223 April 2013 - Gryffe Advertizer

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No.223

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your LOCAL community magazine

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April 2013

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Blood Donor Sessions - www. scotblood.co.uk Community Centre, Greenock Road, Bishopton - Friday 5th April - 4pm – 7.30pm Boglestone Community Centre, Dubbs Place, Port Glasgow - Monday 8th April – 4pm – 7.30pm Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm - Monday 29th April - 4pm – 7.30pm To find out more, please email us at nss. snbtsenquiry@nhs.net or call 08453 017270.

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welcome to April 2013 this month....

It can sometimes be quite shocking as to what comes through your front door first thing in the morning!

I recently received mail which can only be described as ‘bonkers’ - the junk in circulation is truly astounding. We seem to be bombarded relentlessly, not just with mail, but also spam email, misleading adverts, dodgy doorstep callers and telephone scams. Every year the British public loses billions of pounds to scammers.

So beware! The old saying, “If it sounds too good to be true – it probably is”, still rings true. Strathclyde Police would like to alert you to the Little Book of BIG Scams, reproduced by kind permission of the Metropolitan Police Service. They were inspired by The Little Black Book of Scams, originally created by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission as inspiration. The Police hope this booklet will increase your awareness of the vast array of scams that are being used and teach you some easy steps you can take to protect yourself. It should be seen as a general guide to many of the scams currently operating in the UK. Download the booklet at http:// www.sbcc.org.uk/news-events/latest/the-little-book-of-big-scams.aspx And on the theme of Police, did you know that there is a new number to contact the Police on for non-emergency situations?

The non-emergency number 101 has been launched by Strathclyde Police across Scotland and replaces the range of existing police force nonemergency numbers, which will gradually be phased out.

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And finally, on a lighter note and taking a lead from the original ‘bonkers’ theme, I have just been made aware of an unusual contest, “How long can you sustain a chip on the shoulder?” The Guinness Book of Records presently makes no reference to such a challenge, so this could be your chance to get yourself a record, of some sort, if you haven’t done so already.

However, in the interest of fairness, honesty and integrity, some criteria have to be fulfilled.

The chip has to be obtained legally, it cannot be taken from someone else’s stash without their prior consent, and posing as someone else in order to obtain a chip is strictly forbidden.

A date is still to be set, but stay alert for the announcement of the Public Event at which the contenders will have an opportunity to trial their unique prowess.

Well, I did say... ‘bonkers’!

MAGAZINE

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Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank 26-29 Brookfield, Crosslee & Houston 38-40 Howwood & Elderslie 37 Kilbarchan & Lochwinnoch 34-37 Kilmacolm & Quarriers 30-33

In the case of an emergency, please continue to dial 999. That’s when a crime is in progress, when someone suspected of a crime is nearby, when a life is in danger, or when violence is being used or threatened.

No.222

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March 2013

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The Gryffe Advertizer

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Contents

The introduction of the 101 non-emergency number gives the people of Scotland a new way to contact the Police, seek advice, speak to a local officer or to report a crime that doesn’t need an emergency response, for example, car theft, damage to property, a minor traffic collision, suspected drug use or dealing, or information about crime in their area. It’s available 24/7 and chargeable at a flat rate of 15p per call.

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01505 613340 or info@advertizer.co.uk Don’t live locally but want to read The Advertizer?

U.K. postal subscriptions: 1 year, 12 issue subscription £24 call 01505 613340 or email info@advertizer.co.uk

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.

for a monthly online update, visit us online

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New Therapy Centre opening Set in the tranquil village of Bridge of Weir, the Consulting Room is a haven of calm, offering a variety of treatments to soothe the soul and help you heal.​ At the Consulting Room you will find a beautiful, peaceful lounge atmosphere where we treat everyone as a “friend we haven’t met yet”.

We are welcoming, professional and stylish offering the services of an extremely wide range of alternative therapies.

To find out a bit more, do please call 0777 55 94 132 for a Free Consultation and a friendly chat.

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Well Done Alannah & Tylar Alannah Pollock, age 5 and her brother Tylar Pollock age 7 (photo below) from Houston, recently attended their Uncle’s wedding (Donald & Lorna Kennedy) at the River Inn, Houston. Both children recited Rabbie Burns poems that they had learned at school at the evening reception. They did this to raise money for charity. They managed to collect a fantastic £207.45 from the wedding guests. Tylar & Alannah have taken the raised funds to Yorkhill Hospital, where they handed the money over with great pride.

LEAP Car Club – Open Day

A big thankyou to those that attended the wedding and generously donated.

Want to know more about the LEAP Car Club? Have heard of the Club and want to know if it could be right for you? Then come along to our Open Day in the LEAP Bridge of Weir office, Advance Place, Main St, Bridge of Weir on Saturday 20 April 2013. We will be open between 10am and 2pm, ready to answer all your questions, and sign you up if you wish to join. Remember, we only have a limited number of £15 memberships, so drop in and see if the Car Club could work for you. To find out more contact Diane Dunn diane@myleapproject.org For more info about 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

Accord Week Get together for ACCORD Hospice from 24th - 31st May. Organise a ‘get together’ at school, work or home with family, friends or colleagues and raise funds to support the work of the Hospice. Visit the website at www.accordhospice.org.uk or call the fundraising departments on 0141 581 2000 for details.

A series of exciting events are planned for 2013 to celebrate 25 years of care for all at St Vincent’s Hospice - why not join in?

For more information about any of the events listed, visit the St Vincent’s Hospice website at www.stvincentshospice.co.uk

Strictly Come Prancing - Friday 19th and Saturday 20th April - Normandy Hotel, Renfrew

Be involved in our exclusive, sell-out dance event, either as a dancer or audience member. Enjoy a 2-course dinner with coffee plus the very best quality live entertainment complete with Brucie, Tess and professional judges.

Silver Anniversary Ball - Friday 10th May - Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow

Glamour and glitz at the Grand Central with a champagne reception, 3-course dinner, live band and DJ, auction and luxury raffle, and much, much more. Tickets £48, please contact Karen Milne on 01505 705635 or email karen.milne@svh.co.uk.

Tribute Night - Friday 7th June - Normandy Hotel, Renfrew

Kylie, Cher, Shakira, Robbie Williams and George Michael - see all of these legends on one night for just £25 which includes a 3 course dinner and a DJ session for even more dancing.

Challenge 25 - Sat 8th - Sunday 9th June - Isle of Arran

Be one of the 25 who are challenging themselves for St Vincent’s Hospice anniversary year on this exclusive weekend trip: scenic 56-mile cycle followed by an inspiring trek up Goatfell, with an overnight stay in Lochranza.

Visit www.svh.co.uk or email info@svh.co.uk for an information pack.

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Travel Blog

by Maureen Horton of Travel a la Carte

“IT’S NOW OR NEVER” ..... IN PARIS

Spring is in the air and with it Romance. The city that aptly combines the two is for sure Paris....Images of couples happily walking hand in hand by the river Seine with Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower in the background are plentiful. I recently spotted one of these images with a difference.... the couple happens to be the iconic Queen of screen, Marlyn Munroe, arm in arm with the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.

The poster is now in our shop window and for a bit of fun we are running a competition to see who can come up with the best caption:-

“WHAT IS ELVIS SAYING TO MARLYN?”

Is he telling her he is “Lonesome Tonight” or is he feeling “All Shook Up”?

We would love to hear your suggestions.

Come along and see the poster for yourself and hand in your entry or email to info@travelalacarte.net. Deadline for entries is Wednesday 1st May. The prize for the winning caption will be a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne.

If you feel like a romantic sejour a Paris……We will help you get there.

www.advertizer.co.uk for weekly updates

Ladies Night a Huge Success Huge thanks to everyone who supported our Ladies Night at the Races in February at the River Inn, Houston.

The races kicked off with a speech by Megan Finn (aged 8) who gave a brief summary of the reasons why CLIC Sargent were such a deserving charity to be supporting, leaving not a dry eye in the house! We had

a silent auction and huge raffle, followed by some dancing, and with the support of friends from Santander, our tremendous total was £9,200.

In the photo (left) with the presentation cheque are Lesley Lambert, Kirsty Gillanders, Colin Welsh, Katie Grier, Liz Quinn, Lesley Finn.

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Yorkhill Easter Egg Run There is NO registration needed for the 2013 event - just turn up On Easter Sunday - 31st March.

After the imposed pre-registration of 2011 attracted a much expected backlash, the Police and Glasgow City Council agreed to drop this condition in 2012 and everyone was much happier.

The route for 2013 will start and finish at Yorkhill as it did last “YEER” and takes in the traditional spectacular ride-out along Great Western Road.

Please meet at YORKHILL HOSPITAL from 11am for a 12pm noon departure. The route goes from Yorkhill, up Sauchiehall Street, Woodlands Road, Great Western Road, Crow Road, Rosevale Street, Benalder Street and back to Yorkhill. Entertainment will be on hand from Radio Lollipop and there will be plenty to eat and drink (not free - we’re trying to raise money, not give it away!)

This year, we are asking for a suggested donation of £5 PER BIKE which will be collected on arrival at the hospital.

Please consider making a donation this year rather than an Easter Egg as the hospital is inundated with chocolate at Easter and many of the patients are on special diets or nil by mouth and can’t enjoy the eggs. Financial donations mean that we can provide specialised medical equipment and other resources essential for the care of the children at Yorkhill. These of course will go on long after the chocolate has been eaten and forgotten about. Want to donate NOW? Text “Easter” to 70707 to give £5 (of which the Foundation receives 100%).

Visibility Community Support Team Spring Events Products and services to assist people who have a visual impairment.

• Renfrew - Wednesday 24th April, 10am - 1pm, Renfrew Town Hall • Paisley - Tuesday 14th May, 10am - 1pm, Paisley Town Hall These are drop in events showcasing products and services which can assist people with a visual impairment. Please call us for more information on 0141 332 4632

Faith For Today Series

1. The first in the Series (which took place on 30th January) - ‘Does science make belief in God impossible or redundant? – A response to Dawkins and his ilk’ is available on CD from David Ellis (01505 873139) 2. The second in the Series (which took place on 20th February) - ‘Same sex marriage and the ordination of people in same sex relationships.’

What are the issues from a Christian perspective? Is available on CD from David Ellis (01505 873139) 3. ‘The sanctity of life and the issue of assisted dying.’ Is the church’s position changing? (7.30pm Wednesday 24th April in Session House) 4. Does the Church have a future and what might it look like? (7.30pm Wednesday 29th May in Session House) 5. Faith in a pluralistic society! Jesus and the universe of faiths – How might we live together? (7.30pm Wednesday 26th June – change of date from 27th March) The Faith for Today series hopes to offer church members an opportunity to reflect upon some of the major ethical and social issues facing the church today. They will take the form of a short presentation by the Minister, the Rev’d Dr Peter McEnhill, (30 or so minutes), followed by questions from the floor and group discussion. The meetings are open and will be accessible to a general audience. No previous or specialist knowledge will be required to engage with the subject matter. All welcome.

Dr Peter McEnhill is Minister at Kilmacolm Old Kirk and Clerk to the Presbytery of Greenock and Paisley. Formerly, he was Director of Studies in Systematic Theology at Westminster College, Cambridge. He is the author, (with Professor George Newlands), of 50 Key Christian Thinkers (Routledge 2004),and he edited and contributed to the volume of essays ‘Theology Reformed and Reforming.’ (Theology in Scotland, 2006). He has served on the Panel on Doctrine of the Church of Scotland and the Faith and Order Committee of the United Reformed Church.

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Dental Hygiene from Kilbarchan Dental Practice Caring for even more smiles!

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” Thich Nhat Hanh.

Kilbarchan Dental Practice has moved to new purpose-built premises just a few yards up the road from the site of the original surgery.

Everyone loves a nice smile, don’t they? But then I am a bit biased as my job is all about helping create great smiles. I just love seeing people smile! At Kilbarchan Dental Practice our team of twelve dentists and nurses educate patients to care for their mouths as part of their general health and well-being. So what can you do to help your smile?

The new dental centre promises to offer an even better experience with more staff, 5 state-of-the-art surgeries, 3 waiting areas and lots more services to help care for even more smiles.

1. Eat less sugar The main cause of tooth decay is the sugar in food and drinks. Every time you eat or drink anything sugary your teeth are under attack from plaque acids for up to one hour so keep sugary foods and drinks to meal times only.

If you’re hungry between meal times try something kinder to your teeth – here are our top ten: fresh fruit, raw vegetable pieces, plain popcorn, cheese, breadsticks, plain yoghurt, rice cakes, crumpets, plain bagels and nuts.

Soft drinks can be the worst culprits so try a cool glass of water or milk instead of a can of something fizzy.

Practice owner, Sheila MacIntyre is delighted with the move: “We will continue to provide the highest level of care for both children and adults in a friendly environment. The new building allows us to offer a wider range services to more clients and cater for a wider area”.

As well as general dentistry, the practice will offer more cosmetic dentistry services from simple white fillings, crowns and bridges to a smile makeover taking in veneers and teeth whitening. Consultants will also offer facial skin assessments complete with wrinkle reduction and fillers and even a tailored wedding service so brides (and grooms) can look their best on their special day.

2. Brush your teeth regularly Brush for 2 minutes twice a day, and replace your brush or brush head every 3 months or when the bristles start to splay if this is sooner.

3. Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly They would love to see you at least every six months or more frequently if advised.

The British have long been defined by our awful teeth (just ask our American friends!) but dentistry in the UK is moving forward in leaps and bounds. Many practices now offer treatments that can help people improve their appearance and they can have as big an impact as a makeover or a new hairstyle!

Now dentists can straighten, whiten, reshape or repair using veneers, crowns, bridges or white fillings.

A smile that we love and are proud of makes us happy and confident. Learn to love your smile by paying a visit to your dentist and hygienist and find out how easy it is to get the smile you want today!

Sheila MacIntyre BDS (Dund) Sheila is Practice Owner at Kilbarchan Dental Practice www.kilbarchandental.co.uk

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Kilbarchan Dental practice is conveniently located for a number of Renfrewshire villages including Bridge of Weir, Houston, Kilmacolm and Lochwinnoch and is currently welcoming new private and NHS patients. To find out more or to arrange a consultation visit www. kilbarchandental.co.uk or phone 01505 704969.

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Rock-a-Buy Baby & Kid’s Market (in association with ‘Baby Booty Sale’) Pre-loved MEGA Market with over 40 stalls of nearly-new & craft The Lagoon Leisure Centre, Paisley. Sat 13th April, 10.30am - 1.30pm.

Admission £1, Children Free

Flower & Fabric Festival Thurday 9th – Saturday 11th May 10am - 4pm daily

Jean Armour Evening at Gleddoch On Friday 22nd February, Gleddoch House Hotel proved to be the perfect venue for a wonderful Jean Armour Night, which was thoroughly enjoyed by an audience of 120 ladies, and in the process £2,000 was raised for Maggies.

After a lovely meal, ladies were treated to two superb speeches. Baroness Helen Liddell delivered a Tribute to Jean Armour, and Annabel Goldie MSP proposed a Toast tae the Laddies. A lovely recitation by Helen Faulds (Kate o’ Shanter) was followed by excellent music from singer/songwriter Moira Kerr, who was superbly accompanied by violinist Sarah Perricone.

The £2,000 was raised courtesy of those ladies attending and the generosity of 4 sponsors - Aggreko, Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management, Spirito and Top Mark Claims Management. The 2 prizes for the prize draw were donated by Gleddoch House Hotel and Spirito.

Finally, the organisers are greatly indebted to Carol Fell, who spent much of her evening taking a series of photographs, then going on to produce a superb slideshow and video, providing us all with lovely memories of the evening.

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In celebration of the Abbey’s 850 years, the Abbey Stitchers have been busy at work for some time creating a selection of striking and interesting quilts and hangings which will be displayed alongside floral art arrangements within the beautiful surroundings of the Abbey. Tickets £5 on sale at the Abbey shop or from the Abbey Office at 0141 889 7654 or more information at www.paisleyabbey.org.uk

Easter Day Service Live nationwide BBC broadcast from Paisley Abbey, 10am on 31st March.

For details: www.paisleyabbey.org.uk

Saturday Recitals 12.30pm on 6th April in Paisley Abbey.

Graham Scott (organ). Tickets £5 on sale at the door.

Paisley Pilgrimage - Walk 8 Barr to Barrhill Walk 8 of the Paisley Abbey celebratory Pilgrimage to Whithorn will leave Barr, South Lanarkshire at 10am on Saturday 20th April. Our destination will be Barrhill, South Lanarkshire. This will be one of our longer walks mostly on forestry roads and tracks. This is definitely a hiking boots route! The distance yet to be calculated is about 11 to 12 miles.

Everyone is welcome to join us on all or part of this walk.

Details will be made available on the Paisley Abbey website. www.paisleyabbey.org.uk

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SSAFA Forces Help The Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire & Inverclyde Branch of SSAFA Forces Help, the Armed Forces Charity founded in 1885, reported another successful year at its well attended AGM held at the Old Library, Kilbarchan, on Thursday February 28th. The Branch supports those who serve in our Armed Forces, those who used to serve and the families of both.

During the last year to December 31st 2012, the Branch had sourced and distributed goods and services to 222 clients to the value of £159,511 and administered a further £52,698 paid to Annuitants. The qualifying criterion for assistance in time of need is to have received one day’s pay in the Armed Forces (including National Service) or in the Merchant Navy if the ship had been contracted to the MoD. SSAFA Forces Help works closely with, and acknowledges the assistance given by, The ABF (The Soldiers Charity), The Royal Navy Benevolent Fund, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, Merchant Navy Welfare Board, PoppyScotland and the many and various Army Regimental Charities as well as Civilian Charities and Trusts.

Volunteering with SSAFA is a very satisfying experience and right now the Branch, which has no paid staff, is looking for volunteers to help with Case Working, Administration, Training, IT and Publicity & Fundraising.

Full training is given and expenses paid; it is appreciated that time is the most precious commodity that a volunteer can give. Further details can be founded by contacting the Branch Secretary, Joyce Goater, at the Wynd Centre, Paisley 0141 840 4060, ssafa.paisley@thewynd.org.uk or via the website www.ssafa.org.uk. The closure of the Navy Buildings, Greenock, has meant that the Inverclyde Division is in the process of relocating,

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hopefully, within Greenock, but can still be contacted on the same telephone number 01475 731435 ssafa.greenock@thewynd.org.uk or via the website (www.ssafa.org.uk).

The picture shows recipients of this year’s Long Service Awards which were presented by the Branch President HM Lord Lieutenant Guy WNH Clark FSI JP (far left) to (from left to right) Cathy Coe (5 years), Owen Evans (10 years), Irene Robertson (5 years), Irene McCallum (25 year – Gold Award), Aileen Hughes and John Clark (both 10 years).

We will be at the Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow Agricultural Society Show (Saturday May 11th) and at Bridge of Weir Gala (Saturday, June 8th) where we would be pleased to welcome as many visitors as possible. We are currently finalising dates to be at other local shows.

We would especially like to hear from anybody with experience of Land Rover V8 engines and associated military vehicle electrics who would be able to assist with keeping our pre 1980s FC101 4 x 4 Show Ambulance in good health.

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A Community with Three Wishes One of Scotland’s most progressive Community Councils is not just content with monthly meetings of guest speakers, open forums and responding to planning and licensing proposals. Paisley West & Central Community is also gearing up for another busy year of community outreach.

Its WISH Project – the West end Is Healthier and Safer – continues to raise awareness of the affects of alcohol misuse. It is supported by Renfrewshire Alcohol & Drugs Forum, Renfrewshire Council and Community Health Partnership, the Police, Fire & Rescue Service, the YMCA and Create. Castlehead High and St Mary’s and West Primary Schools are also actively supporting the project and the views of local people obtained at three public events are now being taken forward.

Last year, the Community Council obtained a lease for two former Renfrewshire Council demolition sites that now support fifteen plots, each of five raised beds. This offers an opportunity for local residents to ‘grow their own’ and enjoy the health benefits of exercise and fresh fruit and vegetables. Its subcommittee, ‘West End Growing Grounds Association’ welcomes beginners and experienced gardeners and encourages inter-generational involvement. Contact paisleywestcen.cc@ btinternet.com or 07710 782510.

Under the banner ‘Unity in Diversity’, the Community Council organises Paisley’s annual West End Fair in the attractive surroundings of Ferguslie Gardens. This family event includes a sound stage, full musical programme and the finals of the Paisley Talent Competition. Market stalls, a funfair, fivea-side football, youth buses, displays and an information shop complete the line-up. This year’s Fair takes place on Sunday 26th May. Fair booking forms and Talent Competition entry forms can be downloaded from www. paisleywccc.org.uk Council Chair, John Wilby, says, “These three projects are important to the health and well being of the whole community. We therefore welcome new members, particularly from among youth and ethnic minority groups, who would also like to join us in one or more of these activities.”

Beith Arts Sunday Concerts Our afternoon concert on Sunday 28th April will be the last one of this season. Entertaining us in a very light-hearted way will be “End of the Pier”, a group of highly qualified musicians who also believe that a sense of humour added to music is a good way to relax. To this end they will sing songs and monologues by Flanders and Swann, Noel Coward, Joyce Grenfell among others and play light instrumental music which we will no doubt join in. Altogether a very happy way to end an extremely successful season!

This concert will be held, as ever, in Beith Community Centre at 2.30pm and prices are £8/£6 for adults and £1 for students and children (pay at the door). All are very welcome.

Do take a look at our website - beitharts.org - for details of our Art Exhibition to be held in the first week of June. Also we will soon be posting details of next year’s concert programme - our 49th season, beginning in September.

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The Gryffe Camera Club As we move into spring, the Gryffe Camera Club members are preparing to capture the miraculous changes that take place every day. Some days are dull and cold, but others see a huge increase in the length of sunshine which moves the spring bulbs to burst forth. Next up are the bluebells and then the trees start to come out with an enormous range of greens.

Then all of a sudden that brown beech hedge rapidly becomes green too!

We at the GCC really enjoy the changes and some even set cameras up to record these changes as they happen. This involves selecting a secure location (usually at a window) and connecting the camera to a timer that controls the camera to take a picture at regular intervals. At short intervals, Knapps Sunset by Caroline Maciver scenes can be transformed – you can have the clouds moving majestically across the sky and at longer intervals you can record a flower opening. We’ve even noticed that there are ‘time lapse apps’ available for free that you can download to your ‘phone which can allow you to try this. Go on try it!

Coming soon (April 10th) to the club is our ‘Panel Competition’ in which members are asked to assemble five images onto a standard A1 mounting board. The subject is up to the photographer – and we’ve seen nearly everything from ‘Preparing an egg to be eaten’, ‘What goes on at the library’ and even ‘The selection of weeds at the bottom of the lamp posts in my street’.

No 23 Bus at Erskine (1979)

Also coming along is ’Round 6’ of our on-going league for both beginners and advanced workers – the competition which has an Open Subject theme usually sees some exceptional images where the members are making a final push to get to the top of the league!

On the 24th April, we are being treated to the work of Kate and Pat – two Gryffe CC members – who both went on a photographic course to beautiful Santorini!

They signed up for this trip after our fantastic evening with photographer Dimitri Vasileiou who came to our club last year.

Sheepdog at Clyde Muirshiel by Bill Crookston (recent winner at GryffeCC)

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One thing about digital photography that is changing our world is that the images you take and show to your family and friends on all your new devices like phones, iPads etc., are not really as accessible to some people who do not have access to these sort of images – a straight forward print of ‘the family’ on a piece of photo paper would be most welcome by some and might just might last longer than your digital file!

Farm at Calder Glen – an entry to the Clyde Muirshiel Photo competition

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk Sat 13 April Fiddlers’ Concert Kilbarchan West Church 7pm

what’s on...

Sun 31 March

Thu 11 - Sat 13 April

British Summer Time!

The 11th Habbies Art Class Exhibition

Yorkhill Easter Egg Run

Kilbarchan Guide Centre

Yippee! Today is the day the clocks go forward by one hour!

Yorkhill Hospital, Glasgow 11am for a to 12noon departure Scotland’s’ motorcyclists will converge on Glasgow’s’ Royal Hospital for Sick Children, commonly known as “Yorkhill” to deliver cash donations, toys and the odd chocolate egg or two.

Easter Day Service Paisley Abbey 10am Live nationwide BBC broadcast. See www. paisleyabbey.org.uk for details

Sun 31 Mar - Thu 4 April Lamont Farm Project Lamont Farm Project in Barrhill Road, Erskine 1.30pm to 3.30pm 31st March Easter fun day 1st April Owl magic 2nd April Reptile day 3rd April Easter theme arts n crafts 4th April Pony rides Contact us on 0141 812 5335 or visit the website at www. lamontfarm.org.uk

Fri 5 April RSPB Local Group Meeting McMaster Centre Donaldson Drive Renfrew PA4 8LX 7.30pm The meeting will be an illustrated talk on Bumblebees by a member of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

Film Nights at the Bridge The Bridge, Main St, Bridge of Weir “Cinema Paradiso” (PG) - Italian Academy Award winner which revisits the cinema in 1940’s and 50’s Sicilly. With Jacques Perin, Phillipe Noiret and directed by Guiseppe Tornatore. Entry is free, but any donations to Bridge funds is very welcome. Doors open from 6.30pm and the film starts at 7pm.

Sat 6 April Saturday Recitals Paisley Abbey 12.30pm Graham Scott (organ) Tickets £5 on sale at the door

Thurs 11th and Fri 12th April, 11am - 8pm and on Sat 13th April from 10am - 4pm. The entrance fee is just £1 - tea/coffee & raffle.

Fri 12 April Motown Tribute Night Ingliston Country Club & Equestrian Centre, Bishopton £29.95 pp, Includes: 3 course meal, Motown Entertainment plus DJ. 7pm for 7.30pm dinner - 1am finish. Vegetarian / dietary option available by prior arrangement. Tel: 0845 301 1010 for bookings and further details.

Kilmacolm / Port Glasgow Reunion The Pullman, Kilmacolm 7.30pm A right good old fashioned reunion of all the people from Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow who grew up hanging around The Cross, the park and the pubs in Bridge of Weir. Any small donations towards cost of buffet will gratefully received. Contact Julie Burns on 07812 636929. Come along on the night and join us. Join in the chat on facebook at www. facebook.com/events/309136762542124/ or simply type in Kilmacolm/Port Glasgow reunion to the search.

Handbell Concert Kilbarchan West Church 7pm The East Anglian Regional Handbell Team will be in this area over the weekend of 12 -14 April when they will be attending the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain National Rally. Having heard of Kilbarchan West Church as a suitable concert venue with ideal acoustics. Tickets, priced £7/Adult and £3/ under 12’s, at the door or by phoning 01505 702855.

Fashion Show by Toggery Lochwinnoch Parish Church 7pm Goods available for purchase on the night.

Credit/Debit cards acceptable. 10% of all purchases goes to the church. £6 ticket includes a glass of wine & nibbles. BYOB. Tickets 01505 842365 or pay at the door on the night.

The Adams House Friends Group are presenting this concert with the Bearsden fiddlers. There will be tea, coffee and homebaking after the concert. Tickets, £6 - available from bobbins coffee & craft shop, Kilbarchan Sandra Neillands - 01505 321908 or at the door. All proceeds to Adams House Care Home, Elderslie which provides a specialist service for people with dementia.

Rock-a-Buy Baby & Kid’s Market

t: 01505 613340

regular events weekly

every Tuesday

Lagoon Leisure Centre, Paisley 10.30am to 1.30pm

Birkmyre Park Running Club

In association with ‘Baby Booty Sale’. Preloved MEGA Market. 40+ stalls, nearly-new & craft . Admission £1, Children Free.

Join us for an enjoyable and invigorating run in and around Kilmacolm. Tel: 01475 715750.

Sat 13 - Sun 14 April Howwood Village Clean-Up

If you can spare some time to come along to help out then meet at the Village Hall for one or more of these sessions: Sat 13th April - 10am - 12 noon & 2pm - 4pm; Sun 14th April* - 10am - 12 noon & 2pm - 4pm. *Sunday sessions may be cancelled if there is no litter left after the Saturday sessions. Call Bill David 01505 703500 bill@billdavid.co.uk or any member of the Community Council.

Sun 14 April 5K Charity Road Race Bowfield Hotel & Country Club 10am In aid of St Vincent’s Hospice. Pre-register at Bowfield Reception - £5 entry fee. Sponsor forms available from www.svh.co.uk

Mon 15 April Langbank Scottish Country Dance St Andrew’s Church Halls, Church Street, Port Glasgow Live music, home baked supper, cost £7.

Phone Trish on 01475 540 272, or Katherine 01475 540 738 for tickets. The more dancers the better!

Wed 17 April Tea Dance Renfrew Town Hall 1.30pm to 4pm Tickets: £2. Enjoy an afternoon of dancing, music and chatting with friends. John Findlay will keep you entertained all afternoon playing a series of timeless tunes on the keyboard.

Booking: 0141 887 1010.

Leap Recruitment Deadline date 12 Midnight LEAP is currently recruiting an additional Energy Advisor. The position is part time, self employed and some weekend and evening work will be required, training will be given.

For a detailed job description, the application form and to find out more please go to: www.myleapproject.org/recruitment or email Carol Gemmell, Project Manager at info@ myleapproject.org

Birkmyre Park Gym, Kilmacolm 7pm

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 Car Boot Sale Bridge of Weir Car Park 9am-1pm Set up from 8am - £5 per car. Call 01505 615992 for more details.

2nd Wednesday Inverclyde Carers Outreach Surgery Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 11am-2pm 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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The Loch Lomond Bird of Prey centre is moving!!

For some time now it has been apparent that the Bird of Prey Centre has suffered through a lack of tourist traffic at it’s current location. The improved signs that have been erected recently have certainly made people more aware of the current location, but numbers coming through the door do not justify staying in the present location and the Centre has been actively looking for an alternative site that will be more tourist friendly.

So it is great news that planning permission has just been applied for on a site owned by Scottish Enterprise to the left hand side of the Jenners Building at Loch Lomond Shores, which will hopefully mean that the LLBOPC will continue to thrive for years to come.

An Evening with Mark Beaumont In aid of Orkidstudio - Thursday 30th May, Glasgow SECC - 7.30pm.

Tickets £14, £12 concessions.

Broadcaster and adventurer Mark Beaumont has cycled around the World, rowed a small boat through the high Arctic, climbed the highest peaks and cycled the Americas and recently survived after capsizing in the middle of the Atlantic. Talking about these and other expeditions, Mark shares how he has made a career from adventure and documentaries.

Orkidstudio is a small grassroots charity from Glasgow that is dedicated to exploring and developing the connection between humanitarian aid and architecture. In recent years, James Mitchell and his team have designed and built inspiring and much needed buildings for children and communities in South America and Africa.

“Truly inspiring, the sort of thing that makes you want to get off the couch, out of the house and on the road.” The Scotsman. See main advert on page 12 for further details.

This has been made possible with the help of a great number of people, from private investors, to Scottish Enterprise, the Loch Lomond National Park Authority, National Park Planning Authority, Loch Lomond Shores resident occupiers and especially Clare Gemmell, who is the Loch Lomond Shores on site Manager whose enthusiasm for the move to the area is very much appreciated.

The Centre is delighted to be part of the Loch Lomond Shores development, which is one of the busiest tourist areas in Scotland and are extremely grateful for all the help and assistance that have received from all the people mentioned.

Stewart Robertson, who runs the Centre, said, “We have been told that our Planning application should take about 6/8 weeks to be approved and it is hoped that the Centre will be up and running at its new location before the end of the Summer 2013.

We have a few ideas about a ‘grand opening’ celebration day, but would like to once again thank you for all the help and moral support that you have given to us over the past few weeks, months and years.

We look forward to our move and look forward to your continued support.”

Easter Opening The Centre will be open daily - Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5.30pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm - during the Easter holidays. Entry: under 5’s go free, children £2.50, concessions £3.50, adults £4.50.Family Tickets from £10 (2 adults & one child) to £16 (2 adults and four children).

Learn about the individual birds, see them close up, and stand six feet from a Golden Eagle. Find our more about what’s on offer on our website at www.llbopc.co.uk or look up TripAdvisor at www.tripadvisor.co.uk for reviews from visitors - currently ranked no.1 attraction in Balloch.

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk Thu 18 April

Sat 20 April

Charity Concert In Aid of Mary’s Meals

Kilmacolm Spring Clean-up

Howwood Parish Church, Main Street, Howwood 7pm

Pullman Car park, Kilmacolm 10am

Classical concert by Martin Aelred International Solo Tenor and Classical Guitarist. Tickets £5 from church contact Margaret 01505 504360 or at the door on the night.

Film Nights at the Bridge The Bridge, Main St, Bridge of Weir On Thursday 18th April we will be showing “Jason and Argonauts” (U) - Exciting mythological adventure telling the story of Jason’s search for the golden fleece. Stars Todd Armstrong and Nancy Kovak. Entry is free, but any donations to Bridge funds is very welcome. Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm start.

Fri 19 & Sat 20 April strictly come prancing Normandy Hotel, Renfrew Be involved in our exclusive, sell-out dance event, either as a dancer or audience member.

Enjoy a 2-course dinner with coffee plus the very best quality live entertainment complete with Brucie, Tess and professional judges. For more information visit the St Vincent’s Hospice website at www.stvincentshospice.co.uk

Sat 20 April Concert with The Masqueraders & The Youth Church St. Machar’s Ranfurly Church Bridge of Weir 7.30pm Two Scottish short plays by the Masqueraders and other items by the Youth Church followed by a buffet tea. Tickets available from Margaret Mills 612625. Adults £5, children £3.

Scotland’s Gardens Plant Sale The Cross, outside the library and Cargill centre, Kilmacolm 10am to 12noon Donations are welcome and Kilmacolm Local Association of Guiding receives 40%, the net remaining to SG Beneficiaries. Come along, buy locally grown plants and support good causes!

Kilmacolm Tennis Club Open Day Castlehill Rd, Kilmacolm 2pm A chance for people to dust off their tennis racquet and come down to the club and have some fun. Check out our website www. kilmacolmtennis.co.uk or call Sian Nicol, Club Secretary on 01505 872208 or email kilmacolmtennis@googlemail.com

Coffee and Crafts for Cancer Langbank Church Hall, Main Rd, Langbank 10am to 12.30pm Entry is £3 for adults and £1 for children, this includes tea/coffee and cakes. Stalls include delicious home baking, jams and chutneys, hand crafted goods, jewellery and bric a brac.

St Machar’s Ranfurly Guild Easter Fayre Church Hall, Bridge of Weir 10.30am to 12.30pm Ticket donation £2. Coffee and hot cross buns, stalls, baking, soft goods and tombola.

RBLS Women’s Section Dance Royal British Legion Club, Bridge of Weir 8pm to late Entrance £4. Music by Sandy Cunningham.

Raffle & Bingo. In aid of Erskine and all Legion Charities. Charity No SCO 21865.

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t: 01505 613340

Meet your neighbours, have a bit of walk and show your civic pride. Wear comfy clothes that might get dirty. Latex gloves, litter pickers, rubbish bags, and hi-viz clothing will be provided; you may want to bring your own heavier-duty work gloves. Call Karen on 01505 874656 to sign up, or for more information.

Paisley Pilgrimage Walk Barr, South Lanarkshire 10am Walk 8 of the Paisley Abbey celebratory Pilgrimage to Whithorn. Our destination will be Barrhill, South Lanarkshire. This is definitely a hiking boots route! The distance yet to be calculated is about 11 to 12 miles. Everyone is welcome to join us on all or part of this walk.

Details will be made available on the Paisley Abbey website. www.paisleyabbey.org.uk http://www.paisleyabbey.org.uk/ Sylvia

St Columba Church Playgroup Spring Craft Fair St Columba Lower Church Hall, Duchal Road, Kilmacolm 10.30am We have confirmed Glenmoss Soaps, WildBird Designs, Usbourne Books, Phoenix Cards, Paper and Love, Tiny Vikings, Queenie Browne and Katrin Eagle – Wool Artist as stallholders so far. We will be serving the usual tea, coffee and home baking plus bacon rolls and thanks to the generosity of Paul’s Fish and Chips in Houston we will also be serving ice cream.

Bridge of Weir Choral Society concert St Columba’s Church Kilmacolm 7.30pm The Welsh baritone Phil Gault will be one of the guest soloists with the Bridge of Weir Choral Society at their annual Spring concert.

Tickets are on sale now from choir members, the Village Newsagent Kilmacolm or by telephoning 01475 520280. Keep up to date with our news by visiting our website: www. bridgeofweirchoralsociety.org.uk

LEAP Car Club – Open Day LEAP office, Advance Place, Main St, Bridge of Weir 10am to 2pm Want to know more about the LEAP Car Club? We will be ready to answer all your questions, and sign you up if you wish to join. Remember, we only have a limited number of £15 memberships, so drop in and see if the Car Club could work for you. To find out more contact Diane Dunn diane@ myleapproject.org

Tue 23 April decorus Clarins event Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 6.45pm for 7pm Help us celebrate 25 years in Kilmacolm.

Tickets £15 (redeemable against a Clarins purchase). Wonderful raffle prizes. Everyone gets a Clarins gift. Contact the Salon for tickets (limited availability) on 01505 873636.

Paisley Flower Club Golden Anniversary Lunch Glynhill Hotel, Renfrew 12noon David Thomson presents Kaleidoscope.

12noon for 12.30pm Tickets - £25 Tel: Kate Stockwell 0141 585 7362 or Morag Wright 01505 614516.

World Book Night Beanscene, Kilmacolm 7.30pm Celebrate World Book Night with us locally at Beanscene with a Book Swap and Giveaway.

Bring along a book and swap, come along and meet readers, have a coffee and a natter about books. Local givers will have copies of their books from the WBN book list to give away.

So if you like to read, or would like to chat to readers then come along and join the fun.

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk Wed 24 April

Sun 28 April

Visibility Road Show

ROTARY 10K CHARITY RUN

Renfrew Town Hall 10am to 1pm

Houston Park, Houston 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

Held in aid of local disability groups. Hopefully this will be a great day and lots of money will be raised for good causes. Even if you don’t feel up to running, come along and watch. Snacks available from Houston Church Hall.

Thu 25 April Kilmacolm Post Office Consultation Closing Date

See main article on Kilmacolm News page in this issue. Submissions can be made during the consultation by Freepost YOUR COMMENTS to Post Office Ltd, via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk, via the Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44 or Textphone 08457 22 33 55.

Thu 25 - Fri 26 April St Columba Nursery Assessments 2013-2014 St Columba’s Junior School, Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm Nursery Assessments 2013-2014. Please call 01505 872768 to arrange an appointment. www.st-columbas.org.

Sat 27 April Coffee Morning Kilbarchan West Church Hall 10am to 12noon Come along and enjoy a chat with friends while sampling the delicious home baking on offer. Tickets priced £2.50 can are available at the door.

Thermal Image and Draught Buster Workshop The McKillop, Lochwinnoch 11am to 1pm We are running another workshop and if you would be interested in having a Thermal Image taken of your home please get in touch. For more info about any part of the LEAP Project, please contact us at info@myleapproject.org, drop in at one of our offices in Lochwinnoch, Kilbarchan or Bridge of Weir.

LEAP’s Off Mains Gas Group first meeting date The McKillop, Lochwinnoch 10am If you’re home is not on mains gas, you use LPG, Oil, or Coal and want to find ways to make your home heating more economical, please get in touch and come along. For more info about any part of the LEAP Project, please contact us at info@myleapproject.org or drop in to our offices in Lochwinnoch, Kilbarchan and Bridge of Weir.

wED 24 - SAT 27 April CALENDAR GIRLS Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm 7.30pm A KDS production. Tickets, including a complementary glass of wine at the interval, are on sale from the Village Newsagents & from Rosie Thirde on 01505 873088. This should be a funny, moving & uplifting experience. Please come along & give your support.

Sun 28 April Beith Arts Concert Beith Community Centre 2.30pm “End of the Pier”, a group of highly qualified musicians who also believe that a sense of humour added to music is a good way to relax. £8/£6 for adults and £1 for students and children (pay at the door). All are very welcome.

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t: 01505 613340

Wed 1 May Tea Dance Paisley Town Hall 1.30pm to 3.30pm Tickets: £2. Enjoy an afternoon of dancing, music and chatting with friends. John Findlay will keep you entertained all afternoon playing a series of timeless tunes on the keyboard.

Booking: 0141 887 1010.

Thu 2 May James Grant & Friends Paisley Abbey A celebration of song writing. Tickets £16 plus booking fee. Tickets available from Marks and Spencer’s food counter, High Street, Paisley & www.tickets-scotland.com or 08444 155221.

Fri 3 May The Rafferty Family plus special guests Paisley Abbey A celebration of song writing. Tickets £22 plus booking fee. Tickets available from Marks and Spencer’s food counter, High Street, Paisley & www.tickets-scotland.com or 08444 155221.

Film Nights at the Bridge The Bridge, Main St, Bridge of Weir “An Inspector Calls” (U) - Based on a story by J B Priestley this classic mystery is set in 1912, but filmed in 1954. With Alastair Sim and Jane Wenham. Entry is free, but any donations to Bridge funds is very welcome. Doors open from 6.30pm and the film starts at 7pm.

Sat 4 May 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 40+ stalls, nearly-new & craft Admission £1, Children Free.

Wed 8 May St Mary’s Lecture St Mary’s Church, Bridge of Weir 7pm Carol Craig, author of The Scots Crisis of Confidence and The Tears that made the Clyde, will be speaking about Materialism.

Thu 9 - Sat 11 May Flower And Fabric Festival Paisley Abbey, 10am to 4pm Tickets £5 on sale at the Abbey shop or from the Abbey Office at 0141 889 7654 information at www.paisleyabbey.org.uk

Sat 11 May RSPB Renfrewshire Local Group Annual Plant Sale RSPB Lochwinnoch, 11am to 4pm Come along to stock up on your bedding plants for the season ahead, pick up some bargain books and CD/DVD’s, enjoy the fantastic selection of home baking and have fun on our tombola/raffle.

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local History

by Renfrewshire Local History Forum

The Barmufflock Mystery Previous articles in The Advertizer have looked at mills on the Gryfe at Bridge of Weir. These ranged from small rural grain, waulk and lint mills, to much larger cotton mills, which were the origin of the village. By 1815 Bridge of Weir’s cotton mills employed most folk in the growing village and surrounding area.

As the mills were powered by water, their economic survival, and the prosperity of the village depended on a constant flow in the River Gryfe.

This was acknowledged in the ‘town rhyme’, which was read out at all local events through the nineteenth century: ‘May the River Gryfe Flow on through life,

To provide extra water for times of drought, the biggest cotton mill, the Laigh Mill, built its own reservoir, Houstonhead Dam, which fed into their lade directly above the water wheel. However this dam was too far downstream to benefit the two highest cotton mills, the Old Cotton Mill and Burngill Cotton Mill. In 1815 the three cotton mills jointly formed a plan, the “Barmufflock Agreement”, to create a new reservoir for the benefit of them all. The dam was built high above Bridge of Weir, on the headwaters of the Pow Burn, above Lochend Farm.

There was one snag - the Pow Burn entered the Gryfe below three of the mills, at the foot of Mill Brae, and would only have benefited Crosslee Mill, whose dam was further downstream. The solution was to build a lade, diverting the Pow Burn into the Gryfe above the highest mill.

Halfway down its course, the Pow Burn was diverted at Clevans Road, just above what is now Ranfurly Castle Golf Course Club House. It followed the line of modern Barrcraig Road, then fell steeply down towards the Gryfe, passing under Torr Road and entering the Gryfe upstream of what is now the railway viaduct. As the cotton mills differed in size, their contribution to the Barmufflock scheme was based on their respective number of spindles. The reservoir had another use, as a popular curling venue.

When the cotton mills closed in the 1870s the dam fell into disuse.

And ne’er be wanting water;

At the same time, the Pow Burn became a source of drinking water for the village. An initial scheme was completed in 1881 and fed into tanks at Donaldfield. In 1900 another dam was built in the headwaters of the Locher Water at Ladymuir, with pipes laid down to Donaldfield.

May Bridge of Weir town Rise in renown, And aye be growing better’.

The mill owners were obsessed with conserving Photo - Barmufflock Dam water to such an extent that the times of the meal breaks in the successive mills were staggered downstream, and their sluices opened and closed in succession.

Concert St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Bridge of Weir presents a Concert with The Masqueraders and the Youth Church on Saturday 20th April at 7.30pm. There will be two Scottish short plays by the Masqueraders and other items by the Youth Church. It will be a very good night of entertainment with a buffet tea at the end. Tickets are available from Margaret Mills 612625 and Bill Melvin.

Adults £5 and children £3.

t: 01505 613340

Barmufflock Dam fell into disuse and was drained by 1913. The boggy site became well known by naturalists as a home of rare plants. The massive rubble dam still survives and the lade can be traced down through the village to the Gryfe. © 2013 Stuart Nisbet

Charity Concert for Mary’s Meals Thursday 18th April at 7pm Classical concert by Martin Aelred International Solo Tenor and Classical Guitarist (performed for HRH Prince Charles and HH The Dalai Lama and appeared all over the world). Concert Venue: Howwood Parish Church, Main Street, Howwood. Tickets £5 from church contact Margaret 01505 504360 or at the door on the night.

Beacon Arts Centre in April FRI 5th Breakin’ Rules SAT 6th The Government Inspector TUE 9th The Steadfast Tin Soldier THUR 11th The Bon Jovi Experience SAT 13th The Agony & Ecstasy of Stevie Jobs TUE 16th George Orwell’s 1984 THUR 18th Second Coming & Winter Again FRI 19th What On Earth?

FRI 19th Bee Gees - Nights on Broadway SAT 20th Madame Butterfly SUN 21st a play, a pie & a pint WED 24-SAT 27th The Sound of Music THUR 25th The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish MON 29th The Mark of Zorro CONTACT: 01475 723723

info@beaconartscentre.co.uk

Langbank Camera Club Langbank Camera Club with ‘Winter Scenes’ the competition subject at the March meeting of the Camera Club was fortunate that after a brief spell of Spring weather, Scotland returned to Winter!

Gary Ramanathan’s ‘snow on leaves’ and ‘winter in the rear view mirror’ took top positions with David Robb’s two pictures featuring a tree in a frosty field and Langbank Station under heavy snow, also getting good ratings.

Members also took the chance to bring along their favourite pictures and explain how, why and where they were taken; this was a very interesting and enjoyable session.

The next meeting of the Club will take place on Monday 8th April at 7.30pm in the Church Halls; non members and visitors also very welcome. The monthly competition will be ‘Spring Scenes’.

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Paisley Colour Photographic Club’s Expressboxes Quaich Creative Competition PCPC Club were very pleased to welcome back top Spanish photographer Angel Rangil (Stewarton) to judge the Expressboxes Quaich Creative Competition held recently at the McMaster Centre in Renfrew.

Creative photography is defined as “altered reality” and involves producing an image through the use of imaginative skill or originality of thought. This includes modifications on the computer, or in the camera, as well as unusual points of view, imaginative use of subject matter or lighting, or any other presentation that begins with the photographer’s image(s), but defies the normal appearance of things.

Over sixty images were submitted for this competition and Angel gave very detail consideration to each image in turn pointing out how improvements could be made and also highlighting the strengths of each image.

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Tea Dance Wed 17th April at Renfrew Town Hall. Tickets: £2. An afternoon of dancing, music and chatting with friends. John Findlay will keep you entertained all afternoon.

Booking: 0141 887 1010.

In fourth place in the competition with the very effective addition of driving rain to her image “Dancers in the Surf” was Pat Cook. Club president Norma McDowall was awarded third place for her colourful Monet style image “Blue Poppies” whilst in second place with his elegant black and white composition “Tango Dancers” was Andy Kerr. But with her second image in the top four, the beautifully toned and designed composition “Madame Butterfly”, Pat Cook was judged as the worthy winner PCPC’s Expressboxes Quaich for 2012/13.

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

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TV Tech

with Kenny McIntyre of Millennium Group

Should we get excited about Ultra HD TV?

Ultra High Definition TV is four times the resolution of HDTV. That’s, 4k, 3840 x 2160 pixels. 3D TV hasn’t generated the sales that struggling TV manufacturers clearly hoped it would and the take up of Ultra HDTV is not guaranteed to mirror the sales of HD TVs, especially with the first wave of screens running into tens of thousands of pounds eg 84” Sony costing £25,000. In these recessionary times big ticket purchases are out of the question for many without a little Lotto help.

Even though there is still no commercial Ultra HD content available, manufacturers appear determined to fast track panels available to display 4 times the resolution of today’s full HD hardware. Sky has been making noises of its intention to launch an Ultra HD channel, but is reluctant to

Kilmacolm Camera Club

Our multi-faceted 2012/13 session is nearly over, but the past few weeks have been very active.

Our regular ‘learning zone’ of practical evenings continued with a demonstration by Billy Blair on how to take close-ups, using a variety of macro photography gear. We also had a talk by David Walker on architecture photography, using images taken by him locally and abroad. Some, a bit ancient, crumbling and neglected………but enough about David!

Our Third League Competition was judged by Club Members, with the subject being “Still Life”. In the Print Section, Bill Ham was the still life standard bearer, with “Anemone Study” (shown here). Second equal were David Addison and Bill Ham, with “Morning Coffee” and “Cocktail Glasses”, respectively. Third was David Addison, with “Nutcracker” (shown here). In the Digital Section, David Walker came first, with “Geometry Focal Point” (shown here). David also took second place, with “Patterns of Nature.” Bill Ham’s “Monochrome Still Life” was third.

Have I been hacked?

Last month you may have received an email from a friend or colleague with nothing on it other than an internet hyperlink. I have received 9 so far in March at the time of writing and I think I can expect more. This is the result of email account hacking, the target this time round is apparently Yahoo, or BT Yahoo; if your email address finishes with @btinternet.com or @yahoo.co.uk I would be on high alert. Here are some actions you can

t: 01505 613340

say when, though it is likely the first generation of HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) Ready Sky Plus boxes will come at a premium price. Perhaps what will really get viewers excited and parting with their cash is a public demonstration of a major sporting event along the lines of 2014 World Cup or 2016 Olympics.

Scottish Broadcaster STV has been awarded licences by Ofcom to operate local TV channels on Freeview in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Involving students from both cities universities ETV (Edinburgh TV) and GTV (Glasgow TV) will initially broadcast in the evenings only until 10pm.

Indicative schedules include daily 15 minute and hourly news bulletins and coverage of local arts, culture and current affairs. Viewers in the Glasgow region will have access to live sport on Saturdays and those in Edinburgh will be able to participate in live phone-ins. The channels are expected to launch on October 1st. This is an exciting step in regional TV for Freeview and I await the launch eagerly.

Look out in next month’s issue for more interesting TV Tech. If you have any questions or comments to make on the column please email Kenny at kenny.millgroup@gmail.com For further help or advice call Kenny or Clare of Millennium Group on 01294 465478 or visit www.aerials4u.co.uk For another of our Practical Evenings, we had a series of “20/20” presentations, where members present a selection of 20 images, and explain the thinking behind them. It was very instructive to see what fires the imaginations of our members (I’m sure Freud would have a field day!).

We were also entertained by Andy Stark, of Gryffe Camera Club. He provided a fascinating series of travelogues, taken in Scotland and around Europe – some cracking scenery and architecture! It was quite revealing to see the range of cameras he’d used for these shots.

“Spring has sprung.

The grass has riz”.

Come along and learn the “Biz”!

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

iT blog

with Colin Fyfe of Colcom take to avoid your account getting hacked, but I think the blame for this outbreak lies squarely at BT Yahoo’s feet.

Maximise your password security. A good thing to try is mixing numbers, letters and even punctuation when you can. Changing your password on a regular basis, every three months or so, is regarded as best practise, but think it is a little unrealistic. A good solid password is you 99% of the way there. Besides, I would hate to go through that palaver only to get hacked because of my provider’s failings.

A good way to generate a password using upper and lower with numbers would be to contrive a true statement. For example, ‘Emma is my niece.

She lives at number 18’. This is easily converted to ‘EimnSlan18’. Granted, hardly rolls off the tongue, but as a statement of fact it is easier to recall given the language used is simple.

I have written about Gmail before, having had my own hotmail account hacked I have never looked back from it, I cannot recommend it highly enough given that unlike BT Yahoo, Hotmail and AOL, I have never received junk from a hacked Gmail account.

Remember that the hackers are using robots that are programmed with intelligence based password lists and algorithms. A simple name or word and number will no longer cut it; ‘london12’ or ‘welcome1’ - anyone?

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Celebrating 25 years of St Vincent’s Hospice Door to Door - Will you help us make a difference?

Can you spare 2 hours to help someone living with a life limiting illness? Monday 22nd to Saturday 27th April in Bishopton, Johnstone, Howwood and Bridge of Weir.

All this involves is you posting a donation envelope through the doors in your street or surrounding streets and returning at the end of the week to collect them and send them back to the hospice.

Your help would mean that St Vincent’s Hospice can continue to provide essential care, totally free of charge to the local communities of Renfrewshire.

Be Part Of It - Contact Us Now! T:01505 705635 E: ashley.moran@svh. co.uk Collections - Can you spare 2 hours to help us with a collection?

During April we have the following collections: * Monday 8th April - Bucket Collection - Asda, Linwood - 10am to 4pm * Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st April - Bucket Collection - IKEA Glasgow 10am to 4pm * Wednesday 24th to Saturday 27th April - Bucket Collection - Johnstone Phoenix ‘Oklahoma’ production, Tweedie Hall Linwood - 7pm - 7.30pm Your help would mean that St Vincent’s Hospice can continue to provide essential care, totally free of charge to the local communities of Renfrewshire. Buckets and tabards are provided. Be Part Of It - Contact Us Now. T: 01505705635 E: ashley.moran@svh.co.uk

in business with Steve Povey

TELEPHONOPHOBIA – have you got it?

Your humble telephone is widely believed to be the greatest invention yet.

Well, let’s be honest, would we really want to live without it for a few days?

I didn’t think so.

Still for as much as we use them, many of us are afraid to make business calls with them, and even more of us don’t get the best from those calls and truth be told, making ‘cold calls’ can be more than a bit scary.

So let’s share some tips and advice that will go a long way to making the time that we have to spend on the phone, more useful and more enjoyable, whether it’s for business or pleasure.

To start with, let’s think of all the things that people say and do that are really annoying when they call us - and don’t do them! Even doing that is more challenging than it sounds.

So when we call, ask first ‘what is the purpose, what points do I need to share and discuss, what questions do I need to ask’ – let’s get them written down first. Just short notes, no need for a wordy essay, as we want to sound natural, not like a machine reading a script. So as basic as it sounds, yes we need a note pad, pen and calendar. Next thought - on meeting people we shake hands, likewise on the phone, it’s called the verbal handshake;

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who are we, where from, what’s the purpose of the call, are they free for a few minutes, they are – lovely – no, then when would be a good time; diary it and follow up.

How about a few definite ‘do nots’! Don’t eat or drink when talking; talk at a sensible pace; no TV, radio, children and pets creating in the background – after all how does that make you feel about the caller, when it happens to you.

A few definite should do’s. SMILE, yes I know you’ve heard that one before, but what a difference it makes to our tone and how we come across, it also affects our mental approach. Visualise the person, pretend they are in the room with you, that will get you as close to a face to face meeting as possible and they are always the best. Ask their name, write it down and use it. LISTEN – like any conversation, it should be two ways, be interested in them, want to know how they feel, what their needs are. Review what has been said and agreed, (note pad comes into its own here). AND my all-time favourite – STAND UP, it transforms how you feel and sound and especially if you are a bit of the old ‘telephonophobic’.

Hang on, what about handling that well trained receptionist, what happens when they say ‘no’, how do you sell effectively on the phone; Oh no it’s gone on to voicemail, what will I do now? Happily, lots more advice, skills and tips to share at a future time to handle these. Here’s a thought - try out the above and give me a call, I’d rather you practiced on me than your customers!

(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 – Marketing and Promotion)

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BAYTREE INTERIORS HAVE ONE OF THE LARGEST SELECTIONS OF DESIGNER WALLPAPERS IN SCOTLAND

Beautiful Homes

The choices include Textured Papers, Plains, Stripes Flock, Faux Suede and Faux Leather, Small all over designs, Dogs, Stags Heads, Architectural, Floral designs, Tartans, Traditional and Contemporary papers from some of the world’s best designers including Osborne & Little, Designers Guild, Mulberry, Zoffany, Harlequin, Romo, Brian Yates, Farrow & Ball, Jane Churchill, Casamance, Sanderson, Manuel Canovas and Sahco.

Your walls contain more square footage than any other decorative surface in a room.

Adding a distinctive wall-covering is the quickest and most affordable way to define the overall character and feel of space.

Things to consider when choosing wallpaper include the type of room you’re papering and your family’s lifestyle. Then look for attributes that fit your needs. Some common paper types include scrub-bable, designed to withstand mildly abrasive brushes and detergents, washable papers that can be sponge cleaned to remove fingerprints and grime.

with Baytree Interiors Samples can be ordered which we would always recommend as it is very important to see the paper in your own home where lighting, furnishings and other elements in the room may affect your decision.

We are also local stockists of Farrow & Ball, Zoffany and Designers Guild Paint Collections. We have the large shade cards in store for customers to browse through and match up with wallpapers.

We look forward to seeing you in store and helping you browse through our vast collection of wallpapers and advise you on colours, styles and qualities that suit your home.

Tel: 01505 613002.

39/41 Main Street, Bridge of Weir.

Diaporama

What is World Book Night?

Join us on Tuesday 23rd April at 7.30pm in Beanscene, Kilmacolm to find out.

World Book Night is a celebration of reading and books when thousands of volunteers gift specially chosen and printed WBN books in their communities to share their love of reading. Each year 20,000 volunteers hand out 20 copies of their favourite book from the WBN list to members of their community. World Book Night is about giving books and encouraging reading in those who don’t regularly do so. But it is also about more than that: It’s about people, communities and connections, about reaching out to others and touching lives in the simplest of ways, through the sharing of stories. Find out more about World Book Night on www.worldbooknight. org Celebrate World Book Night with us locally at Beanscene with a Book Swap and Giveaway. Bring along a book and swap, come along and meet readers, have a coffee and a natter about books. Local givers will have copies of their books from the WBN book list to give away. So if you like to read, or would like to chat to readers then come along and join the fun.

Healthy Minds with Mo Ferrington,

Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist

Hypnosis for Computer Addiction?

Do you find a compulsion to constantly use your computer? Do you find yourself thinking about getting on the internet even when you are doing something else? Do you stay up late at night or rise early in order to go on your computer and surf the internet? Have you become a facebook addict or become addicted to some other social interaction website? Do you find yourself constantly checking your emails or seeing how many new facebook friends you have got?

If one or more of the above descriptions applies to you, it may or may not be helpful to know that you are not alone. Other good people just like you who want happy and fulfilling lives have developed these same patterns and habits.

Unless, you change, you may find the following will happen or already has happened in your life:An internet addiction may lead to:• • • • •

Difficulties in your personal relationship (wife, husband, partner, lover) A sense of shame leading to poor self esteem A feeling of helplessness at not being able to stop Procrastination and putting off other tasks you know you should do A withdrawing from social interaction, events, and other missed opportunities

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t: 01505 613340

We had a meeting with a difference this month - not a photographic image in sight!

We had a technical evening concentrating on the audio aspect of AV. This is an area that can make or break a sequence. We watched a couple of Utube videos on ways to use the audio programme -audacity. It led to a lot of discussion. We had a go at some of the techniques shown. We also looked at how to source and use sound effects e.g. bees buzzing, a baby crying, rain and put these together to make ‘a sound story’.

Our next meeting is on Monday 8th April, 7.30pm at the Kilmacolm community centre and is titled V & B Cornucopia. Everyone welcome.

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• Loss of friends, a partner and others • Loss of your business or your job

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On the internet no one need know who you really are. You can pretend to be someone else. You can hide what you view as your short-comings and highlight your strengths or those aspects that you think others are attracted to. These cyber relationships might provide some satisfaction in the short-term. In the longterm they can lead to losing your self confidence and your sense of yourself.

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Hypnotherapy can help you to start making positive changes to your life. In reading this article you already know that you need to have a healthier lifestyle and that your computer addiction is not likely to change by itself. Hypnotherapy is particularly effective at looking at the causes of an addiction. An addiction occurs because some need was not being fulfilled or there was a need to escape from reality into a semi-real or fantasy world. Once a cause is identified, self hypnosis can then help you make changes to your life. Just imagine feeling more in control and more confident. The mind is always in control, but sometimes we have to change or re-focus it.

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If you want to know more about I how I can help you with hypnosis and the role you can play in your own success, call Mo Ferrington on 01505 872254, mobile 07775594132, email mo-hypnotherapy-world@live.co.uk

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Confidentiality: Please know that all sessions are provided in confidence. Your privacy will be respected. No matter how extreme you might think your internet, computer, facebook, dating or other web social addiction is, the hypnotherapist is experienced and will not be shocked or judge you.

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“My Long March Home” by Alan Young & Pat Young McEwan This is the story of David Young (originally from Greenock) and his spirit, love and courage whilst being held as a prisoner in Germany from 1940 until 1945. Having been shot down over France in December 1940, he then spent the rest of the war trying to escape from various POW camps which would eventually lead to him being awarded the Military Cross for bravery. David was determined to return to Veronica, a young lady that he had come to know. His ‘Long March Home’ was successful and on his return, they were married in May 1945. The main part of this story - David’s Odyssey - has been taken from his diaries and is supported by Veronica’s later notes. Further interest is added with a chapter from ‘The Hampden File’ (Air Britain) of the bomber’s crash landing and David’s survival. Included are many contemporary local newspaper articles and pictures, in addition to a chapter about David’s long involvement with the Greenock ATC - No 49f Squadron. This is the true Odyssey of a modest local hero.

April Entertainment -

Renfrewshire

Motown Tribute Night

On Friday 12th April at Ingliston Country Club & Equestrian Centre, Bishopton at Salerno Suite - £29.95 per person The Motown Brothers perform a special tribute to some of the biggest legends of Soul and Motown, artistes like: The Temptations, The Drifters, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Eddie Grant, Marvin Gaye, Jimmy Ruffin, Sam Cooke and James Brown to name a few.

The Motown Brothers have worked all over the UK and have now brought this hugely successful show back to Ingliston Country Club.

Includes: 3 course meal, Motown Entertainment plus DJ. 7pm for 7.30pm dinner - 1am finish.

Vegetarian / dietary option available by prior arrangement. Tel: 0845 301 1010 for bookings and further details.

From Monday 1st - Bird-based family fun at RSPB Lochwinnoch: A packed programme of fun outdoor events taking place during Spring 2013. Call 01505 842 663 for further information.

Tuesday 2nd - Spring Creative Camp: Behind the Mask: Paisley Museum - A four-day series of visual art, drama and new media activities for children.

Thursday 4th - The Mark of Zorro: Paisley Arts Centre - A swashbuckling adventure for all the family!

Wednesday 10th - Oscar and the Deep Sea Pearl: Paisley Arts Centre - A fast-paced, humorous and musical story from Mousetale Puppets.

Friday 12th - The Agony and Ecstasy of Steve Jobs: Paisley Arts Centre - Hilarious and harrowing tale where we meet Steve Jobs and Chinese workers toiling to make our beloved iPhones Saturday 13th - A Cat in Paris (PG): Paisley Arts Centre - Set in the dark alleyways of Paris, this animation is about Dino, a cat that leads a double life.

Tuesday 16th - Club Animate: Paisley Museum - Animation classes for children

Friday 19th and Saturday 20th - Celebrating 25 years of St Vincent’s Hospice - Strictly Come Prancing: Normandy Hotel, Renfrew - A series of great events to raise funds for and celebrate the work of St Vincent’s Hospice during its 25th year.

Saturday 20th - Quest for Talent: Paisley Town Hall - Come along to see talented local performers at Paisley Rotary’s annual fundraising event.

Saturday 20th - The Joni Keen Quartet: Paisley Arts Centre - Joni Keen returns to Paisley with her performance of timeless classics.

Friday 26th and Sat 27th - My Little Shadow: Paisley Arts Centre - A performance incorporating dance, live music, film and storytelling.

Booking or further information from: 0141 887 1010 or visit the website at http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk

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Meet our Gala Queen

Picture of the Gala Queen elect (Ashley Shields) with her two Attendants ( C o u r t n e y Cameron and Grace McCloy)

Bridge of Weir Choral Society

Film Nights at the Bridge On Friday 5th April, the film is “Cinema Paradiso” (PG) - Italian Academy Award winner which revisits the cinema in 1940’s and 50’s Sicilly. With Jacques Perin, Phillipe Noiret and directed by Guiseppe Tornatore.

On Thursday 18th April we will be showing “Jason and Argonauts” (U) - Exciting mythological adventure telling the story of Jason’s search for the golden fleece. Stars Todd Armstrong and Nancy Kovak.

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.

The Welsh baritone Phil Gault will be one of the guest soloists with the Bridge of Weir Choral Society at their annual Spring concert. With the choir and soprano Brianna Robertson he will be performing the haunting Requiem by the French composer Maurice Durufle; he will also be the soloist in the beautiful “Five Mystical Songs” by Vaughan Williams.

BoW SWRI

The next meeting of the Bridge of Weir Rural will be the AGM and minishow and will take place on 4th April in the British Legion at 7.30pm. All visitors and members welcome.

The concert on Saturday 20th April at St Columba’s Church Kilmacolm, will be conducted by the choir’s Musical Director, Christopher Barr and the organist will be John Gormley. The other work to be included in the evening is Haydn’s “Insanae et Vanae Curae”. The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets, priced £8 (accompanied under 18s free), are on sale now from choir members, the Village Newsagent Kilmacolm or by telephoning 01475 520280.

In other news, members of the choir have been invited to take part in this month’s recording of the BBC’s “Songs of Praise” at Paisley Abbey. The programmes will be shown on BBC1 later in the year.

Our AGM will be held at the Cargill centre, Kilmacolm at 7.30pm on Tuesday 23rd April. Keep up to date with our news by visiting our website: www. bridgeofweirchoralsociety.org.uk

Building Bridges at Former Library The former Bridge of Weir Library building is to be leased to the community for the next decade under plans agreed by councillors.

The building – on the village’s main street – has been run as a community centre and post office since 2011 by a group of volunteers.

The group, called The Bridge, took on the facility on a short-term lease after the library service relocated to the nearby Cargill Hall.

Councillors on Renfrewshire’s Planning and Property Policy Board this week approved a provisional ten-year agreement which will allow the notfor-profit group to continue their tenancy for a nominal £1 a year.

The deal will be the first to take place under the council’s Community Asset Transfer Policy – a set of guidelines over how to transfer council property to voluntary groups for productive purposes.

The Bridge (Bridge of Weir) Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation started out as an association of local churches, but was later expanded to include other community groups.

The facilities they already offer include a shop selling stationery and Fairtrade-branded goods, a second-hand book/DVD exchange, and a small cinema.

The group has also improved the property by adding new kitchen and toilet facilities, allowing a wide variety of community groups to use the venue for hire.

Councillor Terry Kelly, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Planning and Property Policy Board, said: “We are pleased to be able to hand over a surplus-to-requirements property asset to a group of people who will be able to make best use of it.

“The Bridge group have shown themselves to be very capable in terms of running the facility for the benefit of the Bridge of Weir community and I would like to wish them all the best with their future plans.”

Paul Birch, chair of The Bridge, added: “The council has been very supportive – both the officials and the elected members – which we really appreciate.

“We are already working on a community garden at the back and hope to physically extend the building, which will hopefully increase the amount of usage.”

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bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir BoW TARA

There was a healthy turnout at the monthly Tenants and Residents meeting held on 19th March at which the following issues were discussed: We were given a very informative talk from Derek Murray from Renfrewshire Council on the new Welfare Reform changes. Booklets on this will be available at Bridge of Weir Library and The Bridge. The Police advised us that there were only 3 crimes reported over the last month of which 2 have been detected. After long discussion with Drew McNab from Roads & Transport Dept and the Local Councillors and the Housing Officer it was unanimously agreed that 14 foot long arrows painted on the horse shoe in Park Road are to be removed ASAP. To the delight of local residents. Kilmacolm Road, Montrose Terrace, Kilbarchan Road and Ranfurly Place are to have resurfacing work done and Houston Road lighting is to be upgraded later this year. Brian Turner of PGTF gave us an update on the progress he has achieved so far.

It was reported on the changes to the McGill’s bus timetables which come into affect on the 22nd April. Dog Fouling is an ongoing problem throughout the village and this was discussed at length and the correct telephone number to contact the Dog Wardens is 0300 3000 380.

The next meeting of the Tenants & Residents will be our AGM on Tuesday 16th April at 7.30 in the Cargill Hall and as usual all residents welcome to attend.

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Langbank SWRI The final meeting of the session will be our AGM, prize giving and dinner at Gleddoch House Hotel (Golf Club) on Thursday 18th April 7pm for 7.30pm.

Bridge of Weir History Society

Our next meeting will be on Monday 29th April when Elizabeth Edwards will give a talk on “The Glasgow Garden Festival – 25th Anniversary”.

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.

Please note the date for the outing is now TUESDAY 28TH MAY. The Day Visit includes transport by coach, lunch & guided tours of The Trades Hall Glasgow & Maryhill Burgh Halls. Full booking details can be obtained from secretary Lorraine 01505 612202.

Coffee & Crafts for Cancer Our annual charity coffee morning is on Saturday 20th April from10am until 12.30pm in Langbank Church Hall, Main Rd, Langbank. Entry is £3 for adults and £1 for children, this includes tea/coffee and cakes.

Stalls include delicious home baking, jams and chutneys, hand crafted goods, jewellery and bric a brac. There will be a raffle for a luxury food hamper and a beauty hamper.

Proceeds will go to Ardgowan Hospice, McMillan Nurses, and Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer charities.

All are very welcome, so please come to Langbank Church Hall and support us.

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Bridge of Weir - In response to many complaints about speeding, Bridge of Weir will have a driver feedback sign erected at Kilmacolm Road. It will monitor the speed of vehicles at this point and give the Roads Department essential data and inform decisions about possible traffic management options. The Park Road white arrows which appeared without local consultation will be removed. The proposed Shillingworth Farm development resulted in 476 objections being received by the Council. It is likely that this will be referred to the Scottish Government for examination in the summer. On another matter I have asked Derek McKay MSP, Minister for Planning to consider whether the rights of objectors are adequately balanced against the appeal rights of applicants.

Bishopton - There are understandable anxieties about the change to the Bae development and the size of supermarket being proposed. The Planning Department is considering a 6,000m2 store instead of the 1,000m2 originally approved. I shall be liaising with the community council about this.

Langbank - The village school has had a collision with a delivery van!

Significant damage was caused, but fortunately the school timetable was not affected in any way.

Police - A few weeks ago I spent a Friday evening on patrol with some local police officers. It was an interesting experience and I was most impressed by the dedication of the police officers and their recently appointed Area Commander, Chief Inspector Julie MacConnell.

Transport - The Local Area Committees, which meets quarterly, is looking for suggestions for improvement of bus services in the area.

RBLS Womens Section Dance Friday 20th April - 8 ‘til late - Royal British Legion Club, Bridge of Weir.

Entrance £4. Music by Sandy Cunningham. Raffle & Bingo. In aid of Erskine and all Legion Charities.

Br of Weir Community Council

The Community Council welcomes the proposed new traffic signage to be introduced at the Kilmacolm Road entrance to the village. The Police now have a new non emergency telephone number. Dial 101 charged at normal local call rates, this number gives easy access to your local Police Office.

The CC has been asked by the Local Area Committee for assistance in identifying local public transport needs.

Trish Miller from Care and Connect Support at Home addressed the recent meeting and informed us of a new concept in home support being explored in the area which aims to link older and disabled people who require low level support (excluding personal care) with trusted and reliable helpers living close by. For further information www.careandconnect.org.uk The CC is currently working alongside other Local Organisations exploring new ventures for the village. All at very early stages they include investigating if there is a source for Hydro Power on the river, enhancing the Christmas Light display, a village clean-up prior to Festival Week and improvements to the Ladeside.

The CC responded to the Scottish Police Authority Consultation where we highlighted that we should be more involved in a Local Police Plan as it would be more relevant to the Village. There is a need to know how it is intended to engage with local communities, who will be involved, and what influence can be brought to bear. We ask how will crime prevention be improved and we believe there is a need for more visible policing and how will this be achieved.

Date for the diary: The Christmas Lights Switch-on will take place on Wednesday 27 November.

The Community Council has submitted an objection to Renfrewshire Council’s local development plan consultation highlighting the following key points; • No Green Belt designated land should be forfeited prior to all brown field sites within the village envelope being developed.

• Renfrewshire Council’s appraisal of the Shillingworth site shows a number of negative impacts on the village that haven’t been given sufficient weighting in the final judgement.

• There are brown field sites within the village envelope that could be developed and provide the housing requirement that Shillingworth would provide.

• Other options are suggested in the response.

The full detailed response made by the Community Council can be viewed at www.bridgeofweir.org

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Welfare Reform - The growing impact of the UK Government’s welfare reform continues to cause the SNP grave concern. It is simply unjust to have many people penalised because they live in houses that are deemed to be larger than they require, when there are no suitable smaller properties to move to. If you think you might be affected by the changes to welfare benefits, 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 or by phone on: 03003 001259 or 07534 148734 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.

Submissions are now closed for the Local Development Plan.

The Council will bring back to the Planning and Property Board a report, before the summer, which sets out their recommended responses to all the representations received. If approved as per the proposed plan, this will form the Council’s case for the Examination of the Plan to be undertaken by the Scottish Government Reporter. At present it looks as though the council have received 476 objections to the Shillingworth site in Bridge of Weir.

Too many drivers and their passengers are throwing out litter from their vehicles, spoiling the Renfrewshire countryside. If anyone sees litter being thrown away on the public highway, please contact the police or Renfrewshire Council Warden Service with details of the incident (Warden Service tel.; 0300 300 0380). The council is responsible for keeping roads, pavements, parks and other open space areas litter-free. As part of the Clean Renfrewshire campaign, our ‘Litter Hit Squad’ clears up litter throughout Renfrewshire.

The Council’s budget for 2013/2014 included an extra £5.7m capital for road and footpath improvement works. The Ward 10 roads included in the priority Road and Footpath Programme for 2013/2014 are as follows: Bishopton: West Porton Area. Bridge of Weir: A761 Kilmacolm Road, Kilbarchan Road, and Montrose Terrace.

The Government is making major changes to the benefits system with the Welfare Reform Act. If you are of working age (16 - 64) and claim benefits then you should have already been contacted by the Council.

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

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bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir Well Done Cara

Cara Newman (7 years old) from Bridge of Weir has kindly fostered a new born Lamb, which she has named ‘Buttercup’.

Buttercup was sadly abandoned by her mother and now has to be bottle fed

by Cara and her brother James (5 yrs old).

The lamb will eventually be put back into the field with the other sheep and lambs when it is able to fend for itself.

Advertizer in the Top 10

Bridge of Weir has been listed as one of the best places to live in Scotland, according to a guide by The Sunday Times.

The village has been deemed one of the top ten most desirable locations in the country in a “Best Places to Live” guide published last week. The upto-date, two-part publication takes a wide range of elements into account including transport links, quality of schools, natural beauty, low crime rate, property prices, cultural life and unemployment figures. Each area is also assessed on its own individual assets, whether it has a local festival, fascinating architecture or proximity to an airport, etc.

The Advertizer is delighted to have relocated to one of the “Best Places to Live”, but then maybe having the local magazine at Neva Place, in the heart of the Village, helped play a part in achieving that positive rating.

St Machar’s Ranfurly Guild

Easter Fayre

In the Church Hall, Bridge of Weir on Saturday 20th April from 10.30am until 12.30pm. Ticket donation £2.

Coffee and hot cross buns, stalls, baking, soft goods and tombola.

LEAP is Recruiting

LEAP is currently recruiting an additional Energy Advisor.

The position is part time, self employed and some weekend and evening work will be required, training will be given. The role involves working with householders in Bridge of Weir, Lochwinnoch, Kilbarchan and Howwood.

The contract period is to 31st March 2014, with possibility of renewal for a further 12 month period. The closing date for applications is midnight on 17th April with interview on 26th April and a start date of 13th May, subject to discussion on any required notice period. For a detailed job description, the application form and to find out more please go to: www.myleapproject.org/recruitment or email Carol Gemmell, Project M a n a g e r at info@ myleapproject. org or scan this QR code:

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Ed

Langbank Scottish Country Dance Held this year in St Andrew’s Church Halls, Church St., Port Glasgow, on Monday 15th April at 7.30pm. Live music, home baked supper, cost £7.

Phone Trish on 01475 540 272, or Katherine 01475 540 738 for tickets.

The more dancers the better!

Laserlight Technology Comes To Bridge of Weir

Lorraine Coyne’s Laserlight Clinic has just opened offering clients the latest laser technology treatments.

Laserlight uses state-of-the art technology to provide a range of effective, pain-free aesthetic treatments suitable for all skin types, achieving impressive and long-lasting results at competitive prices.

Located in Bridge of Weir, Laserlight Clinic offers local people the same cutting edge aesthetic treatments and facilities as you would expect from a luxury city centre salon but with the added benefit of a more discreet and accessible setting and without the city centre price tag!

Available treatments include permanent hair reduction and a variety of skin treatments using E-light technology, combining IPL with radio frequency for a safer and less painful experience. Skin treatments include skin rejuvenation, treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, thread vein removal, acne treatments and treatment for sun damage. While this forms the core of the business, the clinic also offers laser tattoo removal and a revolutionary carbon laser facial treatment.

Hair removal and skin treatments are suitable for all skin types and are available to both male and female clients.

The Clinic will also stock a range of locally sourced aromatherapy products, including oils and candles.

Call 01505 228095 for further information, email: info@laserlightclinic.co.uk or visit the website at www.laserlightclinic. co.uk

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Kilmacolm Community Clean-Up On Saturday 20th April, why not come along and help us clean up a few areas in and around Kilmacolm? We’re seeking volunteers of all ages (although we ask that “under-16s” be accompanied by an adult), to spend a couple of hours picking up rubbish along the roads leading into the village. Inverclyde Council, and the ‘Keep Scotland Beautiful’ campaign will provide litter pickers, bags, hi-viz clothing, and disposable gloves.

Depending on how many we are, we’ll split into teams, and each team will be assigned to clean up a specific and reasonably sized area. We’re also looking for 3-4 volunteers with vehicles to help transport people to and from outlying locations.

Meet in the car park outside the Pullman, just at the entrance to the cycle track, at 10am. Wear weather-appropriate clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty, and comfortable walking shoes. You may also want to bring heavier work gloves, and mobile phones for coordinating rides. If the weather brings horizontal rain (or other abysmal conditions), we’ll cancel; otherwise, be prepared for sun (we can hope!), wind, light rain, etc.

Please call Karen on 874656 to sign up (especially if you can be a driver), so we can plan for the areas we’ll be able to cover.

The International World Day of Prayer

The International World Day of Prayer took place on Friday 1st March and was organised this year by the Christian women of France who chose the theme ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me’. Our local Service was held in St Columba Church Hall and every year it is organised by five women who represent each of the local churches.

Though the attendance from those who took part was much appreciated, the WDP Service is not well supported by the local community. It is, however, an important annual event. Not only is this Service a visible sign of ecumenism, where there are not many opportunities, we also have the delightful contribution of Kilmacolm Primary School. We are heartened that the number of children coming along to sing has been increasing and this year there were 36 children, their head Teacher Jill Jones and 5 staff and helpers.

The children had fun tying strips of coloured cloth together to make a large circle embracing everyone as a sign of inclusion and friendship.

Maureen Russell (Convenor)

Kilmacolm Community Centre The Hub Cafe: open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri; Saturday 10am-3pm Room‘s available for hire.

Enquiries and bookings: contact staff on 01505 873994

Centre Activities: Mon: Yoga with Janis 10am-11am; Baby yoga with Janis 11.1512.15pm; Anti Coagulant Clinic 1.30-3.30pm; Bridge 7.00pm-10.30pm; Audio Visual 7.45-9.45pm every 2nd Monday of the month; Fashion Class 6.30pm-8.30pm; Karate 8pm-9.30pm; Santosa 6.30pm-8.30pm; Quilters 7.30pm-9.30pm; La Clave 7pm-8pm ( from April)

Tues: Hand Craft group 10am-12pm; Hartbeeps Toddlers Group 10am12.30pm; Group Fitness Kettle Bell with Paula 6.30pm-7.30pm; The Fashion Class with Marilyn 6.30-8.30pm; ACOL Bridge practise 7.3010pm; Rock choir 10am-12pm; Camera club 7pm-10pm

Wed: Embroidery Group 10am -12pm; Group Fitness Circuits with Colin

7pm-8pm; The Fashion Class with Marilyn 6.30-8.30pm; Rhythm Time 10am-11am; Bridge for Beginners 2pm-4pm; Pensioners Lunch 1pm2.30pm

Thur: Pilates 10am-12.30pm; Metafit 6.30-7pm; Everyday Mindfulness 1.30pm- 4pm & 5.30pm-8pm; Indoor Bowling Mixed groups 2pm-4pm; Karate 8pm-9.30pm

Fri: Youth Club 6.30pm-10pm; Art Class with Ruth Lamont 10am-12pm Sat: Dance School 9.30-11.30am; Art Class with Denise 10am-12pm Table Tennis: We also have a table tennis table for hire at various times £5 for a half hour or £8 for the hour.

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kilmacolm & quarriers Kilmacolm Post Office

The Post Office is proposing to move Kilmacolm Post Office from its current location to create one of our new-style ‘local’ branches with extended opening hours for customers.

The proposed new location for the branch is Kilmacolm Stores, 3 Octavia Buildings, Bridge of Weir Road, Kilmacolm PA13 4AE. This is 50 metres from its current site at Port Glasgow Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4AA. The Post Office is inviting customers and interested parties to give their comments on the move in a public consultation. Post Office Regional Network Manager for Scotland & Northern England, Sue Richardson, said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in Kilmacolm and we are confident that this new style branch will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.

Post Office local is a new concept for delivering Post Office services from an open plan counter with Post Office products and services available alongside retail transactions during shop opening hours, allowing Post Office services to be available for longer offering greater convenience to customers.

More Colour In Kilmacolm

With the support of Kilmacolm Community Council a group of local people is being brought together to further enhance the appearance of the village and add colour and floral interest with tubs and planters.

If you would like to be involved in any way please contact Peter at pmckerrell@ hotmail.co.uk or 01505 872448.

Opening hours at the proposed new location would be 7am-10pm Monday to Saturday and 8am-9pm on Sunday offering customers an extra 57 hours to access Post Office products and services.

During the public consultation Post Office Ltd welcomes feedback on any issues customers would like considered before a final decision is taken on this proposal. The consultation will close on 25th April 2013. Submissions can be made during the consultation by Freepost YOUR COMMENTS to Post Office Ltd, via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk, via the Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44 or Textphone 08457 22 33 55.

The ‘Calendar Girls’ are coming to town The next KDS production, ‘Calendar Girls’, written by Tim Firth & directed by Alison Holliman, will be staged at the Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm on 24th, 25th, 26th & 27th April at 7.30pm, doors open 7pm. You will see that there is an extra performance on the Wednesday, as demand for tickets is expected to be high.

Tickets, including a complementary glass of wine at the interval, will be on sale from the beginning of April from the Village Newsagents & from Rosie Thirde (telephone 01505 873088). There will also be Box Office days in the Kilmacolm New Community Centre on the 6th & 13th April from 10am until 1pm.

Following the success of our pantomime, ‘Beauty & the Beast’ last Christmas, we hope that many of you who attended that will be encouraged to come to this.

Rehearsals are in full swing as the cast come to terms with the power of the words & the emotion of the theme, & they attempt to do them justice.

The ladies of the ensemble will be unveiled in a ‘Calendar Girls’ calendar which will be available to purchase at each performance, with the proceeds of sale being donated to Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, along with a percentage of income from the play. This should be a funny, moving & uplifting experience, & will benefit a worthy cause to boot. Please come along & give us your support.

Angus Black, President

Kilmacolm Events Calendar

Now available on the remodelled Kilmacolm Community Council website – www.kilmacolmcc.co.uk This calendar will only be fully effective and of value if it is a true reflection of the events taking place or planned for the future. We appeal to all the Kilmacolm village organisations and groups to advise the KCC Secretary at secretary@kilmacolmcc.co.uk of details of events you are planning which can then be shared with visitors to the KCC website.

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Nix Red Nose Day

t: 01505 613340

Intermediate Bridge

Nix Hairdressing turned the salon into a 1950’s salon on Friday 15th March to raise funds for Red Nose Day & Comic Relief.

The final group of five lessons with different topics will start on 10th April in Kilmacolm Community Centre on Wednesday afternoons from 2 pm until 4pm.

They served tea & cupcakes and any takings from ladies having a “shampoo & set” were donated to the cause. A grand total of £333.06, was raised.

These are stand alone topics each time as well as some play so feel free to join if you wish. Please note that this is suitable for all stages except complete beginners for whom classes will be held in the autumn. For further information please call 01505 872345.

Nikki and her team would like to thank everyone for their support of this worthy cause.

As I reported last month, the Council has agreed record capital funding of £17m for upgrading roads, footways and street lighting over the next 3 years.

At its meeting on 7th March the Environment & Regeneration Committee approved an investment programme of £4.155m in financial year 2013/14.

This programme includes significant investment in the Kilmacolm and Quarrier’s Village area: A & B Class Roads (selected lengths) • A761 (Cloak Road to Auchenbothie Road) • A786 (Lochwinnoch Rd from Whitelea Rd to

Pacemuir Bridge) • A786 (Craigbet Road to Carruth Road) • B788 (Milton Craig to junction with A761) C Class Roads (selected lengths) • Finlaystone Road/High Street/Market Place • Unclassified Roads (selected lengths) • Gryffe Road Castlehill Road • Rowantreehill Road Porterfield Road • Churchill Road (reserve list) Duchal Road • Footways (selected lengths) l l

In my March piece for the Advertizer I highlighted some of the proposals within the Council’s three-year budget, which included £17m of capital investment in our roads, footpaths, street lighting and structures. An All Members Briefing was held on 5th March where Council Officers set out the proposed capital programme for the period 2013/14. The report can be accessed on the Council’s website under Committee Meetings ~ Environment & Regeneration Committee 7 March ~ Agenda Item No. 8.

I would encourage you to have a look at the report as it contains details of what streets and footways will be improved during the next financial year.

One of my recent highlights was attending the Young Quality Scot Awards.

Every year a different Local Authority takes a turn of hosting the event and this year Inverclyde Council hosted it in the fantastic new Beacon Arts Centre overlooking the Clyde. Young people attended from all over Scotland and were awarded for their outstanding achievements and commitment to their communities. As Inverclyde’s Young People’s Champion I was honoured to give the closing speech to mark the end of the event.

In addition to holding my own surgeries, I held my first joint surgery with Mary Fee MSP in Kilmacolm Community Centre last month. I think this is a great way for constituents to come along and discuss local and national issues and I hope to be able to hold more joint surgeries in the future.

You may be aware of the recent Scottish Youth Parliament Election that was held across Inverclyde. Elections to the Youth Parliament are held every two years and Inverclyde has two MSYP’s who are the voice of young people and represent their views at national sittings. This time there were seven candidates who stood for election but only two places available. I attended the SYP Inverclyde Results Party on 15th March in the Grand Corridor where Ross Greer and Sean Paul O-Connor were the successful candidates. I would like to congratulate Ross and Sean Paul and I look forward to working closely with them in my role as Inverclyde’s Young People’s Champion. I think it’s also important to congratulate each of the other candidates who put themselves forward and undoubtedly put a lot of effort into the process. I hope they’ll continue to be involved in the decision making process through the Inverclyde Youth Council and other opportunities.

l

The projects forming the 2014/15 and 2015/16 programmes are likely to be approved by the Committee in August 2013. I am sure that this will include further major investment in the Kilmacolm and Quarrier’s Village area.

The first meeting of the Council’s new Local Police and Fire Scrutiny SubCommittee took place on 12th March. With the move to national Police and Fire services from 1st April, the new Sub-Committee will provide a forum for Elected Members to scrutinise the performance of these services locally, including the approval of Police and Fire plans for Inverclyde. The SubCommittee is likely to meet every six months.

My advice surgeries are advertised on the Council’s website (www. inverclyde.gov.uk) and in The Greenock Telegraph. My next surgery in Kilmacolm is on Tuesday 23rd April in the Community Centre from 6pm to 7pm. I also have a surgery in Park Farm Community Hall, Oronsay Avenue, Port Glasgow on Monday 15th April from 6pm to 7pm.

You can 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/

My surgeries this month are on Tuesday 9th April in Boglestone Community Centre, Port Glasgow, from 6-7pm and Saturday 27th April in Kilmacolm Community Centre from 11am-12pm.

Please feel free to contact me anytime to discuss any issues and I’ll do my best to assist. 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. I’d like to invite you to have a look at my new blog which contains information about my work as a Councillor. You can access the blog by visiting http://jamesmccolgan.wordpress.com

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kilmacolm & quarriers Kilmacolm/ Port Glasgow Reunion

On Friday 12th April 2013, in the Pullman, Kilmacolm from 7.30pm.

A right good, old fashioned reunion of all the people from Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow ....... who grew up hanging around the Cross and park and the pubs in Bridge of Weir.

Any small donations towards cost of buffet will gratefully received.

Lodge Sir Michael No 989 Masonic Hall, Glebe Road, Kilmacolm.

Regular Meeting- Wednesday 10th April ‘13. PGL Visit – FC degree. Warm welcome awaits Visitors.

Contact Julie Burns on 07812 636929. Come along on the night and join us. Join in the chat on facebook at www.facebook.com/ events/309136762542124/ or simply type in Kilmacolm/Port Glasgow reunion to the search.

At the third attempt at seeing round the new Beacon Arts Centre I eventually had the great pleasure of being shown round the new arts facility by its Chairperson Elliott McKelvie and Arts Director/Chief Executive Officer Julie Ellen last month. The new facility really is first class. From its two performing stage spaces, its three large rehearsal rooms and its bistro/bar to its fantastic views of the Clyde. I am sure many people will be impressed by the new centre and the entertainment it will offer for many years to come.

At the Kilmacolm Community Council meeting at the end of February there was a presentation by the 2020 Renewables company who outlined their ideas for a wind farm in Inverclyde. The company is carrying out consultations with various community groups in Inverclyde. It would be fair to say that several members of the public at the KCC meeting expressed reservations about the wind farm. Though, I have also heard favourable comments from other people. It will be interesting to see how the 2020 Renewables proposal goes.

It was good to learn that following a traffic speed survey that the council are now going to introduce 20’s Plenty signage on Duchal and Gryffe Roads in Kilmacolm. As many Advertizer readers may know road safety is something that I have a very keen interest in and for the past few years I have been a great advocater of more 20’s Plenty signage being introduced as well as other appropriate traffic calming measures being considered too.

It is great news to see that the council is to build a new 3G pitch at Kilmacolm Primary School to replace the red blaes one. As the council candidates know from last year’s elections many KPS parents contacted us calling for a new pitch to be built.

I attended the Port Glasgow Bulb Show last month where I happily assisted with presenting the prizes. As usual the show in the Port Glasgow town hall was a great success with many people turning out to support the annual event. The town hall was an array of floral colours and again several local schools and organisations took part in entering the various competitions held. Several voluntary organisations also had stalls in the main hall, the Red Cross supplied their usual teas and coffees and we were all well entertained by youngsters from the Hughes School of Dance. A great day was had by all.

Please put 11am, Tuesday 11th June in your diary as the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, the 5th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland will parade through Port Glasgow. The Regiment has recently been on duty in Afghanistan and the parade is a recognition of the support it has received from the town. The route will be from the Comet car park through the town to the Cenotaph where the Provost will take the salute.

The memorial is dominated by names of members of the Regiment who fell in the two World Wars.

A developer is again consulting on building a windfarm at Corlic Hill. A previous application was rejected after a long fight in 2007. Why anybody would want to put 110 metre high industrial structures in one of the most scenic locations in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park would appear inexplicable until you understand the enormous subsidies available to developers, energy suppliers and landowners. The Park is the jewel in the crown of not just Inverclyde Council but Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire and I can recommend its many attractions. As we approach the nesting season the hen harrier footage at Muirshiel Centre and “swallowcam” at Greenock Cut Visitor Centre provides super footage during these bird’s breeding season.

As a member of the Kilmacolm Civic Trust I attended its AGM where an excellent presentation was given by Bill Nicol the chief executive of Riverside Inverclyde the council’s arm length urban regeneration company.

The company is charged with reinvigorating the waterfront and the five key areas were highlighted. I have been on the board since 2007 and unfortunately our progress, good though it is, has been hampered by the recession.

The James Watt Dock Marina now has 130 fully occupied berths and has been a successful spin off from the Tall Ships in 2011 and hopefully is acting as a catalyst for further development.

At the Civic Trust a vote was taken on a suggestion that the village War Memorial be moved from the Lochwinnoch Road to the new village square.

This potential move was soundly defeated. The board of the Cargill Centre agreed two years ago to have a service within the building on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month unless it falls on a Sunday. The Memorial is on land donated by the Maclay family and bears the names of members of it as well as many well known village surnames.

I received several complaints about the signposting for Quarriers Village. All going well three road signs should have been installed by the end of March.

Hopefully vehicles will not knock them down as before.

There was concern in the village about the suggestion to the council that three fields be released from greenbelt and approved for housing. I do not believe that the village infrastructure can sustain any further substantial development and I am hopeful the suggestion will be rejected.

My surgeries are 3rd April 5-6pm, Cargill Centre and 13th April 6-7pm, Clune Park Resource Centre.

I can be contacted on 01475 712727 and 741969 and mobile 07766 992294. e-mail david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk

It was great to see last month that the Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon outlined the proposal to extend the franchise to all 16 and 17-year-olds, as part of the Scottish Referendum (Franchise) Bill, so allowing these young people the opportunity to vote in next year’s independence referendum.

Lowering the age to enable 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote has been a long standing policy of the SNP. My next surgeries in April will be on Wednesday 10th at Boglestone Community Centre 6pm-7pm and Monday 22nd at Park Farm Community Hall 6pm-7pm. Anyone wanting to contact me can do so by phoning me at my council office on 01475-712727 or on my mobile phone 07747 765 839, or by emailing me at jim.macleod@inverclyde.gov.uk mailto:jim.macleod@ inverclyde.gov.uk or writing to me at Inverclyde Council, Municipal Buildings, Clyde Square, Greenock, PA15 ILY.

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Brown Bin Collections to Resume Inverclyde Inverclyde Council’s fortnightly garden waste collections are to resume for the spring and summer months.

Environment & Regeneration Convener Councillor Michael McCormick said: “I am sure Inverclyde’s gardeners will welcome the return of this seasonal service. Traditionally, this is the time of year when people start tidying up their gardens after the long winter months.

The recommencement of brown collections will allow householders the opportunity to recycle their first load of garden waste before the Easter break.”

kilbarchan & lochwinnoch OMG ! first meeting of LEAP’s Off-Mains Gas Group

Pictured: Councillor McCormick with brown bins preparing for the gardening season.

The first uplifts of brown bins commenced 18th and 25th March. Residents are requested to place their brown bins beside their blue bins by 7am on their regular recycling collection day.

The first meeting of the Off Mains Gas Group will take place in the McKillop, Lochwinnoch on Saturday 27th April at 10am. The group will be discussing many possible options including renewable energy, district heating, mains gas extensions and grouping together for better price bulk purchases. If you’re home is not on mains gas, you use LPG, Oil, or Coal and want to find ways to make your home heating more economical, please get in touch and come along on 27th.

For more info about any part of the LEAP Project, please contact us at info@myleapproject.org, drop in, or telephone one of our offices in Lochwinnoch, Kilbarchan or Bridge of Weir.

Councillor McCormick added “As the gardening season gets underway, I am sure Inverclyde’s green fingered residents will make good use of their brown bins to recycle their garden waste.”

Kilbarchan Lilias Day

Last year Inverclyde Council send 4434 tonnes of garden waste for composting. Please remember that polythene bags and plastic items should not be placed in brown bins. For any information please call the Recycling Helpline number is 01475 715901.

Miss Lilias for this year is Iona MacLeod of Kilbarchan.

There is still time to get involved, if you are a local organisation or charity interested in coming along to raise money for your organisation, we still have stalls available.

Please contact Anne Ferguson on 01505 705602

Garden waste collections Renfrewshire Renfrewshire residents who have brown bins are being reminded that garden waste collections are back.

Around 55,000 Renfrewshire households have the bins, which are designed to hold waste including grass, leaves and branches.

The brown bins are collected every two weeks, on the same day as the blue household recycling bin.

Councillor Eddie Devine, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Environment Policy Board, said: “Your brown bin collection will be on the same day your blue bin collection is due.

“Residents should put the brown bin out with the blue one before 7am on the relevant dates.

“By using the brown bin to store garden waste which can be turned into compost, residents are being kind to the environment and helping the area meet its targets for recycling 50% of our waste.

“We appreciate all that Renfrewshire residents do to help the area achieve this.”

Brown bins can take grass cuttings, leaves and twigs, plants, small branches, leaves, hedge clippings and flowers.

But it should not be used for soil, stones, timber, food, pet waste or general rubbish. Crews will be unable to collect bins containing any of these items.

The garden waste collections will operate until the end of November.

Bin collection calendars can be downloaded at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ recycling.

More information about household waste is also available by calling the Greener Renfrewshire helpline on 0300 300 0300 or emailing am-serv.es@ renfrewshire.gov.uk

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Organic Fruit & Veg Delivery Club Would you like to buy organic fruit and veg from a local source?

EATLochwinnoch are setting up a fortnightly Delivery Club working with Whitmuir Organic Farm.

The first delivery into Lochwinnoch will be on Thursday 25th April.

Membership is £3 each fortnight, which secures a free delivery slot for the next scheduled delivery of your shopping list of organic fruit and vegetables from local growers and suppliers.

The group are looking to expand the scheme into the other villages where LEAP operates. To find out more please contact Susie Herteleer susie@myleapproject.org

Fashion Show by Toggery

At Lochwinnoch Parish Church on Friday 12th April.

Doors open 7pm, event from 7.30pm.

Goods available for purchase on the night. Credit/Debit cards acceptable.

10% of all purchases goes to the church. £6 ticket includes a glass of wine & nibbles.

You may bring your own bottle if you wish.

Contact Catrina 01505 842365 to book tickets Or pay at the door on the night.

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The National Trust for Scotland’s Weaver’s Cottage, Kilbarchan The National Trust for Scotland’s Weaver’s Cottage, Kilbarchan opened on 23rd March. It is open from 1pm to 5pm Fridays to Tuesdays.

visitors can try their hand. The garden at the rear is emerging from the ravages of winter and promises to be as colourful as always.

On Saturday 27th April the West LifeTeam are having a Coffee Morning from 10am – 12noon in the West Church Hall. Come along and enjoy a chat with friends while sampling the delicious home baking on offer.

Tickets priced £2.50 can be had at the door.

We look forward to welcoming old and new friends to this year’s show. As in the past, we shall be supporting local charities from the proceeds raised through your support.

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Kilbarchan East Church

Services will continue at 11am, with Sunday School, Bible Class and the crèche meeting from 10.45am in the halls. Services will be conducted by Mr Russell Banks, our locum. All are welcome at our services.

www.kilbarchaneastchurch.btck.co.uk

Having heard of Kilbarchan West Church as a suitable concert venue with ideal acoustics, they have asked if they could perform here on Friday 12th April at 7pm. Tickets priced £7/Adult and £3/ under 12’s can be had at the door or by phoning 01505 702855.

Admission is £1 - tea, coffee and a raffle.

On Saturday 27th April the West LifeTeam are having a Coffee Morning from 10am – 12noon in the West Church Hall. Come along and enjoy a chat with friends while sampling the delicious home baking on offer. Tickets priced £2.50 are available at the door.

For further information on East Church activities, please visit the website:

will be in this area over the weekend of 12th -14th April when they will be attending the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain National Rally.

Sat 13th April - 10am - 4pm

The latter is a very informal get together with tea, coffee and chat before a short act of worship at 11am. Please come along and join us. You will be made most welcome.

The Drama group will be performing the well-known comedy “Flint Street Nativity” later in the year.

The East Anglian Regional Handbell Team

Fri 12th April - 11am - 8pm

Services continue at 11am on a Sunday and the Midweek Fellowship on Wednesdays at 10.30am in the Session House.

East Church Tots’ Club-this continues on Mondays from 9-11.30am in the hall, resuming on Monday 15th April after the Easter break.

On Sunday 31st March there will be a Cadbury’s Easter Egg Hunt from 2-4pm, for the normal entry fee plus £1.

Thur 11th April - 11am - 8pm

Kilbarchan West Church

Having heard of Kilbarchan West Church as a suitable concert venue with ideal acoustics, they have asked if they could perform here on Friday 12th April at 7pm. Tickets priced £7/Adult and £3/ under 12’s available at the door or by phoning 01505 702855. informed and are guaranteed to give visitors an interesting experience. As well as old artefacts there is a 200 years old working loom, and a modern loom on which

Is being held this month in the Guide Centre, Barn Green, Kilbarchan and the show times are as follows:-

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The East Anglian Regional Handbell Team will be in this area over the weekend of 12th -14th April when they will be attending the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain National Rally.

The folk at the cottage are welcoming and well

Kilbarchan Habbies Art Show

village news

Kilbarchan National Women’s Register

In April, the Kilbarchan group will be finding out about the art of Magic with a speaker from Paisley Magic Circle, visiting Greenbank Garden and reviewing the book “state of Wonder” by Anne Patchet. For further info please see the website: www.nwr.org

Fiddlers’ Concert

The “Adams House Friends Group” are presenting a fiddlers’ concert with the Bearsden fiddlers in Kilbarchan West Church on Saturday 13th April at 7pm.

There will be tea, coffee and homebaking after the concert. Tickets, £6 - available from bobbins coffee & craft shop, Kilbarchan, Sandra Neillands - 01505 321908 or at the door. All proceeds to Adams House Care Home, Elderslie which provides a specialist service for people with dementia.

Please come along and support us.

Thermal Image and Draught Buster Workshops

Thank you to the many villagers who attended the Drop in Sessions LEAP held in Lochwinnoch, Bridge of Weir and Kilbarchan during March. Many came to speak to Tom Barbour of Thermal Image UK to find out more about the thermal image of their homes and to learn from the LEAP team about draught proofing doors, windows and even skirting boards. If you would be interested in having a Thermal Image taken of your home please get in touch.

We will be running another similar workshop from 11 till 1pm on Saturday 27th April in the McKillop, Lochwinnoch, please get in touch if you would like to attend.

For more info about any part of the LEAP Project, please contact us at info@myleapproject.org, drop in, or telephone one of our offices in Lochwinnoch, Kilbarchan or Bridge of Weir.

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The planned restoration of the car park at the rear of Ewing Street at Barn Green in Kilbarchan has taken a major step forward with approval for the project by both Renfrewshire Councils Housing and Environmental boards.

I have been working for some months with council officers to take forward this plan which will help to ease car parking problems in the centre of the village, and it is gratifying to be able to make a contribution to improve a site which has been neglected for many years, and which has the support of a number of organisations in Kilbarchan, the Guides, KIPCO, Glentyan Thistle football club, the Co-op and the Community Council.

While such a move is to be welcomed, it will be no surprise to many constituents in both Kiibarchan and Lochwinnoch, that the state of the roads and footpaths is one of the biggest areas of concern expressed by constituents in correspondence.

A record investment of over £5 million in the recent council budget will help, however readers will appreciate the road and footpath programme is a considerable task and a long term project. Nonetheless myself and I am sure fellow Councillors will continue to work to ensure that the villages of Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch receive due attention. In this regard, I am pleased to note that part of the road at the Calder Street end of Braehead in Lochwinnoch has recently been resurfaced.

It is hard to believe that by the time you read this it will officially be British Summertime particularly as I write this against a covering of snow outside!

With the lighter nights imminent a number of constituents have raised worries about the prospect anti social behaviour.

Whilst it is undoubtedly the case that the vast majority of our residents respect the needs and wishes of others in our communities, regrettably there are some who sometimes do not. It was therefore instructive to join an evening patrol and briefing with police officers from K Division on a Friday night in March to see at first hand their response to operational issues across the ward and Renfrewshire as a whole .

The links between local residents, police and elected members are important in promoting safer communities, and I will be exploring the issue of undertaking joint work when and where particular issues arise.

I will be holding surgeries on Saturday 6th April, 9am at the McKillop Institute and 10am at the Steeple Hall. If you wish to contact me meantime please e mail cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk or telephone 07534 156007.

Recently Renfrewshire Council has embarked on a wholesale policy of ripping up all the bushes and shrubs at the entrance to Kilbarchan from Johnstone and the A737. The failure to provide any kind of barrier between the pavement in Cartside Terrace and their car parking area, and the total lack of any consultation with Cartside Terrace residents, has not gone down well with some of my constituents and I intend to pursue this matter on their behalf.

The historic Robert Allan Memorial Plaque, which was erected by the Kilbarchan General Society in 1932 to his memory, is one of the hidden gems of Kilbarchan. This sits in Church Street and Robert Allan (1774 -1841) was a famous Kilbarchan Weaver Poet, and Political Radical who, along with Robert Tannahill and Robert Burns, represented the best spirit of the Scottish Enlightenment. The plaque is now in the care of Renfrewshire Council and I have asked council officers to clean the plaque and tidy up the surrounding area to honour this great Habbie Hero.

Following concerns raised with me by Lochwinnoch traders I immediately contacted Scottish Gas to lobby them and to tell them that the ten week timescale for concluding their road works in the village was not acceptable.

I am pleased that Scottish Gas listened to the concerns of the village.

Transport links are vital for Lochwinnoch and my campaign to improve disabled access at Lochwinnoch train station is continuing apace, and at my request, my parliamentary colleague, Stewart Maxwell MSP, asked a question on the matter in the Scottish Parliament.

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. You can also follow me on Twitter at CllrAndy4Ward8, call me on 07534 148224, or e-mail me at cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov. uk.

Lochwinnoch Library Bookbug Rhymetime - Starting 5th April Every Tuesday at 9.30am

Bookbug’s Library Challenge is a free programme that encourages children aged from birth to four years to discover and enjoy their local library.

Come along and join in the fun.

On their first visit to the participating library children are ssued with the Bookbug’s Library Challenge collector card. Every time they visit the library the collector card will be stamped, and your child can exchange four stamps for one of our beautifully illustrated Library Challenge certificates.

Your child’s name will be written on the certificate to encourage them to feel proud that they have become members of their local library.

There are five different limited edition certificates to collect. So start collecting now – it’s never too early or too late to join your local library... and it’s FREE!

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21/03/2013 14:35:31

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howwood & elderslie Some of the money for roads recently allocated by the council has found its way to Howwood village. Monies will be spent on the main road going through the village as well as improvements on Bowfield and Midton roads. A lot of credit again goes to the Community Council for lobbying for money to spent in Howwood.

Some of you might have noticed on the Beith Road towards Spateston a large sign advertising new houses; approval has just been given to build 57 new homes on this site. I believe this will give a boost to the area and maybe attract further developments hopefully on the site of the former St Cuthbert’s school.

I think the pupils and staff of Howwood Primary owe a big thank you to Gillian Whyte who in recent months has raised thousands of pounds for the school. I know the money will be well spent and it will bring about facilities that can be used by the wider community, so well done Gillian.

At the last meeting of the Council’s Social Work committee, councillors agreed to spend more money to improve the education of children who are looked after by the Council. Many of these children are brought up in difficult and chaotic circumstances and never get the chance to reach their full potential. This extra money will not solve all the problems, but will go a long way in helping some of our most vulnerable youngsters.

Fair Trade banana relay Lochwinnoch and Kilbarchan In co-operation with Lochwinnoch FT group and others in Johnstone, Kilbarchan participated in the Fair Trade banana relay.

Photo (below) shows the Lochwinnoch and Kilbarchan groups at the Steeple.

The highlight of the fortnight was a visit from two Malawians, Henry Kalomba, who helps to d e v e l o p smallholders’ businesses and rice cooperatives and Howard Msukwa, who produces Kilombero rice on an acre of land, from which he has to try to support his wife, two children, a

At the recent meeting of the Howwood Community Council the issue of poor Broadband speed was raised. I have contacted the Chief Executive of the council and Douglas Alexander MP to see what can be done.

Finally a mention for the Village Spring Clean ups they will be held on Saturday the 13th April 10am till noon and then 2pm till 4pm meeting at the village hall. The same arrangements are in place for the Sunday if there is litter left. All will be welcome but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Howwood Village Clean Up

Unfortunately an error was made in our March issue and the ‘Kilbarchan Village Clean Up’ was actually supposed to say ‘Howwood’. However, several residents from Kilbarchan called the number below to register - maybe some kind person would like to organise a similar event for Kilbarchan since there is such interest?

The Community Council has again organised the annual village clean up for 13th and 14th April. If you can spare some time to come along to help out then meet at the Village Hall for one or more of these sessions: SAT 13th April: 10am-12 noon

SUN 14th April*: 10am-12 noon

SAT 13th April: 2pm-4pm

SUN 14th April*: 2pm-4pm

All welcome to help out. HCC ask that you dress in old clothes as it can be dirty work. Gloves, bags and pickers will be provided. All children need to be accompanied by an adult. *The Sunday sessions may be cancelled if there is no litter left after the Saturday sessions. Contact Bill David 01505 703500 bill@billdavid.co.uk or any member of the Community Council.

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grandchild and his late brother and late sister in law’s three children. FairTrade gives him a fair price for his rice. They visited the Fair Trade stall at Kilbarchan East. Photo (top right) shows Howard (left) and Henry (right) at the stall. The West Church also ran a stall and Graham Batin, convener of the Kilbarchan Fair Trade Group, and Christine MacLeod had help in setting it up.

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Houston & Crosslee SWRI

Our last meeting this session is our AGM and Spring Show to be held on Wednesday 10th April at 7.30pm in the Compass Centre.

Entry details of the classes are printed in your syllabus. The Handiwives also have their AGM on Monday 8th April at 7.30pm in the Bowling Club. Please note change of date.

t: 01505 613340

Houston & Killellan Agricultural Society Show Schedules for the Craft and Baking Section of Houston and Killellan Agricultural Society are available from:The Paper Shop, North Street; The Post Office and Strawberryfields Nursery.

They can also be obtained from secretary Isabelle Stuart 01505 613479 or e-mail issistuart@fsmail.net and committee members. The Annual Show will be held on Saturday the 1st June in Houston Public park.

50 Years of Doctor Who!

Unfortunately I’ve had to take a back seat recently due to a minor operation which has made me a bit less mobile than usual. However, I can still be contacted in the normal way and if I am unable to assist you I can get one of my colleagues to help.

Houston Kirk Carnival’s theme for this year is “50 Years of Doctor Who”.

The famous long-running fantasy / science fiction series will be celebrated on Saturday 11th May and as usual we will be offering prizes for best dressed participants in the parade beginning from the Church. It’s time to start planning your costumes!

At the recent Budget meeting for Renfrewshire Council, the council announced a range of job cuts that included teachers and school cleaners as well as a reduction in the Streetscene team who are meant to keep our towns and villages clean.

Also agreed at the Budget meeting was the increase in Primary school class sizes with the limit for Primaries 1 to 3 rising to 25 pupils, while in Primaries 4 to 6 this increases again to 30 pupils.

The food stalls, sideshows, the tea room and other attractions are being co-ordinated this year by John Young (613875) jbby@talktalk.net and Joan Andrew (690463) joanerandrew@hotmail.com . Any offers of help will be gratefully received. We call on all gardeners to remember the plant stall and sow a few extra seeds or pot up some extra plants when they are taking cuttings. Last year we made a fantastic £500 from the plants you so kindly donated.

Once again, money raised will go to the Houston and Killellan Kirk Building Fund.

Renfrewshire Council’s Environment Board has recently approved the 2013/14 roads resurfacing programme and locally this will include areas of Barochan Road and Fulton Drive.

There is a new process for the recycling of textiles. Previously you were allowed to put this material in your blue recycle bin, however, you now have to phone the council to order an uplift. There have been some initial problems with a lack of staff training and uncertainty about the whole process. This also follows on from concerns that the planned introduction of food waste recycling has again been put back and is not expected until later in the year.

If you are having any problems with recycling please get in touch.

The Linwood Sport and Community Centre to be known as ON-X will be open for public use from Monday 25th March. This multi million pound complex in the grounds of the existing sport centre offers high quality leisure facilities including 3-swimming pools, an eight court Sports Hall, a modern Fitness suite, squash courts, a coffee shop and an all weather floodlit pitch.

Attached to this complex is the Milldale-centre for adults with learning disabilities.

Finally, my normal round of surgeries will still take place although it may be that one of my colleagues will cover for me until I am fully recovered from my operation. 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

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We are also appealing for quality soft toys for one of our most popular stalls. If you can help, please contact John or Joan. Let’s hope for wonderful sunny weather on 11th May!

Canna Cook! Willna Cook!

1st Houston BB Parents & Friends Association have organised a fun filled event called “Canna Cook! Willna Cook!” featuring two well known local faces and Lorna Harvie, a local Pampered Chef consultant.

The format for the evening will involve you relaxing with a drink & nibbles while watching an entertaining cookery demo. Following this will be an opportunity to taste what the chefs have prepared whilst browsing the latest Pampered Chef catalogue.

This event will take place on Wed 1st May in Houston Church Halls at 7.30pm and tickets priced £4 (including refreshments) can be purchased at the door or from any committee member.

We hope you will come along and support this event which will benefit both the BB and the church extension fund. It promises to be a fun fundraiser! For more info contact Sheila (07917778408), Jim (james. collins30@btinternet.com) or Lorna (lharvie@tiscali.co.uk).

21/03/2013 14:35:44

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houston, crosslee & brookfield Houston Folk Club News

The Houston Folk Club meets at the Carrick Centre every Thursday, from 8pm. In addition to our regular club nights we occasionally bring exceptional artists to the Club; after years of trying we have managed to get Colum Sands to come to the club in May. Colum is a fantastic singer songwriter from County Down, his unique style of combining songs and stories has made him a much sought performer at home and abroad. If you wish to be notified of our events or book tickets please contact 07595461550 or email to houstonfolkclub@gmail.com and we’ll keep you up to date.

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Pictured: Colum Sands

1st Houston Boys’ & Girls’ Brigade Pipe Band

The 1st Houston Boys’ & Girls’ Brigade Pipe Band are busy preparing for this year’s various performances. The Band have been booked to play at the departure of many of the Cruise ships at Ocean Terminal in Greenock which is one of the most popular events as they always stop at MacDonald’s on the road home for a ‘healthy’ snack.

Other events include Displays and Parades around the region including our own Houston Kirk Carnival on Saturday 11 May. The Band always finish the playing season by leading the Remembrance Parades at both Houston and Gourock and then enjoy their legendary ‘Curry Night’.

There is good squad of youngsters who are working hard to achieve a place in the main Band. We are looking for an additional Pipe Tutor and a Drum Tutor to supplement our team of Instructors. If you would be able to assist in this way either on a Thursday (8pm – 10pm) or Tuesday (7pm – 8pm) please contact Stuart Nelson on 01505 613926 or email houstonbb@gmail.com for further information.

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New textile recycling service

Renfrewshire Council has introduced its new improved service – which also includes shoes. Residents can arrange for the bags of textiles to be collected from their homes, or from an agreed place.

Items will be collected by staff from the council’s contractor, European Recycling Ltd, who will carry cards identifying them as working on behalf of the council.

To book an uplift, call the Greener Renfrewshire helpline on 0300 300 0300 and choose the option for ‘texting recycling collection’. Or, you can book it online.

Please make sure all items are dry, shoes are tied in pairs, and there is a knot in the top of the bag to ensure items are kept dry. We can accept clothes, shoes, curtains, bed linen, blankets, handbags and belts. Please note we cannot accept pillows, duvets or cushions.

As an alternative, residents can also take their textiles to any one of 17 recycling banks across the area.

houston, crosslee & brookfield Kilallan Kirk - Our Living Ruin “Funding Foray Reaches Finale”

The Trustees of Kilallan Kirk and their advisors invite you join them in celebrating the success of their recent funding foray. After twelve months of fundraising, they are delighted to announce that they have raised over £200,000 for the consolidation and preservation of Kilallan Kirk. The Trustees would like to give a big thank you to Historic Scotland, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Renfrewshire LEADER, British Airports Authority, Elderslie Estates, the Dalrymple Donaldson Trust and the Catherine Mackichan Bursary Trust for their financial support. Now the even harder work begins.

It is our plan, following receipt of the remaining statutory consents, to start work on the project in May 2013. The first six to eight weeks will be taken up with tendering, getting the local primary and secondary schools (Houston PS, St Fillans PS, Bridge of Weir PS and Gryffe High School), on site with Archaeology Scotland for archaeological field-survey work in preparation for our Family Heritage Exhibition this summer and gravestone recording with volunteers from the local community.

The preservation work itself, will hopefully begin, at the beginning of July 2013 and will last five to six months, during which time the site will be closed to visitors.

Over the next couple of weeks, we will be contacting those who have already put their names down to help with various aspects of the project on a voluntary basis.

If you haven’t already volunteered and would like to help in some way with the project please contact Lynn Rew on 01505 – 874193/07595461550 or email Lynn at lynn.rew@live.co.uk If you just want more information about the project or to comment on our proposals you can do so on our website: www.kilallan.org.uk

H.O.S.T. The Carrick Centre, Houston

Monday to Friday Houston Community Nursery - 01505 615876 Monday to Friday Woodlands After School - 01505 615438 MON: Embroiderers’ Guild (weekly) 10am/12noon; Gryffe Camera Group 15th 7.30pm; Yoga ( over 50’s) 1.15pm M. Laidlaw - 01505 842877 TUES: Tots Gym class (except 2nd/9th) 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 10th /24th 7pm; Drama Class 5-6pm C Collins - 07814 699127; Galaxy Dancing (except 3rd /10th 4pm); Houston Community Council 17th 7.30pm; Councillors Surgeries 17th 6.30pm; French Class (weekly) Madame McDevitt - 0141 886 6282 THUR: Crafty Friends 4th /18th 7.30pm; Folk Club (weekly) 8pm; French Class (weekly) Madame McDevitt - 0141 886 6282 FRI: Galaxy Dancing ( weekly except 5th) 3.30pm SAT: Galaxy Dancing (weekly except 6th) 9.30am SUN: Baptist Church 11am & 6pm; Family photos by Karen 14th Booking enquiries to Ian Simpson 01505 612203 or Sandy Young 01505 613613 or The Coffee Shop

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Nearest locations – Sainsburys (Braehead); Livery Walk car park, (Bridge of Weir); shopping centre car park (Crosslee); Barrhill Road, and Morrisons (both Erskine); Miller Street recycling centre and Morrisons (both Johnstone); Middleton Road recycling centre, Linwood Sports Centre and Asda (all Linwood); Annex Centre (Lochwinnoch); Anchor Mills Morrisons, Underwood Road recycling centre, and Leitchland Road recycling centre (all Paisley); Haining Road recycling centre, Co-op and Tesco (all Renfrew).

BRIDGE OF WEIR

church lists

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: 7th April - Lawmarnock Crescent & Road, 14th April - Lendal Cottages, 21st April - Lintwhite Court & Crescent, 28th April - Livery Walk. For further information see our 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: “This is the Day in which God’s most excellent favours have been poured out upon men”. For details of meeting call Bridge of Weir 615641.

HOUSTON

Houston and Killellan Kirk. www.houstonkirk.org.

7th April 9.45am Early Service: The Sacrament of Holy Communion. 11am Morning Worship; 14th April - 11am Morning Worship.

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.

HOWWOOD

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.

KILBARCHAN

Kilbarchan East Church. Services will continue at 11am, with Sunday School, Bible Class and the crèche meeting from 10.45am in the halls. Services will be conducted by Mr Russell Banks, our locum. All are welcome at our services. East Church Tots’ Club-this continues on Mondays from 9-11.30am in the hall, resuming on Monday 15th April after the Easter break. The Drama group will be performing the well-known comedy “Flint Street Nativity” later in the year. For further information on East Church activities, please visit the website: www.kilbarchaneastchurch.btck.co.uk Kilbarchan West Parish Church. Minister – Rev Arthur Sherratt BD. Services continue at 11am on a Sunday and the Midweek Fellowship on Wednesdays at 10.30am in the Session House. The latter is a very informal get together with tea, coffee and chat before a short act of worship at 11am. Please come along and join us. You will be made most welcome.

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 & Crèche available.

St Columba Church of Scotland. (charity no.

SC007992) Minister Rev Douglas Cranston.

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

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Phantasanja

Its been a while since I reported in from Thailand. It has been an interesting few months.

As some of you might remember in January 2012 we started the remodelling of the house for the children of the Hmong tribe to come down from the mountains to attend school. In April Bandekdee opened, offering a home for 14 mountain children giving them a chance of an education and a brighter future.

We are now a year on and as was always planned, we have set them up, got them running and have now taken a step back to allow them to develop under their own steam.

We are now looking out for our next challenge and trying to build up the funds so we will be ready.

On the adoption front there has been good progress, this year so far at Baan Kingkaew we have had three boys and a girl joining their forever families, two went to France whilst the others went to Switzerland and Finland. Viengping have had 3 children join their forever families in Australia and USA this month so far. These are just some of the ones we get to hear about.

I also had the honour of meeting a few of the parents as they came to collect their child and gave them lots of pictures. I have also managed to meet quite a few prospective parents who have come to visit as well as some who have brought their children back to see where they came from.

Andrew was out in November and beginning of December and again for 6 weeks in January/ February, it was good to have him out here. In February we went to Macau and Hong Kong for Chinese New Year which made for a nice break after having a busy Christmas period and all the visitors.

In April I am heading back to Bridge of Weir again for a few weeks to visit and see some of the people that continuously support our work over here.

We have also been building wheelchairs and supporting the local Rotary and foundation to encounter the potential of people with disabilities with their glasses clinic by making cases for the free glasses they are giving away. Andrew posted the instructions on how to make these cases on Facebook “Phantasanja Scotland” for anybody who feels they would like to support the campaign by making a few cases. A big thank you to the ladies of the Handcraft group in the Cargill centre who have started making these already. I will pop in for a coffee when I return.

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“Trial Of Strength” On The Box

A novel event with some interesting local connections is due to be screened on our TVs shortly (BBC 2, CBBC, 5pm on April 3rd). This is part of a series of programmes in which presenter Tim FitzHigham, pits himself in personal trials of strength and endurance. Tim is well known in the media for his many daring stunts carried out in the past to raise money for charities. These include sailing down the Thames in a paper boat, rowing across the English channel in a bathtub, and hanging out the world’s longest washing line across Trafalgar Square. In this, his latest venture, he pits himself in a trial of strength against the recognised “Strongest Woman In The World”, Kristin Rhodes. Their task will be the pulling of a loaded double-decker bus, from rest over a measured distance.

Kristin, incidentally, earned her title as the winner of the annual international competition, an offshoot of the well publicised “World’s Strongest Man” competition, sponsored in the USA, and in which women from all over the world took part.

The filming of the event has actually taken place at the Pacific Quay precinct outside BBC Scotland’s HQ, and the bus chosen was the iconic one that everybody recognises, the London “Routemaster”. The particular one used, the only one now remaining in the West of Scotland, is sometimes seen in the Gryffe area, since it is owned by local vintage bus restorer and preservationist Brian Turner.

Two local Rugby teams, one male and one female, were enlisted to provide the “load” of passengers for the bus, just to make the task more difficult, and Kristin was flown in from her home base in the USA just the day before the filming especially to take part. The rules were to tow the bus, from a standing start, over a measured distance of 300m in the least possible time.

The programme will, we feel sure, make for good entertainment; watch it to see the result of the challenge!

Another new project we have been supporting is children at Hot Pattayakom high school in Hot. Phantasanja in collaboration with Bridge of Weir primary are currently sponsoring four high school children enabling them to continue with their education.

More information on the above stories and much more on Phantasanja. webs.com have a look.

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council & planning High Street Traffic Plans Get The Go-ahead

Plans to re-open Paisley’s High Street to evening traffic have been given the green light by councillors.

Cars and taxis will soon be able to enter the currently-pedestrianised street between 4pm and 10.30am in a bid to inject new life into the town’s nighttime economy.

A traffic order already exists allowing access to service vehicles via Moss Street, County Place and Gilmour Street between these times. Council officials will now begin a statutory consultation process to amend this order, meaning cars could be on the High Street by the summer.

Members of the council’s Planning and Property Policy Board also agreed to look into a second phase of the scheme – involving changes to the road layout to allow traffic to enter the High Street from Gauze Street and St Mirren Brae. It is expected that phase two could be implemented sometime next year.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Mark Macmillan said: “Over the years, the pedestrianisation of the High Street has been subject to much discussion, and we have listened to that debate”.

“These proposals have received broad support from the local business community”.

“We are not suggesting that this will solve every issue connected with the High Street – this is an attempt to try something different and see how it works”.

“We hope that by opening the High Street up, it will boost the town’s nighttime economy by giving cars and taxis easier access to pubs and restaurants and other entertainment venues”.

“Our research suggests the experience of other towns which allow access to evening traffic is that the town centre becomes more attractive to investors and more visible to people who may not normally travel through it”.

“Ideally, this will give us the best of both worlds – a pedestrianised area dedicated to shoppers during the day which opens up to become a thoroughfare connecting different sides of the town centre in the evenings”.

Paisley High Street was pedestrianised in 1997 as part of a series of changes to the road system in the town.

t: 01505 613340

Save Shillingworth Greenbelt

Following the publication of Renfrewshire Council’s Local Development Plan in January 2013, residents in and around Bridge of Weir were shocked by the proposal to remove land in the village at Shillingworth (west of Shillingworth Place and Earl Place) from the Green Belt and make it available for a potential housing development of around 40 houses. They were seriously concerned about the inevitable impact any development on such a prominent site would cause. There were concerns it would have a highly detrimental impact on the landscape setting of Bridge of Weir. Viable agricultural grazing would be lost for good, creating coalescence with the edge of Bridge of Weir and Shillingworth Farm Steading. It would also be a great blow to all the people, residents and visitors alike, who use this land and surrounding area for recreational purposes. There were further concerns it would have an adverse impact on the village’s existing infrastructure and it would create a precedent for further development of Green Belt sites.

This site had been at the centre of a Local Public Inquiry in 2004 and there was disbelief amongst residents that it was again being targeted for a housing development. In 2004 the site was deemed to be unsuitable for development, primarily due to its prominence and landscape considerations. This was a view fully supported by Renfrewshire Council at that time, but now that same local authority is actively promoting it as a site suitable for development.

This issue has generated a huge amount of interest within the local community. Exact figures are not available, but campaigners calculate that Renfrewshire Council will have received in the region of 500 individual objections to this proposal. We would like to thank everyone in the community who took the time and the trouble to express their views by objecting to this controversial proposal.

Campaigners hope that Renfrewshire Council’s Planning Department (and any Independent Reporter who may be appointed to examine these proposals) will take note of the strength of feeling and the validity of arguments against the development of this site.

Jim Macaulay and Graham Hanley On behalf of Save Shillingworth Greenbelt

Multi-Million Roads Spend Revealed

Inverclyde Council’s Environment & Regeneration Committee has approved plans to spend over £4 million in the next financial year on road and footpath repairs. The investment is part of the £17million set aside for Capital projects on roads, footways and street lighting agreed in the Council’s three year budget in February. Detailed plans for a range of routes have been drawn up and prioritised for the first year’s investment. Carriageway and footway projects are for selected length of roads.

On 16th February, Gryffe Branch SNP held its first Burns Supper at the newly refurbished community centre in Kilmacolm, attracting guests from both Inverclyde and Renfrewshire.

Vice Convener Councillor Gerry Dorrian said: “Delivery of the 2013/14 programme will depend on a number of factors including changing priorities due to ongoing deterioration of the network, weather, market prices and the work programmes of public utility companies who also require access to the road network. There is no doubt that this investment is much needed and very welcome indeed”.

West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan was booked for the essential role of piper, but had to send a message from Ascension Island that his flight was delayed and he would not manage. Fortunately another piper was found just in time.

£750,000 Street Light Improvements

Gryffe Branch SNP Burns Supper

The top table were piped in and the evening began with the tale from the First World War trenches culminating in the explosion of “The Haggis of Private McPhee” by Robert Service, presented by Iain Anderson of Fine Tune fame.

A fine haggis from Paisley butchers McDowall then made the traditional entrance and suffered the more usual fate. Kenneth Gibson MSP for North Ayrshire gave an entertaining and informative “Immortal Memory” before local constituency MSP Derek McKay toasted “The Lasses” in humorous and provocative style, to which Maria Brown, Councillor for Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank, replied in equal measure. Renfrewshire SNP Group Leader Brian Lawson gave a witty toast to “Inverclyde and Greenock Morton” and Jim McLeod, Councillor for Kilmacolm responded, with similarly faint praise for “Renfrewshire and St Mirren”. Ewan and Anna Downie from Glasgow captivated the company with their singing of Burns duets and all enjoyed a recording of Kilmacolm resident Winnie Ewing singing “The Bonnie Earl of Moray”. Burns recitations were given by Branch Convenor David Brown who chaired the event and after Holy Willie had said his prayers, the evening closed with “Auld Lang Syne” and “Scots Wha Ha’e”.

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Renfrewshire Council bosses hope to bring a little light into the lives of residents after agreeing to invest £750,000 in street lighting improvements over the next year.

Details of where the one-year priority programme of works will be targeted were agreed in a report approved by councillors on the Environment Policy Board. Schemes have been chosen for investment on the basis of replacing old or unreliable equipment and reducing maintenance costs and power consumption.

The programme of investment includes £135,000 to install new energyefficient white lights at various sites in Erskine, £100,000 to replace accident damaged or corroded columns at various locations and £100,000 to introduce more energy-efficient traffic signals.

In addition, areas due to have white light incorporated to the existing system include Houston Road, Bridge of Weir/Houston; Gilmartin Road, Linwood; Glenshiel Avenue and Glenapp Road, Paisley; Woodside Road, Brookfield; and Moss Vale Square, Paisley. Roads engineers expect these changes to create energy savings of around £16,000 every year.

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Warning over Public Entertainment Licence Switch

Renfrewshire licensing chiefs are warning anyone planning an event locally not to be caught out by upcoming changes to the rules governing public entertainment.

Anyone planning to run a live performance or a fireworks display, among other things, will require a public entertainment licence as of this summer.

The rule-changes are set to come into force on 3rd June of this year – meaning anyone organising events for the summer should think ahead now to make sure they get the licence they need.

Current examples of events which need a public entertainment licence include outdoor concerts, circuses, fairgrounds or large fetes, other than those run and hosted by schools, churches or voluntary groups.

As of June 2013, licences will also be needed for video machine arcades, concert halls, fireworks displays, live performances, musical shows, paintball games, bungee jumping and motor shows.

The council’s licensing staff can offer advice on what the rule-changes mean. Call 0141 842 4499 or email licensing.cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Proposal to Move Kilmacolm Post Office

There is a proposal from the Post Office to relocate the Kilmacolm Branch to Kilmacolm Stores, 3 Octavia Buildings, Bridge of Weir Road, Kilmacolm PA13 4AE, 50 metres from its current site at Port Glasgow Road.

Opening hours at the proposed new location would be 7am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 9pm on Sunday. This will offer customers an extra 57 hours to access Post Office products and services.

A six week consultation period started on 12th March and will end on 25th April 2013 - this will allow customers and other interested parties to give their comments on the move.

Posters and leaflets will be displayed in the branch to let customers know about the changes and to ask their views. Submissions to the consultation can be made by in a number of ways including: Email: comments@postoffice.co.uk Post: FREEPOST Your Comments Alternatively, if you contact my constituency office on 0141 885 2076, my staff will be happy to provide you with further details about the changes and the consultation.

Roads

I have recently been receiving a number of complaints from constituents on a range of roads issues in Renfrewshire North & West. As well as assisting with individual complaints, I propose to set up a meeting with the Chief Executive and Head of Roads at Renfrewshire Council to raise my concerns.

Big Thank You For Recycling Success

Inverclyde Council is thanking local people for helping to achieve record recycling rates in 2012.

New figures show more than half of household waste generated in the area is now being recycled.

Environment & Communities Convener Councillor Michael McCormick said: “Whilst we continue to increase recycling options and introduce new recycling services in Inverclyde, we rely on householders to make use of these facilities. Thanks to the efforts of local people we have seen improvements in our recycling rate year on year. We are well on our way to reaching the Scottish Government’s recycling target of 60% household recycling by 2020 having achieved our highest ever household recycling rate of over 57% for October to December last year”.

The introduction of the weekly food waste recycling service together with changes to the way in which the Council manages bulky household waste has seen a reduction in the amount sent to landfill and helped increase Inverclyde’s recycling performance.

Inverclyde Council is investing £1.1million to improve opportunities for householders to recycle at its Pottery Street Recycling Centre from the end of this year.

Councillor McCormick added: “Inverclyde residents have shown they are committed to helping the environment and we appreciate their contribution to the success of our recycling initiative”.

445 tonnes of food waste was collected from households during October, November and December 2012.

2756 tonnes of household waste was sent to landfill during October, November and December 2012 compared to 4287 tonnes during the same period last year.

Awards for All

I would like to congratulate Houston Play Park Improvement Group and Gryffe Badminton Club who secured a total of £13,250 funding from the Big Lottery Fund. This funding will be a great boost for both groups who will I’m sure will use the money to provide better amenities and resources for their participants.

Annual Report

It is that time of year where local politicians will be issuing their Annual Reports. The Annual Report gives me the opportunity to reach every individual within my constituency, providing them with information on the progress that has been made within their communities. The constituents will also be able to respond to anything that they have read in the report by writing their thoughts on a return slip at the back of the report and sending it back to my constituency office.

Surgeries

I hold surgeries in Kilmacolm, Bridge of Weir, Erskine, Bishopton and Renfrew on the first Friday of every month, Gallowhill on the 3rd Monday and Renfrew on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Surgeries run from September to June each year with a break for the summer period. As well as holding these traditional face to face advice surgeries, 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. I can also be contacted by email at derek.mackay.msp@scottish.parliament.uk

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schools news Strawberry Field Nursery The children have been learning about enterprise. They built their own café using tables, a checkout desk, money and order slips. The children used the wet room to bake real produce to sell in their café - they took orders and took them to their kitchen to be prepared and served.

With the fairly recent spell of dry weather, the children have been on nature walks collecting a variety of natural materials to make their own den in the nursery surroundings.

The younger children have been covering a topic on senses. They made discovery bags containing textured materials for them to use their sense of touch, and discovery bottles to shake for sound. Over the next few weeks, we will be learning about Spring time, planting and growing and learning about the animals born in Spring.

Abbey Nursery Lots of new experiences at Abbey. The staff and children at Abbey Nursery have had a very busy couple of months and can’t believe we are now winging our way towards Easter!!

All playrooms have been providing lots of activities and new experiences for the children to enjoy and learn from. World Book day was a great excuse to explore the world of words and rhyme and its pleasing to see that children’s love of books is still as strong as ever at this age. We are ever grateful to parents who donate books to the nursery and introduce us to new titles and topics.

Although still a little early in the year for planning, this hasn’t stopped the children getting prepared by nurturing their indoor plants and seeds; clearing the vegetable beds and helping keep the local area tidy by picking up litter. Thanks to parents who collected Morrison’s vouchers this year, we managed to purchase a lot of new equipment including a water butt to recycle water in the summer. Our Eco Schools Green Flag is a constant reminder of the great work carried out by the children and is now flying proudly at the nursery.

Praise this month must go to Paisley Museum who hosted two fantastic events for children. ‘Delightful’ was a workshop for children to ‘match sounds to paintings’ whilst “Each Peach Pear Plum” was a game of “I spy” and part of the Puppet Animation Festival. Abbey was able to take two groups along to give them a totally unique experience and open their imagination to local opportunities. The children are now looking forward to their trip to the RSNO in May and I would encourage all parents to keep an eye out for other local events which can sometimes get overlooked due to our busy lives.

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Langbank Playgroup At Langbank Playgroup, we made the most of the dry days and got outside for some great fun in the adjacent swingpark; the children love the opportunity to play and explore with friends and it’s a great chance to burn off some energy plus develop physical and social skills. We had also been busy in March with Mother’s Day and Red Nose Day plus gymnastics with Christine and meeting big friends from Langbank Primary so lots going on.

All children welcome from Langbank and the surrounding areas on a Friday morning; please contact Jacqueline, our Chair, on 01475 540728 for further details. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who came along for a bit of relaxation at our recent Ladies Pamper night, which proved to be a great success.

Happy Easter from Kidston Kids!

At Kidston Kids playgroup in Kilmacolm we have been very busy preparing for Easter.

The children made Easter baskets and bonnets and had an Egg Hunt around the hall.

Little Lullabies Come join Auntie Hazel on a Monday morning at Kidston Hall. Great fun for babies and toddlers with music, songs, instruments and props.

Our groups are for pre-school children and operate on Mon, Wed and Fri mornings. www.kidstonkids.co.uk

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St Columba School Musical Success It has been a busy couple of months for St Columba’s young musicians. Many of our pupils once again took part and enjoyed success at the Inverclyde Music Festival. There have also been a number of auditions for national choirs and orchestras.

Martin McLeman, Marcus Wylie, Gavin Findlay, Thomas Rainey and Jamie Ewing have been accepted for the Boys’ Choir of the National Youth Choirs of

Scotland (NYCoS). Lucy Blair, Emily Capell, Catriona Faint and Rowan Mackillop will join the NYCoS Girls’ Training Choir and Ciara Ewing will sing with the NYCoS Girls’ Choir.

Malcolm Millar has secured a place playing French horn in the full National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and Lauren Baker will play trumpet with Junior NYOS. Rowan Mackillop will play cornet with the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland.

Junior 6 & Bodyworks Glasgow Science Centre’s Body Works team visited St Columba’s Junior 6 for a workshop called Blood, Bile and Body Bits!

Pupils are learning about the human body, so this was a good chance to look in detail at how it works and get some hands-on experience with the human bodyrelated exhibits.

Nursery Assessments 2013 - 2014 Assessments will take place on Thursday 25th & Friday 26th April at St Columba’s Junior School, Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm. Please call 01505 872768 to arrange an appointment. We are delighted to be offering an extended service from August 2013. Details of times and facilities can be found at www.st-columbas.org

Kilmacolm Nursery Class “Chick, Chick, Chick, Chick, Chicken”, is the theme for this month in the nursery! We were fascinated by the experience of having eggs supplied by “Living Eggs”, watching them hatch and caring for 8 chicks, 4 male and 4 females, before they were re-homed to 2 nursery families. The benefits of which will be that we can get updates on the progress of our “babies”. Linking to the theme, a castle was created for Humpty Dumpty in the playroom and copious amounts of imaginative play were generated.

Red Nose Day came early to the nursery because P7 were off for a residential week at Winmarleigh Hall from 11th-15th March. We had a red nose hunt in the play area on Wednesday 6th March. Many thanks for all contributions made to this event. As part of activities for World Book Day, Farmer Joe came to tell us the story of “Chicken Licken”. He brought along Ducky Lucky to help create the mood of the story and the children just loved listening to this well-loved story presented in such a special way.

We have also had ‘Climate week’ and created a school weather chart.

The weather was varied and this helped to make for a vibrant display!

We are looking forward to learning more about Easter celebrations and hope to visit Newark Castle when it opens after the holidays.

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St Columba Church Playgroup If you asked the children what their favourite toy was at playgroup, they would say “the climbing frame!”. Our photo shows lots of fun and a chance to burn off some energy and build co-ordination skills all at the same time.

Of course, we have to take turns going on, so a good tool for conversation and sharing too. We are currently working on traditional themes such as Spring and Easter with lots of craft activities.

Our Playleaders have both been with us for some considerable time now and both are qualified in Early Years and First Aid plus our kitchen facilities have been passed by Environmental Health. We are also regulated and inspected by the Care Inspectorate who monitor quality in childcare; look at our inspection reports online at www.scswis.com (cs number cs2003004055) and see examples of our “Very Good” and “Good” gradings. Why not contact us for a visit, two year old places limited so please get in touch soon for August starts and come along for a visit if you are interested in a place on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday morning or give our membership secretary Jenny a call on 07557 656968.

Our toddler group runs every Wednesday morning between 10am and 11.30am for children from birth to 3 years and is a great chance for your little ones to try out different toys and make new friends. Please contact our toddler secretary Fiona on 07816 513693 for more information.

Thanks to everyone who donated items for the Rag Bag collection, we have raised £113 which is brilliant.

Planning is well underway for the Spring Craft Fair on Saturday 20th April, we have confirmed Glenmoss Soaps, WildBird Designs, Usbourne Books, Phoenix Cards, Paper and Love, Tiny Vikings, Queenie Browne and Katrin Eagle – Wool Artist as stallholders so far. We will be serving the usual tea, coffee and home baking plus bacon rolls and thanks to the generosity of Paul’s Fish and Chips in Houston we will also be serving ice cream.

The doors open at 10.30am so please come along and support us as all proceeds go towards the group.

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Woodlands Nursery Baby Room - Our recent topics have included nursery rhymes.

As well as learning the songs and actions we also made Miss Polly, Baa Baa Woolly Sheep and Wheels on the Bus pictures.

The current favourite seems to be Miss Polly as the children love to knock on the door like the doctor! For Mother’s Day our boys and girls created beautiful cards for their mummies along with a pretty flower made from coloured tissues. One of our ladies, Ashley was on a recent course learning all about transition periods in babies lives and she has brought back some super ideas we are implementing within the room.

Tweenie Room - All the Tweenies have been enjoying learning about animal habitats from the Gruffalo story. We are planning short walks/trips in the local area and have been exploring in our woodlands too, we even bump into our friends from Rising Fives whilst they’re out on their own adventures.

Our transport topic has taken us into Space and we are now learning about spaceships, spacemen and walking on the moon. Whilst we were out and about the boys and girls thought they spotted a space ship soaring through the sky and you can imagine their joy!!

Houston Primary School Four teams from Houston primary travelled to Renfrew to take part in the annual X-Country Championships which were held at the KG5 Playing Fields.

Houston Primary had entered a boys and girls team from P6 & 7. It was a very successful event for the teams. P6 boys and P6 girls teams came 1st overall. P7 boys team also came first and the P7 girls team came 3rd. Congratulations to all who took part.

The following P6 runners achieved individual medals; Andrew Devine, Kieran Love, Andrew Howieson, Alisha Sivell and Abbi Graham.

On 12th March a group of children travelled to Paisley to take part in the Renfrewshire Burns Competition. The children took part in the Verse, Voice and Instrumental Sections of the competition.

Congratulations to Roc Hart and Ruiardah Fraser who came 2nd and 3rd in their Verse section and to Justin Langan and Jack Stewart who came 2nd and 3rd in the Instrumental section with their bagpipe playing.

Now the weather has become a little bit better we will start planting in our vegetable plot.

We are holding a Gardening Night soon, where children and parents can come and help with planting and the revamping of our garden.

Rising Fives - The boys and girls in rising fives have been learning about “Our Nursery and the Surrounding Areas”.

Within this topic they have been exploring the woodlands with our excellent outdoor leader, David, who has worked hard with the children to ensure they can risk assess the woods before exploring in them. The children have been measuring the depth of the river with sticks and working out how the could cross safely, they even built a bridge with logs and stones. These outings have been so valuable to the children’s learning and ensured they incorporated all the core skills such as numeracy, literacy and health and well being. The Woodlands children love our woods and think they are very lucky to have this on their doorstep.

The word has even got out and The Forestry Commission brought a group of trainees to see us in action and learn how to use the woodland areas in children’s learning. We are all very proud.

Out of School Care - The boys and girls have produced some beautifully creative card and crafts for Mother’s Day and the spring theme is continuing with Easter crafts too. Our Outdoor Leader David is combining outdoor play, physical play and eco-themes by encouraging the children to help with planting the spring flowers and vegetables in their own plot. We’re hoping for a bumper crop this year.

t: 01505 613340

Special congratulations goes to Neve Ferguson who was awarded 1st in her Verse category and then went on to be the overall Renfrewshire competition winner with her excerpt from Tam O’Shanter. Neve and Justin both have the opportunity to compete in the National finals in Dumfermline in April.

We wish them every success.

Congratulations to our badminton team who were chosen to represent Renfrewshire in a National competition in Motherwell.

Awards For All funding for the grand sum of £7789 secured by Mrs McPherson, along with school fundraising efforts has provided 8 exercise machines to create an outdoor gym in the senior playground. The machines will be well used both during and outwith school time.

Comic Relief was celebrated with an ‘out of uniform’ day. Special red nose cakes and biscuits were created by the Pupil Council and Lorna, our catering manager. We are proud to report that the grand total of £600 was raised.

Hi Five for Kilbarchan Community Nursery!

The staff, children and families from Kilbarchan Community Nursery are delighted to announce the result of their recent inspection from the Care Inspectorate. They achieved level 5 (very good) grades in all areas inspected. In their feedback, the inspectors were highly complimentary of the staff team and their partnership with families and the community.

Two inspectors spent a full day monitoring the nursery. They saw a normal nursery day in action, including our new after school care service.

Prior to the inspection questionnaires were issued to a random selection of parents. Comments included; “I feel privileged that my son has had the chance to attend such an outstanding nursery. Not only is the educational experience fantastic, there is also an amazing community feel and ALL the staff give the impression of not only being completely committed to the

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children in their care but to the nursery itself. The nursery is an incredibly positive and welcoming place. The staff work incredibly hard to provide a wide and varied experience for the children they care for. ‘I feel 100% confident in the staff at Kilbarchan Community Nursery - it is almost like leaving them with family. The staff are genuinely nice, caring people and I feel this is reflected in the atmosphere in the nursery”.

To read the full report, log on to the Care Inspectorate website at www. careinspectorate.com For more information or for an application form for our nursery provision or out of school care service, including breakfast club and after school care, please contact Mairi or Dorothy on 01505 704839 or email enquiries@ kilbarchancommunitynursery.org.uk

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Gryffe High School Fairtrade Fortnight It was a packed fortnight at Gryffe High School with events every day to raise awareness of Fairtrade. There was the very popular Rainbow Turtle stall, Banana Split events for both staff and pupils, freshly made Smoothie stall, Collect your Fairtrade Wrappers, 90kg Rice Challenge and a Trail event. The fortnight finished with a ‘Show off your label’ day where pupils and staff could wear a Fairtrade item to show their support.

Gryffe High - PTA Annual Raffle

This year your son/daughter will be bringing raffle tickets for this fantastic event home in their school bag just after the Easter holidays (so make sure you dig to the bottom of their bags).

The draw will take place in school on 13th June and once again there are many fabulous prizes on offer donated by local business folks. Prizes include... Signed Rangers & St Mirren tops. Golf 4 balls @ Haggs Castle & Playsport East Kilbride. Deluxe Scottish hamper. Pamper package from Serendipity & Laura’s Nail Lounge. Wine & dine package from The Corran Inn, Houston Make sure you don’t miss your opportunity to win while boosting school funds. Many thanks for your support.

Youth Alpha Starts in Gryffe High Youth Alpha started on the 8th of February and runs every Friday lunchtime in the conference room. It is a course consisting of ten short topics that explore and explain the Christian faith in a more relaxed environment than a classroom. A typical lunchtime consists of some food and general chat, a short talk, broken up by short discussions. It’s a chance to discover and learn about what people believe, ask questions and have fun with your friends. Everyone that wants to come is very welcome, you don’t need to have been every week to come along. The course is run and organised by senior pupils Molly Mitchell, Rebecca Gray and Emma MacLaren, along with help and support from local churches and the school’s regional SU youth workers.

Article – Emma MacLaren S6. Photos – Jennifer Lowson S5 & Mrs Stark

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 email: daniela.sime@strath.ac.uk

Renfrewshire & Inverclyde Multiple Club Do you have twins, triplets or more? If you would like to meet other parents of multiples and have a chat while the kids play, Come along to Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Multiples Club aimed at parents or parentsto-be. The club is meeting informally at the Lochwinnoch McKillop Institute every 1st and 3rd Monday from 3pm - 4.30pm.

You can contact us on ritwinsclub@gmail.com, visit our web site www. ritwinsclub.co.uk or phone us on 07510 144 310 for more information!

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Duchal Nursery This month the children had great fun as we celebrated World Book Day. As well as spending time discussing their favourite books, the boys and girls had a great time dressing up as their favourite literary character. With such a great range of characters appearing at the nursery, it was clear that our children really are well read!

Also this month, and open for just one morning, the Duchal Nursery Cafe opened it’s doors, as we supported Comic Relief. All of our Blue and Red teddies, invited parents, grandparents, family members and carers along where they served by the children. It was great fun for all involved. Continuing with our work in the French language, the children also had a French baking lesson. Lots of tasty treats, and new words for the children to add to their growing French vocabulary. Our new lunch club continues to be a huge hit with the children and parents alike.

Combined with our new, more flexible drop off time of 8:15am, this has been a great addition to the Duchal Day. With the weather improving, there are lots of planned activities to get the children into the garden, and out and about, so if you see us as we explore more of the village, please say hello!

If you live in Kilmacolm or the surrounding area, you can give your children the best possible start to life at Duchal Nursery School.

If you are interested in enrolling your child, please get in touch with our head teacher Jean McCarthy on 01505 874358 or visit www.duchal.com http://www.duchal.com/

Langbank Primary School Langbank Primary celebrated World Book Day by inviting pupils and staff to dress as a storybook character and bring in their favourite book.

The costumes were fantastic with

such a great deal of time and imagination having gone into them. We had everything from The Gruffalo, James Bond, Alice in Wonderland, through to Batman, Spiderman and Superman. All pupils in the school took part in a shared reading

session whereby older children were matched with younger children to discuss books and read together. All pupils were given a special book token which they can use towards buying a new book. It is so important to raise the awareness of the importance of reading with both pupils and parents.

Great fun was had by all.

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LEAP Bee Active for Wildlife Children from Kilbarchan Primary, along with other pupils from Lochwinnoch and Howwood, were busy during February and March learning how to plant saplings, mature trees, wildflowers and fruit bushes in the grounds of their schools.

LEAP organised the events with funding from Climate Challenge Fund and Central Scotland Green Network, covering the costs of the trainer, Richard Graham from Starling Learning and all the plants, bushes and trees.

1st Houston & Crosslee Scouts The group has had another very busy month with all the sections involved in various activities and badge work.

The beavers have been concentrating on their Fitness Challenge Badges.

This will help a number of the beavers to work towards their Bronze Chief Scout Award which requires the each beaver to work through 6 different challenge badges.

t: 01505 613340

Busy time for Kilmacolm Scouts Kilmacolm Scouts and Cubs have been having a busy time with camps, competitions and Zumba! The Scouts had a really energetic time with a session of Zumba when Carolyn Espie proved a great hit at teaching them some steps. It ended with a Gangnam Style Zumba set! This was done as part of their Fitness Challenge. It was certainly a challenge for the leaders to keep up with this activity.

The Troop then spent a weekend camping at Auchengillan in the snow and freezing weather! Maybe not what you’d call fun, but 29 Scouts had a great time carrying our activities including abseiling in a blizzard, team building in the wind, orienteering, pioneering from Scout sized basin holders to giant basin holders, camp fire, camp cooking and loads of other activities.

The Scouts had a great time all wrapped up warm and ate plenty to keep them going. Lots of the camp was planned by the young people in advance including menus and activities. We’re very grateful to the Auchengillan staff, our leaders and extra helpers who all mucked in to have a fantastic weekend.

Meanwhile the Cub Pack celebrated the end of session by holding a night designed by the Cubs themselves. Loads of inside games were brought in for the Cubs to try out including Guess Who? Top Trumps, Snakes and Ladders and Monopoly. The Cubs, as part of a previous Cub Chatter evening about what they wanted to see happen at meetings, had asked to be able to play some inside games. The evening also marked the awarding of the coveted Sixes Trophy which went to the White Six for being the best behaved, best presented and most attentive Six of the session. There was also sadness as the Pack said goodbye to some senior Cubs who are moving up to Scouts next week.

The cubs have also taken part in various trips, including a visit to Johnstone Fire Station and a visit to the Paisley Observatory which now includes a brand new Planetarium. The kids had a great time learning about the planets and star constellations and are now ready to work through their astronomy badge.

The cubs are also working through the My Faith, Information Technology parts 1 and 2, Promise Challenge and Community Challenge Badge work.

Other future activities to look forward to include sending a team to the annual District Cub Quiz cubs at Inchinnan Parish Church and then helping the local community with Job Community Week around Easter time.

The Scouts currently have 4 of the older children working towards their Chief Scout Gold Award which involves working through 8 challenge badges.

The Night Hike was re-arranged for Friday 22nd March which involved the boys walking cross-country from the Knapps Loch in Kilmacolm to Houston.

They were able to test their map reading and compass skills as part of the walk.

The scouts held an internal Quiz night which was organised by some of the children themselves and proved that they knew more general knowledge than the team made up of leaders!

Photo: Kilmacolm Scouts enjoying Zumba with Carolyn Espie

Quarrier’s Sleepover Whilst the mums enjoyed a Mother’s Day long lie and pamper, the 45th Cub leaders looked after their intrepid Cubs for a sleepover. Needless to say they didn’t quite manage a long lie in! The theme for the sleepover was to finish off the Global Challenge Badge and to focus on map reading and navigation. Despite the freezing conditions, the Cubs managed to use their newly-honed map reading skills to follow a tricky orienteering course around the village and enjoyed using the new orienteering punches and cards.

After dark they used their compass knowledge to follow a night navigation course. This was followed by a good old sing song around the indoor camp fire with popcorn and hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream.

On Sunday morning they played some navigation games and made boxes of truffles and sweets for the mums. It was then off home for a warm bath and a rest.

The Scouts also ran a coffee evening as part of a parents night recently and raised £70 which will be split between 3 charities (Fair-trade, save the and Water Aid).

Well done to all the boys who showed great teamwork and organisational skills to make a success of all these events.

Finally the group was well represented at the recent Founders Day service which was held in Renfrew Parish Church on the 24th February.

Many thanks to all the boys who attended on the day.

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Photo: Quarrier’s Cubs who held a sleepover

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Bridge of Weir Primary School

will now go forward to the national final which takes place at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh in May.

Friends! Romans! Countrymen! We covered it all this month here at Bridge of Weir Primary School!!!

It’s not just our pupils that we enjoy celebrating, our parents are pretty terrific too. One of them, Sharon Gibson, very kindly came along to the school with her colleague Sharon Motion from Scottish and Southern Energy, to help raise awareness of Eco issues by talking to our classes about electricity. Dispelling the notion that we all live in houses kitted out with magical switches that mysteriously produce light, heat and the X-Factor at the touch of a button, the ladies explained where electricity comes from, how we can use it safely and different ways to conserve energy. The highlight of the day by far was the chance for our children to experience a full-size electric car. Thanks so much to both “Sharons” for the generosity of their time and resources and helping us towards getting our third Green Flag.

Friendship was the focus of a drama workshop for P6 pupils, addressing the issue of Cyber-bullying. PACE Theatre Group did an excellent job of illustrating that bullying on websites such as Facebook, Twitter, chat-rooms etc., is just as heinous and just as harmful as the more traditional cruelty many parents may have witnessed or encountered in their own childhood playgrounds back in the pre-social media “olden days”. Pupils participated in a performance and did a very solid job of reinforcing the message that any form of bullying, cyber or otherwise, is unacceptable and anybody affected by it must tell an adult straight away. We would urge parents to keep a regular eye on their children’s internet activities to ensure that the kindness with which we encourage them to treat others in day-to-day life, is also reflected online. Primary 1 and 2 pupils also enjoyed a meaningful performance when Hopscotch Theatre visited with their show called Pink!

The Musical, which followed the story of Patrick the Penguin who woke up one day to find that he had turned bright pink. The play challenged our children to think about diversity, discrimination and celebrating the fact that our differences enrich all of our lives.

“What Did the Romans Do For Us?” The Life of Bridge of Weir P4/3 pupils took a fascinating turn into a workshop of the same name at the Glasgow Museums Resource Centre. “Building really good bridges” appeared to be one of many answers to that age-old question, something our children tried to replicate for themselves as you can see from our photo. Our pupils had a wonderful time investigating and handling real Roman artefacts, trying on replica armour and wielding authentic weaponry (safely, obviously) - Caitlin said that the best bit was getting to dress up as a Roman emperor!

Countrymen, lend me your ears! Or, preferably, your P6 peers as we celebrate their achievement at the Scottish European Educational Trust Euro Quiz. Rhona, Lauren, Nicole and Molly who made up our team this year did extremely well winning the Renfrewshire heat which means they

More parental input to acknowledge in the shape of our World Book Day Reading Challenge competition, which highlights just how important reading is in our everyday lives. The standard of entry was exceptionally high and the winners showed great creativity, making puppets, designing pop-up books of their own and including lots of photographs of themselves reading road signs, visiting the library, reading to younger siblings and finding numbers in a telephone directory. It was a challenge in itself to judge the impressive array of entrants but a big “well done” to all the winners who each received a £10 book token.

And yet more appreciation for Mums, Dads, Grandparents and carers as Primary 1 organised their very own Katie Morag Cake Sale as part of their social studies topic. All our classes had the chance to purchase cakes from a mouth-watering selection and the sale raised £137.90 for Phantasanja, the school’s designated charity.

Finally, lots of red noses abounded this month at Bridge of Weir Primary…many due to coughs, colds and freezing weather conditions, but happily many more from the colourful and comedic efforts of our children to raise funds for Comic Relief!

sports & clubs news

sportby Gerry blog Gorman

Under Starters Orders

I probably get asked one question more than most; How do I get started with running? When we consider the origins of running it’s not difficult to see why so many people make it part of their lives. Running at a base level is a primal instinct. We used this skill to either hunt down food or to avoid danger. Is it any wonder that it has such a close association with excitement and reward.

The reasons for running now might be slightly less dramatic but nevertheless, it’s just as rewarding. The associated health benefits are enormous. The high production of seratonin and norepinephrine during and after running helps to boost our mood. Whilst running, your body is developing stronger ligaments and tendon attachments, this in turn will greatly reduce your risk of injury.

in a weekly training schedule are more palatable than one long run on a Sunday.

Set yourself a challenge!

The trick to sustaining your running is to have a goal. Charity road races are perfect for keeping you going. When you know others are going to benefit from your hard work that will act as a powerful motivator. Look for local Charity runs, an ideal distance to start off with is a 5km run. The Bowfield Hotel and Country Club will be hosting a 5km Charity road race on Sunday 14th April 2013 in aid of St Vincents Hospice. The race begins at 10am but be quick to sign up as there are only 200 spaces!

For more information on running or Personal Training contact Gerry Gorman Personal Trainer on 07966 662848. Alternatively you can email me at: geraldg075@googlemail.com

So back to our original question.......how do I get started? There are a number of methods. Set a route for yourself and simply go out and run.

There are a few flaws with this method.....with early stage runs it’s difficult to ascertain your level of fitness and ultimately the distance you can run.

A better way to start is to map out a small route of less than 400m (the distance around a standard football pitch) in an area that you are familiar with. Begin with a brisk walk, when you feel suitably warmed up then break into a light jog. Finally, a short high intensity run. Repeat the circuit 2 or 3 times using a combination of walk, jog, run. The time periods you spend in each phase are entirely up to you. For the wetter days then this workout can easily be transferred to a gym treadmill. For the newcomer to running the early stages are critical. Run a little but often. Three to four short runs

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Strathgryffe Wins Knockout Shield Despite the wet and windy winter weather, S t r a t h g r y ff e Tennis & Squash Club’s Mixed League Teams managed to brave the elements and win both the Wilson West of Scotland Tennis Winter League Monday Floodlight Division 1 and also the Knockout Shield.

The Knockout Team comprising of Greig Fraser, Robbie Wishart, Donald McGregor, Joanne Thompson, Sophie Dunlop, Caitlin Inglis & Katherine McPhie, beat Bearsden 3 -1 at home, Titwood 4-0 away in the semifinal and Clarkston 3-1 at home in the final.

Strathgryffe 2nd Team was 3rd in Division 2 and the Sunday Afternoon Team was 2nd in Division 3A. Strathgryffe will be holding a mixture of Easter Camps throughout the school holidays.

The Tennis Camps are suitable for children aged 5 to 10 years of age. The Sports Camps which include tennis, squash, badminton and table tennis are suitable for children aged 8 to 16 years of age. Non members welcome.

For more information please contact Derek Brown on 01505 615301 or email derekbrown@ strathgryffe.net

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CMRP - Semple Trail Heritage Project

This 3 year multi agency funded regeneration project is now officially underway. Clyde Muirshiel Park Authority are delighted to be working with Renfrewshire Council on this exciting project.

At Castle Semple Country Park the Semple Trail Heritage Project will: improve wildlife viewing using mobile cameras with the Windows on Wildlife project (WOW); create “Heritage Destinations”; create new and improved access to heritage features for a wider range of people; conserve built and landscape heritage including the icehouse, artificial cave, cascades, grotto and a section of the former estate wall; enhance biodiversity through the creation of wetland habitats, install signage and interpretation features; provide learning and participation programmes.

The current activity programme provides lots of opportunities for getting involved through volunteering, on school visits or by enjoying the fantastic wildlife images collected by the ‘Windows on Wildlife’ part of the project, see the separate article for more details.

Sailfaris on the Firth of Clyde Join the ‘Clyde Muirshiel Explorer’ for a wildlife tour by sailing boat for a memorable, fully catered, wildlife viewing experience on the Firth of Clyde aboard a luxury 45 foot yacht. Gain wildlife identification skills as well as sailing skills from the Yachtmaster. This trip is unique to the Year of Natural Scotland and costs just £330 per person. Current tour dates are 11th– 14th April or 18th – 21st April. Book now by calling 01505 842 882 Ex 20.

Summer Opening Hours & What’s On Guide All of our Visitor Centres are now open daily for summer as follows: Castle Semple 10am-5pm, Muirshiel and Greenock Cut Centres 11am-4pm. Visit soon and collect a copy of our new Spring/Summer What’s on event guide. All event details and course dates are online as well.

Events for April:

Junior Multi Activity Weeks Mon 1st - Fri 5th Apr & Mon 8th - Fri 12th Apr An opportunity to try out different survival skills as well as lots of activities and watersports! Castle Semple for five FULL days 10am - 3.30pm on either week. Cost: £145.

Advance booking essential & ASAP to secure a place 01505 842882 Ex 20.

Clyde Muirshiel Explorer Thur 11th-Sun 14th Apr and Thur 18th-Sun 21st Apr Enjoy a 4 day cruise aboard a luxury 45 foot yacht exploring the Firth of Clyde from Largs to Arran, Loch Fyne to the Kyles of Bute. Discover the diverse springtime wildlife of the Firth of Clyde. Meet at Largs Marina, 6pm. Cost: £330 per person. Tel 01505 842 882 Ex 20, advanced booking essential.

Spring BeachWatch Sun 14th Apr Help the Rangers undertaken the Spring beach cleaning and survey. Lunderston Bay, 1pm - 3pm. Tel 01475 521 458 & bookings

New Plaque at Greenock Cut

The Big Day Out in Scotland

The Institute of Civil Engineers have commemorated the work of Robert Thom with a new plaque at the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre. Thom designed and created the Greenock Cut aqueduct which fuelled industry and supplied fresh water to the people of Greenock. The plaque and an interactive exhibition about Thom’s worked can be viewed, free of charge at any time during Visitor Centre opening hours.

Sat 20th Apr

Regional Park News Pick up a copy of our new publication ‘Regional Park News’ and read all about the plans and activities for Year of Natural Scotland at Clyde Muirshiel!

Photographic Competition 2013 The theme for this year is ‘Year of Natural Scotland at Clyde Muirshiel’. There are 5 categories to choose with prizes in each category and a top prize of £200! Plus this year under 16’s can enter our Junior Competition to win an outdoor activity session!

Big Day Out in Scotland A fantastic opportunity to try sailing or canoeing for just £5!!! Give it a go on Sat 20th April and get a voucher for 20% off future courses. See event listings or online for full info.

Volunteering at CMRP If you are looking for a great way to get out and get active, 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.

Keen Cyclist? Read on!

We’re looking for some interested parties and individuals to get in touch and help us improve, create or develop some bike routes. Could you volunteer an hour or so to give us your thoughts or maybe even contribute to a discussion on the topic? We need your expertise! Register your interest or simply give us a few lines with where you like to cycle in the Park routes@clydemuirshiel.co.uk

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t: 01505 613340

Come and try sailing or canoeing today and get a 20% off voucher for a future course. Boat & Bike Hire also available. Castle Semple Visitor Centre, hourly sessions starting at 10am, 11am, 11am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pm. Cost: £5 per person per session, Tel: 01505 842 882 Ex 20.

Pot Making Part 1 Sun 21st Apr Discover the art of pot making. Produce attractive pieces of pottery with ceramic artist Karen James. Return next Sunday when the clay has dried to fire the pots. Muirshiel Visitor Centre, 1pm-3pm, Tel: 01505 842 803.

John Muir Birthday Celebration of Nature’s Bounty Sun 21st Apr Join the Rangers for a walk and discover the types of useful things growing near the Greenock Cut Centre.

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

Pot Making Part 2 Sun 28th Apr Time to fire the pot you made last week and enjoy the outdoors as spring returns to Muirshiel. Muirshiel Visitor Centre, 1pm - 3pm, Tel: 01505 842 803.

Dawn Safari Sun 5th May Take to the water by canoe for this unique 360 degree surround sound experience of the dawn chorus. Look for otters or even an osprey flying by or the blue flash from the kingfisher. This 3 hour trip includes a bush breakfast.

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, 6am - 9am approx – exact time given on booking, Adult £45/ Concession £30 per person. Tel: 01505 842 882 Ex 20.

Booking essential for all events, contact the centre to book your FREE place.Charges apply for outdoor activity courses.

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Karting Blog

by Tom Thickpenny

New Year, New Lid Décor!

I write this as the season is about to get underway for me. I’ve been saving over the last year or so to have my new helmet painted in my personal colours of red, orange & yellow… with a twist! It’s due back any day and I can’t wait to show it off in next months column!

2 school mates and I will be taking part in the preliminary round of the British Schools Karting Championships. The regulations have been altered such that only one MSA license holder can be in a team so the competition will be wide open this year. I’ll let you know our fate next month!

After the BSKC practice round I’m heading down to the PFI track in Lincolnshire to get a few days testing in KGP with ACRBirel under my belt.

Funds and pressure of my imminent exams are keeping me from testing as much as I would like, but I can’t wait to enter my first race. I see that Paul Di Resta’s brother Stefan has also entered the KGP S1 National Championship…. no pressure there then!! That Stefan is contesting KGP this year underlines the quality of the grid. It is my first year in Seniors (sneaking in at 15 years old rather than the usual 16 years by virtue of my experience) so I’m looking forward to learning lots by competing with the best.

The work myself and my teammates put in at Birel Italy last year has really paid off. This years International Team are already scoring podiums and I’m working hard to secure sponsorship for my side of the International subsidised drive Birel Italy has left open for me: my aim is to practice for and contest KF in the WSK Final Cup at Castelletto, Italy, in October. F1 practice in Australia is soon to start as I write this. A feast of motorsport awaits. Web: www.tom-karting.com Email: tomkarting@f2s.com

London Marathon Charity Run Johanne Begg will be running the London Marathon on Sunday 21st April with the aim to raise funds to support her charity - Breakthrough Breast Cancer. My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 at the age of 70. After months of rigorous treatment, she was given the all clear and is now a fit and well and soon to be 74 year old!

If you would like to sponsor Johanne, her sponsorship page can be found on http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ JohanneBegg.

Rotary 10K Charity Run Thanks to generous sponsorship from the Bridge of Weir Leather Group, Gryffe Valley Rotary is holding its inaugural 10K road run on Sunday 28th April. It’s being held in aid of local disability groups - an example of how such funds can be used to great effect was last year’s donation of a special hoist at Castle Semple to facilitate disabled sailors getting access from wheelchairs to their boats.

The measured and scenic course is well suited to runners of all abilities and ages (16+). Starting at 1pm in Houston Park, the route takes you via Kirk Road and Kilallan Road towards Kilmacolm before turning down Warlock Road to Bridge of Weir and then back to Houston. There will be goodie bags and medals for all runners. The registration form can be clipped below, picked up from local shops and sports clubs, or downloaded from the club website (google “gryffe valley”). All runners are encouraged to arrange their own personal sponsorship to help support Gryffe Valley local disability activities or for their own preferred charity.

Hopefully it will be a great day when lots of money can be raised for good causes. Even if you don’t feel up to running, why not come along and watch – snacks available from Houston church halls.

All donations will be very gratefully received.

5k Charity Road Race

Sunday 14th April - Bowfield Hotel & Country Club Come and join the first ever 5k charity road race in Howwood in aid of St Vincent’s Hospice. For all you local running, joggers and walkers this is an event just for you! Take part in this local road race for your local Hospice. For more information and to register please contact the Leisure Team at The Bowfield Hotel & Country Club on enquiries@bowfieldhotel. co.uk or call 01505 705225.

‘Action For Kids’ Jasper Matthews will be running in this years London marathon on April 21st, all 26 and a quarter miles of it, and raising money for ‘Action for Kids’ - a fantastic charity who work all around the UK, helping children to gain a greater level of independence. Big or small, every single penny will help someone.

Please take 2 minutes to visit my page: www. justgiving.com/jasper-matthews Alternatively you might see me training over the rolling hills of Langbank and Bishopton! Failing that, I’m a Thomas Cook pilot and, for the lucky ones who have a holiday booked, please feel free to come and say hello! Big big thank you in advance.

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Birkmyre Rugby The Scottish winter bit hard into the Bears schedule yet again with the team having no games for six weeks after out strong victory over Renfrew in January.

With our season being so broken up it would have been easy for the heads to go down and allow other teams to take advantage of our unfortunate run of call-offs; but with the first game back the team showed real grit and determination against a tough and big hitting Hyndland team away from home; playing on the new astro grass at Scotstoun Stadium, the Home of the Glasgow Warriors. The conditions were perfect for Birkmyres style of play with the sun splitting in the sky and hardly a breeze. Ideal for shipping the ball out wide where we are most deadly. The lack of game time for the Bears was obvious in the first half of the game and Hyndland tried to use their bulk to bully our players off the park but quickly Birkmyre picked up the pace and played the game the way they wanted and the end the game could not have been more one sided. The backs building on the work they have done in training and showing their attacking flair, stretching the Hyndland team to their limits and punishing out wide.

The final score was 20-46 to Birkmyre.

Kilmacolm Golf Club

t: 01505 613340

It was a bit of a novelty for the team having two games in two weeks but this proved no problem with the team providing one of the strongest and most well rounded performances of their season. A game against local rivals Bishopton is never easy, the last game being a very close exchange with the players just edging Bishopton. However the story was very different this time with the home advantage Birkmyre truly showed why they are fighting for promotion. Birkmyre had a young team out who were keen to run with the ball and it was not long before tries started to appear. In the end 10 tries were scored in all from Calum (the new try king who scored 2) Gregor with 2 and two debut tries from big Matthew Simpson who improves with every game.

Single tries were scored by James, Derek, Andy Hardie and Martin in his first game. Derek added 4 conversions. All ten trys were scored with a fairly equal points split between backs and forwards. It must be said that the forwards truly put in a shift in more than one occasion knocking the bigger more experienced Bishopton scrum back against the head helping to secure ball and territory in key times throughout the game.

Birkmyre went into the international break 3rd in the league with games in hand over the two teams above putting the team in a very strong position in the league. Training continues at Birkmyre Park Kilmacolm Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7.30pm, all players welcome. If anyone requires any further information please contact peter Haveron on 07815 090839. those members who prefer less “competitive” events. We also can lay claim to one of the most active Junior sections in the locality, and in addition to providing the juniors with competitive and social golf, coaching is also provided during the year by our resident PGA Professional Iain Nicholson and his Assistant PGA Professional Mike Paterson.

In addition, Iain, who is also a fully qualified TPI Golf Fitness Instructor, provides an extensive range of golf equipment and clothing, as well as offering full custom fitting service from Callaway and Taylor Made. More details can be obtained via Iain’s website www.iainnicholsongolf.co.uk But, there is more to a Golf Club than just the course and golf, however desirable that is at Kilmacolm. Our Clubhouse, which has undergone a major refurbishment in the last few years, provides an excellent venue for our many social events, as well as providing a relaxing atmosphere for a meal, snack or drink in our comfortable lounges and dining room. Our resident Chef, Marjory Mann and her team provide a full range of catering.

Now that the winter has passed our thoughts turn once again to another golfing season.

Membership opportunities are available across all category of membership, with discounted rates in force for under 30’s. Our subscription rates are amongst the most competitive in the area, which provides excellent value for this highly rated course.

If you have still to enjoy our course, it is considered one of the best moorland courses in Scotland and is ranked in the top 100 courses overall in the country. With its gorse, heather and tree lined fairways, it provides enjoyment and a challenge to all standards of golfers. Our excellent practise facilities are the envy of many clubs in the area, with a full range practise ground and short game area, as well as practise greens.

Kilmacolm measures 5961 yards off the medal tees, par 69 (5445 for Ladies tees, par 72) and whilst not overly long by modern standards, provides an excellent test of your shot making skills. The views across the surrounding countryside and Knapps are spectacular, with Tinto Hill in South Lanarkshire, 43 miles away, visible on a clear day.

We have an excellent and vibrant membership across all categories of members, and indeed within our ranks can count on 3 current Scottish Internationalists, namely Matthew Clark for the Gents, and Megan and Eilidh Briggs in the Ladies.

Our Gents and Ladies sections, in addition to the many competitions run throughout the year, have a thriving social golf scene as well to cater for

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However, if you have never played golf before and are reluctant to commit to the expense of obtaining all the equipment, as well as joining costs, then Kilmacolm Golf Club may have the answer for you. Our GATEWAY TO GOLF Membership category provides you with the following benefits: • Full use of our practise facilities, including driving range, putting greens, etc.

• Free lesson with our resident PGA Professionals.

• Free round of golf on course.

• Unrestricted use of all the clubhouse facilities.

• £20 bar credit included within annual fee.

Detailed information on all our membership categories can be obtained from our Secretary, Victor Weldin on 01505 872139, email secretary@ kilmacolmgolfclub.com or via our website www.kilmacolmgolfclub.com

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Edinburgh to Dublin Cycle Date: Places available for 16th-19th May and 12th-15th September 2013 From Bonnie Scotland to the Emerald Isle breathtaking landscapes, fantastic cycling and the friendliest welcomes. This long weekend cycle challenge sees us cover just over 220 miles in 3 days as we cycle from the capital of Scotland, to the capital of the Republic of Ireland!

Starting in Edinburgh, our ride takes us through quiet country lanes as we cycle south west towards Troon where we catch our ferry to Larne. The cycling will be a challenge, but as we reach Dublin, the sense of achievement will never be forgotten as we soak up the electric atmosphere and hustle and bustle of the Republic of Ireland’s capital city. Two breathtaking capital cities, 220 miles, 3 days - join us today and conquer the Edinburgh to Dublin Bike Ride!

To leave your tyre tracks across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland simply register on the website at www.quarriers.org.uk or contact our events team on 01505 610017.

Bridge of Weir Curling Club If you would like to try the ‘roaring game’ or would just like more information about the club, please contact us on 01505 863023.

Players Needed!

Lochwinnoch Curling Club All games are played at Greenacres Ice Rink, just above Howwood. Please email Jennie Cochrane for details and to register your interest (jennie. cochrane@hotmail.com).

Johnstone Burgh 2002 first team who are playing at the top level in the Paisley Johnstone and district youth football league are looking for talented players. We are a quality mark club and all coaches are fully qualified and PVG approved. For further information please contact Harry Love on 07804 492228.

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Castle Semple Sailing Club Winter Series

This year Castle Semple Sailing Club held its first ever Winter Series otherwise known as the “No Wind until the last Sunday Winter Series”.

The series started in mid February with barmy almost spring type weather with moderate to light winds, the second and third Sunday’s saw a gradual deterioration both in temperature and wind and finished early March in a blizzard of snow and gusting winds. A total of 13 boats and 22 people took part over the four Sundays.

The first Sunday saw 12 boats take to the water with 7 on each of the following two Sundays and finally a mere three boats braved the arctic weather on 10th March. Everyone was grateful for the warming soup and refreshments provided, none more so than Iain Hardy and Arthur Logan who manned the rescue boat on the final Sunday.

The overall winner of the series was Steve Davison (GP14 and laser), second was Crawford Johnstone (Enterprise) and third was Jon Hasler (Vago).

Special mention must be made of young Ross McGlennon (Enterprise) who did well in all the races he took part in and will be someone to watch out for during the coming season. Full results on the club website.

The Club starts its new season in early April and welcomes new members.

The Club will be taking part in the RYA Push the Boat Out Day on Saturday 18th May. This is a come and try day for members of the public, see in the Centre at Castle Semple Loch for further details and website.

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gardens & outdoors Bird-Based Family Fun RSPB Lochwinnoch has a packed programme of bird-based fun for all the family this spring!

For more information about any of the events listed below, or to book a place, call 01505 842 663 or email lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk.

Mon 1st April - 12noon - 3pm Monday Funday – Easter EGGStravaganza Are you an egg-cellent egg painter? We have plenty of wildlife-themed Easter activities for children of all ages, including egg decorating, a treasure hunt and face painting and the ever popular Egg Drop Challenge. Cost: £5 or £2 for Wildlife Explorer members. Adults go free!

Sat 6th April - 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.

Fri 5th April - 11am – 2pm Lochwinnoch Holiday Club – Going Cuckoo A day of crazy games and activities all about birds. Nests, eggs, feathers, feeding, flying, fun.

Part of our Holiday Club series, led by our field teachers on Fridays during the school holidays. The holiday club is split into two sessions. One suitable for those aged 8 and under (who must be accompanied by an adult throughout) and one suitable for those aged 9 and over. The content of the two sessions is suitable for the age group attending and thus may differ.

Please bring a packed lunch and be sure to book in advance. £4 Wildlife Explorer members. £7 non-members. Adults must accompany children aged 8 and under. We recommend that you bring wellies, waterproofs and old clothes that you don’t mind getting muddy.

Mon 8th April - 2 sessions - 11am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm Make your own Monday: Peepers and Pooters Come along and make your own mini-beast explorer kit! With your pond peeper, you’ll be able watch what’s happening beneath the surface of the pond. With your bug pooter, you’ll be able to capture all sorts of bugs and have a close look at them without causing them any harm! We will also be pond-dipping.

BOW Horticultural Society The Society continued its winter syllabus lectures with a visit from Sandra Halliday who presented ‘Perennials through the Seasons’. Sandra has a vast knowledge of perennials, trees and shrubs and members certainly had plenty of questions for her.

We meet again on 11th April in British Legion Hall at 8pm. The talk will be delivered by Louise Bustard, a senior curator at the Botanics in Glasgow.

The subject will be ‘Your Garden on a Plate’, so if you’re interested in growing to eat please come along.

Please book in advance as spaces are limited. Cost: £5 or £2 for Wildlife Explorer members. Adults go free!

Fri 12th April - 11am – 2pm Lochwinnoch Holiday Club – Natural Science Day A science investigation day led by the reserve field teachers. Use science to discover more about nature.

Part of our Holiday Club series, led by our field teachers on Fridays during the school holidays. The holiday club is split into two sessions. One suitable for those aged 8 and under (who must be accompanied by an adult throughout) and one suitable for those aged 9 and over. The content of the two sessions is suitable for the age group attending and thus may differ.

Please bring a packed lunch and be sure to book in advance. £4 Wildlife Explorer members. £7 non-members. Adults must accompany children aged 8 and under. We recommend that you bring wellies, waterproofs and old clothes that you don’t mind getting muddy.

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gardens & outdoors news

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Bridge of Weir Allotments & Gardens Society Just over a year ago the Allotments and Gardens Society was established with the aim of finding a local allotment site and to promote interest in food growing in the local community. Since then we have co operated with Renfrewshire Council to seek a site in the local area and continue to work with them on this. We are also in discussion with Quarriers about land they may be able to offer.

The Society members have also been digging hard in the back garden at the Bridge, where we hope to form a community garden. We hope that this will provide an opportunity for local people to learn more about food growing and its health benefits, as well as adding to the provision at the Bridge. We have applied to the BAA Flightpath Fund for financial help with this project.

Our first year has been busy, and at times frustrating. However we are all keen to develop local food growing and to involve local people and organisations.

Our AGM will take place on Tuesday 23rd April at 7.30pm at the Bridge.

Please come along to find out more about community gardening and to give us your ideas. We will warmly welcome you.

April In The Garden – The Pulmonaria “Lungwort” There will soon be lots of colour in the garden as spring bulbs and plants continue to flower. Few plants offer such perfect combinations of decorative foliage and beautiful flowers as the pulmonaria.

Grown for their early flowers, which come in a range of pinks, blues and whites, they make excellent ground cover. Underplant with tulips for coinciding spring flowers.

Pulmonaria ‘Blue Ensign’ (photo top left) is a hardy perennial and is one of the earliest varieties to flower, creating a good display of bright, blue blooms throughout March/April. This variety is distinctive because it has plain green foliage. It will thrive on most soils in full sun or partial shade growing to a height of 30cm with a spread of 40cm. After flowering the leaves take over and provide good ground cover. Divide plant in September/November.

Pulmonaria ‘Dora Dielefeld’ (photo left centre). This species is superb for brightening up shady borders or woodland gardens. Growing to a height of 30cm and a spread of 60cm it makes a good trouble-free, evergreen ground-cover, spreading slowly and requiring little care.

The green leaves have white spots and from late winter to late spring the pink, funnel-shaped flowers are borne over a long period.

Pulmonaria Angustifolia (photo bottom right). Pulmonaria Saccharata ‘Argentea Group’ (photo bottom left).

Bluebell Walk Highwood, Kilmacolm, Sunday 12th May

10am - 4pm

For those of you who have previously attended the Highwood Bluebell Walk, you will know this is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable days out of the month! This year all money raised will be going directly to the work of registered Scottish charity, Orkidstudio. So come and enjoy a walk in 60 acres of beautiful ancient woodland bluebells.

Refreshments available and dogs are more than welcome, but please keep them on a leash.

Take the Lochwinnoch Road out of Kilmacolm for 2 miles then follow the signs. Visit the website at www.ordistudio.co.uk

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APRIL 2013

RSPB Local Group Plant Sale Saturday 11th May, Lochwinnoch, 11am - 4pm

RSPB

Come along to stock up on your bedding plants for the season ahead, pick up some bargain books and CD/DVD’s, enjoy the fantastic selection of home baking and have fun on our tombola/raffle. Donations for the sale would be gratefully received and if you would like to have a stall/make a donation/find out more information, please contact Archie on 01505 613139.

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Plant Sale

e: info@advertizer.co.uk

We have received another fabulous grant from The Scottish National Heritage which will allow us to further develop our Ranger services and provide addition facilities within the estate. We would like to thank them again for their continued support and especially Dave Lang of SNH for his continued assistance.

Forthcoming events: Spring - Wild Days Out Fun filled activities with the Rangers from 2pm, Aimed at children up to 10 years old, who must be accompanied by an adult.

• Tuesday 2nd April • Thursday 4th April • Tuesday 9th April • Thursday 11th April

Pirate Day

Den Building Little Rangers Walk Woodland Art Ranger Walk

Sunday 7th April 1pm - 4pm Dress as a scurvy buccaneer and practise your best Arrrgh! Drama and shouting a plenty!

Spring Walk (bluebells, daffodils and wildflowers) Saturday 13th April 2pm - 4pm

Saturday 20th April, 10am- 12noon at The Cross, outside the library and Cargill centre, Kilmacolm.

A gentle stroll through the woods with some moderate slopes.

Bring boots and coats.

Donations are welcome and Kilmacolm Local Association of Guiding receives 40%, the net remaining to SG Beneficiaries.

Come along and buy locally grown plants and support good causes!

Sunday 14th April 2pm - 4pm

Space Hopper Football ‘Madcap’ fun in the 5-a-side space hopper football tournament.

Book your team or sign up for an individual game : Pre Booking Essential

Duck Races Sunday 21st April 2pm - 4pm Race Rubber ducks down the Finlaystone burn.

Spring Scavenger Hunt Sunday 28th April 2pm - 4pm Our new events leaflet, packed with activities up to the end of March 2014, is now available from the Visitor Centre or downloadable from the web site.

In addition to public events we organise various activities for children’s parties, scout & guide groups or corporate events and would be pleased to discuss your requirements with you further.

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t: 01505 613340

Membership The membership year finished at the end of March and we are now taking renewals & welcoming new members. Although the economic climate is not improving we have maintained the Family price from 2012 and reduced the single membership price so why not renew/join today?

Tea room The tearoom is open every day again between 11am & 5pm from Saturday 31st March and Frances is pleased to offer homemade cakes, soups, light lunches, hot & cold drinks and ice cream. Catering for onsite parties & functions is also available and if you need to discuss any catering requirements with Frances please call her direct on 07845 527804.

Play Areas The Children’s under 6’s swings are now completely rebuilt and the group of volunteers from the Princes Trust made a fantastic job of them - aided by some of our own staff.

An absolutely fantastic effort by all the Princes Trust Group as well as our own staff, Robert, Fraser and Duncan. A new set of Swings to be proud of.

Logs Are for sale at £5.95 a bag or £22 for four bags. There is 10p refunded on each serviceable bag returned. We also have some chunks of wood available that are ideal for log chopping blocks, garden stepping stones, seats or tables. Please ring Norah on 01475 540505 for costs and further details.

Volunteering We would be pleased to hear from any group, business or individual that would like to join our existing volunteers who continue to devote their precious time to numerous tasks in the woods & gardens and certainly help make a great difference to what is achieved on the estate.

Fraser Lang Head Ranger on behalf of all at Finlaystone

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Windows on Wildlife – Spring is on the Way! The sun has been out and there are signs all around that the season is changing. You will all have noticed that flowers are starting to grow and the birds have started singing but what about the wildlife that you don’t usually see?

WoW Update The Windows on Wildlife Project (WoW), based at the Castle Semple Visitor Centre in Lochwinnoch, is offering opportunities for people to discover the wildlife that often comes out at night. Using motion sensitive cameras, the project has been filming badgers, otters, foxes and many other animals in the local area. The badgers have cubs in the sett which will hopefully make an appearance in April, the foxes too have cubs and there is a new otter cub out and about on the lochs.

Want to see the Footage and Get Involved?

Much of the footage is available to watch online via the project’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/WindowsonwildlifeatClydeMuirshiel and on the Park’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/clydemuirshiel. There will also be opportunities to watch the footage in the Visitor Centre. As well as viewing the footage there will also be the chance to see some of the animals for yourself with new events for the summer such as Badger Watch, Otter Spotter and small mammal trapping sessions. If you would like to get more hands on there are also volunteering opportunities with the project.

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Details can be found on the parks website page www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk or by emailing wow@clydemuirshiel.co.uk. The Project Officer is also available for talks to groups if you are interested in finding out more about your furry and feathered neighbours. The Windows on Wildlife Project is part of the Semple Trail Heritage Project and is jointly funded by LEADER and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Events in April: Sat 6th Apr Otter Spotter Otters are elusive. Jump out of bed and see if today will be the day you spot one or more of the local residents of the loch.

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, 6am - 8am or until we see an otter. £5/£3.50, tel 01505 842 882 Ex 20 & bookings

Sat 27th Apr Otter Spotter Details as above except time: 5.45am - 7.45am.

Sat 4th May Wee Furry Beastie Trapping Come see what wee beasties we have caught overnight in our live small mammal traps in the woods.

Admire and learn about their lifecycles before we let them go again.

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, 10am - 12noon. 01505 842 882 Ex 20 Booking essential Booking essential for all events, contact the Centre to book your FREE place.

Charges apply for outdoor activity courses.

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APRIL 2013

e: info@advertizer.co.uk

t: 01505 613340

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

Renfrewshire Cats Protection Boo A pure white longhaired half Persian 4 year old male cat who is looking for a new home with an owner who is used to grooming a longhaired cat.

He is used to living with dogs and other cats.

He is a friendly boy who needs to be able to go outdoors in a safe environment. He is due in at the pamper parlour soon so will be beautifully groomed before he is rehomed. Ref: O

Yoda

Archie - Age: 8-10 - Crossbreed Archie is a gorgeous, friendly older boy who enjoys plenty of attention and regular exercise. He can be unsure at first, however, he does come around very quickly. Archie knows basic commands but you can always teach an old dog new tricks. If you can offer Archie a loving home, please call and quote ref 135596.

Honey - Age: 7 - Staffordshire Bull Terrier

A pure white semi longhaired half Persian 4 year old male cat who is looking for a new home with an owner who is used to grooming a semi longhaired cat. He is a very friendly boy who prefers people to other cats so would rather not share your attention. He needs to be able to go outdoors in a safe environment. He is due in at the pamper parlour soon so will be beautifully groomed before he is rehomed. Ref: O

Honey is a lovely, friendly girl who would thrive on further training and plenty of games to play. She would suit a family home with older children where she will get lots of attention and exercise. If you can offer Honey a loving home, please call and quote ref 132195.

Toby (similar to photo)

Ralph - Age: 12 - Crossbreed

A friendly young tabby boy of only 1 year old. He has been brought up as a housecat, but is desperate to be able to go outdoors. Toby would make a great family pet. Ref: MT

Ralph is a handsome, older chap who is quite laidback and is looking for a new, forever home. He enjoys attention and short regular walks. Ralph would suit a quiet family home with older children. If you can offer Ralph a loving home, please call and quote ref 259482.

To contact the Renfrewshire Branch on 0141 876 4133. All rehomings are subject to a successful home visit.

Inverclyde Cats Protection Max Max was unwanted and we picked him up only to find that he was riddled with fleas and parasites. He was also wearing a collar that was choking him! He is now flea free and is starting to feel much better. He was very, very scared when he came into us but is coming around and starting to enjoy some attention. He is around 2 years old and needs a home where he can get access to a safe garden and be loved as a member of the family.

Seth & Marti Seth is an older boy who has a very strong bond with Marti and they cannot therefore be separated. He cuddles in and huddles close to Marti as if he is protecting him.

Seth and Marti are loving and affectionate cats who need a home where they will remain for the duration of their lives. Marti is very frightened and timid, but with Seth he will come around and learn to trust with the right owner. He is a beautiful boy who needs some tender loving care as well as a forever home, as he has been moved about a lot in his young life.

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

Please Donate Cat Food Johnstone Cat Rescue’s 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.

Rescue Centres Dogs Trust Glasgow: 0141-773-5130 - www.dogstrust.org.uk Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue: 01505-502415 - www.hessilhead.org.uk Inverclyde Cat Protection: 07740-947160 - www.inverclyde.cats.org.uk Johnstone Cat Rescue: 01505 337321 Renfrewshire Cat Protection: 0141-876-4133 - www.renfrewshire.cats.org.uk Scottish SPCA: 0141-882-1688 - www.scottishspca.org

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

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uk

org.uk

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gardens & outdoors news

pets & wildlife

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.

Scottish SPCA Car Boot Sale Saturday 8th June - 10am - 3pm Glasgow ARRC (formerly Glasgow Cat & Dog Home), 125 Kinnell Avenue, Cardonald, G52 3RY

59

We can also put updates on our website & Facebook.

£10 per car space - hurry now to reserve yours!

This service is free of charge!

Call Anna on 0141 810 8091/ 0141 882 4873 or email anna. odonnell@scottishspca.org Featuring microchipping service for just £12, tombola, refreshments and lots more.

Join the Scottish SPCA Scottish SPCA animal rescue and rehoming centres are full of unwanted animals.

Many have been neglected, abused and rescued from lives of misery. Some have been thrown onto the streets.

By joining the Scottish SPCA and donating £1 a week you can give animals hope, warmth, shelter and a second chance.

Please join today and help save lives - just £1 a week can save a life!

Canicross Race Canicross racers took part in the 2013 Aberfoyle Trail race recently, covering either 2km, 5Km and 7Km. The event was organised and run by ‘Skidaddle’ and was held at the David Marshall Lodge, part of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.

For further information about running with your dog please contact canisportsscotland. com Photos - Left - Raring to go at the start.

Right - Lynsey Donaldson and her Doberman ‘Logan’ at David Marshall Lodge.

Well done to everyone who took part.

Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Trust Open Day Sunday 9th June - 12noon - 4pm Preparations are well underway for our Open Day. We would welcome any donations of bric a brac, books, plants, bottles, children’s prizes and, nearer the time, cakes, home made sweets and jams. Any help with preparations would also be appreciated. Give us a call or drop in and ask for a job!

There will be tours around some of the enclosures, the chance to see fox cubs, badger cubs, cygnets, ducklings, owls and many nestling birds being hand reared. There will also be a variety of stalls including bric a brac, cakes, books, plants, tombola, bottle stall and many children’s activities. We look forward to seeing you there, so put a note in your diary today!

Hessilhead needs your help - Only with your generosity can we continue to treat, care for and rehabilitate the thousands of wildlife casualties that need our help each year. Your donations or membership will fund food, medicines, vet fees, new cages and aviaries and general running costs. The hospital receives no official funding and relies on public support to continue caring for Scotland’s wildlife. You can also support Hessilhead by sponsoring a patient, volunteering, fundraising, buying gifts or responding to our appeals.

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business classified advertising Trades and Services

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.

Ironing: Lady available to iron in your own home. Rates negotiable. References supplied. Telephone Carrie on: 07507 165824.

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

Entertainment

miscellaneous

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.

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deadlines TUITION

SITUATIONS VACANT

If you want something placed in the next issue either send an email to:

info@advertizer.co.uk or call the office:

01505 613340 (24hr ans)

FRIDAY 19 APR MUSIC TUITION SITUATIONS wanted

MAY ‘13 ISSUE: • Deadline: 19th Apr • Delivery: 3rd May JUNE ‘13 ISSUE: • Deadline: 17th May • Delivery: 31st May

councillors

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FROM ONLY £15.84 PER MONTH

RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk

(incl. VAT & discounts)

Ward 7 - Johnstone South, Elderslie, Howwood Councillors John Caldwell, John Hood, Stephen McGee and Iain McMillan Ward 8 - Johnstone North, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY

Councillors Derek Bibby, Andy Doig and Christopher Gilmour Ward 9 - Houston, Crosslee and Linwood Councillors Stuart Clark, Audrey Doig, Anne Hall and Allan Noon

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

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

HOLIDAY HOMES

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

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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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

community council Visitors are welcome at these monthly meetings.

BISHOPTON: Primary School: 1st Thurs at 7.30pm www. bishoptoncouncil.com BRIDGE OF WEIR: Cargill Hall: 1st Tues at 7.00pm (NB: Last Tues of June, No Aug meeting) www. bridgeofweir.org BROOKFIELD: Brookfield Village Hall: Last Thurs at 7.30pm (NB: No meetings: July or Dec) HOUSTON: Carrick Centre: 3rd Wed at 7.30pm www. houstoncommunitycouncil.co.uk HOWWOOD: Village Hall: 2nd Tues at 7.30pm. www. howwood.com/community-council.php KILBARCHAN: Steeple Hall: monthly at 7.30pm. www. kilbarchan.info/community_council.html KILMACOLM & QUARRIERS: Last Tues at 7.30pm, Kilmacolm Cargill Centre (NB: No meetings: July or Dec) www.kilmacolmcc.co.uk LANGBANK: Church Hall: 2nd Wed at 7.30pm LOCHWINNOCH: Parish Church: 1st Tues at 7.30pm

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sales & wants Items For Sale Baby Equipment Red Phil & Ted Sport Buggy with cocoon and footmuff, £90. Tel: 07779 014606.

Mamas & Papas ‘Hampton’ cotbed, £50. Tel: 07779 014606.

Mamas and Papas perfect height swing, battery operated, excellent condition £50.

Tel: 01505 706366.

Avent sterliliser. VGC. £9. Tel: 07540 596415.

Mamas & Papas caterpillar ride -on, good condition. Ideal for 12 months onwards. £20. Tel: 07540 596415.

Household & Garden Dark Oak Dining Suite - Downsizing is dictating the sale of our immaculate traditional country kitchen style dining room suite in solid dark oak.

Bought in 2007 at a cost in excess of £2800, it consists of extending table 77” x 42” (59” x 42” without extension).

4 chairs and 2 carvers, Curio cabinet 40” wide x 54” high (top and bottom combined) x 16” deep, display cabinet with cupboards below 51” wide x 79” high (top and bottom combined) x 17”deep. Photos available & Inspection welcome in Houston - Uplift only. £495. Tel: 01505 690514.

Glass computer desk. £25.

VGC. Tel: 01505 325994 Lakes Bathroom continental curved silver slider shower unit. LSKDQ900. Bought for new house, but one in already. Paid £880, sell for £199 for quick sale. Also shower tray and large shower spray if needed free of charge. Tel: 01505 670678.

Beechwood rocking chair (varnished). VGC. £40. Tel: 01505 871810.

Dining table and 4 chairs, dark wood, ex condition. £30. Tel: 01505 613504.

Two brown leather sofas, two seater and three seater.

Good condition. £150 ono.

Tel: 07951 948962.

Floor lamp and matching ceiling light. Metallic modern/ Arc Deco design. Cost £215 from Pagazzi, selling for £50.

Can text pictures. Tel: 07710 777967.

Next Black Gloss flip top dining table and 4 black leather effect chairs. £150 ono Tel: 07748 148286 or 01505 614212.

Small writing bureau 690W x 940H x 410D. Believed antique, but in very lived-in condition. £50 if uplifted. Tel: 01505 872710.

Beautiful John Lewis wall mirror 20”x20” frameless with bead detail £20. Tel: 01505 873501 or 07527 449268.

Pair of cream wooden blinds.

Size: 1710mm x 1146mm and 1704mm x 1990mm. £150 for the pair or £100 each. Excellent condition.

Tel: 07711 333524.

Small sideboard, light wood £ 4 0 . V G C . Te l : 0 1 5 0 5 325994.

Cream Italian Leather Suite. 3 seater sofa & 2 seater sofa.

Only 2 years old, from Forest Furnishings. Great condition.

Cost £2,500, sell for £800 ono. Tel: 07717 473434.

Stag minstrel book case in perfect order. £50. Tel: 07825 119725.

Day Bed in immaculate condition. Only used in spare room.

White metal frame. £50 ono.

Tel: 01505 614212 or 07748 148287.

useful numbers Emergency Services EMERGENCY CALL...............

Floodline..................................

Gas Emergency......................

Pollution Report......................

Scottish Water.........................

Hospitals NHS 24...................................

Royal Alexandra......................

Inverclyde Royal......................

Councils Inverclyde................................

Renfrewshire..........................

Police Crimestoppers.........................

General reporting....................

Greenock.................................

Johnstone...............................

Paisley....................................

Pitt St, Glasgow.......................

999 or 112 0845 988 1188 0800 111 999 0800 80 70 60 0845 601 8855 0845 424 2424 0141 887 9111 01475 633777 01475 717171 0141 842 5000 0800 555 111 101 01475 492500 01505 404000 0141 532 5900 0141 532 2000

Airports Glasgow..................................

Prestwick.................................

Edinburgh ................................

Roads R.A.L.F....................................

Traveline.................................

0870 040 0008 01292 511000 0870 040 0007

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Toys/Games/DVD Scalectrix, box of various pieces .Track 42 sections of straights, bends, chicanes etc. Cars, bridges, barriers, transformers and hand controls. Sold as seen. £40. Tel: 07836 729989.

Other Items Edinburgh Hand Cut Crystal Decanter, square base 100mm x 100mm x 180mm tall. Unused and in original box. £20. Tel: 07836 729989.

Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse, used. £5. Tel: 07432 091606.

Viewsonic VG712S monitor, flat screen, 17”. Used. £20. Tel: 07432 091606.

Power Director Ultimate Video Editor, unwanted gift, £60.

Tel: 07432 091606.

NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS Internal Graphics Card, used, £40. Tel: 07432 091606.

Pocket watches in good working order. 50 years old, £3035. Tel: 07517 065917.

Silver necklaces, bracelets, £30-35. Tel: 07517 065917.

Amber necklaces, bracelets & rings, £30-40. Tel: 07517 065917.

3 KW pottery Kiln, top opening. £100. Tel: 01505 842105.

08457 697 555 0800 1111 0844 848 9600 08454 04 05 06 0845 606 1234 0500 700 700 0808 800 2222 0141 887 5261 08457 90 90 90 0141 840 3184 08456 03 92 13

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.

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.

Yamaha DT 175 MX & DT 125 MX. Yamaha RD 250, 350 & 500 - running or not. Cash waiting. Free collection. Tel: 07951 227767.

Kilt suitable for boy aged 13-14 yrs. Tel: 01475 540309 or 07812 770146.

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.

Tel: 01505 615441 or 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 Quarriers Village, Sommerville Hall. Tel: 01505 614513 or 612300.

Please add your community hall details to our list - email to info@advertizer.co.uk

0800 028 1414 0871 200 2233

Helplines Alcoholics Anon......................

Childline..................................

Citizens Advice........................

Consumer Direct.....................

Financial Serv Authority...........

Missing People.......................

ParentLine..............................

Renfrewsh’ Care 24................

Samaritans..............................

Trading Standards..................

Victim Support........................

advertising

Electrical & Gas Microwave oven in good working order £15. Tel: 07825 119725.

NEFF built-in microwave. Stainless Steel. 1000W. 2yrs old but unused. A half price bargain at £250 ono. Tel 0787 656 3768 Sports Set of ladies bowls. Size 1 with carrying bag & net. £40. Tel: 01505 871810.

Lawn Bowls Size 3 with bag.

Lawn Bowls Size 4H. Lawn Bowls Size 5 with bag). Lawn Bowls Size 5 with bag. All nice condition. £35 ono per set. Tel: 07436 114333 (Langbank).

New fishing rod holdall, holds up to 5 rods £20. Tel: 01505 873501 or 07527 449268.

Admiral men’s jumper. £15. Tel: 07517 065917.

Nike football shoes ,grey, size 9. £10. Tel: 07517 065917.

Football shirts of Southampton, £35. Tel: 07517 065917.

Ronaldinio signed Football shirt. £80. Tel: 07517 065917.

Specialized Hotrock 24” black/ silver boy’s bike. Excellent condition. Suit age 9-12. £100. Tel: 01505 610874.

Golf Trolley: Promaster plus electric golf trolley with 36 Hole battery. Rarely used. £120 Tel: 01505 702250.

Bike. Suit 8-12yo. Front suspension and 15 gears. Free to good home. Tel: 07876 563768.

Jodhpur Style riding boots.

Derby House boots, brown with front zip. Size 3. £5.

Tel: 01505 873739.

Jodhpur Style Riding boots.

Tuffa boots, black. Size 4. £5. Tel: 01505 873739.

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.

21/03/2013 15:09:34

63

business directory ADVERTISERS - A to Z

by category

@ease Removals & Transport . . 28

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 57

The Weir Bar and Bistro . . . . 27

Driving Instructors

Home Hardware

Property, Sales & Let

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 1

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 41

Three Sisters Bake . . . . . . . . . 31

Alistair Stewart - Driving Ins . . 38

First Domestics . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Cochran Dickie Estate Agents . . 23,31

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 56

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Top Kat Driving . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Crosslee Driver Training . . . 5

Gibb Stuart Ironmongers . . . . 21,57

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 40

Gryffe Homeworld . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Travel a la Carte . . . . . . . . . 3

Drivesafe School of Motoring . . 34

MS All Trades Limited . . . . . . 4

Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 23

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5

Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 15

Tulisa Rose Landscapes . . . . . 55

Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . 7

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1,32

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 55

Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 10

Tulisa Rose Roofing . . . . . . . . 36

Home Improvements

Top Kat Driving . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Houston Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Vanda’s Mobile Hairdressing . . 4

Howe Joinery & Building Servic . . 2

Houston Locksmiths . . . . . . . . . 3

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Home Interiors

Quicksale Property Auctions . . 35

A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 28

Education

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Howe Joinery & Building Servic . . 2

West of Scotland Landscape . . 55

St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 45

Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5

Removals

Affluent Financial Planning . . 23

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 16

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 5

Electricians

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 30,8

@ease Removals & Transport . . 28

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 16

Yoga Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Andrew McAlindon Electrician . . 2

Classique Window Blinds . . . . 26

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Aileen Ferguson Hypnotherapy . . 16

James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3

Delta Electrical Services . . 30

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 13,38

Restaurant & Bars

Alistair Stewart - Driving Ins . . 38

JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 5

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 36

Bowfield Hotel & Country Club . . 19

Andrew McAlindon Electrician . . 2

JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Home Security

Houston Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 54

Jet Photo Studios . . . . . . . . . 25

Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3

Brookfield Alarms . . . . . . . . . 38

The Weir Bar and Bistro . . . . 27

Architectural Drawings . . . . . 25

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2

Joiners

Retail

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

John McKay Gas & Heating Eng . . 37

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Gibb Stuart Ironmongers . . . . 21,57

Arlene Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

The Weir Bar and Bistro . . . . 27

DJY Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 31

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 38

Fencing

Howe Joinery & Building Servic . . 2

The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 36

Ashes Hair & Beauty . . . . . . . . 33

John Smith Turf Supplies . . . 56

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 16

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 6

Accountants & Financial

Roofing

Auldton Stoves . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 41

JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

B Gilmour Slater . . . . . . . . . . 11

Auntie Jacquie’s Dog Grooming . . 58

Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 34

Affluent Financial Planning . . 23

Firewood & Logs

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6

B Gilmour Slater . . . . . . . . . . 11

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3

Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Auldton Stoves . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 30

Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 34

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 54

RPH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 15

Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 9

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 25

Saltire Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 10

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 10

Stewart Independent Financial . . 1

Framing

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 43

MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 18

Beginners Yoga - Sara Marijuan . . 50

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1,32

Architectural Services

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 40

RPH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 29

Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3

Architectural Drawings . . . . . 25

T&T Joiners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 43

Board Stiff (Houston) . . . . . 14

Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 25

GA Building Design . . . . . . . . . 36

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 18

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 40

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7

TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Tulisa Rose Roofing . . . . . . . . 36

BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Leading Petcare . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Art, Gifts & Flowers

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 5

Social Care

Bowfield Hotel & Country Club . . 19

Leishman Fine Art . . . . . . . . . 3

Crafts of Calder Gallery . . . 37

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Leishman Fine Art . . . . . . . . . 3

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Brookfield Alarms . . . . . . . . . 38

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3

Automotive Services

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 30

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 30,8

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 16

Matthews Cleaning Services . . 41

Carol Cowan Photography . . . . 15

MattVac Carpet & Upholstery Cl . . Bk

Charles Stewart Decorators . . 5

MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 18

Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 3

McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 41

Classique Window Blinds . . . . 26

Millennium Group . . . . . . . . . . 10

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Entertainment

by category

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Bathrooms

Crafts of Calder Gallery . . . 37 Leishman Fine Art . . . . . . . . . 3

Funeral Services Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 10 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 38

Garage Doors & Gates Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Garden Service & Design 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 56 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 55 Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 54

Kilt & Dress Hire Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 10

Kitchens

Quarriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Solicitors Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 23

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1,32

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 30,8

Special Occasions

Howe Joinery & Building Servic . . 2

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 18

Sports Clubs & Events

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7

Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 55

Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11

Crawford Landscapes . . . . . . . . 57

Des Smith Bathrooms . . . . . . . . 14

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 56

G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6

Finnie Domestic Fencing . . . . 55

Bedrooms

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Leisure & Recreation

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 30,8

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 57

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club . . 53

MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Blacksmith & Metalwork

John Smith Turf Supplies . . . 56

Locksmiths

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

MS All Trades Limited . . . . . . 4

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 41

MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 6

Clyde Coast Décor . . . . . . . . . 16

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 32

Building Services

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 56

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 8

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5

SP Groundcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Houston Locksmiths . . . . . . . . . 3

Tiling

Clyde Physiotherapy and Pilate . . 49 Cochran Dickie Estate Agents . . 23,31

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2

BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Tulisa Rose Landscapes . . . . . 55

Painters & Decorators

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 13,38

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 54

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 40

Omni Housekeeping . . . . . . . . . 18

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 16

West of Scotland Landscape . . 55

Stickytiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Charles Stewart Decorators . . 5

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 10

Gas & Heating Services

Clyde Coast Décor . . . . . . . . . 16

Travel Agents

P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 26

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1

Passports To Go . . . . . . . . . . . 37

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3

A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 28

Finnish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . 7

MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 18

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 16

Gary Forbes Painter Decorator . . 14

Crafts of Calder Gallery . . . 37

Pet Shop Postie . . . . . . . . . . . 59

RPH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Laundry & Ironing Board Stiff (Houston) . . . . . 14

Craig & Drummond Dental Surger . . 36

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 43

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 16

Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 55

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 40

John McKay Gas & Heating Eng . . 37

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Crawford Landscapes . . . . . . . . 57

Purple Tree Care . . . . . . . . . . 55

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 18

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Crosslee Driver Training . . . 5

Quarriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Catering

Glazier

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Daisy Birthing . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Quicksale Property Auctions . . 35

Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 1

Pet Services & Training

Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 23

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 56

Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 34

TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Auntie Jacquie’s Dog Grooming . . 58

Decorus Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club . . 53 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Charity

Dog Vacation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Delta Electrical Services . . 30

Hairdressers & Barbers Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 31

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 43

RPH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Quarriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Leading Petcare . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Ashes Hair & Beauty . . . . . . . . 33

Pet Shop Postie . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Des Smith Bathrooms . . . . . . . . 14

Saltire Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Cleaning & PowerWash

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 32

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 58

DJY Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Vanda’s Mobile Hairdressing . . 4

Take the Lead . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 56

Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Dog Vacation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 32

Health, Beauty & Fitness

Photographers

Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 58

Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 15

Carol Cowan Photography . . . . 15

Drivesafe School of Motoring . . 34

Aileen Ferguson Hypnotherapy . . 16

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 43

MattVac Carpet & Upholstery Cl . . Bk

Jet Photo Studios . . . . . . . . . 25

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 32

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 31

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

SP Groundcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Beginners Yoga - Sara Marijuan . . 50

Passports To Go . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Speedy Cycle Repairs . . . . . . . 50

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 13,38

Bowfield Hotel & Country Club . . 19

Plasterers

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 24

St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 45

Omni Housekeeping . . . . . . . . . 18

Clyde Physiotherapy and Pilate . . 49

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 30

Finnie Domestic Fencing . . . . 55

Stewart Independent Financial . . 1

Coffee Shops

Craig & Drummond Dental Surger . . 36

Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 3

Finnish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Stickytiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Daisy Birthing . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 16

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 25

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 40

Decorus Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 10

First Domestics . . . . . . . . . . . 41

T&T Joiners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Computer, IT & Web

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 24

Plumbers

G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6

Take the Lead . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 34

A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 28

GA Building Design . . . . . . . . . 36

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 18

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 9

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 16

Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 25

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 56

The Consulting Room . . . . . . . . 5

Cycle Repair

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 8

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 16

Gary Forbes Painter Decorator . . 14

The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 36

Speedy Cycle Repairs . . . . . . . 50

The Consulting Room . . . . . . . . 5

JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

The Osteopaths . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

The Osteopaths . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Gibb Stuart Ironmongers . . . . 21,57

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Driveways

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CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 29 Three Sisters Bake . . . . . . . . . 31

Bowfield Hotel & Country Club . . 19

Stoves Auldton Stoves . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Taxis & Minicoach hire ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 41 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Arlene Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Travel a la Carte . . . . . . . . . 3

Tree Surgeon Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 57 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Purple Tree Care . . . . . . . . . . 55 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 54

TV & Satellite Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 43 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 Millennium Group . . . . . . . . . . 10

Upholstery Services P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 26

Window Cleaners DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 32 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 15 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 41

Windows, Consv & Repair 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 1 Gryffe Homeworld . . . . . . . . . . Bk JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 5 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Yoga Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

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