year if any have been accepted in the programme.

My surgeries are held on the second Tuesday of each month in Brookfield Village Hall from 6pm to 6.30pm then in Houston Village Hall from 7pm to 7.45pm. I can be contacted by phone on 610018 or by e-mail at cllr.allan. noon@renfrewshire.gov.uk Once again car parking and traffic issues have been a significant feature of my recent discussions with constituents. A number of people have raised with me the issue of parking along the road and pavement in Kilbarchan at Barn Green, from the guide hut to the scout hall. As someone who walks this area daily I know it is a particular problem at weekends.

Many visitors to the village do not know that the area of land opposite at the rear the old Doctors surgery in Ewing Street is in fact a designated car parking area. This is understandable given that it is currently not sign posted and in need of some refurbishment.

To this end my colleague Chris Gilmour and me have had discussions with both Housing and Roads to tidy refurbish and signpost the existing area concerned.

We have already consulted local residents in the immediate vicinity in Ewing Street, along with representatives of KIPCO, Girl Guides, the Co-op, Glentyan Thistle football team and the Community Council and the response has been positive. I would encourage as many people and visitors to the village as possible to use this facility to ease the congestion in the centre of the village.

At the most recent meeting of Lochwinnoch Community Council, the future of the Annexe which was closed by the previous administration was discussed.

The possibility of members or groups within the community putting forward proposals for its future use within the community will also be the subject of further discussion with those individuals who express an interest to this end.

Council officers will also attend the February meeting of the Community Council, to provide more information on running costs and the survey carried out on the Annexe.

The hard working LPIG committee are continuing with their fundraising activities towards the playpark provision and their next big event is the family ceilidh on Saturday 2nd February.

I was to say the least, dismayed at the recent announcement by McGill’s buses of significant fare increases on their routes from January. These are no doubt due to cuts in the subsidy imposed by the Scottish government and also increases in the price of fuel. However, given the scale of some of the changes, it must be seriously questioned whether these can be justified. I will continue to campaign for not only a reliable but cost effective bus service for the villages.

My next surgeries will be on Saturdays 2nd February and 2nd March in the McKillop Institute at 9am and Steeple Hall at 10am. Meantime you can contact me anytime by phone on 0300 3001274 or 07500 955 967 or email cllr.derek. bibby@renfrewshire .gov.uk

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The 31st January saw the end of a process of consultation by the Post Office concerning the type and range of services to be offered in the future at Kilbarchan Post Office at 2 Tandlehill Road. As soon as I was alerted to this consultation early in January, I made the information available to Kilbarchan Community Council, and as many other interested parties in the village as possible, so they could have their say on the shape of this very important service. Post Office facilities are essential for village communities like Kilbarchan and I have also spoken to the current PO staff who informed me they are positive about the idea of moving the PO into the main store next door, and to extend the PO opening hours, which will be the main consequences of the proposals.

Following many representations to me by various constituents about the lack of visibility for drivers at the junction where St Barchan’s Road joins Easwaldbank, I have asked council officers to make suggestions to try and alleviate this problem. Whilst parking is always at a premium in Kilbarchan we have to balance that up with the safety of drivers and pedestrians and hopefully we can negotiate a way forward that reduces the risk of accidents at St Barchan’s Road end.

The January meeting of Lochwinnoch Community Council had a very comprehensive debate about the future of the Annexe, and since my election last year I have been clear that any deliberations about its future should involve the widest community consultation, so I was delighted that representatives from Calderglen FC, and other parties interested in the future of the Annexe, attended. Lochwinnoch has a great number of community groups and I have further contacted Development Trust Scotland who offer advice to social enterprises and community groups who wish to take on community assets. I have also invited Council Officers to attend the next meeting of the Community Council and I would encourage any interested parties who wish to take over the Annexe to contact me.

I very much want to make myself available to local residents in Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch, and indeed across the whole ward, and my Kilbarchan advice surgery is on the second Wednesday of the month, excluding July, at 8pm in the Steeple Hall, and my Lochwinnoch advice surgery is on the fourth Wednesday of the month, excluding July, at 8pm in the McKillop Institute. Please come and see me if you have any issues you wish to raise, or alternately call me on 07534 148224, or e-mail me at cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

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The big story of the month was the rejection of the St Columba’s school extension, by the Inverclyde Council Planning Board, by a 7-4 vote. The protestors mounted a vigorous campaign and managed to persuade a significant number of the councillors to oppose the application.

Having considered all the available material, I was convinced that on balance the application should be approved. The majority of the village of Kilmacolm was in favour as were the Community Council and the Civic Trust. The latter two bodies do not recommend building on greenbelt lightly, the former being democratically elected and conducted their meeting to discuss the application in public. Many people said that the reason they moved to Kilmacolm was because of the School and currently 315 pupils live in the village. In the view of many residents - and Inverclyde planning officers - the economic importance of the school to the village overcame the loss of 4 acres of greenbelt.

Good sustainable economic development can in the proper circumstances trump the local development plan. Many people may not be aware that Kilmacolm Primary School was, quite rightly, built on greenbelt. Inverclyde Council has an enviable record in the past 5 years of building new schools, having spent over £200m of taxpayers money. I find it difficult to grudge St Columba’s spending £12m of its own money on modernising its facilities.

There was not enough room in last month’s edition for one of my comments concerning the site visit and that was the amount of dog fouling in the Avenue. Lord Maclay has written about this in the past and I do encourage the minority of dog walkers who are irresponsible to use the refuse facility available at the entrance to the Avenue. There is no excuse for this behaviour particularly as children use this area. I have also had a complaint about somebody leaving bags of dog fouling on the pavement in Wateryetts Drive.

I have received several complaints about the standard of the Christmas Lights in Kilmacolm and a poor comparison with Bridge of Weir and Port Glasgow. I agree, and officers have promised to up the quality this year.

Our Community Facilities Grant Fund awarded £41k to Quarriers Village Council to upgrade the Somerville Weir Hall by installing a lift and a disabled toilet. I can understand the need for a lift as, being Santa, meant I had to climb to the gods in order to catch up with my reindeers.

Again, Katrina Vine and Jennifer Buchan have been real go-getters in creating this marvellous facility for the villagers in Quarriers.

Dallifour in Barclaven Road is a source of irritation to residents in the road and in Barr’s Brae.

The house has been neglected and resembles a building site. Officers served prohibition and remedial orders No. 272 and No. 179 on the owner earlier in 2012; it is disappointing that nothing has happened. I have inquired of an officer what is next, and he has replied “While I understand the neighbours’ frustration, I cannot spend probably a five figure sum of money which I do not have, especially when I am advised that the likely opportunity to recoup is minimal.” We must hope that Dallifour comes back on the market and somebody treats it with a bit of love which it deserves. The daughter of previous family owners told me she felt like crying when she saw the state of the building and the garden.

My surgeries are 14th February 6-7pm Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm and 20th February 5-6pm Boglestone Community Centre, Port Glasgow. I can be contacted by email david.wilson@ inverclyde.gov.uk and on 01475 741969 and 712727 and 07766 992294.

In terms of official Council business January has been a relatively quiet month.

After sitting exams I had a nice Christmas break and started back at university for the second semester of my Second Year studying Law & Politics at Glasgow University.

As a member of the Planning Board I substituted for a colleague on the Local Review Body and subsequently attended a number of site visits in the first week of January.

At the January 9th meeting of the Planning Board I expressed my reservations regarding an application to build a school extension on greenbelt within Milton Woods. Over a number of months I have received an overwhelming number of representations regarding the application as I’m sure my colleagues did also. I raised concerns regarding the possible traffic impact on Lochwinnoch Road and pedestrian safety as it’s an existing safe walk to school route. In coming to my own judgment the starting point was Planning Policy DS8 & DS10 and whether there were exceptional or mitigating circumstances to justify building on greenbelt.

I wasn’t convinced that this test was satisfied to warrant building on greenbelt due to traffic concerns and impact to the visual amenity and so I voted to support a motion to refuse the application on these grounds.

You will be aware that over the next three years Inverclyde Council faces a budget gap of around £4.7m. On January 10th an All Member Briefing was held within the Municipal Buildings to advise all Elected Members of the budgetary position and provide us all with savings options to consider within the Council’s three Directorates. I’m pleased that representatives from all Community Councils across Inverclyde were able to attend a briefing session back in December to advise them of the financial challenges facing the Council in the coming years.

I was also pleased that there was a public budget survey online for members of the public to submit their views on balancing the budget. Going forward we will be thoroughly analysing the savings options before the Council sets its budget on February 14th.

My surgeries this month are on Thursday 7th February in Park Farm Community Hall, Port Glasgow, from 6-7pm and Saturday 23rd February in Kilmacolm Community Centre, from 11am-12pm.

Please feel free to contact me anytime to discuss anything that is important to you. You can reach me on 01475 712727 (during office hours) and 01475 741234 (at home) or by emailing me at james.mccolgan@inverclyde.gov.uk. Alternatively you can write to me at 2 Crawford Street, Port Glasgow, PA14 5EL. You can also keep up to date with my work as a Councillor by visiting my public Facebook page at www.facebook.com/councillorjamesmccolgan or by following me on twitter @jamesmccolgan.

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This month will see consideration of Renfrewshire Council’s budget. We will be holding a meeting of the council specifically for this matter and it is clear that there are a number of difficult issues to be tackled. In addition to the on-going budgetary pressures such as inflation and energy prices, we are also facing the huge impact of a derisory budget for Renfrewshire from the Scottish Government. We are the only mainland council area in Scotland to have been on the grant floor every year since 2009. The decision of the Scottish Government to award Renfrewshire such a poor budget settlement over a prolonged period means people here in Renfrewshire will feel the impact. The new administration in Renfrewshire Council is calling on the Scottish Government to listen to the community’s demands for a fairer deal.

I have been discussing with some local residents the need to maintain the attractiveness of our village.

Houston is a great place to stay and is surrounded by an attractive area. However, some local residents seem to be showing a complete disregard for our local area by displaying banners on the fencing at Manse Field and then not bothering to take them down. Whilst to some this may seem like a trivial matter, the area at one point recently was a total eye-sore right in the middle of our village. I have asked the Wardens to pay attention to this area and I hope we see an improvement.

I have been contacted by residents with concerns about the poor condition of the red phone box at Crosslee. I have noticed this myself whilst walking the dog and it is certainly not very presentable. I happen to think it could be maintained as quite a nice feature within the village, as some other areas have done. I have raised this matter at the community council and would be interested to know the views of residents. Anyone wishing to pass on an opinion about whether we should seek the removal of the phonebox or attempt to have it re-conditioned should let me know.

I was delighted to have a knock on the door last weekend from members of the Houston Play Park Improvement Group who were once again out in the village selling raffle tickets for their draw to raise funds for an improved Crosslee Play Park. Decent, fun equipment for our local kids to enjoy should be something we can all get behind so I would urge local residents to support the group as much as possible!

Residents may be aware of the on-going gas works around Deafhillock roundabout. At the time of writing I have just been informed that Barochan Road from the ‘Y junction’ at Linwood to Deafhillock roundabout will soon be temporarily closed as part of these works. This stretch of road is so busy and well used that any closure will have a considerable impact and cause disruption. I have highlighted how inconvenient this will be and have been assured the works will be undertaken as speedily as possible with a target of completion within less than two weeks. Obviously the safety of local residents is paramount and if gas work is needed then it must be completed.

I would like to highlight to local residents that there is currently a consultation on reducing the speed limit to 30mph on the stretch of Houston Road from St. Fillan’s Primary School down to the roundabout, past the Neuk and onwards to Ardgryffe. Local residents with views on this are welcome to email me.

As Convener of the Local Area Committee I have called for a focussed discussion on the provision of public transport within the rural areas of Renfrewshire. This will be held on Tuesday 19th February at 6pm and will most likely take place in the Cornerstone Centre in Bishopton.

Anyone wishing to attend or who wishes me to raise an issue on their behalf is very welcome to get in touch.

I will be holding surgeries in Linwood High School on 7th February at 7pm and at the Carrick Centre on 20th February at 6.30pm. I can also be contacted by email at cllr.stuart.clark@renfrewshire.gov.uk or by telephone on 07534148614.

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St. Columba’s School Addition

You may be aware that Inverclyde Council’s Planning Committee, following a vote, refused the application relating to St. Columba’s School in Kilmacolm. The planning system is meant to be independent of party politics, and an appeal mechanism exists should applicants wish to exercise that right. I am aware that there was both support and opposition to the proposals in Kilmacolm. As Planning Minister in the Scottish Government should any decision be presented to reporters appointed by ministers I would not be involved in the decision as there would be a clear constituency interest for me as I represent Kilmacolm. At this stage I am unaware if there will be an appeal.

New Police Service

As we move towards a single police service in Scotland, local people will be assured that the 1,000 extra police officers committed to by the Scottish Government will be sustained. The changes to the police structure will ensure that savings are made to keep investment in frontline services. The local police structures for Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, which are currently part of K Division within Strathclyde Police, will be largely unchanged. That’s good news to keep our streets safer and continue with a record low crime rate and record low fear of crime.

CleanRenfrewshire

I have been receiving a noticeable increase in complaints in the constituency about the amount of litter in Renfrewshire. The previous administration put a great deal of effort into CleanRenfrewshire, which encouraged community activity to keep our communities litter free. We also gave Renfrewshire wardens enforcement powers. I will be raising the matter with Renfrewshire Council to keep the county clean.

Surgeries

As well as holding regular traditional advice surgeries in a range of venues across the constituency, I also hold telephone surgeries on Monday mornings between 10am and 11am (except for public holidays). Constituents can call me at my constituency office on 0141 885 2076 to discuss any issues that they have. If you would like to meet with me you can visit one of my surgeries in Kilmacolm, Bridge of Weir, Erskine, Bishopton, Renfrew or Gallowhil. You can contact or visit my constituency office at 37 Hairst Street in Renfrew. Even if I am at the Scottish Parliament, my staff will be able assist with a wide range of issues. I can also be contacted by e-mail me at derek.mackay.msp@scottish.parliament.uk.

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The Gryffe Camera Club January has seen some really strong entries into the internal competitions along with some talented photographers sharing there love of the Scottish landscape with the club. We will be continuing our meetings as usual on Wednesdays at the Carrick Centre in Houston (Houston Old School) at 7.30pm.

February is quite a competition heavy month for the club with Hub Singer print battle, The ‘Sport’ competition night and the hand in for competition round 5.

Gryffe is a friendly sociable c a m e r a club whose members don’t take ourselves too seriously.

We all love our photography and strive to improve our techniques and photographs but we also like to share our expertise and knowledge with each other - after all photography is meant to be fun and spending time with others with a similar interest increases the enjoyment.

For more info visit our new website at www.gryffecameraclub. co.uk or email editor@gryffecameraclub.co.uk

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planning

Renfrewshire Local Development Plan

The next key milestone in the preparation of the Local Development Plan (LDP) has been reached.

The Proposed LDP presents the Council’s final view on the content of the adopted LDP. With a focus on supporting sustainable economic growth, the LDP sets out where future development should and should not occur, identifying opportunities for change, regeneration and enhancement.

Proposed LDP Consultation

It is important to participate and comment on the LDP providing comments and representations to help set the planning framework for Renfrewshire.

If you wish to make representations to the Proposed LDP, the New Development Supplementary Guidance and/or the Environmental Report, you can do so during the 6 week period of representation.

The closing date for representations is 5.00pm, on Monday 25 February 2013.

Responses can be made via the Council’s Online Consultation System. We have also made Response Forms available online to provide comments. Please return the completed form to:Email: localplanconsultation@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Inverclyde LDP As similar process has taken place in Inverclyde. Further details can be obtained from the Inverclyde Council LDP webpage, or by e-mailing ‘ldp@inverclyde.gov.uk’.

Key dates: Submit Proposed Plan to MSPs May 2013 Start of Examination of Plan August 2013 Approval/Adoption of Plan June 2014 Source; http://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/GetAsset.aspx?id=fAAyADAANwAw ADMAfAB8AFQAcgB1AGUAfAB8ADAAfAA1

Renfrewshire Potential Development Sites (Advertizer distribution area only) Bishopton 1. Ingliston Drive 40 units ref: rfrf0752 2. Former ROF 1830 units ref: rfrf0911a+b Bridge of Weir 3. Fetlar Road 2 units ref: rfrf0807 4. Maxwell Place 6 units ref: rfrf0754 5. Mill of Gryffe 20 units ref: rfrf0758B 6. Kilbarchan Rd 20 units ref: rfrf0759 7. Bracken Place (Bowling Club) 5 units Redev’ment opportunity 8. Shillingworth, off Earl Place 40 units Green Belt release Brookfield 9. Merchiston Hospital 200 units GreenBelt redevp’t opportunity Elderslie 10. Abbey Road 140 units Green Belt Release Houston 11. Houstonfield Quadrant 20 units ref: rfrf0931 12. Fleming Road 10 units ref: rfrf0932 13. East of Fleming Rd 23 units Green Belt Release 14. Houston Road 10 units Green Belt Release Howwood 15. Carsewood House, Hillfoot Drive 10 units ref: rfrf0840 16. Bleach Works, Midton Rd 41 units ref: rfrf0936 17. Elliston Farm, Beith Rd

5 units ref: rfrf0854 18. Midton Rd 30-50 units Green Belt Release Linwood 19. Johnstone Hosp, BoW Rd 50 units Green Belt redev opp’ty Lochwinnoch 20. St Joseph’s, Kilbirnie Rd 30 units ref: rfrf0895

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Milton (Duchal) Woods, Kilmacolm

A planning application by St Columba’s School for Planning permission in principle for new school development, access road, associated parking and infrastructure, community car park and pedestrian footbridge in Milton Wood, South of Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm (Duchal Woods) caused months of heated debate around the village.

At their monthly meeting in January, Inverclyde Council’s Planning Board did not accept the recommendation detailed in the Report of Handling and have decided to refuse permission on the grounds of: 1. The proposed development is contrary to Local Plan Policy DS8 which presumes against development in the Green Belt unless there are exceptional or mitigating circumstances and where the criteria for development in Policy DS10 for the ‘Countryside’ can be satisfied as the development would encroach into the Green Belt and there are no exceptional or mitigating circumstances which would justify such development.

2. As the proposed development of part of Milton Wood, an area of open space, is contrary to Local Plan Policy LR1 - Safeguarding Open Space.

3. As there is no specific locational requirement to use part of Milton Wood for the proposed development as other alternative sites are available and as such the proposal is contrary to Local Plan Policy DS10 - Countryside.

The reasons for refusal and the Report of Handling may be viewed at: http://planning.inverclyde.gov.uk/Online/

Letter from Friends of Milton Wood

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community, and members of the Milton Wood group, for their support over the past year.

It has been gratifying and encouraging to have received so much positive feedback. The debate on the project has, at times, been heated but our arguments have been supported by fact. We have considered the effect which this proposal will have on the whole community. We would also like to thank the members of the Planning Board for their time and effort spent in reading, listening and assessing the merits and demerits of the project.

Work still requires to be done by the Group. The proposed new Local Development Plan contains some proposals which could put Milton Wood at risk from development. We will continue to keep the community informed of these areas of concern.

Thank you again for helping us to preserve an area whose natural beauty defines Kilmacolm as a jewel in Inverclyde’s crown.

Yours faithfully, Friends of Milton Wood.

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schools news

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St Columba Church Playgroup

Langbank Playgroup

We hope all our children and families As 2013 begins, Langbank Playgroup are enjoying is enjoying a new venture this term with this term and a gymnastics sessions run by Christine it’s great to see Anderson of Inverclyde Gymnastics. What so many happy fun we had in the first session, with a funky faces coming warm-up, a gymnastics circuit, parachute in each morning. We are busy this term exploring about our senses plus play and then a relaxing cool-down. We leading up to some craft activities for Valentine’s Day - what could be more all deserved a sit-down and story after the wonderful than a child’s card to you made with love and concentration? workout, but are looking forward to On these winter mornings, it’s snug and warm in our cosy hall, but we the next time! Our Playgroup offer at least one opportunity for physical play each day to get rid runs every Friday of some excess energy. This term we are delighted to welcome morning for children Liz Murray of ‘Octokids’ who is providing six dance sessions age from 2.5 years in to get us all moving. She has a fantastic array of resources Langbank and the and music which we are enjoying - staff and parent helpers surrounding area. too! It’s also a great opportunity for the children to become We have the favourite toys of cars, trains, paints, accustomed to another adult and try something different. playdough and craft activities plus a healthy uary snack as well as lots of fun with friends. For Spaces are now filling up and we have a waiting list for under Saturday 9th Febr more details or to arrange a visit, please contact 3’s on some days, so please don’t forget to come along for 1pm - 3pm our Chair, Jacqueline, on 01475 540728. May we a visit if you are interested in a place on Monday, Tuesday or uston Houston Road, Ho take this opportunity to thank also the villagers who Thursday morning or give our membership secretary Jenny a 34 supported the December Christmas post service.

01505 6131 call on 07557 656968. Toddlers runs every Wednesday morning between 10am and 11.30am for children from birth to 3 years, please contact our toddler secretary Fiona on 07816 513693. We look forward to seeing you.

The start of the new term has been a bit Wild at Kidston Kids Playgroup in Kilmacolm. We’ve been learning all about Wild Animals and are looking forward to celebrating Chinese New Year, the year of the Snake!

Woodlands Day Nursery Open Day

A Wild Time at Kidston!

We’ve welcomed some new faces to our group and lots of little ones to our Stay and Play sessions. Come and join the fun every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning.

Little Lullabies If you are a new mum, why don’t you and baby come along and join song time with music and props.

Strawberry Field Nursery

Our children were exceptional over the Christmas period. We had our Nativity and

The group runs on a Monday morning in Kidston Hall, great fun for toddlers too.

Nearly New Sale.

Christmas party at the end of the session with our annual visit from Santa.

Over the next few weeks our 3 – 5 children will be working on a topic of “people who help us” and the 0 – 3 children will be learning about mini beasts.

Our next fundraiser will be held in Kidston Hall on Saturday 23rd March at 10-12noon.

If you have any toys, baby equipment or children’s clothes that you would like to sell or donate please contact us by visiting our website. www.kidstonkids.co.uk

Kilbarchan East Tots The photo below shows children and parents at Kilbarchan East Church Tots’ club enjoying their Christmas party. The hall was filled with the sound of children enjoying themselves with the many toys, and the adults getting to know each other and making the most of the time of fellowship over a mug of coffee.

Lochwinnoch Playgroup For children from 2.5 years to 5. Mon, Tue and Wed from 9.30am11.30am at the McKillop Centre, Lochwinnoch. New children are always welcome. Please contact Daniela on 07765 695 270 or daniela.sime@ strath.ac.uk On Friday 1st March we are holding a Quiz/Race Night at Lochbarr, Lochwinnoch to raise further funds for the playgroup. Please contact Cheyrl on 0774 8859 683 or Paula on 0777 217 3910. We hope to see you there.

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Duchal Nursery After all the fun of Christmas and spending a lovely time with our families, we all looked forward to returning in January and seeing all our friends.

The next topic for the children will be ‘People who help us’.

Over the next few weeks we will be discussing Dentists, Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics, Fire Fighters, Police, Pilots, Lollipop Ladies and Men, Refuse Collectors, Mechanics, Families, etc. This will start with a Healthy Eating Dental week.

We have lots of visits from different people to see the children and talk about their jobs. We will also visit the village to see our local shop keepers, Post Office and Library.

To celebrate Burns Day, the children will be coming into nursery wearing tartan, while mums, dads, and friends of the nursery will be enjoying a traditional Burns Supper in Kilmacolm Golf Club to celebrate.

In response to feedback we are now pleased to be able to offer an earlier morning drop off time of 8.15am.

St Columba’s School

Christmas Cantor

As we headed for the end of the winter term, pupils from Transitus through to Senior VI took part in the annual ‘Christmas Cantor’ at Birkmyre Park. Despite the windy and snowy weather, there was a great sense of Christmas spirit.

Pupils play with RSNO Twenty-three pupils from Senior III-VI attended a concert for school pupils at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. The Maestro Music concert features a more sophisticated orchestral repertoire for advanced music students and a side-byside piece, where talented musicians are given the opportunity to play onstage with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

This year two pupils in Senior V, Gregor Keir (clarinet) and Malcolm Millar (French Horn), were chosen to perform Ravel’s Bolero ‘side by side’ with the RSNO. This was a fantastic opportunity for Gregor and Malcolm to play with a professional orchestra and has inspired both them and the younger pupils who attended the concert to continue with their musical studies.

Development Inverclyde Council Planning Board met on 9th January to consider the School’s application for an extension in Milton Wood. Sadly the application was rejected by 7 votes to 4 on the grounds that the development breached green belt.

The School is extremely disappointed, particularly in view of the support received from the parent body, the Civic Trust, the Community Council and a sizeable majority of those who submitted views to the Council both of Kilmacolm residents and the wider community. The application was also supported by the Council’s Planning Officers. The School’s Board of Governors will now reflect carefully on this decision and consider its options going.

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Kilbarchan Primary Coffee Morning Kilbarchan Primary’s coffee morning was a great success. There was lots to do and we had many stalls, including a biscuit decoration table, a home baking stall, face painting and much more. We were also lucky enough to receive a visit from Santa Claus himself. He spoke too many of the older and younger children to hear from them what they want for Christmas. Some of the parents helped create a Santa’s Grotto for him to stay in for the day. They worked really hard and it looked great!

Mrs Gray, Mrs Pickins and the school choir gave a brilliant performance and sang many great Christmas songs. There was also a massive raffle with many prizes and loads of lucky winners. Each class also created a hamper and nominated the people they thought it should go to. All the teas and coffees given out at the coffee morning were completely fair-trade and there was a Fairtrade table to help raise awareness.

R e b e c c a Coventry said “It was a great day and everyone e n j o y e d themselves.”

Mrs Sommerville said “This was a great social event for the whole community and Santa’s visit was icing on the cake.”

By Sarah Henderson (Press Officer) age 11

St Fillans Primary School We wish to thank to all our parents and family members who supported us in our charity work during the season of Advent.

ay and Kidston Kids - St Our House and Vice Captains organised ed & Fri, W n, Mo – ay Pl several activities during the run up to Hall in 9.45am at Kidston Christmas which resulted in a substantial ildren ch r Kilmacolm. Fo amount being raised by the pupils. A er. ov d an s nth 18mo donation was made to SCIAF to help them in their fight against poverty around the world. We also managed to gather several black sacks of Christmas gifts. These were collected by staff from Quarriers in the week prior to Christmas and were distributed to some children who engage with their many projects around Scotland. Each class also prepared a Christmas Hamper full of goodies and these were distributed among our local community to bring a bit of Christmas cheer.

Members of our Singing Club took part in the Community Sing-ALong which turned into a great night. The whole school also enjoyed their day out to the SECC Glasgow to see John Barrowman and the Krankies in the pantomime. On the day we saw it, Jon Barrowman’s horse behaved and he stayed firmly put! We enjoyed it so much we are considering travelling as a whole school for a special summer trip at the end of the school year. This will be over and above class field trips to support parts of the curriculum.

January has seen a busy start to the new year with us celebrating St Fillan’s Feast Day on 9th January with members of our school and parish. We also welcomed our new nursery children as they came to enrol with us for starting school in August. We look forward to working with them when we go out to visit their nurseries after Easter.

Finally, congratulations go to the girls and boys from our Primary 5 pupils who took part recently in a rugby tournament organised by Renfrewshire Council. A strong second place means they will live to fight another day as this secured them a place in the next stage of the tournament. Our congratulations go to the pupils of Bridge of Weir primary who took first place ahead of us. Both schools will meet with the top two teams from schools in other areas of Renfrewshire later in the school year, where they will do battle once more on the rugby pitch.

Contributed by St Fillan’s Media Team

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Langbank Primary School

Kidston Kids

Roars of laughter could be heard throughout Langbank when the pantomime came to the school.

Pupils and parents were treated to a fabulous performance of ‘Dick Whittington’ by Hopscotch Theatre. To get into the mood of things, pupils were asked to dress as Dick Whittington or his cat. As Dick Whittington made his way to London to seek his fortune he shared his adventures and mishaps with a packed hall. There was some super audience participation - Oh yes there was! Thankfully the baddie was beaten in the end and Dick Whittington came out on top!

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Abbey Invites Parents To Open Day A little later than usual this year, our annual Open Day is taking place on Saturday 9th February which is an opportunity for potential parents to have a look around at their leisure; talk to the staff and learn more about the care and education we provide for the children leading up to primary school. We currently have a waiting list for the Baby Room, but will have availability shortly when some children move up to the bigger playroom, so if you are looking for childcare this year please come along and have a chat.

A nice change for us this year comes from our children who felt we should name our playrooms and we agree that this is “a lot more fun” and we hope that this will also help children settling into the nursery and when they move rooms. We are therefore delighted to announce the official opening of the ‘Little Ladybirds’, ‘Busy Bunnies’ and ‘Grasshoppers’ playrooms and you can see from the photographs the children have been busy creating mascots using recycled materials. Over the past few weeks our ‘Grasshoppers’ (pre-school) have been following a Scottish Culture theme and have been excited about creating their own Tartan; making shortbread; learning Scottish dancing; listening to Scottish children’s stories and rhymes and find out about different castles on the internet. Haggis was included on the lunch menus as part of the Burns celebration and it’s been great to see how the children

have thoroughly enjoyed this learning journey. We would like to thank Louisa’s daughter for visiting the nursery to showcase her highland dancing skills including a fantastic performance with the swords!!

Finally, in this cold weather its “hats and coats on” for outdoor play and great to see the ‘Busy Bunnies’ feeding the birds and a big thank you to the parent who donated the bird table.

Kilbarchan Community Nursery Welcome back to all children and parents at the start of a new year.

We have already started our new topic ‘People who help us’ and have planned a trip to Johnstone fire station to find out about the work of the fire fighters. The children have been making their own fire appliance with lots of red paint and recycled boxes.

We will be taking part in the RSPB bird watch survey soon and to prepare, we are filling the bird feeders hoping to attract lots of different birds to the garden.

The children have also been learning about direction and using our Programmable ‘Beebot’ toy to make it go backwards, forwards, left and right and learning to work alone and in pairs.

For more information about the nursery you can get in touch by phone 01505 704839 or email us at enquiries@ kilbarchancommunitynursery.org.uk

Houston Community Nursery Brrr! The weather is so cold that we have kept up some of our festive displays – we particularly like the display we made of animals hibernating in the snowy woods, we like following the footprints and guessing which animal made them. We are thinking about how the hibernating animals and mini-beasts are getting on and when they will be ready to wake up. We enjoy recording the weather and even smalls flurries of snow cause great excitement. Always looking forward, we have started thinking about spring a n d w h a t we will plant in our flower patch w h e n t h e weather improves.

In January, we welcomed a work experience student from Gryffe High School into nursery and we love having a new face around – to play new games and share new ideas with us.

All of our pre-school children have registered for school now and from now we will think about getting prepared for school.

The P6 ambassadors from Houston Primary School came in to visit us and it is lovely to think there will be familiar faces when the children move up to school.

If you would like to visit us at the nursery and see the work that we do please give us a call 01505 615876 or email us houstonnursery@aol.com.

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Bridge of Weir Primary School

Gryffe High School

2013 has got off to a “swinging” start here at Bridge of Weir Primary, thanks to the efforts of our Parent Council who have funded, together with a £10,000 lottery grant, our fantastic new playground equipment. Each sector of the school has been considered, with the nursery benefiting from new road markings to enable the practising of road safety, cycling and street sense. A printed Spiro - incorporating sounds, shapes and colours plus a number line to assist with numeracy skills are also making playtimes educational and entertaining. If ever we wondered what the legacy of the Olympics might be for our children, we need only cast an eye towards the Infant playground where we enjoy observing many “mini-Mo’s” in action as they enjoy the challenges of their new Trim Trail! The Upper school has also benefited with a large activity frame and a sizeable circular swing that is able to accommodate the requirements of special needs pupils, making physical activity and the honing of motor skills a thoroughly inclusive pastime.

The Big Questions Conference took place in the theatre for all fifth and sixth year pupils who are studying Higher RMPS or Higher or Advanced Higher Biology. This is the second year that the conference has been hosted by Gryffe High School .

This year, the panel consisted of: Rev Kenneth Gray - School Chaplain

and Minister Freeland Church Bridge of Weir. Rev Suzanne Dunleavy -School Chaplain and Minister - St Machar’s Ranfurly Parish. Fr Frank Hannigan - St Pauls Foxbar, Paisley. Douglas Adams - Youth Worker.

Clare Marsh - Humanist. Dr Mark Storey - Local GP and Mrs Chris Adam – Embryologist. Efficiently chaired by Head Boy, Iain Doig, the audience was given a very interesting and worthwhile experience. Questions were generated from the pupils in the audience and were then directed onto a member on the panel from Iain. Opinions could then be voiced under the direction of Iain.

As much as global history and The conference was split into two main parts – Embryology (Stem Cell geography are taught Research) and Euthanasia. with enthusiasm and Some topics were more heated than others. Consideration was given aplomb here at Bridge to Euthanasia being between the world of Religion and the World of of Weir Primary, we Science. The whole debate was extremely interesting and made pupils also believe in making deliberate on their own opinion. The overall point of this was to help pupils sure that we don’t understand certain theories as many people may find it easier to have overlook our “home information put into scenarios instead of being taught by word or out of turf”. Therefore, you books. Every pupil I asked said that it was very worthwhile afternoon that may well have seen opened their eyes to the complexity of the topics of the debate. our P2’s exploring the village en masse Article and Photo - Claire McKay S6 recently, as part of their new project “Bridge of Weir”.

They were tasked with finding out more about the services, shops and facilities that are a part of our daily lives and in addition, they have replicated the village We’re all in full swing now that 2013 has started and looking forward to what in the open area outside their classroom, incorporating a shop and a this year has to bring. doctor’s surgery – appointments limited to furry stuffed animals only!

In the Baby Room, the theme this month was ‘Little Explorers’ and the babies Getting to school is a big part of village life and have been playing with gloop and making textured pictures as part of their as such, the School Travel Plan Committee heuristic play. We have also made feely gloves and discovery bottles. has handed out questionnaires to each Our Tweenies have been busy learning about the many modes of transport class which has provoked a fantastic and this has lead to some interesting debate about what kind of car/rocket/ response. A variety of issues have plane/boat the children would like to own when they grow up! And they been raised by the children including hope to go on a visit to the Transport museum next month. inconsiderate parking near the The Rising 5’s were busy caring for our new additions - our five African school, problems with traffic lights Land snails. The children were asked to suggest names for the snails and safety for children who walk and we held a poll to decide on the winners. The snails are now lmacolm is running to school.

Ki , ch ur Ch ba St Colum day the 2nd es Tu known by their new identities: Spiderman, Shelly, Sweetie, Sam m fro b clu We conclude this month’s till a free holiday and Stella. We are enjoying our new Smartboard, and have found April from 10am of 6th the y update with congratulations to da to Satur atrical themed the learning the songs and actions for the Jolly Phonics letter sounds a is ar ye is Ellie Wightwick, one of our P7 12 noon. Th much easier to follow.

Showstoppers. d lle ca b pupils, who has had a poem clu ay holid P1 in is o wh ne yo The Out of School Care boys and girls are busily preparing for er selected that will be displayed in for ev Showstoppers is songs, juice s, me Chinese New Year and are enjoying learning about traditions ga this year’s Inspired exhibition at e lud inc d to P7 and will surrounding this colourful and energetic festival. As part of our enges, stories an Paisley Museum. Inspired is an all ch , fts cra it, fru and Healthy Lifestyle theme, this month has focused on exercise and annual showcase of creative work things. lots of other fun hygiene. We have now introduced a library and are encouraging from young people in schools and or to n tio ma or inf For more everyone to swap books and to try a new kind of book too. nurseries across Renfrewshire which ase contact preregister ple this year is being run in conjunction scc. uth yo To celebrate Burns Day, we will be having a Burns Supper for all the @ ter pe on Peter with the National Galleries of Scotland boys and girls to enjoy. There will be Scottish dancing, Scottish music and plus.com. and the exhibition runs from 1st February tasting Scottish food because “Some hae meat, and canna eat, and some until 12th April. Well done Ellie! wad eat that want it; But we hae meat, and we can eat, And say the Lord be thankit”!

Woodlands Nursery and Out of School Care

St Columba Church Holiday Club

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Gryffe Valley Rotary Gryffe Valley tries to focus on supporting our local community, so perhaps it was appropriate that the final talk of the year was about The Advertizer - our local community magazine.

Colin McGinn came along and gave an overview of the history of The Advertizer since its start up in 1900 and the modern high tech process which nowadays results in over 13,000 glossy colour printed magazines which drop onto our door mats each month.

The photo shows Colin with president Neil McAllister and your humble scribe Peter Dickie who introduced him.

church lists BRIDGE OF WEIR

HOWWOOD

Freeland Church, Rev KN Gray BA BD. Morning Service 10.30am. Crèche, Sunday School, Lynx and Cornerstone. Evening Service 7pm Web site www.freeland.org.uk St Mary’s Episcopal (Anglican) Church.

Delighting to praise God; Showing Christ’s love; Growing in faith Morning Service on Sundays at 10am; we have a regular cycle of prayer for those who live and work in Bridge of Weir. The dates of prayers for local roads are as follows: 3rd Feb - Kelso Avenue; 10th Feb - Kenbank Crescent & Road; 17th Feb - Kilallan Avenue; 24th Feb - Kilbarchan Road. For further information see our new noticeboard, or to ask for special prayers, or in pastoral emergency please call 01505 612807/01505 842629 or 01505 613402.

St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Rev Suzanne Dunleavy BD DipEd. Sunday services at 10.30am. Crèche. Hearing aid loop system.

All welcome.

Hope Hall, Sun 1pm Sunday School, 4.30pm Gospel Service; Mon 6.30pm Investigators for Kids, 8pm Bible Study and Prayer.

Faith Christian Fellowship Sundays at 11am in the Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Crescent, Bridge of Weir. Tel: 0800 298 4875 email: fcf@ lifeonfire.org.uk From the Bahá’i writings: “The act of giving is well-pleasing in the sight of God” For information and details of meetings, call Bridge of Weir 615641.

Howwood Parish Church, Sun 11am. Rev David Stewart. MA BD MTH. Prayer meetings held in the vestry every Sun at 10am & Fri at 7.30pm, 3 Bowfield Way.

HOUSTON

Houston and Killellan Kirk. 3rd Feb 9.45am Early Service:The Sacrament of Holy Communion, 11am Morning Worship. 10th Feb 11am Morning Worship. 17th Feb 11am Morning Worship. 24th Feb 11am.

2pm & 6.45pm?The Sacrament of Holy Communion. Note - Communion is on the last Sunday in February this year and NOT the first Sunday in March as is usual. Look up our website www.houstonkirk.org For more information contact Rev D Snelson on 01505 612722.

Church of the Nazarene, Houston, at the Village Hall, Main street, Houston. PA6 7EL. Rev Benito S Coetzee. Family services at 10.30am with full toddler, children and youth activities running concurrently with the service. Youth meets at 6.30-8pm on Sundays. Word and Table Quiet Service held from 9 - 9.30am every third Sunday. Visit our website: www.houston.nazarene.org.uk St Fillan’s, Main St, Houston. Sun Masses: Vigil (Sat) 5pm, 9.30am & 11am. Weekday Mass: Tues-Sat 9.30am except Thurs, 7pm.

Reconciliation: Sat 10-10.30am and after Vigil Mass; Thurs 7.30-8pm. Exposition: As announced. Baptisms: 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month by arrangement. Parish Priest: Rev Daniel J McLoughlin, Dip.Th.,MA Pastoral Assistant: Sr Mary Frances Collett, RNDM (Tel 01505 613514). “Abbotsfield”, St Fillan’s, Main St, Houston, PA6 7EL. Tel: 01505 612046, Fax: 01505 610556. Email: parish@stfillan.org.uk. www.stfillan.org.uk.

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KILBARCHAN

Kilbarchan East Church. Services continue at 11am on Sundays with Sunday School, Bible Class and the crèche meeting from 10.45am in the halls. On February 17th, there is a joint Boys’ Brigade service in the East church. Our services will be conducted by Locum Minister Mr Russell Banks.

Kilbarchan West Parish Church. Minister – Rev Arthur Sherratt BD. Sunday Service at 11am, Crèche, Junior Church and FEWsion meet at 10.45am. Midweek Fellowship meets every Wednesday at 10.30am in the Session House for tea/coffee and chat followed by a short informal act of worship at 11am.

KILMACOLM

St Colm’s Catholic Church The Very Rev William Canon McDade – Sunday morning family mass 10am.

Kilmacolm Old Kirk Church of Scotland (Charity no. SC009291).www.kilmacolmoldkirk.org. uk. Minister Rev Dr Peter McEnhill (01505 873174). Morning Worship - Sundays 11am, all welcome. Sunday School and Crèche available.

St Columba Church of Scotland. (charity no.

SC007992) Minister Rev Douglas Cranston.

Sunday worship 11am Sunday School and Little Praisers. Wednesday Break 10.30am in large Hall. Church Prayer meeting Thurs at 8.15pm.

Gospel Services in The Scout Hall, Kilmacolm - Sundays 4.30pm, Thurs 7.30pm.

St Fillan’s Episcopal (Anglican) Church Sundays 11.30am Rev Colum McGranaghan has now retired and we are in a vacancy however all the Services in both Churches are continuing their normal pattern.

LANGBANK

Langbank Parish Church - Rev Andrew McLean. Sunday Services 10am with Sunday School, Creche and young people’s group, the Welcomers. Tea and coffee after the service - all welcome. Langbank Church of Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC015085.

LOCHWINNOCH

Lochwinnoch Parish Church - Rev Mhairi Breingan. 11am Morning Service with Sunday School and Crèche.

Calder United Free Church (Church St Lochwinnoch) Sunday: 11am Morning worship with Sunday School and Crèche.

6.30pm Evening Fellowship group, 7.30pm ABC’s Teen group. Wed 6.30-7.30pm.

QUARRIERS

Mount Zion Church, Rev Andy Lunn Bsc. 10.30am in Bethesda, Junior Church and Bible Class. The Event for young people, making Church fun for everyone, every 3rd Sunday monthly at 6.30pm. Visit www. mountzionfellowship.org.uk

How To Forgive, Forgiveness sets you Free The past cannot be undone. What you change is how you feel about it.

As we start the new year with new resolutions, make this one of yours.

Make The Change Happen How are you going to do it, my friend? You’re all done feeling wretched all the time, you know forgive does not mean forget, you are soooo ready, but you need a plan. Read on, and find out how to get the benefits of forgiveness for yourself. Right now.

Guilt and Hatred Are Killers Ask any doctor. Stress is a killer. This is because your body and mind are a continuum. In other words, although they are not entirely the same, a great overlap exists that unites them. Relieve your mental stress and your body will be happier too. Nothing relieves mental stress like forgiveness.

Guilt and hatred resolve nothing; they just sustain the negativity that continues to obstruct you from your goals. Forgiveness, on the other hand, undoes the stickiness that binds you to an unhappy past.

Does It Work?

Absolutely - for you. Since the forgiveness experience will happen only for you, only you will receive its benefits. Your forgiveness may not influence a change in the behaviour of others one bit. But it’s not about them. It’s about you. Forgiveness is about generating your own healing. You are the only player in your life over whom you have all the power. It’s time to exercise your personal power, your right to choose to feel better about who you are, your right to process your past and move on with your life.

It’s a Private Thing Since forgiving is all about you getting your own heart clear, it’s best done in the privacy of your own mind. This is where Hypnosis comes in.

Afterwards you’ll have the choice of telling others, if you like, but initially the process works best in solitude. Tell no one, just do the work. And watch how easy it is to feel better all day every day.

Contrast this to the fact that all the pity parties in the world with your friends and relatives never made you feel better one bit. Those tactics don’t work because they don’t process emotions, they merely create a feedback loop that deepens the groove of the pain. Since you know that what you used to do didn’t work, it’s time to do what does.

Forgive in Steps

Like a pyramid, forgiveness may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s easily accomplished step by step. So begin by recognizing that there are three sections: forgiveness of others, self-forgiveness and receiving forgiveness from others. And these can be further broken down into nicely manageable chunks.

Needing to get it out, and let it go so you can move forward in a peaceful harmony with you and everyone else might require some help and Mo Ferrington is an expert in this field so maybe give her a call and talk it over and she will tell you it can be done.

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Maisie Raises Money for Grandson Michael Murphy Maisie Galbreath from Kilmacolm, Michael’s grandmother (who is 87 years young by the way), has raised over £1,000 so far for the Michael Murphy Trust Fund by swimming over half a mile recently at Gleddoch House Leisure Club.

Michael is a 15 year old Para Dressage rider who was born with Dejerine-sottas, a rare and progressive disorder that causes muscle weakness, lack of motor control and loss of sensation.

He began horse riding when he was five years old to help strengthen his muscles.

Michael’s dream is to compete in the Paralympics and Win a Gold Medal. He is seeking sponsorship to help make his dream a reality. Could you help make that dream come true?

Michael is a rider based at Penniwells Riding Centre for Disabled in Elstree, Herts. His website is www.michaelmurphy.org.uk

t: 01505 613340

Linwood RYC We are currently looking to add players to their squads at the following age groups: 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 1997 & 1994/5.

We are a quality mark, community club based in Linwood. All our coaches are SFA qualified and fully PVG approved.

If you are interested in joining the club or require any further information, please contact club secretary, Norman Muir on 07745 546170 or visit the club website www.clubwebsite.co.uk/linwoodryc for details of training times and venues.

Birkmyre Rugby After a long stint of frozen, sodden and churned up pitches resulting in next to no games or training sessions Birkmyre’s 1st’s started the New Year with a cup game against Oban Lorne. With the visitors sitting in a strong position in the league above the boys knew it would be a tough game, especially due to the lack of rugby played in recent weeks. The Bears had to blow away the cobwebs quickly and the boys knew this, they came out fighting scoring two well worked tries. Sadly this was not enough and a strong experienced Oban side took the game ending our impressive Cup campaign in which we defeated two strong teams from the league above.

Achievements by Michael Murphy so far in his career as a Para Dressage Rider: * British Dressage Para Talent Spotting Winner * Young Disabled Sports Performer of The year for Barnet * Lloyds TSB Local Hero for past 3 years nominated to carry the Torch for London 2012 Olympics * Torch Bearer on 25th July for London 2012 Olympics (Between Harrow and Harringey) * Junior International Grade 1a Champion, riding for Great Britain at Millfield x4yrs * Junior International Grade 1a Champion, riding for Great Britain at Moorsele, Belgium 2010 * British Dressage KBIS Grade1a National Champion 2010 * Youngest in the world to win 2* Senior International Para Dressage Competition.

Photos are of Maisie after her swim at Gleddoch and her grandson Michael Murphy & his beautiful horse ‘Midtgaardens Cavalett’.

Message from Michael:“Thank you so very much for all the generosity everyone has given Granny Maisie on my behalf. It is amazing to have such kind and generous support 400 miles away from my home in North London. Thank you especially to my Granny Maisie for swimming half a mile at age 87 years! Well done!”

If you would like to donate to help Michael achieve his dream, please visit his website at www.michaelmurphy.org.uk to make a donation. Thank you very much.

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Our first league game of 2013 came against Renfrew RFC at home. Everyone in the team was hopeful and eager to achieve a strong result after the disappointment the week before. This desire for a strong result was shown when the team ran in fourteen tries in total against a resilient and die hard Renfrew team. After the impressive high scoring Renfrew game the Bears now sit 3rd place in the league with a game in hand over 1st and 2nd. .

Birkmyres away game against Strathclyde Police scheduled for the 19th January was unfortunately cancelled due to bad weather. We also have another away trip to Cowal on the 16th February and a further away game to Hyndland on the 26th.

Training is on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Birkmyre Park Kilmacolm at 7.30pm and we welcome all players, new to the game or experienced. For further information please contact Peter Haveron on 07815 090839.

On the 1st December, the club held its annual Christmas Ball at our sponsor venue the River Inn. After a fantastic Christmas dinner from our hosts the annual auction for the club funds took place and the generosity from our players, supporters, sponsors and friends of the club raised a substantial amount for the upcoming year. Also a large sum of money was donated through a special auction to St Vincents Hospice. The club thanks all who attended and bought items from the auction.

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sports & clubs news Castle Semple Sailing Club

The Club held its AGM in November and retiring Commodore Jon Hasler was pleased to report another very successful year for the Club. Before handing over to new Commodore Arthur Logan, Jon reported on the year’s events. The most important of these had been the expansion of the boat storage area which had allowed more members to bring in boats and attracted new members. Without doubt the biggest success of the year was the growth of the cadet section organised by Duncan Elder. This had become a very popular Sunday morning event.

Disability sailing During the year Castle Semple Centre had been the first in Scotland to be awarded the status of Disability Sailing Centre of Excellence, which together with the donation of a hoist by Gryffe Valley Rotary Club would be of great benefit to the disabled section of the Club.

Racing and social events The number of boats taking part in the racing on Sundays afternoons and Wednesday evenings had increased substantially on the previous year. In June around a dozen members had enjoyed a tremendous camping/sailing weekend visit to Loch Lomond Sailing Club, where some excellent sailing took place. The Club had again hosted a GP14 Scottish Travellers event when a total of 16 boats took part half of which were CSSC members. Following the racing everyone enjoyed a Cèilidh at Lochwinnoch Golf Club. Finally in November a group had taken part in a very enjoyable weekend team racing event at Loch Ken. Although unfortunately the actual sailing had been limited due to the lack of wind this was replaced by canoeing and other outdoor activities. It is hoped to organise a winter sailing series in March, weather permitting! In the meantime winter activities include badminton, pub quizzes and local walks. For further information please see website: www.castlesemplesc.co.uk

Ranfurly Castle golf club is a special place. Golfers already regard it as one of the finest golf courses in the area and amongst the best moorland courses in the West of Scotland. In addition to the exceptional quality of the course, new members and visitors alike are surprised – and delighted – to have that rare feeling of having the course to yourself.

Ranfurly Castle has been a well kept secret for many years – a beautiful, high quality course with almost unheard of no-queuing, welcoming clubhouse, with a real sense of history, and on-site PGA teaching Professionals Tom and Andrew, with a well stocked shop.

There’s a full schedule of competitions throughout the year for Gents & Ladies and both a thriving and very successful Junior section, winning the Newton Shield a record breaking 4 consecutive years.

Our new caterers Arthur and Ishbel and head chef Gerry – who joined us last year – have introduced some very popular theme nights and their Bistro weekends continue to be successful. Forthcoming events include the return of top Beatles tribute band Just John and Paul (not to be missed). We also have 3 lounges within the clubhouse to cater for functions, large or small, for members and social members.

Golfers and beginners are warmly welcomed. Even if you don’t play, enjoy grand views of our course in our historic clubhouse with lunch, a drink or fresh coffee and scones. Visit us and discover Ranfurly Castle for yourself and family!

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Karting Blog

by Tom Thickpenny

Gearing up for 2013 The close season heralds a lot of changes in motorsport, not least for me!

Due to my future racing plans, my SQA exams this year (and the following two years…!) and our projected budget, most of my racing this year will be in the UK. Whilst I remain both an Official Driver for Birel Motorsport and a member of the Easykart Driver Programme, I will be driving mainly Kart Grand Prix (KGP) for ACR Birel (UK) in the UK’s National Super One (S1) series. I’m also set to have a bit of fun guesting in the Easykart Senior category at their double-header at Glan-Y-Gors, Wales – my favourite track in the UK? I will be making at least one trip overseas to compete in the KGP World Finals in Italy in October. As my Birel KF seat remains open, I may also contend one or two of the end of season European races in that class.

I am also considering making the switch to cars next year – or at least start my car racing career…. I couldn’t stop racing karts altogether: too much fun!! I will have the opportunity this year to take my ARDS (Association of Racing Drivers Schools) competition license in a Ginetta G40, so I have the option of competing in the Ginetta Junior Championship in 2014. I must say, racing around Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Donington Park in excess of 100mph does sound rather appealing! Although ultimately I would like to race single-seaters, Ginetta is probably my best way forward in terms of experience, budget and exposure for potential sponsors.

I look forward to telling you about my exploits as the year unfolds. I’m hoping that some of you will support me via Team Tom 2013 and maybe even come and see me race when S1 comes to our local track, Larkhall, in July.

Tom www.tom-karting . com tomkarting@ f2s.com Photo - “This year I hope to gain my racing car competition license in a Ginetta G40”

Renfrewshire Amateur Boxing Club

t: 01505 613340

Paisley Chess Club Paisley Chess Club are looking for new members. We welcome players of all ages and abilities. Instruction is available for players new to the game and for the more experienced we have three teams competing in the Glasgow league.

Chess develops creativity, imagination and discipline in people of all ages. The club in run on a friendly basis and in a sociable environment with newcomers always made to feel welcome. We meet on Monday and Wednesday evenings 7.15pm 10pm as well as Thursday afternoons 1.30pm - 4pm.

Paisley has recently added a dedicated junior section for children aged five to fifteen which runs on a Monday night 6pm - 7.15pm and is supervised by a disclosure checked chess coach at all times. The address is 18 Broomland Street, Paisley. Players new to the club are encouraged to try it out for four weeks at no cost before committing to membership.

Please feel free just to turn up or if you require further information go to our website www.paisleychessclub.org.uk

Gryffe Hillwalking Club Constraints of daylight hours and weather was the reasoning behind the decision to schedule our first bus outing of the year to the relatively modest Pentland Hills south of Edinburgh. The trip took place after this issue’s deadline so a report is not yet possible. Later on this year we have planned extended trips to Skye and the Italian Dolomites in addition to our more usual day outings.

If you would like to join us hillwalking or just find out more about us, join us in the Fox & Hounds, Houston on Monday 11th February from 8pm.

Next outing is to Lochearnhead, Sunday 17th February. There are usually walks of various standards on offer. For more information see: www. gryffehillwalkers.co.uk contact John Maclean email: johnalexmaclean@ hotmail.co.uk

Junior Casting Tuition Night Bridge of Weir Angling Club have organised a Tuition Night in the Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir on Wednesday 6th March from 7pm to 9.30pm.

Renfrewshire Amateur Boxing Club is looking to develop their next batch of amateur boxers.

There will be demonstrations by Peter Anderson, British, European and World Fly Casting Champion. Also, Fly-Tying demonstrations by Alistair Keir, world renowned fly-tyer and inventor of ‘Sunburst’.

Boys aged between 9 and 15 years old who are keen to learn to box, develop, spar and eventually compete are invited along to one of our ‘taster’ training sessions.

Raffle prizes include a full fly fishing kit and many more besides. Permits can be paid on the night.

Starting Mon 11th Feb 5pm, and every Mon & Wed 5-6pm thereafter, 88 Clark Street, Paisley, PA3 1RB. Contact Graeme Thomson 07841 518942.

We have vacancies for Juniors and local members. All youngsters under 18 welcome as well as senior members.

Join Sporting Legends and Help Care for Veterans The veterans’ charity Erskine invites you to a terrific night of sport and football to raise vital funds. The annual Erskine Sportsman’s Dinner will be held in the Glasgow Hilton Hotel on Friday 8th March at 7pm.

One of the highlights of the charity’s Fundraising calendar, the evening’s special guests include Old Firm Legends Tosh McKinlay (ex-Celtic and Scotland legend) and Harold Davies (Black Watch veteran and Rangers legend). Host Des Mclean will ensure everything runs smoothly on the night and well known stand up comedian Patrick Rolink will be on hand to provide the laughs.

Tables of ten, for this prestigious event are selling fast. Priced at £550 and individual tickets £60, the evening includes a welcome drink during the drinks reception and a three course dinner with entertainment. There will also be a special Forces discount for serving personnel.

To book your table/ticket and help raise vital funds for the ex-Service men and women of Erskine, please contact Steve McManus, Events Fundraiser at Erskine on 0141 814 4567 or email: Steven.McManus@erskine.org.uk

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Sponsor St Columba’s Equestrian Team Following their recent show jumping success at Kingsbarn Equestrian Centre, St Columba’s is delighted to have been sponsored by McEwen Fraser Legal.

The competition, in which the team finished an impressive second, was a qualifier for the NSEA Championships, held each winter at Paddington Manor Equestrian Centre in Buckinghamshire.

The qualified team consisted of the captain Jessica Lee, Noah Allen, Molly Bower and Olivia Finch. These girls in addition to the other competitors (Emma Findley, Kirsten Findley, Amy Gillespie and Anna Galloway) who have all represented St Columba’s, received personalised goodies from Darren Lee (Regional Manager) from McEwen Fraser Legal. These will be worn to ALL school competitions and training sessions, which are held regularly at Ingliston Equestrian Centre in Bishopton, Renfrewshire.

The NSEA (National Schools Equestrian Association) championships are a prestigious event that all British schools are eligible for. The event at Kings barn was the only Scottish qualifier, meaning competitors travelled from all over the country, clearly demonstrating the ability of the school team.

McEwen Fraser Legal have recently won the highly coveted ‘Best Agent in Scotland Award’, sponsored by the Sunday Times. For more details visit www.mcewanfraserlegal.co.uk

Christmas Fun at Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash Club

Houston Jogging Buddies

Anyone for Hockey?

Greenock Hockey Club would like to invite all age groups of players from 7 years upwards. Current junior, senior, veteran and former players welcomed along with those who fancy giving hockey a ge lla Vi on st ou , 6.30pm at H gs in try. Excellent coaching is provided by Glasgow School of Sport en ev y Monda ies welcome.

Coach, Harry Dunlop. er th Poor weather over the he w Hall. All abilit , age everyone ur co en d or n an Whether you want to strive to be part of the next GB Olympic festive period did not stop lp ho We aim to he n run, a marat in for a 10K fu Team, or to have a figure like hockey player Kate Middleton play for the annual Mulled ople makes pe r he you want to tra ot ith or just want a social outlet, it’s an excellent time to come Wine Tennis Tournament t of the fit. Training w os ep m ke e th to e st ju e fun. We mak th e in or r along for a ‘taster’ session. All abilities welcome. For more at Strathgryffe Tennis & m ei d W an of it easier and Bridge info, please contact Liz on 07944 607005. ible. If Squash Club on Friday 28th ound Houston ss ar po de r si ve try ne un he co day in our runs w s on December. Senior members th M y on m an g er summ come alon sted, please had a fun afternoon on the you are intere ady to run. re or at ch a for 4 indoor tennis courts where 4th evening, just t on Monday they played a mixture of beginners nigh a ng vi ha e We ar both full court tennis and mini ven’t February! tennis swapping partners after re, or if you ha never run befo at ve g ha on u al yo e If m each round. Liz Smith, Assistant le, please co hi w a r d fo ar n rw ru fo Manager at Strathgryffe, provided 30pm - we look 6.15pm for 6. the half time refreshments of soup, u. yo g to meetin mulled wine and cake.

After the final round was played the two highest scoring ladies and gents were drawn to play a mixed doubles tie break final. Fiona Daly & Peter Fraser were the eventual winners beating Helen Dunn & Brian Coyle.

Strathgryffe not only offers the local community the opportunity to take up tennis or squash but also has a fully equipped fitness suite. Any non members who would like to give any of these sports a try should email info@strathgryffe.net or call reception on 01505 615100 for more information.

HU Need Footballers Born In 2003!

Houston United are looking to develop a second team. Any boy or girl born in 2003 who enjoys football is welcome to come along to one of our training sessions on Wednesday evening at Gryffe High School (Astro-turf pitches) from 6pm to 7pm, where the emphasis is on fun and development. For further information call Louis on 07786 484961 or visit www.houstonunited.co.uk

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gardens & outdoors

Aspen Tree Day

Sat 2nd Feb - World Wetland Day Guided Walk - 12noon – 2pm Join the reserve team to explore the wonderful wetland found at Lochwinnoch and find out more about its birds, wildlife and history.

Walk description: Gentle walk along reserve trails led by the RSPB team.

Will also include a look at the Barr Loch, the path to which is uneven and likely to be narrow and muddy in places.

Key species we will look for: whooper swans, wigeon, teal, pochard, tufted ducks. Suitable for: Beginners to experts in birdwatching. General interest in wildlife. Families. Recommendations: Stout footwear, waterproofs and warm clothing recommended. Cost: £5 or £2 for RSPB members. Booking essential as places are limited.

Sat 9th Feb - 11am – 4pm - Young Volunteers Group Join us for the monthly Young Volunteers club, with activities including bird surveying, outdoor work, finding out more about RSPB campaigns and much more. Booking essential and places are limited, so please enquire beforehand. Young persons aged between 12 and 18 can participate.

Participants will be registered as RSPB volunteers.

Wed 13th Feb - 7.30pm – 9pm - Evening Talk: Burns and Birds Robert Burns had a great love of birds and used them to set the scene and the mood in many of his poems and songs. He was a perceptive observer, before the days of modern binoculars and telescopes, far less field guides.

He had a detailed knowledge of plumage, habitat, diet, behaviour and status.

In short, he was birdwatcher! In this talk Chris Rollie, RSPB Scotland area manager, looks into Burns’s remarkable knowledge of birds and illustrates this with images and examples from Burns’s works. Cost: £5 or £2 for RSPB members. Booking essential as places are limited.

Lochwinnoch based social enterprise Eadha Enterprises will be holding an Aspen Tree Day on Saturday 9th March to promote the conservation of rare native aspen.

We are looking for lots of willing volunteers to help us plant 100 trees grown in our nursery along by the River Calder. The event will raise awareness about aspen and the work of Eadha Enterprises.

This project has been funded by the Central Scotland Green Network.

Meet at Castle Semple Visitor Centre at 10am. A short talk will be conducted at the centre prior to the planting. Light refreshments will be provided on return to the centre.

For more information, please visit www.eadha.co.uk

Snowdrop Walk Ardgowan Estate

Sat 16th Feb - 11am - 3pm - Build a bird a home!

Want to give a home to a bird this spring? Join us to help build and decorate nest boxes as part of National Nest Box Week.

Cost: £7 or £3 for RSPB members (includes a nest box to take home).

We’re getting close to the new growing season and time to think about seed potatoes, what crops we would like to grow this year and what varieties to choose. With the continuing rising prices in the shops there’s no better time to get yourself out on the plot and grow your own vegetables. It’s early days yet for planting on the site but I know that a few members have been working away on the few decent days that we’ve had recently getting things sorted out and tidied up ready for the new season.

At our Community Allotment Gardens site in Sersely Drive, Kilbirnie, we have plots available of various sizes -whether you are a novice or an experienced gardener looking for more growing space, we can help.

If you are interested in taking up our offer of fresh air, exercise, meeting new people and of course getting free food, please contact our membership secretary Joyce, joyce.macalister@sky.com, or check out our Facebook page and our website www.gvaa.co.uk

It’s snowdrop time again! Come along on Sunday 17th February at Ardgowan Estate and enjoy a walk through the beautiful policies.

Lady Shaw Stewart has kindly agreed to allow the gardens to be open on that day with charities benefiting, mainly Ardgowan Hospice.

Admission is £2 and there will be lovely homemade teas at a nominal price. Waterproof shoes are sometimes a good idea.

Paisley Afternoon Flower Club Join us for a relaxing & entertaining afternoon in the Main Hall, the Wynd Centre, School Wynd, Paisley at 2pm on Tuesday 26th February. The demonstrator is Elizabeth Paterson from Carluke who will be giving a Flower arranging demonstration entitled ‘Floral Album’. For more information please contact:- Kate Stockwell (Secretary) 0141 585 7362.

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At last, the days are (slowly) getting longer again and the snowdrops are in flower. Many woodland creatures will be becoming more active.

Hedgehogs may be finishing hibernation as the temperature increases, and while the Grey Squirrel doesn’t hibernate in winter it will have used up much of the stores of nuts and seeds buried to last through the cold, lean times of winter. In February they will be able to forage for fresh food to feed their first litter of 3 to 4 kittens.

There are a large amount of molehills appearing on grassy areas in the woods, the reason for this is that it has been a bumper year for worms (the moles food source) with mild rainy weather. The mole population has expanded so young moles are spreading out to find new territories.

For any photographers among you the mist and low angle of the sun can make for some dramatically beautiful scenes in the early morning or evening and there are some fine views over the Clyde from the gardens.

February Events Snowdrop strolls with a Ranger – Every Sunday in February - 2pm Join a 1 hour guided walk to explore the beautiful, white carpet of snowdrops in the woodlands. Snowdrop posies and potted bulbs for sale in February. Snowdrop bulbs ‘in the green’ available in March Lantern Making for the ‘Lantern lit Snowdrop Trail’ 2pm on Tuesday the 12th and Wednesday the 13th February. Fun filled craft activity aimed at children up to 10 years old, must be accompanied by an adult.

Lantern Lit Snowdrop Trail – Saturday 23rd Feb - 7pm Bring your lanterns and join the lantern and candle lit trail to see the snowdrops by moonlight, performances by the Port Glasgow High drama group. Advanced booking required.

Snowdrops Snowdrops are a big deal here at Finlaystone. All through February vast carpets of the little white flowers grace our woods, so here are a few facts about our little friend Galanthus. Snowdrops most probably entered the British Isles in the 16th century, like the surgeon’s scalpel they can kill or cure – snowdrops are poisonous if eaten, but also contain a chemical that can be used as a ‘brain enhancer’ to treat Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Snowdrops come in two varieties, single or double This does not mean two flowers, but twice the amount of petals (or more) in a single flower. This is best seen when you look at the hanging flower bell from below, usually snowdrops have just three petals with three stamens (the male part) in the middle, double flowers have replaced the stamens with extra petals and so cannot produce pollen. We delight in seeing these early flowers. By storing nutrients in a bulb the previous year, they can shoot up leaves and flower well before grasses swamp them or before the leaves of the trees above them cut out the vital sunshine. There is also less competition in attracting insects that are vital for pollination. Snowdrops are emerging earlier and earlier as the climate changes, Kew Gardens have been monitoring emerging times since the 50’s (when they only came out in February), now they often emerge in January. Medically important, and an early indicator of climate change. Not just a pretty flower then!

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The Pirate Ship Sails Again!

The ship is seaworthy again after the great storms of last February destroyed the last one. It’s been renamed and launched. I can now reveal that we chose ‘Finlay’s Phoenix’ to the delight of pirate captain Finlay Stone, who I quote here “It be a fine ship indeed, plunderous and sturdy – well done to first mate …. Fer naming her, I hope there be many visitors to crew her as we sail the woods in search of booty!”

Check out photos of the event on Facebook.

The lucky winner of the naming contest also won a family ticket to see the Paisley Pirates ice hockey team, a cutlass, a pirate cap, a monkey, a jolly roger flag and some chocolate doubloons.

Many thanks to the Paisley Pirates for supporting us.

Garden Report The first batches of the famous Finlaystone snowdrops popped their heads through the soil in the middle of January, indicating to us that the new growing season has begun, however February really provides the best display; the snowdrop trail and woodland areas host the vast majority of them but small groups can be seen throughout the formal gardens. If you would like to create your own snowdrop drifts; we have small pots of freshly dug up snowdrops for sale at reception, these are in peat pots and can be enjoyed then planted directly into the garden. We also have small snowdrop posies for sale; these will brighten up the home or can be placed by the graveside. After the flowering period we will have our snowdrop bulbs (in the green) for sale, which can be planted immediately, ensuring a good start to their establishment and a good show of flower next year. As the demand for these is very high, it is advisable to phone in your order in advance or place it at reception; we sell both single and double varieties.

Two magnificent plants in bloom in January are the Mahonia and Rhododendron, these should still flower well into February, along with some Hellebores in the winter border and fine specimens of the silk tassel shrub (Garrya eliptica). A large specimen of Hamamilis (witch hazel) can be found in a bed at the far end of the garden near the tennis court. The gardens do not close during winter and there’s always something to see, so why not pop along and enjoy the views, whilst having a peaceful stroll during the ‘quieter’ months.

Willie Sinclair (Head gardener)

Renfrewshire RSPB Local Group The next meeting of Renfrewshire RSPB Local Group will be on Friday 1st February at 7.30pm at the McMaster Centre Donaldson Drive Renfrew PA4 8LX. It will be an illustrated talk entitled ‘Birds and other wildlife in Dorset’ by Jim Coyle. All welcome.

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FEBRUARY 2013

e: info@advertizer.co.uk

t: 01505 613340

February In The Garden This is when it all begins! As light levels and temperatures increase and the soil in the garden starts to warm, plants are appearing heralding the spring.

Galanthus nivalis [common snowdrop]

Bridge of Weir Horticultural Society The Society held its AGM on 13th December, followed by mince pies and mulled wine. We opened 2013 with a talk and slide show from local resident Duncan McEwan. Duncan is an award winning freelance photographer and his work has been widely published. In 2010, he was appointed the official photographer to Team Scotland for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

His wide range of subject matter includes flora and an informative set of photographs were presented to members. Duncan gave lots of helpful tips as he went through each photograph and pointed out aspects to achieve more interesting pictures - such as aperture control, shutter speed and use of soft light to avoid burn out and loss of detail. The use of backlighting was discussed and shots taken from lying on the ground and overhead angles, all demonstrated the assessment of the most flattering viewpoint. His talk was enjoyed by those who take a more technical approach to their photographs to those of us who just point and hope for the best. It gave food for thought that just a few seconds of assessment can make such a difference to the end result. The photo here is very much a click and hope shot of a passion flower growing on a conservatory wall, oh how much Duncan could have done to flatter this image!

Duncan kindly presented a copy of his book ‘Glasgow - Classic then and now photographs’ into the raffle draw. Copies of this book can also be purchased from ‘The Bridge’.

Our next talk in the British Legion Hall is on 14th February at 8pm entitled ‘Flowers of Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’ and the speaker will be Kathleen Cartwright. As usual, everyone is welcome.

This stunning snowdrop is the traditional sign of life returning to the garden after a bleak winter. It can be planted in drifts beneath trees and shrubs, or among evergreen ground-hugging plants. Bulbs can be bought in full leaf ‘in the green’ and planted in soil refreshed with plenty of organic matter, with paler foliage planted under the ground, for flowers next winter and more to come.

Crocus chrysanthus ‘Cream Beauty’ It’s possible to have a succession of crocus blooms all the way through from autumn to spring, but it is the winter flowering species that are most welcome.

The cultivar ‘Cream Beauty’ one of the loveliest of the winter-flowering crocuses, will survive and flower in the most severe conditions. It needs well-drained soil in an open position. Will not increase beneath trees.

Helleborous orientalis [Lenten rose] The colours of this winter plant range from pink to purple and near-black and the flowers may be shaped like bowls or saucers, whose sepals are spotted or streaked with combinations of soft green, dark pink or purple. Broad, dark green leaves appear after the plant has flowered, and stay throughout the year, lending emphasis to summer’s hues. Lenten roses look good anywhere in the garden, but especially if planted among snowdrops and bright yellow winter aconites.

Inverclyde Members’ Centre of the National Trust for Scotland Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 6th February, when our speaker will be Lyn Dunachie on “Eastern Bhutan - a modern Shangri-La? All are welcome with non-members being asked to make a £2 donation which includes tea and biscuits.

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Eranthis hyemalis [winter aconite] Let this cheerful little woodland aconite seed itself underneath deciduous trees and shrubs to form a carpet of green and yellow.

Buttercup-like flowers open with the sun, and when they are over the glossy leaves remain to provide an attractive ground cover through the spring.

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Clyde Muirshiel Round Up New All Abilities Path Opens Access in Parkhill Wood We have delight in advising that the new all abilities path has now opened allowing everyone access to Parkhill Wood from Johnshill Field. We appreciate your patience during the works and we hope you will agree that the new surfaces will make it easier for wheelchairs, horses, bikes and walkers to get around and enjoy all that the wood has to offer.

Year of Natural Scotland 2013 There’s nowhere better to celebrate the Year of Natural Scotland than at Clyde Muirshiel, Scotland’s largest Regional Park, look out for our jampacked events and activities programme online! We have something for everyone including a number of new and special activities for 2013 only!

Clyde Muirshiel Explorer Join our experienced outdoor activities team and our wildlife expert on April 11th – 14th or 18th – 21st for a memorable, fully catered, wildlife viewing experience on the Firth of Clyde aboard the Clyde Muirshiel Explorer, a luxury yacht. Gain wildlife identification skills as well as sailing skills from our Yachtmaster. This trip is unique to the Year of Natural Scotland and costs just £330 per person. Book now by calling 01505 842 882 Ex 20.

Sun 10th Feb - Animal Crime Scene

Stargazing Continues at Muirshiel Centre

Sun 17th Feb - Fun Science Day

The Winter Stargazing Evenings at the Regional Park’s dark sky location will continue on 8th Feb & 8th Mar. Thanks to the 55 people who came up to the special kilted evening in January! If you are planning to attend please book your FREE place by phoning 01505 842 803.

New Volunteer Programmes Online NOW! If you are looking for a great way of meeting like-minded people, getting out and active, or are keen to learn a range of new skills, the Regional Park can help. We have a Thursday programme underway at Castle Semple and a Saturday programme at Greenock Cut Centre. Look on the Park’s volunteer page for more details and other opportunities or contact the Rangers at the Visitor Centre.

Events:Fri 1st Feb - Tue 19th Feb - Art in the Park Annual Exhibition of traditional and contemporary works by Lochwinnoch Art Group. Most works are available to purchase.

Will you accept the mission to be nature detectives and find out who kidnapped Sammy Squirrel? No animals were harmed in the making of this event.

Parkhill Wood Entrance (just off cycle track) - 1pm - 3pm finishing at Castle Semple. Tel: 01505 842 882 Ex 20 Come along and try out some simple scientific experiments – you’ll be amazed at the results!

Greenock Cut Visitor Centre - 1pm - 3pm. Tel: 01475 521 458

Sun 24th Feb - Green Wood Working Watch the Rangers cleave freshly cut green wood and fashion it into useful items using traditional techniques - then have a go yourself!

Muirshiel Visitor Centre - 1pm - 3.30pm. Tel: 01505 842 803

Mon 25th Feb - Sun 10th Mar - Fairtrade Fortnight Find out about Fairtrade, enjoy a coffee, some chocolate and other Fairtrade goods in a warm scenic location. Support Lochwinnoch, a Fairtrade village since 2008.

Castle Semple Visitor Centre - all day - Tel: 01505 842 882 ext 20 Booking essential for all events, contact the centre to book your FREE place. Charges apply for outdoor activity courses.

Castle Semple Visitors Centre - 10am - 3.30pm daily. Tel: 01505 842 882 ext 20

Fri 8th Feb Stargazing Evening Join staff from the Coats Observatory in Paisley at our dark sky site.

Tonight’s topic will be ‘Mercury’. Indoor lecture if poor weather.

Muirshiel Visitor Centre - 7pm - 9pm. Tel: 01505 842 803.

Sat 9th Feb - Sun 15th Apr - Photographic Exhibition on Tour A display of prize winners and entries from the 2012 ‘Capturing Creativity in Clyde Muirshiel’ competition.

Greenock Cut Visitor Centre - 11am - 3pm (weekends only until end of March). Tel: 01475 521 458.

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FEBRUARY 2013

e: info@advertizer.co.uk

Re-Homing Pets Can you offer a home to any of our featured pets?

Inverclyde Cats Protection Gemma is an old lady who needs a home where she will be loved and cared for and can remain for the rest of her life.

She is looking for a home where she will be treated with lots of love and kindness.

She is on thyroid medication as she came in poorly and grossly underweight, but is now on the mend and starting to put on weight and gain confidence.

Bruno - a 1-2 yr old American Bulldog Bruno is a friendly boy who will require an experienced owner. He would suit a family home with older children. Bruno will need further training and further socialisation. If you can offer Bruno a loving home, please call and quote ref 133621.

Dixie - a 3 yr old Cross Breed Dixie is a lovely, friendly girl who is eager to please. She is full of fun and energy and listens well to commands. Dixie would suit a family home with older children and would thrive on plenty of exercise. If you can offer Dixie a loving home, please call and quote ref 132057.

Suzie was living as a stray, at around a year old we can only assume she is one of the many discarded kittens from last year, thrown out like some old toy. She is a timid wee cat but will be very affectionate once she gets to know you. She needs a forever home where she will be loved and cared for the rest of her life.

Max - an 8 year old Labrador

Peppe is a lovely girl who needs a forever home. Peppe came to us after her owner had to move into a woman’s refuse and was unable to take Peppe with her. She needs a loving, forever home where she can remain for the rest of her days and be loved and cared for by someone who will allow her to be a special member of the family.

Dog Rehoming

To contact the Inverclyde Branch please call us on 07740 947160. All rehomings are subject to a successful home visit.

Renfrewshire Cats Protection Jack is a very quiet, polite lad of around 4/5 years old. He is not a lapcat, but absolutely loves being fussed. Jack likes to go out for a short while after breakfast but comes in after about 10 minutes. Sometimes goes out for an hour or two, later on, if the weather is nice. Quite a sedate, self-sufficient, independent little person, but very lovable.

He would like to be the only cat in the house and preferably not with young children as he likes all the attention for himself. Ref:MB Dexter is a big, quiet ginger and white boy of around 3 years old. He is quite a shy boy to begin with but is great when you get to know him. He is frightened of his own shadow and tends to panic if he thinks he is being cornered. He does love a good clap and will lie beside you on the couch. Surprisingly he does not go out very much, usually only to do the toilet and then he comes straight back in. He is a lovely big boy and his fosterer has a real soft spot for him. We feel he would need to be rehomed to someone without children and probably a quite home.

Ref: TA Charlie is a youthful 3 year old boy.

He is a handsome big boy and just adores his home comforts. He enjoys attention but is not willing to share his new home with other animals! He also loves access to the big outdoors. ref: LW To contact the Renfrewshire Branch on 0141 876 4133. All rehomings are subject to a successful home visit.

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t: 01505 613340

Max is a gorgeous, friendly older chap who is looking for a new, forever home. He loves attention and would enjoy a warm cosy home to laze around in. Max would suit a family home with older children. If you can offer Max a loving home, please call and quote ref 135212.

Rehoming a dog can be a dramatic change to your home and your lifestyle.

Therefore, the decision to rehome should not be taken lightly. There are many types of dogs available to rehome and it is important to choose a breed which will suit you. We can offer advice and support - just give us a call or visit our rescue and rehoming centres.

While we try to establish the background of every dog in our care, sometimes this isn’t possible due to dogs being strays, unwanted or victims of abuse.

We will always tell you if we know or believe dogs are not suitable for homes with young children. The rehoming fee for a dog is £115 and £125 for a puppy. Every dog we rehome will be neutered (subject to veterinary advice) and we offer free neutering if dogs are too young to be neutered when rehomed. The fee also covers veterinary checks, vaccinations and microchipping.

Cookie & Sparkle - 3yr old females Cookie and Sparkle are a gorgeous pair who are looking for a new, forever home together. They love each other company and would suit a family home with older children. If you can offer Cookie and Sparkle a loving home, please call and quote ref no’s 128655 and 128653.

Rabbit Rehoming Rabbits are a very popular pet, particularly for families with young children.

Unfortunately, rabbits are widely available and often bought without a full understanding of their care needs, which frequently leads to rabbits being neglected or abandoned in the wild. Rabbits can be fantastic pets and are often best kept in pairs. If you are considering rehoming a rabbit to accompany a current pet then they must be introduced safely and any males and females being kept together should be neutered. All of our rescue rabbits are rehomed with full veterinary checks. Rehoming fees can vary for £15 to £20.

To contact the centre about any animals, please telephone 03000 999 999 or visit www.scottishspca.org/rehoming

Rescue Centres Dogs Trust Glasgow: 0141-773-5130 - www.dogstrust.org.uk Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue: 01505-502415 - www.hessilhead.org.uk Inverclyde Rescue/Petsearch: 01475-637575 Inverclyde Cat Protection: 07740-947160 - www.inverclyde.cats.org.uk Renfrewshire Cat Protection: 0141-876-4133 - www.renfrewshire.cats.org.uk Scottish SPCA: 0141-882-1688 - www.scottishspca.org

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pets & wildlife

gardens & outdoors news

55

Mountains Animal Sanctuary Mountains Animal Sanctuary is a registered charity receiving no government financial support, so we rely on volunteer work, gifts, retail sales and donations. We are Scotland’s largest re-homing and adoption centre for horses, ponies and donkeys.

On early hours of 10th December, a Monday morning about 3.30am, Mountains Animal Sanctuary was broken into. All our donations from the previous day at our Nativity Concert were taken, as was stock from our Visitors Centre and our unique much loved carved horse Milton, who we used for our Armistice Service.

Plugs were put in sinks and taps left running so the visitors c e n t r e was also flooded, the office was completely wrecked.

A supporter of ours has set up a Just Giving page so any donations no matter how small will help towards recouping our losses - www.justgiving.com/ helpMAS

Wanted - Cat Food Donations Sheena at Johnstone Cat Rescue is appealing for cat food donations. Our fund raising is very slow at this time of year and we are struggling to cope - Your help would be most appreciated. Sheena can be contacted on 01505 337321.

If your pet has gone missing & you would like to place a notice in The Advertizer, please call 01505 613340 or email info@advertizer.co.uk.

We can also put updates on our website & Facebook.

This service is free of charge!

g.uk

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business classified Trades and Services

advertising

business ad rates: TRADES & SERVICES Black & White ads only Lineage: up to 20 words £12.00* Boxed ad: £6.60* per column cm PROPERTY & HOLIDAY HOMES CARS FOR SALE Lineage: up to 20 words £12.00* Boxed ad: £6.60* per column cm Photo: add £6.00* (colour) *all prices subject to VAT The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS The Law requires that Advertisers selling goods in the course of a business MUST include the word Trader, Dealer, Agent, Breeder or appropriate wording in the Advertisement to distinguish from private advertisers.

BUSINESS SERVICES ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FROM ONLY £15.84 PER MONTH (incl. VAT & discounts)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY

CHILDCARE Houston registered childminders. For an informal chat to find your best childcare, call Elizabeth Waddell T: 614925 Kilmacolm/Quarriers area registered childminders. P/time or F/time vacancies for u-5’s and after school. T: 873839.

The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS The Law requires that Advertisers selling goods in the course of a business MUST include the word Trader, Dealer, Agent, Breeder or appropriate wording in the Advertisement to distinguish from private advertisers.

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councillors RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk Ward 7 - Johnstone South, Elderslie and Howwood Councillors John Caldwell, John Hood, Stephen McGee and Iain McMillan Wa r d 8 - J o h n s t o n e N o r t h , K i l b a r c h a n a n d Lochwinnoch Councillors Derek Bibby, Andy Doig and Christopher Gilmour Ward 9 - Houston, Crosslee and Linwood Councillors Stuart Clark, Audrey Doig, Anne Hall and Allan Noon Ward 10 - Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank Councillors Maria Brown, Mike Holmes and James Maclaren

INVERCLYDE COUNCIL: www.inverclyde.gov.uk Ward 1 - Inverclyde East (Port Glasgow, Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village Councillors David Wilson, Jim MacLeod, Stephen McCabe and James McColgan

TUITION

useful numbers Emergency Services

Airports

EMERGENCY CALL...... ...........................999 or 112 Floodline......0845 988 1188 Gas Emergency...... ......................0800 111 999 Pollution Report...... .....................0800 80 70 60 Scottish Water...... ....................0845 601 8855 Hospitals NHS 24........0845 424 2424 Royal Alexandra...... .....................0141 887 9111 Inverclyde Royal...... .....................01475 633777 Councils Inverclyde....01475 717171 Renfrewshire...... ....................0141 842 5000 Police Crimestoppers...... ......................0800 555 111 Greenock.....01475 492500 Johnstone....01505 404000 Paisley.........0141 532 5900 Pitt St, Glasgow...... ....................0141 532 2000

Glasgow......0870 040 0008 Prestwick......01292 511000 Edinburgh . . . . 0 8 7 0 0 4 0 0007 Roads R.A.L.F........0800 028 1414 Traveline.....0871 200 2233

Helplines Alcoholics Anon...... ....................08457 697 555 Childline..............0800 1111 Citizens Advice...... ....................0844 848 9600 Consumer Direct...... ...................08454 04 05 06 Financial Serv Authority...... ....................0845 606 1234 Missing People...... ......................0500 700 700 ParentLine...... ....................0808 800 2222 Renfrewsh’ Care 24...... ....................0141 887 5261 Samaritans...... ...................08457 90 90 90 Trading Standards...... ....................0141 840 3184 Victim Support...... ...................08456 03 92 13

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FRIDAY 15 FEB MARCH ‘13 ISSUE: • Deadline: 15th Feb • Delivery: 1st Mar APRIL ‘13 ISSUE: • Deadline: 15th Mar • Delivery: 29th Mar SITUATIONS VACANT

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miscellaneous

pets & animalS

PROPERTY for Sale or Let

HOLIDAY HOMES

TLC for pets. Dog walking, cat feeding. Spaces in Bridge of Weir and Houston. Reasonable rates. Contact Carol on 01505 690264 or 07837 457413.

Pee, Poop ‘n’ Play. Dog walking, cat/puppy/small animal visits.

Competitive rates. Tel: 01505 614725 / 07722 090339.

FLORIDA: superb selection of hand-picked villas and condos near Disney and Gulf Coast. Rates from £250 per wk - also property purchase service with rental support. Call Hazel on 01505 613603 www.floridaselectvillas.com

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FROM ONLY £15.84 PER MONTH (incl. VAT & discounts)

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sales & wants Items For Sale Baby Equipment Mamas & Papas plastic booster seat for dining - immaculate condition. £15. Tel: 07540 596415.

Mamas & Papas rocker ride on - ideal for baby or toddler £20. Tel: 07540 596415.

Avent express steam steriliser - VGC - £10. Tel: 07540 596415.

Mammas and Pappas baby changing table and bathing unit. Perfect condition. Cost £50. Will accept £15 for quick sale. Tel 07538 682 679.

Real nappies, 14 total inc Wonderoos, littlelamb and motherease, plus bucket. Exc clean unmarked condition.

Over £120 new, now £40. Tel: 01505 704976.

Chicco S3 All-Terrain Stroller, Carrycot, Car Seat, Raincovers. Birth - 3 Years (boy or girl). Pet and smoke free. Accept £60 (paid over £600, exc cond!) Tel: 07772 220504.

Chicco winter London stroller in blue. Pet and smoke free.

Accept £20 (exc cond!) Tel: 0777 222 05 04.

Mamas and Papas Moses basket with mattress, as new £20 (boy or girl). Pet and smoke free. Tel: 07772 220504.

Britax ASIS car seat. Suitable for age 9 months to approx 4 years. 9 - 18 kg. In excellent condition. Never been in any accidents. Forward facing, and reclines. £35. Tel: 01505 705172.

Britax Freeway Excel car seat.

Suitable for age 9 months to approx 4 years of age.

9 - 18 kg. In excellent condition. Forward facing. Never been in any accidents. Used in Gran’s car..Reclines for comfort. £35. Tel: 01505 705172.

Motorola MBP10 Baby Monitor, audio sensor, portable, good digital range, adjustable volume control, sound activated lights, high sensitivity.

Used once. £20. Tel: 07730 541977.

Britax child car seat, for ages 3 - 11. VGC. £15. Tel: 01505 331922.

Clothes & Shoes St Columba girls blazer. VGC. Size 36” chest (96cm). £60 ono. Tel: 07785 232675.

St Columba boys blazer. VGC. Size 40” chest (102cm). £70 ono. Tel: 07785 232675.

Ladies navy blue leather jacket, size 14, casual ‘denim jacket’ style. Hardly worn. £8. Tel: 01505 704976.

Frank Usher 3 piece wedding outfit. Pale pink - long skirt, jacket & beaded top. Perfect cond. Size 12. £50. Tel: 01475 540141.

Household & Garden Mothercare child bed (pine) and mattress - full length single, but low height, with detachable cot side. (Buyer collect) £40. Tel: 01505 331922.

Household & Garden Moving sale. John Lewis wooden blinds for all house. One year old. Offers when seen. Tel: 07772 220504.

Classic collection HIFI dark wood unit with matching set 3 nest tables. Immaculate. £50.

Tel: 01505 842189.

6 solid pine kitchen/dining room chairs. Good cond. Collection required. £80ono. Tel: 07763 007306.

Fantasia ceiling fan in brass/ mahogany finish in very good condition £25. Tel: 01505 873610.

Black leather 2 seater sofa. £85. Tel: 01505 706855.

Navy leather ikea poang chair with mahogany wood. £35.

Tel: 01505 706855.

Mahogany corner tv unit. £40.

Tel: 01505 706855.

Mahogany sideboard with glass door. £50. Tel: 01505 706855.

Mahogany Cd/hifi unit with glass door. £30. Tel: 01505 706855.

Marks and Spencer’s Westbury Tapestry Chenill Suite in natural/gold in exc condition.

3 Seater Sofa, 2 Seater Sofa, 1 Tub Chair. £190. Buyer collects. Tel: 07887 841 045 or 01505 612243.

Marks and Spencer’s Tub Chair in natural/beige with leaf design in exc condition. £50.

Buyer collects. Tel: 07887 841 045 or 01505 612243.

Habitat oak tripod standing lamp with stunning red shade.

New. Around 5ft high. Cost £200. Will accept £79. Tel: 07538 682679.

Outdoor lighting kit. 10 x Blue LED low voltage lights with outdoor supply box. Brand new in box. £13. Tel: 01505 704976.

IKEA computer desk. Light wood. Exc cond. Buyer must collect. £15. Tel: 07427 567853.

Vax Powermax Carpet Washer.

Upright Bagless. Used once.

Exc cond. Cost £99. Will sell £35 for quick sale. Tel: 07538 682679.

Upright ‘Thurmer’ Piano. Ideal for beginner. VGC. Regularly maintained. £250 ono. Tel: 07785 232675.

Echo Hostess Trolley. VGC. Includes four dishes. Buyer must uplifts. £20. Tel: 01505 331326.

2 seat leather sofa, very dark brown (almost black) with dark wooden feet. Originally from Reid. Good condition.

Approx 155cm at widest. £100. Tel: 07932 564587.

New pure wool carpet piece in cream with subtle stripes.

Suitable to fit a stairway or bedroom. Only £60. Tel: 07772 220504.

Moving sale. Grey Indesit washing machine. Exc cond for £50. Tel: 07772 220504.

5 cushion covers - 3 gold Chenille fabric, 1 red & 1 blue of other fabric. Rough size 17” square. £10 for all. Tel: 07730 541977.

Readymade curtains, Royal Doulton Gold leaf/traditional design, 2 pairs included, 1 set of tiebacks. 64 width x 54 drop, cream lining, smoke & pet-free home. Deep, rich gold colour. £25. Tel: 07730 541977.

Dining chairs, set of 6, Ercol triple fleur-de-lys design, cushion pads included but need recovered, £60. Tel: 01505 326577.

Readymade curtains, Curtina, stone and white, leaf style design, 66” width x 69” drop, unlined, smoke & petfree home. £10. Tel: 07730 541977.

Audio speaker splitter, Bandridge, input 2 X 75 watt max with switchable controls for up to 4 pairs of monitor speakers. Used once. £20.

Tel: 07730 541977.

TV aerial booster - Labgear, mains powered booster for low signal reception. Improves picture quality for terrestrial TV reception. £10.

Tel: 07730 541977.

Two seater sofa with dark blue fixed cover. Good condition. £25. Tel 01505 690606.

221_FEB13_56-59 CLASSIFIED.ind.indd 58

Speakers, Denon SC-M2 speakers, 70 watts, 6 OHMS, dark wood finish, great quality, hardly used. £40. Tel: 07730 541977.

Nespresso Pixie Coffee Machine - Brand New still boxed unopened, RRP £140. Accept £75 ono. Tel: 07450 218330 or 01505 349421.

1 Ikea 2 drawer Filing CabinetSize width 0.435 m x length 0.845 m x height 0.94 m. £20.

Tel: 01505 610408.

2 x Office Cupboards - 0.70m high x 0.60m wide x 0.805m long + 1 shelf each. £20 each.

Tel: 01505 610408.

Work Top Area – 1.65 m long x 0.6m wide x 0.70 m high. £15.

Tel: 01505 610408.

Two large armchairs with dark red, removable covers.

Good condition. £25 each.

Tel 01505 690606.

Traditional solid wood desk - drawers on both sides.

Good condition. £20 - can deliver locally (PA13) Tel: 07876 563769.

Chipper - Black and Decker, 1500 watt electric machine.

Blades need sharpened and priced to sell. £25. Delivery possible. Tel: 07730 541977.

Pets Stirlingshire Saddlery 17.5” general purpose saddle with safety stirrups for sale, good condition. £250ono. Tel: 01505 614614.

Hamster cage - Savic 3 Level plus wheel, house and full range of accessories. Reasonable condition. £20 ono.

Tel: 01505 613046.

Sports Sports Apollo Firechief Boys Bike - 12”. Exc cond. £20.

Tel: 07772 220504.

Golf Buddy GPS Platinum 40,000 courses free updates original box and instructions etc. £100. Tel: 01505 873729 or 07968 561739.

Marin hybrid mens road bike - recently serviced and upgrade cost £160. Will suit medium height 5’11”. Includes custom made wheels and disc brakes. Cost £700. Great condition - accept £195. Tel: 07538 682679.

Townsend Romera Ladies 18 gear mountain bike in perfect condition. Used once. Will accept £39 for quick sale and garage clear out. Tel: 07538 682679.

Mens Bike. Exc cond. Sell at £40. Tel: 07772 220504.

Gents Harlem PO7 21” frame bike, with front suspension.

Excellent condition, as rarely used. £50. Tel: 01475 540141.

Halfords rear high mount bicycle carrier. Virtually new. £20 for quick sale. Tel: 07432 091606.

Junior golf bag (Dunlop). As new. £6. Tel: 01505 610293.

Riding boots, full length black, Harry Hall make, Size 4.

As new. £12. Tel: 01505 610293.

Toys/Games/DVD Playstation 2 slimline New in Box plus golf and tomb raider games. Will accept £49. Tel: 07538 682679.

Play garage (vroom planet

by Smoby) 3 storey with ramps, lift, road signs and car.

Clean used condition. £8. Tel: 01505 704976.

Megabloks 2x80 brick bags, can’t split sorry. Exc cond. £10. Tel: 01505 704976.

Girls raleigh bike. Pink and silver. 6 gears. 20” wheel.

Suit age approx 7-10. £10.

Tel: 07932 564587.

ELEFUN butterfly catching game, exc boxed cond. £3.

Tel: 01505 704976.

IKEA play tunnel, light blue canvas type. VGC. £3. Tel: 01505 704976 14 Sega Mega Drive games, gd.cond, box, instructions.

Free. Tel: 01505 613300.

Junior ready steady cook marshmallow maker. Never used. £5. Tel: 01505 874103.

Baby born doll with singing potty. £5 Tel: 01505 874103.

Selection of cuddly toys including 2 bear factory and talking leopard. Exc cond. £15 Tel: 01505 874103.

FIFA 2009 WII game. Never used. £5.Tel: 01505 874103.

Batman Begins (C Bale). DVD £4 Tel: 01505 874103.

Hannah Montana Twister with DVD £5. Tel: 01505 874103.

Ludo Board Game Box still s e a l e d £ 5 . Te l : 0 1 5 0 5 874103.

3 x Disney Princess Cushions £10 Tel: 01505 874103.

Secret Seven books - facelift version, complete set of books from 1 to 15, all in excellent condition. £10 for the lot. Tel: 01505 872442.

Build a bear clothes in exc cond. £1 per item. Tel: 01505 610293.

Other Items Olympus C-460 digital zoom camera with case manual and software CD. £20. Tel: 01505 873729 or 07968 561 739.

Silver chain with Nefertite pendant, new. £26. Tel: 07517 065917.

Silver chain unique design, artist’s work, brand new. £23.

Tel: 07517 065917.

Admiral vintage men’s sports jumper. £20. Tel: 07517 065917.

Rangers football club money box (collectibles). £10. Tel: 07517 065917.

Amber necklace unique design, new. £60. Tel: 07517 065917.

Pocket watches,50 years old, various types. £30-35, Tel: 07517 065917.

Repsol Elite Competition Motor Oil. 5W40. 3x1Litre. £5 each or £10 for lot. Tel: 01505 704976.

Ratchet straps x 2. 1inch wide straps. Used Condition. £2.

Tel: 01505 704976.

Minolta XG2 SLR camera (1972), Minolta 50mm lens, Vivitar 70-150 zoom lens with 2x matched multiplier, Panagor 28mm wide angle lens, Minolta 200x flash. Free. Tel: 01505 613300.

Tent. Cabanon Pyramide 4.

Canvas. Family tent suitable for 2 adults plus 2-4 youngsters. Extension, full groundsheet etc. £120ono.

Tel: 01505 702713.

Ratchet Straps x 3. 1” x 15 feet with hooks, still boxed. £2 each or £5 for all 3. Tel: 01505 704976.

Air filter cleaning fluid, 4litre bottle, (opened for 1 filter). £20 full, accept £10 ono. Tel: 01505 704976.

Wanted Items Old records Wanted 45`s & LP`s CASH Paid. Tel: 07710 777571.

Cash paid for Music CDs ( a few or a lot ). Tel: 0141 882 5594 or 07765 115347.

advertising

sales & wants ad rates: UP TO £200 ....... FREE £201 to £500 ..... £5.00 £501 to £1000 ... £10.00 OVER £1000 ..... Call for details.

Use our Sales & Wants form below and post to The Advertizer, Neva Place, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3PN. or email your items to info@advertizer.co.uk The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS The Law requires that Advertisers selling goods in the course of a business MUST include the word Trader, Dealer, Agent, Breeder or appropriate wording in the Advertisement to distinguish from private advertisers.

CONTENT OF THE GRYFFE ADVERTIZER CANNOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT PRIOR CONSENT FROM THE PUBLISHER. The Gryffe Advertizer is a magazine published by The Gryffe Advertizer Ltd

Advertising throughout The Gryffe Advertizer: 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 Advertisement (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 Editorial is strictly at the discretion of the Publisher.

• The Publisher shall not be 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 the 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 approved by the Advertising Client prior to 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 agrees to indemnify the Publisher in respect of all costs, damages or other charges falling upon the Publisher as the result of legal actions or threatened legal actions arising from the publication of the Advertisement, or any one or more of the series of Advertisements, published in accordance with the copy instructions supplied to 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.

Editorial throughout The Gryffe Advertizer: The opinions of the Contributors to this Publication are not necessarily the official views of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to edit or refuse any material submitted for publication.

24/01/2013 14:12:23

business directory ADVERTISERS - A to Z @ease Removals & Transport . . . . . . 3 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,3 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . . 12 A O’Hare - Building Services . . . . 5 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 51 A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . . . . . 8 Abbey Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Aileen Ferguson Hypnotherapy . . . 26 Alistair Stewart - Driving Ins . . 24 Alzheimer Scotland . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Apple Tree Garden Design . . . . . . . . 50 Arlene Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . . 28 Ashes Hair & Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Auldton Stoves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Auntie Jacquie’s Dog Grooming . . . 55 Baby Massage Classes . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . . . . . . 11 Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Beautique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Beginners Yoga - Sara Marijuan . . 47 Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Board Stiff (Houston) . . . . . . . . . 10 Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Bowfield Hotel & Country Club . . . 19 Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . . . . . 6 Brookfield Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . . 10 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . 15,4 C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . . 31 Carol Cowan Photography . . . . . . . . . 7 Carr Roofing & Building Servic . . 3 Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 21 Charles Stewart Decorators . . . . . 5 Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . . . . . 2 Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Classique Window Blinds . . . . . . . . . 8 CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 3 CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Clyde Coast Décor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Cochran Dickie Estate Agents . . 23,25 ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Council Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Crafts of Calder Gallery . . . . . . . . 10 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . . . . . 50 Crawford Landscapes . . . . . . . . . . 53 Crookston Television . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Crosslee Driver Training . . . . . . . . 5 Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . . . . . 23 Decorus Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Delta Electrical Services . . . . . . . 28 DJY Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 DLN Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Drivesafe School of Motoring . . . . 12 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . . . . . 2 Elderslie Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . . . . . 45 Finnie Domestic Fencing . . . . . . . . 53 First Domestics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 GA Building Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Gary Forbes Painter Decorator . . . 13 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . . . 53 Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . . . . . 10 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Gryffe Homeworld . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . . . . . . 15 HABITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Houston Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Houston Locksmiths . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Howe Joinery & Building Servic . 11,2 Howwood Holistic Therapy . . . . . . . 32 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . . . . . 18 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . . 12 JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 John McKay Gas & Heating Eng . . . . 5 John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 John Roach Funeral Directors . . . . 39 Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . . . . 39 Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . . . . . 13 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . . . . . . 31 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . . 1 Kitten Kitchens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 23 Leading Petcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . . . 3 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 MAS Electrical & Security . . . . . . . 2 Matthews Cleaning Services . . . . . 26 MattVac Carpet & Upholstery Cl . . Bk MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 30 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . . . 25 Millennium Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Minicoach Tours Scotland Ltd . . . 7 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 MS All Trades Limited . . . . . . . . . . 4 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,52 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Omni Housekeeping . . . . . . . . . . . 39 P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pampered Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . . . . . 7 Pet Shop Postie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Purple Tree Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Quarriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 52 Ranfurly Castle Golf Club . . . . . . . 47 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 RHEFAT First Aid Training . . . . . . . 12 Roberta Drennan Artist . . . . . . . . . 34 RPH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Saltire Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Secret Closet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Shower Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . . . 55 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 SP Groundcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Speedy Cycle Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Stamp With Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Stewart Independent Financial . . . 1 Stickytiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . . 10 T&T Joiners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Take the Lead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Consulting Room . . . . . . . . . . . 18 The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Hungry Monk-The Wheelhous13 The Osteopaths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Three Sisters Bake . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Tightleash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Top Kat Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Travel a la Carte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Vanda’s Mobile Hairdressing . . . . . 32 Viking Optical Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 West of Scotland Landscape . . . . . . 51 Windowcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . . . . . 34 ZUMBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

halls to let Bridge of Weir, Freeland Church. Tel: 01505 612245 Brookfield, Village Hall. Tel: 01505 321031 Houston, The Carrick Centre. Tel: 01505 612203 or 613613 Houston, The Compass Centre. T: 01505 615441/612617 Kilbarchan, Guide Centre. Tel: 01505 702758.

Kilbarchan, Old Library Centre. Tel: 01505 706070 Kilmacolm, Cargill Centre Tel: 01505 873994 Kilmacolm, Brownie/Guide Hut. Tel: 01505 872797 Kilmacolm, Masonic Hall. Tel: 01505 873059 Quarr i e r s Vi l l a g e , S o mm e r v i l l e H a l l . T: 0 1 5 0 5 614513/612300.

Please add your community hall details to our list - email to info@advertizer.co.uk

221_FEB13_56-59 CLASSIFIED.ind.indd 59

59

by category Accom/Hotel & B&B

Electricians

Home Security

Restaurant & Bars

The Hungry Monk-The Wheelhous 13

Delta Electrical Services . . . . . . . 28

Brookfield Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Bowfield Hotel & Country Club . . . 19

Accountants & Financial

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Joiners

Houston Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

The Hungry Monk-The Wheelhous 13

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

DJY Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Retail

Stewart Independent Financial . . . 1

MAS Electrical & Security . . . . . . . 2

Howe Joinery & Building Servic . 11,2

Secret Closet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Architectural Services

Fencing

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 21

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Viking Optical Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

GA Building Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . . . 25

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . . . 3

Firewood & Logs

Roofing

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . . . . . 6

Art, Gifts & Flowers

Auldton Stoves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

RPH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . . 10

Crafts of Calder Gallery . . . . . . . . 10

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Saltire Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Carr Roofing & Building Servic . . 3

Roberta Drennan Artist . . . . . . . . . 34

Framing

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2

Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . . . . . . 15

Stamp With Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Crafts of Calder Gallery . . . . . . . . 10

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . . 10

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Automotive Services

Funeral Services

T&T Joiners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 30

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

RPH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Bathrooms

John Roach Funeral Directors . . . . 39

TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . . . . . 34

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . . 10

Kilt & Dress Hire

Social Care

Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Quarriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Kitchens

Solicitors

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . . . . . 23

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . 15,4

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . . 1,1

Howe Joinery & Building Servic. 11,2

Special Occasions

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Garage Doors & Gates

Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . . . . . . 11

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Garden Service & Design

Bedrooms

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . 15,4

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 51

Blacksmith & Metalwork

Apple Tree Garden Design . . . . . . . . 50

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . . . 25

Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 21

Building Services

Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . . . . . 50

A O’Hare - Building Services . . . . 5 BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . . . . . 6 Carr Roofing & Building Servic . . 3 DLN Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . . . 3 MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 30 RPH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Crawford Landscapes . . . . . . . . . . 53 DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Finnie Domestic Fencing . . . . . . . . 53

Kitten Kitchens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Laundry & Ironing Board Stiff (Houston) . . . . . . . . . 10

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Leisure & Recreation

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . . . 53

Elderslie Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club . . . . . . . 47

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 52

Locksmiths

SP Groundcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Houston Locksmiths . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

West of Scotland Landscape . . . . . . 51

Painters & Decorators

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2

Gas & Heating Services

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . . 10

A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . . . . . 8

Charles Stewart Decorators . . . . . 5

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . . 31

Clyde Coast Décor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Catering

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Gary Forbes Painter Decorator . . . 13

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . . . . . 18

James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3

John McKay Gas & Heating Eng . . . . 5

John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . . . . . 1

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Glazier

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,3

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Hairdressers & Barbers

Pet Services & Training

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . . 28

Auntie Jacquie’s Dog Grooming . . . 55

Ashes Hair & Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Leading Petcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Pampered Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Vanda’s Mobile Hairdressing . . . . . 32

Pet Shop Postie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Health, Beauty & Fitness

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . . . . . 13

Charity Alzheimer Scotland . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Quarriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Childcare Abbey Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Baby Massage Classes . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Cleaning & PowerWash CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . . . . . 2

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . . 12

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Sports Clubs & Events Bowfield Hotel & Country Club . . . 19

Stoves Auldton Stoves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Taxis & Minicoach hire ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . . . . 39 Minicoach Tours Scotland Ltd . . . 7

Tiling Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . . . . . 10 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Stickytiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Travel Agents Arlene Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Travel a la Carte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Tree Surgeon Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . . . 53 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Purple Tree Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

TV & Satellite Crookston Television . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 Millennium Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Take the Lead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Upholstery Services

Tightleash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Baby Massage Classes . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Photographers

Window Cleaners

Beautique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Carol Cowan Photography . . . . . . . . . 7

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . . . . . 2

Beginners Yoga - Sara Marijuan . . 47

Plasterers

Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . . . . . . 15

Bowfield Hotel & Country Club . . . 19

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . . 10

Decorus Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . . . . . 2

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . . . . . 45

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Windows, Consv & Repair

HABITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,3

Howwood Holistic Therapy . . . . . . . 32

Plumbers

Gryffe Homeworld . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . . . . . . 31

A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . . . . . 8

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . . . . . 39

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . . 31

RHEFAT First Aid Training . . . . . . . 12

Council Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

The Consulting Room . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Cycle Repair

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . . . . . 18

The Osteopaths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Speedy Cycle Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . 47

ZUMBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Shower Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Driveways

Home Hardware

Property Management

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

First Domestics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

DLN Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Driving Instructors

MS All Trades Limited . . . . . . . . . . 4

Property, Sales & Let

Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . . . . . . 15 MattVac Carpet & Upholstery Cl . . Bk Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,52 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Omni Housekeeping . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Coffee Shops Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Three Sisters Bake . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Computer, IT & Web ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 23

Council Notices

Aileen Ferguson Hypnotherapy . . . 26 Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . . 28

Alistair Stewart - Driving Ins . . 24

Home Improvements

Crosslee Driver Training . . . . . . . . 5

Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 21

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Drivesafe School of Motoring . . . . 12

Howe Joinery & Building Servic . .11,2

Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . . . . . 23

Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . . . . . 7

Kitten Kitchens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . . 1,1

Top Kat Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Home Interiors

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Removals

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . 15,4

@ease Removals & Transport . . . . . . 3

Classique Window Blinds . . . . . . . . . 8

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Matthews Cleaning Services . . . . . 26

JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . . 12 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Windowcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Cochran Dickie Estate Agents . . 23,25

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