278 November 2017 - Gryffe Advertizer

November 2017 No.278 Distributed to: • Bishopton • Bridge of Weir • Brookfield • Elderslie • Houston • Howwood • Kilbarchan • Kilmacolm • Langbank • Lochwinnoch • Quarriers

Houston House by David Houston

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No. 278

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November 2017

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your LOCAL community magazine

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Get in Contact The Gryffe Advertizer, 1st floor, Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN t: 01505 613340 m: 07731 923970 e: info@advertizer.co.uk w: www.advertizer.co.uk @GryffeAds Open Tuesday to Thursday 9am-4:30pm; Friday 9am-12:30pm All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

The Gryffe Advertizer cannot be held responsible for unsolicited materials. The views and opinions by contributors in this magazine may not represent the views of the publishers. The Gryffe Advertizer takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisements in this publication.

Contents local news....................8-13 legal blog......................8 optical blog.......................10 dental blog........................13

outdoors........................36-41

what’s on........................14-23

sport news....................60-63 sporting blog.....................63

tech.................24-31 finance & tech................. financial blog.........................24 I T b l o g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 local history......................28 on the road.....................31 pet news.....................32-33 pet blog............................32

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village news....................42-53 school news.................54-59

business classified..............64 church listings....................65 sales & wants......................66 advertizer directory................67 deadlines dates...................67 pick up a copy..................67

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ThisMonth The Big Issue - Planning

Renfrewshire Council reports that 13 new or amended potential development sites have been submitted for consideration in preparation of the next Renfrewshire Local Development Plan. Consultation on the site assessments runs until Monday 20 November 2017(by 5pm).

More details can be found on page 50 of this issue and in some of the Community Council reports. This latest influx of applications may have been triggered after the Government announced the need for 20,000 new houses per year. Developers have seen the opportunity to get planning approved and are targeting pockets of greenbelt. Greenbelt was designated to protect the village boundaries, thus preserving the village as just that and preventing it developing into a small town. Local amenities struggle as numbers increase, and the actual beauty of a small village disappears as the green surroundings are engulfed with housing.

If you are concerned about what’s happening in your village, contact your local Councillors, attend your Community Council meetings, contact the Planning Department directly; make your voice heard!!! Even if you have objected before to any of these developments, please do so again as not all previous objections are carried forward to the new applications.

Remember, the deadline is just three weeks away, 20 November.

Santa Sleigh The annual Santa Sleigh will be visiting the following areas in December.

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Houston from Friday 1st to Thursday 7th Dec (excl. Sunday 3rd).

Kilmacolm (North) on Friday 8th, (South) Saturday 9th Dec. Quarriers on Sunday 10th Dec. Brookfield on Monday 11th Dec. Bridge of Weir from Tuesday 12th to Saturday 16th Dec.

Please support this wonderful event as all the money raised goes to the groups involved on the evening - a host of volunteers giving up their time to raise funds.

Bonfires & Fireworks, Ghosts & Ghouls Paisley hosts a Halloween Festival on 27th/28th October with a spooky parade through the town centre. And it’s all going off on Saturday 4th November as we celebrate Bonfire Night with Kilmacolm Knapps Bonfire & Fireworks, Paisley Fireworks Display, Bishopton Scout Group Fireworks and Battery Park, Greenock. A display is planned for Glasgow Green on Sunday 5th November.

Festive Lights There are lots of festive light switch-ons - Paisley is on Saturday 18th November, Glasgow and Loch Lomond Shores each on Sunday 19th November, Erskine on Friday 24th November, Renfrew on Saturday 25th November, Houston on Friday 1st December, Johnstone Xmas Lights on Saturday 2nd December, Brookfield and Bishopton on Sunday 3rd December and Bridge of Weir on Monday 4th December.

Rounding off We had a couple of Gryffe High School pupils with us during October as part of their work experience. Not something we’ve done in the past – I’ve always thought it would take too much time to manage – but I now think it is something all local businesses should consider. The youngsters don’t need a big project, just being in a work environment and getting to do a few tasks is all they are looking for to give them an insight into the big outside world.

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Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up?

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Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing?

Now, you may think you need to replace the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solution ‌ Just replace the glass!!

We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem and tell you how we can ďŹ x it.

Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee. Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors.

Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Peter Brummitt and he services the Wider Gryffe area. So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Peter a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.

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Walk of Hope

This Christmas Ardgowan Hospice is asking the folk of Inverclyde to team up on the Greenock Esplanade for the Jingle Bell Jog. This is a brand new event in the hospice calendar and already has the support of many local businesses including Laser Matrix, SpecSavers and Sainsbury’s local.

for Scottish Huntington’s Association The Renfrewshire HD Support Group did a sponsored Walk of Hope along the banks of the Clyde in Erskine on 16 September 2017 to raise funds for the Scottish Huntington’s Association. We were joined by friends from Houston Kirk and Erskine Keep Fit. Our Group’s appeal for funds has achieved a total of approximately £1,500.

We would like to thank everyone who contributed.

Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA) is the only Scottish charity dedicated to helping people affected by Huntington’s disease (HD). HD is a devastating neurological condition which renders the sufferer increasingly dependent on care over the course of 15 to 25 years. In layman’s terms it is like having motor neuron disease, Parkinson’s and elements of Alzheimer’s – all at the same time. Sadly, it is genetic and every child of a person with the condition has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease.

The funds we raise will go to the SHA to enable them to continue to provide a comprehensive support and advisory service to families in Scotland who are affected by HD.

Billed as an event for all the family, the Jingle Bell Jog is a fun walk, run or jog along the Greenock Esplanade and participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship money to take part. In return for their efforts, joggers will receive a finisher’s medal and t-shirt for completing the course and will be able to warm up with a hot brew and mince pies at Laser Matrix.

Registration is £10 for adults (16+), £5 for kids* (aged 5-15) and under 5s* can jog for free. On top of the registration fee, which only covers costs for the hospice, joggers are asked to raise a suggested minimum of £30 per person (£15 for under 16s). £30 could pay for two sessions with Ardgowan Hospice’s family support team who work with children and young people pre- and post-bereavement to help them manage their grief after the loss of a family member.

Anyone who wants to take part must register with the hospice, to find out how visit www.ardgowanhospice.org.uk, email fundraising@ardhosp.co.uk or call Alex on 01475 558888. *All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Donations will still be welcomed directly or at the Justgiving page http://www.justgiving.com/Margaret-Moncrieff7.

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Heron on the Gryffe by Scott Johnston

Face-painters help raise a bucket-load of cash for Parkinson’s UK Members and supporters of the Glasgow Young Onset Parkinson’s Group thank Braehead shoppers for their generosity after donations of more than £750 were collected at the centre last weekend.

Despite being restricted to a small area of the shopping centre the enthusiastic volunteers and talented face-painters were kept busy all day.

Mark Brown, the group’s Co-Chair, said: “We had a fantastic day and I’d like to thank everyone at Braehead – shoppers and centre staff – for supporting us. As well as raising the funds we were able to raise awareness of Parkinson’s and the work of our group. It was especially rewarding that we were able to speak to so many people who had family members affected by the condition.

“Our Glasgow Young Onset Parkinson’s Group is there for people of working age who are living with Parkinson’s or have a family member with the condition.

We’ve only been going for a couple of years and with members coming from all across Greater Glasgow the group is growing and going from strength to strength. Our next meeting is on Thursday 2 November from 7-9pm at the Jury’s Inn on Glasgow’s Jamaica Street. Anyone interested in finding out more about what the group does or wants to discover what support is available in Greater Glasgow is guaranteed a warm welcome if they come along. We meet at the same time in the same place on the first Thursday of every month if you can’t make it in November.

“The biggest benefit that the group offers is that people can share their experiences and feelings as well as support each other when it’s needed.

Guest speakers including Consultants, Parkinson’s specialist nurses, exercise therapists are regular visitors and we have a good social scene going too.”

For more information about the Glasgow Young Onset Parkinson’s Group visit www.parkinsons.org.uk or contact Mark Brown on 07909 997445.

Legal Blog

by Isabella McKerrow, Affinity Family Law

LAW SOCIETY ACCREDITED SPECIALIST SOLICITORS Law covers a wide variety of areas and over the years has become increasingly specialised. In recognition of this many solicitors and solicitors firms now specialise in specific areas of law. Because you deal with a solicitor for one matter does not mean that you should deal with them for every other matter.

It is important that you find a solicitor who has the expertise and experience in the area of law that you want advice on. A solicitor might advertise that they are an expert or a specialist in a particular area of law but how can you be sure that they are what they claim to be?

The Law Society of Scotland holds a list of accredited specialist solicitors in around thirty different areas of law. These accredited specialists are vetted by the Law Society of Scotland and must have at least five years’ experience in their particular area of specialism and have dealt with numerous complex cases. The Family Law Association of Scotland also holds a list of accredited specialists in child and Family law. I am a dual accredited specialist in family and child law. I also have further expertise having qualified as an Advocate.

Instructing an accredited specialist is not necessarily more expensive. The price a solicitor charges varies from firm to firm. You may find a firm with a

solicitor who is an accredited specialist charges less than a firm who does not have a specialist. Don’t be fooled by large firms with expensive plush offices and exorbitant fees. Check they have an accredited specialist.

Legal fees are not cheap. Make sure you are spending your money wisely.

If you want to be sure of getting expert advice, instruct a Law Society accredited specialist. Also make sure that the specialist will deal with your case personally from start to finish.

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Marie Curie Counts on Collection Box Volunteers Marie Curie is appealing for local volunteers to help manage the charity’s collection boxes in and around Inverclyde and Renfrewshire.

The local Marie Curie fundraising team are seeking Collection Box Co-ordinators to help look after boxes that are on display in shops, newsagents, chemists, pubs and doctors’ surgeries and also place collection boxes in new locations.

Lynsey Neilson Marie Curie Community Fundraiser, Argyll, Bute, Renfrew and Clyde said: “Helping Marie Curie to look after collection boxes in your local area is a really easy and valuable way to support the charity. As a volunteer Collection Box Co-ordinator you’ll help to raise vital money and awareness for Marie Curie.

“We’re appealing for people who can ensure boxes are emptied regularly, the money is counted and banked and can also spot new opportunities to place boxes in the community. It’s a great way to get involved with Marie Curie and the money raised from the boxes will help Marie Curie to provide vital care and support to people living with a terminal illness and their families, when they need it most.”

Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or a newcomer looking to get involved for the first time, the local Marie Curie fundraising office would love to hear from you. To become a Marie Curie Collection Box Co-ordinator you need to be aged 16 or over.

For more information for how you can get involved, please contact Lynsey Neilson on 0141 557 7561 or Lynsey.Neilson@mariecurie.org.uk

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St Vincent’s Hospice, Starbucks Fun Day St Vincent’s Hospice mascot “Vinnie” had a fantastic day at Starbucks in Linwood on Sunday 17th September at their family fun day in aid of the hospice! Starbucks Linwood have been supporting the hospice as their “charity of the year” and to date have raised in excess of £3,000.

UWS Students learn more about their Carbon Footprint

Laura McDade, fundraiser said: “We had great fun at Starbucks and cannot thank Graeme and the staff enough for all of their help to make this event a success and their ongoing support for St Vincent’s Hospice. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated on the day, your support makes such a difference.”

In partnership with the UWS and the SAUWS Sustainability Hub, LEAP visited the student Halls of residence and led workshops in their Hub to give advice and information about their new home energy consumption. More than 40 students attended energy literacy workshops and learned more about what they could do, to not only reduce their energy consumption but to make lifestyle carbon reductions on matters such as transport, food and clothing waste, and shopping locally. A Big Thanks to SAUWS and all the students who took part in the workshops.

Graeme Mackay, Manager at Starbuck’s Linwood said: “It was an honour to host a charity event in the aid of St. Vincent’s Hospice, we hope to maintain a lasting relationship and provide whatever support we can in the future to raise as much as we possibly can.”

Photo 3– student learns some tips from with the Energy House Photo 4 – Students pitch in for Zero Waste Clothing

On the day, there were games and activities for the kids along with 50 chances to win a free coffee and 2 incredible Starbucks hampers packed with goodies!

The St Vincent’s Hospice staff and volunteers had a great time and generous staff and customers helped to raise a fantastic £395.78 towards local patient care.

If you are interested in supporting St Vincent’s Hospice as your charity of the year, please call Laura in the fundraising team on 01505 705 635 or email info@svh.co.uk.

Optical Blog

by Kerry Taher, New Vision Opticians

What can your eyes tell you about your health?

As many as 1 in 5 of us have an undiagnosed health condition that could have been detected sooner by an optician. The eyes may be the “windows to the soul” but they also offer an insight into your general health. Blood circulates all around the body, passing through all the organs, and sometimes the blood vessels can give us clues to these undetected problems. The only place to clearly see these vessels is in the retina at the back of the eye.

For example, high blood pressure (often undiagnosed due to a lack of symptoms) puts extra pressure on the heart and blood vessels, which can be seen when looking at the back of the eye. Another commonly found condition which can even be found in people in good physical condition is high cholesterol. In simple terms this is fat mixed in with your blood – sometimes seen within the retina’s blood vessels and sometimes at the front of the eye where the fat is deposited. In diabetes, the vessels can weaken which causes them to leak. Thyroid eye disease often can be suspected just by the appearance of the eyes. Tumours (both cancerous and non-cancerous) on the eyelids, inside the eye or in the brain are sometimes best detected by an eye examination and a routine visual field test. Multiple Sclerosis is often first detected by an optician due to the appearance of the optic nerve at the back of the eye.

There are many other hidden conditions that can be detected, so we encourage everyone from pre-school age onwards to have regular eye examinations, even if you have perfect sight. After all, early detection is always best.

For further information, please call us at the practice: 01505 614 700.

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Firewalk Registrations for RAMH 2018 FIREWALK on Saturday 13th January are now open; and you are invited to save 33% on your registration fee by booking on the early bird rate.

You will learn to overcome fear and channel confidence into every part of your life before walking 15ft over coals of 800C. The Firewalk takes place from 3pm-7pm on Saturday, January 13th at ProLife Fitness Centre in Paisley, with free parking, and close to Gilmour Street Station. This unique experience is offered to you at just £10 registration fee (early bird rate) and £45 minimum sponsorship.

For many, the Firewalk is a life changing experience. Equally you will be raising crucial funds for local mental health services. Last year’s event was a sell-out, and early booking is recommended. Book now by requesting a registration form from enquiries@ramh.org or 0141 847 8900.

Get your New Year off to a uniquely fresh start! RAMH look forward to welcoming you in January 2018.

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Britain and Palestine 1917-2017 100 years of CONTRADICTORY PROMISES Tuesday 14th November 2017 at 6.30pm (presentation at 7.15pm) British Legion Club, Bridge of Weir

Erskine Music Show Erskine Music and Media Studio is proud to present their first ever annual beginner workshop performance, and are inviting residents to come along to Bargarran Community Centre on Saturday, October 28, from 7pm to 11.30pm.

The youngsters from the studios will be playing some classic songs that they’ve spent the past few months learning. Organisers promise a great night of classic songs performed by kids of all ages.

As well as a fun night of music, there will also be a raffle and disco. This event will be a family friendly BYOB night.

Tickets are £5 for adults, £3 for kids and a family of two adults and three children costs £15. Get yours from Erskine Music and Media Studio - www. emmstudio.co.uk or call 07920 80 5575.

Bishopton Art Group preview exhibition - Ingliston Country Club Ingliston Country Club, Old Greenock Road, Bishopton, PA7 5PA Between 11am and 7.30pm on Wednesday 15th November Bishopton Art Group will host a preview exhibition of their annual Winter Show. There will be a variety of paintings on display, some by new members of Bishopton Art Group. Members of the Group will be in attendance throughout the day and there will be the opportunity to ask any relevant questions and purchase any of the paintings. The preview exhibition is free to attend. There is separate catering available at Ingliston Country Club. The venue has adequate free parking available.

Linda Mitchell, Chairperson of Bishopton Art Group said, “Following on from Bishopton Art Group’s successful previous exhibitions at Ingliston Country Club, and a very busy year, I am pleased to announce that between 11am and 7.30pm on we are holding a preview exhibition of our Winter works. There will be a varied selection of art mediums on display and they will be available to purchase too. Admission to the exhibition is free. We are very grateful to the management of Ingliston Country Club for their support and to everyone who has attended our previous events that have been held there.”

Breast Cancer Charity Event On Saturday 28th October, join us for an afternoon with plenty of stalls, afternoon tea and a raffle.

It will be held in the Kilbarchan Kirk Hall, Steeple Square, Kilbarchan from 12noon to 3pm.

Stalls include Forever Living, Scentsy, Crafts, Frames, Usborne Books, Book Art, Sweets, Jewellery, Avon, Hair Bows, Handbags, Homemade cards, Sewing, Garden Items, Pets accessories, Photography, Kids items, Face painting, and much more!

Afternoon tea with entertainment will be served and a fabulous raffle with amazing prizes up for grabs.

Tickets are £3 for adults, £2 for children over 5 yrs, under 5’s free. These can be purchased prior to the event or on the day.

The Balfour Declaration pledged Britain’s support for a ‘national home’ in Palestine for the Jewish people on the understanding that the rights of ‘existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine’ would not be prejudiced. The failure to uphold this second clause, for which Britain bears much responsibility, has caused conflict between Palestinians and Israelis ever since.

The event will comprise: • Refreshments tea/coffee/juice/wine and Middle Eastern snacks (donations welcome) • Crafts stall: Holy Land, courtesy of Olive Breaking the Ice peace project flag Tree: https://olivetreescotland.org • Film: a 15 minute condensed (simplified) background • Talk from Dr Michael Marten, leader of the Iona Community The event will explore the history and testing legacy of Britain’s role in Palestine/Israel since the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and the path to the current situation.

Everyone is welcome You are advised to book a place: Write to mjbird55@ gmail.com or call: 01505 612963 Please note the change of venue due to increased interest

Firstsight opticians is a friendly practice with an outstanding reputation for both high quality eye care and innovative technology. We have the most up-todate scanning equipment for diagnosing and monitoring eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. The owner, Pauline MacEwen is qualified to prescribe medication for eye diseases allowing immediate access to emergency eye care.

We are a Varilux specialist practice, meaning we offer the best varifocal lenses on the market. The newest addition to the Varilux range, the X series, dramatically reduces head movements and allows a more active range of vision.

With an innovative ‘Near Vision Behaviour’ measurement we are able to make lenses as unique as you, and give amazing clarity as soon as you put them on.

We pride ourselves in the range of frames we have. We are the sole distributors for Tens sunglasses and endeavour to source unique brands, such as Etnia Barcelona, Ronit Furst & Orgreen. We have the latest colours for Transitions® adaptive lenses, so you can match your lenses with your frames for a ultra stylish look.

Call us today on 01505 321190

For more info contact Lynsey on 07939 032269 or Ann on 07951 112653.

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Dental Blog

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by Sheila Macintyre, Practice Owner, Kilbarchan Dental Practice

Kilbarchan Dental Practice is once again supporting Mouth Cancer Action Month in November!

We know it’s a scary subject but it is also really important that as many people are aware of the facts as possible. For example, you probably didn’t know that mouth cancer causes more deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or melanomas and that, in the UK there were 7,700 cases of mouth, throat and head & neck cancers in 2011.

Tobacco use is still considered the main cause of mouth cancer. According to the World Health Organisation, up to half of current smokers will die of a tobacco-related illness – including mouth cancer. Drinking to excess can also increase the risk by four times and those who smoke and drink are up to 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer! Some experts predict that the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), transmitted through oral sex, could become the main risk factor within the coming decade. Poor diet (linked to 1/3 of cancer cases) and overexposure to the sun can also heighten the risk.

Whilst it is one of the less common types of cancer it still accounts for almost 2,000 deaths annually many of which could have been prevented with early diagnosis and treatment.

The good news is that with a little care you can minimise any risks. Visit your dentist at least once a year, even if you wear dentures and particularly if you smoke and drink, use protective sun cream and maintain a healthy diet.

Eating plenty of fresh fruit and veg and cutting down on smoking and drinking will certainly help.

If you do have any queries about mouth cancer or any other areas of dental health visit us at Kilbarchan Dental Practice, call 01505 704969 or click www.kilbarchandental. co.uk where you’ll find lots more free tips and advice.

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the advertizer Sat 28 Oct Finlaystone Halloween Party

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Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 6pm to late Our Scariest Halloween Yet. Shudder at the Horrible Histories and Fearsome Follies of the Frightful Finlaystone Estate! Booking is essential.

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Breast Cancer Charity Event

Kilbarchan Steeple Hall, Steeple Square, Kilbarchan, 12pm to 3pm

Join us for an afternoon with plenty of stalls, afternoon tea and a raffle. Stalls include Forever Living, Scentsy, Crafts, Frames, Usborne Books, Book Art, Sweets, Jewellery, Avon, Hair Bows, Handbags, Homemade cards, Sewing, Garden Items, Pets accessories, Photography, Kids items, Face painting, and much more! Afternoon tea with entertainment will be served and a fabulous raffle with amazing prizes up for grabs. Tickets are £3 for adults, £2 for children over 5 yrs, under 5’s free. These can be purchased prior to the event or on the day. For more info contact Lynsey on 07939 032269 or Ann on 07951 112653. £3 for adults, £2 for children

Until Tue 31 Oct

Kilbarchan Habbies Art Class Art And Craft Fair

Scottish International Storytelling Festival

Guide Centre, Barn Green Kilbarchan 12noon to 4pm

various locations

Scotland’s home of stories, the Scottish Storytelling Centre is celebrating the 2017 Scottish International Storytelling Festival this October. Now in its twenty-eighth year, the festival is a twelve-day event happening in Edinburgh and throughout Scotland from 20 October to 31 October which demonstrates how, through stories, we can connect with people from around the world. www.tracscotland.org/festivals

Christmas is coming (Oh, yes it is !) Take advantage of the really unique, hand crafted gifts for sale at our Art and Craft Fair - a great selection of jewellery, cards, wood carvings, candles, textiles, paintings and more. We look forward to seeing you there.

Erskine Music Show

Bargarran Community Centre, Erskine PA8 6BS, 7pm to 11.30pm

Thu 26 Oct

The youngsters from the studios will be playing some classic songs that they’ve spent the past few months learning. Organisers promise a great night of classic songs performed by kids of all ages. As well as a fun night of music, there will also be a raffle and disco. This event will be a family friendly BYOB night. Tickets are £5 for adults, £3 for kids and a family of two adults and three children costs £15. Get yours from Erskine Music and Media Studio - www.emmstudio.co.uk or call 07920 80 5575.

Rotary Curry Night

Shimla Cottage restaurant in Bridge of Weir

In support of the Rotary End Polio campaign.

Tickets available at £18/head to cover a threecourse gourmet meal and entertainment. There will be a raffle and offers of prizes will be gratefully accepted for this very good cause.

Fri 27 Oct

Hessilhead at RSPB Lochwinnoch!

Fright Night

RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 6.15pm to 9pm Beware the woods tonight!! Take part in a guided walk like no other, if you dare, as we meet some of the reserve’s creepier characters! When you’ve had enough of being spooked, try out some fun crafts in the visitor centre. There will also be tasty home-baking for sale! (Tours every 20min hour, starting 6:20pm & last tour leaving at 8:20pm).

Please book and pay in advance. Booking essential, as space is limited. Cost: £6 (RSPB members £3) Email: lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk Tel. 01505 842 663

RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 12noon to 3pm Come and learn about the wonderful work done by the local Hessilhead Wildlife Hospital.

Meet some of their patients and hear about the different things the staff deal with at the hospital.

Cost: FREE Email: lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk Tel. 01505 842663.

Sat 28 Oct - Sat 25 Nov

Spinning Yarns around the World

Scottish Drawing Competition

Kilbarchan Performing Arts Centre, 8 Steeple Square, Kilbarchan, 7.30pm

Paisley Museum

Biannual competition open to all artists of Scottish connection by birth or residence. This exhibition showcases the best work from the open submissions. www.paisleyartinstitute.org.uk

Travel around the world without leaving the little handloom weaving village of Kilbarchan, with a trio of talented tale weavers. Don’t miss this spellbinding storytelling journey, beautifully complimented by Alissa Murray on the Celtic harp.

This is a BYOB event. £7/£4 [child

Sun 29 Oct

Fri 27 - Sat 28 Oct

The Kilbarchan Smile Big Autumn Clear Up Ewing Street Car Park Area, Ewing St Kilbarchan, 2pm to 4pm

Paisley Halloween Festival Paisley - various venues

Meet at the Ewing Street car parking area opposite Bog Park. If you want to make a difference to the village please come along and “Do Your Bit” – as they say many hands make light work! Equipment including litter pickers, hi viz vests, bags, bag hoops and gloves will be provided. Please wear strong shoes or boots. For more information and to get involved email hello@kilbarchansmile.co.uk or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook.

Join us for a two-day spooktacular celebrating Halloween with lots of fun activities planned including a Halloween Ball and Club night in Paisley Town Hall, Museums at night in Paisley Museum and Art Galleries. There will be a spooky parade through Paisley town centre with the magical Spark! LED drummers, a fire garden, spectacular illuminated structures, a fire stage featuring Flame Oz and lots surprises in the town centre.

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november 2017 Tue 31 Oct

Sat 4 Nov

ROAR Information Day

Paisley Fireworks Spectacular

Pirie Information Centre Anne Marie Cullen from ROAR will be happy to tell you more about all that is available and details of venues and eligibility.

Come along if you wish to find out more for yourself or for someone else you think may be interested. We will be serving tea and coffee and hope to make you very welcome.

80s themed activities and entertainment from 2pm-6pm, Fireworks display at 7pm. Free

Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir, 10am to 12noon

Thu 2 Nov Outlook

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 4pm Dickens Revisited – Gerard McKeown – A walk through the Old City of London.

Bridge of Weir SWI

Royal British Legion, Livery Walk, Bridge of Weir, 7.15pm

15

Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley 2pm

Sat 4 - Sun 5 Nov Binocular & Telescope Open Day RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm

Dawn is a fully trained freelance florist, she has just completed her Award in Education and training at Glasgow Clyde College. Dawn will be running workshops throughout the year, this will be seasonal. For more information contact Dawn on 07831 152086.

Come and peruse a range of telescopes and binoculars, with knowledgeable staff on hand to help you find the right one for you! Our optics are competitively priced, with the added bonus that you are helping conservation. Cost: FREE

BCU 3 Star Sea Kayak

Largs, 10am to 3pm Take your kayak out on open water, more challenges await. COST: £120 for more info look online and book ASAP.

Craft evening with opportunity to learn papercraft, candle decorating, napkin folding and making crochet poppies. We welcome visitors and new members.

Sun 5 Nov

Fri 3 Nov

Early Bird Christmas Gift and Craft Fayres

10 Years at Lochwinnoch - An Illustrated Talk McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew, 7.30pm

John Hannah will deliver an illustrated talk entitled ‘10 Years at Lochwinnoch’. All welcome.

Sat 4 Nov Afternoon Tea Concert

St Fillan’s Church Hall, Moss Road, Kilmacolm, 2pm to 3.30pm

Angel Voices and Voices+ invite you to our Afternoon Tea Concert on Saturday 4th November 2– 3.30pm. With Coffee, Tea, Scones and Cake & Raffle, the Choir will give a little Concert of Songs they have been rehearsing at 2.30pm. Tickets £4 – pay at the door.

Carrick Nights - Vocalise

Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 8pm Vocalise enjoy performing a wide variety of music from Gershwin to Mozart, from Argentine tangos to Flanders and Swan. Daniella Hathaway (Soprano) is from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She came to the U K to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Ticket Prices (single concert): Adults £12, Children/Student £5. For more info call 01505 229597 or e mail thecarrickcentre@gmail.com

Coffee Morning

Elderslie Kirk, 10am to 12noon Elderslie Kirk Guild Coffee Morning with cake & candy stalls. £3

Kilmacolm Bonfire & Fireworks

Knapps Loch, Bridge of Weir Road, Kilmacolm, 4pm

50th anniversary of the Bonfire and Fireworks at Knapps. Police request that people do not stand on the pavement opposite and in the lane up the side of the field. Entry is only £3 (adults) £2 (youngsters).

Inverclyde Fireworks

The Battery Park Eldon Street Greenock PA16 7QG, 5.30pm to 8pm

Dress as a witch or wizard bring your magic wand and light up the sky! Food, drink and funfair rides will be open from 5.30pm and the fireworks will light up the sky at 7pm. Free

Bishopton Scout Group Fireworks

RoF Car Park, Bishopton, 6.30pm - 8.30pm Come and join us for our annual fireworks display. Hot food and drinks available. GATES OPEN 6.30PM - DISPLAY 7.30PM £2 per person, under 5’s free.

Kilbarchan Guide Centre, Barn Green, Kilbarchan, 1pm to 4pm

Beat the rush and start your Christmas shopping early!! Stallholders include Annabelle’s Christmas decorations, Sweets and knits, Threepwood Fayre, BrawBricht Jewellery, Mandy’s Rainbow glass, All things nice jams and pickles and many more.

All funds raised will go towards World Challenge India 2019. Check out our facebook page ‘Kilbarchan Craft Fayres’ for further information.

Entry includes Tea and Coffee: Adults £1.50 Children £0.50

TnT Bird Ringing Demonstration Muirshiel Visitor Centre, Calder Glen Road nr Lochwinnoch PA12 4LB 10.30am to 3.30pm

A chance to see our native woodland birds up close and literally ‘in the hand’ while they get their identification rings. MORE INFO: tel 01505 614 791 in office hours.

Glasgow Green Fireworks

Glasgow Green, Greendyke Street, Glasgow, 5pm to 9pm

A Spectacular Free Event for all the Family.

Glasgow’s biggest and best free fireworks display returns to Glasgow Green. From 5pm you can access the site and enjoy food and drink stalls and the funfair before the big explosive finale!

Catering & funfair 5pm – 9pm. Fireworks display 7.30pm

Mon 6 Nov Kilbarchan Smile Catch-up

Old Library Centre, 9 High Barholm, Kilbarchan, 7.30pm

New members welcome- bring in ideas, meet new friends, help care for your village. For more information and to get involved email hello@ kilbarchansmile.co.uk, contact Francesca on 07952169341 or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook.

Tue 7 Nov Brookfield S.W.I.

Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside Road, Brookfield

Tuesday 7th, Six Dos and Don’ts for the Over Sixties. Speaker Mrs Alison Murphy, Solicitor.

Competitions, Favourite Spoon, Jar of Fruit Jelly, 3 Custard Creams. Visitors £3 including tea, coffee and home baking. Everyone welcome.

MND Christmas Card Sale Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10am to 1pm

CHRISTMAS CARD SALE on behalf of MND Scotland. Thank you for your support.

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Paisley Art Institute

Scottish Drawing Competition Sat 28th Oct - Sat 25th Nov Paisley Museum and Art Galleries High Street, Paisley

CALL FOR ENTRIES

Schedule and Downloadable Labels @ www.paisleyartinstitute.com or send SAE to: PAl Secretary, Box 114, Abbey House 43 High Street, Paisley PA1 2AH Registered Charity No. SC000840

Sat 11 Nov Festive Fair

Wed 8 Nov Gateway Garden Drop-In Sessions Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan, 2pm

Take part in gardening activity and fun for all the family. Help us plant bulbs around the village – grab some for your own garden! Expert advice bring your questions. All welcome. Free. No need to book - just come along. For more information and to get involved email hello@kilbarchansmile. co.uk, contact Francesca on 07952 169341 or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook.

Thu 9 Nov

Please join us at the Lochwinnoch Christmas Fair hosted by Beautiful Crafters Events. Hand-made and unique gifts will be available for all tastes.

Sun 12 Nov Gateway Garden Drop-In Sessions

Erskine Christmas Cracker

Remembrance Sunday

Sòlas Bereavement Group

Glynhill Hotel, 169 Paisley Road, Renfrew, 12noon to 5pm

For over 30 years, Erskine supporters and local shoppers have attended this annual shopping event. With over 60 pop-up shops to choose from, the Erskine Christmas Cracker offers something for everyone. Special-rate lunches, teas, coffee and cake will also be on offer.

Thu 9 - Wed 22 Nov Glasgow Christmas Market

St Enoch Centre, Glasgow, 10am to 8pm The Christmas Market is to be home to many continental traders from across the globe, bringing a selection of products and flavours, traditional to their origin countries including France, Germany, Spain Italy and many more!

Fri 10 Nov Advertizer December Deadline

The Advertizer - Neva Place, Bridge of Weir

If you would like anything published in our December issue, please email info@advertizer. co.uk or call the office on 01505 613340. Don’t miss out!

Sat 11 Nov

Various There will be various events held today around Renfrewshire and Inverclyde in commemoration of the ending of hostilities.

Tue 14 Nov Balfour, Britain and Bethlehem

Royal British Legion, Livery Walk, Bridge of Weir, 6.30pm

Come and find out what these three have in common! More than you think! Dr Michael Marten, leader of the Iona Community will speak about justice and peace in Palestine/Israel. Also crafts stalls from the Holy Land by Olive Tree, Hebron ceramics, Bethlehem olive wood, Jerusalem jewellery, Larche felts, Jericho dates and Taybeh olive oil - Help us to help others! Middle Eastern snacks - donations please write to mjbird55@ gmail.com or phone: 01505 612963

Wed 15 Nov Ingliston Country Club, Old Greenock Road, Bishopton, 11am to 7.30pm

Between 11.00 am and 7.30 pm at Ingliston Country Club, Bishopton Art Group will host a preview exhibition of their annual Winter Show.

The preview exhibition is free to attend.

Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm, 7.30pm

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RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 8pm to 9.30pm Come and hear about the stars and galaxies up in the night sky! If the weather is kind to us, we’ll go outside and see some of these wonders for ourselves. The speakers will be from the Astronomical Society of Glasgow. Please book, as places are limited and due to the popularity of this event, please pay at time of booking. Cost: Adults: £6; Children: £3 (RSPB members: £3/£2)

Bearsden Fiddlers

Houston Kirk West Halls, Main Street, Houston. 7pm

THE BEARSDEN FIDDLERS ARE BACK! Tickets available end of October Contact Kate Jackson Tel: 613676 Email: grannykate284@gmail. com. BYOB.

McKillop Hall, Main St, Lochwinnoch 10am to 12noon

Stalls include: Home Baking, Christmas gifts, cards and wrap, Bottle Stall (non alcoholic), Jewellery, Arts and Crafts, Books, Toys, Lucky dip and more! Adults £2, Children FREE includes Tea/ coffee/juice and Christmas goodies. All welcome.

Please come along.

Calling all children! Come along and learn about nature, but most importantly, get dirty and have fun doing it! This month we’ll be looking at slugs & snails. Come along to find out! Ages: 5 to 14 years. Please note that all children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking essential. Cost: £5 (£3 RSPB members) (adults go free)

Bishopton Art Group Christmas Art And Crafts Fair

Bishopton Community Centre, Gledstane Road, Bishopton, 10am to 3pm

Bishopton Art Group will host their annual Christmas Art and Crafts Fair. Local amateur artists and crafts people will offer a variety of products for sale that will make ideal Christmas presents. The venue has free parking and is a 5-minute walk from Bishopton railway station.

Admission to the Christmas Art and Craft fair is free. Tea, Coffee and delicious home baking will be available.

Bishopton Art Group exhibition

With Ms Terrill Dobson of Scotland’s Gardens Charity as our guest of honour. Everyone is most welcome. Annual membership of the Society is £5.00, enabling you free entry to the Flower Show, the Winter Lectures, two newsletters each year, and the opportunity to come along to the annual Outing - always a happy event, and sometimes the weather is kind to us too. For further details of the Society, access our website www.kilmacolmhorticultural.com or phone our secretary Mrs Jill Russell on 01505 872393.

We look forward to welcoming you at our Annual Coffee Morning. Donations of baking, jams/ marmalade and chutney will be most welcome.

Kidston Hall will be open from 2-4pm on Friday 10th November for your donations.

Astronomy Evening

Paisley Christmas Lights Switch-On

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 10am to 12noon

Fri 17 Nov

RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 10am to 12noon

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society AGM

Coffee Morning and Xmas Fayre

Sole Solutions with Laura Kelly. Vino 13: Drinks for Christmas - with James Kelly.

Lochwinnoch Explorer Group: Slugs & Snails

Kilbarchan Parish Church Messy Church Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street, 4pm to 6pm

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 4pm

Calder Church Christmas Fayre

Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan, 1pm

Thu 9 - Fri 10 Nov

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Outlook

Sat 18 Nov

Lochwinnoch Parish Church 12noon to 4pm

Take part in gardening activity and fun for all the family. Help us plant bulbs around the village – grab some for your own garden! Expert advice bring your questions. All welcome. Free. No need to book - just come along. For more information and to get involved email hello@kilbarchansmile. co.uk, contact Francesca on 07952 169341 or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook.

Sòlas Bereavement Group

Thu 16 Nov

Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley 1pm to 6pm As the countdown to Christmas begins join us to celebrate the Paisley Christmas Lights SwitchOn. With special appearances from Santa, plus entertainment from Clyde One including breakfast hosts George Bowie and Cassie, a funfair and kids entertainers! For all the latest Paisley Chrismtas Lights Switch-on updates, visit www.paisley2021. co.uk/events

Sat 18 Nov - Fri 1 Dec Tag a Tree at Finlaystone

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank Xmas Tree Tagging! Select and tag your Tree. £5 to put a deposit on your tree. This means you just must pay the usual entry fee. Just head to the visitor centre on arrival. Come back anytime near to Christmas and cut it down to take home.

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november 2017

Sat 18 Nov - Sat 6 Jan Edinburgh Christmas Market

NEVER MISS A THING!

We keep an archive of all the featured blogs and you can view the current or old issues at advertizer.co.uk

Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh 10am to 10pm The traditional and romantic Christmas Market in the heart of the City of Edinburgh offers a unique shopping experience for every visitor with its fair of crafters, artists, gift shops and gastronomic surprises. Get into the Christmas spirit! Please note: markets close at 8pm on 24 December, are closed 25 December, open 12pm 26 December and 1 January.

Sat 18 - Sun 19 Nov RYA Powerboat Level 2

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch, 9am to 4pm

A comprehensive course to enable you to gain your powerboat licence. Practical on the water activities with overnight homework! COST: £150 for more info look online and book ASAP.

Sun 19 Nov Loch Lomond Shores’ Christmas Lights & Fireworks Loch Lomond, 12noon to 6pm

Welcome Santa to Loch Lomond Shores and watch him switch on the festive lights followed by the annual firework display. Day of festive celebration with music, entertainment and activities for kids, a carousel and fun fair rides.

Light switch on followed by a firework display and a night market.

Glasgow Christmas Light Switch On George Square, Glasgow, 5pm to 9pm

The Christmas Lights Switch On event takes place on Sunday 19 November. This much loved festive event is central to the city’s winter time celebrations.

Woodworking Skills Workshop

The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, Greenock, 10am to 3pm

Learn how to use handtools and then create you very own hand made wooden spoon. COST: £30 per person more information online and book or tel 01475 521 458

Mon 20 Nov Langbank Singers in Concert

St Machar’s Church, Kilbarchan Rd, Bridge of Weir, 7.30pm

St Machar’s Ranfurly Guild Guest Night: Join us to hear the Langbank singers in St Machar’s Hall.

Tue 21 Nov Brookfield S.W.I.

Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside Road, Brookfield

Tuesday, 21st November The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre Open Meeting. Visitors £3 including tea, coffee and home baking. Everyone welcome.

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the advertizer Wed 22 Nov

Sat 25 Nov

Gateway Garden Drop-In Sessions

Victorian Christmas Market

Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan, 2pm

every Monday Lochwinnoch Community Walk The Cross, Lochwinnoch 10.30am

This event will not take place on public holidays.

FitSteps with Jennifer Quarrier’s Village, 6:30pm

Tel: 07709 340675 for further information

2nd Wednesday monthly Inverclyde Carers Outreach Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 11am - 2pm

Email enquiries@inverclydecarerscentre.org.uk or call: 01475 735180.

2nd Thursday monthly

Pilates Class

Sòlas Bereavement Support Group

Kilellan Halls Houston 6.15 - 7.15 & 7.30 - 8.30.

Kidston Hall. 6.30pm - 8.30pm.

For more information or to book a place call Katie on 07972 474965

3rd Friday monthly

Gryffe Voices Community Choir

Hearing Aid Clinic

Freeland Church, Bridge of Weir 8pm to 9.45pm

Join us to sing pop, rock, folk, show tunes, gospel.

Contact gryffevoices@gmail.com

every Tuesday Bishopton Belles Line Dancing

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Hall 6.30 - 8.30pm

Beginner/Improver class. All welcome. Call David or Mair 07886 034037.

Singing for Wellbeing

Bishopton Community Centre 6pm-7.15pm A fun, no pressure choir singing feel good songs.

every Wednesday Knitting Group

Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers 10am - 12noon

Knitters of all levels welcome!

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir 1 - 2pm

Hearing aid batteries and hearing aid checks.

2nd Saturday monthly ‘Brunch & Browse’ St Fillan’s Hall, Kilmacolm 10am - 2pm

Soups, baking, tea, coffee, books & lots of stalls

last Friday monthly TheTerrace St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Hall

Soups, sandwiches, tea/coffee, biscuits. £4.

last Saturday monthly Table Top Sale Linwood Parish Church, Blackwood Ave 11am - 1pm

Skinny Minnies

This is a free event. Call 01505 328802 for details.

For a healthier, slimmer, more energetic you!

2nd Sunday monthly

Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir 7pm - 8pm

every Thursday Weekly Volunteer Group

Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 12.30pm - 3.30pm

Conser vation Volunteers - adult group.

Newcomers always welcome.

Gateway Garden Drop In Sessions Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan 1pm -3pm

Open Days with gardening and wildlife activities on offer for all the family. Contact Francesca for more information 07952 169341r

Take part in gardening activity and fun for all the family. Help us plant bulbs around the village – grab some for your own garden! Expert advice bring your questions. All welcome. Free. No need to book - just come along. For more information and to get involved email hello@kilbarchansmile. co.uk, contact Francesca on 07952 169341 or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook.

Thu 23 Nov Annual Xmas Fayre

Gryffe High School, Old Bridge of Weir Road, Houston, 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Our annual Christmas Fayre offering a wide variety stalls with many lovely gifts for the Festive Season, from scarves and handbags through to handmade soaps, cards and Christmas crafts. Get a free mince pie and mulled wine/tea/coffee with each adult ticket and juice with each child ticket. Tickets are priced £3 per adult and £1 per child and may be purchased in advance or at the door. So, come along and support the school and the PTA and help to raise extra funds for the benefit of all the Gryffe High students. Thank you!

Main Street, Kilwinning, 3.30pm to 7pm Great family event. Come along and see the Christmas lights switch on and enjoy entertainment and fun.

Thu 23 - Sat 25 Nov A Christmas Carol

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 7pm Kilmacolm Dramatic Society presents an amateur production of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol.

Doors 7pm performance 7.30pm inc. Sat matinee 25 Nov at 2.30pm. Adults £10, U14 £8 Tickets available from the Cross Cafe, Kilmacolm or Rosie Thirdie 01505 873088

Fri 24 Nov Houston and Killellan Agricultural Society are holding a Quiz Night. Tickets cost £5.00 to include light supper and are available from committee members or from Isabelle Stuart issistuart@ gmail.com or telephone 01505 613479.

Greenock Cut Visitor Centre 10.30am - 2.30pm

Fleming Road, Houston

Conservation Volunteers, adult group. Newcomers always welcome.

every Sunday Weekly Volunteer Group

Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 10am - 12noon

Youth volunteer Group - age 12 - 18 years.

Newcomers always welcome.

Houston Litter Crew

Co-op Car Park 10am – 11.45am

All volunteers welcome and all equipment supplied.

2nd & 4th Wednesday BoW Senior Citizens Club Cargill Hall 7 - 9.15pm

Tea, biscuits & a raffle each meeting along with entertainment. Contact Sheila Patterson for further information on 01505 690521.

1st & 3rd Thurs monthly ‘Outlook’ Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm 2pm - 4pm

Social activities group for the community in Kilmacolm. Guest speakers, afternoon tea, local issues of interest. Everyone welcome.

Crafty Hobbies Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 7.30pm

No previous craft experience necessary. Call Lorna on 01505 612844 for further details.

regular updates @GryffeAds

1st SAT

Erskine Christmas Lights Switch On

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm

Loch Lomond Shores

10am - 3pm Tel: 07977 179 861

2nd THU & last SAT Paisley Cross

10am - 2pm Tel: 01655 770217

2nd SUN Kip Marina, Inverkip 11am - 4pm www.kipmarina.co.uk

Sat 25 - Wed 29 Nov Glasgow Christmas Market

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a visit to the traditional markets for a gastronomic treat, a warming glass of festive cheer or a unique festive gift. Offering a wide selection of festive gifts and delicious street food. A warm and welcoming bar will add to the festive atmosphere, offering up a selection of beverages for all to enjoy. The centrepeice of the George Square market is a traditional carousel, the iconic Big Wheel and a whole host of family focused street entertainment.

Sun 26 Nov Lochwinnoch Community Garden Tidy Up Lochwinnoch Parish Church 2pm MEET PARISH CHURCH

Make the most of the cold, crisp days ahead and let us introduce you to the reserve’s winter birds Join the team at RSPB Lochwinnoch for a workshop session ideal for beginners to birdwatching, followed by a walk to help you learn more about common garden birds and perhaps some rare ones. Please book, as places are limited. Cost: Adults: £5; Children: £3 (RSPB members: £3/£2)

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch, 11am to 3pm

Erskine Town Centre, 6.45pm On Friday 24th November at Bridgewater Shopping Centre, Erskine, Santa will lead the procession from Mains Drive Shops to Bridgewater Shopping Centre at 6:45pm. Dress up in your Christmas lights, Tinsel and Bells. Festivities (Santa, Music, Children’s Rides, Tombola) at Bridgewater Shopping Centre from 6:45pm to 7:45pm. Lights switch on at 7:15pm.

St Colm’s celebrates 25yrs

Celebrating 25 years since the opening of the new church building in Smithy Brae. We would be particularly delighted to share this special occasion with anyone who has a connection past or present with St Colm’s, and extend an open invitation to join us. Bishop John Keenan will celebrate mass at 7pm in St Colm’s, followed by refreshments in the Kilmacolm Community Centre.

St Andrew’s Ceilidh

Gamble Halls, 44 Shore St, Gourock, PA19 1RG

Come down for this pre-Christmas Craft Fair by Castle Semple. Think shopping gifts, sweet treats and warm cups of coffee over lochside views.

Crafter yourself? Get in touch about a table. More information online or tel 01505 842 882

Mon 27 Nov Stargazing Evening

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch, 7pm to 9pm

St Colm Parish Church, Smithy Brae, Kilmacolm PA13 4EN, 7pm

This autumn Ardgowan Hospice will be hosting a St Andrew’s Ceilidh at the Gamble Halls in Gourock, with entertainment coming from the Scottish Ceilidh Band, who will be providing a full evening of entertainment. Tickets cost £25 each and include a dram, dinner and dancing. For more information and to book your tickets, call Alex on 01475 558888, or email fundraising@ ardhosp.co.uk

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Enjoy a day-long feast of Christmas fun and family activities including, Provost’s carol service, live entertainment, funfair, reindeer, Santa and a sensational fireworks finale all in the heart of Renfrew.

Craft Fair

10am - 2pm

1st & 3rd SUN

Renfrew Town Hall, Hairst St, Renfrew PA4 8PF, 12 noon to 5pm

RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 11am to 1.30pm

every Friday

every Saturday

Renfrew Christmas Lights Switch-On

Birds for Beginners

Singing for Wellbeing

Weekly Volunteer Group

Meet Santa & buy gifts from our many stalls including, Baking, Preserves, Toiletries, Children’s gifts, many Under £1, Knitting, lucky boxes. Prize draw for 2 Luxury Hampers, Raffles, Competitions, Book Stall, Crafts Stall, and many more for you to browse. FREE mulled wine so enjoy! We have hot rolls to tempt you and of course our Tea Room will be ready to serve you with tea or coffee, juice for the children and delicious hot mince pies.

George Square, Glasgow, 10am to 10pm

Kilwinning Christmas Light Switch On

Quiz Night

Bishopton Community Centre 2pm - 3.15pm A fun, no pressure choir singing feel good songs.

West Halls Main Street Houston PA6 7EL (next to Carrick Centre and Village Hall), 10.30am to 1pm

Join us for an evening of astronomical exploration at the new location of Castle Semple this season.

Run by our friends from Coats Observatory Paisley.

Not suitable for under 10’s MORE INFO: Look online and book or tel 01505 842 882

Thu 30 Nov Torchlight Parade

West End of Glasgow, 6pm to 7.30pm This evening celebration of Scotland’s patron saint will take the form of a torchlight parade passing through the main parts of the west end using a rolling road closure. The rolling closure will mean the roads are safe for the procession to walk but will limit any inconvenience to road users. Full details of the event, timings and how to purchase torches at www.westendfestival. co.uk. Vouchers for torches £6 up until 5pm 10 October, £8 after. Non torch £3. Children will get a free glow stick.

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november 2017 Knapps Bonfire and Fireworks Inverclyde Fireworks Battery Park Saturday 4th November from 5.30pm. Free Dress as a witch or wizard bring your magic wand and light up the sky!

The Knapps Loch, Kilmacolm 4th November.

Gates open 4.30pm, Bonfire 6pm & Fireworks 6.15pm £3 Adults £2 Children

Paisley Fireworks Spectacular Saturday 4 November from 2pm. FREE

Food, drink and funfair rides will be open from 5.30pm and the fireworks will light up the sky at 7pm.

80s themed activities and entertainment from 2pm-6pm. Fireworks display at 7pm

Bishopton Scout Group Fireworks

This year’s events has an 80s theme and some classic tunes from the 80s will be your soundtrack to this year’s display.

Saturday 4 November 2017, RoF Car Park, Bishopton, 6.30pm to 8.30pm Come and join us for our annual fireworks display. Hot food and drinks available.

GATES OPEN 6.30PM - DISPLAY 7.30PM £2 per person, under 5’s free.

Glasgow green

The skies above Paisley Abbey will be lit up by this spectacular display of fireworks following an afternoon of family fun!

The 80’s theme continues with our family fun afternoon in Paisley Town Hall including free classic arcade games including Asteriods, Pacman and Space Invaders.

There will also be workshops and face painting for the children and a silent disco running across the afternoon.

5th Nov 2017. 5:00pm - 9:00pm. Free A Spectacular Free Event for all the Family Glasgow’s biggest and best free fireworks display returns to Glasgow Green on Sunday 5 November.

Singing Is Good For You!

From 5pm you can access the site at Glasgow Green and enjoy food and drink stalls and the funfair before the big explosive finale!

The Arkleston Singers is a long established chamber (small) choir based in Paisley. We are a progressive choir and perform a variety of works, new and contemporary as well as popular favourites.

Catering & funfair 5pm – 9pm Fireworks display 7.30pm

Music icon Seal comes to Scotland British soul legend Seal is coming to Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on 10th February and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on 11th February 2018 in support of his tenth studio album “Standards”. Backed by a big band, the multi-award winning star will be performing songs from the new album, alongside classic hits ‘Killer’ and ‘Kiss from a Rose’.

In a career spanning three decades, racking up over 30 million records sales worldwide and a string of Grammy, Brit and Ivor Novello awards along the way, Seal continues to shine as one of the world’s brightest music stars.

Seal’s new album “Standards”, out on November 10th, brings the glamour of Old Hollywood straight to the present.

Tickets from GIGSANDTOURS.COM & TICKETMASTER.CO.UK

We are looking for new members in all sections but particularly tenors and basses. Ability to read music is helpful but choral experience will also count.

Rehearsals are on Monday evenings from September to May on a roughly fortnightly basis.

We have an exciting session ahead which includes works by Paul Mealor, Erik Esenvalds, Ola Gjeilo, Freddie Mercury and Adele, under the baton of our young conductor, Marcus Kitchen.

Do get in touch and come along to find out what fun it is to sing with us and how good singing is for your own well-being.

For more information, email info@arklestonsingers.co.uk or visit our website arklestonsingers.org.uk to find out more about us.

Orchard Flooring Stylish, Durable: A Floor for Life When choosing a new floor for your home, there are a few things to take into consideration. For a lot of our clients, having a floor that isn’t going to be ruined by mucky feet, paw prints or spills is a top priority. For this reason, light cream carpets can be problematic for many busy households.

Karndean and Amtico flooring are perfect for any room or situation in the home. They are both waterproof, slip resistant and warm underfoot, as well as being a beautiful and luxurious floor to be proud of.

Both are easy to clean and without the porous qualities of wood and some stone.

They bring the ageless beauty of natural flooring to your home without the hassle.

Be it a rustic wood effect in the living room or a sleek and modern stone effect in the kitchen, Orchard Flooring can provide expert advice to find the perfect floor for a room.

With a home sampling service why not give us a call and be on your way to a stunning floor from Orchard Flooring.

You can contact Scott on 01505 22 9584 or 07563 633 432 E: sjmproducts@hotmail.com website: www.orchard-flooring.com

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Fri 1 Dec

Sun 3 Dec

Houston Christmas Fayre & Lights Switch On & Fireworks

Brookfield Xmas Lights switch on

Fox and Hounds, Main Street, Houston Christmas Fayre in the car park of the Fox and Hounds before the Christmas Lights Switch On. The winning designs from Houston Primary, and St Fillan’s Primary pupils for the new Houston Christmas Lights will be on display on both the Fox and Hounds and the Houston Inn, so please come along that night and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas.

2nd Lochwinnoch Golf Club Tea Dance Lochwinnoch Golf Club Burnfoot Rd, PA12 4AN, 2pm to 4.30pm

In support of Lochwinnoch Dementia Friendly Village. Come and dance, sing and have fun with the fantastic ‘Music Box’ and enjoy a lovely afternoon tea from Janice and her team! The dance is sponsored by one of the Lochwinnoch Golf club life members what a generous and kind gesture! For more info contact Morag on 07868 752814. Free

Some Hebridean Wildlife & Scenery McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew, 7.30pm

Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside Road, Brookfield, 5.30pm

Meet at the Village Hall at 5.30pm and join a candlelight procession to the Millennium Garden where our group of village brass players – the Brookfield Brass Necks – will entertain us with some Christmas music prior to the switch-on of the tree lights. Then it’s back to the Hall for some refreshments and a viewing of ‘The Snowman & the Snowdog’ on a giant screen!

Advent Carol Service

St Fillan’s Church Hall, Moss Road, Kilmacolm, 6pm

With Angel Voices & Voices+ Community Children’s Choir. Come and prepare for the Season before Christmas with this lovely Service on the theme of Light and Darkness through Music, Readings and Advent Carols. Refreshments after the Service.

Bridge of Weir Messy Church Christingle Service

David Palmar will deliver an illustrated talk entitled ‘ Some Hebridean Wildlife and Scenery’. All welcome.

A Christmas Concert by the B Flats Houston & Killellan Kirk, Main Street, Houston, 7.45pm

A mixture of traditional and less well known Christmas songs with some original arrangements by the founder of the group, Robin Barr. Come along and join in the beginning of Christmas festivities hosted by Houston and Killellan Kirk Scottish Country Dancers. Donations will be gratefully accepted which will be given to our Extension Fund.

Sat 2 Dec Christmas Fayre

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street, 10am to 12noon

Lots of gift stalls and a chance for the children to have their photo taken with Santa.

Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch-On

Johnstone Town Centre 12pm to 5pm Get in the festive spirit as we switch on the Christmas lights in the town.

Kilbarchan Parish Church Christmas Fayre

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street, 10am to 12noon

Lots of gift stalls and a chance for the children to have their photo taken with Santa.

Carrick Nights All concerts will take place in the Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston commencing at 8.00pm.

Next Concert in Series - Sat. 4th November 2017 - Vocalise Vocalise enjoy performing a wide variety of music from Gershwin to Mozart, from Argentine tangos to Flanders and Swan.

Daniella Hathaway (Soprano) is from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She came to the U K to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Mark Hathaway (Baritone) spent the early years of his career as a singer and actor, before becoming an opera director.

Maria Holmes (Cello) was born in the Czech Republic and was a member of the Scottish Opera Orchestra for many years.

Steven Adam (Piano) was born in Stirling and studied cello at the RSAMD and the Royal Northern College of Music. He worked as a pianist and arranger for a season in Spain before freelancing with Orchestras in London and Birmingham.

Remaining Concerts in Series Friday 2nd February 2018 - Alison McNeill & Sacha Savaloni Alison (soprano) and Sacha (guitar) perform a variety of Spanish, Latin American, French, Italian, Contemporary and Scots Song repertoire. They have performed recitals in Spain and throughout Scotland at various prestigious events and are passionate about expanding and enriching the repertoire for voice and guitar and transcribe a lot of music for their performances. ** Due to circumstances out with our control the Barochan Quartet cannot fulfil this date and are replaced by the Kentigern Quartet.

Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir, 4pm to 6pm

Everyone is welcome, young and old, to come along and make a Christingle, afterwards a short candlelit service with the Christingles. After this, we will be back in the hall for food and a chat. Lots of different people come along and it’s a great way to meet people. Babies and toddlers welcome.

Adults are welcome to come along without a child but not the other way round as we don’t want to lose them! Just turn up on the day. Facebook (Bridge of Weir Messy Church)

Bishopton Christmas Tree Light Switch On

Bishopton Community Centre, Gledstane Road, Bishopton, 6.15pm

The village Christmas tree lights will be switched on after a carol service that starts at 6.15 pm. There is an open invitation to the local community to join in too. Please note ther car park will be closed to allow the ceremony to take place. It is recommended that motorists should leave their cars at home and walk to the Centre.

It is likely to be cold and those attending should wrap up appropriately.This is a free event. Light refreshments will be available.

Festival Christmas Bingo Night

Royal British Legion, Livery Walk, Bridge of Weir, 7pm

Doors open 7.00pm for eyes down at 7.30pm, entry £2 at door includes light buffet.

Friday 2nd April 2018 - Kentigern Quartet + Maria Wilson and Accompanist Violinists Barbara Downie and Feargus Hetherington, violist Nicola Boag and cellist Jessica Kerr bring their collective experience in chamber music, working at home and internationally with leading British Orchestras and as educators to this ensemble. Their repertoire includes works by Beethoven, Haydn, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Dvorak, Britten and Ravel. Recent performances include Glasgow cathedral, St Mary’s Cathedral, the BBC Club at City Halls, Renfield St Stephen’s, and the Drake Chamber Series in Glasgow.

Maria Wilson (soprano) runs Starlight Youth Music Theatre group in Paisley. Tonight is her night to perform, come along and enjoy a varied selection of music.

Ticket Prices (single concert): Adults £12, Children/Student £5.

Option to have a meal in our Café at 6.30pm prior to the concerts, but early booking recommended as space is limited. (2 courses £15 – BYOB)

Should you wish more information or to request tickets please call 01505 229597 or e mail thecarrickcentre@gmail.com. We are grateful to Enterprise Music Scotland , through funding provided by Creative Scotland, for their award of a grant to help make these Concerts a reality.

Balfour, Britain and Bethlehem Tuesday 14th November, British Legion, Bridge of Weir, 6.30pm Come and find out what these three have in common! More than you think! Find out about Britain’s shady past in the Middle East and the repercussions which have resulted in so much unrest today, 100 years on.

4 of us in the OLIVE TREE team have just returned from BETHLEHEM, Hebron and Jerusalem – full of stories and memories BUT also beautiful crafts from the HOLY LAND. We have given and helped, bought and brought so do come early at 6.30pm and browse.......Hebron ceramics, Bethlehem olive wood, Jerusalem jewellery, Larche felts, Jericho dates and Taybeh olive oil, etc are all on sale and newly arrived! Help us to help others!

Erskine Xmas Lights Switch On On Friday 24th November at Bridgewater Shopping Centre, Erskine, Santa will lead the procession from Mains Drive Shops to Bridgewater Shopping Centre at 6:45p.m. Dress up in your Christmas lights, Tinsel and Bells.

Festivities (Santa, Music, Children’s Rides, Tombola) at Bridgewater Shopping Centre from 6:45pm to 7:45pm. Lights switch on at 7:15pm.

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If you are aged 9-18 and play a brass instrument come and join us. Rehearsals take place in St John’s Church Hall, Port Glasgow every Friday from 5pm. Pop in and talk to us or get in touch with us at secretary@riversideyouthband.co.uk

Festive Craft Fayre Crafters are being sought for a festive fair which will be held in East Fulton Primary School, Linwood on Wednesday 29th November.

Tables can be reserved for £15 and organisers also ask that a raffle prize is donated. For more details call 01505 324851.

Angel Voices and Voices+ Afternoon Tea Concert - Saturday 4th November 2– 3.30pm at St Fillan’s Church Hall, Kilmacolm.

With Coffee, Tea, Scones and Cake & Raffle, the Choir will give a little Concert of Songs they have been rehearsing at 2.30pm. Tickets £4 – pay at the door.

Advent Carol Service - Sunday 3rd December at 6pm at St Fillan’s Church Hall, Kilmacolm.

With the Community Children’s Choir, come and prepare for the Season before Christmas with this lovely Service on the theme of Light and Darkness through Music, Readings and Advent Carols. Refreshments after the Service.

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Unique link up with RSNO Renfrewshire teenagers have tuned up to take part in a unique a link-up with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) which could help them forge a career in the music industry.

Scotland’s national orchestra staged a twoday Takeover event (23/24October) which ended with a special show in Paisley Town Hall as part of the annual Spree festival.

Guided by RSNO professionals, around 50 pupils from all 11 Renfrewshire High Schools worked on every aspect of planning and staging the gig.

The link-up was part of Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021. The second stage bid was submitted on September 29th and a decision is expected in December.

Jean Cameron, Paisley 2021 bid director said: “It’s fantastic to be able to give young people opportunities to get involved in cultural activity and all of the benefits that brings.

“As Paisley bids to be UK City of Culture 2021 it also shows that we can bring artists of international repute here for local creative talent to learn from.

“We’re delighted to be working with the RSNO and the young people really are getting the chance to learn from the best in the business.”

RSNO Head of Learning and Engagement Samantha Wright said it was a delight to allow young people the chance to run one of Scotland’s busiest performing arts organisations.

She added: “Takeover provides a rare and valuable experience to those seeking to pursue a career in the arts, and is intended to be challenging, stimulating and fun. You never know - we may very well have a future RSNO conductor or chief executive among our group.”

Photography Exhibition 4th December to 13th January - THE BRIDGE, Main St The STUDIO – Bridge of Weir, is proud to announce an exhibition of their work at THE BRIDGE, 65 Main St, Bridge of Weir PA11 3NR. Come along and have a look at the work of 2 local professionals: Andy Stark of www.stark-images.co.uk Al Goold of www.algooldphoto.com/ Your local photography studio caters for all types of photography from a simple passport photo to a family portrait session. We offer 1st Birthday Cake Smash events to professional model portfolios.

Our fully equipped professional studio can do the product shots for your business as well as staff photos and head shots to enhance your website presence. We can cover weddings and events, schools and nurseries.

If you can’t come to the studio we can come to you, with our fully mobile studio set up.

Check out our facebook page at www.facebook.com/thestudiobow/ and our web/sales site at thestudiobow.zenfolio.com/ Why not meet the team – one of us will be there every Wednesday and Thursday to tell you more about what we do, we would love to meet you.

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november 2017

St. James Orchestra Concert

St James Orchestra return for the biannual concert. Paisley Town Hall will play host for the orchestra’s exciting programme of: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E minor (Op. 64); Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor (Op. 26), and Sibelius’ En Saga – Symphonic Poem for Orchestra (Op. 9).

The concert will take place in Paisley Town Hall on 19st November at the slightly earlier time of 4pm. Tickets are available at £10 and £5 for school pupils.

The concert will feature soloist Eve Kennedy (violin), will be conducted by Leon Reimer, and led by Fiona Butcher.

Tickets are available at the door and at the Paisley Arts Centre. For more information please visit the St. James Orchestra website at www.stjamesorchestra.org.uk.

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IT Blog

with Colin Fyfe of Colcom

Financial Blog

by Carl Melvin, Affluent Financial Planning Ltd

The General Data Protection Regulations come into force across Europe on May 25th 2018. These ‘GDPR’ regulations will replace the outdated Data Protection Directive of 1995 and focus on, among other things, our personal data privacy and how it is handled by those companies we place our trust in at the click of a button.

Defined Benefits (Final Salary) Pension Transfers - get organised first

There are some key points that the regulations cover that I will be interested to find how the big multinationals deal with; and they had better do so as the GDPR comes with a nasty 4% global turnover fine for the worst infringements.

Following our recent articles on final salary pension transfers (also known as DB transfers), we have had many enquiries from readers.

We outline below how you should approach investigating whether this is right for you. Here are our top tips to avoid disappointment.

Importantly, companies will no longer be able to use long illegible terms and conditions full of legalese. I am reminded of the iTunes installation procedure, the screed of small print information we must agree to whenever we run the install. Furthermore, companies are required to no longer hold information that is not required for them to perform the tasks we require of their product. I am thinking about every HP printer installation requiring the postcode of the printer’s whereabouts.

Professional advice - If the cash equivalent transfer value (CETV) of your DB transfer is more than £30,000 you must, by law, receive professional advice from a Pension Transfer Specialist (PTS). You will not be allowed to transfer benefits without a PTS issuing an advice certificate.

A host of other measures that were long over-due will be addressed.

Notably the often discussed ‘right to be forgotten’ by any company or body that holds our information as well as our ‘right to access’ the data that these companies may have on us. Also, the rights of children have been included in the bill.

You will hear lots about this in the run up to the live date next year, if you are in business you may already be made aware of this major update to data privacy through compliance procedures. For smaller business owners, your data security starts well before backup and antivirus. Consider safer, cloud based CRM and client databases for an outsourced solution to your own data protection.

Time sensitive – the CETV is only valid for 3 months after which time it expires and you may have to pay a fee for a new one. Also, the value could be lower.

Get your financial paperwork together – A PTS will need to give you advice in the context of your overall financial planning, so get everything in order before you take advice.

Get advice early – if you have received a CETV, get advice straight away. The longer you leave it before taking advice, the less time there is to complete everything on time.

Check adviser’s status – check the PTS’s regulatory status on the Financial Conduct Authority website to avoid being scammed.

High costs – DB transfers are very complex and high risk. Be prepared to pay a premium fee for such advice.

This information is not financial advice. If you require advice you should consult a professional adviser. The first meeting is normally free and there is no obligation. Carl Melvin is a regulated Pension Transfer Specialist.

Call us for a FREE financial review on 01505 59 50 60 or HYPERLINK “mailto:info@affluentfp.co.uk”info@affluentfp.co.uk. Alternatively, pop into the Affluent office opposite Amaretto restaurant on Main Street, Bridge of Weir.

HYPERLINK “http://www.affluentfp.co.uk”www.affluentfp.co.uk

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Johnstone Credit Union Launches in Rural Communities Johnstone Credit Union recently held 3 launch events for their new collection points in Lochwinnoch, Bishopton and Kilbarchan as well and an open event in its well established collection point in Bridge of Weir.

Over the 4 days Johnstone Credit Union extended a warm welcome to local residents to join them for refreshments and to find out about the fantastic services and products on offer and how local people can benefit from being a member of the credit union.

Johnstone Credit Union are excited to be supporting local communities to operate collection points in their area where Renfrewshire residents will be able to join the credit union, pay into their credit union account including Christmas Club and access information on credit union services.

A spokesperson for Johnstone Credit Union said “We are thrilled to be able to bring the credit union into rural communities where residents can access our services on their doorstep. It’s a great way to raise awareness locally of the work of the credit union and the benefits of being able to access savings and affordable loans. We would like to thank everyone who attended and supported the events and are pleased to welcome our newest members, both adult and junior who joined on the day.

The credit union relies on the dedication and commitment of volunteers to keep its services running and would love to hear from members who would be interested in supporting their local community by assisting at a weekly collection. Details of the collections can be found on our website www. johnstonecu.co.uk.

For more information on volunteering, the weekly collections or any of the credit union services, please contact the credit union office at 26 Church Street, Johnstone, 01505 327148, email enquiries@johnstonecu.co.uk or why not pop into one of the local collections. We will be in Bishopton Library Mondays 2pm – 4pm; Lochwinnoch Library Tuesdays 2pm – 4pm; Kilbarchan Old Library Wednesdays 2pm – 4pm and Freeland Church, Bridge of Weir, Fridays 10am – 12 noon.

A place for remembering Why would you come to a church service? Clearly in this day and age going to church is not a very wide spread regular custom anymore. There are plenty of other things to do on a Sunday and most of our weeks are so hectic that when Sunday comes round we sigh a breath of relief for a chance to have a rest or do something unscripted.

Are there any good reasons to come to church however? Have we collectively and personally lost something by giving up on regular church attendance? Some people would argue that we can have faith and relate to God anywhere – that we don’t need church for that.

I’d be the first to admit there are lots of reasons not to come to church, but I do think there are stronger reasons to go and over the following months I would like to highlight different reasons for doing so.

Since this month is November, I will kick off by stating that church is a good place for remembering. November sees Remembrance Day and Sunday services. We collectively remember those who have died in past and present conflicts to protect the freedom of others. It makes us appreciate the liberties we have today.

Some churches also have special services to remember those who died during the past year. We remember our loved ones and give thanks to God for their lives. We consider how our present lives might be lived in a way that honours them.

Church can (become) a place where our lives and our past are held together.

A place where we intentionally remember the past with a view to the future.

In church we read Bible stories and of course they are ‘old stories’, but we read and explore them time and again to understand the present and the future better.

We are invited to remind ourselves of who God is, what Jesus taught and did for us and where our own lives fit in God’s plans for the future.

Our busy world does not provide many stopping places to remember the past with a view to shaping the future. You are welcome to explore a local church as a place for remembering!

Rev Hanneke Marshall Minister of St Machar’s Ranfurly Church, Bridge of Weir Hanneke.Marshall@churchofscotland. org.uk

LCN Awards

Looking for someone local?

A local dry cleaner has made it onto the shortlist for the LCN Awards 2017.

Adil Khan from Harrods Dry Cleaners (pictured) in Bridge of Weir is a finalist in both the Independent Drycleaner and Entrepreneur – Drycleaning categories.

The event takes place at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London on 19th October.

www.advertizer.co.uk/clients

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LOCAL

history

Lime Working The best-known and most valuable mineral which was worked in Central Scotland was coal. Beyond coal, the mineral ghost of Renfrewshire was limestone. Lime had always been used in building, for mortar, harling (roughcast) and plaster. However, from the eighteenth century, much larger amounts of lime were sought for improvements to farmland. By adding burnt and powdered lime to the soil, crop yield could be greatly increased.

Limestone was particularly important in regions with heavy clay soils, such as Renfrewshire. The lime was added liberally to both arable and pastoral land, at the rate of up to thirty carts per acre.

Supreme Sacrifice Bridge of Weir and the Great War 100 years ago this month – November 1917 2nd Lieutenant George Fisher, 4th Suffolk Regiment Two young men are memorialised on village church memorials, yet not on the main memorial. One of those is George Fisher. His parents William Fisher, a Paisley stockbroker, and Anna Brown were married in Bridge of Weir in 1888 then emigrated to South Africa.

George returned to Bridge of Weir in 1911 when he was 19 to study law and lodged with his widowed aunt Wilhelmina and her five children aged 6 to 21, another lodger and a domestic servant, in Cruachan, Bonar Crescent – no doubt a lively household.

George later moved to London and joined the Inns of Court Officers Training Corps as a Private in 1916. He received his commission in February 1917, serving in “C” Company and arrived in France on 12th April, fighting at Arras, the Flanders coast, and later in Third Ypres (Passchendaele) in the Battles of Menin Court Ridge and Polygon Wood.

George Fisher survived those engagements. After Polygon Wood, the 33rd Division was withdrawn and took over the newly captured line East of Messines. Owing to the heavy nature of the ground, for the river Douave had flooded its banks, this was a place of practical inactivity, except for considerable shelling in the evening. The Division was moved North of Ypres and on 6th November it relieved the 3rd Canadian Division in the Passchendaele Salient.

The battalion war diary of 17th November records:

Limestone is found in thicker seams than coal, and was usually quarried from the surface. Thus traces of former workings are more abundant than with deeper coal mines. Unlike the white chalky lime found in the south of England, Renfrewshire lime is a hard, brittle, dark grey rock. It was formed under shallow seas in the Carboniferous period and often contains shells and crinoids (stems of sea lilies). Lime quarries were highly valued by fossil collectors who raided them for fish and reptile remains. Before good roads were built, the coal to fuel the lime kilns had to be found locally. Despite the relatively thin and indifferent quality of the coal in the Gryfe area, it was ideal for lime burning. In many cases it was expressly stated that the coal was only to be worked for lime burning.

In the 1790s, Kilbarchan parish had seven coal mines, all but one owned by the Milliken family. At each of these mines, the main use of the coal was to fuel lime kilns. The most familiar lime kilns were large stone-built draw kilns. Less well known, but just as common, were clamp kilns.

These were long hollows dug into a slope in which the limestone was repeatedly burnt. Until recently, virtually no lime working sites were officially recorded in Renfrewshire. New fieldwork has now identified more than a hundred. Hints of early working come from place names such as Lime Craig Park (Johnstone), Kilnknowie (Corseford), and Limekilns Plantation (Lochwinnoch). © 2017 Stuart Nisbet, Renfrewshire Local History Forum

The Forum’s next archaeology lecture will take place in the Shawl Gallery in Paisley Museum at 7. 30 pm on Thursday, 9th November. Our speaker is Ian Hill of HARP Archaeology. His topic is In the Footsteps of the Grand Tours: The 18th Century in Perthshire. Visitors are most welcome to attend.

“TRENCHES. 17 Nov 1917. Part of Transport moves back WEST of YPRES. Bn moves off at 2.45pm and relieves 87th Canadians at ABRAHAM HEIGHTS (left support Bn). Relief complete about 6.30pm. Advanced party sent to front line about 8pm and suffered the following casualties just outside left front Bn HQ (Hillside). 2 Lieut G.W. FISHER killed. 2 Lieut O.C. MITCHELL wounded. 1 O.R. Killed. 3 O.R.s wounded.”

Not a pitched battle, but for those concerned, just as deadly. George is buried in the Tyne Cot Cemetery, north east of Ypres.

His mother returned to the UK from Cape Town on 10th January 1921 with another son. Her application for her dead son’s medals gave an address of 58 Rosslyn Hill, Hampstead and she died in Hendon, Middlesex in 1940.

Anna’s sister Wilhelmina died at Cruachan on 3rd February 1944, leaving the house to her daughter Anna.

This was the same Anna Brown, the fiancée and executrix of the will of Fred Barr, who had been killed in 1915. Anna was never to marry.

Read more about George Fisher’s life and untimely death at http://www. bridgeofweirmemorial.co.uk and in the book “Supreme Sacrifice: A Small Village and the Great War available from www.birlinn.co.uk or Abbey Books, 2 Well Street, Paisley, and other major bookshops or online.

Gordon Masterton

Johnstone History Society Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday November 14th in Masonic Hall in Collier Street.This month our speaker will be Fiona Hayes from Glasgow Museums and her subject will be “Women in Glasgow in WW1” the ladies in the audience should find this especially interesting. All members and visitors will be made very welcome.We had a good attendance at our October meeting and were given a very informative and also entertaining talk by Colin Mackie. We had the first of our bi-monthly raffles and our thanks is given to all who donated prizes.

The Museum which is in Morrisons just beyond the Cafe opens Wednesday Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 4 pm. We stock a wide selection of books ,maps and leaflets to purchase, these are also available online at www.johnstonehistory.org any purchases can be paid for via PayPal. Gryffe Advertizer - Current & Past Issues

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Losing Heat in Your home?

A common problem with home heat loss is that we sometimes just can fathom out where the heat is escaping from. Is it from the windows, doors, radiators, walls, the chimney, roof, floor skirting?

Before the winter sets in, contact LEAP for support to identify where heat is being lost in your home. We provide impartial advice on how to prevent further heat loss and reduce energy costs, and carry out home energy checks in your home. Our energy advisers may take a thermal image of your property to identify the specifics of where heat loss is occurring.

Top Tips for Making your Home Energy work for YOU As the November weather starts to creep in, LEAP has prepared a few tips to help you to get ready for the winter months and to save money on your home energy bills.

To get bigger works done, the Scottish Government funds interest free loans which can also include a cashback grant all to help spread the cost of the work, while you’ll reap the benefits of keeping warmer with reduced bills and carbon emissions. Depending on your circumstances you might even qualify for discounted or free installations.

Contact LEAP for impartial advice and direct referral to Scottish Government schemes www.myleapproject.org/ contact, email ingrid@myleapproject. org or call 01505 842530/ 612034.

Check your heating programmer/ timer and make sure it’s coming on at appropriate times for the colder weather. £150 per year can be saved by only having your heating on when needed.

Adjust your thermal radiator valves – using the heating controls appropriately can help you to heat the areas of the home that are needed.

Measure your room temperature – the recommended temperature for a room thermostat is between 18 and 21oC. Turning your thermostat down by just 1oC could save you £85 per year.

For more home energy information and advice contact LEAP Energy Team on 01505 842530/612034, email Ingrid@myleapproject.org or visit www. myleapproject.org.

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Women of Faith and Community We’re a monthly run group by women for women, who have a faith or no faith. We meet on the 1st Monday of the month from 9.30am - 11.30am. Our programme involves discussion of what unites us, opportunity to understand each others thoughts and beliefs, visiting local places. The programme for the year is created round what the group would like. For details email: womenoffaith@ hotmail.co.uk or 07463 570464.

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The Monte Carlo Rally

by Alex Kerr

One of Europe’s most world renowned rallies, the Monte Carlo Rally, will once again start from Paisley. This is the fourth time Paisley has been the host to the Monte Carlo Rally, and it certainly won’t be the last. Instead of taking a look at Paisley’s history in the world famous Rally, we shall be taking a look at The Monte Carlo Rally’s history itself.

Work Experience

Planning for The Monte Carlo Rally began in 1909, two years before the first race in 1911. The rally was set up in honour of the Prince of Monaco, Albert I, and was originally only based in Monaco.

Working with Gryffe High School.

The first race was won by the prominent racer and entrepreneur Henri Rougier, who was known at the time for coming 3rd in the 1904 Gordon Bennett Cup, taking place in Germany. He was the main car dealer for French car company ‘Turcat-Mery’, and the 25Hp Turcat-Mery helped him become the champion of the inaugural Monte Carlo Rally.

We were delighted to have two pupils from Gryffe High School join us last month for a week of work experience. Aaron and Alex both were tasked with researching and writing up an article for this issue, and these are printed here. Both aspiring writers in the making we think!

Well, what do you know?

by Aaron Mills

At the Gryffe Advertizer office, there is a plentiful supply of aging articles, some of the former Kilmacolm Advertisers even date back to 8th September 1900. One article which caught my attention came from September 1974, and was written by Lou Holliday.

This article was all about the history of The Advertiser, and how it had changed in its first 74 years.

Now, in 2017, The Advertizer celebrates its 117th anniversary of publication, so it seems appropriate to look back at this article.

One thing in the article which stood out was that it implied that it was an alien concept to not have to pay for The Advertiser, something which does not happen nowadays either. During the 1930s, the usual price for a Kilmacolm Advertiser was one penny, later from the 1950s till the 1970s; we know that the Advertiser was to be purchased for ‘twopence’. For sometime in the 1990s the Advertiser became free again, and it was delivered fortnightly.

Similarly with the 1900 Advertiser, local children are still delivering the current Gryffe Advertizer, which seems to be one of few traditions which have survived the last 117 years.

Back to Holliday’s article, a lot of information is given about the people who started the original Kilmacolm Advertiser. James Wylie and Robert Madill are the people we have to thank for the news sheet, which they started at the beginning of the 20th century from a small Kilmacolm office. The former Advertiser was mainly for advertisements and church notices, rarely containing anything other. At the time when this article was written, Jimmy Robertson foresaw operations at the Kilmacolm Advertiser; and had done so for much of the 20th century, excluding from 1940 till 1947, when production was suspended due to the war. Robertson worked alongside Jack Murdoch. He had high credentials, having worked for Collins and graduated from the London College of Printing. In the article Murdoch sums up why he chose to work at the Kilmacolm Advertiser: “When we’ve digested the Advertiser thoroughly we have this comfortable feeling that not only is Kilmacolm alive and well but also that we have been fully posted concerning the state of its ethos, which is more than we feel about London when we read the Times.”

Over the 106 years the Rally has existed, there has been moments of controversy.

One of these was the 1966 disqualification of the 4 highest placing drivers, ruled out because of the arguably mundane reason that instead of using the standard double filament dipping glass bulbs in their headlamps, they used non-dipping single filament quartz iodine bulbs. This earned Timo Mäkinen, Rauno Aaltonen, Paddy Hopkirk and Roger Clark a disqualification. These drivers just happened to be the top 4 in the race respectively. The racers and their companies were furious, threatening to boycott the event and any future rallies, and this was coined ‘The Monte Carlo Fiasco’ by the magazine ‘Motor Sport’.

This year, drivers start their rallies from many cities across Europe, including Sweden, Scotland, Portugal, Denmark, Spain, France and Germany. They meet up at Digne les Bains and pass the cities of Gorges du Verdon, Entrevaux, the col de Felines and then complete the final stretch to Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Driving test changes in December The driving test will change from Monday 4 December 2017 to include following directions from a sat nav and testing different manoeuvres.

The changes are designed to make sure new drivers have the skills they’ll need to help them through a lifetime of safe driving.

The changes will only apply to car driving tests to begin with.

The 4 driving test changes: 1. Independent driving part of the test will increase to 20 minutes. Currently just 10 minutes, you will now have to drive without turn-by-turn directions from the driving examiner.for 20 minutes - roughly half of the test.

2. Following directions from a sat nav. The examiner will provide the sat nav (a TomTom Start 52) and set it up including a route. You have to use the one supplied by the examiner. One in 5 driving tests won’t use a sat nav. You’ll need to follow traffic signs instead.

3. Reversing manoeuvres will be changed. The ‘reverse around a corner’ and ‘turnin-the-road’ manoeuvres will no longer be tested, and instead you’ll be asked to do one of 3 possible reversing manoeuvres: parallel park at the side of the road, park in a bay - either driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which you have to do), or pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for 2 car lengths and rejoin the traffic 4. Answering a vehicle safety question while you’re driving. The examiner will ask you 2 vehicle safety questions during your driving test - these are known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.

For more information visit www.gov.uk

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Scotland’s ‘High Line’ Revamped Forth & Clyde Canal bridge could become Scotland’s ‘High Line’.

An iconic, 120-year-old swing bridge at Bowling Harbour in West Dunbartonshire has been lovingly restored as part of the latest stage of a £3.2 million transformation of the area – and could pave the way for a new linear park inspired by New York City’s High Line at the western gateway to the Forth & Clyde Canal.

Bowling Harbour’s viaduct swing bridge was constructed in 1896 to carry the Caledonian and Dunbartonshire Railway over the Forth & Clyde Canal. After the railway was abandoned in 1960, the bridge fell into disrepair. Thanks to funding support from Sustrans and Historic Environment Scotland, Scottish Canals has undertaken vital repairs to the structure’s badly corroded metalwork and repainted the entire span.

The project is now complete and, together with the recent refurbishment of the bridge’s railway arches into commercial units, has ensured the structure will continue to play an important role in the area for years to come. The transformational work at Bowling Harbour, undertaken in partnership with the local community, has brought new businesses, activity, vibrancy and economic benefits to the canal and celebrated Bowling’s important role in Scotland’s industrial past.

Fundraising is now underway for the next stage of development of the viaduct structure – transforming the former railway line into a fully accessible linear park and pathway inspired by New York City’s iconic Highline. This new route will form a direct link between the Forth & Clyde Canal towpath and the National Cycle Network route towards Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Detailed proposals have been submitted for planning approval and feature new viewpoints which will offer visitors the chance to enjoy the vistas over the canal and River Clyde.

The masterplan for the area was shaped by the award-winning Bowling Basin Charrette – a collaborative design programme which saw the local community work with other stakeholders, agencies and industry experts to develop a shared plan for its future. The village is identified by West Dunbartonshire Council as a key regeneration and development priority.

Bowling, which sits on the northern bank of the Firth of Clyde and near the western terminus of the ancient Antonine Wall, was a major transport hub during the Industrial Revolution and was vital to the success of the River Clyde, the Forth & Clyde Canal and the Caledonian and Dunbartonshire Railway.

For more information on the ongoing regeneration of Bowling Harbour, see www.scottishcanals.co.uk/news/features/bowlingbridge/

Change to MyBus contact details All MyBus phone numbers have changed from 0845 to 0345, all you need do is replace the 8 with a 3.

Numbers that start with 0345 are charged at a standard landline number rate so if your phone tariff offers inclusive calls to landlines, calls to this new number will be included. The old 0845 number can incur premium call rates.

Anyone wishing to book a MyBus journey must now dial 0345 and their usual number. A full list of all local MyBus booking numbers is available on the website at: www.spt.co.uk/mybus There is no change to MyBus services. If have a general enquiry or wish to register or cancel a journey, you can contact MyBus on tel: 0345 128 4025 or visit the website.

looking for someone local?

www.advertizer.co.uk/clients

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Rescue Centres

Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue › 01505 502415 › www.hessilhead.org.uk Cat Protection › 0141 779 3341 › www.cats.org.uk/glasgowac Dogs Trust Glasgow › 0141 773 5130 › www.dogstrust.org.uk Scottish SPCA › 0141 882 1688 › www.scottishspca.org These centres are always on the lookout for donations and fundraising. If you can help, please get in touch with any of the centres above.

Christmas Dog Show Join us on Saturday 9th December at 11am at St John’s Church Hall, Jamaica Street, Greenock PA16 8JJ. Royalheart Greyhound Rescue are hosting a fabulous Dog Show with Judge, Denise MacGregor. With categories of Loveliest Lady Dog, Best Rescue, Most Fabulous Fella Dog, Best Party Trick and Festive Dog Fancy Dress, along with craft stalls, gifts, Tombola, this is also a great opportunity for some Christmas shopping.

Doors open at 11am with the first class starting at 11.30am. Admission £2 adults, £1 under 12’s, dogs FREE!

Dog Attacks on Assistance Dogs Attacks on assistance dogs are indeed very distressing for the owner with regard to anxiety about the actual attack, its affect on their helper dog and the possible loss of its ability to work, and to the dog itself with regard to its fear of attack from other dogs while at play or when working.

I’d remind all dog owners, however, that the Dangerous Dogs Act applies to all dogs showing aggression to any other dog or a person, even in the owner’s home. What is defined as aggression is if it causes ‘fear and alarm’ to the other dog or person.

This means a fight or bite does not need to have taken place so the police are involved at a much earlier intervention than an attack. On successful prosecution, the owner then has a criminal conviction and the dog may be euthanised.

Please, if owners have a dog with ‘issues’, muzzle it in public and take advice from a reputable source- a vet trained in behavioural therapy or an appropriately certified behaviourist before this situation arises.

Pet Blog

the teeth can also enter the blood stream and spread to other organs e.g. The heart and liver.

by PetVets

Dental Disease Over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats older than three years have some degree of dental disease.

Signs that your pet has dental disease include: • bad breath

• difficulty eating

• loose teeth/tooth loss

• pawing/rubbing at the mouth

• inflamed or bleeding gums

• tartar on teeth

• dribbling of saliva

• teeth chattering

Your pet may display one or more of these signs.

The most common form of dental disease is periodontal disease. This is inflammation and infection due to an accumulation of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Plaque is formed by bacteria multiplying on the tooth surface. If allowed to remain on the tooth surface the plaque thickens and becomes mineralised forming tartar. Accumulation of tartar leads to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and if left unchecked progresses to periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease leads to formation of pockets around the tooth and gum recession. It is painful and can result in tooth loss. Infection around

The best way to prevent dental disease is to brush your pets’ teeth daily. It is important to use a dog/ cat toothpaste that is safe to be swallowed (human toothpaste contains fluoride and should not be used in pets). There are also special chews and treats which can help reduce plaque and tartar and some pet foods are specially formulated to assist in plaque removal. There are also additives available for food or water which can help reduce the build up of plaque.

Once tartar has formed a scale and polish under general anaesthetic by a veterinary surgeon may be necessary to remove it. A dental hygiene plan using one or more of the products described above should be instituted after a scale and polish to help prevent recurrence of the problem.

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november 2017 LOST PETS?

If your pet has gone missing and you would like to place a notice in The Advertizer, please call ℓ𧥇þÐœ 01505 613340 or email

info@advertizer.co.uk

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Re-homing Pets

We can also put updates on our website & Facebook. There is no charge for this service!

Can you offer a home to any of our featured pets?

Josy - 14 y/o female tabby Josy does love attention, affection & company though at times she can be a little bit hissy if things don’t go her way or she Josie does not get what she wants. She recently had a benign growth removed from behind her thyroid gland and further tests have been positive and showed no further growths. However, if in the future any further tests or treatments are required for this condition Cats Protection will cover the veterinary costs. She is best suited to a mature family that has older children & no other pets.

Nico - male domestic short-hair Nico is a very affectionate little cat who loves lots of Nico attention. He has had a hard time as he had been a stray for a while but is now safe and warm.He will suit a family who have time to give him lots of attention.

Cardyke Farm, Langmuirhead Road, Auchinloch, Glasgow G66 5LD - Telephone 0141 779 3341

David Hisslehoff David Hisslehoff -

cornsnake

David Hisslehoff arrived in our care after he was found straying. He is now looking for a new home. He is a gorgeous chilled out boy who enjoys being handled and would make a fantastic addition for any snake enthusiast who can Annie provide him with the specialist care he requires.

Annie - female crossbreed Annie is a gorgeous wee girl who came into our care through no fault of her own. She is a friendly bunny who is looking for someone who can offer her a good sized hutch and a large run for her to binky about and do lots of exploring.

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

China - 5-7 y/o female Border Collie Cross

lamontfarm.org.uk

A vibrant community and animal welfare project located in Erskine, Renfrewshire. We try our best to rescue and rehome as many animals as we can. If we cannot find a suitable forever home for our furry friends they will continue to live with us therefore there’s always new furries for you to meet.

Open 7 Days A Week April-September: 10.30am-4.30pm (Tue/Fri: 9.30am-4pm) Lamont Farm Project is a registered Scottish charity, No. SC013875

A local Animal Rescue based in the West of Scotland, we rescue all animals big and small from guinea pigs, rabbits and chickens to cats, dogs and even donkeys!

The rescue was setup by a local couple with a love for animals, they both work long hours and on top of that deal with the rescue at same time. The rescue has grown so much in the past few years we now have several volunteers.

07817 646427 or underheughark.weebly.com

registered Scottish Charity No SCO46258

China is a really sweet girl once she gets to know you and loves to slide along side you for a cuddle. She is wary of some handling though so will need an owner that will understand this and give her China space when she needs it and help build her confidence.

China is looking for a home with children over the age of 14 years. She would prefer to be the only pet in the home and would benefit from the one on one attention. She could be left for a couple of hours at a time but initially she may need someone around most of the day to help her settle. A secure garden is a must as she will need to practice her recall.

China is young at heart and would love to live in an active home that will keep her busy. China may need to meet her new owners a few times to start building a relationship before she goes home.

Henry 8+ y/o male West Highland White Terrier Henry is a really sweet boy who is looking for a retirement home where he can enjoy being a couch potato. He is looking for someone who is around most Henry of the day to relax together. Henry has medical needs that will require close monitoring and twice daily injections. Henry’s new home must be happy to carry this out. He will benefit from having a garden to potter in and this must be secure. He can live with children over the age of 12 years. He could live with another dog - he loves having a doggy companion. He cannot live with cats. Henry cannot live in a flat or a home with too many stairs due to his medical needs. Henry may need to meet his owners a few times to start building a bond and this will allow his new owners time to speak with our vet about managing his medical condition.

Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre, 315 Hamilton Road, Uddingston, Glasgow, G71 7SL. Open: 12noon - 4pm (inc weekends); 12noon- 7.30pm on Tuesdays; closed: Wednesdays

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Colourful Kilmacolm The big changeover has taken place. We are always reluctant to remove our summer planting, especially if there is still a reasonably colourful display, but we have to move on. After such a ‘moist’ summer there was a huge amount of vegetation to be removed and disposed of, but our willing volunteers made short work of that task, and soon afterwards planted hundreds of bulbs which are sure to cheer us all up next spring.

Autumn is a special time of year. We hope you can come and enjoy it with us here at Finlaystone.

Our newly planted borders at Market Place are coming on nicely. We were very grateful to the local Explorer Scouts who last month provided a band of volunteers, working towards their Queen’s Award, who planted bulbs, tidied the borders and did a great job clearing the slabbed area of moss and other debris. They worked really hard and made such a difference. Thank you and well done!

Woodland

Gardens

Come and enjoy the changing of the seasons with beautiful orange and yellow leaves on trees such as the Copper beach.

In November you can see Nerine (naked ladies) which have pink heads round inner circumference of walled garden.

Appreciative comments continue to reach us. Thank you for these and for at least two recent donations from local people to encourage us in our efforts.

Colourful Kilmacolm is open to all. If you are able, you can choose to be an active gardener, helping when you can with looking after the displays, but we also welcome non-active members. The very modest £5 annual subscription supports our efforts. Membership forms can be downloaded from our website www.colourfulkilmacolm.org.uk or you can phone Peter (01505 872448) or Liz (07963973031).

You can also spot various species of fungi such as the Fairy Ring and Oyster on trees, and lichen.

The alley of stunning Cornus Kousa Chinensis trees in the walled garden with pendulum red berries -these are not for eating

Tea Room The Tea Room is open at the weekends over November. They sell lovely coffee and tea’s, homemade soup and a selection of homemade cakes.

Cercidiphylum pendulum round fountain with autumn leaves falling off has an aroma of burnt sugar The Hydrangeas blue and pink are in bloom and Acre trees with red ornamental autumn colouring

Xmas Tree Tagging!

Saturday 18th to the Friday 1st of December Select and tag your Tree. £5 to put a deposit on your tree. This means you just must pay the usual entry fee. Just head to the visitor centre on arrival.

Come back anytime near to Christmas and cut it down to take home.

Falconry Centre The Falconry Centre is open to the public on weekends and school holidays.

Come and meet the team of experts and their feathered friends. They have a variety of birds of prey from eagles to owls. The cost is £2 per adult and £1 per child in cash on arrival at the centre.

This is an overview of what’s happening here at Finlaystone. We are planning to have more events, so watch this space on Facebook.

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society AGM Our Annual General Meeting will be held in the New Community Centre, Kilmacolm on Wednesday 15th November at 7.30pm. Light Refreshments will be served. We are delighted to be welcoming Ms Terrill Dobson, the national organiser of Scotland’s Gardens Charity as our guest of honour.

Ms Dobson is travelling from Angus especially to be with us, and to meet with the local Renfrewshire organisers of the charity, and the Kilmacolm owners who generously opened their gardens to the public in 2017.

Everyone is most welcome.

Annual membership of the Society is £5.00, enabling you free entry to the Flower Show, the Winter Lectures, two newsletters each year, and the opportunity to come along to the annual Outing - always a happy event, and sometimes the weather is kind to us too. For further details of the Society, access our website www.kilmacolmhorticultural.com or phone our secretary Mrs Jill Russell on 01505 872393.

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme The Inverclyde and Renfrewshire district of Scotland’s Garden Scheme would like to thank the garden openers in the area for so kindly allowing visitors to their gardens and the visitors themselves who supported the openings throughout the year. Over 255 charities were supported throughout Scotland by the scheme as a whole and it is expected around £300,000 will be donated this year. This involves a lot of work by everybody but without our owners and visitors, nothing would be possible. Thank you so very much.

The trustees of the SGS have agreed to change the donation to charity to 60% to the garden’s charity of choice from 2018.

Although there are still gardens opening this year, thoughts turn to 2018 and beyond. Details of next year’s gardens are already going to print but we are always on the lookout for gardens for 2019. So, if you have a garden or a collection of gardens in a village or town, that would give 45 minutes of interest of more, or if you’d like to help out at openings, please get in touch with us either through the website www.scotlandsgardens.org or phone Rosemary Leslie 01505 874032 or Alex MacMillan 01475 540423.

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Gateway Garden Drop-In Sessions November: Sun 12 from 1pm, Weds 8 & 22nd from 2pm

Diaporama

Lochwinnoch Community Garden

The October meeting was a mutual learning experience and tuition and was held in the Committee Room in the Carrick so that we could all use our own computers. The aim of the meeting was to pass on tips and suggestions on how to improve our AV shows. Thanks to valuable input from our more experienced members we were able to add to our knowledge and also to learn some easier and quicker ways of doing things we already do.

A meeting was held with the Parish Church to discuss the way forward for the Community Garden. The outcome from the discussion was that we all wanted the garden to be more accessible to the community. The garden would be an open inviting space for people to use as a place of peace, beauty and reflection. The gates and large hedge was providing a barrier and was not inviting thus the gates will be removed and the large hedge cut back to be small and easily maintained.

There are two main programmes used by amateurs to make shows and these are Pro-Show Gold and Pictures to Exe. We are very fortunate at having experts on both programmes as they do work slightly differently.

We aim to grow plants for the numerous containers in and around the village including the War Memorial, McKillop, Calder Church, Library and Lochbarr (We plan to increase the containers every year). Furthermore, the payback team are giving us a quote on repairing all the flower and raised beds in the garden. In addition, a number of small plots will be made available for Lochwinnoch residents to grow flowers and veg.

We also had a recap session on adding a soundtrack to our shows.

Music can be added directly into Pro-Show and Pictures to Exe and timings can be altered there but there is a very useful programme called Audacity which allows you to record and edit sounds and music.

Gateway Garden, Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan Take part in gardening activity and fun for all the family. Help us plant bulbs around the village – grab some for your own garden! Expert advice - bring your questions. All welcome. Free. No need to book - just come along.

For more information and to get involved email hello@kilbarchansmile. co.uk, contact Francesca on 07952 169341 or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook.

NEXT DATES AND CALL FOR HELP 29th October Bulb planting in and around village - MEET McKILLOP 1PM

As mentioned in a previous report we have our own website which you will find at: diaporamaavgroup. co.uk where you can find examples of some shows and also the syllabus for The Camera Club resumed last month with an encouraging turnout at our first evening. the year.

We were entertained with a fascinating selection of images taken by members during Our next meeting is on the summer months. These took us to the Hebrides and to faraway places. They Monday 13th November certainly whetted our appetites for the rest of the season! in the Carrick Houston We also had a useful and informative evening learning how to produce prints and and you will be most digital images for competitions. This included a number of pointers on how to compose welcome to attend. and enhance our shots. Thanks to David Addison and Janice Stevenson for sharing their know-how on these topics.

26th November Garden tidy up - MEET PARISH CHURCH 2PM

Kilmacolm Camera Club

These skills would soon be put to the test in our Summer Assignment competition, where members had a chance to judge the entries. This year’s topic was “Religion” but that didn’t mean you were confined to using a “Canon” or an “Olympus” camera!

“Revelations” on how each competition “Mark” was allocated will appear in a later edition. Or just come along and “Luke” in on a meeting (that’s enough of the religious puns!).

Venue: Kilmacolm New Community Centre, Room 1.01; Tuesday evening, time 7.30 (October to March). Contacts: Billy Blair, Tel: 873383; Janice Stevenson, Tel 873595.

Website: clikpic.com/kilcamclub/

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Welcome to Scotland’s largest Regional Park Craft Fair Sun 26th November: Come down and get your house ready and gifts sorted at our Christmas Craft Fair! Confirmed so far are Tart-n-Traybakes with tasty cakes, buns and scones. Unique and handmade Woodland Creations as well as glass tree decorations

by Kenny Falconer. Castle Semple Conservation Volunteers will have some nifty crafts too! On Castle Semple Open All Winter: The Castle Semple Café is open daily from 10am to 4pm with some new shop gift items, cakes to try and hot drinks to enjoy…

Our favourite this month is the deluxe hot chocolate -it comes topped with mini marshmallows! Pick up a new what’s on guide while you’re in to!

Visitor Survey 2017: Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Visitor Survey. We hope to use this information going forward to help us with decision making for future Park improvements.

Tree Felling at Muirshiel: Work is expected to start this November with 3 large sitka spruce plantations being felled. There will be restrictions on access/ pathways. Please head on site signage or look on social media for the latest info.

Conservation Volunteers: Finding yourself with some free time? The conservation volunteers have an active programme of tasks planned for over the winter period including Rhododendron clearance in Parkhill Wood. Greenock Cut’s group meet 10.30am – 2.30pm every Saturday and Castle Semple on Thursdays 12.30 – 3.30pm with the odd full day session.

Beith Camera Club: The group meet monthly through the winter and have some great images up in the lochside Visitor Centre café.

Ride 63 Community Cycle Club: Occasional weekend rides through the winter, see facebook page group for more info or post if you have some free time and would like a ride. Contact the club by emailing the secretary ridesixtythree@gmail.com for a membership form and ride info.

Tag-n-Track Project update It’s time for the monthly roundup from Project Officer Hayley Douglas. TnT is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde LEADER and Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.

Project News Another month done and we now have eight gulls who have migrated. Last month we told you about Clyde, Stuart and Gully MacGullface. Clyde has now moved down the Moroccan coast and is the first Scottish gull to be Clyde by Jose Marques tracked using the GSM tags to the Western Sahara! We are all very excited by this news but we were even more excited to find out that Clyde had his photograph taken in Matosinhos in Portugal during his migration. We then received another email with photos of Flyback on the Costa da Caparica beach in Portugal during his migration.

These areas have thousands of gulls and it’s amazing

to see the first two of our birds to travel to that region have been spotted by some avid birdwatchers.

Flyback by Gilberto Pinelas

The change in weather at the start of October prompted three of the birds to head south. Stuart, who was in the Republic of Ireland and Atty who was up in Stirling, both left during the high winds on the 2nd of October. They both flew non-stop with Atty clocking in a 40 hour flight, (Stuart was slightly less) all the way to Portugal. They then both separately travelled down the coast with Atty stopping near Faro and Stuart heading into Spain. On Wednesday the 10th of October Stuart became our third bird to fly to Morocco. Roger also left Scotland but hasn’t travelled as far and is currently hanging out in Snowdonia.

I’d really like to say thank you to all the people who have shown an interest in the project when we have been out and about. We are in the final month of our school workshops in Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire and are blown away by the positive response we are getting from pupils and teachers. Thanks also to The Brown Bull, Lochwinnoch, who are our newest business sponsors and have named Gull 17S:C, Archie. To keep up to date with what our gulls are up to you can follow them at www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk/ things-to-do/widlife/tag-n-track/teamgull/ or at www. facebook.com/TagnTrack/ #TeamGull Adoption! Christmas is coming! Looking for a gift with a difference and interested in supporting the gull project? We are offering gull adoption packs where you can sponsor one of the gulls for £25 and in return you will receive an adoption certificate, factsheet, monthly email updates, your name on our website and a fluffy gull to call your own. Look for details on our website or email tnt@clydemuirshiel.co.uk to find out more.

Event News In September there was much excitement at the bird ringing demo when a juvenile Great-spotted Woodpecker was caught and ringed. Join us on the 5th of November for our next bird ringing demonstration at Muirshiel Country Park. Pop along any time between 10.30am and 3.30pm to see what we have caught in the nets.

More Info…

Details can be found on the Park’s website www. clydemuirshiel.co.uk/tag-n-track or by emailing tnt@ clydemuirshiel.co.uk. The Project also know has its own Facebook Page which can be found at www.facebook. com/TagnTrack/ Talks to groups can be arranged if you are interested in finding out more about the project and its findings as the project progresses.

Keep up to speed with events and activities taking place on the Park’s Facebook: facebook. com/ClydeMuirshielRegionalPark or Twitter @Clydemuirshiel pages and Instagram pages.

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk 19/10/2017 15:54:35

november 2017

Langbank Camera Club

39

The October print competition topic was “Columns”. We had a variety of images submitted for competition, from rock formations, a cement factory, public buildings and, by far the most popular, churches and religious temples. The winning entry was submitted by John Davies for his image of the interior view of the cloisters at Paisley Abbey. Joint second place was awarded to Phil O’Brien and Gary Ramanathan. Phil’s image was of a temple corridor, one of the many at the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia. Gary’s image was of the exquisite interior at Glasgow City Chambers, Glasgow.

At the club meeting a presentation was given on portraiture. This demonstrated how you can change the look and feel of your portrait photographs by considering the background as well as the primary subject. The lecture was well received and provided plenty of discussion.

At next month’s main meeting we will be discussing how to take sunset and sunrise photographs. This will be followed by a Q&A session to discuss any points or queries raised. The print competition topic for November is “Disappearing Professions”.

The theme for the November Projected Digital Image (PDI) competition will be “Odd Couples”. After the competition we will view examples of sunset photographs taken by our members for comment and feedback following the previous meeting’s sunset discussions.

The main November meeting will be held on Monday, 13th November, with the PDI meeting held two weeks later on Monday, 27th November.

All club meetings are held in Langbank Church Halls, Langbank. Visitors are always welcome to our friendly club nights.

Membership of the club is only £10 for the first year.

If you wish to find out more about Langbank Camera Club please contact Derrick McPherson at langbankcc1@ gmail.com with your enquiries.

Branching Out More Regular followers of Brighter Bridge of Weir will be aware that we’ve recently started planting a few trees as well as our usual bulbs, flowers and shrubs. Now we’ve gone a step further.

Brighter Bridge of Weir and Bridge of Weir Community Council have got together and signed up to the Tree Charter, a UK-wide initiative led by the Woodland Trust and supported by, among many others, the Royal Horticultural Society, Scottish Wildlife Trust and the RSPB. Trees are of course an important natural resource, giving us timber for a range of purposes. But they are also absolutely vital to the planet’s ecology and biodiversity. They absorb atmospheric carbon, provide us with clean air, are a natural defence against floods and a haven for wildlife. Yet we’re not planting enough to replace those we lose each year. The Tree Charter’s supporters promise that a tree will be planted for every signature that the Charter receives. You can sign our copy of the Tree Charter in The Bridge (the old library) in Main Street, Bridge of Weir.

We’ve also been in touch with Eadha (pronounced EH-ya), a Lochwinnochbased enterprise specializing in the protection, propagation and planting of rare native tree species, particularly aspen (for which eadha is the Gaelic name), willow and juniper.

We at Brighter Bridge of Weir are hoping to play a major part in enhancing existing woodland areas and developing new ones throughout the village in the near future. You can help us without even getting your hands dirty. Just go to The Bridge and sign the Tree Charter.

More at www.brighterbridgeofweir.org

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Gryffe Camera Club Gryffe Camera Club’s Competition League Season got underway at the first meeting of October.

There was a good entry for the various categories with some stunning images on display.

Wednesday 4th October : League Competition 1 “Open”.

RESULTS A Prints

Mono

1st place – M. Johnston

1st place – P. Allan

2nd place – M. Johnston

=2nd place – M. Johnston

3rd Place – P. Allan

=2nd place – M. Johnston

Digital A

Digital B

1st Place - M. Martin

1st Place - C. Arthur

=2nd Place - M. Johnston

=2nd Place - F. Calvert

=2nd Place - K. Cummings

=2nd Place - C. Kyle

The previous week the club took part in a four-way international competition with clubs from France and Mexico where, again, the standard of images on display was exceptionally high. Each club displayed images showcasing the distinctiveness of each country. Needless to say the Scottish scenery stole the show.

The first talk of the season by a club member was given by Pat Allan on 11 October. Pat travels far and wide in her quest to capture images which invariably win both admiration from fellow photographers and win competitions. Her talk was entitled: “Snow and Ice” ”Bears and Bison”, breathtakingly beautiful and she thoroughly deserved the warm applause from her fellow photographers.

Gryffe Camera Club prides itself in being a welcoming and friendly club. If you find any of the subjects in November’s syllabus of interest to you please come along to the club.

We meet in the Carrick Centre, Houston each Wednesday evening at 7.30pm.

For further information have a look at our website: www.gryffecameraclub. co.uk 01-Nov League Competition 2 - “SCAPES”: Judge - Colin McLatchie 08-Nov SPEAKER: Robert Spence - The Hand In Horror Show 15-Nov Members Night with Hugh Kerr 22-Nov GDPU v Motherwell: Judge - Findlay Rankin 29-Nov Friendly: Hub Singer: Judge - Charles Summers League Competition 3 “OPEN” - Digital Hand In

Paisley Colour Photographic Club Competition for the Bowie Trophies

Bowie Trophy 1st Jim Black “Lycoperdon Perlatum” and “Common Blues Mating”.

Bowie Trophy 2nd Richard Bennett’s portfolio “Iris” and “Airborne Hare”.

PCPC recently held their first competition of the 2017-2018 session at the McMaster Centre in Renfrew. This competition was for the Bowie Trophies and entry consisted of two images, one botanical and one zoological. The club were very pleased to welcome award winning landscape and wildlife photographer Gordon Rae from Lockerbie to judge the competition.

The standard of each of the 70 entries was particularly high this year and Gordon gave his expert critique to each image. He was generous and encouraging with his detailed consideration of each image in turn and pointed out how minor improvements could be made by for example eliminating highlights in images or by not over sharpening images.

Ila Bowie Trophy, Winner Carol Gracie “Meadow Pipit”

This year the winner of the Ila Bowie Trophy, awarded to the best non-advanced member, was new club member Carol Gracie for her images “Amanita Genus Fungi” and “Meadow Pipit”.

In the advanced competition for the Bowie Trophy Gordon awarded fourth place to Duncan McDonald for his images “Adult Coot Feeding Young” and “Cycad”. Mike Cruise’s portfolio “Red Rimmed Bracket Fungus” and “Red Squirrel in Autumn” was awarded third place whilst in second place was Richard Bennett’s portfolio “Iris” and “Airborne Hare”.

This year the winner of the Bowie Trophy was Jim Black for his stunning set of natural Best Overall Botanical Leonard Esakowitz for his image “Butchart history images “Lycoperdon Perlatum” and “Common Blues Mating”.

There were also awards for the overall best botanical and the best overall zoological images in the competition and these awards went to Leonard Esakowitz for his image “Butchart Belle” and Pat Cook for her image “Argiope Underbelly with Spider” respectively.

Bowie Trophy 4th Duncan McDonald “Adult Coot Feeding Young”

Belle”

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

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Best Overall Zoological Pat Cook for her image “Argiope Underbelly with Spider”

Bowie Trophy 3rd Mike Cruise “Red Squirrel in Autumn”

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november 2017

41

Winter is here. Our woodland trees are nearly completely stripped of their leaves, revealing the wonderfully twisted bare branches. Clear, cloudless nights that we experience at this time of year give way to crisp clean mornings which are perfect for walking through the woodland as it crunches underfoot.

The lack of foliage on the trees and bushes allows for us to view the wildlife as it scurries and flutters about readying for winter. Our migrating birds have long since flown off to warmer climates and, some others have arrived in their flocks. Can you tell the whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus), which has flown in from Iceland for the winter apart from the resident mute swan (Cygnus olor)? Cygnus is the Latin/ Greek word for swans. It is based on Cygnus the Constellation which is also known as the Swan constellation and features the Northern Cross within it. Swans are featured in Greek mythology and Zeus, the king of the Greek gods himself is said to have once transformed himself into a magnificent swan.

If you would like to discover more about the constellations in our night’s sky why not come along to our astronomy evening Friday 17 November and hear all about the galaxies and stars. This event will have highly knowledgeable speakers from the Astronomical Society of Glasgow. Additionally we will be holding a birds for beginners’ event on Sunday 26 November. Here you can learn about some of our common resident species of birds as well as the winter visitors.

For more information about the reserve or any of our events, please call 01505 842 663 or email lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk

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Weir on the River Calder, Lochwinnoch by Ian Woolner

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

The September meeting of Renfrewshire Council saw some very progressive motions accepted and achieving cross-party support. Motions passed which included a commitment to provide free sanitary products in all schools across Renfrewshire as well as a commitment to make the necessary steps to move towards piloting a universal basic income trial. I am extremely proud to be a part of a council that is implementing forward thinking, progressive policies. I look forward to what we can achieve in the future.

Both Brighter Bridge of Weir and the Bridge of Weir Community Council have recently signed up to the National Tree Charter, which is an initiative set up to increase the planting of trees in communities. A tree will be planted for every signature received. I am extremely supportive of this initiative which aims to protect and improve our environment as well as creating natural woodlands for communities. You only have a little time left to show your support so head down to the Bridge, in Bridge of Weir to sign the charter.

Christmas Lights Switch-on Bridge of Weir Community Council announce that the Christmas Lights Switch-on will be on Monday 4th December.

It’s that time of year again when the Community Council organise the Christmas Lights switch-on, and once again we have enhanced our lighting display.

The evening kicks off with the Carol Service in Freeland Church at 6.15pm followed by the Switch-on of the lights at 7.00pm at Livery where Santa will arrive in style.

Light refreshments will be served in the Royal British Legion Club. bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Bridge of Weir TARA The latest meeting of Bridge of Weir TARA was well attended, and our thanks go to Cllr. James MacLaren, P.C. Eilidh O’Hanlon, Housing Officer Alan Boyack, and Renfrewshire Wardens Alan O’Hara and Kevin Price for their attendance.

In September I attended several coffee mornings across the ward supporting Macmillan Cancer Support. These were well attended and it was great to chat with local members of the community while supporting a good cause. I also recently had the pleasure of attending Brighter Bridge of Weir’s annual casino night fundraiser. It was a fun and busy night with many local people attending to support a fantastic group who do great work in the local community.

The police report showed that there were nine crimes committed within the confines of the village in the last month. These included, the theft of a generator from a building site, the theft of a wheelie bin, the vandalism of a window, one drug offence relating to cannabis, one threatening communication via the internet, and four road traffic offences. One of the crimes has already been detected and the police have definite lines of enquiry in respect to the others.

Team Up to Clean Up: Calendars are now online with details of when and where litter pickers, street sweepers and gully cleaners will be from day to day.

Check when they will be in your area by searching Team Up to Clean Up on the Renfrewshire Council website.

Both the police and the Renfrewshire wardens have attended the viaduct on the cycle track near to Locherburn Cattery, with reports of a gang of youths regularly congregating there to drink. Related to this has been the theft of wheelie bins from the cattery, which have then been set alight on the cycle track. Anyone who has any information regarding these incidents should contact the police on 101 and asked them to pass on information to P.C. Eilidh O’Hanlon who is one of the two Community Police Officers who cover Bridge of Weir.

Get in Touch: Many issues have been raised with me recently and it is impossible to list them all here. I report regularly to the local community councils and tenants and residents associations to keep constituents informed on the issues that I have been working on. Alternatively, for up to date information on issues raised, search for - Cllr Natalie Don on Facebook and Twitter.

If you have any issues you would like to discuss, please get in touch by emailing at cllr.natalie.don@renfrewshire.gov.uk or pop along to one of my regular surgeries.

Surgery details: First Saturday of the month. The Bridge, Bridge of Weir - 10am, Bishopton Community Library - 11am, Langbank Parish Church - 12pm. bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Bridge of Weir Lace Group Bridge of Weir Lace Group meets fortnightly on Tuesday mornings (10am 12noon) during the winter months. If you’d like to try lacemaking we can provide materials & tuition. For further details phone (01505) 613967.

Voice Of Hope warmly invite you to a

Langbank Village Centre Friday 8th December 7pm - 9pm Mulled Wine, Tea, Mince Pies, Cakes, Carols, Readings, Musical Items Speakers: David and Allyson Tyrrell from Healing Rooms Scotland.

REGULAR GATHERINGS: Weekly Ladies Bible Studies Tues 10.30am Fortnightly Friday Night Church 7pm For venue and info: 07890 777710 or 01475 540700

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Bridge of Weir Elderly Forum Our next meeting is on 14th November in the RBLS Hall in Bridge of Weir at 3pm. Our speaker will be from the Fire Service giving advice on Home Safety and all members are invited to attend.

Our Christmas Dinner is on Wednesday 13th December in the RBLS Hall and tickets will be on sale at that meeting.

We are not going round our members to collect the money this year so if you wish to come to the dinner you will be able to pay on 14th November. We are having a speaker from the Advice Works at our January meeting. She will give advice on Benefits which are available.

TARA has been in regular communication with Renfrewshire Council regarding play equipment issues in both Houston Road Park and The Glen/Ranfurly Park.

In addition TARA will shortly be having a site visit at Houston Road Park with the Land Services Manager from Renfrewshire Council in regards to the general upkeep and maintenance of the park.

The drains at the primary school crossing point on Houston Road have been reported to Environmental Services at the council as they are blocked and flooding is affecting the road and the pavements. They have promised us they will work to resolve this issue.

After discussions with TARA, the low tree branches overhanging the wall at Bridge of Weir Primary School will be attended to by the council as part of their winter maintenance programme, which should result in better visibility come the spring.

They have also said they will incorporate a more thorough road sweeping regime along in front of the school.

The next meeting of Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents Association is in the Pirie Centre at Freeland Church on Tuesday 21st November at 7.30pm. As usual all are welcome, so if something regarding the village is bothering you why not come along and air your views. bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Bridge of Weir SWI On Thursday 2nd November we will hold a craft evening. There will be an opportunity to learn papercraft, candle decorating, napkin folding and making crochet poppies. Alongside this our evenings are an opportunity to meet friends and make new ones over refreshments.

We meet at 7.15pm for 7.30pm at the British Legion and we welcome visitors and new members.

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk 19/10/2017 18:00:11

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november 2017

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

You may be aware of the new Consultation on Potential Development Sites in our village and in particular, Torr Road, Bridge of Weir.

AGM: At the Annual General Meeting, held on 3rd October, office bearers reelected (unopposed) are Chair: Sandy Clark, Vice-Chair: Tom Fulton, Secretary: Sandra Liddell, Treasurer: Neil Ferguson, Minute-Secretary: Pat Allan.

Important Notice LDP2: Torr Road The proposal is for up to 250 houses to be built over a period of 7 years, in the fields behind the existing houses to the south of Torr Road and stretching along to Thriplee Farm.

The knock-on effect of this would be more cars using the roads and parking facilities in the village, even more children needing places at local schools, and many more patients looking for support from our medical facilities.

Full details of all proposals are online at: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ article/3070/preparation-of-the-next-local-development-plan Send your emails to: localplanconsultation@renfrewshire.gov.uk, ref LDP 2083

DEADLINE FOR INPUT: MONDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2017 bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

St Machar's Ranfurly Church Service for Remembering those who have Died A short reflective service will be held on Sunday 5th November at 4 pm in St Machar’s Ranfurly Church for all those who have been bereaved in the past year or previously, and wish to remember their loved ones. Everyone is welcome.

Remembrance Sunday Service This will be held on Sunday 12th November at 10:30 am in St Machar’s Ranfurly Church with participation of the Guides and the Boys Brigade. This will be an all age service and everyone is most welcome to remember with us the price and the challenge of freedom.

St Machar’s Ranfurly Guild Guest Night Join us to hear the the Langbank singers on the 20th of November at 7.30pm in St Machar’s Hall.

The Terrace Lunch Club Last Friday of each month, this month 24th November - Join us in St Machar’s Hall for a chat over lovely soup and sandwiches, followed by coffee/tea and a biscuit, all for £4. Open to all. bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

As I write this, the storm Ophelia is hitting our shores, and you can expect a certain amount of chaos in its wake as leaves already creating slippery surfaces on the roads and pavements get washed into the gutters causing localised flooding. In Langbank, I expect Main Road will be flooded both because of leaves already lying on Station Road and because the outlets to the drains in the Clyde being under water. Depending on the wind speeds, but expected to be high, some trees may be blown over as the ground is already saturated.

Surgeries: Langbank Parish Church Hall - 1st Monday of every month (6.30pm), Bridge of Weir Primary School - 2nd Monday of every month (6.30pm), Bishopton Community Library - 3rd Monday of every month (6.30pm) Contact: 0300-300-1291 or email cllr.james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk .

Check out my Facebook page for more information and articles www.facebook. com/councillormaclaren

We welcomed our guest speaker Sharon Marklow, Strategy and Place Manager, Renfrewshire Council.

Sharon spoke about the Local Development Plan (LDP) process. In summary, the current LDP was adopted in 2014 and has a life span of five years. During this period, the Development Plan Scheme is updated annually and identifies any changes or updates required to statutory documents that form the guidance for the next LDP which is scheduled to be adopted in June 2019.

PLANNING: As part of the LDP process, there has been new suggestions for land use in the Main Issues Report. These new suggestions include the site lying to the West of Thriplee Road, although previously assessed for the current LDP the site has been re-submitted with a boundary change that increases the potential size of any future development. Anyone who commented on this site during preparation of the 2014 LDP should note that their comments will not be carried forward into the next LDP process. New comments will be required when consultation opens.

The consultation will run from the 9th October for a period of six weeks.

Decisions by the Scottish Government’s Reporter on the planning appeals for Whitelint Gate and the land lying to the North of Kilmacolm Road are expected during November.

The former Bull’s Garage site: Renfrewshire Council Planning Department is in discussion with the developer on the proposed layout of the Care Home and retail units together with any associated junction enhancements.

Cala Homes at Lawmarnock Road: The Cala proposal for eight villas and a block of flats has been refused and to date they have not presented any new proposal.

The length of closure on Clevans Road has been due to hinderance of shallow hard rock. Delaying replacing drainage and Scottish Water re-routing high-pressure water mains. Notwithstanding this, we understand that the road has been open to through traffic for the last few weeks. There is a section cordoned off to allow the final connection by Scottish Water, but this is simply a ‘drive around’.

ROADWORKS: Residents will be relieved to learn that the works at Deafhillock roundabout are due to be completed on the 8th December. However, there may be further disruption in the New Year when modifications are made to the slip road onto the A737. The Community Council will provide Facebook updates.

Gullies have been cleared in Hazelwood Road. The fence at River Gryffe is due to be repaired. The decorative wall on Livery Walk is also due for repair.

PARKING: Our Renfrewshire Councillors reported that Wardens have been issuing notices to drivers who have been parking out with bays and misusing parent, child and disabled bays in Livery Walk Car Park, further meetings are scheduled with Council Officials.

STREET LIGHTING: The contractor Power 1 has gone into administration. This will have an effect on the works programme as a new tender may have to be issued.

OTHER ITEMS: A meeting has been arranged with Cargill Hall Mother and Toddlers Group to resolve issues with Renfrewshire Council’s Hall’s Department.

Renfrewshire Council Team Up to Clean Up initiative is under way, all Renfrewshire’s 30,000 gullies to be inspected. Locally litter pickers will return to our streets on a regular basis and street sweeping programmed works will commence in late October. Check the Team Up to Clean Up page on Renfrewshire Council’s website for further information.

Issue raised by the public include: Residents in Woodside area unable to gain entry or leave their properties at Nursery and Primary School start and finish times. R residents are often subjected to verbal abuse from parents and guardians when dropping off and collecting their children. Cars speeding in the vicinity of Park Road and Southview Crescent. Drinking in public spaces.

The Community Council and Brighter Bridge of Weir have jointly signed up to the Tree Charter. This is an initiative to plant trees in communities throughout the UK. Trees are vital to the Earth’s ecology and the Tree Charters aims will help to improve the local landscape and environment, provide habitats for wildlife; create natural woodlands for recreation and the benefit of everyone in the community.

Please take a moment to sign the Charter that is placed in The Bridge for every signature a tree will be planted.

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

The worry of new housing developments continues to plague the village populations, and Renfrewshire Council have just published their Additional Proposed Housing Sites which list the site at Thriplee Road for 250 houses and another on Kilbarchan Road for 50 houses, both in Bridge of Weir; If you have already put in an objection for any of these sites then because of changes that have been made to the application I would advise you to resubmit your objection with amendments if you desire. Even if you objected to the previous smaller proposal, put in a new one as the others may not count.

More details can be found at http://www.renfrewshire. g ov. u k / m e d i a / 4 6 3 5 / C O N S U LTAT I O N - D O C U M E N TBackground-Paper-2---Update-Additional-Housing-Site-Assessments-Oct-2017/ pdf/Background_Paper_2_-_Update_Additional_Housing_Site_Assessments_ Oct_2017_Reduced_Size.pdf or contact me for more information. Note your objection must be submitted by 20 November 2017. May be you will also find the “Our Village Bridge of Weir” Facebook page to be useful to alert you to the ongoing discussion.

Bridge of Weir Community Council

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, 7th November at 7pm in the Cargill Hall.

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bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

ROAR Information Day Join us at the Pirie on Tuesday 31st October.

ROAR - Connections for Life is a locally based organisation providing a variety of activities and services which enable older adults to make the most of their lives. The options available include digital classes, gentle exercise sessions, health and well being clubs, befriending, foot care and films.

There are also opportunities for volunteering.

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Gryffe Voices/ Freeland Church

Singing for Wellbeing

Bass player wanted for Freeland Church Praise Band in Bridge of Weir mainly Sunday mornings. Call Graham on 07718 630127.

A fun, no-pressure choir singing feelgood songs every Tuesday from 6pm - 7.15pm and Fridays at 2pm - 3.15pm in the Bishopton Community Centre.

To find out more please visit us at the Pirie Information Centre Freeland Church from 10am to noon on 31st October. Anne Marie Cullen from ROAR will be happy to tell you more about all that is available and details of venues and eligibility.

Come along if you wish to find out more for yourself or for someone else you think may be interested.

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

We will be serving tea and coffee and hope to make you very welcome.

The village Christmas tree lights will be switched on after a carol service that starts at 6.15 pm. There is an open invitation to the local community to join in too.

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Bishopton Art Group Annual Christmas Art & Crafts Fair Saturday 18th November between 10am and 3pm Bishopton Community Centre, Gledstane Road, Bishopton Local amateur artists and crafts people will offer a variety of products for sale that will make ideal Christmas presents. The venue has free parking and is a 5-minute walk from Bishopton railway station.

Admission to the Christmas Art and Craft fair is free. Tea, Coffee and delicious home baking will be available.

Linda Mitchell, organiser of Bishopton Art Group’s Christmas Art and Craft Fair said, “Bishopton Art Group is pleased to announce that our annual Christmas Art and Crafts Fair will be held on Saturday 18th November at Bishopton Community Centre. As usual, there will be a wide selection of art and craft on display, which would make ideal Christmas presents. Tea, coffee and some great home baking will also be available during the event. Admission is free.” bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Bishopton Christmas Tree Light Switch on Sunday 3rd December 2017 at Bishopton Community Centre, Gledstane Road, Bishopton

Bishopton Community Centre Association and Bishopton Parish Church have once again organised the Christmas tree light switch on and community carol singing. The carol singing will be held within the building. The Christmas tree light switch on ceremony will take place outdoors in the Community Centre’s car park, adjacent to the Christmas tree. The carol singers will include children and adults from community organisations. Song sheets will be distributed for everyone else to join in. Refreshments will be available.

The Community Centre car park will be closed to allow the ceremony to take place. It is recommended that motorists should leave their cars at home and walk to the Centre. It is likely to be cold and those attending should wrap up appropriately.

Billy Arrol, Chairman of Bishopton Community Centre Association said, “Following on from the previous successful Christmas tree light switch on ceremonies and carol singing, Bishopton Community Centre Association is delighted to be involved again in helping this year’s too. The lights will be switched on by a local noteworthy person or persons. I am also hoping that we will have a special seasonal guest appearance. It promises to be a good community event for all of the family.”

“It is a free event. Light refreshments will be available.”

Senior Citizens Club Bishopton Scout We meet at Cargill Hall every 2nd Group Fireworks Langbank SWI and 4th Wednesday 7 - 9.15pm. bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Subscriptions are only £6 per year and £1 each week pays for your tea and biscuits. Entertainment provided.

Previous entertainers include a male voice choir & live music. Contact Sheila Patterson for further information on 01505 690521.

Saturday 4 November 2017 RoF Car Park, Bishopton 6.30pm to 8.30pm Come and join us for our annual fireworks display. £2 per person, under 5’s free.

Hot food and drinks available.

GATES OPEN 6.30PM - DISPLAY 7.30PM

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

The Bridge

Happy Birthday!!! we are delighted to report that come mid November ‘The Bridge’ will celebrate its SIXTH birthday.

Your Support – we are well into the Christmas season and, due to strong customer demand, we have increased our stocks of Christmas Goods. Please make sure you visit ‘The Bridge’ for your packs of Christmas cards, individual cards, wrapping paper, Christmas tags and money gift wallets, etc. Our very popular locally produced Calendar for 2018, showcasing Bridge of Weir scenes, is on sale as is a selection of Diaries for the coming year.

Community Centre - please use the expertise provided within The Bridge. The Hear to Help Service takes place on the third Friday afternoon of each month.

Please visit to obtain free hearing aid batteries or have questions answered without having to travel to the RAH in Paisley. The Citizens Advice Bureau has bookable appointments every second Monday and our MSP, Derek Mackay, and MP, Gavin Newlands, each hold monthly surgeries.

Post Office – Thinking of buying Christmas gifts - why not send a Gift Card. These can be exchanged in many well known stores. Please ask Donald, Anne or Stuart for details. Please remember the overseas posting deadlines!!!

And finally, as we approach our 6th anniversary, a huge ‘Thank You’ to the residents of Bridge of Weir and to our loyal volunteers who all continue to support us.

Our Opening Coffee Evening was a big success. The picture shows our hardworking treasurer Fiona Cumming ready to take our fees.

The display of cakes and savouries for supper was much appreciated by members old and new.

November 16th, the talk is on Heart Health, and an expert from the heart transplant team at the Golden Jubilee Hospital will be giving us all information and advice.

Competitions: Red velvet cupcake x 1, Christmas card – any craft, Piece of heart shaped jewellery.

We meet in the village centre at 7.30pm, monthly on every third Thursday. bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Christingle Service Sunday 3rd December from 4pm - 6pm Bridge of Weir Messy Christingle service and everyone is welcome, young and old, to come along and make a Christingle (see below). We will be making them in the large hall at Freeland with other activities from 4pm - 5pm. We will then move into the church for a short candlelit service with the Christingles which is really lovely.

After this, we will be back in the hall for food and a chat.

Lots of different people come along and it’s a great way to meet people. Babies and toddlers welcome. Adults are welcome to come along without a child but not the other way round as we don’t want to lose them!

Christingles have been around since 1747 when a German bishop was trying to explain the birth of Jesus to a group of children. It consists of an orange wrapped in a red ribbon with a candle in the centre and four cocktail sticks with fruit and sweets. The orange representing the world and the red ribbon representing God’s love wrapped around the world and the blood Jesus Christ shed on the cross.

The dried fruits and sweets are symbols of God’s creations and the candle symbolises Jesus the light of the world who brings hope to people living in darkness. We all need hope, the service is lovely and the children love eating the sweets before they should so come along and join us! Just turn up on the day.

Facebook (Bridge of Weir Messy Church)

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november 2017 kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Early Bird Christmas Gift and Craft Fayres *SOUP* *DILUTING JUICE* *TEA* *COFFEE* *TAMPONS & SANITARY TOWELS* Renfrewshire Food Bank are also busy getting ready for Christmas and the holiday season and any donations of long use by PARTY FOOD eg. Crisps, nuts, popcorn, biscuits, Christmas cake and Christmas Crackers (to pull at the dinner table!) would be warmly welcomed.

Many thanks for your kindness – Renfrewshire Food Bank kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

During the month of November the group has 3 meetings. The first is a talk about the Camino walk to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, which was also the theme of the film “The Way” starring Martin Sheen. In mid-November we shall be testing our brains by taking part in the national Telephone Quiz and at the end, we shall be enjoying a new Murder/Mystery play, the 4th by an NWR member in England who has raised thousands of pounds for charity with her plays. We would be delighted to welcome new members, please phone 703786 for more information or see the website: www.nwr.org.uk

The November meeting of Lochwinnoch SWI is on Wednesday 15th November at 7.30 in the McKillop Hall.

Kilbarchan NWR

Lochwinnoch SWI Aileen MacLeod is coming to give us a talk on “As a Result of Footering”.

Aileen makes items for formal and informal occasions from scraps of tartan fabrics. Perhaps some ideas for Christmas, ladies!

We look forward to welcoming members and friends.

For further info contact Elma Richmond at 843193 or richmond32@ tiscali.co.uk

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

The developers who are building the adjacent homes on the Merchiston Hospital site, Scottish Water and Renfrewshire Council, must all bear some responsibility for the current situation. The disruption and inconvenience is causing both frustration and anger amongst resident and business communities. I cannot understand why it seems impossible for the developers, the Council and utility companies to carry out both joined up work and thinking on these matters.

Once this particular project is finished with the date now being 10th December - no apparent guarantees here - the council needs to look carefully at conditions applied to future planning applications on time scales, to make sure this does not happen again. I will be pressing for such action.

Continuing the traffic theme, representatives from Howwood, Kilbarchan, and Lochwinnoch community councils attended a meeting with myself, and other local councillors, to discuss the way forward in seeking improvements to the A737.

The response from Transport Scotland, the responsible authority for the road, has at previous meetings at best been underwhelming. Requests for updated accurate accident statistics, site visits, with further pressure on Transport Scotland, and lobbying of local MSPs at Holyrood will be undertaken in the near future. Recognition and action is required from Scottish Government ministers for improvements for a road built a quarter of a century ago to reflect traffic and safety issues in 2017.

Carers and people with learning disabilities in Kilbarchan, Howwood, Lochwinnoch and elsewhere, who attend the day centres at West Lane Gardens in Johnstone and Whitehaugh, have been told that the centres which were due to close at the end of last month will remain open until the end of April next year. This is as a result of pressure from the users and their families, and I applaud their endeavours. While this extension is a step in the right direction it does however not go anywhere near far enough in implementing the decision of the council on 30th August, that the service continue to be protected for a minimum of 3 years. I sincerely hope that over the coming weeks and months, the council administration and its health partners, will secure the long term future of the service through the existing arrangement with Capability Scotland, an alternative provider, or by bringing the service in house.

Beat the rush and start your Christmas shopping early!! There will be a variety of stalls from local crafters to suit your every need. Stallholders include Annabelle’s Christmas Decorations, Sweets and Knits, Threepwood Fayre, BrawBricht Jewellery, Mandy’s Rainbow Glass, All Things Nice Jams and Pickles and many more. Browse our 21 stalls and stop for a coffee and a chat with friends. All funds raised will go towards World Challenge India 2019. Check out our facebook page ‘Kilbarchan Craft Fayres’ for further information.

Entry includes Tea and Coffee: Adults £1.50 Children £0.50 kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Breast Cancer Charity Event Sat 28th October Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street 20+ Stalls including Forever Living, Scentsy, Crafts, Frames, Usborne Books, Book Art, Sweets, Jewellery, Avon, Hair Bows, Handbags, Homemade Cards, Sewing, Garden Items, Pets Accessories, Photography, Kids items, Face Painting AND MUCH MUCH MORE! Afternoon tea with Entertainment also being served. Raffle with amazing prizes up for grabs. Tickets £3 adults, £2 kids over 5yrs, under 5’S FREE. Can be purchase prior to the event or on the day. Contact Lynsey 07939 032269 or Ann 07951 112653. kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Kilbarchan Smile Catch-up Old Library Centre, 9 High Barholm, Kilbarchan.

On Monday 6 November 7.30pm, come along to The Old Library, Kilbarchan to meet new friends and help care for your village.

New members always welcome - please bring your ideas! For more information and to get involved email hello@kilbarchansmile.co.uk, contact Francesca on 07952169341 or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook.

kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie

Traffic issues around the villages are seldom absent in correspondence from constituents, and no wonder. The ongoing delay in completing the work being undertaken at Deafhillock roundabout is completely unacceptable. The impact in Kilbarchan in particular has been significant, exacerbating an already major problem of through traffic in the village.

Sunday 5th November, Kilbarchan Guide Centre, High Barholm, Kilbarchan: 1pm to 4pm.

My surgeries are on the first Saturday of every month except January or July at 9am in the McKillop Institute Lochwinnoch at 10am in Howwood Village Hall and 11am in the Steeple Hall Kilbarchan Meantime please contact me at cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 07534156007 or 0300 300 1274.

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2nd Lochwinnoch Golf Club Tea Dance The second free Tea Dance in support of Lochwinnoch Dementia Friendly Village will be on Friday 1st December 2pm till 4.30pm. Come and dance, sing and have fun with the fantastic ‘Music Box’ and enjoy a lovely afternoon tea from Janice and her team!

The dance has been sponsored by one of the Lochwinnoch Golf club life members what a generous and kind gesture!

For more info 07868752814

contact

Morag

on

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Calder Church Christmas Fayre Saturday 18th November 10am - 12noon in the McKillop Hall, Lochwinnoch kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Elderslie Kirk Guild Coffee Morning We are holding a Coffee Morning in the Church Hall on Saturday 4th November from 10am - 12noon. £3 entry with Cake & Candy stall.

The Guild will meet on Wednesday 8th & 22nd November in the Church Hall, Main Road, Elderslie from 7.30pm - 9pm. All welcome.

Stalls include: Home Baking, Christmas Gifts, Cards and Wrap, Bottle Stall (non alcoholic), Jewellery, Arts and Crafts, Books, Toys, Lucky Dip and more!

Adults £2, Children FREE includes Tea/coffee/juice and Christmas goodies. All welcome. Please come along. kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Kilbarchan Parish Church Messy Church Our next Messy Church takes place on Saturday 11th November from 4pm to 6pm in the Church Halls.

Come along and enjoy a fun filled couple of hours ending in a time to eat together. Children must bring an adult to join in the fun. Everyone will be made most welcome.

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Lochwinnoch Community Council News Lochwinnoch Community Council held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 3rd October 2017. Office Bearers were re-elected as follows: Chairperson - David Arthur, Vice-Chairperson - Morag Thow, Secretary - Yvonne Ross, and Treasurer - Jane Owens.

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Over the last year we’ve operated with 16 Community Council members and have representatives on the Renfrewshire Community Council Forum (RCCF), Local Area Committee (LAC), South Renfrewshire Access Network Initiative (SRANI), the A737 Partnership, Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Consultative Forum (CMRPCF), Renfrewshire Outdoor Access Forum (ROAF), Renfrewshire Fairtrade.

We continue to liaise with our community groups, activities and businesses and have supported our Christmas Lights Display, Lochwinnoch Gala Day, the Community Planting Volunteers, Friends of the McKillop Group and the Fezzes Ukulele Band.

Given increasing concerns raised to me by constituents across the ward about the length of time taken by Scottish Water to repair the Deafhillock roundabout I have taken the fight to the utility company itself, and written to them, calling on them to initiate 24hr working to ensure that local businesses and residents alike are not further inconvenienced by the incompetence of Scottish Water. I have made it clear to them that plodding on until December is not acceptable either to me or my constituents.

Community Council members and volunteers have carried out litter picking and clean ups around the village, we have worked alongside the Renfrewshire Unpaid Workers Team on flower planting projects and acknowledge the tremendous work that the Johnshill Residents carried out on our community’s response to the recent Leith Planning Application.

As Convener of the A737 Partnership Group, to which Lochwinnoch, Howwood, Kilbarchan, and Johnstone Community Councils send representatives, I recently convened a meeting to which I was pleased to report that several local MSP’s of all political persuasions are willing to support our campaign. This is crucial both to ensure that the Howwood junction is fit for purpose and to secure future economic investment in Johnstone and the Villages.

We communicate with our community via our Minutes, Newsletter, Posters, Community Council Website and local Facebook pages. We have an excellent attendance at our meetings from Police Scotland and from our four Renfrewshire Councillors, which is very much appreciated. Earlier this year, we had a major role in facilitating a successful outcome pertaining to the replacement of Lochwinnoch Bridge.

It has been non-stop on planning matters over the last year with two major Solar Panel Applications, consultation on the Main Issues Report / Local Development Plan, the Johnshill Planning Application, the Struthers’ Planning Application and now with the Stewart Milne Group POAN (Proposal of Application Notice Application) being lodged, it looks like a busy year ahead.

The Chair thanked all Community Council members who have served over the last year for their support and hard work in making it another very successful year. There was special thanks to Duncan Adam (Planning Convenor) and Kerry MacKendrick for the considerable amount of time and effort they have spent researching, drafting and writing up responses to the various planning applications and planning consultations; the Local Development Plan and Renfrewshire Council Main Issues Reports were major tasks.

There were guest speakers at the AGM. Karen Keane and Archie White (Unpaid Work Co-ordinators from Renfrewshire Council) talked about the tasks that their teams have undertaken in the local area over the past 12 months.

In addition, Stuart Graham (Partnerships, Planning & Development Manager at Renfrewshire Council) gave a very interesting presentation about the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) - now known as “Our Renfrewshire”. The focus is on improving outcomes and reducing inequalities in communities. Over a period of many months, communities have been consulted on what matters to them, the results have been analysed and prioritised and the new plan came into existence at the start of October 2017.

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 7th November, starting at 7.30pm in Lochwinnoch Bowling Club. All welcome. You can also contact us at: http:// lochwinnoch.org

I have recently been contacted by residents in Lochwinnoch High Street as we are once again approaching the worst time of the year for blocked gulleys, and certainly I have stressed to council officers that effective cleaning and prevention is better than cure. The new administration has made ambitious claims for their gulley cleaning programme and I certainly mean to hold them to that.

The former Kilbarchan West Church has now formally been put up for sale at a price of £175,000. My motion to which Renfrewshire Council agreed in April, of seeking to explore the viability of establishing a Museum of Village Weaving at the site, remains on the table. To take this idea forward we need to establish a group to explore funding streams with Historic Environment Scotland. If you would like to help me do that, please contact me on 07534 148224 or e mail me on cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk, to express an interest.

My advice surgery in Kilbarchan is on the 2nd Wednesday of the month in the Steeple Hall at 7:30pm, and my advice surgery in Howwood is at 6:30pm on the 4th Wednesday of the month, and then in Lochwinnoch on the 4th Wednesday of the month in the McKillop at 7:30pm, all excluding July and Christmas. But I am also always available to constituents who can call me on 07534 148224, tweet me on CllrAndy4Ward8, e-mail me at cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk, or facebook me on Independent Voice@Ward9JohnstoneAndVillages. kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Scottish Country Dance Classes Tuesdays in the McKillop Lochwinnoch at 7.30pm.

Kilbarchan Hall,

We always have great fun and it's good exercise too! Phone Lorna Black 01505 843048 for more info.

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

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november 2017

Would you know what to do in an Emergency? ♥ Every week in Scotland, 70 people suffer cardiac arrest. ♥ More than 3,500 people per year in Scotland are treated by the Ambulance Service following a cardiac arrest. ♥ Only one in 20 people will survive. ♥ Without resuscitation, cardiac arrest is always fatal. ♥ But, performing CPR could double that person’s chance of survival Heartstart courses are free of charge and it only takes two hours to learn the skills which may someday save a life: ♥ Recovery position ♥ CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) ♥ Heart Attack ♥ Choking ♥ Serious bleeding New venue for Howwood courses “The Boarding House” To learn the simple skills that save lives, contact Morag Thow on 07868 752814 to book onto one of our courses: Wednesday November 15th

7 - 9pm

Masonic Lodge Lochwinnoch

Tuesday 12th December

7 - 9pm

The Boarding House Howwood

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Howwood Community Council Meetings of the Community Council are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in Howwood Village Hall. Please feel free to come along - all welcome. kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

I have been a Councillor now for a few months and I have managed to visit most departments within Renfrewshire House in pursuit of information. I find it much easier to communicate with Council officers “face to face”, rather than the prescribed email. This way I am able to obtain the information I am seeking, much quicker.

Another luxury of exploring Renfrewshire House, is that I have been able to establish that there is not a department of psychics. If you are wondering why the Council has not fixed that pothole, lamppost, gulley, etcetera, then it may be due to the fact, that the defect has not been reported in the first place. It is better that the Council receives multiple reports of a defect, rather than none at all. May I encourage you to make a note of the date, time and name of the person to whom you have reported the defect. If after two weeks there has been no response, please contact me, or any of the other Ward 8 Councillors, with the details of your defect report. This way I can go direct to the department concerned, with the information you have provided, and ask why your report has not received attention.

I am aware that there is increased interest in local development and hopefully between myself and other Ward 8 Councillors, we will keep you informed of developments. I know there have been many issues regarding the Abbey Road development. I spent two hours engaged in conversation with Fraser Carlin, the head of Planning and Housing, which was very informative and enlightening. Not everything is what appears.

If you have issues, with the Council, you would like me to investigate, I would be happy see you at my surgery or by appointment at a mutually convenient location.

My contact details are: email: cllr.alistair.mackay@renfrewshire.gov.uk, tel: 0300 300 1418. My November surgery will be held in Elderslie Village Hall, on Saturday 11th November 2017 from 10:30 until 11:30. kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Knitting Bee Knuts4Knitting

Meets fortnightly on a Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm at Knit Knax, 37 High Street Johnstone, also weekly Thursday from 2pm to 4pm.

Dementia Friendly Village Developments We had a fantastic Tea Dance at Lochwinnoch Golf Club dancing to ‘Music Box’ and enjoying a fine afternoon tea served by Janice and her team at the club. A very kind Life Member of the golf club has sponsored another tea dance on Friday 1st December!! More in November newsletter In addition, Annette Gulliver presented a cheque to Ian Houston from Dementia Scotland from one of her many table top charity events.

DEMENTIA TRAINING The first of many training events will be hosted by Lochwinnoch Primary school Ian Houston will visit the school and work with the students over the Annette presenting her cheque next few weeks. Other groups involved in training will be our local GP practice, Dentist and pharmacy. In addition, our three church groups will be given training Iain is going o be very busy!! Following these groups our shops and businesses will be given advice and support on dementia friendly ways to help customers.

DEMENTIA STEERING GROUP An excellent response to establishing a steering group was established on Wed 30th August the group will meet again Wed 8th November 8pm in Calder Church.

WATCH OUT for a village wide survey on DEMENTIA coming through your door. We want to gather local people's views and possible needs. kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Elderslie Community Council Renfrewshire Council’s petitions process was introduced to enable members of the public to raise issues of local concern with the Council, either on their own behalf or on behalf of an organisation. Petitions about the services provided by partner organisations such as the Police and Health Service can also be considered.

The Council reviews the petitions process regularly in order to identify and implement improvements to the way petitions are considered - and your views are important to us.

Your community council, members of the public and any other interested party, can participate in this review by undertaking a short online survey to let us know what you think of the Petitions process.

Https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3HCRCWH Please submit your responses by 22 November 2017 - after which this survey will close.

kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie

Being as I only intend to be a one term Councillor affords me the luxury of being frank and forthright when it comes to managing peoples’ expectations. It does not stop me from campaigning on issues, however sometimes one has to be realistic in what is actually deliverable.

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Contact details: Pamela 07743 156738 or email bknitting@hotmail.co.uk.

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kilmacolm & quarriers

Tuesday 21st November: WHIST DRIVE - Catered by Mrs J Burns

Saturday 2nd December from 10am-12noon

There has been a fantastic response from the village in opposition to building on our precious Green Belt but we need to keep going!

Howwood W.I.

New members will be made very welcome. For further information please contact Irene MacTaggart on 01505 704800. kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Festive Fair

Saturday, November 11 from 12pm to 4pm at Lochwinnoch Parish Church Please join us at the Lochwinnoch Christmas Fair hosted by Beautiful Crafters Events. Hand-made and unique gifts will be available for all tastes.

Christmas Fayre

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall Many gift stalls and a chance for the children to have their photo taken with Santa. kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Elderslie Kirk Guild Join us on Saturday 4th November for a Coffee Morning in the Church Hall from 10am - 12 noon. £3 entry with cake & candy stall. For More information call 01505 341 206.

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Kilbarchan Parish Church Services continue at 11am each Sunday throughout November, conducted by Rev. Stephen Smith. It is hoped that the church will have reopened for worship.

The shoeboxes for the Blythswood Shoebox Appeal will be dedicated on Sunday 5th during the service. Armistice Sunday is on 12th. The service at the Cenotaph is at 10am and the uniformed organisations will then parade to the church for the Service of Remembrance at 10.45am, with the 2 minutes’ Act of Remembrance at 11am.

We continue to support the Paisley Food Bank each Sunday .

Sunday School and the Crèche will meet in the hall from 10.45am each week.

ALL WELCOME TO ANY OF THESE SERVICES. For further information about the church and the organisations, please visit Kilbarchan Kirk online: www. kilbarchan-kirk.btck.co.uk kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Lochwinnoch Art Group This Group is always glad to welcome new members. We are not a class, as such, but sharing knowledge and ideas from the group as a whole does result in an improvement in performance. All abilities are urged to come along and give us a try. Hope to see you there....meetings restart on Monday 4th September from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in the Space Room in the McKillop Halls. For more information phone Lorna 01505 843048.

Greenbelt Update

We are under no illusion that this is going to be anything other than a long haul and we will need the whole village to keep working together because it will affect us all wherever we live in the village.

There has been a change in venue for boxes for the copies of your responses to Gladman and they are now in Gibb Stewart’s and Vino13.

McTaggert-Meikle , Taylor-Wimpey and Cala will all, no doubt, hold their own presentations in the next few months... (more dates for EVERYONE’S diary!)

In the next couple of weeks you will get a leaflet through your door with some further, hopefully helpful, information.

Remember this is OUR village-no one else will look after it but US! kilmacolm & quarriers

Afternoon Tea Concert Angel Voices and Voices+ invite you to our Afternoon Tea Concert on Saturday 4th November 2– 3.30pm at St Fillan’s Church Hall, Kilmacolm. With Coffee, Tea, Scones and Cake & Raffle, the Choir will give a little Concert of Songs they have been rehearsing at 2.30pm.

Tickets £4 – pay at the door. kilmacolm & quarriers

Guide Hut to hire

What is Pilates?

A great venue with easy access near to the village centre. Newly refurbished main hall, with additional kitchen facilities and outdoor area. Perfect for children’s parties, weekly classes and one off special occasions. Anyone wanting to hire the Guide Hut please contact Roz on 07584 359007.

At the Old Library centre we are often asked “What is Pilates?”

kilmacolm & quarriers

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

The main goal of Pilates is to strengthen the abdominals, improve posture, stabilise and elongate the spine and develop balance and overall strength. It was invented in the 1920’s by Joseph Pilates. Physiotherapists use it in recovery and encourage people to keep on using the exercises to protect against any future injury. Pilates exercises your core while emphasising strengthening your back, arms, inner thighs and glutes. Classes offer a total body work out and uses movement to increase muscle elasticity and improve flexibility. The movements are often done against resistance, with the abdominals pulled in and up to support the spine.

Like yoga, Pilates is a mind and body exercise. Practising Pilates on a mat centres your mind and body and increasing awareness. Mat work places an emphasis on the breath. Due to the fluid movements blood circulates more freely during exercise.

If you have thought about trying Pilates but were unsure we hope this has helped.

Why don’t you come along to a class and find out. We have classes on a Monday at 10.00 am and a Wednesday at 2.00 pm. Each class last about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Classes in The Old Library Centre are as follows:Monday: morning Pilates. Tuesday: afternoon Craft Group (every 2nd week).

Wednesday: morning Yoga, afternoon Pilates, afternoon Credit Union, evening Yoga. Thursday: morning “1st Love Music” – music and movement for babies and toddlers, afternoon FABS exercise class for over 60’s. Friday afternoon Bridge Club.

Please note the Credit Union have changed from a Wednesday morning to Wednesday afternoon. If you are interested in any of the groups mentioned above please contact The Old Library Centre to register your interest and to get more details of the group times.

Tel 01505 706070 or email - kipcokil@hotmail.com

Bonfire & Fireworks - Knapps Saturday 4th November The 50th Kilmacolm Bonfire and Fireworks will be at Knapps, Kilmacolm courtesy of Lord McLay and Robert Baxter on Saturday 4th November - doors open 4.30pm, proceedings commence sharp at 6pm. Come early.

Any queries to David Wilson 07766 992294. kilmacolm & quarriers

Friends of Ardgowan Hospice We would like thank all those who contributed to our recent collection we raised £2842.

Saturday 11th November Coffee Morning and Xmas Fayre Kidston Hall 10-12 We look forward to welcoming you at our Annual Coffee Morning.

Donations of baking, jams/marmalade and chutney will be most welcome.

Kidston Hall will be open from 2-4pm on Friday 10th November for your donations. kilmacolm & quarriers

Advent Carol Service With Angel Voices & Voices+ Community Children’s Choir on Sunday 3rd December at 6pm at St Fillan’s Church Hall, Kilmacolm.

Come and prepare for the Season before Christmas with this lovely Service on the theme of Light and Darkness through Music, Readings and Advent Carols. Refreshments after the Service.

At the start of October I was pleased to welcome the Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, to Kilmacolm. During his visit to Kilmacolm Primary School he was able to see the school’s successful literacy ‘Reading Challenge’ and other strategies being used to encourage reading within the School. The children were excellent hosts and told Mr Swinney about their favourite books and how much they enjoy the activity of reading. At a wellbeing level, in preparation for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, it was also good to see the progress being made by the pupils in their endeavour to walk the equivalent distance to the Gold Coast in Australia.

During October I also had the opportunity to take part in a Police patrol in Ward 1, seeing first hand some of the issues they deal with and discussing with them a variety of policing issues in the ward and the wider Inverclyde area.

Inverclyde Council are currently in the process of determining the future council budget. This budget process is occurring under the continuing austerity by the UK Government and will be impacted by the Chancellor’s autumn statement. It is anticipated that the formal consultation will begin in January (to take account of spending decisions by the UK and Scottish Governments). A summary of those savings which the Members’ Budget Working Group propose should form part of the public consultation is available online in a report to council on the 28 September.

My next two surgeries will be 7-8pm on the 29th November (St Francis School, Port Glasgow) and 7-8pm on 13th December (Kilmacolm Community Centre).

You can contact also me directly to discuss any matters by telephone on 07768460073/01475712370, by email to christopher.curley@inverclyde.gov.uk or by messaging me via my Facebook page (@Ward1chriscurleySNP).

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kilmacolm & quarriers

Kilmacolm Surgeries On the last Monday of every month PC Jamieson, the local neighbourhood officer, will hold a surgery in the Community Centre between 10.30 - 11.30 am. Please pop in and see him if you want to share any concerns or need advice.

kilmacolm & quarriers

MND Christmas Card Sale Tuesday 7th November 2017, 10am - 1pm, in the New Community Centre Kilmacolm Thank you for your support.

kilmacolm & quarriers

Local Artist selected as a Finalist in Scottish Portrait Awards 2017 Local artist, Moira McInally from Kilmacolm, has been selected as one of 30 Fine Art finalists for the Scottish Portrait Awards 2017, which is to be held in the Scottish Arts Club, Edinburgh in November.

One of the judges is the esteemed Scottish artist, John Byrne (who has recently completed a portrait of Billy Connolly, shown on BBC 1) Moira’s work is called, The Apprentice, and is a portrait of her son who is an apprentice with BAE Systems in Glasgow. It will be on display, along with the other finalists’ work within the Scottish Arts Club, 24 Rutland Square, Edinburgh from the 7th November until the 2nd of December (Tuesday - Saturday only).

If you love Art, and want to see some of the amazing artistic talent Scotland has to offer, then this exhibition is a must-see! kilmacolm & quarriers

Village Art Class

One of this session’s highlights will be our annual Artist’s Demonstration. In November we will welcome GARETH REID, the 2016 SKY Portrait Artist of the year, who, competing against wonderful artists from all parts of the U.K. Won this prestigious competition. Gareth, originally from Northern Ireland, lives in Glasgow with his family, so he’s almost a local lad! We, and some fellow ‘painters’ from other local classes, are very much looking to the event.

The class runs for 22 weeks over winter months on Friday mornings, between September and March. We are a small group of 18 and although once again the class is full, we do have a waiting-list. Contact Ruth Lamont, Sec/Tres T: 01505 872368.

The Remembrance Sunday service is at 10.45am at St Columba’s Church on the 12th. I have the honour of representing the Council in my role as Depute Provost. The youth organisations will parade at 10am from Birkmyre Park to the Church. St Columba’s pipe band will lead the parade as it will do again at the main local parade in Port Glasgow at 12.15. Wreaths will be laid at the Memorial on Lochwinnoch Road after church, the service being led by local clergy and marshalled by Bridge of Weir British Legion. On the 11th at 11am we will observe the 2 minutes silence in the Cargill Hall at the wooden memorial therein.

Could I remind our regular bonfire stewards to be at the Knapps at 4.45pm on Saturday 4th November. The Police have taken a great interest in our village celebration and I would remind all who come that for “crowd control” reasons we need everybody through the gate. Most people who use the Knapps for dog walking use dog poo bags but I have had a complaint from a BoW Road resident who has been having to collect poo bags from the fence at the bonfire entrance. Better if we take these home.

A special meeting of the Environment and Regeneration Committee has been convened to hear an objection from one individual to the removal of the parking discs from use in the village. The initiative to remove the discs has come from our traders who have lost customers who are visitors to the village and do not appreciate that discs are required. At a June prizegiving 11 parking tickets were issued, mainly for disc offences and mainly to visitors. This is an excessive amount for a village and is not proportionate. Previously, with Police wardens 14 tickets were issued in 4 months. Council Officers are supporting the removal and I do hope the councillors will also.

I attended both Port Glasgow high School, and St Stephens Prizegiving and Awards Ceremonies. Both these schools are doing well and taking advantage of the facilities offered by the joint campus. I look forward to continuing cooperation between the two schools particularly in the upper school curriculum.

SEPA have commissioned the salmon ladder on the Gotter Water in Quarriers Village. The decision not to divert the Gotter into the Carruth Burn has meant that the project can proceed. Flooding on the Gotter will be dealt with by a culvert.

John Blair and the BoW angling club have been key movers in this exciting initiative to allow salmon access to some 4km of spawning grounds upstream.

My surgery is at the Cargill 9.45 – 10.45 on the 11th November. I can be contacted on david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk 01475 741969 and 712727 and 07766 992294

Ashes Hair has been in business in Kilmacolm for over 11 years now and new exciting things are happening within the salon.

clients a high end service using only the best products. This allows us to deliver city styling from the heart of the village.

It is now under new management offering sensational new treatments and services designed to create the ultimate client experience.

We hope to see all clients old and new very soon and are very excited to welcome you to this new chapter for Ashes.

Great hair - the investment that pays dividends every day

The salon is currently undergoing a revamp and will have a fun, quirky feel to it. Our new manager Jacolyn Kincaid has over 10 years experience in the hairdressing industry and has trained with the likes of ‘Joseph Lawrence’ and the ‘Rainbow Room’.

kilmacolm & quarriers

The 2017/18 session is our 9th year, and the class still enjoys the help of our tutor, Mr David Craig who has once again set us a project for the year. These undertakings, apart from being a great learning process, are usually great fun. Last year’s self portraits were a very mixed variety - some excellent work, some slightly less so and a number hilarious. None, of course, taken seriously. This year’s, once again ambitious, remains to be seen.

kilmacolm & quarriers

She has recently gained her Higher National Certificate in hairdressing, and is now qualified to teach hairdressing.

She is also a fully trained extensionist offering a variety of different method of hair extensions.

We are also delighted to welcome Vivacious Beauty and Make-up to our salon.

Alyson Scott is a highly qualified beauty therapist offering a variety of different treatments, allowing clients to get pampered at the same time as getting their hair glammed up.

The salon has a talented, friendly team of experienced stylists, and we pride ourselves on our excellent customer care and high standard of services we provide.

We have just recently become a Wella Professional salon and therefore offer our

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the advertizer PLANNING - Local Development Plan

Lochwinnoch

With Scottish central government stating a need to build at least 20,000 new homes each year, developers have ceased an opportunity to place demands on the Green-Belt.

The Green-Belt represents protected areas of open ground, within and surrounding the villages, designated to safeguard the Village’s character, bringing the countryside into the heart of our community. This close proximity and open access is a key feature of village life. Alongside agriculture and farming, wildlife flourishes with deer, foxes, rabbits, hedgehogs and a myriad of birds, including hawks, being common sights.

Our villages have changed significantly over the last fifty years, therefore some might consider this “threat” as a part of the same on-going progress. However, if protecting our open spaces and what they mean for village life doesn’t "float your boat", there must still be serious concerns for over stretched services such as schooling, doctors, dentists; roads infrastructure, parking, traffic congestion and safety; flood risk, air quality and general well being.

It’s your village, your children’s future, so make sure that your views are raised.

Renfrewshire Council has established a mailing list to ensure that interested parties are kept informed of progress on the Local Development Plan. If you would like to be informed of progress then please get in touch with your full contact details at localplanconsultation@renfrewshire.gov.uk or call 0300 300 0144 Each of the site assessments can be viewed in “Consultation Document Background Paper 2Update Additional Housing Site Assessments (Oct 2017)” under the related documents section, follow the link

Bridge of Weir

www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/3070/preparation-of-the-next-local-development-plan Of particular interest in Renfrewshire, some newly identified sites...

Reference

Address

Capacity (estimated)

LDP2083

Thriplee Rd, Bridge of Weir

200-250

LDP2050

South of Brookfield (north of A737)

250-500

LDP 2085

Barochan Road, Crosslee/Houston

100

LDP2091

Kilbarchan Rd, Bridge of Weir

50

LDP2092

Howwood West, north/south of B787

150

Similarly, for Inverclyde, the “Main Issues Report March 2017”can be accessed at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/planning-and-the-environment/planning-policy/ development-planning/new-ldp Fewer details available for Kilmacolm prior to publishing. However, clearly a significant (huge !!!) number of houses given the scale of the highlighted sites. Interestingly, the Inverclyde Council Report projects a shortfall for Kilmacolm & Quarriers of just 52 houses in the period 2016-2024. The number of planning applications seems wholly disproportionate.

Howwood

Houston

Brookfield Kilmacolm t: 01505 613340 42-53 VILLAGE_278 NOVEMBER17.indd 50

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november 2017

kilmacolm & quarriers

Bridge For Beginners Do You Want To Learn To Play Bridge?? Classes held on Tuesday evenings commencing Tuesday 5th September 7pm – 9pm in the Kilmacolm Community Centre. This class is suitable for beginners and those with a little experience in the game. Further details telephone 01505 872345. kilmacolm & quarriers

The Council has decided to postpone the public consultation on our budget savings until our financial settlement from the Scottish Government is announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance Derek Mackay MSP on 14 December. This follows the failure of the cross-party Members’ Budget Working Group to agree sufficient savings to go out for consultation.

The fact we have not yet been able to agree on enough savings options for consultation underlines the nature of the very difficult choices faced by Members. None of us came into local politics to cut services that are vital to the future wellbeing of our community.

With 10 of our 22 Members being new to the Council I think it is important we proceed at a pace that Members are comfortable with. We also know there is still significant uncertainty around the approach to public expenditure the UK Government will outline in the autumn statement and the subsequent decisions on the funding of local government services that will be taken by the Scottish Government.

We are hoping that Mr Mackay comes up with a much better deal for Councils than currently forecast. If he doesn’t there will inevitably be major cuts to services and an increase in the Council Tax. The Council’s current estimated funding gap for the next two years is £13m. More than half of this is due to officers anticipating that the Scottish Government will cut our grant once again.

I have one surgery this month in Boglestone Community Centre from 6 to 7pm on Tuesday 7 November. You can contact me directly to discuss any matters that are of concern to you by telephone on 01475 712020 (during office hours) 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/ and follow me on Twitter @ CllrSMcCabe. kilmacolm & quarriers

Brown bin collections - Winter suspension As British Summer time draws to a close this month, Inverclyde Council is advising householders that garden waste collections will be suspended for the winter months.

kilmacolm & quarriers

Coffee Morning & Christmas Fayre

St Colm’s celebrates 25yrs

Saturday 11th November Kidston Hall 10am-12noon

Friday 24th November

Friends of Ardgowan Hospice would like thank all those who contributed to our recent collection we raised £2842. We look forward to welcoming you at our Annual Coffee Morning. Donations of baking, jams/marmalade and chutney will be most welcome.Kidston Hall will be open from 2-4pm on Friday 10th November for your donations.

Celebrating 25 years since the opening of the new church building in Smithy Brae. We would be particularly delighted to share this special occasion with anyone who has a connection past or present with St Colm’s, and extend an open invitation to join us.

Bishop John Keenan will celebrate mass at 7pm in St Colm’s, followed by refreshments in the Kilmacolm Community Centre.

kilmacolm & quarriers

OUTLOOK ‘OUTLOOK’ is a social community group in Kilmacolm, that was created to welcome everyone, young and old, to come to share friendship and fellowship together. It is led by the Community Issues team of Kilmacolm Old Kirk. The group meets In Kidston Hall on 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoons monthly, from 2.00p.m. To 4.00p.m. The programme includes invited Speakers, afternoon tea, items of community issues for discussion, dates for your diary, plus entertaining activities.

PROGRAMME – November/December 2017 02 NOV: Dickens Revisited with Gerard McKeon - A Walk through Old City of London 16 NOV: Sole Solutions - Laura Kelly and Vino 13 Drinks for Christmas – James Kelly.

07 DEC: With our Minister - Rev Peter McEnhill, plus, Christmas Tea followed by Carols at the Piano with Sandra The OUTLOOK team of Margaret Cook, Sandra Crawford, Andrea Hargreaves, Gordon McGibbon, Rae McPhee, Heather Mutch, Catriona Miller, Judy Adams and Jill Russell invite you to Come along, bring a friend, spread the word that OUTLOOK is for fellowship and friendship.

OKFest 2018 Early bird notice of OKFest 2018. Kilmacolm’s music and literature festival will be taking place over the weekend 2nd - 4th March 2018. Mark it in your calendars now and look out for details in future editions of the magazine’

kilmacolm & quarriers

Kilmacolm Xmas Cards Jim Wood’s Xmas card this year is from his oil painting ; “Kilmacolm -Early Winter’s Evening Market Place-late 1890’s” The painting is on display in Threads and the cards are now available for sale in Threads and the Post Office.

kilmacolm & quarriers

Savings proposals totalling £6.3m have been approved for consultation. These include closure of the public space CCTV system, a 50% cut in the number of community wardens, transferring the running of Kilmacolm and Inverkip Libraries to community groups, moving to a 3 weekly grey bin collection and an increase in burial and cremation charges. The consultation will commence in early January 2018.

kilmacolm & quarriers

From Monday 20 November until March next year there will be no brown bin collections.

Environment & Regeneration Convenor Councillor Michael McCormick said: “During the winter months garden waste can still be recycled at our Pottery Street and Kirn Drive Recycling Centres which are open between 8am and 6pm.”

For the last garden waste collections of 2017, residents are requested to leave their brown bin beside their blue bin on their regular recycling collection day during the week beginning Monday 6 November or Monday 13 November.

There will be no changes to the other bin collection arrangements.

The Recycling Helpline number is 01475 715901.

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houston, crosslee & brookfield

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Parlez Vous Francais French Conversation group meets every Wednesday from 9.30 till 12 at Fox & Hounds. Informal tuition same venue 2-4 pm. Phone 01505 871 343, 07463 570464 or email avril. forbes2015@outlook.com houston, crosslee & brookfield

Who, Why, How? Are you interested in discussing who we are, why we are here, predestination or free will, western philosophy versus eastern philosophy? We meet in Fox and Hounds once a fortnight. Contact 01505 871343 or 07463 570464 or email avril.forbes2015@outlook.com. houston, crosslee & brookfield

New Sewing Class Got a sewing machine but never used it or just lost confidence? Do you want to know how to raise/lower a hem or change a broken zip? We might just have the solution. A new SEWING CLASS has started in the Village Hall Library on a Tuesday evening from 7-9pm. Come along and learn essential techniques every Beginner or Refresher Sewer should know. £10.00 per class. Places for 6-week block must be booked in advance. Contact brookfieldvpa@ gmail.com for more information or to book a place. houston, crosslee & brookfield

Crafty Friends Crafty Hobbies is what we do Come and join our Crafty crew Come and learn some Crafty makes Followed by some tea and cakes We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursdays in the month at 7.30pm in the Carrick Centre Houston. No previous craft experience necessary. We are just a group of ladies who enjoy making things! Contact - Lorna Cairns 612844 or Shirley White 610721. First meeting is Thursday 7th September.

houston, crosslee & brookfield

houston, crosslee & brookfield

The November meetings of Brookfield S.W.I. will take place in the Village Hall, Brookfield at 10am on Tuesday, 7th November and Tuesday 21st November.

Saturday 2 December & Sunday 3 December – 9am To 9pm Both Days

Brookfield SWI

Tuesday 7th, Six Dos and Don’ts for the Over Sixties. Speaker Mrs Alison Murphy, Solicitor.

Competitions, Favourite Spoon, Jar of Fruit Jelly, 3 Custard Creams.

Tuesday, 21st November The Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre Open Meeting Visitors £3.00 including tea, coffee and home baking. Everyone welcome. houston, crosslee & brookfield

John (Manager of the Houston Co-op), Jenny, Margaret and Morgan will be in our Houston Co-op on Saturday 2 December and Sunday 3 December 9am to 9pm both days with their trusty trolley - and charity collection bucket - busy receiving your food parcels to help make Christmas and the holiday season a much happier time for children and their families in Renfrewshire.

As well as the essentials of everyday life, we will be collecting PARTY FOOD and those extra wee luxuries that help to make Christmas and the holiday season so pleasurable – *CRISPS* *NUTS/PRETZELS* *POPCORN* *CHOCOLATE BISCUITS* *SWEETS* *SOFT DRINKS* *CHRISTMAS CAKE* *CHRISTMAS CRACKERS (TO PULL AT THE DINNER TABLE!)*

Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch-on

*Please ensure long use by dates* *No alcohol drinks*

Johnstone gets in the festive spirit as we switch on the Christmas lights in the town.

If anyone requires any further information regarding the Renfrewshire Food Bank or the Christmas Collection then please contact Jenny – HYPERLINK “mailto:JennyMeadows10@outlook.com”JennyMeadows10@outlook.com 07725 897 833

Highlights this year include Santa’s Grotto in Houston Square, St Vincent’s Hospice Christmas Market in Johnstone Town Hall, Stage entertainment, Face-painting and Children’s entertainment.

There is a Renfrewshire Food Bank donation bin in the Houston Co-op all year round – please feel free to use!

We’ll see you all in our Houston Co-op SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER and SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER 9am to 9pm both days.

Thank you for your kindness – Renfrewshire Food Bank

Provost Cameron will switch on the Christmas lights at 5pm.

Don’t forget...Johnstone Business Consortium will also have a Christmas Market 10am-4pm, 1 & 2 December. houston, crosslee & brookfield

Houston & Killellan Agricultural Society Houston and Killellan Agricultural Society are holding a Quiz night in J.G.Fleming Bowling Club Houston on Friday 24th November at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £5 to include a light supper and are available from Isabelle Stuart issistuart@gmail.com or from any committee member.

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Victorian Christmas Market Houston & Killellan Kirk Guild invite you to our event on Saturday 25th November 2017 from 10.30 – 1pm in the West Halls, Main Street, Houston.

Christmas Shopping All Done? No? We have the answer!

What you need to do is come along to our Victorian Christmas Market where you’re sure to find all the little gifts you are looking for. There are lots of gifts for the children to buy for their parents, grandparents, family and friends too.

For the children, we couldn’t miss Santa, so he will be here to meet you too and listen to your Christmas wishes. Also many gifts for the children to buy at affordable prices.

Our stalls include - Baking, Preserves, Toiletries, Children’s gifts, many Under £1, Knitting, lucky boxes, gift mugs, 2 Luxury Hampers in our Prize draw, Raffles, Competitions, Book Stall, Crafts Stall, and many more for you to browse.

You will love our FREE mulled wine so enjoy! We have hot rolls to tempt you and of course our Tea Room will be ready to serve you with tea or coffee, juice for the children and delicious hot mince pies, all getting you in the mood for Christmas.

This is an event you cannot afford to miss! Come and join our fun day and listen to music and relax away from the hustle and bustle of High Street shopping.

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Co-op Houston - Food Bank ‘Christmas Collection’

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Brookfield news As another month slips by and we near the end of year, thoughts turn to the festive season. A reminder of the programme of events in the village throughout December:

SUNDAY 3 DEC: Christmas Tree Light Switch On from 5.30pm Following the success of last year’s event, this is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit! Meet at the Village Hall at 5.30pm and join a candlelight procession to the Millennium Garden where our group of village brass players – the Brookfield Brass Necks – will entertain us with some Christmas music prior to the switch-on of the tree lights. Then it’s back to the Hall for some refreshments and a viewing of ‘The Snowman & the Snowdog’ on a giant screen!

SATURDAY 9 DEC: Children’s Christmas Party 3.00 - 5.00pm Fun and games with The Song & Dance Factory and of course, a visit from Santa!

Residents are reminded that tickets (£5.00) must be booked in advance – please e-mail brookfieldvpa@gmail.com by Wednesday 29 November with the number of tickets required and confirmation of children’s names/ages.

SUNDAY 17 DEC: Christmas Carol Service 2.00pm A celebration of Christmas with the Brookfield Brass Necks leading the carols followed by mince pies and mulled wine.

WEDNESDAY 27 DEC: Cheese & Wine 2.00pm This ever-popular event is the ideal opportunity for residents, visiting family members, friends and neighbours to get together for a really sociable afternoon between Christmas and New Year.

SUNDAY 31 DEC: HOGMANAY DANCE 8.30pm - 1.00am Dance the night away and see in the New Year with live band, DIZZY HEIGHTS. Tickets £12.50 (minimum age 16) available from brookfieldvpa@gmail.com or from any Village Councillor. Bar/Raffle/Refreshments.

Facebook: brookfieldvillage.org

t: 01505 613340

Twitter: @BrookfieldVPA

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november 2017 houston, crosslee & brookfield

houston, crosslee & brookfield

No matter how much time you have to give, there’s an opportunity for you at 1st Houston Girls’ Brigade.

Friday 1st December 2017 in Houston and Killellan Kirk, 7.45pm

Volunteering at 1st Houston Girls’ Brigade A Christmas Concert by the B Flats Join our group of motivating Leaders to offer occasional support, or simply share a skill or passion with girls in our Company.

Our volunteering opportunities can fit around your skills, commitments and interests. You don’t need to have been involved in Girls’ Brigade before to make a big difference and find a role that’s perfect for you.

Whether helping each week, or helping out more casually, you’ll run activities, games, projects and events that give girls the opportunity to discover their potential in achieving their badge work. If you’d like to help, you’ll be supported with training.

These roles are perfect for you if you: * would like to join our Company * can support our girls on a weekly basis - giving you the opportunity to see them develop and achieve their badge work * help our girls with a range of exciting, adventurous and often messy activities * would like to be part of a team and develop great relationships with our team and our girls If you aren’t able to volunteer on a regular basis, you can still make an impact in a supporting role. No commitment is too small - every role is vital to the running of our Company.

If you would like to register an interest in our Company please contact Lisa Dickson on 07739 641816 or by email at 1sthoustongb@gmail.com houston, crosslee & brookfield

Houston & Crosslee SWI On 8th November Mr Harper of Gryffe Wraes Farm will talk to us about “Farming in Scotland”. We celebrate our birthday on 13th December when we are entertained by The Fables Theatre Concert Party...

We meet in the Compass Centre, South Street, Houston, Please come and join us, you will be made very welcome. If you wish further information please contact, Arlene MacKay on 07932 459994.

H.O.S.T. The Carrick Centre, Houston (Houston Old School Trust) Monday to Friday, Woodlands Out of School 01505 615438

MONDAY

THURSDAY

Yoga (Weekly) 1pm Mary Laidlaw 01505 229112

Gryffe Quilting Group (2nd, 9th,16th, 23rd) 1.15 - 3.15 (16th 10am)

Diaporama 13th 7.30pm

Primary Colours (Wkly) 3.30–4.30pm

Young Farmers 27th 7.30pm

Crafty Friends 2nd,16th, 30th 7.30pm

TUESDAY

Paint Pot Tots (Weekly) 10am Dawn Campbell 07789 262350 Galaxy, Musical Theatre (Wkly) 4-7pm Yoga (Weekly) 7pm M/s Lawson 01505 613690 Lirico Languages (Weekly) 7 – 8.30pm (Fiona 01505 614306)

Folk Club (weekly) 8pm iaintdawson@ gmail.com 07786 078952

FRIDAY

Yoga (Weekly) 10.30am M/s Lawson 01505 613690 Big Kids Little Learners (Wkly) 1–2pm Janine Neil 07870 697010 Galaxy Dancing (Wkly) 3.30-7pm

WEDNESDAY

Gavin Newlands M.P. Surgery 10th 12.30- 1.30pm

Big Kids Little Learners 10 – 11am Janine Neil 07870 697010

Galaxy Dancing (Wkly ) 9.30am-5pm

Councillor Surgery 7th 6.45 – 7.30pm

SATURDAY

Galaxy (Weekly) 4 – 7pm

Councillors Surgery 4th 11.30– Noon

Gryffe Melody Makers 6th/20th 7pm

Carrick Concert 4th 8pm

Community Council 15th 7.30pm

SUNDAY

Gryffe Camera Club, (Wkly) 7.30pm

Baptist Church (weekly) 11am and 6pm

Booking enquiries to: Ian Simpson 01505 612203 Bill Haddow 01505 690693 Stewart Scally 01505 674277 hostbooking@outlook.com or The Coffee Shop

The group attracted more members and in November 2001 they gave their first public concert at Gartocharn Village Hall. Since then they have had traditional Christmas and Spring Concerts in the hall. In addition they have performed in Drymen, Alexandria and other locations raising money for charity.

So far they have raised £29,000 for primarily, local charitable bodies.

The concert in the Kirk will be a mixture of traditional and less well known Christmas songs with some original arrangements by the founder of the group, Robin Barr. We are assured that enjoyment and fun are very much central to their ethos.

Come along and join in the beginning of Christmas festivities hosted by Houston and Killellan Kirk Scottish Country Dancers. Donations will be gratefully accepted which will be given to our Extension Fund. houston, crosslee & brookfield

GHS PTS Annual Xmas Fayre Thursday, 23rd November 6:30-8:30pm Christmas is all wrapped up this year at Gryffe High School with our annual Christmas Fayre offering a wide variety stalls with many lovely gifts for the Festive Season, from scarves and handbags through to handmade soaps, cards and Christmas crafts.

Get a free mince pie and mulled wine/tea/coffee with each adult ticket and juice with each child ticket. Tickets are priced £3 per adult and £1 per child and may be purchased in advance or at the door.

So, come along and support the school and the PTA and help to raise extra funds for the benefit of all the Gryffe High students. Thank you! houston, crosslee & brookfield

Local villagers will be more than aware that Christmas will soon be here. I have great pleasure to report therefore that the date for the Christmas Lights Switch On Party in Houston will be at 6:30pm on Friday 1st December, with a Christmas Fayre in the car park of the Fox and Hounds prior to this starting at 3:00pm. After the Christmas Lights Switch On there will be fireworks in the evening as well and I would like to thank all the Houston Community Council members who work so hard throughout the year to make events like this happen.

Congratulations also to those local businesses that have invested money into the new Houston Christmas Lights, these being the Fox and Hounds and the Houston Inn, who donated £400 each, and the Newspaper Shop who gave £200. HOST (Houston Old School Trust) who run the Carrick Centre, have also donated £1,000 to the new Christmas Lights.

The reminder of the funding was provided by the Linwood, Erskine, and Riverside Local Area Committee which I supported.

The winning designs from Houston Primary, and St Fillan’s Primary pupils for the new Houston Christmas Lights will be on display on both the Fox and Hounds and the Houston Inn, so please come along that night and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas.

My advice surgery in Brookfield is on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6:30pm in Brookfield Village Hall, and my advice surgery in Houston is on the 4th Thursday of the month in Houston Village Hall, at 7:15pm, excluding July and Christmas.

But I am also always available to constituents who can call me on 07768 130935, or e-mail me at cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk. houston, crosslee & brookfield

Houston and Killellan Kirk Postie HOUSTON KIRK POSTIE A SERVICE FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY Raising funds for Alzheimer Scotland ‘Paisley Memory Lane Club’ For a donation of only 25p a card the Houston Kirk Postie will deliver anywhere in Houston, Crosslee or Brookfield.

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Coffee Shop: - Mon - Fri 9am - 4.30pm Sat, 9am - 4pm

The B Flats are a four part (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) harmony group of 31 singers, drawn from around their base at Gartocharn. The group formed about 18 years ago, original members from Gartocharn Church, a small body of folk who enjoyed each others company , home baking and singing.

The Sorting Office, in the West Church Halls, will be open from 10am to 12noon and again from 7pm to 8pm every day from 11th to 14th December. Cards may also be taken to the Church on Sunday 10th December.

Delivery is guaranteed not later than 19th December.

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Bridge of Weir Primary School The first few months have whizzed by and with the October holiday already behind us we’ve got time now to draw breath and review our first term. We were delighted to welcome our new Head Teacher Mrs Susan Bell who took up her post in August this year. Mrs Bell has been Depute Head Teacher at Bridge of Weir Primary for 13 years so is a familiar face to us all. She knows the pupils, parents and staff of the school very well and has ambitious plans to build on all that has been achieved over the years to ensure that every child at Bridge of Weir Primary School has the best possible educational experience.

Our new Primary Ones have settled in extremely well thanks in no small part to their amazing P7 buddies who have carried out their duties with impressive commitment. The care and kindness which they have shown towards our younger pupils is heart warming and has been much appreciated by parents too.

This year all classes will have a focus on Art and Technology with lessons delivered by Mrs Devine and Mr Lowit. The standard of art work being produced is outstanding and pupils are developing skills in portraiture, printing, painting and design. Technology allows children to co-operate with their peers, problem solve, work in teams and think creatively and projects so far have included P5 designing their own fidget spinners and P7 constructing periscopes.

In Primary 3 pharaohs, pyramids and Canopic jars have been the order of the day as the children have been exploring the mysteries of ancient Egypt whilst Primary 2 have been designing their own torcs and round houses as part of their Celts topic. A few classes have already been out of school on educational trips - P7 enjoyed their visit to Whitelee Wind Farm, Primary 5 were very impressed when they visited the Bannockburn Centre and Primary 6 are all up to speed with Scottish history after their visit to Linlithgow Palace.

History has also been the focus for Primary 4 who have been finding out about the Vikings.

In the nursery the children having been enjoying learning about what goes on “Under the Sea” and they had great fun during Maths Week Scotland working with numbers, patterns, shapes and measuring. There’s a whole lot of learning going on at Bridge of Weir Primary!

Houston Baby & Toddlers

EVERY

MONDAY

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers McKillop Hall, 9.45am - 11.30am

£2/family fee incl tea & children’s snacks.

Kilmacolm Playgroup

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm, 9.30am - 11.40am

Howwood Baby & Toddler Group

Howwood Parish Church, 10am - 12noon

Mobile Phone Recycling Thanks to everyone who collected old mobile phones for us as part of Recycle Week. 77 were collected by our participating primary schools alone! So a special thanks to Bridge of Weir (Eco Committee members pictured), Fordbank, Houston, Howwood, Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch and St Fillan’s Primary Schools and to Lochwinnoch and Kilbarchan Community Nurseries. These phones, along with the ones handed into the LEAP offices, have been passed to St Vincent’s Hospice and will be sent to be refurbished/recycled, preventing the precious metals, rare earth elements and other recyclable parts they contain from ending up in landfill and raising much needed funds for St Vincent’s in the process! If you have still to hand in phones, the good news is St Vincent’s Hospice have decided to continue the collection, so they can be handed into their shops, or to a LEAP office.

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, 9.15am - 11.30am

EVERY TUESDAY

Kilbarchan Tots

Kilbarchan Scout Hall, 10am-12noon £2 contribution. Tea, coffee & biscuits.

Bridge of Weir Toddlers

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, BoW

Pop along and see us from 9.30am - 11.30am

Kilmacolm Playgroup

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm, 9.30am - 11.40am

Howwood Playgroup

Howwood Church Hall, 9.45am - 11.35am

EVERY

WEDNESDAY

Kilmacolm Toddlers

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm, 10am - 11.30am For children from birth to 3 years.

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers McKillop Hall, 9.45am - 11.30am

£2/family fee incl tea and children’s snacks.

Howwood Playgroup

Howwood Church Hall, 9.45am - 11.35am

EVERY THURSDAY

Houston Toddlers

Church Hall, Main Street, Houston

Pop along and see us from 9.30am - 11.30am

Kilmacolm Playgroup

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm, 9.15am - 11.40am

Howwood Playgroup

Howwood Church Hall, 9.45am - 11.35am

EVERY

FRIDAY

What a great time we have had at toddlers recently. We enjoyed lots of great costumes on show at our Halloween party along with all the usual fun and playing with our friends.

Langbank Playgroup

A little reminder that toddlers will not be on Thursday 30th November due to the St Andrews day holiday.

Church Hall, Langbank, 10am - 11.45am

Langbank Village Hall, 9.45 - 11.45am For 2.5 - 5yr olds.

Contact Jen Burrows 07947 983025.

Langbank Under 3’s

For children from birth to 3 years

Baby and Toddler Group

Elderslie Kirk, Main Rd, Elderslie, 9.30am - 11.30am

We welcome all children age between 0-4 years old, together with their parents, grandparents or carers to join in with the games, crafts and play on offer every Thursday. The children can enjoy playing, making friends and of course snack time while the adults can catch up with a cuppa.

We meet between 9.30 - 11.30am, so come along when you are ready to the West Hall, Main Street, Houston PA67EL (next to the Carrick Centre) We look forward to meeting you.

£2 includes children’s snack and tea/coffee.

Lots of different toys to play with. All welcome.

Community Bookbug Sessions

Livingstone Hall at St Columba’s Junior School, Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm.

From 9.30 - 10am

1ST & 3RD FRIDAY

Renfrewshire Inverclyde Twins Club Bridge of Weir Primary School Eco Committee members

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McKillop Hall, Lochwinnoch, 1pm -2.30pm

£3. Bring a mug along for a cuppa.

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PGHS Prizegiving Successes PGHS Prizegiving Successes Pupils, parents, staff and invited guests came together to celebrate the academic and wider achievements of the hard working pupils at PGHS. Hosted by the Julia Ballingall and Daniel Blaikie, head girl and boy, the audience were entertained with speeches from former pupils and musical talent from current pupils. Lucy Pollock and Courtney Bowie received prizes for DUX and runner up DUX, respectively. Congratulations to all prize winners.

A close shave for a good cause Mr Cochrane, chemistry teacher raised over £700 for the Brain Cancer Trust charity, by having his head shaved by former pupil, Emma Carson. S6 pupils Rhys Lappin and Murin Keith organised the lunchtime event by selling bands and tickets. Money was also raised at a coffee morning by staff.

Houston Primary School Magnificent Mathematicians!

“Help your child to pass” Information evening There was a fantastic turnout at our “Help your child to pass” Information Evening. Parents participated in workshops from teachers on how to support their children through their studies with advice on study skill, sleep and exam stress. Careers Advice was also available by Derek from Skills Development Scotland.

What a wonderful week of maths we had as part of a new initiative to help everyone in Scotland to see maths in a more positive light.

The staff and pupils engaged in very many creative mathematical activities with cross-curricular links and to real life experiences throughout the week.

The staff worked collegiately sharing ideas and resources to ensure the children had the best possible experience. In P1, the pupils engaged in ‘Sum Superhero’ activities solving number crimes and helping numbers to escape. They even made their own superhero capes! P2 went on a trip to Lunderston Bay and used SEAL maths techniques on the beach. P3 played fun, team number games, making the answer using their bodies.

P4 planned a meal for their family, costing out each item and then made it at home with an adult. P5, opened their very own Stationery Shop, with tricky prices to add up. They calculated change and worked out how much profit they made on each item. It was so popular that it is going to stay until stocks last! P6 & 7 linked their learning to Social Studies topics by planning a holiday to Paris on a budget and P7 calculated what excellent value their residential trip is to Loch Insh.

Grow Your Own Potatoes

School Trips All S2 pupils spent a day at the Glasgow Science Centre. Having a fun packed day, pupils spent time at the interactive activities, on workshops and in the planetarium. On another trip, pupils also spent a fun evening at the theatre watching a production of the “The Addams Family”, following the school’s own production last term.

Tail o’ the Bank Credit union come to PGHS. As part of their Duke of Edinburgh award, Lucy Stone, Jordyn Ingram and Eilidh Kennedy , S5, have been trained by employees of the Tail o’ the Bank Credit union to run a branch of the credit union from the school. S1 and S2 pupils have been given £10 with their new account to encourage good saving habits for the future.

Enterprising Maths competition Congratulations to Erin McCafferty , Emily Anderson , Karla Bridges and Sarah Harrison who were runners up in the Inverclyde Enterprising Maths Competition. The all-girl team participated in a variety of challenges to take second place out of six and will now proceed to the Regional Finals.

Follow us on Twitter @PortGlasgowHS and @PGHS_PE_

Houston Primary School won the West of Scotland section of the Grow Your Own Potatoes Competition by growing their very own Saffiyah potatoes weighing in at 1474g. Well done to the Gardening Club and the wonderful grandparents who support the children. http://growyourownpotatoes.org.uk/pc192/About-the-project/CompetitionWinners/Competition-Winners-2017

Kilmacolm Primary P3 & P5 organised a coffee morning in aid of McMillan Cancer Care, to which they invited our parents. The boys and girls organised the whole event, including some extra activities and they raised a massive £274 to donate to this worthy cause. Well done boys and girls!

Earlier this month we welcomed the Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, to school to let him see the great work we’ve been doing to encourage our boys and girls to love reading.

In conjunction with the First Minister’s Reading Challenge, the boys and girls have focussed on their love of reading and have certainly shown us some of the strange places they like to read. Mr Swinney spent a considerable time with our Junior Leadership Team who conducted a tour of the school, showing him all the wonderful learning which happens in KPS. Mr Swinney visited all the classes, asking questions of our boys and girls and the boys and girls had many questions ready for him about what he likes to read and what was his favourite book. We know Mr Swinney enjoyed himself in KPS and was impressed by our learning. Mr Swinney thought we would like the Makar’s details and he has passed on the address so we can get in touch.

KPS certainly loves reading!

When you read our next news we will have returned from our well - deserved October holiday.

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Johnstone High School Ardentinny 2017 After the September weekend, S2 pupils made their way to the Cowal Peninsula to visit Ardentinny Outdoor Centre.

Though it was a gloomy morning the ferry journey was enlivened by the sight of a submarine coming up the Clyde!

Over the next few days pupils experienced many different activities and they all seemed to enjoy themselves. Many of the pupils commented that the activities were “fun and fast paced” and that it was “challenging”.

At the end of the trip, teachers from the Primary school, who also stayed at the centre, commented on how our pupils had provided great role models to their P7s and had been very friendly towards them. Well Done S2!

Challenging Gender Stereotypes in the Workplace Johnstone High have been working closely with young people to determine what they will do with their skills after leaving school. Two pupils who really stand out are Emma McDonald and Paul Gilmour, who are challenging gender stereotypes with their hopes for the future.

Emma wants to become a car mechanic. Emma is one of our S4 pupils, she is a practically minded student and enjoys subjects such as woodwork. For Emma’s work experience she went to East Fulton Garage and enjoyed it so much she hopes to move on to full time employment there when she leaves school.

Paul Gilmour hopes to become a successful theatre makeup artist. As a 6th year pupil, he enjoys artistic and creative subjects such as art and photography. When Paul leaves school next summer he hopes to go on to study make up artistry at West College Scotland. We are very proud of these young people.

World Challenge Update The 3rd World Challenge in-country experienced happened this summer in Southern Tanzania. This World Challenge expedition was an exciting adventure and every element of the trip was a new challenge.

The trip was monumentally successful which the challengers will look back on with extremely fond memories for the rest of their lives.

The planning for the 4th expedition to the Himalaya in India in 2019 is already well underway and the team of 27 are busy fundraising with bag packs, cake bakes, race nights, abseils and a whole bundle of other ventures. We look forward to supporting the staff and pupils on this adventure.

Langbank Playgroup

What an amazing place to be! At playgroup, children have the opportunity to develop their social skills, independence, creativity, numeracy, literacy skills and many, many more…..

Over the last month, the children have been learning about sharing and also working together as a team. As we have had a few new faces to the group, the children have also been making others feel welcome and showing respect.

Do you have a child aged between 2.5yrs to 5yrs old? Then why not let them come along and experience the fun! Everyone welcome from Langbank and surrounding areas.

Playgroup is held on a Friday morning (term time) in Langbank Village Hall and we currently have spaces for children aged 2.5yrs to 5yrs. If you would like to join us on a Friday morning or for more information please contact Jen Burrows on 07947 983025.

Kilmacolm Playgroup & Toddlers Playgroup is embracing the changing seasons this month as Autumn blows into Kilmacolm. Our lovely little team have enjoyed collecting and crafting with leaves and talking about the bright autumn colours. We’re also enjoying dressing up and getting messy with play-doh, paint and water fun!

We’re looking forward to our weekly our sessions with Morton Football club, who are coming to play some fantastic footy games with us in our upstairs hall!

Playgroup runs on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. For more information contact Playgroup on: playgroupmembership@ googlemail.com Our Toddlers group is on Wednesday mornings from 10 11.30am and gives 0-3 year olds a chance to play with lots of different toys, make friends, and share a snack, while the grown-ups catch up over a cup of tea. Drop in to find out more, or contact Fiona at kilmacolmtoddlers@outlook.com.

Our website is http://kilmacolmplaygroupandtoddlers@jimdo. com.

Kilmacolm Playgroup & Toddlers - playleader wanted We are looking for a Senior Playleader vacancy to commence ASAP working 8.45am to 1pm on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday morning during termtime. We cater for children from 2yrs 4mths to 4yrs, experience with this age group essential. Minimum qualifications needed are HNC or SVQ level 3 in Early Learning and Childcare. The Senior Playleader will manage the delivery of Playgroup sessions plus help administer the fees and parenthelper rota, manage staffing and liaise with the Care Inspectorate.

Managed by a voluntary committee of parents, the Group is regulated by the Care Inspectorate and the successful applicant must undergo a PVG check and register with the SSSC. For more details and an application pack, email linda.duffy1@hotmail.co.uk The closing date is 12th November with interviews soon after.

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St Columba School Open Day It was all go at St Columba’s just before the October break as we celebrated a wonderful Open Morning for current and prospective families. Pupil tours, a wide variety of fun activities and a welcome presentation from the Rector showcased life at St Columba’s. We have our next Open Day for Early Years, Junior and Senior School on Tuesday 28th November from 9am-3pm. Please call to make an appointment to visit and let our pupils show you what makes St Columba’s so special.

Sporting Highlights As well as revising our pupils have been busy with sport and extra-curricular activities at St Columba’s. At the time of writing our senior hockey and rugby teams were in Milan for an action-packed sports tour. 15 pupils were selected to represent South West District at Girls’ U16 and U18 level in the Scottish Inter-District hockey tournament while Niall Taylor played for West District in the Boys’ U16 Inter-district competition. Jack Patton was accepted for the Triathlon Scotland Academy and his brother Oliver finished third in the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow. Kirsty McLean was crowned the Scottish Champion for Trampolining and DMT, Cara EwingMackie won gold in the Greenock Waterfront NISA ice skating competition and Julia Smith was named the U14 Road to Wimbledon West of Scotland winner…to name but a few.

DofE Goes Mini

To encourage independence and self-motivation, Junior School children from J2 to J6 can now join a brand new award scheme for St Columba’s called The Mini Duke Award and The Junior Duke Award. This scheme has five award levels: Mini Duke Silver (J2) and Gold (J3), and Junior Duke Bronze (J4), Silver (J5) and Gold (J6). Through participation in the scheme, children will engage in a variety of challenges and learn invaluable life skills. J2-J6 children attended a special launch assembly with our Award Patron Mr Ally McCoist. Mr McCoist shared a variety of challenges that he himself had met, and really motivated our children to challenge themselves whilst trying to achieve this award.

Coding Bee-Bots We thank the Parents’ Association for their help in assisting with the purchase of Bee-Bots for our Junior School children.

Bee-Bots are colourful, easy-to-operate, friendly little robots that help in the teaching of counting, sequencing, estimation, problem-solving and just having fun! Ian Downie, Chair of Parent’s Association said, “The PA are delighted to support the Infant Department with their purchase of Bee-Bots. Bee-Bots give children an early introduction to coding and are an enhancement into the Junior School ICT curriculum.”

For further information on St Columba’s School please visit www.st-columbas. org of follow us on facebook.com/ stcolumbasschool and twitter.com/ ColumbaSchool.

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Abbey Nursery What is not to love about the changing seasons and in particular the colour, texture and interest provided by the move into autumn.

Whilst the rain is not ideal, the children in the nursery have all weather suits so will not be deterred and have been busy collecting a variety of leaves (many from our own trees!) as well as conkers and pine cones to use creatively. They have also been talking about animals we see in Autumn such as foxes and hedgehogs and will be making shelters and thinking about how we can help them during the winter months.

Kilbarchan Community Nursery In October as part of our new topic, we were out and about on visits. We went to Glasgow by bus, train and subway and to Millport by bus, train and ferry.

The children were very excited by all the different transport also and enjoyed having lunch in Millport and at the Kelvingrove museum in Glasgow.

A group of children also visited the Foodbank in Johnstone with donations of food and other essential items for families in need.

This is also perfect weather for exploring different textures and getting outside making leaf rubbings and prints, painting with celery and using dish brushes to make an Autumn tree!

Our Forest Kindergarten visits are now also well under way and with the help of parent volunteers we hope to have these twice a week. Preparations are now under way for our Christmas show which will take place on Friday 8th December.

The nursery already has a strong curriculum and excellent home learning links to support literacy and promote a love of reading and appreciation of stories, words and illustration. To extend this further we are looking in depth at a number of children’s authors over the year and Percy the Park Keeper by Nick Butterworth fits in perfectly with the Busy Bunnies exploration of the outdoors just now.

The Grasshoppers meanwhile have chosen Emily Gravett as their author and continues the animals theme with great books to explore such as Orange, Pear, Apple, Bear; The Rabbit Problem and Monkey and Me. The Little Ladybirds are using all the natural materials around them for sensory activities and lot of messy play as usual!

Parents evening for all children takes place on the 7th November when progress reports and children’s individual learning plans will be discussed.

PTA Italian Quiz Night

Duchal Nursery School We’ve had a really busy time recently. There’s been music, sport, strolls in the park, arts and crafts and baking! Can you believe our 3 & 4yr olds have been playing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons on the Glockenspiel! Our very talented Mrs Campbell used her music background to teach the children about pitch and tone and we had a very lively and noisy morning!

There are definitely some budding musicians amongst us.

After a delicious meal of Italian Food in the River Inn, the teams were organised and the quiz began.

Despite some tricky questions and an extremely close final between the Teachers team and the Pupils team, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Unfortunately the Teachers team were pipped to the post and missed out on the final prize of £80 in Amazon Vouchers. Well done to everyone who took part! The evening ran seamlessly with a tombola and a variety of games such as ‘house corners’ between each quiz round.

Thank You to the River Inn, Mr Christie, The Gryffe PTA and the S6 Pupil Management Team for organising a fun-filled evening.

Can you answer this question (without using Google!) that had everyone stumped?

Q. What is the second largest coffee producing country in the world?

Seonaid Murray S6

Madame, our French teacher, has been spending time teaching the children numbers and colours in French, and they all thoroughly enjoyed their French Breakfast of brioche, croissants and chocolat chaud! We are very lucky to have such talented staff with such diverse experiences which the children are really benefitting from – find out more about our team of teachers on our website.

We had a very successful Open Morning welcoming new families into Duchal. If you weren’t able to make it please get in touch and we can arrange for you to pop in to find out more about what we can offer your child.

Duchal is an independent nursery with our children moving on to various local schools in Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and Glasgow, if you would like to find out more, please come and visit the Nursery to meet the teachers and see our facilities. Contact us on 01505 874358 or email info@duchal.com. Visit our website www. duchal.com and our Facebook page for further information.

Mr Johnson would like to express thanks to the ‘River Inn’ for their support to the school with the PTA Quiz night, contributing to the Theatre Refurbishment and also generously providing a delicious buffet for the Theatre Opening Night for the MADD show.

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RAMH Challengers

Birkmyre RFC

Many congratulations to the wonderful RAMH supporters who have recently completed challenges. Special thanks to Duncan McGlynn who completed his first ever marathon in aid of RAMH, in the Highlands. Duncan ran the Loch Ness Marathon, a famously beautiful but gruellingly solitary run, raising over £350 for local mental health services.

Our senior XV had a marvellous finish to West Division 3 last year which resulted in promotion for season 17-18 to West Division 2.

And huge congratulations to Alana Alcroft who recently completed the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in 3hr40mins in memory of her late brother Adam. Alana has raised around £2,400 for RAMH and SOBS (survivors of bereavement by suicide), providing services for local people.

RAMH are delighted at the extraordinary lengths their supporters go to, to empower people in their communities to recover from mental health issues, and wish to thank everyone for their much valued dedication and efforts.

If Duncan and Alana inspire you to get involved, contact RAMH on enquiries@ramh.org or 0141 847 8900.

Photos show Duncan McGlynn & Alana Alcroft

After a challenging start our young 1st XV team have picked up three bonus points in recent games and our first victory is on its way! Several of last years under 18 team are now playing regularly for the 1st XV which augurs well for the future. We also have players who need to shave more regularly as well!

Training is (weather permitting)on every Tuesday and Thursday night between 7-9pm at Birkmyre Park so if you interested in joining a great club with a very active social calendar why not pop down or call Donald Hall 07799154597 for more information.

Our first class coaches can help ex players shake off any rustiness and if you have no experience but are keen to learn you will be in good hands.

Our junior section continues to thrive with our under 14s in particularly being very busy..

The U14s played at haft time in the recent Pro14 match between Glasgow Warriors and Benetton Trevino at Scotstoun Stadium.

This was followed by a short trip to Kilmarnock where the secret an excellent victory was secured.

GryffeStyles Week - 3k Fun Run Finish Our annual GryffeStyles Week finished, as always, with our showpiece 3K Fun Run on Thursday 21st September. A rain soaked course at 6:30am was nervously inspected before the decision that the show must go on! By the start of the school day, the course was in perfect condition and we even had a visit from the sun before our final afternoon race.

Over 600 runners participated in the races which included all year groups from Gryffe High School, all Primary 7 pupils from Bridge of Weir Primary School and Houston Primary School and even a new staff race at lunchtime! All participants paid £1 to enter the race with this, and all other sponsor money raised, being donated to Breast Cancer Now charity.

As per tradition, our S6 experienced their ‘first last’ this session as they participated in the fun run for final time all dressed in their ‘hippie’ theme! Mr Johnson and Mrs Brown mixed in well with the fancy dress runners though question marks were raised as to whether they were just dressed in usual attire!?

Well done to all participants.

Mr. G. O’Hare – FH Health and Wellbeing

Kilmarnock U14 11 v 26 Birkmyre U14s Birkmrye U14s defeated Kilmarnock last Sunday in their first away fixture of the season.

Underfoot conditions were incredibly tough due the poor weather conditions the local area had experienced in the days running up to the match. However, that did not prevent “the bears” from playing some free following rugby. Having identified that the opposition had a considerable size advantage, Birkmyre stretched the game wide utilising the superior passing skills of their half backs and centres. This resulted in a total of 4 tries for winger, Adam Hannah, during the course of the match.

Birkmyre dominated the play throughout the game however it was not an easy contest with Kilmarnock running well with the ball in hand and aggressively at their opponents. Strong tackling was required to blunt these attacks and Birkmyre’s superior rucking saw them win back a considerable amount of ball.

Try of the day was saved to the end. Birkmyre were awarded an scrum inside the opposition 22, left of centre. Stand-off Finlay McLaughlin and winger Adam Hannah lined up to the left with the rest of the backs taking up positions to the right. When the ball was put in, Birkmyre Centre, David Cruickshank, looped round the back of the scrum, creating an overlap and collecting the ball to score an excellently worked try.

Birkmyre No 8, Ryan Rooney scored the other 2 tries and Kilmarnock managed 3 scores of their own during the match. David Cruickshank converted 5 of the tries with one successful conversion.

For more information on what’s happening at the club at all levels visit our Facebook @birkmyrerugbyclub or, www. pitchero.birkmyre.com

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Kilmacolm Tennis Club Championship The sun shone on Kilmacolm Tennis Club’s Championship Finals day, opening with a hard-fought men’s doubles final, where the gent’s first team first pairing of Ali Robertson and Dave Finch just edged out Club President John Davies and tournament rookie Steven Lucas, resplendent in their cheeky commemorative shirts.

Ali Robertson then played Stuart Love in the men’s singles Final. Stuart didn’t give his best performance in the first set, but then recovered well to make a real match of the second set. Ali was the beaten finalist last year, so a popular winner in the battle of the club’s next generation.

Gents Doubles, from left to right Ali Robertson, Dave Finch, John Davies

We had fewer finals than usual because the & Steven Lucas.

Junior Squad were off at Gleneagles competing with kids from all over Scotland in the final of the Jamie Murray National Junior Doubles Competition under coach Melissa Stewart. Having vanquished all before them in the regional qualifying at Glasgow in the summer, they put up a very creditable show and had a lot of fun on the day – 5th place out of 12 teams qualifying is pretty impressive, so well done to Romy Erskine, Zander Davies, Fraser and Alistair Currie.

Gents Singles, Ali Robertson on the left and Stuart Love.

The longest and most competitive of the finals was fought in the Senior Ladies Doubles. In the end Shirley Morrison and Rosemary Nott beat Diane Wood and Irene Hicks in the third set after one brief rain interruption. In the wee Ladies Senior Doubles, from left to right Irene Hicks, Shirley gap between Singles and Mixed Morrison, Rosemary Nott & Diane Wood.

Doubles finals, an Exhibition Doubles match of astounding quality was played with Isobel Evans partnering John Davies to victory by the narrowest of margins against Graeme Robertson and Marian Wardell.

Mixed Doubles, from left to right Dave Finch, Gillian Finch, Liz Reid & Fraser Reid

Strathgryffe Celebrates 25 Years

A brilliant finale to finals day was provided by Gillian and Dave Finch in the mixed doubles family affair showdown with Fraser and Liz Reid. Two very high quality sets of tennis with very close games saw the Reids win it, as the sun set on a capacity crowd.

Strathgryffe Tennis Squash & Fitness Club is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. The club which resulted as a merger of Elderslie & Bridge of Weir Tennis Clubs relocated to Houston in 1992.

The club when it opened included a clubhouse with lounge and bar area, 6 outdoor all weather tennis courts (3 floodlit) and 2 glass backed squash courts. Over the years Strathgryffe has gone from strength to strength and now has in addition 4 indoor tennis courts, a fitness suite and all 6 outdoor courts floodlit.

To celebrate their Anniversary the tennis, squash & fitness sections hosted a family fun day with competitions for all ages, followed by a BBQ. For more information on the club please visit www.strathgryffe.net or email info@ strathgryffe.net

Both the ladies doubles and singles finals had to be rearranged due to injury and the results of those matches will be revealed at the Dinner Dance / Ceilidh and Prize Giving on Saturday 2nd December being held at the Kilmacolm Golf Club. Please make sure you reserve your tickets soon for that; last year’s was a great night and sold out. To ensure that we have a civilised evening with enough space for dancing, we are selling slightly fewer tickets this year and limiting numbers to under 75. Ticket prices are held at the same price, £15.00, as last year. Email kilmacolmtc@gmail.com for tickets – or membership enquiries.

KGC Ladies County Golf team Two of Kilmacolm’s lady members were in the Renfrewshire Ladies County Golf team which won the County Finals at Glenbervie on 17th September. Well played Megan & Eilidh Briggs. The team hope to defend their title next September at Kilmacolm Golf Club.

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Castle Semple Sailing Club

KGC - mixed open

Ian Brown Cup Day

124 people played in the Kilmacolm Golc Club’s mixed greensomes open competition. It was well supported by couples from nearby golf courses & from far away places; Blairgowrie, St Andrews, Elie, Blairmore , Strone& Dunaverty to mention a few.

The forecast the day before this event was not looking at all good windwise for any sailing at all and there were some comments that the event would need to be postponed, but it did go ahead and we managed 5 races as planned albeit 2 of the races were shortened.

Only 9 boats took part several others didn’t due to lack of wind, however there were 4 GPs (almost half the fleet!).

One of the shortened races was the Bart’s Bash race which was disappointing but thanks to Mike and Arthur for measuring the course.

Congratulations to the winners: 1st Peter Collings and Yuan Wong (RS200) 2nd Doug McQuilken and Pamela Hunter (Enterprise) 3rd

Angus Winchester (Laser EPS)

Thanks to all those who helped in the safety boat, OOD (Janet and Ray) and Marion and Eleanor in the kitchen. Great to see Alan down for a quick visit and special thanks to Alan’s wife for continuing to supply her delicious cakes.

Although the official sailing season is now drawing to a close, sailing will be continuing throughout the winter season (weather permitting i.e. snow!). www.castlesemplesc.co.uk

Gleddoch Ladies Enjoy The Sunshine At Last The Gleddoch Ladies ‘Invitation competition took place on a beautiful day. The photo is taken on the 15th tee.

What a view! A good time was had by all. The course was in good condition, especially considering the amount of rain in the week before. The Afternoon Tea provided by Gleddoch was delicious.

The winners were Shirley Back and her partner Liz Hale, and runners up were Margaret Adams and her partner Sandra Reid.

Unfortunately the weather has deteriorated ever since! Some competitions have been played though: The September medal winners were Isabell Donnelly (Division 1) and Linda Brown from Sheena Wallace after countback (Division 2).

The Autumn Meeting Division 1 winner was Shirley Back, and Mhairi Bryce won Division 2.

Our club champion and runner up, Shirley Back and June Lockhart, paired up to win the Renfrewshire County Greensomes which was held at Gleddoch.

Many congratulations to them both!

Brookfield Tennis Club The ladies held their end of season doubles tournament on Tuesday 26th Sept , where the final was very closely contested. The winners were Margo Nelson & Anne Sutherland, who beat Pat Leon & Anne Cook by 6 games to 5.

Afterwards, everybody enjoyed a buffet meal.

Here’s hoping for some dry weather before the end of the season!

Prizes for winners, runners up, 3rd place ,nearest the pin, longest drive & nearest the line, were all hotly contested.

The winners were Barry Reid & Debbie Wallace from Linn Park with an amazing 42 points, including a penalty which they called on themselves [& had us running to the rule book!]. The runners up were Graeme & Lesley Handley from our own club, Kilmacolm, with 41 points.

Vice Captain, Jane McDonald, organised & ran this successful day, with a little help from volunteers.

The kitchens were busy all day; & most poplar was the table laid out with home baked scones, homemade jam & a whole host of delicious cakes & tray bakes prepared by Ros, & enjoyed by all competitors before & after golf.

Jane presented the prizes; the prize draw of a 4 ball at one of 7 courses on offer was won by a golfer new to the game. He chose to return to Kilmacolm.

Walking Buddies If you enjoy the great outdoors then why not try to walk towards better health by joining a Walking Buddies group. The Johnstone-based group meets at 9.30am every Tuesday, leaving from 31 Maple Drive.

Walks last for around an hour and are suitable for all ages and abilities. This is a great way to get active and meet new people.

For more information, phone 0141 258 9923 or send an email to info@ activecommunities.co.uk

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club On 13th October 25 Ladies travelled across the river to Cardross Golf Club for the annual outing. The weather forecast was not on our side but we started our round in dry conditions. Sadly the conditions deteriorated fairly rapidly and webbed feet and a boat might have been helpful by the end of the day! Despite the conditions, everyone had a good day and enjoyed the hospitality of Cardross.

The winning team members were Denise Cowan, Morag Cunningham and Vicky Rennie while Joy McLeod won the Bunker prize which aptly was an umbrella!

Last September the Scottish Woman’s County Finals were played at Glenbervie Golf Club and the Renfrewshire Ladies Team were the overall winners of the Trophy. Congratulations to Denise Cowan for her contribution to the team.

This competition was first played in 1909 and Renfrewshire have been overall winners on 10 occasions. The last Renfrewshire winning team played in 2010.

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the advertizer

COACHES from Kilbarchan Amateur Athletic Club ran out with a hat-trick of wins at the annual Renfrewshire Sports Awards.

Arthur Smith won both the Community Coach of the Year and Dedication to Sport awards along with John Rodger, who lifted the Event Volunteer of 2017 award.

Winners at the Renfrewshire Sports Awards 2017

KILMACOLM BOWLING CLUB LADIES SECTION

EVERY

LADY MEMBERS WANTED Try your hand at Green Bowling at the ladies’ a�ernoons. Games commence at 2pm on every Tuesday and Thursday a�ernoons. Come along for the a�ernoon and have a game.

Bowls will be provided, flat shoes required.

For details contact Sandra on 01505 873126 or Morag on 01505 872218 or just come along and have some fun.

MONDAY

Adult Jazz Class

Bridge of Weir, 10am Tel: 01505 690757 for further information.

Zumba Light

St Fillan’s Church, Kilmacolm, 10am.

Tel: 07505 126416 For More Information.

Adult Beginners Ballet Class Bridge of Weir, 11.30am

Tel: 01505 690757 for further information.

EVERY

WEDNESDAY

Greenock Hockey Club Inverclyde Academy, Greenock, 6.30 - 8pm Contact Liz Baldwin, mobile 07944 607005.

Callanetics

Brookfield Village Hall, 5.15, 6.15 & 7.30pm

On-X, Linwood, 7pm

Tel: Jim on 01505 874215; or jimbretherton@aol.com

Old Skool Step Class

Freelands Church (Opposite Amaretto), 6.30pm.

Tel: 07505 126416 For More Information.

Bridge of Weir Ladies Badminton Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, 7.30pm

Callanetics

Brookfield Village Hall, 7.15pm

Strathgryffe Motorcycle Club

The Trust Inn, Kilbarchan, 9pm - 10.30pm Visit www.strathgryffe.org for details.

The Shotokan Karate Club

Woodlands Primary, Linwood, 7-8pm/8-9pm www.linwoodkarate.co.uk

Hatha Yoga

Kilbarchan Athletic Club All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990.

Classes available to all levels. Tel: 07968 207272.

EVERY TUESDAY

Bridge of Weir Walking Group

Birkmyre Park Pavilion, Kilmacolm, 10am David 01505 874192 kilmacolmwalkers@talktalk.net

Callanetics

Brookfield Village Hall, 9.15am & 10.30am

The Shotokan Karate Club

Woodlands PS, Linwood, 7pm & 8pm www.linwoodkarate.co.uk

Football Training

Johnstone High School, 6pm - 9pm Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details

Taekwon-Do

Johnstone Sports Complex PA5 0LD, 6pm Call 07951 365166 for details

Baby Ballet

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm, Morning

Falun Dafa practice

Port Glasgow Library 17:00 - 19:00 With five gentle exercises, Falun Dafa is an ancient self-cultivation practice based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance.

FRIDAY

Outside the Co-op, BoW, 10.30am

EVERY

1 hour walks. Call Senga on 0141 842 3000.

Callanetics

Gryffe Badminton

Strathgryffe Tennis Club, 8pm

Football Training

Johnstone High School, 6pm - 9pm Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details.

Taekwon-Do Johnstone Sports Complex PA5 0LD, 6pm Call 07951 365166 for details.

Brookfield Village Hall, 9.15am & 10.30am

Adult Tap Lessons

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm, Evening Call Gail Ashley on 07415 701667 for details

EVERY

SUNDAY

Birkmyre Rugby Club, Kilmacolm Youth Rugby Section, 11am - 1pm www.pitchero.com/clubs/birkmyre

info@advertizer.co.uk

And Jack Thomson, a referee at the Basketball Paisley Friday Night Superleague, West Regional Development League and other Scottish League games, won the Technical Official of the Year award.

Kilmacolm Walkers

Call Gail Ashley on 07415 701667 for details

Tweedie Halls, Linwood, 10 - 11am

Young Volunteer of the Year went to Lusia Steele, who delivers school health days at Barsail Primary and volunteers at the Johnstone Jets cycling club; Disability Coach of the Year is Rachel Killens, who is a disabled athlete herself and coaches swimmers with additional support needs.

Classes available to all levels. Tel: 07968 207272.

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990.

Powerleague Paisley, 6pm

Other winners presented with awards at the event,organised by Renfrewshire Leisure and held at a ceremony in Johnstone Town Arthur Smith - Community Coach of the Year Hall, were – Development Coach of the and Dedication to Sport Award Year, Susan Wright, who is head coach of Clyde Judo Club; Young Coach of the Year, Claire Scougall, who coaches Paisley Juniors Netball Club and Volunteer of the Year was won by Joanne McDowall, who has developed sporting activity at Barsail Primary, in Erskine.

Large Hall, St Columba Church, 6.30 - 8pm

EVERY THURSDAY

5-a-side Football

John has been involved with the club for more than 20 years and has been instrumental in the development of athletics – cross-country, road race and track and field events in Renfrewshire’s schools. He is also heavily involved in organising the popular annual Paisley 10k Race and Fun Run.

Hatha Yoga

Kilbarchan Athletic Club On-X, Linwood, 7pm

Arthur has been a member of Kilbarchan AAC for more than 50 years and has been coaching young athletes for three decades, including Scottish internationalist, Laura Stark and GB runner, Jemma Reekie.



01505 613340

The Honour Our School Sports Award was given to one student from every local secondary school who has shown John Rodger - Event Volunteer of 2017 commitment to sport. The winners were – Alan Rice, Linwood High; Amy McCann, Renfrew High; Craig Kennedy, Park Mains High; Eilidh Murphy, Gleniffer High; Franca Paterson, St Andrew’s Academy; Gemma Whyte, St Benedict’s High; John Martin, Johnstone High; Mario Girasoli, Trinity High and Rebecca Telford, from Gryffe High.

A Level Six Award in Higher Sports Leadership was presented to Alan Rice, Calum Findlay, Emma Driver, Heather Fawcett and Laura-Rose Reid.

The special guest at the awards ceremony was Corinne Hutton, from Lochwinnoch who has defied the odds after having had both her hands and legs amputated when she suffered acute pneumonia and septicemia.

Since losing her limbs, Corinne has gone on to set three world records including becoming the first female quadruple amputee to climb Ben Nevis.

She has also set up a charity called Finding Your Feet to support families affected by amputation, or limb differences through a range of sporting and social inclusion initiatives.

Corinne took to the stage for a Question and Answer Session with the event host, broadcaster Lorraine Herbison.

The successful event was sponsored by Renfrewshire Council, West College Scotland, Renfrewshire Sports Network, and SportScotland. www.paisley.org.uk/2017/10/hat-trick-of-wins-for-kilbarchan-aac-in-annualsports-awards/

t: 01505 613340 54-63 SCHOOLS-SPORTS_278 NOVEMBER17.indd 62

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november 2017

Running Club are Charity Champions!

Hatha Yoga

63

On Wednesdays 6.30 pm - 8pm in the large hall at St. Columba Church and on Mondays in the Tweedie Halls, Linwood (previously held in Brookfield for 17 years) from 10am - 11am.

Both these classes are available to all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners. Both are friendly, lively environments.

For the third year in a row Kilmacolm Unofficial Running Club – or KURC for short – have become local heroes through their charity fundraising efforts.

This year their Race Night proved an odds on favourite with the community raising a staggering £2577.20 in aid of St Vincent Hospice.

Over 100 people attended the event and enjoyed a bar, hot buffet, edgeof-the-seat racing and a disco all for just £5 per ticket. Running members send their heart-felt thanks to the local businesses and organisations that supported the event through raffle prize donations and sponsorship.

KURC’s next charity fun night is set to be a sure thing! Watch this space!

For further information please contact Janice on 07968 207272.

Supported by:

St Vincent’s Hospice 24 hour Cyclathon 2 bikes, 48 cyclists and a lot of sore legs later, Andrea and Alan Gibson, along with friends Lesley and Mike Gallagher and Stuart and Eve Gibson completed a gruelling cycling challenge at the Houston Inn that raised an incredible £4, 403.10 for St Vincent’s Hospice.

The motivation for event organiser Andrea, was the care that her father in law received during his final days at the hospice.

Andrea said “We cannot express the gratitude we as a family feel towards the staff at St Vincent’s Hospice. My father in law was very passionate about cycling so the cyclathon seemed like a fitting event to raise money for the hospice.”

A total of 48 cyclist took part in the event with 2 stationery bikes outside the Houston Inn from 8:30am – 8:30pm. After the challenge around 200 locals danced the night away and took part in a raffle and competitions to win some fantastic prizes.

Andrea said: “We really appreciate all the companies and businesses that have supported our fundraising, without which, it wouldn’t have been the success that it was.”

Laura McDade, fundraiser at St Vincent’s Hospice said “Well done to all 48 cyclists that took part. What a fantastic way to fundraise! We know the preparation that goes into these type of events so we really appreciate the support.”

“If you are interested in holding your own fundraising event in aid of St Vincent’s Hospice please contact the fundraising team on 01505705635 or email info@svh.co.uk” Pictured in the hospice community garden “Vinnie” the hospice mascot and Elaine Grealey, volunteer services manager, receive cheque from cyclathon event organised by Andrea Gibson and friends.

Sunday 10 December, 10am

Sign up today at www.ardgowanhospice.org.uk

email fundraising@ardhosp.co.uk or call Alex on 01475 558888 Early Bird Discount* £8 per adult (16+), £4 per child (5–15), and kids aged 4 and under enter free Standard Entry** £10 per adult (16+), £5 per child (5–15), and kids aged 4 and under enter free Ardgowan Hospice, 12 Nelson Street, Greenock, PA15 1TS www.ardgowanhospice.org.uk Registered Charity No: SC011541. Registered Company No: SC075515

Sponsorship All entrants are encouraged to raise a suggested minimum of £30 per person (£15 for under 16s), on top of the registration fee, which only covers the costs of the event. * Early bird discount open from Monday 23 October until midnight on Sunday 29 October. ** Standard entry open from Monday 30 October until midday on Friday 8 December.

No entrants can be accepted on the day.

All entrants under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult entrant.

Sporting Blog

by Lesley Handley

What your body type can say about your health.

According to Doctors, there are 3 main body types; apple, pear and hour glass (they can also be known as Ectomorph, Endomorph and Mesomorph). Which one you have can say a lot about your health, and can sometimes explain why losing weight can be a bit tougher.

“Apple” body types tend to carry excess weight around their waist. This is where a dangerous amount of fat often accumulates. The type of fat that accumulates here is known as visceral fat and it penetrates deep under the skin. It builds up around the organs and can harm them over time.

The result of this is a higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. The ‘upside’ for ‘apple’ shape body types is that visceral fat is the easiest type to get rid of through diet and exercise, meaning this body type can often lose weight faster than other body shapes.

“Pear” body types tend to store most excess fat in the lower half of their body. This type of fat is often referred to as ‘passive fat’ and can be a bit harder to lose. While it is not deemed as dangerous as visceral fat it does place a lot of extra stress on the legs and can increase the risk of varicose veins or knee and leg joint issues.

The ‘upside’ for ‘pears’ is that they are at a lower risk of the diseases that ‘apples’ can often face.

Finally, there are the ‘hourglass’ shapes or also referred to as ‘rectangle’ for men. These body shapes tend to carry excess weight all over. This includes visceral fat around the trunk area meaning they are also at risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

So, which body shape are you?

Lesley

For more information on personal training or to get a health check on the Tanita Scales at Birkmyre Park Fitness Gym contact me at lesley@ fitsmartfitness.co.uk or visit my website at www.fitsmartfitness.co.uk

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the advertizer CHILDCARE Houston registered childminders. For an informal chat to find your best childcare, call Elizabeth Waddell T: 01505 614925

TRADES AND SERVICES BUSINESS

Kilmacolm/Quarriers area registered childminders.

P/time or F/time vacancies for u-5’s and after school.

T: 01505 873839.

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY

MUSIC TUITION

SITUATIONS VACANT

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ADVERTISE HERE FOR ONLY

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november 2017

PROPERTY

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:

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ADVERTISE HERE FOR ONLY

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£ PER MONTH (INCL. VAT)

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.

churches

BRIDGE OF WEIR

Freeland Church: Rev KN Gray BA BD. Morning Service 10.30am.

Crèche, Sunday School, Lynx and Cornerstone. Evening Service 7pm www.freeland.org.uk St Mar y’s Episcopal Church, Johnston Rd, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3EE. Our Services are held every Sunday at 10am. On the first Sunday each month at 6pm we welcome all who enjoy the beauty of quietness and peace at “Sanctuary” our Contemplative Service. All who seek God in mindful enquiry, in beauty, in quietness and service to others, all who are tired of life or full of it, all who are confident or all who are afraid - indeed whoever you are - you are welcome here! http://www. heartlandsec.org/BoW/index. html Contact: Revd. Heller G.P 01505 872961.

St. Machar’s Ranfurly Church: Welcome to our Sunday services at 10.30 am with Junior Church and All A ge ser vices. For more information about our congregation please see www. stmacharsranfurlychurch.org.uk or find us on Facebook. Contact: Rev Hanneke Marshall 01505 612975 Hanneke.Marshall@ churchofscotland.org.uk Hope Hall: Sun 1pm Sunday School, 4.30pm Gospel Service; Mon 6.30pm Investigators for Kids, 8pm Bible Study and Prayer.

ELDERSLIE

Elderslie Kirk: Sunday service every week at 11am. Minister Rev. Robin Allison. All welcome.

Weekly meetings:- Monday Club every week from 12noon - 2.30pm. Light lunch and a varied activity programme.

Midweek Fellowship will meet every Wed from 10.30am for Tea/Coffee followed by a short Service of Worship at 11am.

HOWWOOD

Howwood Parish Church. Minister Rev May Bell. Sunday Service and Sunday School. 10am each Sunday. Prayer meeting held at 3 Bowfield Way, Howwood, 7.30pm on Tuesdays.

HOUSTON

Houston and Killellan Services schedule: All Services conducted

by Rev.Ian Bell unless otherwise stated. Sunday 5th November 9.45am. Early service and communion 11.am. Morning Worship. Sunday 12th November 10.45am Remembrance Service. Eleanor Hood Sunday 19th November 11.am.

Morning Worship. Sunday 26th November 11.am. Morning Worship. Baptism.

St Fillan’s, Main St, Houston: Sun Masses: Vigil (Sat) 5pm, 9.30am & 11am. Weekday Masses: Mon - Sat 9.30am. Rosary: Tue, Thurs & Sat 9.10am. Exposition: Mon, Wed & Fri 9.05am. Confessions: Sat 10 - 10.30am and after Vigil Mass. Baptism: By arrangement.

Parish Priest: Rev. Joseph Burke. Pastoral Assistant: Sr. Mary Frances Collett, RNDM (Tel 01505 613514). Address: ‘Abbotsfield’, St. Fillan’s, Main St, Houston, PA6 7EL. T. 01505 612046. E. parish@stfillan.org. uk www.stfillan.org.uk 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.

Church of the Nazarene: Village Hall, Main St, Houston PA6 7EL. Rev. Benito S Coetzee.

Family services at 10.30am with full toddler, children & youth activities running concurrently with the service. Youth meets at 6.30pm - 8pm on Sundays.

Word and Table Quiet Service held from 9am - 9.30am every 3rd Sunday. www.houston. nazarene.org.uk

KILBARCHAN

K i l b a r c h a n P a r i s h C h u rc h : Services continue at 11am each Sunday throughout November, conducted by Rev. Stephen Smith. It is hoped that the church will have reopened for worship. The shoeboxes for the Blythswood Shoebox Appeal will be dedicated on Sunday 5th during the service. Armistice Sunday is on 12th. The service at the Cenotaph is at 10am and

the uniformed organisations will then parade to the church for the Service of Remembrance at 10.45am, with the 2 minutes’ Act of Remembrance at 11am. We continue to support the Paisley Food Bank each Sunday .Sunday School and the Crèche will meet in the hall from 10.45am each week. ALL WELCOME TO ANY OF THESE SERVICES. For further information about the church and the organisations, please visit Kilbarchan Kirk online: www.kilbarchan-kirk. btck.co.uk

KILMACOLM

Kilmacolm Old Kirk: Church of Scotland (Charity no. SC009291). www.kilmacolmoldkirk.org. uk. Minister Rev. Dr Peter McEnhill (01505 873174).

Morning Worship – Sundays 11am, all welcome Sunday School and Crèche available.

Sòlas Bereavement Group, 2nd Thursday each month at 6.30pm in Kidston Hall. Kilmacolm Old and Kilmacolm St Columba are having United Services at 11am.

During the month of August, they will be held in St Columba Church.

St Columba Church of Scotland: (charity no. SC007992) Morning Worship Sundays at 11am. All welcome. Coffee/tea served in the hall after the service.

Grace Church Kilmacolm: in association with Downavale Free Church of Scotland (Charity No: SCO38274) - Sunday Service at 10.30am in Kilmacolm Guide Hut, Woodrow Avenue, PA13 4QF - all welcome.

St Colm’s Catholic Church, Smithy Brae Kilmacolm. Rev. Vincent Byrne. Family mass Sundays 10am with children’s liturgy, followed by tea and coffee.

Eucharistic service Thursdays 11 a m . Ro s a r y Tu e s d ay s 6.30pm. Prayer group meets Thursdays 7.30pm. Further information and contact details www.stcolmsparish.co.uk. All welcome.

Buddhist meetings: Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. Phone Margaret on 01505 871343.

St Fillan’s Episcopal Church, Moss Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4DL. Services on Sunday at 11.30am.

Wednesday: 10.30am Holy Communion. On the last Sunday

of the month at 11.30am we welcome families to come and join us for our monthly Family Service. We are united by our belief in Jesus, who sustains and encourages us in all the ups and downs of life. Everyone is welcome to join us ! http://www. heartlandsec.org/KLM/index. html Contacts: Revd. Heller G.P 01505 872961 / Maureen Russell (Pastoral Assistant) 01505 872905.

LANGBANK

Langbank Parish Church: Sunday Services 10am with Sunday School, Crèche and young people’s group, the Welcomers.

Tea/coffee after the service.

Church service starts at 10am.

Come along and meet in the Hall from 9.50am. Charity No. SC015085.

LOCHWINNOCH

Parish Church: Rev. May Bell.

11.30am Morning Ser vice Sunday School and Crèche.

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

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

Spiritualist Church, Lochlip Rd. All services commence 7.30pm.

QUARRIERS

Mount Zion Church: Rev. Andy Lunn BSc, (01475 791282) Mount Zion Church, Law View Road, Quarriers Village, PA11 3FD. Sunday Worship: 10.30am, Bible Study and Prayer Meetings: Wednesday at 7pm and Friday at 10 am. “Mozzy” Youth Club Thursdays at 6.30pm for young people of high school age. Half night of prayer: 7pm – midnight, 4th Friday of each month. Feel free to come along at any of these times.

‘The Gatherin’ is at 7pm on the fourth Sunday of each month, at Mount Zion Church in Quarriers Village. The Gatherin’ for people to come together who hunger for more of the presence of the Lord and to be fed from His word.

Please come and invite others: all welcome!

TRADES & SERVICES Black & White ads only Lineage: up to 20 words £13.00* Boxed ad: £7.50* per column cm PROPERTY & HOLIDAY HOMES CARS FOR SALE Lineage: up to 20 words £13.00* Boxed ad: £7.50* per column cm Photo: add £7.50* (colour) *all prices subject to VAT

LOCAL INFORMATION 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: 7pm in February, March, April, May, June, September, October(AGM), November, and December on the 1st Tuesday of the month. (No meetings July and August) www.bridgeofweir.org BROOKFIELD: Brookfield Village Hall: 7.30pm in February, April, June, August, October and December on 2nd Thursday of the month.

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: Bowling Club: 1st Tues at 7.30pm

community halls to let Bridge of Weir, Freeland Church. Tel: 612245 Brookfield, Village Hall. Tel: 335562 Houston, Carrick Centre. Tel: 612203 / 331488 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: 07584 359007 Kilmacolm, Masonic Hall. Tel: 873059 Linwood Masonic Hall. Tel: 07825 222944

Please add your community hall details to our list email to info@advertizer.co.uk

your local councillors RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk

Ward 8 - Johnstone South & Elderslie: Jacqueline Cameron, John Hood, Alistair Mackay, Andy Steel Ward 9 - Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood & Lochwinnoch: Derek Bibby, Bill Binks, Andy Doig, Emma Rodden Ward 10 - Houston, Crosslee, Brookfield & Linwood: Audrey Doig, Alison Jean Dowling, Scott Kerr, James Sheridan Ward 11 - Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank: Natalie Don, James MacLaren, Colin McCulloch Ward 12 - Erskine & Inchinnan: Tom Begg, Michelle Campbell, Jim Harte, Iain Nicolson INVERCLYDE COUNCIL: www.inverclyde.gov.uk Ward 1 - Inverclyde East (includes Kilmacolm & Quarriers): Christopher Curley, Stephen McCabe, David Wilson

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66 ITEMS FOR SALE BABY EQUIPMENT Girl junior bike pink without stabilisers, VGC. Suitable age 4-6 yrs old. £20.

07720 299 588 Tomy walkabout classic baby monitors as new. £15. Tel: 01505 690426 Selection of children’s toys, suit two year old, including Raleigh tricycle, Little Tikes Car, Garden chute, all in good condition. Can be sold separately or as a package. £40 ono. Tel: 01505 322854 or 07867 548973.

Potty Chair Mothercare red & pink, VGC, £5. 07720 299 588 Figure skates white Graf Bolero, junior size 12 (EU size 31), VGC, £25.

07720 299 588 Figure skates white Graf Bolero, junior size 11 (EU size 30), good condition, £20. 07720 299 588 Figure skates white Riedell junior size 10, good condition, £10. 07720 299 588 Toilet trainer seat, white, VGC, £2.50 each (have two). 07720 299 588 Toddler Bicycle helmets (4448 cm) pink, suits appr.

1-5 yrs old, GC. £5 each.

Tel 07720 299 588 Black Jazz shoes, good condition, junior size 11/12. Tel 07720 299 588 Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo. Like new.

Bouncy and in full working order. Smoke and pet free home. £40 All reasonable o ff e r s w e l c o m e . Te l 07765550180 Tap shoes pink junior size 9/10 & 10/11. £10 each.

VGC. Tel 07720 299 588 Mothercare Moses Basket with stand, smoke free home, clean and in good condition with lining, mattress and blanket. £10. Tel: 07502 562 293.

the advertizer

Pink Leotard, good condition, size 00. £5 Tel 07720 299 588 Shnuggle Moses Basket & Stand. Excellent condition. Larger than traditional moses basket.

Unlike a wicker basket it is easy to clean and silent when baby moves.

Smoke and pet free home. £40. Reasonable o ff e r s w e l c o m e . Te l 07765550180 Design Peter Rabbit bespoke furniture. Toy box. Wardrobe. Chest drawers bedside cabinet.

Matching cushions x2 matching curtains. £350 Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo - Like new.

Bouncy and in full working order. Smoke and pet free home. £40 - All reasonable offers wel come. Tel : 07765 550180.

Maxi Cosi Pebble car seat in Black, Group 0+.

In good condition and rarely used as it was an additional seat for second car, smoke free home and car. £15. Tel: 07502 562 293.

CLOTHES & SHOES Pair of (Peter Storm) size 8 Walking Boots, nearly new, tan colour. £20. Tel: 07990 776288.

Pair of (Raichle Winter Boots) size 9 in vgc. £ 40.

Tel: 07990 776288.

Beautiful size 8 dress from Coast. Black & white stripe. Party dress longer at back. Worn once. £30.

Brand new grey “Guess” purse in box with tags on. £10.

Brand new ladies size 4 pink suede puma trainers.

Never worn. £10 Firetrap Brand - Dr Osindero lace up trainer shoes, Black UK size 11.

Brand new in original box and never worn. £10. Tel: 07502 562 293

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN Boudoir chair lemon yellow cushions perfect condition £ 2 5 O N O . T: 0 1 5 0 5 842711 Mahogany Unit with Glass 3 Door Top, 3 Drawers and Cupboards at bottom.

V.G.C. £150 ono. Tel: 07753 234653.

Royal Doulton The Franklin Mint, Cottage plate collection. 6 display plates. Cherrytree Lane, Lilac Bend, Daisy Lane, Swan Lake, Lamp Post Stream and Rosetree Pond. Excellent condition. Limited edition with certificates.

C a n s e l l s e p a r a t e l y.

Any reasonable offer accepted. Tel: 07814 408192.

Celebrity recliner chair.

Beige fabric. Used but good condition. £250. Tel 01505 872459 Microwave Russell Hobbs (red), Toaster Russell Hobbs (red), Kettle Russell Hobbs (red).

VGC. Three for £70.

Prolex Electric Grill and Oven as new. £25. Tel: 01505 614053.

3 door Howden Wardrobe 7’0” x 6’0” x 2’0” (approx).

White doors. As new. £25.00. 01505 873295 Stunning Dwell curved floor lamp with suede shade and marble base, as good as new, cost £250 sell for £75. Tel: 01505 872213.

2 White PVC Double glazed fixed windows 650 x 600 x 70mm. Brand new. £10 each. Tel 01505 873295 Hedge Trimmer - Garden Groom midi safety with volume bag attachment.

Good condition £40. Tel: 01505 690426 Electric Powered Leaf Blower and Vac with co l l e c t i o n b a g . M A C Allister MBV 3000w. £20 ono. In Kilbarchan. 01505 705264

Recliner Armchair by HSL. Fantastic buy. Waltham Petite Single Rise and Recline armchair in Thyme Boucle material (soft green). As new condition.

Smoke free home. Also includes matching armcap protectors.

Only used for 6 months.

All original paperwork available. Photographs can be emailed or texted if required. Local delivery negotiable. Price when purchased £1386. Price n o w £ 4 9 5 o n o . Te l : 01505 690751 or 07768 682611.

Turquoise armchair (part of 3 piece suite). Good condition. £40 Tel: 01505 873252 Full size Bed Settee. New £90. Tel: 01505 703433.

Must collect.

Painted solid oak wardrobe.

Mirrored door. Large drawer. Dressing table.

Three drawers. Swing mirror (white). £100. Tel: 07763 806936 ELECTRICAL & GAS LG TV Flatron M2780D LED Full HD 1080P, complete with stand. Bought 2011, VGC. £50 ono. Tel: 01505 614019.

SPORTS Mountain bike 26 inch wheels 15 gears £40 Tel or text 07810 523742 BMX bike 20inch wheels £40 Tel/txt 07810 523742 Bicycle Hybrid, suit 5’6 to 6’.

Very good condition. £90.

Tel: 07413 750114 US kids golf club set - ideal for child age 7-9. Consists of lightweight golf bag, Driver, 3 wood, 6,7,8 irons, pitching wedge and putter. Excellent condition.

Cost £150 sell for £50.

Tel: 01505 872213.

Mitsushiba Adult size golf clubs with original Mitsushiba bag and also including a Slazenger bag with stand and 36 Slazenger brand new balls. The set is three Titanium metal Drivers with covers, seven Irons and one Putter. Very good condition, only used twice. £50. Tel: 07502 562 293

OTHER ITEMS Artists studio easel 5ft tall, wood. £15 ono.

In Kilbarchan. 01505 705264 Homebrew 20 litre pressurised keg with gas canister and 20l brewing bucket. £40. Tel or text 07810 523742 How to Pass - Higher Business Management book. Never used. £5.

Lightweight wheelchair.

Good condition. £100 Tel 01505 872459 HP DESKJET INK CARTRIDES. No. 56 Black 3off. No. 57 Tricolour 3off. No. 58 Photo 3off. £30 the lot. In Kilbarchan.

01505 705264 Brand new steel car wheel 6JX15H2 and new Jinyu tyre 185/60 R15. Stored as spare wheel only. £80.

Tel: 07736 067169.

Model Kit - wooden Mantua President 1750 English frigate period. 1:60 scale, length 520mm. Brand new. £40. Tel: 01505 690426 New tyre, Hankook 235/55 r18 100h plus new alloy wheel r18 would suit Kia, Nissan 4X4 both for £120.

Tel: 01505 614053 Saxon Saddle, 17.5 size, 9” d to d (width). Reasonable condition. £100 ono. Tel: 07984 794503.

Higher Business Management Practice Papers Book. £5.

Crazy Fit Massage vibrating plate exercise machine – excellent condition – hardly used. £120 ONO. Tel: 07715 089810.

Brand new spare (get you home) Wheel for a Honda Jazz. Will accept £75 ono.

Tel: 01505 863268

How to Pass Higher English Book. Brand new. £5.

Accessories for Nissan X Trail 2016 T32 for sale: Rubberised boot tray and bumper protector £25, Rear boot floor cover ( A S S Y- L U G 8 4 9 B 8 4CE5A) £30, Rear boot retractable load cover (cream) £75, All very good condition. Tel: 07715 089810.

4 x winter tyres for Hyundai Ix35 (or similar). Size 225/55 R18 98T. In use 3 winters, stored indoors when not in use. In good condition. £150. Tel: 01505 874887.

Stentor full size violin very good condition for sale. £45. Tel: 07815 606022.

Leckie Book - Religious, Moral & Philosophical Studies. Grade A booster book. Will help with Higher. £5.

Large collection of over 400 old LP’s for sale. Only £1 each. Various genres all in good condition. Tel 01505 70 3753.

WANTED ITEMS

Westclox Big Ben alarm clock. Call 07756981917 Local lily grower requires the use of a greenhouse/ polytunnel in Kilmacolm area in return for light gardening duties. Tel: Vince 01505 872082.

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.

FREE

CYCLE

Girl toddler bike without stabilisers, good beginners bike. Free.

07720 299 588

ADVERTISING sales & wants ad rates:

UP TO £200 ....... FREE £201 to £500 ..... £5.00 £501 to £1000 ... £10.00 OVER £1000 ..... Call for details.

Hand-delivered every month to households & businesses in Bridge of Weir, Brookfield, Crosslee, Elderslie, Houston, Howwood, Kilbarchan, Kilmacolm, Lochwinnoch, Langbank and Quarriers Village Extra copies available from many local outlets in all villages plus Bishopton, Erskine & Johnstone.

t: 01505 613340 64-67 CLASSIFIED_278 NOVEMBER17.indd 66

Use our Sales & Wants form 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 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.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk 19/10/2017 17:41:36

november 2017 ADVERTIZERS - A TO Z

BY CATEGORY Accountants & Financial Affluent Financial Planning . . 24 Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 15 Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 14 GMH Chartered Accountants . . 28 Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk

Architectural Services Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Art, Gifts & Flowers Freelance Florist . . . . . . . . . 15

Automotive Services AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 ARC Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . Bk Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 31

Bathrooms Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17

Bedrooms Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 5

Blacksmith & Metalwork McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 4

Building Services A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 5 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 12 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 KC Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 16 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 3 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 2 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 17 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 30 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 55

Business Services Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 26

Care Services & Homes Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 11

Catering Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 14

Charity Erskine Christmas Cracker . . . . . . 21 Quarriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Cleaning & PowerWash CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 14 Eclipse deep clean . . . . . . . . . 14 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 15,4 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 KC Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5

Coffee Shops Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 17

Computer, IT & Web Carness Consulting Ltd . . . . . 26 ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 26

Driveways A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Driving Instructors AL Stewart - Driving Instruct . . 14

Education St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 57

Electricians Delta Electrical Services . . 11 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2

Fencing Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 4

Firewood & Logs LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37,38 Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 29 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 2 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Funeral Services Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 7 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 47

Garage Doors & Gates Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Garden Service & Design 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 39 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 39 Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 37 Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 38 DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 37 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 39 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 41 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 38 SP Groundcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41 West of Scotland Landscape . . 37

Gas & Heating Services A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 16 C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 12 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 29 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 6 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1

Glazier 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 Cloudy2Clear Windows Glasgow . . 5 JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 8 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Hairdressers & Barbers Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 49 Ashes Hair & Beauty . . . . . . . . 49 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 51

Health, Beauty & Fitness Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 49 Ashes Hair & Beauty . . . . . . . . 49 Beautique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Beyond Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 9 Classical Ballet Classes . . . 63 Decorus Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 8 Firstsight Opticians . . . . . . . 13 FitSmart Fitness . . . . . . . . . . 63 Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 47 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Lifestyle Beauty Salon . . . . . 9 Linda Stewart - Slimming World . . 15 New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 8 Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 51

Home Hardware Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . 14,15,16,34,35

Home Improvements Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 29 Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 19 Revamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Home Interiors

Plumbers A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 16 C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 12 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 29 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 6 JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Property, Sales & Let Cochran Dickie Estate Agents . . 27 Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 5 Loop Carpets & Flooring . . . . 14 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 2 The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 3

Removals

Home Security

Retail

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 3

Joiners A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 6 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 12 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 16 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 17 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 30 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 14

Kilt & Dress Hire Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 12

Kitchens Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 5 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 30

Locksmiths Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Painters & Decorators A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 16 Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 11 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Paul Brady Painter & Decorator . . 15 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Pest Control RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 4

Pet Services & Training 4 Paws & A Tail . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Bridge of Weir Dog Walking . . 32 Husse Pet Food . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Pawz and Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 33 Suzanne’s Grooming Pad . . . . . 32

Plasterers Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 2 Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 9 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 12 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 16

@ease Removals & Transport . . 2 The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Restaurant & Bars Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 17 Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . 14,15,16,34,35 Loop Carpets & Flooring . . . . 14 Saks & Hart Country Living . . 7 The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 44 The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 3 The Sourcery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Roofing Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 2 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 KC Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 16 MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 3 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 17 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 55

Social Care Quarriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Solicitors Affinity Family Law Experts . . 8 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1

Special Occasions ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Stoves Iron House Stoves Limited . . 23 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 2

Taxis & Minicoach hire ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 31

Tiling Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 14 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Travel Agents Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Tree Surgeon Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 39 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37,38 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41

TV & Satellite Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 10 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3

Upholstery Services Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 Eclipse deep clean . . . . . . . . . 14 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 15,4 P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 8

Window Cleaners DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 14 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 15,4 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 15

@ease Removals & Transport . . 2 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 39 4 Paws & A Tail . . . . . . . . . . . 33 A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 16 A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 39 A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 16 ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Affinity Family Law Experts . . 8 Affluent Financial Planning . . 24 Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 AL Stewart - Driving Instruct . . 14 Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 29 Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 37 ARC Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . Bk Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 49 Ashes Hair & Beauty . . . . . . . . 49 B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 5 Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11 Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Beautique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 17 Beyond Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 9 Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Bridge of Weir Dog Walking . . 32 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 3 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 2 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 5 C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 12 Carness Consulting Ltd . . . . . 26 Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 9 Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 15 Classical Ballet Classes . . . 63 CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 2 CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 Cloudy2Clear Windows Glasgow . . 5 Cochran Dickie Estate Agents . . 27 ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 11 Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 11 Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 38 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 Decorus Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Delta Electrical Services . . 11 Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 10 DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 6 DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 37 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 14 Eclipse deep clean . . . . . . . . . 14 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Erskine Christmas Cracker . . . . . . 21 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 15,4 Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 8 Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 14 Firstsight Opticians . . . . . . . 13 FitSmart Fitness . . . . . . . . . . 63 Freelance Florist . . . . . . . . . 15 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 38 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . 14,15,16,34,35 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 39 GMH Chartered Accountants . . 28 Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 14 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7

67

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 31 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 12 Husse Pet Food . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 29 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17 Iron House Stoves Limited . . 23 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 6 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 12 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 8 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 47 Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 31 Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 14 KC Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 47 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 16 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 26 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Lifestyle Beauty Salon . . . . . 9 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Linda Stewart - Slimming World . . 15 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37,38 Loop Carpets & Flooring . . . . 14 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 41 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 15 MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 3 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 16 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 4 Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 29 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 51 NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 8 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 2 Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 19 P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 8 Paul Brady Painter & Decorator . . 15 Pawz and Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Quarriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 38 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 4 Revamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Saks & Hart Country Living . . 7 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 33 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 51 SP Groundcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 57 Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk Suzanne’s Grooming Pad . . . . . 32 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 17 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 30 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 44 The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 3 The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The Sourcery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 55 Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41 West of Scotland Landscape . . 37 Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 14

Window, Consv & Repair 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 8 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

December ‘17 Issue: • Deadline: 10 November • Delivery: 24 November

January ‘18 Issue: • Deadline: 8 December • Delivery: 27 December

Bishopton: Post Office, Woodrow’s Store, Keystore, Library, Ingliston Country Club Bridge of Weir: Gibb Stuart, Bernie’s Cafe, Lochnagar, The Bridge, Library (Cargill Hall) Erskine: Garden Centre, Library, Sports Centre, Swimming pool

Pick up a Copy Houston: Co-op, Carrick Centre, Post Office, Newsagent Howwood: Village Store, St Vincent’s Hospice Johnstone: Henderson Kilts, Papa Mac’s, Library Kilbarchan: Sheridan’s Store, Campbell’s, Newsagents, Bobbins, Old Library Centre

Kilmacolm: Newsagent, Pieri’s, Cross Café, Gibb Stuart, Cargill Centre, Library Langbank: Finlaystone Visitor Centre Lochwinnoch: Keystore, McKillop Centre, Library, Castle Semple Centre, Newsagent Quarriers: Three Sisters Bake

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November 2017

68

No.278

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