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this month....
Regular commuters through Bridge of Weir might recognise the front banner picture as one of Gibb Stuart’s (Home Hardware) windows. Every year without fail, Sandy and his team go to great efforts to create a colourful and dynamic display; this year is no exception - a visual extravaganza to brighten up the dark winter evenings. For those with hectic schedules and unable to make the shops during normal hours, Gibb Stuart is staying open on Thursday evenings in the run up to Christmas. The shop will be open until 8pm on Thursdays 28th November, 5th and 12th December, with special offers in-store on those nights. In Lochwinnoch, the following shops will also be staying open on Thursday 28th November: Calder Gallery and Framing, Now and Then and Little Now and Then, the Charity shop, Post Office, Quirky Florist, Penman’s Pharmacy and Castle Semple visitor centre - more info on the website http://lochwinnochextra.co.uk/whatson-late-night-opening.html I was delighted to receive an invitation to visit the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre for their Grand Opening. The highlight of the day was being allowed to hold Orla, the Golden Eagle. I can’t tell you how fantastic it was to be that close to such an amazing creature. Closer than half an arm’s length, to make eye to eye contact was quite nerve-racking, but an unforgettable experience, one which I would encourage anyone to share. If you are stuck for that unique Christmas gift, how about the ‘Hawk Walk’ for £35, where you will get to fly one of the hawks for an hour through the trees? Or ‘Meet the Birds Experience’ where, for £100, you can enjoy an action packed, four hour close encounter at the Centre with tuition on some of the basics of falconry, learn the falconers’ knot, encounter an Eagle Owl, meet and handle a selection of hawks, falcons, and owls, fly a hawk, and possibly handle “Orla” the Golden Eagle. Vouchers are available at the Centre, or online at the website www.llbopc.co.uk Finally, I would like to wish you all a happy and restful (if possible) festive season. I am looking forward to 2014 and hope you will be too!
Rona List of outlets to pick up a copy Bishopton: Post Office, Woodrow’s Store,
Keystore, Library. Bridge of Weir: Gibb Stuart, Bernie’s Cafe/Deli, Lochnagar, The Bridge, Prieston Store, Library. Erskine: Garden Centre, Petrol Station, Library. Houston: Carrick Centre, Co-op, Post Office, Newsagent. Howwood: Village Store, St Vincent’s Hospice Johnstone: Henderson Kilts, Papa Mac’s, Library. Kilbarchan: Post Office, Sheridan’s Store, Campbell’s Newsagents, Bobbins, Old Library Centre, Chiropody Clinic. Kilmacolm: Market Place Newsagent, Village Newsagent, Pieri’s, Cross Café, Gibb Stuart, KNCC, Library, Post Office & Store. Langbank: Village Store, Finlaystone Visitor Centre. Lochwinnoch: Keystore, Newsagent, Post Office, McKillop Centre, Library. Quarriers: Three Sisters Bake. PLEASE TAKE A
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NEWS & FEATURES
DECEMBER 2013
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in this issue ADVERTISING
advertiser directory business classified deadlines property classified sales & wants
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VILLAGES
Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank 39-43 Brookfield, Crosslee & Houston 47 Howwood & Elderslie 28 Kilbarchan & Lochwinnoch 44-46 Kilmacolm & Quarriers 24-28
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No.223
business news 20-23 church listings 42 dental health 43 financial blog 21 gryffe spotlight 29-38 it blog 20 local news 6-15 on the road 22-23 outdoors 48-51 pet blog 53 pets 52-53 santa sleigh routes 30 schools news 54-59 sports news 60-63 travel blog 7 village news 24-28 & 39-47 what’s on 14-17
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Thanks from Scottish Huntington’s Association Our Renfrewshire Support Group completed a sponsored walk in Erskine on 14th September 2013. We were fortunate to be joined by some members of Houston Kirk and some friends from Erskine Keep Fit. Our thanks are due to them for supporting us. Our Group’s appeal has resulted in total sponsorship of £2,121 – which is a tremendous result. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who contributed. Donations may still be made to my Justgiving page: www. justgiving.com/MargaretMoncrieff3 or direct to the SHA. The funds will go to the Scottish Huntington’s Association to enable them to continue to provide a dedicated support and advisory service to HD families in most parts of Scotland We are very pleased that in the near future, Clyde, the area where we live, will also benefit from this service. Our support group for Renfrewshire meets once a month at Accord, We are immensely grateful to Accord for providing us with excellent facilities. We will be delighted to welcome new members. If you would like to join our support group, please contact me through the head office of the Scottish Huntington’s Association at St James Business Centre, Linwood Road, Paisley PA3 3AT, telephone: 0141 848 0308.
Christmas Extravaganza
Come along to the Christmas Extravaganza for family Christmas fun, raising funds for Robbie’s Dream Foundation on Sunday 1st December, 12noon to 4pm at the Normandy Hotel, Renfrew! Free entry, entertainment, 100 stall bursting with gorgeous Christmas goodies and Clyde 1 DJ Gavin Pearson will be hosting this event. Santa and his Elfs and Grotto, Live entertainment including Tickles the Clown, Christmas Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Renfrew Burgh Brass Band,YSSS dancers, and exciting celebrities, raffles and something for everyone! Family Christmas fun, raising funds for Robbie’s Dream Foundation Entry is FREE and entertainment etc will run all day. Don’t miss this spectacular event raising funds for Robbie’s Dream Foundation. Call 07737 504784 for further information.
Carol Service The Rucksack Project
It’s simple: Go to charity shops, get a rucksack, sleeping bag, flask (fill with hot soup), spoon, gloves, hat, fleece, undies, socks and extra food, bring it to DNA Hub in 12-16 South Frederick Street, Glasgow on Sunday 22nd December at Noon... we will be giving our bags to homeless people in the hope that it will help their days be a little warmer over winter ? These items can be found in our wardrobes or picked up cheaply at our local charity shops.. maybe you can add in a few extra wee things like a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap. Any money donations will be collected and given to the local soup kitchens.... Come On... Get Involved and Share some Love?
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for Accord Hospice
Tuesday 17th December Paisley Abbey & Paisley Town Hall
Carol Service only £5; Carol Service & Lunch £22. Visit www. accordhopsice.org. uk for more info and to purchase tickets.
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DECEMBER 2013
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Travel blog
by Maureen Horton of Travel a la Carte
Festive Treats
This is the time of year when we can indulge ourselves and those we love with a bit of Christmas magic. There is much on offer but something you may be interested in is a trip to London. There you can see the sights under twinkling fairy lights, take a ride on the Eye for a bird’s eye view and for a more spectacular experience visit the amazing Shard. Tickets for this can be booked in advance, but check the weather forecast first! Most of us will have seen on the television the changing seasons at Kew Gardens but at Christmas you can experience their winter landscape by taking a stroll on their magical illuminated trail from twilight until 10pm. Of course a visit to London would not be complete without a bit of shopping in Harrods and going to one of the many shows or concerts at the Albert Hall.. We have packages available which include rail journey from Glasgow, a London hotel from 3 - 5 stars and tickets to any of the shows at very competitive prices. Another indulgent delight without leaving the country would be to be transported through our Scottish landscape in the style of the Belle epoch era while enjoying a splendid afternoon tea on the Venice Simplon Orient Express Northern Belle train from Edinburgh at £185 per person on the 6th of April. There is a large choice of trips on this wonderful train from other departure points in the UK which include lunch or dinner and on selected journeys in January, February and March Orient Express are offering £100 per couple discount.
CHRISTMAS AT KEW
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Pop in for a Personalised Christmas Voucher from our Travel Boutique in Kilmacolm
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‘The Knapps Loch’ by Kilmacolm Camera Club
Kilmacolm Camera Club
Paisley Abbey Recitals
We started the season off with a bang with our 60th year anniversary exhibition held at the Cargill Centre, showing the talents of the club members, whilst showing the community as a club we have been going for many years and also to recruit new members to the club. During the summer we had a number of fun photography outings to Portencross, the Peoples Palace and a number of other places.
Saturday 21st December 12.30pm - Abbey Brass
Recently we had Inverclyde Councillor Math Campbell Sturgess open the 60th year anniversary exhibition as well as judge our recent summer assignment. With Councillor Campbell Sturgess’s graphic designer background, we felt his thoughts and decisions would be geared towards this fun assignment. The winners of the Summer assignment were:-
Saturday 18th January
12.30pm - Kenneth Reid - Tenor Kenneth McKellar Choral Scholar Tickets: £5 at the door www.paisleyabbey.org.uk Registered Charity No. SCO 07633
Digital Images – honours were shared between Neil McArthur’s Done Fishing and Billy Pickett’s Hogwarts or Bust (below). The Prints competition was won by Billy Pickett with Glenfinnan Monument (top right).
Blood Donor Sessions
The overall competition was won by Billy Pickett, who had the highest aggregate score, with Janice Stevenson in second place
Mon 2nd Dec - 4pm – 7.30pm: Port Glasgow Boglestone Community Centre, Dubbs Place PA14 5UD
October highlights for the club included a talk on Russian photography by Shamil Khairov, as well as John Hunter giving a talk in early November on wildlife photography. Both of which were fun and informative nights.
Tue 3rd Dec - 2pm – 3.45pm & 5.15pm – 7.30pm: Paisley Town Hall, High Street, PA1 1JF
We would like to welcome the new members to the club, as well as welcome along anyone else who would like to see what happens in the club, or has a interest of any level in photography, all are welcome.
Mon 9th Dec - 4pm – 7.30pm: Kilmacolm Kidston Hall, High Street, PA13 4BP
We meet in the Cargill Centre on Tuesdays at 7.30pm, information can be gained via Billy Pickett billypickett@f2s. com or Janice Stephenson j a n i c e s t e v e n s o n 2 0 11 @ gmail.com or David Addison da@daddison.plus.com or the facebook page aptly named Kilmacolm Camera club.
Sun 29th Dec - 12noon – 3.30pm: Greenock Town Hall, Clyde Square, PA15 1LY
Fri 20th Dec - 4pm – 7.30pm: Bishopton Community Centre, Greenock Road, PA7 5AU
Mon 30th Dec - 2pm – 3.45pm & 5.15pm – 7.30pm: Greenock Town Hall, Clyde Square, PA15 1LY
Langbank Camera Club At the November meeting of the Langbank Camera Club James Goodall’s entry for ‘Halloween’, which captured a scary moment on the late night train, was top pick from a selection of fine entries. Gary Ramanathan provided the photography tutorial which was very interesting and informative for all.
The December meeting will be held on Monday 9th at 7.30pm in the Langbank Church Halls; competition subject will be ‘Low Level Street Photography’. All are invited and it is hoped that we will have a variety of imaginative and seasonal street scenes. With the active membership on the increase the Club hopes this will continue and anyone interested is welcome to the meetings. For additional information please visit the Club website at www.langbankcameraclub. weebly.com The Langbank Camera Club wishes Advertizer readers seasonal greetings and all the very best for 2014.
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Royal Philosophical Society of Glasgow 212th Lecture Series
Wednesday 11th December - Dr Karen Armstrong - Award Winning Author. Compassion: Nice idea or urgent global imperative.
Wee Wednesday at The Burrell Wed 4th Dec: Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow
Christmas Decorations - 2pm - 3pm. Be prepared to get messy! Make decorations for your Christmas tree. This is a free event!
Festive Sunday Concert
Sunday, 15th & 22nd December at 2.30pm House for an Art Lover, Bellahouston Park Dumbreck Road, Glasgow South Side G41 5BW
What really gets you in the mood for Christmas: festive shows on TV? Maybe. Shopping in the cold for presents? Perhaps. Christmas music? Absolutely! Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without those classic songs you only get to hear at this time of year. What better way to get into the spirit than listening (and even singing along with) some of the greatest Christmas songs from the past century? From Bing Crosby to Band Aid, from Nat King Cole to Slade, join us for an afternoon of Christmas crackers, played & sung live at the piano by Stuart. We guarantee yule have a great time! £32 per person includes mulled wine on arrival, coffee and mince pies at the interval and 3 course meal and glass of wine following the performance. To book call 0141 353 4770
Christmas Farmers Market and Fayre Sunday 8th December from 11am - 3pm House for an Art Lover, Glasgow South Side G41 5BW
We are pleased to invite you to our Christmas Fayre, showcasing a range of local festive treats and gift ideas. From homemade jams and chutneys to Christmas puddings, to handmade jewellery, gifts and festive garlands, there’s something to give even the biggest Scrooge a festive feeling!
Glasgow Farmers Markets Saturday 7th December from 10am - 2pm at Queens Park, 520 Langside Road, Glasgow South Side G42 Located off the Victoria Road entrance, the picturesque setting provides a wonderful backdrop for this flourishing market.
There is a superb array of fresh produce from over 30 stallholders, and the onsite entertainment completes the market experience. This is a free event.
Saturday 14th December & Saturday 28th December 10am - 2pm at Mansfield Park , Glasgow West G11 5QE
With over 40 producers assembling at the twice-monthly market you are guaranteed to find something tempting. In addition to the fabulous fare to takeaway, there are always samples on offer and snacks to enjoy whilst soaking in the market atmosphere with traditional Scottish music and facepainting for the younger ones.
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Community Empowerment Bill
Is your house draughty or difficult to heat? Do you have high fuel bills?
Losing home warmth through draughts and leaks can be one of the biggest causes of household energy loss (up to 15%) costing you comfort and money. But once you know where the heat is escaping from, it is also one of the easiest and cheapest problems to fix. If appropriate for your home, LEAP can help local residents find out where your home heat is going with a free Thermal Image.
What is a Thermal Image?
During the winter months when you have your home heating on, a thermal image can be taken to show where heat is escaping from your home. Trained professionals assess the image to identify problem areas of a property that can be treated to prevent heat loss. You are then provided with a report that is specific to your home, giving you additional advice that can help you save money and energy.
LEAP are now gathering names for our next round of Thermal Images, recently completed imaging will be available for pick up at our January events, where over 50 householders who have recently had a free Thermal Image of their home carried out will be able to collect them. Please come along to find out more and speak to the experts about where you are losing heat and what you can do about it.
LEAP Events:
Lochwinnoch McKillop Institute
Wednesday 22nd January from 6.30pm till 9pm Saturday 25th January from 10am till 12.30pm
LEAP Bridge of Weir Office
Saturday 25th January from 2pm till 4pm
If you are interested in having a Thermal Image done of your home, please call into one of our offices at 22 Church Street, Lochwinnoch or Advance Place, Bridge of Weir or call 01505 842530/612034 to arrange to see one of our Energy Advisers.
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As Minister of Local Government and Planning, I was delighted to launch the Community Empowerment Bill consultation. New laws are designed to strengthen and nurture community participation and encourage enterprising community development. I have seen so much great work across the country which could be implemented in other areas. The Bill will help community groups to take over public land and buildings where they think they can make better use of them than their current public sector owners. My time in Renfrewshire has helped form this view, with many successful transfers to the community. Rules on Scotland’s allotments will also be simplified. Allotments foster a community spirit and provide a range of benefits such as a cheap source of fresh fruit and vegetables, and therefore a healthy diet. Scotland’s people are its greatest asset and it is only with the confidence that comes with independence that people will be able to fully determine their own futures. I look forward to steering this bill through parliament, and making it work locally also.
Town Centre Action Plan
Renfrewshire is populated by a number of key towns, as well as our villages and I was also pleased to launch the Scottish Government town centre action plan, which is the SNP response to help create vibrant, attractive and safe places where local people and visitors alike want to spend their time and money. I was honoured to unveil the plans, as well as being named the dedicated Minister for Towns. The plan is a response to the independent National Review of Town Centres, published in July and outlines proposed joint working between public, private and community sectors. It outlines a number of actions including: • An expansion of the rates relief scheme for new businesses to include pubs, restaurants and hotels in a bid to diversify the high street. • £2 million towards a Town Centre Housing Fund to help bring empty town centre properties back into use. • Maintaining the Small Business Bonus Scheme for the life of the current Parliament. • Powers for local authorities to establish Town Centre Investment Zones
Festive Bin Service Renfrewshire A normal bin collection service will run through the festive period, except on Christmas Day and New year’s Day. If your bin is due to be collected on Wednesday 25th December or Wednesday 1st January, please put it out instead on the Monday before (i.e. Monday 23rd and Monday 30th December). For up to date information on severe weather conditions call 0300 300 0300 or visit our website renfrewshire.gov.uk/winter
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Grant Award for Bridge of Weir War Memorial
Bridge of Weir War Memorial is amongst the first to receive a grant to restore the War Memorial in the village. The Centenary Memorials Restoration Fund is a £1 million scheme, launched to commemorate the centenary of World War I, to support the repair and conservation of war memorials in Scotland. The build-up of dirt and algae on the memorial along with flaking paint on the inscription means it is hard to read. In addition, the memorial’s boundary wall and ironwork railings have extensive decay leaving them in a ‘poor’ condition. The grant funding will support works which include the removal of cracked or missing cement joints in the boundary wall and re-pointing using a lime mortar. Badly worn away sections of stone will be replaced and the ironwork railings will be cleaned and re-painted. In addition to the boundary wall work, the memorial will be correctly cleaned and the inscription will be re-painted. £7,461 has been awarded to Bridge of Weir in the first round of grants from Centenary Memorials Restoration Fund to carry out this work. Derek Mackay, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, said: “Each memorial in Scotland reminds us of the sacrifice made by those who died during the Great War, the Second World War and other conflicts. They remind us of the futility of war and the necessity that we never forget the sacrifice made by those who fell in conflict. War Memorials play an important role in educating our youth about the sacrifices that have been made by individuals to safeguard our way of life and our freedom throughout the generations. Bridge of Weir will benefit from this fund and it will ensure that the war memorial is a treasure for everyone in the village.”
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George McPhee, Choir Master, celebrating 50 years service to the Abbey Ten years after completing a commission from Paisley Abbey to make portable Choir Stalls and song book rests for the exiting stalls at the Abbey, Local Furniture Maker Bruce Hamilton (Furniture Makers) ltd (Est 19910 was delighted to accept a commission from the choir members to design and make a music stand which was presented to George McPhee choir master and director of music in recognition of 50 years service to the Abbey on Sunday 17th November. The Music Stand sits in the chancel of the Abbey and although portable is
a solid sturdy stand alone construction with a broad triangular base giving stability but also draws reference to the trinity in the church (father, son and the Holy Spirit). The three triangular upright pillars create an open mid section supporting the adjustable top lectern section, the front panel features a reflection from the choir stalls, of the hand carved ‘Paisley Pattern’ and on the top fore edge of the music stand bares the inscription commemorating Mr McPhee’s 50 years service.
Sponsor a light on the St Vincent’s Hospice tree this season to remember a loved one or honour a person or event. For the first year ever you can sponsor a light online, upload a photo and write a dedication, visit www.svh.co.uk and follow the link. St Vincent’s Hospice Christmas cards are also available to order online. Alternatively pick up a leaflet in your nearest hospice shop or contact 01505 705635 or info@svh.co.uk As St Vincent’s Hospice 25th anniversary year draws to a close, the organisation would like to thank everyone for their exceptional and generous support. Thank you!
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Cinderella I’d like to thank everyone involved in the production of our pantomime, ‘Cinderella’, for their hard work & dedication in bringing it to stage. I’m sure the result was worthwhile. After a short break for Christmas, preparations will begin for our Spring production. Watch this space for further information. In the meantime, a very Merry Christmas & a Good, & prosperous, New Year to all our followers.
Angus Black, President
Xmas Fayre
Houston Folk Club
Sat 7th December
Houston Folk Club meets every Thursday in the Carrick Centre. In addition to our regular club nights, we occasionally book exceptional artists and that is especially the case this month as we welcome singer/songwriter Colin McEwan and special guest ‘Elektra’ as they present ‘Songs and Stories, Shakes and Shimmies’. From folk to blues, Colin McEwan’s material ranges from wry, dry humour to the out and out romantic. Often simply reflections on the day to day, he takes on universal themes - love, loss, work, escape, the irritations of life. And for one night only… from the sands of exotic North East Fife, he is joined by Elektra, the belle of Egyptian belly dancing.
Paisley Town Hall 10am-4pm
For Accord Hospice. Donations for the bottle stall, bric-a-brac & soft toy tombola most welcome. Please contact fund raising on 0141 581 2000.
Santa Dash 5K Fun Run Sun 15th December Barshaw Park, Paisley
For Accord Hospice. Registration fee £15 or Minimum Sponsorship £15 to be paid on the day. Free for children under 16. Contact fundraising@accord.org.uk or call 0141 581 2000 for more info.
‘Songs and Stories, Shakes and Shimmies’ – at the Carrick Centre, Houston 8pm Thursday 12th December. Admission £3.50 (payable at door). BYOB For additional information email houstonfolkclub@gmail.com
Riverside Youth Band Reindeer Run Sunday 15th December Robertson Park, Renfrew
Includes free antlers and flashing red nose for every participant. Runners, joggers, walkers, families and the young at heart are all invited to take part; choose your route: 1) Go for a Donner and complete one lap of the park, 1K; 2) Prance round the park and complete two laps, 2K; 3) Dash round the route and complete three laps, 3K. Registration is £5/£2 and runners are asked to raise £10 sponsorship. All money raised from this event will go towards providing vital care for local patients and their families. Download a registration form from www.stvincentshospice.co.uk or contact 01505 705635 or info@ svh.co.uk.
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Riverside Youth Band’s Training Section travelled to Perth on Sunday 24th November to take part in the Scottish Youth Championships for the first time. The young band only began their contesting career earlier this year, by taking part in the Brass at the Bards contest in Alloway. The youngsters of Riverside Youth Band are hoping some new players will come and join in the fun! The Training Band meets from 5pm-5.45pm, and the Youth Band from 6pm-7.30pm, in St John’s Church Hall, Port Glasgow, on Friday evenings – if you play a brass instrument or percussion, why don’t you come along one Friday evening and see what it’s all about. Both bands will be performing, with guests, at their Annual Christmas Concert in Port Glasgow Town Hall on Saturday 14th December! Everyone can hear the youngsters perform at another of their annual events when they will be playing traditional Christmas carols at Port Glasgow Tesco in late December. More information on both bands can be found at www.riversideyouthband. co.uk.
Music events in Paisley The Spirit of Christmas
Saturday 14th December 7pm Thomas Coats Memorial Church, High St, Paisley
We will be joined by the TCM Church Choir, the TCM Occasional Singers and Trumpet Virtuoso Grant Golding with a concert of Christmas music for Choir, organ and trumpet.
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Christmas at Gowanlea Nurseries We are once again offering a reservation system on all Christmas trees and wreaths - meaning that you won’t miss out on the perfect tree or wreath this Christmas. The high quality trees you find at Gowanlea year after year will shortly be arriving. The delicate scent of fresh pines from the trees, the warming aroma of the mulled wine and the sharp sparkle of morning frost on a beautiful wreath - all of this pieces together a festive season worth remembering and all of this can be found at Gowanlea Garden Centre. Our vast range of Christmas plants stretch from the striking reds of the traditional Christmas poinsettia to the humble winter-flowering Schlumbergera (Christmas Cactus) - from the decorative hyacinth planters to the stunningly simple cyclamen. These plants would make a beautiful living gift for a loved one, which could last year after year, or would even decorate your home just in time for the holiday season. Wreaths and Trees have always been big business at Gowanlea, but knowing that things need a personal touch, we still make sure to offer beautiful hand made wreaths and our trees are all hand picked from our suppliers. The personal touch doesn’t end there - if you visit us any weekend in December you can find the whole team ready to cater to your every need (and offer a complementary minced pie and mulled wine too). Information on our whole range of potted and cut trees will soon be made available on the website so keep checking at www.gowanleanurseries.co.uk We look forward to seeing you whenever you’re looking for a quality garden centre, but especially at Christmas time - we promise you won’t be disappointed!
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what’s on Until Sat 14 December
Sat 30 November
Tue 3 December
Paisley Artists 101st Annual Exhibition
Coffee Morning in aid of ‘Finding your Feet – Corinne Hutton.’
Local Craft Sale
Kilbarchan Bowling Club 10am to 12noon
Stuck for ideas for Christmas gifts? Buy handmade products from a number of local crafters. Free entry and mince pies.
Paisley Museum & Art Galleries Exhibition and sale of paintings. Free admission. Opening hours Tues to Sat 11am-4pm, Sun 2pm-5pm (closed Mon). Www.paisleyartists. com or email barbara.mcmahon@ntlworld.com for further information.
Tickets £3. All welcome.
Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec Winter Festival Queen Margaret Drive, Glasgow 12noon to 6pm Free
Until Sun 16 February Brick City LEGO® Exhibition Paisley Museum - daily Entry is £4 (£3 conc), family ticket £12 (2 adults and 2 children), children under 3 FREE. A mustsee exhibition for fans of LEGO® young and old - a display of the world’s most iconic buildings and landmarks by LEGO artist Warren Elsmore
Live music, young artists, brass band, DJs, stalls with festive gifts, artisan food from all over the world, arts and crafts, Christmas raffle and games. Entertainment for everyone, with plenty of free on-street parking! Just a few minutes walk from the Botanic Gardens and Byres Rd and Great Western Rd junction.
Sat 30 Nov - Fri 13 Dec Kilmacolm Scout’s Xmas Post Christmas card delivery within the village (no rural locations as Scout’s are delivering on foot). Card’s can be sent for a small donation by posting in the boxes in the Cross Café and Community Centre. Delivery will be the weekend of 14th December. Happy Christmas everyone.
The Bridge, Bridge of Weir 2pm to 4pm
Wed 4 December Wee Wednesday at The Burrell Collection The Burrell Collection, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow South Side G43 1AT 2pm to 3pm Christmas Decorations - Be prepared to get messy! Make decorations for your Christmas tree. This is a free event
Thu 5 December BOSCF Christmas Craft Fair Kilmacolm Community Centre, Kilmacolm 11am to 6pm Everything item on display is guaranteed to have been made by the Crafters themselves - no bought items are permitted. Fabulous food and beverages available from the HUB CAFÉ for the duration of our Craft Fair. Free entry.
Sun 1 December
Bridge of Weir SWRI Meeting & Christmas Party
Messy Church®
British Legion Hall, Bridge of Weir 7.15pm for to 7.30pm
Freeland Church Hall, Bridge of Weir 4.30pm to 6.30pm Everyone is welcome and it’s free! If you plan to be there or have any questions give Catherine Daly a ring on 07980 649377.
All members and visitors will be made very welcome.
Christmas Prize Bingo Royal British Legion, Bridge of Weir 7.30pm Doors opening at 7pm, Bingo starts at 7.30pm.
1st Bridge of Weir Scout Group - Coffee Morning Scout Hall, Horsewood Road, Bridge of Weir 2pm to 4pm Come along and enjoy tea, coffee and home baking. Raffles, tombola and some Christmas gifts.
Deafblind Scotland’s Santa Dash Mugdock Country Park, nr Milngavie The 5K and 1K fun runs registration opens at 12.45pm and the races start at 2pm. You can register and pay for tickets on this website at the “Booking an event” section. You can also call 0141 777 5824 or email events@ deafblindscotland.org.uk.
Christmas Extravaganza Normandy Hotel, Renfrew 12noon to 4pm Entry is FREE and entertainment will run all day. Over 100 stalls bursting with gorgeous Christmas goodies, cafeteria to relax in and enjoy a cuppa and a snack, watch the parade, listen to the brass band, enjoy the dancers, visit Santa in his grotto with his cute elves, let the kids have fun with Tickles the Clown on stage, have your picture taken with Christmas Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and much more! Call 07737 504784 for further information.
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Fri 6 December Christmas Lights - Howwood Howwood 7pm Annual event for all the family. Expecting a very special visitor from the North Pole and his chief elf so boys and girls must be on best behaviour for the rest of the year! Wrap up well and bring a torch.
Christmas Lights on Kilmacolm & Quarriers Kilmacolm at 6pm Quarriers at 5pm The switch on of the Christmas lights in Kilmacolm and Quarrier’s.
Christmas Shop Window Competition Kilmacolm Free Kids Competition- All Ages “Find the Christmas Card”. Entry Forms from the New Community Centre 9.30am - 6pm. Winners from each age group will be drawn at the Christmas light switch on, 6.30pm. Many local shops will be open until at least 6.30pm so please come along and support our local businesses and community. Remember if we don’t use them we’ll lose them!
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Rotary Curry Night Almost 70 members and friends of Gryffe Valley Rotary enjoyed a great curry evening at Shimla Cottage in Bridge of Weir to recognise World Polio Day. Everyone wore something purple – the colour of ink used on children’s pinkies to confirm that they have been immunised. Look out next spring for the clumps of purple crocuses which were planted to raise funds and to remind us each year of this vital project. It was in 1985 that Rotary, in partnership with health organisations, pledged to rid the planet of polio - since then new cases have reduced from 350,000 per year to just a stubborn handful in 3 countries. The photo shows everyone indicating that we are “this close” to final success. Shimla Cottage generously donated the star raffle prize of a meal voucher (won by Liz Fairbairn) and the evening raised the splendid sum of £1000. As Bill Gates has pledged to add double to everything that Rotary can raise, £3000 was raised overall to help the final push towards eradication.
Paisley Farmers’ Market On the second Thursday and last Saturday of each month. Paisley Farmers’ Market has moved! This popular fortnightly event is now a new location, at Paisley Cross, and at a new time (10am - 2pm). There will also midweek markets for the first time, taking place on the second Thursday of the month at the same time and place. If you are looking for some fresh ideas, get along to the market and pick up some delicious freshlygrown produce and some of the finest delicacies around.
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Fri 6 December
Sat 7 - Sun 8 December
Sat 14 December
Light Up a Life For Accord Hospice
BOSCF Christmas Craft Fair - weekend event
The Spirit of Christmas
Accord Hospice, 7 Morton Avenue, Paisley
Eastwood House, Glasgow G41 7JS 10am to 5pm
6.45pm Torchlight procession from Mary Russell School. All welcome.
Everything item on display is guaranteed to have been made by the Crafters themselves - no bought items are permitted. Free entry.
RSPB Illustrated Talk McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew PA4 8LX 7.30pm This will be an illustrated talk given by Angus Hogg entitled Birds and Tigers in Northern India. All welcome.
Sun 8 December Annual Christmas Concert St Columba’s Church, Kilmacolm 7.30pm Bridge Of Weir Choral Society with lots of carols for everyone to join in. “O Holy Night” with tenor soloist - accompanied by Christopher Duffy, our new rehearsal pianist. The “Bells Up Brass” ensemble, as well as some junior surprise guests. Tickets from choir members. For any further details contact our president Alison McAuslane on 01475 520280. More information at www. bridgeofweirchoralsociety.org.uk.
Sat 7 December
Sun 8 December
Accord Hospice Xmas Fayre
House for an Art Lover Xmas Farmers Market & Fayre
Paisley Town Hall 10am to 4pm Come along and support Accord Hospice whilst doing a bit of Christmas Shopping.
Wild Rose Flowers Opening Celebration Ardgowan Place, Kilmacolm 9am to 5.30pm Please join our opening celebrations and enjoy a glass of fizz, a mince pie and 10% off all floweres and christmas orders placed on the day.
Christmas Fayre Lochwinnoch Parish Church 10am to 12noon
Bellahouston Park Dumbreck Road, Glasgow South Side G41 5BW 11am to 3pm From homemade jams and chutneys to Christmas puddings, to handmade jewellery, gifts and festive garlands, there’s something to give even the biggest Scrooge a festive feeling!
Grow Kilbarchan Meeting Old Library Centre Kilbarchan 2pm Come along to help us plan our forthcoming Orchard planting and to find out what our next project will be. All welcome.
Christmas Capers Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm 10am to 12noon Please bring the children along and meet Santa in his Grotto! Lots of prizes to be won, craft stalls for those last minute gifts and home baking. Entry £2 for adults and includes a chocolate lolly for the children. Tea/coffee/juice available. To hire a stall on the day to sell your crafts please contact Hazel Bain 07810 007432.
Kilbarchan East Xmas Fayre East Church Halls, Kilbarchan 10am to 12noon The highlight will be a visit from Santa and the opportunity to have a photo taken with him. As usual, there will be many Christmas stalls with gifts and home-baking, and refreshments with mince pies and shortbread which are included in the £2 entrance for adults.
Songs for Christmas Kilbarchan East Church 7pm Village voices and the junior choir present Songs for Christmas. Tickets £4 for adults, £2 for children and £10 for a family ticket are available from Bobbins Coffee shop, by phoning 01505 704948 or at the door. Please do come along and get in the mood for Christmas with a delightful selection of seasonal songs.
Kilbarchan West Church Hall 10am to 12noon Tickets £2.50 (Adult) £1 (Child). All welcome.
Annual Xmas Tree Sale & Craft Fair The Scout Hut, Barrs Brae, Kilmacolm 10am to 4pm Free delivery of trees in Kilmacolm. Refreshments available including burgers and cupcakes by the Hub Café.
Glasgow Farmers Market Mansfield Park, Glasgow West End G11 5QE 10am to 2pm As well as fabulous fare to takeaway, there are always samples on offer and snacks to enjoy whilst soaking in the market atmosphere with traditional Scottish music and face-painting for the younger ones.
Sun 15 December House for an Art Lover Festive Sunday Concert Bellahouston Park, Dumbreck Road, Glasgow G41 5BW 2.30pm £32 per person includes mulled wine on arrival, coffee and mince pies at the interval and 3 course meal and glass of wine following the performance. To book call 0141 353 4770.
Registration fee £15 or Minimum Sponsorship £15 to be paid on the day. Free for children under 16. Contact Fundraising Department : fundraising@accord.org.uk or 0141 581 2000.
Mon 9 December
Tue 17 December
Kilbarchan Xmas Lights Switch On
Accord Hospice Carol Service
Steeple Square, Kilbarchan 7pm
Paisley Abbey & Paisley Town Hall
Lights to be turned on by Miss Lilias. Entertainment will be provided by Kilbarchan Junior Choir, Kilbarchan Pipe Band and Jamie McArthur. The evening will be hosted by George Bowie from Clyde 1 Radio and if the singing is good enough there might even be a visit from Santa.
Carol Service only - £5, Carol Service & Lunch £22. Visit the website www.accordhopsice.org.uk for further information and to purchase tickets.
Wed 11 - Sat 14 Dec
The Haven - Christmas Celebration
Christmas Tree Festival
Freeland Church, Bridge of Weir 7pm
Old Kirk, Kilmacolm Open 10am - 4pm Wed 11th, Thur 12th, Fri 13th and 10am - 2pm on Sat 14th plus 6pm until 8pm on Thursday 12th December. The theme this year will be as before, Christmas Carols. The Carols do not necessarily need to be Carols that we sing in the UK. We will be putting up posters around the village nearer the time, so look out for these, and come along and enjoy ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ in the Old Kirk, with a cuppa and a mince pie.
Thu 12 December EasiYo Tasting & Demo Day Gibb Stuart Home Hardware, Main Street, Bridge of Weir 1pm to 8pm
Wed 18 December
New Christmas Drama, carols, Haven crafts, calendars and Christmas cards for sale. Buffet afterwards. Free
St Columba Musical Celebration Greenock Town Hall 7pm Please see the School website for details of how to purchase tickets. www.st-columbas.org
Thu 19 December St Fillan’s Service of Nine Lessons and Carols St Fillan’s Church Moss Road, Kilmacolm 7.30pm
Sat 7 - Sun 8 December
Come along and see how to make your own delicious home made yoghurt in just 3 easy steps.
‘Horny Beasts’ Christmas Pop-Up Shop
Houston Folk Club
Fri 20 December
Carrick Centre, Houston 8pm
Houston’s Big Xmas Sing
South Barlogan Farm, Kilmacolm Road, Bridge of Weir 10am to 4pm For one weekend only - come along and get your Christmas Gifts, Silverware, Candelabras, China Mugs, Interiors and much much more. Free entry and complimentary mince pies and coffee. Visit our website at www.hornybeasts.com
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Christmas Coffee Morning
Barshaw Park
Eat Lochwinnoch Food Festival Showcasing locally produced food. Come and join us for some festive food shopping!
We will be joined by the TCM Church Choir, the TCM Occasional Singers and Trumpet Virtuoso Grant Golding with a concert of Christmas music for Choir, organ and trumpet.
Santa Dash 5K Fun Run
Adults £2.50, Children £1.50. All welcome.
Outside McKillop Institute, Lochwinnoch 10am to 3pm
Thomas Coats Memorial Church, High Street, Paisley 7pm
Singer/songwriter Colin McEwan and special guest ‘Elektra’ as they present ‘Songs and Stories, Shakes and Shimmies’ Admission £3.50 (payable at door). BYOB. For additional information email houstonfolkclub@gmail.com
Refreshments of mulled wine and mince pies in hall after the Service.
Houston and Killellan Kirk 7pm to 9pm Houston’s Big Christmas Sing. Admission free – all donations to the Syrian Crisis Appeal (we suggest £5 for adults and £1 for children).
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regular events
Sat 21 December Paisley Abbey Recitals Paisley Abbey 12.30pm Abbey Brass. Tickets: £5 at the door. www.paisleyabbey.org.uk Registered Charity No. SCO 07633
Sun 22 December
every monday Houston Jogging Buddies Village Hall, Houston 6.30pm All abilities welcome.
Strathgryffe Motorcycle Club
The Rucksack Project Glasgow
The Trust Inn, Kilbarchan 9pm-10.30pm
DNA Hub, 12-16 South Frederick Street, Glasgow - 12noon
every Tuesday Br of Weir Walking Group
It’s simple: Go to charity shops, get a rucksack, sleeping bag, flask (fill with hot soup), spoon, gloves, hat, fleece, undies, socks and extra food, bring it to us... we will be giving your bags to homeless people in the hope that it will help their days be a little warmer over winter!
Visit www.strathgryffe.org for details.
Outside the Co-op, BoW 10.30am 1 hour walks. Call Senga on 0141 842 3000.
Baby Social
House for an Art Lover Festive Sunday Concert
Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers Village 11am
Bellahouston Park Dumbreck Road, Glasgow South Side G41 5BW 2.30pm
every Wednesday Knitting Group
£32 per person includes mulled wine on arrival, coffee and mince pies at the interval and 3 course meal and glass of wine following the performance. To book call 0141 353 4770
Meet mums, drink coffee & eat cake.
Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers Village 10am - 12noon
Mon 23 December
Knitters of all levels welcome!
Carols by Candlelight
Bishopton Primary School 7pm 8.30pm
Line Dancing
St Mary’s Church, Bridge of Weir 6pm Please join us to start the festivities at our traditional Carol Service. As usual, we hope you will also celebrate with us after the service.
Lochwinnoch Choral Society - ‘500 yrs of Christmas’ Lochwinnoch Parish Church 7pm Lochwinnoch Junior Choir will open the concert. The choir will be joined, by members of the Scottish Philharmonic Orchestra. Enjoy the junior choir, senior choir, world class musicians, beautiful music and a glass or two of mulled wine and mince pies in the lovely and atmospheric setting of Lochwinnoch Parish Church. Gaudeamus! Tickets from the usual outlets – The Brown Bull; Now and Then; The Junction; and Calder Gallery. £7 and £5 concession, including refreshments. Doors Open 7pm, Concert starts 7.30pm
Sat 28 December
All abilities welcome. Call Mellissa on 07970 396212.
every Thursday Kilmacolm Walkers Birkmyre Park Pavilion, Kilmacolm 10am Walk in and around Kilmacolm. Tel: David Goddard 01505 874192 or email kilmacolmwalkers@talktalk.net
1st tuesday monthly Scotland West Business Networking Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers Village 9.30am - 11am Share ideas, listen to our speakers and meet new people.
Glasgow Farmers Market Mansfield Park , Glasgow West End G11 5QE 10am to 2pm You are guaranteed to find something tempting. In addition to the fabulous fare to takeaway, there are always samples on offer and snacks to enjoy whilst soaking in the market atmosphere with traditional Scottish music and face-painting for the younger ones.
Thu 9 - Sat 11 January Entrance Assessments St Columba School St Columba’s School, Kilmacolm Junior School – 9th & 10th January 2014 Transitus – Senior VI – 11th January Please see School website for full details. www.stcolumbas.org
farmers markets 1st Saturday
1st & 3rd thurs mthly ‘Outlook’ Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm 2pm-4pm
A social group for the community of Kilmacolm. The programme will be varied - aimed at the active over 60’s, but everyone is welcome!
2nd Wednesday monthly Inverclyde Carers Outreach Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 11am-2pm Email enquiries@inverclydecarerscentre.org. uk or call: 01475 735180.
3rd Friday monthly Hearing Aid Clinic The Bridge, Bridge of Weir 1-2pm Personnel are at The Bridge for the issue of hearing aid batteries and hearing aid checks.
2nd Saturday monthly
Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm
‘Brunch & Browse’
10am-2pm (“The Square”)
St Fillan’s Hall, Kilmacolm 10am-2pm
1st & 3rd Sunday Loch Lomond Shores 10am-3pm Tel: 07977 179 861
2nd Thur &
DECEMBER 2013
last
Home made soups, home baking, tea, coffee, books & lots of stalls. Great value! Disabled access. £4.
Sat
Paisley Cross 10am-2pm Tel: 01655 770217
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business news
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‘Storm Light’ by Robert Fulton of Paisley Colour Photographic Club
iT blog
with Colin Fyfe of Colcom I have just received an interesting email from a client of mine who likes to pass me information from time to time. It pertained to the proliferation of general junk mail, spam email and, of course, nuisance phone calls. It got me wondering how much spam I receive in my email account that I can rightly say that I may have subscribed to in the past, all be it without knowledge of doing so; and what mail I have absolutely no knowledge of how it may have got there. Looking down the list of mail that I get every week, the usual suspects include Virgin Trains, Barrhead Travel, Go compare and the ubiquitous Amazon among a host of others. All these emails make sense as I have used their services, albeit three or four years ago, and all I am content enough to let them fall into the background fuzz of the online equivalent of static. On writing this article I thought I may as well clear out the rubbish on all the above. As I was clicking on the ‘Unsubscribe me’ link on each, I wondered why I hadn’t thought to do this annual email audit more often and can only conclude that it is probably the fleeting thought that I may miss something. Well, logically, the worse thing I could miss is spending money on some deal or other so I unsubscribed from at least a dozen regular vendors. I used the term ‘Spam’ earlier; as I had subscribed to these messages it
couldn’t really qualify as such. The spam that my friend’s correspondence addressed is the kind that you may get from an email that proliferates through the forwarding of messages. The type that for example may mention a rogue virus that is going to cause havoc, or any that mention sending on to ‘ten people or this will / will not come true’ are almost certainly email trackers that collect the addresses of every forwarded addressee. One email that could never be classed as spam is my own monthly Newsletter, it’s all you could ever want. Happy Christmas when it comes.
And Again The members of Greenock Writers’ Club have done it again. The “Scotchpotch” anthology of their own poems and stories, still continues to sell, with a substantial donation going to Ardgowan Hospice from the proceeds of sales. Following on from the £250 presented to the hospice in July, another cheque for the same amount was gratefully accepted in October by Anne Mills, CEO of Ardgowan, in blue, holding the cheque in the photo. Digby the dog is an honorary member, of course, and belongs to our President Lesley Holligan. (photo in the pink top.) He inspired one of the poems in the book, as you will see. Copies are still available at the Access Centre near to the hospice building in Greenock, and from such outlets as Dutch Gable House in the town. Also at both the Seagull Gallery and Flava Coffee House in Gourock, it’s a great little present for under a fiver! If you feel that you have a story inside you, come along to one of our Club evenings on a Wednesday to say hello. Members are from a wide range of ages, and an even wider spectrum of backgrounds. Visit our website www.greenockwritersclub.co.uk for our syllabus details.
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Thinking about a mortgage, then see the experts Whether you are buying for the first time, stepping up the ladder or looking to remortgage, the team at Stewart IFA can help. As Independent Financial Advisors, they have access to everything that’s available on the market, including the new Government-backed 95 per cent mortgages, and can help you set things up. Owner Neil Stewart said: “Buying a house is likely the largest and most important purchase you will ever make. That’s why it’s vitally important to speak to a competent and qualified mortgage advisor. The difference in monetary terms can be thousands of pounds over the term of a mortgage by simply choosing the wrong mortgage product. Plus it’s essential to consider your needs, desires and affordability when choosing the right solution.” Over the last few years of the financial downturn, the mortgage and home-buying markets have been somewhat stuck. However, things are on the move again and so it’s the ideal time to put the wheels in motion for your next home or to improve the one you already have. With decades of experience between them, and some of the best state-of-the-art computer software, the team at Stewart IFA are ideally equipped to help you get the best mortgage for your needs. “We understand just how important someone’s home is to them and what it represents. That’s why we offer the best and most sensible advice to all our clients,” added Neil Stewart. To find out more phone Stewart IFA on 01505 610 005, visit www.stewartifa.co.uk or email office@stewartifa. co.uk. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. You may be charged a fee for mortgage advice, the typical fee is £250. Stewart IFA Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and entered on the FCA register under reference number 441394.
Shelterbox Collection Gryffe Valley Rotary supports and works with Shelterbox and Aquabox to supply survival boxes into disaster and emergency situations around the world. These boxes provide shelter, water purification and living essentials to enable people to survive the immediate aftermath of a disaster. The in-country Rotary presence is able to help ensure that such aid is effectively and efficiently delivered to those who need it. No sooner had Gryffe Valley provided funding for 2 shelterboxes for deployment into war ravaged Syria, than typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines.
Greenock Writers’ Club The result of our annual summer competition, a maritime short story in memory of the late Alan Roche. 1st: Helen Heffernan 2nd: David McKelvie 3rd: Jim Carnduff Commendations: Mark Jones and Con Deveney.
A special collection has been organised at Morrisons in Johnstone to raise funds for those in desperate need in that region. Rotary’s humanitarian funding includes for the task of reconstruction in the longer term, long after the story will have disappeared from our TV screens. Gryffe Valley Rotary pursues a number of projects in support of our local community. However it also contributes to broader Rotary initiatives that address issues affecting the global community. In recent weeks these have included contributing to Rotary’s push to finally eradicate polio from the planet, and responding to the humanitarian crises in Syria and the Philippines. The world is a vast place, and Gryffe Valley is a modest club with under 40 members, yet through the networking structure of Rotary International, with 1.2 million members in 34 thousand clubs in 200 countries, our local club is able to play a role in supporting the global community.
RNLI Shop and Save Lives
At www. rnlishop.org. uk you can buy pretty much anything for yourself, your home or your car. From gadgets to cushions and clothing to E-cards, you will be amazed how much choice there is. Just visit the website and save lives whilst you shop - it couldn’t be easier!
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on the road Winter motoring checklist
Two out of the last three winters have seen widespread snow and ice for weeks on end with temperatures regularly falling below -10C. You’re more likely to break down in a bad winter – the AA had its busiest day ever on Monday 4 January 2010 and then again, less than 12 months later, on Monday 20 December 2010 when AA patrols handled more than
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28,000 breakdowns. There’s more risk of delays too but not necessarily in the way you’d expect. If vehicles ahead lose control – a jack-knifed lorry for example – you won’t be able to get through no matter how well equipped your car is with winter tyres or chains. You could face a wait of several hours until the blockage and other traffic ahead has been cleared. The AA have detailed what you need to do this winter to reduce the risk of a breakdown and make sure that you are equipped to deal with the conditions.
Check your car • Antifreeze – check coolant level regularly and, if required, top-up with a mixture of the correct type of antifreeze. Your garage should check concentration to ensure adequate cold temperature protection. • Battery – the most common cause of winter breakdowns. A battery more than five years old may struggle in the cold - get it checked and replaced if necessary to avoid the inconvenience of an unplanned failure. • Fuel – keep at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delay. • Lights – check and clean all lights regularly to make sure you can see and be seen clearly. Carry spare bulbs. • Tyres – should have at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring. Consider winter tyres for improved safety. Check pressures at least every fortnight. • Windscreen – reduce dazzle from the low sun by keeping the screen clean inside and out. Now is a good time to renew worn wiper blades. • Screen wash – use a 50% mix of a good quality screen wash to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty weather. • Locks and door seals – stop doors freezing shut with a thin coat of polish or Vaseline on rubber door seals. A squirt of water dispersant (WD-40) in locks will help stop them freezing.
Be prepared! Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. As well as the things you should be carrying on every journey regardless of the weather, you should make up a winter emergency kit to keep in the boot – hopefully you won’t need it but you will be very glad it’s there if you do. For more advice on winter motoring, visit the AA website at http://www. theaa.com/motoring_advice/ seasonal/winter-checklist.html
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Preparing for winter
brought to you by the Institute of Advanced Motorists www.iam.org.uk Road safety charity the IAM is offering motoring tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week, he is advising motorists on preparing their cars for the cold season.
Winter Tyres When the cold weather sets in, the need for improved grip becomes a big issue on the roads.
Peter Rodger said: “Now is the time to give your car a once-over before winter conditions take hold. Bad weather can strike suddenly and more severely than you expect, so it’s really important to be ready, rather than wait for the cold to arrive.” Some simple tips to prepare your car for winter: • In a UK winter you are most likely to encounter wind and rain, so make sure your windscreen wipers are in good condition, your screen wash is topped up and that the inside of your windscreen is clean to help avoid misting up. • If frozen or covered in snow, thoroughly clear all windows using a scraper and de-icer. Whatever you do, don’t drive off like a tankcommander, with a tiny hole cleared in the windscreen. Do a thorough check of your vehicle: check your engine coolant level and make sure last year’s ice scraper and de-icer are up to the job, and the battery is OK.
Regular (summer) tyres are designed to operate in moderate temperatures and when the “mercury drops” the rubber compound hardens thus reducing grip. Winter tyres are made from a different compound which performs better once the temperature drops below seven degrees. Also, winter tyres also have more accentuated tread patterns to displace water and surface grime, but also for better traction on snow. With up to three times the grip of standard summer tyres when driving on snow, the improved safety winter tyres offer is clear. The doubters, however, point to the lack of snow in much of the UK, plus the extra cost of storing summer tyres when not in use. However the improved traction in the wet and with a variety of storage options to store tyres while off your car, it’s undoubtedly worth buying a set of winter tyres for your car if you plan on driving over the colder months. If you’d like further advice, then contact Collins Tyre Services on 01505 336666.
• The legal minimum for tyre tread in the UK is 1.6mm, but for optimum safety start looking for replacements if the depth is below 3mm. • Test all your lights regularly, and change any bulbs that need it. Now is a good time to get headlights checked for their “aim” – not too low to work, or too high so they dazzle. • If the weather is getting icy/snowy, pack an emergency kit, including a warm coat, high visibility jacket, some food and water, a good pair of boots, de-icer and scraper, a torch, a spade and a mobile phone with a well-charged battery. Remember to store your emergency breakdown number in your mobile phone. Rodger said: “Many roads are still pot-holed after last winter, and we have just seen what the wind and rain can do. Now is the time to start preparing for the winter.”
Winter emergency kit Blanket, rug or sleeping bag Shovel Bits of carpet or thick cardboard to place under driven wheels to help regain traction on ice or snow
Year-round essentials to keep in your car Fully-charged mobile phone and in-car charger
Salt, sand or cat litter – to help clear snow and ice
Sunglasses – to deal with glare from the sun or snow
Reflective jacket(s)
Personal medication
Ice scraper and de-icer
Warning triangle
Torch and batteries
Spare bulbs
Tow rope
First aid kit
Snow chains (if you live in a remote or rural area)
Road atlas – in case of diversions
Battery jump leads
Sat-nav or printed route for unfamiliar journeys
Bottled water Snacks – chocolate or cereal bars Extra screen wash
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Breakdown membership card
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THE ADVERTIZER
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village news kilmacolm & quarriers Kilmacolm Old Kirk Christmas Tree Festival It’s that time of year again. We will be holding this year’s Festival from Wednesday 11th December to Saturday 14th December, 10am - 4pm Wed 11th, Thur 12th, Fri 13th and 10am - 2pm on Sat 14th plus 6pm until 8pm on Thursday 12th December. The proceeds are all for charity, and a donation would be appreciated when you come to visit the Festival. We are always looking for more participants, so if your organisation, shop, or you and your friends want to ‘join in’ , please let us know at grdnmcgbbn@msn.com, and we will be delighted to see you. If you wish to participate and are not sure what is involved please drop me an e-mail and I will give you all the information required. The theme this year will be as before, Christmas Carols. The Carols do not necessarily need to be Carols that we sing in the UK. A couple of years ago one of the trees was decorated under the theme of a Zulu carol, so originality will be very welcome, though not compulsory! We are hoping to be entertained by choirs from the two primary schools in the village, plus some other musical items. We will be putting up posters around the village nearer the time, so look out for these, and come along and enjoy ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ in the Old Kirk, with a cuppa and a mince pie.
Kilmacolm Scouts Xmas Post We will be running this year from 30th November to 13th December for card delivery within the village (no rural locations as Scout’s are delivering on foot). Card’s can be sent for a small donation by posting in the boxes in the Cross Café and Community Centre. Delivery will be the weekend of 14th December. Happy Christmas everyone.
Remembering . . . . This stunning photograph was taken at the Kilmacolm cenotaph on Sunday 10th November, by Sandy Gibb Stuart. He attended with his father Hugh Gibb Stuart, who has laid a wreath there every year since WW2 for all the men who worked for W Gibb Stuart and who fell in combat in both wars. Gone, but never forgotten.
Hospice Thanks Kilmacolm Friends of Ardgowan Hospice are most grateful to all who supported their Christmas Fayre and Coffee Morning on Saturday 9th November. The excellent total of £2,381 was raised.
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Twinning Opportunity: Kilmacolm welcomes French Delegation St Fillan’s church Brunch & Browse: Saturday 14th December in St Fillan’s Hall, Kilmacolm from 10am-2pm Christmas Stalls, home made soups, home baking, tea, coffee, books & lots of stalls. Great value! Disabled access. £4. Service of Nine Lessons and Carols: Thurs 19th Dec at 7.30pm Refreshments of mulled wine and mince pies in hall after the Service.
Candlelight Crib Service: Christmas Eve at 4pm
For children of all ages! Refreshments in hall afterwards. St Fillan’s Church, Moss Road, Kilmacolm
The twinning opportunity with Mérignies took an important step forward on the weekend of 2nd November as Kilmacolm extended a legendary Scottish welcome to the French Delegation, led by Mayor Francis Mélon. Despite arriving to typical Scottish weather, our Gallic visitors were knocked off their feet by the warmth of the welcome they received from everyone they met. An action-packed itinerary began with a meeting at the Cargill Centre designed to discuss respective views on the nature of the proposed twinning. This was followed by an informal reception in which the French Delegation had the opportunity to meet over 50 local residents, representatives of local groups and local Councillors, including Deputy Provost, David Wilson. Following lunch in Kilmacolm, during which our brave visitors tried Haggis Tartlets, there was a guided tour of both St Columba’s School and Kilmacolm Primary School. These visits were of key importance for the Delegation as the schools will likely form a core part of any eventual twinning framework. On arrival at Kilmacolm Primary School, the delighted visitors were greeted by the wonderful bag-pipe playing of 10 year old Ruari Buchan. A highlight of Saturday was the formal reception and tour of Windyhill – more rousing bagpipes greeted the visitors here courtesy of Jack McAlpine, Head Boy at St Columba’s. This was a privileged opportunity to visit an exquisite example of Charles Rennie Macintosh architecture and was followed by a memorable, Scottish-theme dinner at the Kilmacolm Golf Club.
Rhythm Time
The weekend ended on a high note with a guided, historical tour of Quarrier’s Village given completely in French by Chief Executive, Paul Moore.
St Fillan’s Episcopal Church Moss Road Kilmacolm Fridays at 4pm music classes and fun for children aged between 3 and 5 helps develop life skills and confidence in young children. Helen Knight on 07805 065381 or visit our website at www.rhythmtime.net
What emerged from the visit was a shared vision of European friendship; the desire to establish sustainable linguistic and cultural exchanges between pupils; and an enthusiasm on both sides for developing strong links between sports groups and other local associations. The next step in the twinning process will involve the setting up an agreed twinning framework between Kilmacolm and Mérignies.
Kilmacolm Calendar 2014 Ideal Christmas present. All paintings by The Haven staff and residents. £5 (p&p £1.20). Tel: 01505 872099.
A dream blossoms into reality at Wild Rose Flowers Inspired from an early age by her grandfather’s garden on the outskirts of Kilmacolm, Rosie Leslie (nee Duff) has had a lifelong passion and love of flowers. Her dream of opening a flower shop has now become a reality after she spotted an opportunity to transform the old Post Office in Kilmacolm into her very own flower shop. Working alongside Rosie will be renowned florists, mother and daughter Karen McMaster & Sally Watson, who form the new creative team at Wild Rose Flowers. “The focus will be firmly on the flowers” insists Rosie “and we will cater for every budget - from a simple bunch of flowers right through to weddings, funerals and large events. We are also offering a free local delivery service and will be launching our new website with online ordering in the New Year”. The old Post Office has been thoughtfully and sympathetically transformed and stocks a wonderful selection of beautiful flowers, plants and vases together with a range of wreaths and table arrangements for Christmas. Rosie, Sally & Karen look forward to welcoming their new customers to the shop and are now open for business.
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THE ADVERTIZER
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The Bonfire and Fireworks were again successful. Thanks to Sam Johnston, Dougie Lyle, Neil Gardner, WH Malcolm, Peter Kellock, Lawrie Campbell and all their helpers. We are grateful to Lord Maclay and James Baxter for the use of Knapps.
a good ve just arming of the wshire re of cause. s that rs and
The Remembrance services in the village again attracted larger numbers and it was good to see the Union flag fluttering on the new flag pole at the Old Kirk. The parade in Port Glasgow has also grown, led by the St Columba’s pipe band and with a further two BB brass bands interspersed with the marchers. I welcomed Francis Millon the Mayor of Meringies of behalf of Inverclyde Council on his delegation’s twinning visit to Kilmacolm. An excellent and informative 2 days was had by all. Kerry Santhosh of Cherry Blossom Children’s Boutique in the village won the Prince’s Trust Youth Business award for Inverclyde in 2013. I had the pleasure of presenting her with her certificate and a cheque. At an SPT board meeting on the 15th Nov it was agreed to temporarily subsidise the 530 service (Greenock to Kilmacolm evenings and Sundays) until the 29th March 2014 at a sum of £2,075 per week. I will continue to lobby for a long term solution. New planters in the Piazza! - The Jury is out. My surgery is 7th december 10am-11am Cargill. I can be contacted on david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk and 01475 741969 and 712727 mobile 07766 992294.
Celebrate Christmas with Mount Zion Fellowship Come and join us in beautiful Quarriers Village to celebrate the birth of our Saviour. Studying the book of Romans this year we have realised afresh how much Christ has saved us from. Jesus came, as a baby at Christmas, so that we might have life, and life in all its fullness. Do you know Him in your life? Come to meet Him this Christmas, He does not disappoint. Our Christmas programme this year includes: Carols by Candlelight in Bethesda, Quarriers Village on Sunday 15th December, 6.30pm; Carol Singing at Campbell Snowdon Care Home, Wednesday 18th December, 7pm; Puppets, Junior Church and Praise Group at Barnards Court Mission, Greenock, Saturday 21st December, 7.30pm; Family Service in Bethesda, Sunday 22nd December, 10.30am; “Happy Birthday Jesus”, Bethesda, Christmas Day, 10.30am
Kilmacolm Rock Choir Stage Flash Mob Event at Murrayfield The Kilmacolm Rock Choir joined fellow Rock Choir members from all over Scotland to stage a huge 700-strong surprise flash mob during the autumn international match between Scotland and Japan at Murrayfield Stadium. The choir members mingled with unsuspecting spectators and took their places in the Murrayfield stands for the first half. A few minutes into half time they stood up and surprised over 32,000 spectators with a feel good rendition of the Bon Jovi anthem ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ and ‘I Believe In a Thing Called Love’ by The Darkness. Even more excitement was to come as Scotland romped home to a 42 -17 win. Local Rock Choir member Elma King said “ What a wonderful opportunity Rock Choir gave me to sing along with others at Murrayfield during the interval of a Scotland Rugby match. We made an awesome sound and it felt great. An experience I’ll remember for a long time.” In the weeks leading up to the match, local Rock Choir Leader Jennifer Sim put her very own ‘team’ through their paces, making sure their harmonies were spot on right from kick off. Jennifer said: “Performing at Murrayfield Stadium is a huge honour, and we were very proud to be there. “It was wonderful to bring together hundreds of Scottish Rock Choir members, from Aberdeen to Largs, and hear them singing as one. We hope our harmonies inspired the crowd and we were over the moon when Scotland won the match. We were all cheering for them.”
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‘Outlook’ The midweek afternoon social group in Kilmacolm - everyone is welcome we meet on 1st and 3rd Thursdays monthly in Kidston Hall 2pm-4pm. On 5th December Dr Peter McEnhill will talk to us about three religious festivals - Diwali (Hindu), Hanukkah (Jewish) and Christmas (Christian). Plus afternoon tea followed by any topical community issues for discussion. On 19th December the group will hold a fun afternoon party, with games - music - and refreshments. January is designated Activities month - look out for further details from the Community Issues team of Kilmacolm Old Kirk and Jill Russell on 872393.
Kilmacolm Christian Aid The November C o n c e r t organised by Pat MacMahon with friends from Scottish Opera raised £1,055.20 for Christian Aid. We wish to thank Pat for a superb celebration of music in the Old Kirk. Thank you to everyone who has supported the Christian Aid committee in 2013. The tragic circumstances of the Philippines Tycoon disaster have been reported widely by the press and television. Christian Aid are one of the charities within the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). Donations - 0370 606090. Or call Jill Russell for Kilmacolm and Quarriers Christian Aid committee on 01505 872393 if you wish to make a donation directly through Christian Aid.
Kilmacolm Guide Hut The Kilmacolm Guide Hut on Woodrow Avenue is available for hire for weekly slots for fitness groups, children’s groups and parties, please call Jackie on 01505 873488 for further information.
Diaporama Our last meeting was called David’s ‘way out’ evening & it lived up to it’s title! He presented an eclectic mix of ‘off the wall’ sequences. We started with Female Glamour (with an apology to the ladies!), visited various places around the world from Greenock Ocean Terminal to Australia via Ancient Rome. We toured the ‘Bounty’ - a ship from New England. He produced a beautiful Ode to the ‘Flying Phantom’ using his own poetry. Our website has been updated - www. diaporamaavgroup.co.uk. Our next meeting is a Christmas Competition on Monday 9th December, 7.30pm at Carrick Centre, Houston - visitors welcome.
Christmas Capers Saturday 7th December, Kidston Hall, 10am-12noon.
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I was very happy to see that the SPT have awarded a subsidised service to continue the 530 bus route over the next three months while they monitor usage during that time. I hope that the service continues beyond this period as it is vitally important that a bus service continues from Kilmacolm to Greenock in the evenings and on Sundays. Other rural parts of Scotland have subsidised services so why not this one to/ from Kilmacolm? In November I attended the Alzheimer Scotland Inverclyde branch AGM and Inverclyde Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) conference in the Beacon Centre. As some people may be aware, my background is in the Third Sector where I was and have been involved with several national and local voluntary organisations for about 30 years. The voluntary sector continues to play a huge and important role in Inverclyde and throughout Scotland, and attending both recent events was as usual very informative. In the November edition of the Advertizer I saw that one of my fellow Councillors was concerned about the Council tax freeze possibly not continuing. It gives me great pleasure to say that the Scottish Government and COSLA have agreed to continue with the council tax freeze. The freeze agreed between the Scottish Government and Scotland’s councils since 2008 has been very helpful for so many families, especially with the UK government’s austerity measures and rising household costs making life difficult for so many households. I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and all the very best for the New Year. Surgeries: Friday 6th December, Kilmacolm Community Centre, 4.30pm to 5.30pm and Tuesday 17th December, Boglestone Community Centre, 5pm to 6pm. Contact: 01475 712727 or 07747 765 839 or email jim.macleod@ inverclyde.gov.uk Write to me at Inverclyde Council, Municipal Buildings, Greenock, PA15 1LY.
Lights go on The switch on of the Christmas lights are on Friday 6th December - Now it starts with and Quarrier’s Village at 5pm and Kilmacolm Community Centre at 6pm. The Quarrier’s event has been brought forward from 7pm to see if the new time encourages a bigger turnout.
Please bring the children along and meet Santa in his Grotto! Lots of prizes to be won, Craft stalls for those last minute gifts and Home baking. Entry £2 for adults and includes a chocolate lolly for the children. Tea/coffee/ juice available. To hire a stall on the day to sell your crafts please contact Hazel Bain 07810 007432.
Xmas Tree Sale & Craft Fair Kilmacolm Scouts will be selling Christmas trees on 14th December at the Scout Hall on Barr’s Brae 10am - 4pm. We will be having a craft fayre too, supporting local people and businesses. Please come along and support this thriving group. Scouts will also be delivering Christmas post as we have done for the past few years. Monies go to support ongoing projects for all the young people; over 130 from Beavers to Explorers. Please contact Neil on droitwich@btinternet. com if you would like a stall.
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THE ADVERTIZER
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kilmacolm & quarriers I am pleased that SPT have stepped in to retain the McGills 530 evening and Sunday bus service between Kilmacolm and Greenock. The loss of this service would have made it really difficult for people to get home in the evening and for those who travel within Inverclyde on a Sunday. The Council made a robust case to SPT for retaining this important transport link within a rural village like Kilmacolm and it’s a relief to us all that the bus service will continue to operate. As Inverclyde’s Young People’s Champion I was honoured to attend the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Ceremony in Greenock Town Hall where over 100 young people from across Inverclyde were presented with bronze and silver awards in recognition of their outstanding achievements. These young people spent many hours volunteering within their communities and went on expeditions to develop a range of skills. This month will see the opening of the Council’s new £42m Port Glasgow Community Campus to staff and pupils from St Stephen’s High School, Port Glasgow High School and Craigmarloch School. I can’t wait to see around the amazing new facilities and I’m sure that many people in the community will want to get a tour also. Once the new campus is opened and the schools are settled in, I expect there to be an open evening for members of the public to view the facilities first hand.
howwood & elderslie
Surgeries: Monday 2nd December, Boglestone Community Centre from 6pm to 7pm and Thursday 19th December, St Francis Primary School from 6pm to 7pm.
Howwood WRI
Contact: 01475 712727 (during office hours) and 07881 280016 (anytime) or email james.mccolgan@inverclyde.gov.uk. Write to me at Inverclyde Council, Municipal Buildings, Greenock PA15 1LY. Visit my website: http:// jamesmccolgan.com or follow me on Twitter @jamesmccolgan.
Tuesday 17th December - Howwood Village Hall 7pm Christmas Get Together with Taste & Try and Fun & Games, Santa Bag give and receive. Competition - Favourite Christmas Card; Vote of Thanks - Mrs Margaret Jamieson. Please note the earlier start time of 7pm
Christmas Lights in Howwood Friday 6th December at 7pm.
Annual event for all the family. Expecting a very special visitor from the North Pole and his Chief Elf, so boys and girls must be on best behaviour for the rest of the year! Wrap up well and bring a torch. The Education Board of Renfrewshire Council passed a report in mid November which will provide information and advice for young people in next years Referendum on the future of Scotland. They will also hear the views being put across by people involved in both sides of the campaign. I myself support votes for 16/17 year olds but I believe it should be for all elections and not just a one off. I am now carrying out my role as a councillor full time and this has given me an opportunity to get out a bit more and meet people and organisations. One of the groups I met with was Shopmobility who provide help for people with in the main mobility problems to do their shopping. They are also helping people to get in and around Castle Semple Country Park. If you think this organisation can help you in anyway or indeed you can help them, please contact Robert Sweeney on 0141 889 0441 It is the time of year when the dreaded pot holes appear so if you spot one please report it as soon as possible to the council or indeed myself. I will close now by wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a great 2014.
Friends and Heroes Club Friends and Heroes is a club for primary school children meeting every Monday from 3pm to 4.45pm during term time. Children from the local school are picked up at 3pm and walked down to Howwood Church Hall. Children from other schools can be dropped off at the church after school. The children have a snack on arrival then have games, singing, a quiz, arts and crafts all centred around a video of the adventures of Macky and his friends which include stories of heroes from the Bible. Do come along with your children or grandchildren and see what we do. You will be most welcome! Contact Anne Uppington - aauppington@gmail.com
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Angel Voices A Choir for Children 6-10yrs in Kilmacolm in Association with St Fillan’s Episcopal Church. Rehearsals are on Fridays 6.30pm – 7.30pm. Come along to St Fillan’s Church Hall, Moss Road, Kilmacolm. Contact: Maureen Russell by email (maureenmrussell@hotmail.com) or call 01505 872905. On 6th November I attended the official opening of the new £15m St Columba’s High School in Gourock. The school community are absolutely delighted with their new home. I had the great honour of representing the Council at the Remembrance Sunday services in Greenock this year. After a church service in Wellpark Mid Kirk, I laid a wreath at the town’s war memorial in the Wellpark. This was followed by a short service at the Free French Monument on Lyle Hill where I joined the French Vice Consul in laying wreaths in tribute to our gallant friends and allies. Two local groups were among the beneficiaries at the recent Council Grants Sub-Committee meeting. Kidston Kids were awarded £1,500 to support their running costs while Kilmacolm Guides received £2,000 towards the costs of improving their hall. I am pleased to report that the work to replace the safety surface at the Birkmyre Park play area in Kilmacolm has been completed. The new surface certainly looks more durable than the previous one. My surgeries this month are on Tuesday 10th December in Kilmacolm Community Centre, 6pm to 7pm, and on Monday 23rd December in Clune Park Resource Centre, again 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/. You can also follow me on Twitter @Kilmacolm1. I wish you all a very Happy Christmas when it comes.
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spotlight
this month we feature: Horny Beasts Santa Sleigh routes Cochran Dickie Estate Agents Orchard Flooring Corum Estate Agents St Columba’s School Sterling Property Renovation Auldton Stoves Local entertainment - theatre & drama
photo: ‘Winter Glow’ by Duncan McEwan of Paisley Colour Photography Club
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e: info@advertizer.co.uk
Christmas Pop-up Shop with HornyBeasts At HornyBeasts we love all things antlers and match them with new chic designs and products. Our raison d’être is to bring you fresh designs, quality homeware and luxury lifestyle collections, fusing traditional designs with a contemporary flair. Our ranges cover traditional antlers mounted on a huge array of different materials and finishes to compliment your existing colour schemes and furnishings, through to modern furniture and lighting with accessories and gifts that add a spark to any room. The antler ranges offer red and roe deer antlers mounted on traditional shields, ‘natural’ wooden plaques or personalised clan tartan upholstered shields. These have now been joined by a new collection of antler inspired ornaments such as candelabras, ice buckets and other decorative goods. Made from the finest materials, they compliment the lounges and rooms in many a home and make wonderful Christmas gifts. We are Scotland’s agent for The Graduate Collection which showcases the work of some of the UK’s finest young designers and include art, ceramics, silk scarves, wallpapers and cushions. For one weekend only, we are having a Christmas gift ‘Pop-up Shop’ in Bridge of Weir. On Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December, between 10am and 4pm we will open up at South Barlogan Farm on the main Kilmacolm/ Bridge of Weir Road. Just look for the signs on the day. Alternatively, visit our web site at www.hornybeasts. co.uk or contact us on 07779 661474. We will also feature the work of other local businesses that sit well alongside the HornyBeasts brand. We hope you can make it and look forward to welcoming you with a coffee and mince pie.
Santa Sleigh routes 2013
organised by the Bridge of Weir Festival committee
HOUSTON:
Monday 2nd December:
South Mound, Glenartney, St Fillans Dr, Four Windings, South St, North St, Fleming Rd, Burnlea Cres, Houstonfield Quad + Rd, Kirk Rd, Kilmacolm Rd, Fields Lane, Cricketfield Lane, Old School House Lane, Barochan Rd.
Tuesday 3rd December:
Crosslee Cres, Leeburn Ave, Craigholme, Woodside, The Beeches, Birch Gro, Riverside, Broomfield, The Meadows, Brackendene, Crossways, Neuk Cres + Ave, Manse Cres, Hagart Rd, Spiers Rd, Houston Rd, Glebe Gdns.
BAG-PACKING: Santa and his little helpers will also be at the Co-operative, Bridge of Weir on Saturday 7th December between 12 and 3pm and at Morrison’s, Johnstone on Saturday 14th December also between 12 and 3pm.
Christmas Lights Switch-On Sat 30 November Johnstone Town Centre 12noon to 5pm
Fri 6 December Howwood 7pm Wrap up well and bring a torch.
Fri 6 December Kilmacolm & Quarriers Quarriers Village at 5pm Kilmacolm Cargill Centre at 6pm
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Wednesday 4th December:
Crosslee Pk, Dunnet Dr, Whirlie Rd, Back o’ Hill, Strawberry Fields, Whirlie Dr, Pine Gro, Mill Brae, Crosslee Gdns, Brierie Hills Cres + Rd, Brierie Lane + Gdns, Goldenlee View, Brierie Hill Gro, Earlsgate, Brierie Ave.
Thursday 5th December:
Leman Dr + Gro, Alwyn Ave, Bream Pl, Viking Cres, Cormorant Ave, Forties Rd, Claymore Dr, Piper Rd + Dr, Ninian Ave, Brent Cres, Murchison Rd, Hutton Ave, Hewett Cres, Dunlin Cres, Berl Ave.
Friday 6th December:
Locher Cres + Gdns + Ave + Gait, Gryffebank Ave, Gryffewood Cres + Way, Gryffebank Clo + Way, Cunningham Gdns, Crawford Rd.
Saturday 7th December:
Netherburn Ave + Gdns, Craigburn Ave + Pla, Locherburn Place Ave + Gro, Craigburn Cres, Woodburn Pl, Hillside, Hillfoot, Fulton Gdns, Beatrice Gdns.
please note change of tim
BROOKFIELD: Sunday 8th December QUARRIERS: Monday 9th December KILMACOLM: Tuesday 10th December: Kilmacolm South Wednesday 11th December: Kilmacolm North
BRIDGE OF WEIR: Friday 13th December:
Torr Rd, Horsewood Rd, Fetlar Rd, Kennbank Cres + Rd, Glen Brae, Thriplee Rd, Lomond Gres, Barrcraig Rd, Carruth Rd, Lawmarnock Rd + Cres, Troon Dr, Glendentan Rd, Turnberry Dr, Barassie Dr.
Saturday 14th December:
Elm Rd, Loch Rd + Pl, Mill o’ Gryffe, Mimosa Rd, Lintwhite Ct + Cres, Moss Rd, Broom Pl, Gryffe Gate, Gorse Cres, St Machers Rd, Hillview Rd, Church Rd.
Sunday 15th December:
Clevans Rd, Donaldfield Rd, Thornwood Dr, Southbrae Ave, Rosemount Lane, St Andrews Dr, Dalmahoy Cres, Belleisle Cres, Sunningdale Dr, Prieston Rd, Gryffe Rd, Kilbarchan Rd, Bankhead Rd, Kilbarchan Rd.
Monday 16th December:
Eldin Pl, Hazelwood Rd, The Grove, Shillingworth Pl, Earl Pl, Ranfurly Rd, Bonar Cres, Watt Lane, Montrose Terr, Kilgraston Rd, Watt Rd, Ranfurly Pl.
Thursday 19th December:
Glengowan Rd, Strathgryffe Cres, Kilmacolm Rd, Kilallan Ave, Woodside Ave, Warlock Rd, Beech Ave, Castle Rd, Park Rd, Southview Cres, Freeland Dr, Warlock Dr, Houston Rd.
e for Quarriers Lights!
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Deck the halls with Orchard Flooring! Visitors are part and parcel of the festive season, but relax in peace this year knowing your Christmas tree sits atop a gleaming, professionally fitted floor from Orchard Flooring. Despite numerous footsteps in and out of your home, rest assured that your floor will remain pristine for 2014 and beyond. Karndean is very easy to maintain unlike natural products such as real wood floors which can dent and scratch. Also in tile form Karndean does not chip or crack like ceramics can do. A soft brush and a ‘once over’ with a mop is really all it takes to keep the floor clean. The fact that Karndean will not harbour dirt and bacteria is also a hygiene bonus. Scott, who lives in Bridge of Weir and has been in business for over ten years now, specialises in Karndean/Amtico as well as carpets and laminate flooring. As always, Scott is available to come out to your home and offer his advice and provide samples to make sure you make the right choice and discover the benefits that a beautiful floor from Orchard Flooring can make to your home this festive season. Call Scott on 01505 229584 or 07563 633432 or Email: sjmproducts@hotmail.com
Grand Opening - Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre
This event went ahead despite the rain on Saturday 9th November with the BBC’s Paul Merton there to perform the ceremony.
BOSCF Xmas Craft Fairs KILMACOLM - Cargill Centre
Thursday 5th December from 11am until 6pm Admission - FREE
Purchase those special Christmas presents from the very best of the Scottish Craft Community who will be showcasing both their skills and offering their unique products for sale.
Rona and Colin from The Advertizer went along to see the new premises and we were very impressed. We spoke to Stewart Robertson who runs the centre, and he told us he was delighted with the buildings and location. He said, “This has been one of the most memorable days I have encountered for a very long time. The crowd was fantastic, all 300 of them. It has been an emotional journey, but the support of friends and family, and the gifts and cards were
Held in the Main Hall on the ground floor of the Community Centre. Fabulous food and beverages available from the HUB CAFE for the duration of our Craft Fair. FREE ENTRY TO THE PUBLIC.
GLASGOW - Eastwood House, G41 7JS
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th December from 10 am until 5pm FREE ENTRY / FREE PARKING
There cannot be a better place in the whole of Scotland for everyone to buy your Christmas Presents than at this event. 30 of our members representing the very best of the Scottish Craft Community will be showcasing both their skills and offering their unique handmade products for sale throughout the weekend. We can guarantee that everything item on display has been made by the crafters themselves - no bought in, mass produced items are permitted. This “Weekend” Christmas Craft Fair is jointly promoted by ourselves and East Renfrewshire Council as their Winter Craft Fair at the local Leisure Centre will not be taking place this year. Eastwood House was built in 1850 and is steeped in history. In the early 1900s Eastwood House belonged to Viscount Weir who described it as “a solid, Victorian mansion, not over large, opulent without ostentation”. Viscount Weir had many famous visitors there including Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin, King George V and Queen Mary to mention but a few. The fabulous kitchens will be brought back to life by our catering partners “Espresso Moto” with superb food and beverages being served in the adjacent seating area. Eastwood House is simply THE perfect setting for everyone to relax and browse the vast array of quality products that have all been handmade by the BOSCF Members in attendance. Best of Scotland Craft Fairs is a Non-Profit Making organisation which promotes “Real” Scottish Crafters and organise events at prestigious venues.
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fabulous, thank you to everyone. Special thanks to Paul Murton, Colin Woolf, Clann an Drumma, Louise Corrieri, Debbie from Glitzparty, who gave up their time today. Special thanks to family for being there, and to Mark & Judith Everett for their support.” Stewart also thanked West Coast Group, whose contribution to the final appearance of the site has been tremendous. Stewart then told The Advertizer, “We are extremely fortunate that Dougie Baird captured Paul’s speech on video. The video provides an insight to the beginnings of a dream, and the result of the efforts of many people that I will be eternally grateful to.” This is available to view on the LLBOPC facebook page. Photos: Orla, the amazing Golden Eagle; Rona of The Advertizer, holding Orla and looking nervous; Colin holding Orla, watched by Stewart Robertson, who runs the centre; and Stewart chatting with Paul Murton.
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A Musical Celebration Wednesday 18th December,
Greenock Town Hall, 7.00pm-9.30pm Following the success of our sell-out Musical Celebration in 2011, you are invited to a magical evening of Christmas classics and festive favourites performed by our Junior and Senior School pupils. The programme will showcase the musical talents of our soloists, ensembles, choirs, orchestra, pipe band and, of course, include a number of carols for all to join in. Our Master of Ceremonies for the evening is Professor John Wallace CBE, an outstanding trumpet player and Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. This event is open to the entire school community - parents, relatives, former parents, former pupils, staff, former staff and friends - in addition to the local community and general public. Tickets cost £8 each and include light refreshments at the interval. A family ticket for four costs £28, saving £4. To order tickets download the Booking Form from our website. This is sure to be a wonderful evening in the run-up to Christmas and we hope that you will join us. We are delighted to have the support of our main sponsors Sterling Property Renovation (www.sterlingpropertyrenovation.co.uk) Rainbow Room International (www.rainbowroominternational.com) Brewin Dolphin (www.brewin.co.uk) Find out more at www.st-columbas.org/News/A_Musical_Celebration. aspx
Joint Winners of Paisley Colour’s Summer Assignment 2013/2014 Recently at the McMaster Centre in Renfrew, Paisley Colour Photographic Club’s Summer Assignment Competition was held. Judging the competition was experienced photographer Gordon Baird LRPS from Lenzie. The seven themes for this session’s competition were In the Kitchen, Bridge(s), On Two Wheels, Reflected City, Shadow(s), Wildlife in the Garden, and Insect(s). Entry, open to all club members, consisted of up to four images, one from any four of the s e v e n subjects and each image w a s marked out of twenty. T h i s year 22 sets of images were entered and Gordon gave a very thorough critique to each image making many positive comments
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included the best “Shadows” image and the best “Wildlife in the Garden” image, Moss Sporangiophore and House Sparrow on Cherry Tree. Two very worthy winners! and encouragement as well as pointing out that by cropping an image for example a big improvement can be made. The top image in the section “In the Kitchen” was Pat Cook’s Pizza Time. Portland Street Suspension Bridge by Norma McDowall was the winner in “Bridge(s)” section and Fiona McEwan’s Cowcaddens image was top in the “Reflected City” section. There were joint overall winners of the competition. Jim Black and Pauline Smith each achieved 72 points out of 80 for their four images submitted. Jim’s set included the best “Insect(s)” image and the best “On Two Wheels” image, Clouded Yellow Nectaring and On The Limit. Pauline’s set
For further details about P C P C ’ s future guest lecturers, c l u b competitions throughout the winter and updated members galleries please view: www.paisleycolour.co.uk
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entertainment this December
A Colourful Collection of Paintings - on show for Christmas
various, Paisley The Edibles The Edibles is a multisensory show full of magical ingredients and especially made for children. Created by the team who brought you Little Ulla. Wednesday 11th December at Paisley Museum at 10,30am & 1.30pm. Tickets: £4. Booking: 0300 300 1210. Suitable for ages 3 - 7.
Family Festival Ceilidh Celebrate the end of 2013 at the Festive Family Ceilidh with Clamjamfrie; a traditional evening of Scottish music and ceilidh dancing for everyone to enjoy. Early booking is recommended. Saturday 28th December in Paisley Town Hall at 7.30pm Tickets: £8 (£6 conc). Booking: 0300 300 1210
Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock A Buddy Good Laugh Suitable for ages 18+. With John Gillick, Graham Mackie and Headliner: Gary Little. Thursday 19th December at Venue: Paisley Town Hall. Doors 8pm, show starts 8.30pm. Tickets: £10 (£8 conc) Booking: 0300 300 1210
Goldilocks and The 3 Bears Greenock Players 65th Panto Friday 29th Nov - Saturday 7th Dec Prices: Tickets £10 each.
Platypus in Boots
Baby Disco Join in the fun with dancing and games as well as art activities and video animation. Music will be provided by our DJ with a mixture of contemporary Scottish themed rock and pop music. (a special visitor will be in attendance!) Thurs 19th December at Paisley Town Hall from 10am - 12pm Cost: £2 (children go free). Booking: 0300 300 1210 (Max 50 adults). Suitable for ages 0 - 5
A festive adventure for 3 to 5 year olds. Sydney the Platypus has travelled all the way from Australia to visit Glasgow and see snow for the first time. Monday 9th Dec - Tuesday 10th Dec Prices: £3 - £5.
The Eastcoast Boys are coming to Paisley Town Hall! This fabulous, feel-good show features four phenomenal singers and a fantastic live band recreating the iconic sound of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Saturday 21st December in Paisley Town Hall at 7.30pm Tickets: £14 (£12 conc). Booking: 0300 300 1210
Booking for Paisley Arts Centre & Paisley Town Hall, Paisley Abbey & Renfrew Town Hall: 0300 300 1210 www. boxoffice.renfrewshire.gov.uk
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We are very fortunate in the village to have so many talented artists, some you may know, but there may be a few new names to add to your Christmas list. ‘The Bridge’ has proved really popular for cards, exhibitions etc., over the year and well appreciated by the village.
Jack & The Beanstalk A Giant of a Pantomime for Inverclyde….“Fee fi fo fum. Thursday 12th Dec - Saturday 4th Jan 2014
It’s a Wonderful Life
Big Girls Don’t Cry
Once again ‘The Bridge’, Main Street, Bridge of Weir, is hosting a special Christmas Art Exhibition of paintings by local artists, beautifully presented with an outstanding choice. There’s something special for everyone. There are over 60 paintings, oil, acrylic, water colour and mixed media for only £10 to around £50. You will be spoilt for choice. Be prepared to be impressed by the different styles & subjects. It would be easy to say this is one of the best Art Shows. The exhibition has been carefully considered offering small framed paintings, making this an ideal Christmas gift. Also, there is a choice of larger mounted artwork and prints from only £10.
The story of the most inspirational film of all time. The heart-warming American family classic. Thursday 19th Dec - Sunday 22nd Dec. Tickets: £7.
It is not difficult to recommend a visit, the volunteers look after you well. You can have a tea or coffee and enjoy looking at the paintings. A percentage of all sales will be donated to ‘The Bridge’. Opening Hours: • Mon 9am - 5pm (closed 12noon-12.30pm) • Tues 1pm - 5pm • Wed 10am - 2pm • Thurs 10am - 2pm • Fri 1pm - 5pm • Sat 9am - 1pm; Sun Closed
The Nearly New Year Hogmanay Show Starring Alan Beck (Caledon) and his wife, the fabulous Polly Kirwan Beck. Tuesday 31st Dec at: 8pm. Tickets: £16 - £20.
Booking for Beacon Arts Centre: 01475 723723 info@beaconartscentre.co.uk Custom House Quay, Greenock PA15 1HJ
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village news
bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir
Langbank: The flooding on Main Road has been a focus of my attention. Roads Department have inspected this and confirmed suspicions that the principal cause is drain blockage by fallen leaves. I am glad to be able to report that this will in future be treated as a “hot spot” by the leaf clearing teams. The gullies are due to be replaced before Christmas and it is to be hoped that this will also help. However, there will always be a risk that water may have nowhere to go when high tides and heavy rain combine. Bishopton: I seem to have had some success in at last getting the signage put in place on Drumcross Road to indicate that it is not suitable for long vehicles. I hope this has the desired effect! Bridge of Weir: I am pleased that Bridge of Weir is among the first of the villages which will receive funding from the Scottish Government to restore the war memorial. The withdrawal of the X7A bus route has generated a tremendous amount of correspondence. I would like to thank those villagers who have written or come to see me with their ideas. It may be a poor substitute but remember that “My Bus Rural” is available for anyone living in a rural area, which is not covered by a regular service. Fares are payable by passengers who would pay to use a regular service. They can be contacted at 0845 128 4025 or www.spt.co.uk/bus/mybus.
Carols by Candlelight St Mary’s Church, Bridge of Weir 6pm on Monday 23rd December Please join us to start the festivities at our traditional Carol Service. As usual, we hope you will also celebrate with us after the service.
I wish all residents of my ward a peaceful and happy Christmas. E-mail: cllr.maria.brown@renfrewshire.gov.uk Phone: 0300 300 1259, Mobile: 07534 148 734
Local Craft Sale
Surgeries: 1st Tues of month at Cargill Hall 6.30-7pm, 2nd Wed of month at Bishopton Library 6.15pm - 6.45pm, 2nd Wed of month at Langbank Village Hall 7pm - 7.30pm.
Brick City
Running from now until Sunday 16th February at the Paisley Museum, entry is £4 (£3 conc), family ticket £12 (2 adults and 2 children), children under 3 FREE.
Stuck for ideas for Christmas gifts? Why not visit The Bridge between 2pm and 4pm on Tuesday 3rd December to buy handmade products from a number of local crafters. As well as selling their wares the crafters are providing free mince pies to get you in the mood for Christmas.
A must-see exhibition for fans of LEGO® young and old, Brick City is a display of the world’s most iconic buildings and landmarks by LEGO artist Warren Elsmore, one of the very few professional LEGO artists in the country. Exclusive to Paisley, Brick City is a celebration of the world’s architecture, recreated using the toy of the century...LEGO bricks. Brick City features many impressive replicas such as the London 2012 Olympic Park, Rome’s Colosseum and the Las Vegas strip. The exhibition also includes a model of London’s St Pancras Station (pictured), which measures 5 ft tall and 12 ft long, and contains 180,000 LEGO bricks; Brick City celebrates the best of global architecture and the simple magic of the famous D a n i s h c h i l d r e n ’s toy.
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bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir BoW Community Council Police: Sgt Twaddle reported 15 Crimes of which there were 5 detections. With the dark nights upon us he urged householders to be on their guard to avoid break-in’s by keeping premises ie., garden sheds, garages locked at all times. Also keeping outside lights on as thieves do not like the light, and where possible keep a watch on vulnerable neighbours. If you see anything unusual, vans etc. phone the Police on 101. Co-operation with the Police is essential for a Safe Community. Transport: Readers will be aware that the X7A St Andrews Drive to Glasgow service was replaced on the 4th November by a new SPT subsidised X7A service from St Andrews Drive via Gorse Crescent to Johnstone Station to connect with the Train service to Glasgow.
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SPT commits to safeguard local bus services With effect from 4 November 2013, McGill’s has made changes to its commercial bus network which leaves areas in Bridge of Weir, Kilmacolm and Alexandria without a bus service. This is a result of withdrawals to services X7A Bridge of Weir - Glasgow; 530 Kilmacolm - Greenock and 4/5/7A Alexandria/Dumbarton locals. Although withdrawal of these services suggests there is little passenger demand, SPT has agreed to provide transport links to these areas on a temporary basis, allowing patronage data to be collected and a full assessment of requirements to be completed. Therefore, SPT will provide financial subsidy for the following services, operated by First and McGill’s with effect from 4 November 2013:
The Community Council in correspondence has been informed that this service is to run until the end of March allowing passenger numbers to be monitored to ascertain if the cost of the subsidy is worthwhile. We urge you to use it or loss it. However many users are disgruntled that it does not go through the village to reach the shops or Doctors Surgery.
• Service 207 between Loch Lomond Shores - Rosshead - Bonhill, operating Monday to Saturday daytime (operated by First)
If you have suggestions for the SPT as to re-routing the service please send them to Councillors Brown, Holmes or MacLaren they are your contacts with the SPT. It is anticipated that a representative from SPT will attend our December meeting.
• Service X7A between Bridge of Weir - Johnstone, operating Monday to Saturdays daytime (operated by McGill’s)
War Memorial: Improvement works are to be carried out at the War Memorial during the centenary of the commencement of the 1914-18 Great War. Works will include clean-up of the slabs, lettering re-placement and re-painting the railings Planning: The Community Council will make representation against the development of two large houses on the green belt at Gryffe Castle. A planning application has been lodged for improvements to the rear and frontage of The Weir Pub. We wish the new proprietors a successful venture. An invitation to attend the AGM of The Planning Democracy and a consultation on The National Planning Framework were noted. Roads: The filling in of potholes on the Back Road between Houston Road and Mimosa Road was welcomed. We again asked for resurfacing of Mimosa Road. We asked that the leaves be cleared from the area surrounding the drains at the Gryffe Bridge, on Main Street and Houston Road to avoid further flooding. The damaged Lamp Column on Millbrae has been re-placed. We requested that the street lights that are out on the lane and stairs between Montrose Terrace and Kilbarchan Road be fixed. Bins: At our request new litter bins are to be placed in Houston Road Park
LANGBANK SWRI
BoW SWRI
On Thursday, 12th December (a week earlier than usual) we will be holding our Christmas party with customary festive purvey and entertainment. See you at 7.30pm in The Village Centre with your Secret Santa gift (value £4).
Our next meeting is on Thursday 5th December at 7.15pm for 7.30pm in the British Legion Hall when it will be our Christmas party. All members and visitors will be made very welcome.
Langbank Village Lunch A lunch will be held in Langbank Village Centre on Thursday 23rd January 2014. Arrive at 1pm for a delicious two course lunch, followed by tea coffee and sweet treats. Tickets will be on sale, from the village shop, in early January, priced £8 per person. This event is open to all villagers and has been very well attended in previous years, so remember to put this date in your new diary.
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• Service 530 between Greenock - Kilmacolm, operating Monday to Saturdays evenings and Sundays daytime and early evening (operated by McGill’s)
SPT currently subsidies dozens of local bus services across west central Scotland vital to communities, but not provided by commercial bus operators. Timetable details for these services are available by telephoning Traveline Scotland on 0871 200 22 33 or by visiting www.travelinescotland.com
Bridge of Weir History Society At the meeting on Monday 27th January John Pressly will talk about “Renfrewshire Aviation. The History of Powered Flight in Renfrewshire”. The meeting starts at 8pm and is held in the large hall of Freeland Church, in Bridge of Weir. Tea & coffee is served after the talk. Everyone welcome, visitors invited to make donation of £1.50 at the door. Any queries, please phone either Rosemary 01505 614252 or Lorraine 01505 612202.
BoW Embroiderers’ Guild On Wednesday 4th December, the Embroiderers’ Guild will be having a ‘worknight’ where we will begin to work on a project to celebrate our Pearl Anniversary - 30 years since Bridge of Weir Branch was founded. Interested in stitching? Come and join us from 7.30pm in The Bridge.
Bishopton and Erskine Christmas Card Delivery From 9th to 22nd December, Bishopton Christian Aid Group and their band of supporters will again be providing a special delivery of Christmas Cards in Bishopton and Erskine. The requested donation is 20 pence per card. Help make it Christmas in the Developing World. During December your cards may be handed into : • The Co-op, Costcutters and Day-Today Store in Greenock Road from Monday 9th until Noon on Sunday 22nd. • The Salon in Greenock Road from Mon 9th until Noon on Sat 21st. • The Cornerstone on Saturdays 14th & 21st 10am to 2pm and Sundays 15th & 22nd from 12:30 until 2pm. • The Community Centre carpark on Saturday14th & 21st, 10am - 2pm. • After Church on Sunday 15th and 22nd.
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BoW Choral Society Christmas Concert Please note the earlier start time for the Bridge of Weir Choral Society Christmas Concert!
Brighter Bridge of Weir And so we had our chips... Brighter Bridge of Weir’s fundraising Casino Night, held in the British Legion on October 26th, was a great success. In spite of being up against a lot of other activities in the area (not least Hallowe’en parties) there was an excellent turnout. The croupier team from Pink Cocktails Fun Casino took our hint of fancy dress and so the Blackjack table was hosted by Wonder Woman and the roulette table by her colleague, Supergirl. And very appropriate personas they were. There was also a wannabe James Bond, a few Bond Girls and a bloke bearing an uncanny resemblance to Bond’s arch enemy Blofeld, complete with cat (stuffed). Towards the end of the evening, a straw poll of those attending was hugely positive, with comments such as: “Fantastic fun”, “So different” and “An absolutely great night”. With feedback like that the Brighter Bridge of Weir group is considering making it an annual event. If you were there and would like to comment, drop us an email to secretary@brighterbridgeofweir.org.
The concert will take place in St Columba’s Church, Kilmacolm at 7pm on Sunday 8th December.
The choir are busy rehearsing the final touches for the evening which will include music and carols to please just about everyone. Apart from Bob Chilcott’s exciting “The Making of the Drum”, there will be Christmas choruses from Handel’s “Messiah”, Faure’s “Cantique de Jean Racine and the aria “O Holy Night” with tenor soloist Matthew Todd. There will be Christmas carols for everyone to sing, all accompanied by Christopher Duffy, our new rehearsal pianist. This year, we are pleased to include in our programme for the very first time, the new community children’s choir, Angel Voices, with their conductor Helen Knight. Bells Up Brass will also be joining us to add their special contribution to the evening Tickets are £8 (under 18s free if accompanied) and are now on sale from members, the Village Newsagent Kilmacolm, or at the door. More information at www.bridgeofweirchoralsociety.org.uk.
The main work of the group hasn’t stopped, though. Even with all of the organising of the Casino Night going on, bulbs were still being planted and weeds eradicated. By the time you read this, most of next spring’s daffodil and tulip bulbs will be in place, so the group are now digging out - so to speak - the Christmas displays for show along Main Street. It was gratifying to see in last month’s Advertizer that Brighter Bridge of Weir was mentioned in two other articles. Thanks to those who took the trouble to record their appreciation of the group’s work in such a way. We should point out that, although both articles referred to ‘the girls’ of Brighter Bridge of Weir, there are some ‘boys’ involved, too, though perhaps less obviously. The term ‘boys’ may be stretching the imagination a bit, but they are just as capable of going into a huff if their involvement isn’t pointed out. Thanks to everyone who has supported Brighter Bridge of Weir throughout the year, whether physically, morally, financially or by the donation of prizes for our fundraisers. We look forward to earning your support next year, too. In the meantime, the group wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year to all.
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church lists
and join us for tea, chat by Robin House and Rachel and a short informal act of House. CHAS have asked Freeland Church, Rev KN worship. Sunday 15th Dec for toys and toiletries for Gray BA BD. Morning 11am Gift Service for Paisley girls and boys from birth to Service 10.30am. Crèche, Women’s Refuge - Christmas 14 years of age. They have Sunday School, Lynx and Story in words and music asked that we do not gift Cornerstone. Evening by the Choir. Sunday 22nd Board Games. Please put Service 7pm Web site www. Dec 11am Family Service your gift unwrapped in a gift freeland.org.uk with Nativity Presentation by bag. 15th Dec - 3rd Sunday St Mary’s Episcopal (Anglican) the young people. Sunday in Advent, 11am Morning Church. Delighting to praise 24th Dec 11.30pm Joint Worship - The Sacrament God; Showing Christ’s love; Watchnight Service. of Baptism, 12 noon – 3pm Growing in faith. Morning K I R K C R E AT I O N S : “ A KILMACOLM Service on Sundays at 10am; CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON, St Colm’s Catholic Church Carols by Candlelightat 6pm Tea, Coffee, Shortbread and The Very Rev William Canon on Monday 23rd December. Crafts in the Church, 7pm McDade – Sunday morning Please join us to start the A Service of Remembering. family mass 10am. festivities at our traditional 16th Dec - Monday 7pm. Kilmacolm Old Kirk Church Carol Service. As usual, we Service of Readings and of Scotland (Charity hope you will also celebrate Carols, Tea, Shortbread and n o . S C 0 0 9 2 9 1 ) . w w w. with us after the service.We Mince Pies. 20th December kilmacolmoldkirk.org. have a regular cycle of prayer (Friday) CHRISTIAN AID ‘BIG uk. Minister Rev Dr Peter for those who live and work COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS McEnhill (01505 873174). in Bridge of Weir. The dates SING’ - 7pm in the Church. Morning Worship - Sundays of prayers for local roads ADVENT 4 22nd Dec - 4th 11am, all welcome Sunday are as follows: 1 Dec - Torr Sunday in Advent, 11am School & Crèche available. Road, 8 Dec - Troon Drive, Morning Worship, “BORN St Columba Church of Scotland. 15 Dec - Turnberry Drive, 22 in a BARN ” : Sunday Club (charity no. SC007992) Dec - Warlock Drive/Road, NativityPlay, 24th Dec - 11pm Minister Rev Douglas 29 Dec - Watt Lane/Road. CHRISTMAS EVE : Service Cranston. Wednesday Break For further information see of Carols and Watchnight 10.30am in large Hall. Church our noticeboard, or to ask for Service, 25th Dec - 11am Prayer meeting Thurs at special prayers, or in pastoral CHRISTMAS MORNING : 8.15pm. emergency please call 01505 Worship with all the family Gospel Services in The Scout 612807/01505 842629 or and your presents. 29th Dec Hall, Kilmacolm - Sundays 01505 613402. 11am Last Morning Worship 4.30pm, Thurs 7.30pm. St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Service of 2013 St Fillan’s Episcopal (Anglican) Rev Suzanne Dunleavy BD Church Sundays 11.30am DipEd. Sunday services at Church of the Nazarene, Houston, at the Village Hall, St Fillan’s Service of Nine 10.30am. Hearing aid loop Main street, Houston. PA6 Lessons and Carols on system. All welcome. www. 7EL. Rev Benito S Coetzee. Thursday 19th Dec at stmacharsranfurlychurch. Family services at 10.30am 7.30pm. Refreshments of org.uk with full toddler, children mulled wine and mince pies Hope Hall, Sun 1pm Sunday and youth activities running in hall after the Service. St School, 4.30pm Gospel concurrently with the service. Fillan’s Candlelight Crib Service; Mon 6.30pm Youth meets at 6.30-8pm on Service on Christmas Eve Investigators for Kids, 8pm Sundays. Word and Table at 4pm for children of all Bible Study and Prayer. Quiet Service held from 9am ages! Refreshments in hall Faith Christian Fellowship 9.30am every 3rd Sunday. afterwards. Sundays at 11am in the Visit our website: www. Cargill Hall, Lintwhite LANGBANK houston.nazarene.org.uk Crescent, Bridge of Weir. Langbank Parish Church Tel: 0800 298 4875 email: St Fillan’s, Main St, Houston. Rev Andrew McLean. Sun Masses: Vigil (Sat) fcf@lifeonfire.org.uk Sunday Services 10am with 5 p m , 9 . 3 0 a m & 11 a m . From the Baha’i writings “Wealth Sunday School, Creche and Weekday Mass: Tues-Sat is most commendable, young people’s group, the 9.30am except Thurs, 7pm. provided the entire population Welcomers. Tea/coffee after Reconciliation: Sat 10is wealthy.” for details of the service. The Church 10.30am and after Vigil Mass; meetings call 615641. service starts at 10am. Thurs 7.30-8pm. Exposition: Come along and meet in the ELDERSLIE As announced. Baptisms: 1st Hall from 9.50am. Charity Elderslie Kirk, Main Road, & 3rd Sunday of the month by registered in Scotland, No Elderslie: Sunday service arrangement. Parish Priest: SC015085. every week at 11am. Minister Rev Daniel J McLoughlin, LOCHWINNOCH - Rev Robin Allison. All D i p . T h . , M A P a s t o r a l Lochwinnoch Parish Church welcome. Weekly meetings:Assistant: Sr Mary Frances Monday Club every week - Rev Mhairi Breingan. 11am Collett, RNDM (Tel 01505 from 12noon - 2.30pm. Morning Service with Sunday 613514). “Abbotsfield”, St Light lunch and a varied School and Crèche. Fillan’s, Main St, Houston, activity programme. Midweek Calder United Free Church PA6 7EL. Tel: 01505 612046, Fellowship will meet every (Church St Lochwinnoch) Fax: 01505 610556. Email: Wednesday from 10.30am for Sunday: 11am Morning parish@stfillan.org.uk. www. Tea & Coffee followed by a worship with Sunday School stfillan.org.uk short Service of Worship at and Crèche. 6.30pm Evening
BRIDGE OF WEIR
11am. All Welcome.
HOUSTON
Houston Baptist Church at Carrick Centre; 11am Family services with SS for children age 5-12; 6pm Eve Service; Mid-week Home Bible Study; For more information contact; Rev D Snelson 01505 612722. Houston and Killellan Kirk 1st Dec - 1st Sunday in Advent - 9.45am Early Worship Service The Sacrament of Holy Communion. 11am Morning Worship - The Sacrament of Baptism. 8th Dec - 2nd Sunday in Advent 11am - Morning Worship. GIFT SERVICE: Our gifts will be received by a representative from CHAS, the gifts will be distributed
HOWWOOD
Fellowship group, 7.30pm Howwood Parish Church, ABC’s Teen group. Wed Sunday Service will start at 6.30pm-7.30pm. 10am and there will be a QUARRIERS prayer meeting at 3 Bowfield Mount Zion Church, Rev Way on Fridays at 7.30pm. Andy Lunn Bsc. 10.30am KILBARCHAN in Bethesda, Junior Church Kilbarchan East Church. and Bible Class. Carols by Creche, Sunday School and Candlelight in Bethesda, the Bible Class continue from Quarriers Village on Sunday 10.45am in the halls. All are 15th Dec, 6:30pm; Carol welcome at our services. Singing at Campbell Snowdon Kilbarchan West Parish Care Home, Wednesday 18th Church – Minister – Rev Dec, 7pm; Puppets, Junior Arthur Sherratt BD. Sunday Church and Praise Group Worship at 11am. Crèche, at Barnards Court Mission, Junior Church and FEWsion Greenock, Saturday 21st meet from 10.45am. All are December, 7:30pm; Family welcome for tea & coffee Service in Bethesda, Sunday in the hall after worship. 22nd December, 10:30am; The Midweek Fellowship on “Happy Birthday Jesus”, Wednesdays at 10.30am in Bethesda, Christmas Day, the Session House. Come 10:30am.
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Adopt-a-Monument Kilallan Kirk and Graveyard: “Under Wraps” Work is progressing very well on-site at Kilallan Kirk and Graveyard. The encapsulation tent has been erected round the Kirk. The tent will allow the contractor to work in all weather and will help to control the temperature at which the lime mortar requires to set.
It takes several weeks to erect the encapsulation tent, including erection of the scaffolding to support it. The accompanying photograph shows the contractor, CBC Stone, erecting the first sheet of tenting material. 70% of the internal raking out of the old pointing has been completed and there is already a dramatic change in the Kirk’s appearance as each stone seems to stand out in relief. Behind the scenes the KKPT project team are working hard on making sure all work is on schedule. We are completing and reviewing all community activity work and working on the final documentary film which we are hopeful will be completed by March 2014. We are also working on setting up our Young Archaeologist Club and are looking for a suitable venue from which to run this starting in the Spring/Summer of 2014. We are looking for volunteers and participants who may be interested in joining us for this club. In particular we are looking for a young adult over the age of 17 years who may be interested in filling the role of a Young Archaeology Club Leader. If anyone is interested please feel free to contact Lynn Rew by email at lynn.rew@live.co.uk or by phone on 01505874193 / 07595461550. We will be making changes to our website over the next couple of months so please keep a look out for these changes and other information. To keep up to date with KKPT and everything going on, by liking us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KilallanKirk or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/KKPT1
Bridge of Weir Coffee Morning On Sunday 1st Dec from 2pm - 4pm. Hosted by 1st Bridge of Weir Scout Group at the Scout Hall, Horsewood Road, Bridge of Weir. Come along and enjoy tea, coffee and home baking. tombola and some Christmas gifts.
Raffles,
Last month I questioned whether there are enough drains on the Main Street, in Langbank, particularly the north side around the shop. I am pleased to say that Roads have now agreed to replace side entry gullies with top entries and this should improve the drainage. This will be carried out before the end of the financial year. The new SPT X7A bus service appears to be far from the mark for a lot of the old X7A passengers. Perhaps there are some of you who do welcome the new service? I welcome all feedback. I consider that, if it must go to Johnstone Station, then at least it should go along Bridge of Weir Main Street where it can turn up Houston Road, go on to Houston and then to Johnstone, thus assisting shoppers, doctor’s surgery, and meeting up with the X7. A new app for your phone called Ren Repairs allows you to report on a number of issues including housing, roads and lighting, etc. The satisfaction ratings and feedback of those who have used the service is very positive. Why not give it a try? I hold a surgery in each of the three villages when I will come along and meet with constituents: • Bishopton Community Library - 1st Monday of every month (6.30pm). • Cargill Hall - 2nd Monday of every month (7.30pm). • Langbank Parish Church 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 and I am also on www.facebook.com/ councillormaclaren Working with you and improving our local area. I hope you all have a Happy Christmas and a good New Year.
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dental health Overcoming Nerves
Whilst we would like to think that everyone looks forward to a visit to the dentist we know that some people get nervous about the prospect. This can range from worry about getting a filling to full blown Dentophobia. The British Dental Association figures show that 25% of patients suffer from some form of anxiety before a visit to the dental surgery and 12% suffering severe anxiety so it is a common problem. The most important thing is not to ignore the issue as this often means visits to the dentist are put off which, in turn, can lead to minor dental
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with Sheila Macintyre problems becoming more serious. Although it sounds obvious attending scheduled check ups will also help to catch any issues before they get worse - don’t wait until a problem develops to see your dentist. If you are worried about visiting the dentist, it is important that you make the dentist aware of this as good communication can be a big help. Here at Kilbarchan Dental Practice, we are very experienced in dealing with nervous patients and work closely to put them at ease and work through any concerns, discuss the treatments and options. We are also one of the few practices in Renfrewshire able to offer IV sedation for extreme cases and I am about to complete a diploma in Dental Sedation and Anxiety, so we can extend the range of sedation services for our patients. If you are not one of our patients you may want to ask your dentist what provision and training they have to make sure they are right for you. If you have any questions about this subject don’t hesitate to give us a ring on 01505 704969 or make an appointment with us to chat things through.
The Bridge, Main St, Bridge of Weir The wait is nearly over – the festive season is upon us. Now is the time to buy your Christmas cards, wrapping paper, gift tags and your essential calendar for 2014. Support your village by buying locally & send Christmas cards individually designed for your village. You can also view local scenes throughout 2014 as you turn over the months in the Bridge of Weir calendar. Use your Post Office to send your cards and parcels. The important Christmas stamps are now available – Donald, Pat and Anne will be delighted to ensure you are well supplied. Within our stationery section you will find a wide variety of padded and postal bags, boxes, wrapping paper, string and wrapping tape to ensure your gifts reach their destination securely wrapped. The Bridge has gained a reputation as a bright, warm, friendly and welcoming community centre incorporating a well stocked shop as well as your post office. If you have not visited us before please come in to see what you are missing. To all the residents of Bridge of Weir we wish you a happy Christmas and a happy and healthy 2014. Our grateful thanks are extended to our wonderful volunteers and our supportive customers. Opening Hours: Mon – 9am to 5pm (PO closed 12 noon to 12.30pm); Tues & Fri – 1pm to 5pm; Wed & Thu – 10am to 2pm; Sat – 9am to 1pm. Closed 25th/26th December 2013 and 1st/2nd January 2014.
‘Auld Simon’ Is On The Mend
Bridge of Weir TARA
Unfortunately there is no report on November’s TARA meeting as it was due to be held after the deadline for publication had passed, there will however be a belated report in January’s Advertizer. Bridge of Weir TARA would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and hope that 2014 may see some more of you venture along to one, or more of its meetings. As there is no meeting in December, the next meeting will be on Tuesday 21st January 2014 at 7.30pm in the Pirie Centre at Freeland Church.
Councillor for Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, and Lochwinnoch Ward, Andy Doig, has assured members of Lochwinnoch Elderly Forum that the oldest resident of the town, the historic church clock tower at the Johnshill area of Lochwinnoch, known locally as Auld Simon, is on the mend after it was reported that the clock, which has been keeping villagers to time since 1731, had stopped working. It is believed that the winding clock is the oldest in Renfrewshire. Cllr Doig told The Advertizer: “A few weeks ago one of the volunteers that helps maintain Lochwinnoch’s historic Auld Simon rightly informed me that the grand old man of Lochwinnoch had stopped working, he added that the company which maintains it on behalf of Renfrewshire Council had recommended some repairs, so immediately I contacted council officers and I have it in writing that a repair line has been issued to get Auld Simon back to full health and working again.” When the present Lochwinnoch Parish Church was opened in 1808, the old church was demolished, leaving only the tower, which was used as a watchtower. These were the days when the tombs had to be guarded against the activities of bodysnatchers. It was suggested that “Auld Simon” was the name of one of the old weavers who had looked after the clock most regularly and so it became known as “Auld Simon’s Clock”, and through time “Auld Simon”.
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kilbarchan & lochwinnoch Kilbarchan East Church Guild The annual Paisley Presbytery Guild Carol Service will be held in Stowbrae Church Paisley on Monday 2nd December at 2pm. Our final meeting for this year will take place on Tuesday 10th December at 7.30pm in the church hall, where we will be entertained by our Church Choir with a selection of Christmas music and carols. It would be appreciated if you could bring along gift for either a child or adult which will be donated to the Salvation Army for distribution.
Lochwinnoch SWRI As there is no scheduled meeting in December, we wish all our members and friends a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2014
Kilbarchan Xmas Lights Switch On Monday 9th December at 7pm. Miss Lilias will do the honours. Entertainment will be provided by Kilbarchan Junior Choir, Kilbarchan Pipe Band and Jamie McArthur. The evening will be hosted by George Bowie from Clyde 1 and if the singing is good enough there might even be a visit from Santa. So why not bring the family along to the Steeple Square, Kilbarchan on the 9th December at 7pm and join in the festive fun.
The results of the October competitions are: 3 Meringue Shells: 1 Elma Richmond, 2 Roma Gould, 3 Joyce Galbraith. Lavender Sachet (any craft): 1 Glenys McKee, 2 Elma Richmond, 3 Pat Matthews. We look forward to seeing everyone again on January 15th 2014.
Kilbarchan East Church
On 13th November, our new minister, Rev Stephen Smith was inducted. We now look forward to his preaching and getting to know him. On Sunday 1st December, the Sacrament of Holy Communion will be observed at 11am and 6.30pm. Bible Class, Sunday School and the crèche will meet from 10.45am in the halls throughout the month. There will be a baptism on Sunday 8th and on 15th, also at 11am, there will be the Gift service for the people of Easterhouse, when gifts will be brought and taken to the church there for distribution. Already, in November, our members and friends donated 61 shoeboxes with money for transport costs to the Blythswood Shoebox Appeal as we have been doing for the past 15 years. The Nativity play will be performed in the morning of Sunday 22nd and at 6.30pm, the Senior Choir will lead the annual service of Nine Lessons and Carols, followed by refreshments in the hall. On Christmas Eve, the early service at 7pm is in the East Church, followed by mince pies in the hall, with the late service in the West at 11.30pm. We celebrate in the East on Christmas Day at 10.30am when children should bring along one of their gifts. All are welcome at any of these services. After Christmas, on Sunday 29th, there will be a joint service in Kilbarchan West, and on 5th January in Kilbarchan East, followed by a celebration of Holy Communion, both services at 11am.
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Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch have a myriad of community and cultural groups so it gave my wife and I great pleasure to recently support one of them by attending the Kilbarchan Singers Ceilidh. The Singers do great work in encouraging choral excellence in Kilbarchan and provide an outlet for those who want to develop their musical talents in a friendly atmosphere. It was a tremendous night and I would urge anyone with musical leanings to get involved with the Singers. I am pleased to report that representatives of Lochwinnoch Community Council and myself have received a communication from Transport Scotland to the effect that the agency will, in the near future, be undertaking a survey to look at both pedestrian and vehicle flows around the Roadhead Roundabout. I am committed to improving public transport to and from the village, but one of the main challenges is the limited budget afforded to SPT. Christmas will soon be upon us and I would like to publicly thank all those individuals and groups who do so much to keep the fabric of community life alive in Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch all the year around with their efforts, these are too numerous to mention. I also want to say that serving Johnstone North, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch, as your Councillor is a great privilege and a pleasure, and I want to wish all my constituents and their families a Happy Christmas and a Good New Year in 2014. I very much want to make myself available to local residents in Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch but please note my Lochwinnoch advice surgery on Wednesday 25th December will be cancelled as it falls on Christmas Day. However, I am available any time of the day or night to constituents who can call me on 07534 148224, or e-mail: cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk.
Christmas Greetings The members of the St Vincent de Paul Conference of Lochwinnoch and Howwood would like to wish you all a joyous Christmas and a peaceful New Year. We would also like to thank everyone who supported us throughout the past year. Your donations have enabled us to help those less fortunate, at home and abroad.
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Kilbarchan East Christmas Fayre Saturday 7th December from 10am-12noon in the halls when the highlight will be a visit from Santa and the opportunity to have a photo taken with him. As usual, there will be many Christmas stalls with gifts and homebaking and refreshments with mince pies and shortbread which are included in the £2 entrance for adults.
Old Library Centre, Kilbarchan It seems no time at all since we wished our supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We are delighted to be able to do so now for the coming 2014 and to thank, really sincerely, all those who have been strong supporters of The Old Library Centre. We are grateful to those who donate financially, those who attend our classes, concerts, social groups and those who drop in to use the Centre for printing, laminating, faxing, use of the computer suite and those who hire our Community Rooms. All of these activities keep this community run facility open for the residents of Kilbarchan and surrounding area. The Board of this registered Charity wish to thank you all for your help. Calendar sales are going well and our thanks are due to the volunteer group who manufactured this. We also wish to thank the local businesses for their financial help which allowed us to purchase materials for this project. We have found that very few people use The Old Library Centre over a holiday period. The Computer, Yoga, Pilates and Bridge classes all take the holiday which is almost the same as the school, and so, we are going to do the same. This means that we will close on Friday 20th December at 4pm and re-open on Monday, 6th January, 2014 at 10am. All of us at the Centre hope you have a wonderful festive season and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Songs for Christmas Village voices and the junior choir present Songs for Christmas. ‘Villages voices’; a now choir formed this year, with members from Kilbarchan and surrounding villages, along with the junior choir, present a concert of songs for Christmas in Kilbarchan East Church on Saturday 7th December at 7pm. Tickets £4 for adults, £2 for children and £10 for a family ticket are available from Bobbins Coffee shop, by phoning 01505 704948 or at the door. Please do come along and get in the mood for Christmas with a delightful selection of seasonal songs.
Kilbarchan NWR
Christmas in Kilbarchan West
On 11th December, the Kilbarchan National Women’s Register is holding an evening meeting about the Suffragette movement. www.nwr.org.uk
Our Christmas Services starts on Sunday 15th December with a Gift Service when the children bring gifts to be given to Paisley Women’s Refuge. At this service the choir will also lead us in the Christmas Story in words and music. On Sunday 22nd December there will be a Family Service with a Nativity Presentation by the young people. This year the Joint Family Service will be in the East Church at 7pm, followed by the Joint Watchnight Service in the West Church at 11.30pm. On Christmas Day there will be a short Family Service at 10am when the children can bring their presents. Please feel free to join us at any of these services. You will be made most welcome.
Lochwinnoch Xmas Fayre
On the social side, West Life are holding a Christmas Coffee Morning on Saturday 14th December in the hall from 10am – 12noon. Tickets, priced £2.50 can be had at the door. Come along and enjoy a chat and a cuppa with friends. There have been some issues in Lismore Drive with defective street lights, however, I am pleased to report that overall things are much improved. Efficient street lighting is an important part of community safety which for me is a priority, so if you are experiencing this problem please let me know. In Lochwinnoch the resurfacing of the A760 was completed a week ahead of schedule. The shorter than anticipated timescale eased the inevitable disruption, and I thank the council staff for their efforts. Preparations for the festive season are in full swing in both Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch, and I will be attending as many of the events as possible. As a member of Renfrewshire’s adult protection and social work committees, I am fully aware of the need to protect and ensure a good quality of life for our older people. Our villages are really inclusive, and provide many opportunities for them to be involved in community groups and activities. Despite this, and particularly at this time of year, all of us are busy and some of our older people can often feel isolated and lonely, and it is often a sad time especially for those who have recently lost loved ones. A few words, or a visit from a neighbour to see if they need any help is often all it takes to support them and ease their situation. This is my last column of the year, so can I wish residents of Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch, staff who will keep our services running over the holiday, and those who are away from home particularly members of our armed services a happy and peaceful Christmas Surgeries: Saturday 7-Dec, 9am, McKillop Institute; and 10am at the Steeple Hall Kilbarchan. No surgery in January however please get in touch E: cllr. derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk. Tel: 0300-300-1274 or 07534-156-007
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Lochwinnoch Parish Church. Saturday 7th December from 10am - noon. Adults £2.50, Children £1.50
Lochwinnoch Community Council
Meetings: The Bowling Club, on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm.
Calderglen Falls Hydro Project The Proposal
The Bridgend Calderglen Falls is an historical landmark in Lochwinnoch which once powered local mills but it has since fallen into a state of disrepair. Lochwinnoch Community Development Company, a volunteer-based, local group, are proposing to renovate the dam, to ensure that this landmark feature remains for the enjoyment of everyone in the village for many years ahead. There will be a safe viewing platform, and a proposed Archimedes screw turbine will once again provide clean energy as well as a substantial income for the community. What’s more, a proposed fish pass will increase biodiversity by allowing salmon to pass upstream. The project has been in development for some time and has gained momentum over the last 6 months. A community consultation was held on the 17th of August this year where a number of members of the public were able to ask questions regarding the project.
What progress has there been since the consultation?
Since the consultation, LCDC has seen a number of new members join to show their support and offer assistance to progress the project. Independent ecological and habitat surveys have been carried out which suggest the impact of the installation will be minimal. A noise survey has been commissioned and a detailed study of the construction plant requirements is also being carried out. LCDC hopes to have the project ready for planning submission by the end of 2013.
Where can I find out more information?
All reports, drawings and minutes are on the LCDC web site www.lcdc.org. uk and LCDC hope to have a photo image on our web site soon. Although the LCDC are involved in the Community Buyout Group for the Struthers Factory Site in Lochwinnoch, the Bridgend hydro proposal has no links to this project.
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Gryffe Scottish Country Dance Club
Our winter term will finish on 5th December with a party night, 8pm to 10pm, in Kilbarchan Guide Centre. An easy and well known programme with a break for a glass of Christmas cheer and a few nibbles. Visitors will be most welcome to join us.
kilbarchan & lochwinnoch Vote YES - Buy Struthers Ballot 6th and 7th December, 10am - 8.30pm, McKillop Institute!
The Struthers Buyout is a project to buy the old lemonade factory for the community by the community. The plan is, once the site is purchased, through funding bodies like the National Lottery, we quickly start making money by selling the valuable spring water, renovate the large shed for renting as local business space and work with a housing association to build much-needed affordable housing for rent on some of the land. These incomes will contribute to the renovation, upkeep and some running costs of the old school building which we will use as a flexible space for community. These funds, held in trust, can also be used to invest in other village improvements in line with the community’s long-term aspirations. The final plans will be developed through villagewide consultation as the project progresses. VOTE YES at the ballot to show Scottish Ministers our support for the plan. A huge turnout is required, and at least 25% of the village must support it if we’re not to lose our right to buy. Then we will have just a few months to pull together funding to buy it, a major challenge. But if we don’t claim this right, we will have lost this wonderful opportunity and then who knows what will happen to Struthers? If you live in postal code PA12_4 and are on the electoral register you can vote. Important: Away on 6th & 7th December? Request a proxy voting form now from Wilma Begg (beggw@aol.com or phone 842678 between 7.30 & 9pm weeknights). Your vote is vital! Village website, Facebook: LochwinnochCommunityBuyout and twitter: @ LochwinBuyOut. Leaflets through your door.
Eat Lochwinnoch Food Festival The Eat Lochwinnoch Food Festivals will be re-starting on Saturday 7th December (10am – 3pm). There are lots of wonderful foods produced locally and the Food Festivals will bring this to your door step. Local voluntary organisations will also be fundraising through their stalls. There will be some familiar faces from the very popular previous events (eg, Yummy Scrummy Cakes) and also some new ones (eg, Delicious Bites, a new bakery business from Kilmacolm). Sean Middleton from Heritage Farmer’s Market Shop will be cooking burgers, if seeing all the food is making you feel peckish on the way round! If you are interested in getting involved with this or future Food Festivals (as a stall holder, or volunteer), please contact susie@myleapproject.org or phone the LEAP office (01505 842530).
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Kilbarchan General Society Kilbarchan General Society will be holding their AGM on Tuesday 10th December. The meeting will take place in Kilbarchan Bowling Club at 8pm. All members are invited to attend and support the election of the Preses and Managers for the coming year.
The class starts up on Thur 9th Jan until Thur 3rd April 2014. We shall finish off the year with a dance on Wednesday 16th April, music by Marian Anderson. More details nearer the time. For further information, contact Les Lambert on 01505 704398.
New Spanish Classes Classes for children are starting at the Lochwinnoch Bowling Club on a Saturday morning. Phone Anne on 01505 681842 to arrange a free taster lesson.
Lochwinnoch Choral Society
presents ‘500 YEARS OF CHRISTMAS’ on Monday 23rd December in Lochwinnoch Parish Church. Doors Open 7pm, Concert starts 7.30pm The annual Christmas Concert of the Lochwinnoch Choral Society is a long established Christmas tradition in the village and is a great way to start your festivities. This year the concert’s theme is a celebration of 500 years of Christmas, starting with ‘Sir Christémus’, written in the 15th century with a 1960s arrangement by William Mathias, followed by Christmas carols and songs through the centuries, plus more recent well known and loved songs made famous by Greg Lake and Elvis! Not forgetting the Lochwinnoch Junior Choir who will open the concert. As usual, the choir will be joined, by members of the Scottish Philharmonic Orchestra, and as ever the audience will be invited to participate in a selection of well known Christmas Carols. Enjoy the junior choir, senior choir, world class musicians, beautiful music and a glass or two of mulled wine and mince pies in the lovely and atmospheric setting of Lochwinnoch Parish Church. Tickets from – The Brown Bull; Now and Then; The Junction; and Calder Gallery. £7 and £5 concession, including mulled wine and mince pies.
Forgotten Orchard In November, pupils from Lochwinnoch, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Bridge of Weir Primary Schools were treated to performances of “The Forgotten Orchard”. The play features Katy, reminiscing about her Grandfather’s orchard and how he taught her the importance of growing food locally. The children had all been researching “air miles”, so LEAP funded visits from Eco Drama to perform the play to really bring to life the ideas they had been learning about. The children loved hearing about the over 200 varieties of apples that are native to Scotland and got to taste one of them at the end of the play. In January, LEAP will be buying each school a couple of apple trees for the pupils to plant in the school grounds. The trees will be Scottish varieties that grow particularly well in the West of Scotland, so the pupils (and their children and grandchildren!) will be able to enjoy the apples they produce in the years to come.
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houston, crosslee & brookfield Houston & Crosslee SWRI 84th Birthday! On Wednesday 11th December, we will meet in the Compass Centre at 7.30pm to celebrate our 84th Birthday with “An Evening of Fun”. Our January meeting will be on Wednesday 8th January when we will welcome David Walker who will speak to us about “The Hidden Treasures of Glasgow”. On Monday 6th January we welcome Pauline Brown who will show us how to make Vegetable Flowers. We look forward to seeing all our members and any visitors will be made very welcome. If you wish more information please contact Elaine Johnston: Tel: 01505 324827 or e: jemjohnston@ tiscali.co.uk.
HOST - Carrick Centre, Houston What’s on December 2013 Monday to Friday: Woodlands After School 01505 615438 MONDAY: Young Farmers 9th 7.30pm; Embroiderers’ Guild 10am; Galaxy Dancing; Diaporama 9th 7.30pm; Yoga 1pm M Laidlaw 01505 842877 TUESDAY: Paint Pot Tots 10am D Campbell 07789 262350; Farmers Discussion Society 10th 7.30pm; Yoga 7pm M/s Lawson 01505 613690 WEDNESDAY: French class Madame McDevitt 0141 886 6282; Dancerise (exercise) 1.30pm D Campbell 07789 262350; Galaxy Dancing 4pm; Gryffe Camera Club 7.30pm; Melody Makers 4th/18th 7pm; Drama Class 5pm THURSDAY: SWRI 7th 10am; French Class; 7.30pm; Folk Club (weekly) 8pm
Crafty Friends 5th/19th
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Houston Community Council The Community Council has been extremely active since the end of the summer recess, discussing local concerns re bus services with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), in particular perceptions regarding reduced services, following the demise of Riverside Transport. Residents with concerns in this regard are asked to note that they can bring them to the attention of the Community Council by telephoning 07854 724184, or by emailing to houstoncommcouncil@yahoo.co.uk . Members have also been in discussion with Renfrewshire Council regarding possible “green” projects for joint promotion, and a clean up of the area in the vicinity of the Craigends Yew Tree is under the microscope with a view to making one of the area’s natural attractions more accessible to residents and visitors. Trees installed at Houston Park by the Community Council earlier this summer appear to have been the subject of some vandalism. It’s a real shame that someone seems to have seen fit to damage a facility which was installed to enhance the look of the park. Anyone with any information relating to the damage is asked to contact Johnstone Police Officer at 01505 404000, or by dialling the 101 service, where they can speak to someone in confidence. The Community Council is purchasing Christmas lights as a first step in providing more visual Christmas cheer during the festive period. The lights will be on display outside Houston Church Hall in the village. The Community Council would like to extend the idea in subsequent years and any resident wishing to propose a site can do so via the means of contact detailed. The Community Council’s meetings take place on the third Wednesday of each month from January-June and September-November each year within the Carrick Centre, Main St, Houston at 7.30pm, and are open to members of the public to attend. There are a number of member vacancies anyone interested in taking on a more active role within their local community can take the first step by contacting the Community Council at the phone number or email address shown above to find out more information.
FRIDAY: Galaxy Dancing 3.30pm SAT: Galaxy Dancing 9.30am.
SUN: Baptist Church 11am & 6pm
Booking enquiries to Ian Simpson 01505 612203 or Sandy Young 01505 331488 or The Coffee Shop
Support the Houston Kirk Postie! For a donation of only 20p a card, the Kirk Postie will deliver anywhere in Houston, Crosslee and Brookfield. This year the Kirk Postie is raising money for the Killin Mountain Rescue Team. The Sorting Office, in the Church Hall, will be open from 10am to 12noon, and again from 7pm to 8pm every day from Monday 9th to Thursday 12th December. Cards may also be taken to the Church on Sunday 8th December. Delivery is guaranteed not later than Tuesday 18th December.
Houston and Killellan Guild Houston and Killellan Guild are being entertained by the Salvation Army with a Christmas Theme on Tuesday 10th of December in the Church Hall, Main Street, Houston.
Houston’s Big Christmas Sing Houston’s Big Christmas Sing – community singing and some fun. Friday 20th December: 7-9pm in Houston and Killellan Kirk. Admission free – all donations to the Syrian Crisis Appeal (we suggest £5 for adults and £1 for children)
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Watch Found Pink girls watch found near St Fillan’s Primary School. Contact the Advertizer for further information.
Remembering Service The season of Christmas can be a difficult time for people who have lost a loved one. It is a time when everyone is expected to be happily anticipating Christmas. However, for those grieving a loved one, it is more often a time of deeply mixed emotions of sadness and loneliness. We at Houston and Killellan Kirk would like to invite you to a Service of Reflection and Remembering on Sunday 15th December at 7pm.
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outdoors Colourful Kilmacolm
Bridge of Weir Horticultural Society
You will have noticed that our planters for the Piazza arrived in early November and were planted up by a sizeable contingent of our gardeners. We were extremely lucky to get a dry morning for our work, followed immediately by rain to water the plants well in. Of course at this time of the year it is difficult to get a really colourful display, but we look forward to spring when the plants should begin to fill out and the bulbs will come through.
David Ferguson, Head Gardener at nearby Greenbank Garden, joined us in November to talk about Climbing Plants. Greenbank has a tranquil, walled garden covered in climbers. It is also known to be a frost pocket, so David was well placed to give advice on cultivating plants here.
We had a good attendance at our first AGM at which we heard a resume of the group’s efforts so far, along with a healthy interim financial report. Details can be viewed on our website: www. colourfulkilmacolm.org. uk For more information or to offer help, please contact Peter (01505 872448) or Diane (01505 872611).
We were shown examples of over 20 climbers. He covered the perennial Clematis questions and recommended ‘Pilau’ and ‘Sugar Candy’ as replacements for ‘Nellie Moser’. Roses struggle in this area, but if Hybrid Teas and Floribundas are grafted onto appropriate root stocks, the plants are much stronger. Since air pollution has diminished and black spot can be a problem, he advised lifting and disposing of all leaves in an area affected by black spot. Drenching the soil with a copper fungicide may kill the spores in the soil. Often overlooked, Ivy plants provide valuable autumn interest and welcome nectar for bees as they flower late in the season. In Victorian times, Ivy was used to make low-maintenance hedges by weaving the tendrils through a frame. Both Hedera helix (Ivy) and Hydrangea petiolaris (climbing Hydrangea) make useful habitats for birds, insects and small mammals. Tropaeolum speciosum, the climbing Nasturtium which is notoriously difficult to establish, likes leaf mould and free drainage. These seem to be contradictory, but moisture is essential along with good drainage. Therefore, once established, it thrives in the West of Scotland. Good drainage is also essential for Jasmine. David gave us many planting and pruning tips and reminded us that good husbandry - checking ties for damage and growth - and judicious pruning equals healthy plants. He noted that Plant Selection ie., the right plant for the right microclimate involves an element of luck and he remembers this when passing a large Ceanothus, a native of Californian, blooming happily in Clarkston. Conversely, for an inhospitable site in Bridge of Weir, his recommendation was Pyracanthus.
Notice of AGM
Our AGM will be at 8pm on Thursday 12th December at The Bridge. Please note the change of venue. Cars can be parked in the Freeland Church car park opposite.
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The Garden in December
There are many joys to find in the winter garden. Introduce blossom. There are aconites, cyclamens, clematis, jasmine, different types of hellebores, beautiful viburnums and others. Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’ Plant this viburnum by the path to the front door – or similar welltrodden route – to o b t a i n maximum enjoyment from its sweetly scented f l o w e r clusters that last from October to March. It is one of the longestflowering of all winter shrubs, moderately frost-tolerant, vigorous and upright growing in habit. Plant between autumn and spring in any reasonable well-drained soil and in full sun. The Helleborus orientalis [Lenten Rose] flowers from December to April in colours ranging from white through pink to purple and near black. The flowers are shaped like saucers, whose sepals are spotted or streaked with combinations of soft green, dark pink or purple. Broad, dark green leaves appear after the plant has flowered, and stay throughout the year.
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Jasminium nudiflorum [winter-flowering Jasmine] Few winter shrubs can match this one for the sheer exuberance of its display, or for its hardiness, for though it flowers best on a sunny wall, it will also thrive very well against a bleak, north-facing one. Apart from being trained against a wall, winter-flowering jasmine can be allowed to cascade down banks or old tree stumps, where it is often partnered with a rich, glossy evergreen ivy such as Hedera Colchico ‘Sulphur Heart’.
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Photographic Competition Top photo wins £200
Local photographer Mark Hope’s photograph of ‘A Water Rail’ has won him £200 in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park’s Photographic Competition. In celebration of the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 the competition theme was ‘Year of Natural Scotland at Clyde Muirshiel’.
Grow Wild Funding to help Communities in Renfrewshire Bloom
Senior Ranger at the Park’s Greenock Cut Visitor Centre Michael Holcombe said: “The winning image caught the eye of the judges from the beginning as a good sighting of a water rail is hard enough - never mind a good image! The judges were particularly impressed with the natural behaviour of the rail; it was clearly unaware that it was the focus of attention. The image is clear and sharp with good composition.” Mark, of Glengarnock, was overcome and clearly delighted on hearing that he was the winner. Congratulations also go to Caroline Morgan and J McGookin who won £25 for coming top in the Natural Abstract and Landscape categories. Kate Cumming won in the other two categories, People in Clyde Muirshiel and
Organisations and community groups in Renfrewshire are invited to apply for growing awards of between £500 and £5000 from Grow Wild to create exciting, transformational wild flower sites in their local area. Grow Wild is a £10.5m nationwide initiative to inspire people and communities to come together to sow, grow and support UK native wild flowers, led by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and backed by the Big Lottery Fund. In Scotland, Grow Wild is working in partnership with greenspace Scotland and Youth Scotland to provide funding to community and youth groups. The Grow Wild community sites programme has more than half a million pounds available over the next three years for local groups and organisations throughout the UK who put forward the most exciting and inspirational ideas to give neglected and uncared-for spaces a new lease of life for everyone to enjoy. Grow Wild is particularly interested in projects that involve young people and explore new and innovative ways of using wild flowers to revitalise their local area. Grow Wild pilot projects have included a wild flower art installation planted within the body of a burnt-out car, an urban wildlife centre that reclaimed unused land for the local community and a community garden at a local hospital. To be eligible for funding, groups must be aiming to plant native wild flowers, native plants or trees with the community, starting in spring 2014. Youth Groups looking for smaller amounts of money (up to £100) can apply to the Young Grow Wild fund. Visit www.growwilduk.com for more information on Grow Wild community funding.
Plants and Fungi, gaining £50 in total. Also awarded a prize was Mark Shields in the Junior Competition with his winning entry ‘Silver Sea’. Regional Park Manager Charles Woodward said: “116 entries were received, making our judges’ task very difficult indeed. Our thanks go to the judges for their time and continued interest in the Park and its competition. They were former Clyde Muirshiel Senior Ranger Kenneth McGinigal, and local photographer George Kennedy from the Gryffe Camera Club” Kenneth, who also judged the International Year of Forests competition in 2011, said “The standard of images just keeps getting better as the years go by”. Judge George Kennedy was particularly impressed with the junior category winner, Mark Shields, who he would have considered “A worthy entrant in to an adult class”. Mark has won a photographic day out and tour of the Park with the Ranger Service. For more information, please contact: Fiona Carswell, Development & Marketing Officer CMRP. Tel: 01505 614791
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RSPB Lochwinnoch Wednesday 4th December - 7.30pm - 9pm Wednesdays with Wildlife - Twilight Talk: Serengeti National Park Lochwinnoch reserve manager, Zul Bhatia, gives us his yearly talk about Africa. Booking essential as spaces are limited. £5 or £2 for RSPB members Fri 6th Dec - Candlelight Winter Guided Walk - 5pm – 7pm Join the reserve team for an extra special experience, a guided walk by candlelight. Make and decorate your own lantern to take out on the trails. Hear stories about the reserve’s history and experience wildlife in a unique way. Then enjoy a hot drink in the wildlife hide before heading back to the visitor centre. Booking essential as space is limited. This walk is weather dependant and may be subject to change at short notice. Cost: £5 or £2 for RSPB members. Sat 7th Dec - 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. Sat 14th Dec - 1pm - 4pm - Festive fun! Christmas capers and crafts for the kids. Mince pies and mulled wine for the adults. Plus, a special guest appearance from our very own Father Christmas. Cost: £5 or £2 for RSPB members Sat 21st Dec - 10am – 1pm - Lifelong Learning: Wildlife for Beginners – Winter Birds Part of our Lifelong Learning Series. Make the most of the cold, crisp days ahead as we take you for an introductory guided walk to look at the reserve’s winter wildlife, providing hints and tips along the way and putting wildlife watching techniques into practice. Workshop description: Indoor workshop of wildlife techniques and winter wildlife to look out for followed by guided walk around key areas of the reserve, return to visitor centre for hot drinks and round up. Led by reserve staff. Suitable for: Beginners/Intermediate level of wildlife knowledge but all welcome inc. families. The workshop will be pushchair/wheelchair accessible. Cost: £10 or £5 for RSPB members Contact Us: RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, PA12 4JF. Telephone: 01505 842663/Fax 01505 843026 E: lochwinnoch@rspb. org.uk www.rspb.org.uk/scotland
Grow Kilbarchan The Grow Kilbarchan AGM was held in October. A constitution was formally adopted and office bearers elected. The first Chairperson is Suzie Wills, with Vice Chair Kay Quinn, Treasurer Kirsten Gow and Secretary Kathryn Trinder.
Recycling Your Christmas Tree Possibly a bit early to be thinking of throwing your Christmas tree away, but in case you are in this position before our next magazine reaches you, Christmas trees can be taken to household waste and recycling centres. • 52 Underwood Road, Paisley • Leitchland Road, Foxbar, Paisley • Middleton Road, Linwood • Miller Street, Johnstone • Barrhill Road, Erskine • Haining Road, Renfrew • Pottery Street, Greenock
It was decided set up membership of the group, with a nominal £1 charge per year membership fee. Membership is extended to any resident of Kilbarchan and surrounding area, who wishes to support the group, even if they are unable to attend meetings. The first priority is the planting of the fruit trees that will be part of the CSGN Orchard Grant that Grow Kilbarchan successfully applied for. This is planned for January. The next meeting will be held on Sunday 8th December, 2pm in the Old Library Centre, Kilbarchan. Keep up to date with events by “liking” the Grow Kilbarchan page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/GrowKilbarchan)
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pets Re-homing Pets
Can you offer a home to any of our featured pets?
~ SIMILAR TO PHOTO ~~ Chico is the most adorable. fluffy, silky soft black and white male. He is under 2 years old and is a very friendly boy who is looking for a new home where he will be allowed to go outdoors. Ref:MB
Missing Cat - Houston Area
To contact the Renfrewshire Branch on 0141 876 4133. All rehomings are subject to a successful home visit.
Calling villagers in Houston, please keep an eye out for “Ginger” who has gone missing since moving to Crawford Road on Thursday 14th November. Ginger, as you can see from the picture, is not ginger in colour, but so named because she had a brother called Fred. Ginger is 19 years old, but looks like a kitten, and her family really miss her! She’s got no collar on, but has a very distinctive bare mark round her neck from 19 years of wearing one. If you have any information, please call 07900 665196.
Rufus is a 2 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier Reference: 271339 Rufus is a nervous boy at first but he does come around quite quickly. He enjoys playing with his toys and getting plenty of treats, which should help as a training aid. Rufus is looking for a new owner who will give him the time he needs to settle into his new home, as well as the routine and consistency a nervous dog like Rufus needs in his life. He would be best suited to a home with older children. To contact the centre about any animals, please call 03000 999 999 or visit www.scottishspca.org/rehoming Buster is a sweet wee chap who loves to learn and really likes his training games. Buster needs a calm, quiet home with someone who has owned dogs previously to help him settle and give him the space and time he needs. He needs a secure garden and can live with children who are 14 years old or over. Buster can be reactive to other dogs so needs someone who is willing to come in to the centre and work on helping him with this and understand about body language. Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre, 315 Hamilton Road, Uddingston, Glasgow, G71 7SL. Open: 12noon - 4pm (including weekends); 12noon- 7.30pm on Tuesdays; closed: Wednesdays
Johnstone Cat Rescue Fund raising is very slow at this time of year and we are struggling to cope - Your help would be most appreciated. Call Sheena on 01505 337321.
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Sponsor a Puppy for Christmas Sponsoring a puppy is a great thing to do. It’s also really easy. It costs just £1 a week and your donation will be helping provide a guide dog for life. That’s one of eight guide dogs a person might need in their lifetime. You’ll see that you can also choose to sponsor a guide dog puppy as a gift for someone special – a partner, grandchild or even a good friend. However, don’t worry if you’re not quite ready to sponsor a puppy yet; we would also be very grateful to receive your one-off donation. If you are not ready to sponsor a puppy please keep in touch with us to receive our e-news updates. There are other ways to get involved in our work too. For instance, you may be interested in commemorating the life of a loved one by making a donation in their memory. If so, please call 0118 983 8385 to find out more or visit the website at www.guidedogsgiving.org.uk/ sponsorapuppy
Adopt a Panda (WWF Adopt an animal)
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Pet Portraits for Animal Lovers The ideal gift for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, or even just for a treat! Size A3/A4 in graphite, pastels, watercolour or acrylic. Please call:- 07580 589685 or visit our website for further information. Individual portraits could be ready in 3/4 days.
www.b-woodillustrationsanddesign.com
With as few as 1,600 pandas remaining in the wild today, now is the time to help halt the decline with WWF. Your monthly donations will provide the funds for WWF to create ‘green corridors’ to link isolated pandas, create local nature reserve management, and patrol against poaching and the illegal logging of the panda’s surrounding habitat. From just £3 a month you can adopt a panda, and help WWF to protect the future of this amazing species whilst conserving their habitat and our natural world. The Recipient of the Charity Gift Gets:- *A beautiful cuddly toy and print of your animal *A gift pack including a greeting card, certificate, facts about the species and tips on a ‘greener’ lifestyle *Wild World magazine delivered 3 times a year plus regular updates on your chosen animal Perfect as a Last minute gift? Even if you order late you can get a certificate to print or email to give on the day! There are other animals available for adoption too – Tigers, Dolphins, Turtles and even Polar Bears. Visit the website at www.wwf-adopt-a-animal.co.uk
Why does my cat…? We continue to look at why our cats behave the way they do! A cat’s territory is divided into three layers. Firstly the inner “home” or nucleus, which is where the cat spends time sleeping and eating and feels safe. The second layer is a territorial zone where the cat will hunt and display signs of aggression to any intruder, which can include humans. The outer layer is a neutral roaming zone where they may interact with other cats, and they tend not to defend or mark territory. Wild cats will form small social groups around food and shelter resources, but unlike dogs they do not live as a “pack” and hunt individually. It is usually only females that live in this close social manner as the males are generally excluded from the group. In domestic situations with pet cats, this does not happen and few cats recognise family bonds after kittenhood, which may explain why cats from the same litter start to fight as they grow into adulthood. Cats generally do not look at each other and actively avoid eye-to-eye contact, which is why they usually sit on the knee of the person in
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the house who is least interested in them! They use a number of visual signals to indicate mood and communicate. Ear position, pupil size, facial expression and tail position are all important, along with body position and vocalisation. They also use signalling termed “allogrooming”, where one cat will mutually groom and curl up with another in a friendly social bond. Cats in domestic situations tend to be neutered, and in some cases are kept as the sole cat in the household. They also usually have free access to the outside via a cat-flap or another non-human exit. They have a feeding and watering place free from threat from intruders, and they can eat while watching the room. How many people have cat food bowls in the corner of a room? Think about repositioning them! I often ask clients if they would sit facing the wall in a restaurant if eating alone, and the answer is always no! They like to have clean litter areas, and to make sure they do, International Cat Care recommend one litter tray per cat plus one spare. They also like to have a sleeping area which is warm and comfortable. Nervous cats may prefer one which is enclosed on three sides making them feel protected. Finally the provision of a source of feline facial pheromone extract which is a copy of what cats leave when they rub on you and the furniture with their faces can often help cats feel more contented and at home. For more information on this, and other feline behavioural issues, call us on 01505 800366.
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schools news Kidston Kids
Cargill Hall Toddler Group
At Kidston Kids in Kilmacolm we have been learning all about Transport and People Who Help Us.
Tuesday mornings in the Cargill Hall big hall, Bridge of Weir. No booking or commitment required. Any age from pregnancy to school. Lately there have been several new additions to the group… 8 to be exact, who all follow in their big brothers’ & sisters’ footsteps/crawls & are already enjoying everything the group has to offer. Their mummies (and daddies) even more so with the chance for a therapy session (AKA a cuppa & a good old gab).
We are excited about our forthcoming visits from the Port Glasgow Fire Brigade, the Community Police and the Road Safety Officer. If you would like to join the fun, please visit our website www.kidstonkids.co.uk or pop in and see us. All welcome! Hannah is a Winner! It’s been a very exciting month for little Hannah Sandielands. Not only has she become a big sister but she also won the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Mad Hatter’s Tea Party competition. Hannah, age 2, coloured in the Mad Hatter’s Hat in pink and was delighted to win her very own toy pet and pet carrier. Kidston Kids would like to thank the staff of RBS for their support. Well Done Hannah, we are very proud of you!
Christmas Capers Saturday 7th December Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm 10am-12 noon Come and meet Santa and his Elves in his grotto. Craft Stalls, Home Baking, Tea and Coffee available and Prizes to be won!
Kilmacolm Nursery Class Kilmacolm Nursery Class continues to be a busy, productive part of Kilmacolm Primary School. We have responded to the season by building homes for hedgehogs along the fence bordering Milton Woods, we have planted bulbs in pots and around our play area and look forward to a colourful display in the spring. We are preparing for Christmas and rehearsals are well underway for our Nativity plays. We hope to replenish nursery funds by holding a sponsored obstacle course and coffee morning. This will have a Scottish theme linked to our St Andrew’s celebrations. We are planning outings to the McLean Museum, Greenock, as a follow up to having the Discovery Dome in school. The children will begin to appreciate the scope of what they can learn from such a visit and the challenge will be to notice information about Kilmacolm! A Parents’ Night is organised and it will be lovely to share some of our learning intentions with parents and give them a chance to see some of our resources. What an eventful time we have arranged and all before 20th December! The last comment we would like to make is Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All.
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Bridge of Weir Primary Bridge of Weir pupils have been busy showcasing their work at a series of open days. P4 pupils shared their learning about the Vikings, visitors to P6 were treated to displays on Mary Queen of Scots and in P5 parents found out what their children know about the Wars of Independence. P5 pupils also thoroughly enjoyed visiting Stirling Castle to find out firsthand about life in 13th Century Scotland. As part of their science topic looking at Renewable Energy, P7 students were bowled over by the scale and workings of what they saw on a trip to Whitelee Wind Farm in Eaglesham and were amazed to find out that the blades are hollow so that people can go inside to repair them. P1 pupils are proudly taking home their new reading books and are looking forward to visiting the local library to meet children’s author Debbi Gliori as part of Book Week Scotland. In nursery the children have been finding out about people who help us and when asked what they would like to learn about made it clear that they really wanted to find out more about dentists and the police - so that’s exactly what they will be doing! Maureen Pepper, of Gryffe Camera Club has commended the highquality entries to a recent club competition. Congratulations to Mya, Lily and Cori for their prize-winning photographs, and thanks to Gryffe Valley Rotary Club for their very generous prizes. With Christmas firmly in sight, everyone’s busy making gifts for the Christmas Fayre and preparing for festive celebrations and parties in December. The school choir is also performing at several locations including Princes Square on Monday, 9th December from 2-3pm. Happy Christmas from everyone at Bridge of Weir Primary!
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Talk it Over Now at the start of its sixth year the Talk it Over Group, a postnatal depression support group, meets every Tuesday morning from 10.30am till 12 noon in the Place of Paisley, Paisley Abbey. It is available for Mums in the Paisley and Renfrewshire area. There is a crèche available. Just come along for a cuppa and a chat.
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Woodlands Day Nursery Baby Room
Our babies have been having a ball playing in Autumn leaves, they have been creating lovely pictures with these and painting wonderful creations for their wall. We are also had a fun PJ day with all funds raised going to children in need. Children brought their teddies and wore their cosy clothes while decorating eye patches for their little bears just like Pudsey Bear.
Tweenie Room
Here in the tweenie room, we have been using the method of splash painting to create fantastic fire work pictures to brighten up our room. Our travelling teds have also been out and about watching some wonderful firework displays and all the children have enjoyed hearing about their adventures.
Rising Fives
Well its all go in Rising Fives with all children focusing on numeracy skills and healthy living. During group times children have been using a variety of numeracy puzzles, numeracy games and number related computer games on the smart board to further develop their number awareness. We have also been using Eat Well to Play Well to enhance children’s knowledge of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Children have been using real and play food to sort and group into sections, talking about having a healthy heart and food that gives us energy. We have also been enjoying lots of outdoor play in all weathers.
Kilbarchan East Tots’ Club Party Monday 16th December at 9.45am and the club will resume on 13th January from 9.15-11.30am in the East Church hall.
Out of School Care
We have been concentrating on Road Safety and Anti Bullying, raising awareness of the importance of both through fun activities. We also welcome our new staff member Sarah who is currently settling in and getting to know all the children.
Kilbarchan Primary School Farewell Mr Sherratt - The staff and pupils of Kilbarchan Primary School were sad to see Mr Sherratt leave to go to work in Saltcoats. Mr Sherrat has been the school Minister for nearly 20 years. For his goodbye Assembly each class prepared a song to sing to him. P1 and P2/1 sang ‘If you’re happy and you know it’, P2 sang ‘O what a wonderful world’, P3 sang ‘How did Moses cross the red sea’, P4/3 sang ‘Be bold, be strong’, P4 sang ‘You shall go out with joy’, P5 sang ‘When the saints’ (with their own lyrics), P6 sang ‘One more step’ and P7 sang ‘Give me joy in my heart’. As well as singing all these songs for him the pupils and Parent Council presented Mr Sherratt with a ‘boogie’ surf board and other gifts. We are very sad to see Mr Sherratt go, but we also wish him lots of luck with this new chapter in his life. Hopefully he will have happy memories of Kilbarchan Primary School. “The Forgotten Orchard” On Wednesday 6th November the pupils of P4-7 were treated to a play called ‘The Forgotten Orchard’. The play was about Scottish apples –where they are from, their appearance, their history and most importantly their taste. The crowd was amazed at the way Grandpa pulled the apples out of thin air. As well as the play being funny it was also educational. ‘The Forgotten Orchard’ makes viewers think about where their apples come from. But it’s not all about facts; the cast interacted with the audience too. Harry Pittway from P7 said, “It was very interesting and taught us a lot about apples, it was also very funny.” Lewis Cockburn, also P7 said, “I thought it was very good because we were given an apple at the end, but it was very sad when the grandpa died.” Robert McGregor, P6 said, “I think it was fantabulous! I really enjoyed the show!” The pupils of P4-7 now know much more about apples than they did before. By Chloe Lafferty, Rachel Hay & Brooke Docherty, P7
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Abbey Nursery As we come to the end of another very busy year, everyone at Abbey Nursery would like to take this opportunity to thank parents and carers for all the support and feedback you have given to help us continue to improve the service as we move forward. Numerous coffee mornings have been full of lively chat about everything from lunch menus to new resources and the children have particularly enjoyed their new scuttle bug and balancing bikes for indoor and outdoor play. Grandparents Week and Halloween was another time for the Busy Bunnies and Grasshopper playrooms and it was great having so many ‘young people’ helping out with the children; chatting to the staff and giving us ideas for the future. The children’s Welly Waddle on behalf of Cot Death was hugely well supported and with sponsorship money still coming in, it is likely to reach over £700 now! Needless to say the children loved getting out and about and this activity is one of their favourites. In December there are trips planned to Mother Goose and The Night before Christmas; the pre school nativity of Oops a Daisy Angel and hopefully a visit by Santa and we are fortunate to be able to share these experiences with the children over the coming week.
Duchal Nursery School We had a fantastic visit from one of our mum’s who is a local countryside ranger, she brought along lots of animals from the countryside for the children to see and learn about, a fascinating experience. The children had great fun dressing up in their pyjamas and bringing in their teddies for Children in Need. We baked Pudsey Cakes and did a special sponsored Sing-a- Long – we managed over 30 songs – a very entertaining way to raise money for such a great cause. We are enjoying our trips across the park to St Columba’s for our PE lessons and seeing lots of the grown up ex Duchal children in big school and have lots of fun playing with the big parachute!
As the end of term gets closer we start to get in the mood for the Festive season – and can’t wait for our annual trip to the Tron Theatre in Glasgow for much Christmas hilarity. No doubt our Nativity concert will bring plenty of smiles to everyone’s faces especially when our jolly friend in red arrives!! Visit our website at: www.duchal.com to keep up to date with all the latest news
St Columba Playgroup & Toddlers We’d like to extend a warm welcome to all the children and families who joined Playgroup over the last few weeks and also wish those heading off to nursery the best of luck. It’s lovely to get to know the children at a young age and to help them develop social skills and confidence outside the home before they head off into the big world of nursery. We have lots of opportunities for fun and games as well as a quiet corner too so something for everybody; but as the picture shows, you have to be quick if you want a space on the see-saw! Visits welcome at any time and we are now taking names for January for one of the precious two year old spaces. If you are interested in a place on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday morning email Laura our membership secretary laura.hannah@hotmail.co.uk to arrange a visit. Our toddler group runs on Wednesday’s 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 and for parents and carers to have a cuppa and a chat, we always look forward to welcoming new faces to the group. Please contact our Toddler secretary Anya for more information on 07772 269840. There is lots going on in the group so like us on Facebook - St Columba Playgroup & Toddlers Kilmacolm. for further information.
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Kilbarchan Community Nursery The nursery staff and children w e r e delighted to be awarded our second Eco flag last month. Our assessor told us that our ‘Eco programme is still high on the agenda and is being used to provide the children with meaningful contexts for learning.’
English Dept - Gryffe High School Debating – Youth Speakers Contest
My friends Rachel Boyd, Rebecca Thomson and I were selected by Miss Higgins and Miss Donnelly to participate in the Youth Speakers Contest 2013. We competed against four other schools at St Andrews Academy last Wednesday evening. Our chosen subject to argue for was; ‘Should the school leaving age be increased to combat current high youth unemployment in the UK.’ Even though other schools chose to speak about this topic also, R a c h e l , Rebecca and I feel that we represented Gryffe High School well, worked as a team and delivered a good argument in front of the judging panel. Miss Higgins and Ms Donnelly were absolutely delighted with the girls’ performance. “We are so proud of the girls. They were thoroughly prepared and gave up a significant amount of their own time to do this. All three were a complete credit to our school, and to themselves.”
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Primary Schools Photographic Competition. Gryffe Camera Club runs an annual schools competition for four local schools, Bridge of Weir, Houston, Kilmacolm, and St Fillan’s. After an introductory talk in June, the children used the summer break to photograph their images which are submitted in September. The entries are judged by a panel of five and an evening at the club is spent writing crits for each entry and awards are presented. This year the camera club has once again been very grateful for the support from The Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley who covers the cost of the
The children are pictured with our newly built greenhouse, made from recycled plastic bottles collected by nursery parents. We had the help of ‘The conservation volunteers’ in the building of the Greenhouse and the cost of additional materials was kindly funded by local energy group ‘LEAP’. December will be busy as always with our; Christmas fayre, visit to the panto ‘Babes in the wood’ at the Paisley Arts Centre, the performance of our Christmas show based on the children’s own ideas and on 19th December (the last day of term), our Christmas party.
prizes and takes part in the judging. The standard of photography this year was very high and the entrants had used their imaginations and composition skills in a variety of ways. Talented young photographer, Ben Cameron (Kilmacolm) was awarded the Judges’ Choice honour for his image of seed heads. As well as individual awards there is a second part to the competition in the form of a school panel which is made up with the three main winners. This year the panel trophy was awarded to Kilmacolm Primary School with St Fillan’s earning Highly Commended as close second.
Article – Lara Basler S3; Photos – Miss Higgins
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Fair Trade Award For St Fillan’s
It’s certainly never a dull moment for the children at St Fillan’s Primary school as, at the start of this term, the Fair-trade committee were surprised with an award for being the best Fair Trade School in Renfrewshire for their continuous hard work in promoting Fair Trade. The Fair-trade group have now been running for over five years with the senior pupils of St Fillan’s recruiting younger pupils to carry on the good work. The leader of Renfrewshire council Mark MacMillan along with f o r m e r Provost John McDowell presented the children with a glass trophy in recognition of all of their hard work. The Fair-trade committee with the support of Mrs McKay holds four coffee mornings per year to support Rainbow Turtle and raise money for different charities. If you would like to help support Fair-trade pop in and have a look. The P7 pupils with the support of their teacher Mrs Munro researched and presented to the school during our annual Poppy Day Assembly. They then went onto collect money for Poppyscotland by selling poppies in the school. Our P1 children have now enjoyed one full term as primary school children. They have all settled well into their new routines and are becoming increasingly independent in managing their learning. Rehearsals are in full swing for our Christmas Nativity performance with the children practising their lines and enjoying learning about the skills they need to perform on stage. Our yearly community performance is on Thursday 5th December with all members of the community invited to come along at 10am and get into the spirit of Christmas. If you would like more information on our Nativity show please call 01505 613131. By St Fillan’s Media Team
Langbank Playgroup Halloween at Langbank Playgroup was great fun although you might not want to upset this little one! We had a super assortment of super heroes and characters plus a wonderful Dorothy with her lion and a random strawberry, creating wonderful opportunities for conversation and interaction plus some traditional activities. By the time you read this, we will also have raised funds for Children in Need and be getting ready for Christmas. Why not bring your child along for a visit and see what they could enjoy? Children from 2.5yrs to pre-school very welcome from Langbank and the surrounding areas. Please contact our Chair, Jacqueline for further details on 01475 540728.
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Kilmacolm Primary School As we hurtle ever closer to the madness which is Christmas in our school we can reflect on a very busy few weeks. Creative communities have visited school to work with P6 on a poetry project. Daniel Duggan brought a wide variety of drums for a drumming workshops with classes and the sound they made was magnificent to hear. We sent a team of pupils to participate in a Inverclyde’s Cross Country Challenge and received a group of very muddy and exhausted pupils back. Well done to all who tried very hard. P3 & 4 visited the Kilmacolm War memorial as part of their work on Remembrance Sunday and fortunately the weather was kind to them as walked through Kilmacolm. Hopscotch Theatre visited us recently to present a show based on ’The Emergency Services’. The whole school attended and thoroughly enjoyed the important messages about our emergency services which were delivered in a very enjoyable format. P6 & 7 have received workshops on the important issue of Cyberbullying and P7 have enjoyed drug awareness talks from The Haven P1 enjoyed their visit to the library to receive Book Bug Bags and had a great time looking at all the books. P1 also hosted an ‘Elmer’ workshop for parents where all the parents were involved in working with their children to make Elmer elephant models, based on P1’s current topic. The afternoon was great fun with everyone surrounded by messy glue, tissue paper and glitter–wonderful! P3 hosted a fantastic Pirate Party for parents to showcase their learning. It was a great afternoon where everyone participated in a variety of fun pirate activities. Our Athletics team came 3rd in the first round of their athletics tournament and we wish them good luck in the future. We are now looking forward to our Diversity week, where all classes will learn about equality and inclusion through a variety of activities. We also look forward to our St Andrews Day celebrations where we welcome Kenny Wilson to school to delight us with his extremely entertaining Scottish songs.
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St Columba’s School Pipe Band Leads Remembrance Parade
Once again at the request of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, the School Pipe Band led the Remembrance Day Parade through Port Glasgow on Sunday 10th November. It was a memorable outing for the ten new Band members who took up their positions in the ranks for the first time. Earlier in the day, Pipe Major Sandy Ritchie and Pipe Sergeant Jack McAlpine each accepted the invitation from the Branch Secretary of the Argyll’s to play Flowers of the Forest at commemorative services which took place in Finlaystone and at the Cairn Memorial in Port Glasgow.
St Columba’s Has Talent
As part of their fundraising efforts for their yearbook, SVI organised a highly successful talent contest, So you think you’ve got talent? The winning act was The Lazy Activists (Dominic Bogle & Lewis Haig, SIII) who performed a song of their own composition. SVI would like to thank the following local businesses for their extremely generous raffle prize donations: Cherry Blossom Children’s Boutique, Confident Care, Fernie and Florence, First Sight Opticians, Gibb Stuart Home Hardware, Java Minute, Kilmacolm Dental Care, Kingsley Wood and Co, Nix Hairdressing, the Co-operative, The Cross Café, The Village Bakery, Threads, Tom Wylie Bespoke Jewellery Design and Wild Flour.
Musical Celebration
Following the success of our sell-out Musical Celebration in 2011, we are once again delighted to showcase the musical talents of our Junior and Senior School pupils on Wednesday 18th December in Greenock Town Hall. This event is open to the general public. Full details can be found on the St Columba advert on page 36 of this issue.
Houston Primary School Houston Primary School enjoyed another very successful road race at the new On-X course in Linwood. P6 girls achieved a team 2nd Award and an individual award for 3rd place by Beth Moglia. P6 boys achieved team 1st and an individual 2nd place by Fraser Taylor. P7 girls also got awarded a 1st team and an individual 1st by Alisha Sivell. In addition, P7 boys also achieved a team award for 1st and an individual award for 2nd by Andrew Devine. After lots of hard work and transforming classes into a magical castle, P5 had an entertaining open afternoon for visitors. Parents and relatives were enthralled by their excellent job at turning an ordinary classroom into a spooky castle. Pupils dressed in castle-related costumes and made spook-tacular wall displays. At our Remembrance Day Assembly, 7 members from the British Legion visited the school to tell the pupils all about their experiences as military personnel. They brought several flags, and lots of accounts of their service and a framed poem written by Lewis McGeachin was presented to him by the ex servicemen.
Entrance Assessments – 2014 - 2015
Assessments for entry to Junior School will be held on 9th & 10th January and for Senior School (from Transitus (J7) – SeniorVI) on 11th January. Prep assessments are 16th & 17th January. Please call Junior School on 01505 872768 or Senior School on 01505 872238 for full application details or visit the School website www.st-columbas.org Written by Katie Harrison, Laura Workman, and Rowan Johnson.
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sports & clubs news Birkmyre Rugby
1st Houston & Crosslee Scouts
Looking to replicate the fantastic result from the away win in Arran, Birkmyre embarked on one of the longest away journeys of the season on the 16th of October.
All the sections are now well underway with the new season with various activities already having taken place.
The Bears travelled down to Wigtownshire RFC in Stranraer. The game was always going to be a tough encounter with Wigtownshire up there with the league leaders and the game was a fairly even affair with the strong wind and rain dictating play. In the end Wigtownshire managed to run in a few tries in the dying stage of the game to pull away with victory. A tough result to a team Birkmyre feel they could beat, the return leg on the 18th of January is sure to be a fantastic game. The next league game saw Birkmyre come away with possibly the result of the season so far. A Victory over local rivals Paisley with 14 men for the majority of the game. The Bears put to bed a problem of slow starts to games and went out firing managing not a concede a point in the first half due to stout defending and good interplay from the forwards and the backs. The heavens opened in the second half and the style of play was changed instantly but the Bears adapted and managed to keep going strong holding out until the final whistle. A great result to get the league campaign back on track. A team known well to the players and coaches were up next in an away trip to Cumnock. Conditions could not have been worse with it raining from start to finish. It was always going to be a tough day at the office against a good side like Cumnock and the conditions did not help and Birkmyre could not edge the win. It was not all doom and gloom and there were positives to be taken away from the trip. The team showing grit, determination and heart in wretched conditions and many young and new players showing why they should be in the first XV at Birkmyre RFC. Birkmyre continue to train on both Tuesday and Thursday from 7.30pm. For additional information contact the team manager, Donald Hall on 07799 154597.
Congratulations must go to the cubs who recently took part in the regional general knowledge quiz competition at Inchinnan and duly won the event against a number of other teams. The cubs also held their Investiture night recently with a number of the younger boys now fully fledged cubs. The scouts have also been busy and finally managed to complete their midnight hike challenge from Kilmacolm back to Houston. There was an excellent turnout of Scouts and helpers which saw the scouts mastering their mapping and compass skills. This was the fourth attempt to complete this after the previous 3 hikes were cancelled due to blizzards, storm force gales and monsoon rain. At least on this occasion the boys could navigate by moonlight!
1st Houston Scout Events The sections also had their Halloween Party nights in the hall with the kids excelling themselves with some fantastic costumes. The group also took part in the Armistice Parade and service as part of Remembrance Sunday with the different sections taking part. The Annual Christmas Fayre will take place on the morning of Saturday 7th December. The past few years has seen this very important fund raiser go from strength to strength so hopefully this year will be even better. The committee and some of the explorer scouts have recently been tidying up the outside entrance area of the hall as well as clearing out the loft area so special thanks go to everyone who helped on the day. The group are still looking for potential leaders for the cubs so if anyone is interested, please come along on a Tuesday evening to the Scout Hall. Finally the re-furbished halls are available for long term lets or birthday parties. Anyone interested can phone 01505 615441 or 01505 612617.
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Strathgryffe Social Tennis The Monday Lunchtime tennis section at Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash Club enjoyed an early Christmas Tournament and lunch this year. They meet every Monday between 12.30pm - 2.30pm. A mixture of gents, ladies and mixed doubles matches were played followed by a tasty buffet. Eventual winners were Vicky MacDonald & Malcolm MacLeod. Evening and weekend play at Strathgryffe is still very popular but the club now offers a variety of daytime tennis opportunities for adults. There are full time coaches at the club who can offer individual coaching, group sessions for beginner & improver are available every Tuesday, and as well as the Monday Club there are drop in sessions on a Friday for ladies 9.15am-10.30am and for gents 10.30am-12.30pm. Ladies can also sign up for Wednesday & Thursday morning leagues. For more information on Strathgryffe please visit our website www. strathgryffe.net or email susan@strathgryffe.net
Kilmacolm Scouts We recently took advantage of a dark evening for a night and incident hike. Kilbarchan and Birkmyre Explorers ran bases for the Scouts including tent pitching in the dark, drain pipe challenge, stretcher making and team building for candle lighting.
Kilmacolm Scouts make heads
The Scouts also used their heads to make heads. They created papier mache heads that looked like their leaders. So realistic were some of the heads, it was hard to tell which were the leaders and which the leaders’ heads. The fun activity was part of their Artists and Creative Challenge Badges.
Quarrier’s Beavers Triumph
Kilbarchan Athletic Club
Elderslie Amateurs
Interested in taking up jogging/ running?
Elderslie Amateurs 2001’s Football Team are currently looking for new players who could enhance our squad.
Why don’t you come and join us, we meet Monday and Thursday Nights 7pm at On-X, Linwood. We cater for all abilities. For more information phone 07941 686990
If you are interested in joining our well run club please phone Ian Morris 07759 450825 or Stuart Brown 07515 528434.
At the District Beavers Activity Day, 150 Beavers – including some from the Quarrier’s pack hiked to Everton to spend the day hunting in the forest, walking the blind trail, orienteering, climbing Jacob’s Ladder, shooting arrows at a target, eating Haribos, playing swimming pool hockey and jumping high on the trampoline. After lunch they all took part in Sports Day races, where they ran, skipped, h u l a hooped, hopped, jumped and relayed in an attempt to win the Jean King Trophy. T h e triumphant winners were announced as those from Quarrier ’s and the day finished with songs by the campfire.
Beavers Activity Day
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5-a-side Football Old Ranfurly Golf Course News We play at Powerleague Paisley 6pm every Monday. Now in our 12th season & always looking for more players, regular or occasional. No particular skill or fitness required, just a good sense of humour. Contact Jim Bretherton 01505 874215 or jimbretherton@aol.com
Bridge of Weir Ladies Badminton Why not pop along one Monday evening in the Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir between 7.30pm and 9pm? Our season continues through the Autumn and Winter and finishes at the end of March. Membership £40 per season. Visitor rates £4 per evening.
Danish Junior Open Report The weekend of 4th – 6th October saw an eleven strong team of players from Strathgryffe Tennis and Squash Club fly to Copenhagen, Denmark to participate in the Danish Junior Open. As a European Squash Federation Grand Prix event, the tournament is a popular competition for players from all over Europe looking to better their European Junior ranking. As the first European event for many of the players, the main aim of the event was to give the players experience of a higher level tournament and having to play in a major foreign event. The Boys under 13 age category was a big event for the Scottish contingent, with 3 players out of a total of 15. Ruadhri McDougall and Jack Chambers (despite having very poor geographical knowledge) performed admirably, coming 10th and 13th respectively. Pulling out some of the best performances of the trip, Calum Carswell, seeded 5th going into the draw, finished in a superb 3rd place, only losing out to the very strong number one seed from Sweden.
Strathgryffe were also very well represented in the Under 13 girls’ event. With the youngest age group in the European events being under 13, Phoebe Maclean-Bristol and Beth Moglia were playing an age group higher than normal, both still being under 11. Amy Maclean-Bristol (11) and Georgia Adderley (12) were also in the event. After some very hard fought matches, the girls finished 7th (Phoebe), 6th (Beth) and 5th (Amy). In an absolutely Stellar performance, Georgia overcome all the odds, winning the event by taking out the Danish no1 seed on her home glass show court and winning the title Danish Junior Open GU13 Champion! Playing in her first foreign event, Kirsty Carswell was going to find the Girls under 15 category tough, having only just moved into the category and facing some very strong opposition. Kirsty though fought hard and well and improved visibly over the event taking away some very important learning from the event. One of our key hopes for the future, Kirsty can take lots away from the trip and use it in future to keep moving up the Scottish rankings. Jack Smillie was our sole player in the boys under 15 event. Recently selected for the Scottish Talent Squad, this was Jack’s second European trip in a month, coming off the back of the Welsh Junior Open. With a somewhat rusty start to the tournament, Jack lost his first two matches, however he rallied well to win his last two matches, finishing 9th in the process. The boys under 19 event Jason Lang (seeded 17/32) and Craig ValenteWallace (Seeded 5/8) flew the flag for Strathgryffe. Unfortunately the draw meant that after qualifying, Jason met Craig in the first round, meaning only one could progress into the main draw. With Jason emerging the victor of the match, Craig went on to finish 11th and Jason performed above his seeding to finish 8th. The trip was an enormous success, forging great team spirit and camaraderie within the group. Based on our experiences this year, Strathgryffe are looking forward to making the tournament and annual event!
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Photo of the lady captain, Alison Thompson, the Rev Ian Miller and the captain of the Old Course Ranfurly golf Club Suzanne Smith taken at our annual ladies dinner. 46 ladies attended and enjoyed a delicious meal and were entertained by the very amusing anecdotes given by the Rev miller.
Greenock & District Scouts Congratulations to Kai Milloy
70th Cub Scout Kai Milloy was presented with his Chief Scout’s Silver Award at the end of an exciting fun-packed weekend of Halloween activities at Lochgoilhead.
A Century for the Radio Club
Greenock and District Scouts and Guides Amateur Radio Club successfully made contact with their 100th unique country last weekend. During their weekly club meeting Radio Operator Stephanie McCann (10th Greenock and District Beaver Leader) made the 100th contact with an amateur radio station in Cape Verde (an Island off the west coast of Africa). It has taken the club more than two years and almost 2000 separate radio contacts to achieve this milestone. The next step is to confirm all the contacts which will allow the club to claim membership of the exclusive DXCC (Distant Contact Century Club). DXCC is Amateur Radio’s premier award, so well done Stephanie
A Fright Good Time Was Had By All
Across the District Cubs, Scouts and Beavers had a horribly good time this Halloween. 42nd Cubs enjoyed a food-filled evening of games and activities at their Halloween party. They enjoyed eating doughnuts hanging from the ceiling and dooking for apples among other activities. The 70th Cub Scouts and Beaver Scouts had a wild time at their party and enjoyed carving some particularly lifelike pumpkins. The 59th Beavers, Cubs and Scouts had a great night at their Halloween Parties. Nearly 40 beavers, about 25 cubs and 12 scouts had all the usual ghoulish and fun party games and lots of food. The sticky doughnuts on a string were among the many messy but entertaining activities that everyone enjoyed - leaders included. The scouts carved pumpkin lanterns which were put to good use on the way home.
Bridge of Weir Angling Club (River) Fly Tying for All Beginners’ class - 7pm Experienced fly tyers most welcome Royal British Legion, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3NR Weekly from Tuesday 1st Oct until Tues 25th Feb 2014 For any further information contact John Blair on 07783 988 963 or Beaton Bros Funeral Directors 01505 610555.
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Windows on Wildlife by Project Officer Hayley Douglas
October has been a busy month for me on the talk front with visits being made to Rainbows in Bridge of Weir and to the day groups at St Vincent’s Hospice in Howwood. If you have a group that you feel would enjoy learning about the local wildlife and watching videos taken by trail cameras then please email me on wow@clydemuirshiel.co.uk or phone on 01505 842 882 Ex 25. Keep an eye out for our Swan Chats happening at Castle Semple during the winter. These informal sessions are similar to ‘Meet the Keeper’ talks where all your questions about the swans will be answered. There will be plenty of opportunity to learn about some of the individuals who live at Castle Semple and the chance to see some of the birds getting their rings. The next session will be on Sat 14th December at 13.00 hrs and will take place where the swans gather at the entrance to the car park.
Wildlife News
The cameras have been busy collecting footage and there have been some surprises this month. The otter camera didn’t pick up any otters but water rails and snipe were filmed as well as an interesting piece of a snipe displaying defensively at a water rail. The wood cameras have picked up activity at the badger sett showing lots of digging and bedding being collected. With the start of autumn, migrant birds have been filmed on a number of occasions. Redwings have been filmed and just the other day a small flock of redpolls landed in front of one of the cameras. The squirrels have been busy collecting and burying food which led to an interesting altercation between one and a magpie. Whilst collecting the cameras in, an injured crow was found and taken up to Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre. The crow has a break in its wing but it is now strapped up and should be better in no time at all.
Renfrewshire do it again! Renfrewshire Golf Union A team has won the West of Scotland Championship for the twelfth time in a row with a victory at Kirkintilloch Golf Club against Dunbartonshire. Renfrewshire President, Ian McCosh, was delighted to retain the Championship. He expressed his thanks to all of the squad who had been involved in the campaign for turning out, often in poor weather, to ensure that the trophy remains where it has been for another year. Thirteen players took part and there were only eight lost games over the five matches.
Full results: Matt Clark – Kilmacolm won 2&1 Steven Maxwell Windyhill. Gordon Stevenson - Whitecraigs half match Colin Colraine - Balmore. Michael Daily - Erskine won 1 up John Fowler - Hayston. Sam Binning - Ranfurly Castle half match Stewart Shaw - Kirkintilloch. David Dickson - Eastwood won 2up Sam Fitzsimmons - Windyhill. Andy Farmer – Kilmacolm won 3&1 Niall Lamond Kirkintilloch. Craig Watson – East Renfrewshire won 2up Clint Maxwell – Clober. Ryan McKenzie – Erskine half match Greg Halkett - Kirkintilloch.
Hayley’s Nutty Nine in Ten
Well I’ve done it! On the final weekend of my nutty nine in ten in October I completed my final two challenges for Teenage Cancer Trust. On Saturday the 19th in the evening I was joined again by my friend Stephen McLean as we took on the Zombie Night Run in Helensburgh. This was an 8km trail run at night where, as well as running in the pitch dark, we were also chased by fellow runners dressed as Zombies! It was a great race in the hills above Helensburgh. To add to the atmosphere there were event organisers hidden in the woods who would fire up a chainsaw as you ran passed. It certainly put wings on my feet! Poor Stephen had an unfortunate accident when a branch connected with his nether regions but we both finished and were labelled infected after losing our life tags to some of the Zombies. I
then got a few hours sleep before tackling my final challenge, Survival of the Fittest in Edinburgh. This is a 10k urban obstacle race set in the streets of Edinburgh which sees racers jumping over hay bales on the Royal Mile, climbing walls in the Grassmarket and getting wet in the skips in Princess Street Gardens. I took a tumble on the final obstacle, an 8ft slippery wall, but was caught by one of the marshals before crossing the finishing line in under 1hr and a half. I’ve really enjoyed doing all the challenges although I don’t think I’ll be able to wear a skirt again due to all the bruises and scars I’ve picked up. I’d like to thank everyone who has sponsored me, particularly friends and the residents of Lochwinnoch. Currently the total stands at £1376 and if you still want to add to that total you can do by donating on-line at www. virginmoneygiving.com/Hayleysnutty9in10
The remaining seven players – Stevenson, Watson, Binning, Daily, Dickson, Mackenzie, Farmer and team manager, David Macfarlane
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On a final note I was surprised and ecstatic to find out that, through doing all my challenges, that Glasgow 2014, picked me as their Sports Star of the week! Thanks again everyone for all your support
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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 7pm (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. houstoncommcouncil@yahoo.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
community halls to let • Bridge of Weir, Freeland Church. Tel: 612245 • Brookfield, Village Hall. Tel: 321031 • Houston, Carrick Centre. Tel: 612203 / 613613 • Houston, Compass Centre. Tel: 615441 / 612617 • Kilbarchan, Guide Centre. Tel: 702758. • Kilbarchan, Old Library Centre. Tel: 706070 • Kilmacolm, Cargill Centre. Tel: 873994 • Kilmacolm, Brownie/Guide Hut. Tel: 873488 • Kilmacolm, Masonic Hall. Tel: 873059 • Linwood Masonic Hall. Tel: 07825 222944 • Quarriers Sommerville Hall. T: 614513 / 612300 • Please add your community hall details to our list - email to info@advertizer.co.uk
councillors RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk PROPERTY TO LET
Ward 7 - Johnstone South, Elderslie, Howwood Cllrs John Caldwell, John Hood, Stephen McGee and Iain McMillan Ward 8 - Johnstone North, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch Councillors Derek Bibby, Andy Doig and Christopher Gilmour Ward 9 - Houston, Crosslee and Linwood Councillors Stuart Clark, Audrey Doig, Anne Hall and Allan Noon Ward 10 - Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank Councillors Maria Brown, Mike Holmes and James Maclaren
INVERCLYDE COUNCIL: www.inverclyde.gov.uk HOLIDAY HOMES FLORIDA: superb selection of hand- Aviemore – New Year picked villas and condos near Disney Week. 2 bedroom lodge and Gulf Coast. Rates from £250 per for rent £625. Sleeps 6 wk - also property purchase service with access to Clubhouse with rental support. Call Hazel on facilities. Call for more 01505 613603 details: 07834 022955. www.floridaselectvillas.com
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.
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Ward 1 - Inverclyde East (P.Glasgow, Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village) Cllrs David Wilson, Jim MacLeod, Stephen McCabe and James McColgan
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FRIDAY 13 DEC
JANUARY ‘14 ISSUE: • Deadline: 13th Dec • Delivery: 27th Dec FEBRUARY ‘14 ISSUE: • Deadline: 17th Jan • Delivery: 31st Jan 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.
ADVERTISING
sales & wants ad rates: UP TO £200 ....... FREE £201 to £500 ..... £5.00 £501 to £1000 ... £10.00 OVER £1000 ..... Call for details. Use our Sales & Wants form below and post to The Gryffe Advertizer, Neva Place, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3PN. or email your items to info@advertizer.co.uk The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977
CHILDCARE Kilmacolm/Quarriers area registered childminders. P/time or F/time vacancies for u-5’s and after school. T: 873839.
Houston registered childminders. For an informal chat to find your best childcare, call Elizabeth Waddell T: 614925
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.
21/11/2013 16:06:27
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sales & wants Items For Sale Baby Equipment Mamas & Papas Zest highchair - immaculate cond from smoke & pet free home. Cost £90 new, selling for £45. Tel: 07540 596415. Mamas and Papas Twin Aria double buggy dark brown incl. PVC twin rain cover, two foot muffs and matching baby changing bag. Suitable fr birth. Sell for £40. Tel 01505 874870. Britax Baby Safe Car Seat black x 2, height adjustable, suitable fr birth until appr. 2 yrs old, 5 point safety harness works with 3-point seat belt, Britax Babysafe Belted Base or Britax Babysafe Isofix Base. Exc cond. £30 each, or £50 for both. Tel 01505 874870. Items for FREE: Rain cover for single buggy, new never used. Various baby toys and books. Baby bottles Avent 9 oz x 4. Tel 01505 874870; Puddle suit Togz dark blue/pink size 12-18 months with matching pink snow gloves. Tel: 01505 874870. Maxi Cosi Isofix for car seat. £20. Tel: 01505 326230. Buggy board - needs screws to attach to buggy. £5. Tel: 01505 612896. Large selection of baby toys 0-12 months. Exc cond. £10 ono. Tel: 01505 610837. Graco Junior Maxi car seat - converts to booster seat. Exc cond. £25. Tel. 01505 613374. Clothes & Shoes SUPERDRY girls windcheater jacket, black with pink logo, hood, size M, great condition, £30. Tel: 01505 872442. SKI JACKET, Trespass, dusky pink with fur trim on hood, age 10-11, great condition, £20. Tel: 01505 872442. Quilted fitted jacket, black, age12, great condition, £10. Tel: 01505 872442. Regatta Adventure Tech jacket with hood, grey with green zip-in fleece, worn once, size M £15. Tel: 01505 872442. Royal Blue Converse All Star UK size 13, would suit boy or girl. VGC, from pet and smoke free home. £10. Tel: 01505 706668. Next blue & grey top with long sleeves age 8 years - brand new with tags - gift which was incorrect size - cost £9 new, selling for £4.50 - from pet and smoke free home. Tel: 07540 596415. Designer Chester Barrie Navy Pinstripe Italian Suit. Jacket 40” long, trousers 34” waist, 34” inside leg, never worn, cost £500 accept £100 ono. Tel: 01505 614614.
Bridge of Weir Primary red cardigan - suit P6/7. As new - FREE TO A GOOD HOME! Tel: 01505 872442. Marks & Spencer Indigo denim shirt, BNWT - age 8 years duplicate gift - from smoke and pet free home - cost £16, selling for £8. Tel: 07540 596415. Next pink snow suit - only worn a couple of times - age 3 - 6 months - £5 - immaculate from pet & smoke free home.Tel: 07540 596415. Girl’s black tap shoes, size 1 and size 2. VGC. £5 each. Tel: 01505 706668. Ladies Chris Brasher, Brown Leather walking boots. Size 8. Ex. condition. cost new £90. Sell £35. Tel. 07801 286333. Glasgow Academy Girls Blazer. New, unused. Suit 5th or 6 year Senior School. £40. Can deliver. Tel: 07975 510938. Hunter Wellington Boots. Original Neoprene quality (made in Scotland). Olive Green. Exc Cond. Size 7 slim. £125. Can deliver. Tel: 07975 510938. Antartex Sheepskin Jacket - Ladies size 18. Grey with grey lining. Good cond. Mits included. £50. Tel: 07887 841613. Antartex Sheepskin Jacket Gents size 44”. Brown with cream lining. Good cond. £50. Tel: 07887 841613. Household & Garden Original Dusholux folding shower and mirrored bathroom cabinet £25. exc cond. Tel: 01505 843072. Ikea Poang chair in birch veneer and mid blue cover (washable) in exc cond. Hardly used. Cost £95 sell £45ono. Tel: 01505 612006. Swish type corded curtain rail and pelmet holder, 2m long. £10. Tel: 01475 540066. Dark Oak Curio cabinet, 40” wide x 54” high (top & bottom combined) x 16” deep - picture available. £50. Tel: 01505 690514. Dark Oak Display cabinet, with cupboards below, 51”w x 79”h (top & bottom combined) x 16”d. Photo available. £60. Tel: 01505 690514. Single divan bed with 2 large drawers. Good condition. Must collect. £50. Tel: 07758 370044. Ikea children’s wardrobe in exc cond. Turquoise Colour. Was £160 new. £30. Tel: 01505 610293. 2 seater orange settee. Modern style. Great condition nearly new. £250. Tel: 07771 801913. Cabin bed with desk underneath and bookcase. Also chest of drawers and wardrobe. All exc cond, hardly used. £100. Tel: 07771 801913.
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Original Bedstead Company Edwardian Single Bed (3’ x 6’) black metal & Dreams grand mattress. Both in original wrapping - unused. No longer required. £150. Tel: 07874 978187 (Kilmacolm). 3 piece suite in perfect condition 3-2-1. Mint condition, cost £1,200. Natural colour cream. Bargain at £199. Tel: 07794 698322. New untouched 50 sq m carpets. Sand coloured. Retail £475, sell £250. Tel: 07975 510938. Pale Grey 2 seater leather sofa, VGC. £100ono. Tel: 07840 692532. Clothes rail. Extends Height 66” x W41”. £3ono. Tel: 01505 690610. New (starter pack). Crockery/cutlery, pots & pans. Good quality. £25. Tel: 07975 510938. New single duvet, pillows & duvet cover linen. All new. £20. Can deliver. Tel: 07975 510938. New cream fabric 2 seater sofa £90. Spotless. Can deliver. Tel: 07975 510938. New quality single bed, unused. £70. Can deliver. Tel: 07975 510938. New chest of drawers. £40. Can deliver. Tel: 07975 510938. Large 2-seater dark navy leather sofa. Good condition. Must collect. £70. Tel: 07758 370044. Flymo Electric lawnmower. Good condition. £10. Tel: 01505 610837. Electric Strimmer. Good cond. £5. Tel: 01505 610837. Selection of garden hand tools: space, rake, hoe, etc. £10 the lot. Tel: 01505 610837. Electrical & Gas Red hoover hurricane 2100w power vacuum. Pet hair allergy remover. Seldom used. £25. Tel: 01505 613361. Double Electric Blanket Silentnight Comfort Control. Brand new - still in box. Unwanted gift. New cost £27 - will accept £15 ono. Tel: 01505 874848 after 5pm. DVD Player ‘Aiwa’. Good working order. With remote control & user guide. £20 ono. Tel: 01505 690610. ‘Pioneer’ Freeview Box. Good working order. With remote control & user guide. £10 ono. Tel: 01505 690610. Bosch dishwasher. Good condition. £25ono. Tel: 01505 613051. Bush 19” HD Ready Digital LED LCD flat screen TV. With Integrated Freeview digital tuner, 1 HDMI socket. 1 scart socket. PC input socket. Component video socket. Headphone socket. Auto setup. Auto scan for new channels. Remote control. Complete with tabletop stand. £40. Tel: 01505 705066. Sky Digibox, with remote, in good working order. £15. Tel: 01505 872442. Altec Lansing iPad iPhone and iPod speaker dock (30 pin apple dock connector) with wireless remote. Very good sound quality. Exc cond. Cost £130 new would accept £65 ono. Tel: 01505 612006. Aiwa DVD player £20 ono. Pioneer Freeview box. £10 ono. Both with remote controllers, users instruction leaflets, scart cables & extras. Tel: 01505 690610. New Single electric cooker. Unused. £100. Can deliver. Tel: 07975 510938. New Fridge/Freezer, unused. Can Deliver. £140. Tel: 07975 510938.
Pets Assortment of dog cages from £25. Tel: 07826 523884. Tennis ball dog trainer. Dog runs up, touches pad to release tennis ball. £10. Tel: 01505 610837. Sports Salomon Ski boots, size UK 8/ EU 42. 4 clips & velcro strap adjustments. Come and try. £20. Tel: 01475 540309. Gents Giant Rockbreaker Mountain Bike. New Tyres. Good cond. £30ono. Tel: 01505 610837. 2 prs Cassin Crampons, fit size 6 boot & 10 boot (adjust +/- 2/3 sizes). Both with rubber point protectors. £20 each or £35 for both prs. Tel: 01505 613051. Yellow bike trailer buggy tagalong for bicycle. Used only once. £80 ono. Tel: 07826 523884. Boys Raleigh Bike. Suit 3-8 years. VGC & good working order. £50. Tel: 07771 801913. Ladies/girls bicycle, Coventry Eagle 16’’ frame, VGC little used. £20. Tel: 01505 873130. Horizon electronic treadmill exc cond £100 ono. Tel: 01505 614614. 2 Chitech boys bikes. Evasion Magna 16inch & Torrid Magna 20inch. VGC. Outgrown. £40 each. Tel 01505 613374. Raleigh Kool X boys bike. 16” VGC. Outgrown. Cost £125. Sell £50. Tel. 01505 613374. Raichle rigid soled mountain boot (size 10). Soles still near new cond. £35. Tel: 01505 613051. Toys/Games/DVD ELC dolls house £40. Beautiful 3 story house with lift. 117cm x 86cm x 33cm. All furniture included. Good cond. Tel: 01505 612500 or 07810 007432. Vtech little smart first words plus - £2.50 - from pet and smoke free home - tel 07540 596415. Mamas & Papas infant rocking hippo - as good as new £20. Tel 01505 690658. Mamas & Papas rocking horse (suitable for 3 years+ ) as good as new. Cost £150 sell for £25. Tel 01505 690658. Kids bike suitable for age 4-6. Exc cond £10. Tel 01505 690658. Vtech soft singing radio - yellow & red - from smoke & pet free home. Suitable for age 3 months - 2 years. £4 - Tel: 07540 596415. Vtech pop-up surprise ball, pink - from smoke & pet free home. Suitable for ages 3 - 18 months. £4 - Tel: 07540 596415. Vtech Moosical Beads Toy - from smoke & pet free home. Suitable for ages 3 months - 2 years. £5. Tel: 07540 596415. Vtech musical nursery rhyme book - from smoke & pet free home - ideal for 3 months - 2 years. £5. Tel: 07540 596415. Little Tikes yellow dumper truck from pet/smoke free home - £6 - Tel: 07540 596415. Elephant spinning top - immaculate cond from pet/smoke free home. £5. Tel: 07540 596415. Babies R Us Bruin push along toy, ideal when learning to walk - VGC from smoke/pet free home. £5. Tel: 07540 596415. Musical light up baby ball. £5. from pet/smoke free home Tel: 07540 596415. Pull along centipede which lights up. £3. From pet/smoke free home. Tel: 07540 596415. Bricks trolley, good cond. £10. Tel: 01505 874 870. Leapfrog learning toy £8. Tel: 01505 874870.
Mothercare Safari Wooden Activity Cube, new £35 sell for £15. VGC. Tel: 01505 874870. Thomas & Friends Engine Rideon, new £30 sell for £15. Good cond. Tel 01505 874870. Mothercare Sunshine Garden My First Ride-On £10. Good cond. Tel. 01505 874870. Kids Shopping Trolley yellow £8 incl a red one for free (missing a wheel). Tel 01505 874870. DS games. Various for Boys and Girls. Original boxes. £5 each. Tel: 01505 610293. ELC Little Cooks Kitchen. As new. Cost £70, Sell for £25. Tel: 01505 326230. Girl’s Princess Bicycle, pink with stabilisers, suit 2-5 yrs old. £35 Tel: 01505 874676. Lascal Maxi, Buggy Board, uncut straps, hardly used, Boxed. £25. Tel: 01505 614036. PlayStation 3 good cond 2 controllers Dual charging port 5 playstation 3 games incl Assassins creed 3 FIFA 13 Need for speed hot pursuit London 2012 Tom Clancy rainbow 6 Vegas 2. £125 Tel: 01505 613184. Six Nerf guns + loads of ammo! All great cond. Guns are: Havok Fire, Raider, Recon, Maverick (x2), Barrel Break. Great Xmas present! £40ono. Tel: 01505 615055. HM Armed Forces Snow Mobile with all parts, inc soldier. As new. £15. Tel: 07951 010557. HM Armed Forces Jet. Like New. £10. Tel: 07951 010557. Paper Jamz Guitar. £5. Tel: 07951 010557. Small trampoline for 2-4 year olds. As new. £20. Tel: 01475 540066. Playmobil - Beach holiday compact set, New, unopened. £5. Tel: 01505 612896. Playmobil jet airliner 52 piece set. Brand new, unopened. £25. Tel: 01505 612896. Playmobil football stadium £12. Tel: 01505 612896. Pogo Stick - as new, still in box £10. IDEAL XMAS PRESSIE! Tel: 01505 872442. Train Familial Railcar Series by FENFA. Battery operated train, 3 carriages, 4 trees. Can be made into at least 5 different loops/junctions. Set & box in good condition. £20. Tel: 01475 540309. Fisher Price indoor smart cycle - plugs in to TV. Drive, race, learning games adventure. 3-6yrs new £80. Sell £30. Tel. 01505 613374. Nintendo DS games, suitable for children, various titles, all in VGC - with case and instructions. Used, but in very good condition. Prices range from £3-£7. From smoke/pet free home. Tel: 01505 706668. Hand carved rocking horse, as new. £200. Tel: 01505 612896. Barbie 2 DVD box set. Includes Barbie - A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker. Great for Christmas £5. Tel: 01505 706668. Other Items Matsui-portable radio / tape cassette recorder, with aerial uses batteries or lead, lead supplied, plus 15 x taped cassettes in a tape cassette case. (exc cond) £18. Tel: 0141 944 2174. Proline-portable stereo radio/ double tape cassette recorder. With aerial uses batteries or lead, lead supplied. Plus 15 x taped cassettes in a tape cassette case. (exc cond) £12. Tel: 0141 944 2174. 15 x various original folk lp’s, plus a vintage portable lp’s records case, to hold them. (exc cond) £23. Tel: 0141 944 2174.
Stihl 021 14” blade petrol Chainsaw £50. Tel: 01505 705264. 230mm Performance Angle Grinder 2000w £30. Tel: 01505 705264. Folding Wheelchair, lightweight aluminium, fits most car boots. Black fabric backrest, seat cushion and padded armrests. Folding handles, quick-release footrests and rear wheels. Nearly new & exc cond, cost £240 new, Now £150. Tel: 07810 844385. Child Car Seat: For age 4 to 12 approximately. “Britax Romer Kidfix”. Has the isofix option on it. £20. Tel: Kilmacolm 07929 552080. BT Sonus 1500 Home Phone with Quad Handsets and Answering Machine. Exc cond. Less than a year old. In original box. Must be seen!! £60ono. Tel: 01505 337740 or 07717 473434. Karrimor XL dry sack, used once £5. Tel: 01505 872442. BT Freelance XT 3500 Home Phone with Quad Handsets and Answering Machine. Exc cond. In original box. £40ono. Tel 01505 337740 or 07717 473434. Drum Kit Premier 5pc, symbols and stand. Old, but good. £120. Tel: 01505 873417. Guitar speaker cabinet 4 x 12” speakers. £75. Tel: 01505 873427. Large tropical fish tank complete with heater and filter would cost over £200 to buy, sell for £50. Tel: 01505 614614. Junior French Horn. 5 years old in excellent condition. £65ono. Tel: 01505 615055. Copper tube, Microbore coil, 10mm O.D. x 0.7mm x 10m. Bought in error! In original wrapper minus 20cm! £15. Tel: 01475 540309. Hohner accordion carry bag £20. Tel: 01505 612896. Stephanelli accordion 48 bass with case. £200. Tel: 01505 612896. 3 man tent, dome. Never used. £10. Tel: 01505 612896. Winter Tyres – Set of 4 Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme winter tyres 225/50/R17 98V M + S. Excellent tyres, used for two winters, part worn, but great condition. £150 or near offer. Tel: 01505 874983. Portable Satellite dish. As new, complete in box with instructions. Suitable for caravan/ mobile home. £40 ono. Tel: 01505 610837. Roof bars to fit Audi A4 Avant. £10. Tel: 01505 610837. Bush pale lilac portable CD player with radio cassette recorder plus remote control. VGC. £15. From smoke and pet free home. Tel: 01505 706668. Rainbow Fairy Books. Various sets available, all in very good condition, call for details. £10 per set of 7 books. Tel: 01505 706668. Rainbow Fairy Christmas set - 4 Christmas themed books with 3 stories in each book. Also Rainbow Fairy Easter Book - Emma the Easter Fairy, 3 stories in book. £10 for all 5. Tel: 01505 706668. Upright Piano. “ Chappel Elysian”. Dark Wood. Reasonable condition. £80 ono. Tel: 07884 400110. Casio keyboard CTX811EX with stand. £70 ono. Tel: 07884 400110. Rio UV Nails Kit. Never opened - still sealed. Paid £75 (2 yrs old). Sell £25. Tel: 07710 698382. Rio Pro Airbrush Self Tan with compressor. Never opened - still sealed. Paid £70 (2 yrs old). Sell £20. Tel: 07710 698382.
21/11/2013 16:06:28
business directory by category
Advertizers - A to Z
Accountants & Financial
Childcare
Health, Beauty & Fitness
Property Management
Affluent Financial Planning . . 21 Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 21 Stewart Independent Financial . . 21
Abbey Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Woodlands Nursery . . . . . . . . . 55
Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 25 Ashes Hair & Beauty . . . . . . . . 24 Beginners Yoga - Sara Marijuan . . 62 Clyde Physiotherapy and Pilate . . 61 Decorus Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 42 Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 44 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 17 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 40
DLN Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Architectural Services BOW Design Architect . . . . . . . 16 Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Art, Gifts & Flowers Crafts of Calder Gallery . . . 8 Twisted Willow Florist . . . . . 44
Auctioneers & Valuers Collins and Paterson Auctionee . . 24
Automotive Services Accident Repair Centre . . . . . 22 Chips Away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 23
Cleaning & PowerWash CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 46 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 15 Gutter Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 60 MattVac Carpet & Upholstery Cl . . Bk Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 28 Omni Housekeeping . . . . . . . . . 60
Coffee Shops Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 43 Cross Cafe Kilmacolm . . . . . . . 25
Computer, IT & Web ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 20
Bathrooms
Council Notices
Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6
Inverclyde Council Xmas Waste . . 26
Driveways
Bedrooms
Driving Instructors
Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 3,9
Alistair Stewart - Driving Ins . . Crosslee Driver Training . . . Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . Top Kat Driving . . . . . . . . . . .
Blacksmith & Metalwork McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 3 The Iron House . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Building Services A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 Craig Joinery Services . . . . . 39 DLN Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Frontline Building Maintenance . . 56 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 45 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 61 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 2 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 4 MF Building Services . . . . . . . 3 RPH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 Sterling Property Renovation . . 37 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 2 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 10 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 55
A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 8 5 7 8
Education St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 36,59
Electricians Bell Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Delta Electrical Services . . 24 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2
Fencing Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 3
Firewood & Logs Auldton Stoves . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Caledonian Wood Fuels . . . . . . 16 Firewood Barn . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Framing Crafts of Calder Gallery . . . 8
Funeral Services 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. Girls bike age 5 yrs. Specialised or islabikes preferred. Tel: 07736 745035. Boys balance bike in good condition. Scoot, specialised or easy rider preferred. Tel: 07736 745035. 2 yards course woodchip wallpaper to repair kitchen wall after new boiler. Tel: 01505 873252. Stair gates size 35” x 36” (89cm x 92cm) & 30” (76cm). Tel: 01505 690610.
Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 15 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 7
Garage Doors & Gates Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk
Garden Service & Design 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 51 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 48 Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 48 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 16 DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 50 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 49,51 Gowanlea Nurseries . . . . . . . . . 13 Gryffe Garden Services . . . . . 49 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 45 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 50 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 50 West of Scotland Landscape . . 49
Gas & Heating Services A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 12 C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 59 Clyde Plumbing & Heating . . . 27 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 7 John McKay Gas & Heating Eng . . 12 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 46 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1
Glazier 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 6 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Hairdressers & Barbers Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 25 Ashes Hair & Beauty . . . . . . . . 24 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 27 Tranquil Hair and Tanning . . 17 Vanda’s Mobile Hairdressing . . 27
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Home Hardware First Domestics . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Gibb Stuart Ironmongers . . . . 18,19 MS All Trades Limited . . . . . . 4
Home Improvements Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Conservatory Conversions . . . Bk Howe Joinery & Building Serv . . 13,2 MF Building Services . . . . . . . 3 Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 32
Home Interiors Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 3,9 Classique Window Blinds . . . . 5 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 28 The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 47
Home Security Bell Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Brookfield Alarms . . . . . . . . . 5
Joiners DJY Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Howe Joinery & Building Serv . . 13,2 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 61 JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 8 RPH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Saltire Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 14 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 2 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 10 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 16
Kilt & Dress Hire Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 46
Kitchens Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 3,9 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 Howe Joinery & Building Serv . . 13,2 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 10
Locksmiths Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Houston Locksmiths . . . . . . . . . 3
Painters & Decorators A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 12 Clyde Coast Décor . . . . . . . . . 10 Frontline Building Maintenance . . 56 Gary Forbes Painter Decorator . . 12 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 7 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Pest Control RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 4
Pet Services & Training Auntie Jacquie’s Dog Grooming . . 52 Margarets Mill Kennels . . . . . 52 Pet Shop Postie . . . . . . . . . . . 53 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 52 Take the Lead . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Photographers Monument Wedding Pho’graphy . . 27 Passports To Go . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Plasterers Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 5 Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 10 Frontline Building Maintenance . . 56 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 61 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 2
Plumbers A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 12 C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 59 Clyde Plumbing & Heating . . . 27 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 7 JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 46 Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
67 67
Property, Sales & Let Cochran Dickie Estate Agents . . 31 Corum Property . . . . . . . . . 33,34,35 Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 21 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Refuse & Clearance D & R Clearance Service . . . . 43
Removals @ease Removals & Transport . . 5 The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Retail Eigen Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Gibb Stuart Ironmongers . . . . 18,19 Horny Beasts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 47 The Quirky Florist . . . . . . . . . 40 Wild Rose Flowers Ltd . . . . . . 25
Roofing Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 5 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 15 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 45 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 2 MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 4 RM Contractors . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 RPH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 2 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 55
Solicitors Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 21 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1
Special Occasions ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk
Stoves Auldton Stoves . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Taxis & Minicoach hire ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 57
Tiling Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 41 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Stickytiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Travel Agents Arlene Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Travel a la Carte . . . . . . . . . 1,3
Tree Surgeon Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 49,51 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Purple Tree Care . . . . . . . . . . 50 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 50
TV & Satellite Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 44 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3
Upholstery Services P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 6
Window Cleaners DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 46 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 15 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 16
Windows, Consv & Repair 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 Conservatory Conversions . . . Bk JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 6 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
@ease Removals & Transport . . 5 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 51 A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 12 A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 48 A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 12 Abbey Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Accident Repair Centre . . . . . 22 Affluent Financial Planning . . 21 Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 Alistair Stewart - Driving Ins . . 8 Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Arlene Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 25 Ashes Hair & Beauty . . . . . . . . 24 Auldton Stoves . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Auntie Jacquie’s Dog Grooming . . 52 Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11 Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Beginners Yoga - Sara Marijuan . . 62 Bell Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 43 Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 BOW Design Architect . . . . . . . 16 BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 Brookfield Alarms . . . . . . . . . 5 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 5 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 3,9 C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 59 Caledonian Wood Fuels . . . . . . 16 Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 10 Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Chips Away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Classique Window Blinds . . . . 5 CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Clyde Coast Décor . . . . . . . . . 10 Clyde Physiotherapy and Pilate . . 61 Clyde Plumbing & Heating . . . 27 Cochran Dickie Estate Agents . . 31 ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Collins and Paterson Auctionee . . 24 Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 Conservatory Conversions . . . Bk Corum Property . . . . . . . . . 33,34,35 Crafts of Calder Gallery . . . 8 Craig Joinery Services . . . . . 39 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 48 Cross Cafe Kilmacolm . . . . . . . 25 Crosslee Driver Training . . . 5 D & R Clearance Service . . . . 43 Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 21 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 16 Decorus Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Delta Electrical Services . . 24 Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 44 DJY Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 DLN Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 50 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 46 Eigen Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 42 Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 21 Firewood Barn . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 First Domestics . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Frontline Building Maintenance . . 56 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Gary Forbes Painter Decorator . . 12
GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Gibb Stuart Ironmongers . . . . 18,19 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 49,51 Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 41 Gowanlea Nurseries . . . . . . . . . 13 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 23 Gryffe Garden Services . . . . . 49 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 15 Gutter Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 46 Horny Beasts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Houston Locksmiths . . . . . . . . . 3 Howe Joinery & Building Serv . . 13,2 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 45 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 7 Inverclyde Council Xmas Waste . . 26 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 61 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 6 JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 7 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 John McKay Gas & Heating Eng . . 12 John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 7 Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 57 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 44 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 17 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 2 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 20 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 46 Margarets Mill Kennels . . . . . 52 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 16 MattVac Carpet & Upholstery Cl . . Bk MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 4 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 8 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 3 MF Building Services . . . . . . . 3 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Monument Wedding Pho’graphy.. 27 MS All Trades Limited . . . . . . 4 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 27 NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 40 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 28 Omni Housekeeping . . . . . . . . . 60 Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 32 P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 6 Passports To Go . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . 7 Pet Shop Postie . . . . . . . . . . . 53 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Purple Tree Care . . . . . . . . . . 50 R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 50 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 4 RM Contractors . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 RPH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Saltire Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 52 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 36,59 Sterling Property Renovation . . 37 Stewart Independent Financial . . 21 Stickytiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 2 Take the Lead . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 10 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 47 The Iron House . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 The Quirky Florist . . . . . . . . . 40 The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 55 Top Kat Driving . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Tranquil Hair and Tanning . . 17 Travel a la Carte . . . . . . . . . 1,3 Twisted Willow Florist . . . . . 44 Vanda’s Mobile Hairdressing . . 27 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 50 West of Scotland Landscape . . 49 Wild Rose Flowers Ltd . . . . . . 25 Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 16 Woodlands Nursery . . . . . . . . . 55
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