317 SEPTEMBER 2021 - Gryffe Advertizer

No.317:

LOCAL NEWS FOR:

September 2021

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BRIDGE OF WEIR BROOKFIELD HOUSTON HOWWOOD KILBARCHAN KILMACOLM LANGBANK LOCHWINNOCH QUARRIERS

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Let’s get back on track...

The last few weeks seem like a breath of fresh air - venues are opening up again and we have more real, live events to bring you! The Largs Viking Festival is on, Doors Open Days are taking place, Erskine’s Bike Meet has its licence to thrill, and the Lochwinnoch Arts Festival is in full swing. Kilmacolm Dramatic Society is even rehearsing for their pantomime Aladdin in November!

Renfrewshire Council has announced that The Spree and the Paisley Halloween Festival can go ahead this year. A welcome return to the town for these very popular events. The performing arts has been one of the many hard-hit sectors over the past 18 months and we are delighted to see them back in action. Of course, all events are subject to last minute change and you should check with the venue before heading out. But hopefully this is a sign of getting back to a community full of fun events.

COVER IMAGE: Sunset behind remant Thunderhead: Crosslee Road at Kaimhill by Alan J Laird

Next Deadline: 15th September 2021 for OCTOBER 21 issue

Contact us: 01505 613340 info@advertizer.co.uk www.advertizer.co.uk @gryffeads 1st floor, Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN

Previous issues available online: www.advertizer.co.uk/online-issue/

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The new ‘normal’ of being a more outdoors society has brought about a surge in farmers markets.

Adding to Kilmacolm and Paisley, we now have Bishopton, Renfrew and Erskine. These events bring in customers from further afield to villages and towns, helping the local businesses increase their trade.

The Scotland Loves Local Awards are taking place again for 2021. We were thrilled to hear that so many local businesses won awards last year for going above and beyond to help their customers during the lockdown months. We look forward to seeing the winners for 2021!

Don’t miss our next deadline to get your news and events out to our readers - 15th September 2021!

Shop local - support your community!

CONTENTS Scotland Loves Local Awards 04 BEST START Grant payment 04 Huntington’s fundraising walk 06 SSAFA branches merge 06 Financial Planning Week 08 St Vincent’s Bungee Jump 10 BIG ginger social 10 Scotland’s memory walk 10 village news 12-25 Girlguiding needs you!

14 Useful numbers 18 local councillors 18 Host - Carrick Centre 20

local defibrillator sites 20 doors open days 2021 24 Tokyo titans 26 Out & about 28-33 THE WALK: Bluebell Wood 32 Clubs & Schools 34-41 Regular meets 41 Coming events 42-47 Lochwinnoch Art Festival 43 classified ads 48 Sales & Wants 49 Advertizer ads directory 50 Celebrating Renfrewshire fund 51 19/08/2021 13:46:35

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Families invited to cash in on Best Start Grant School Age Payment Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson has urged eligible families to apply for Best Start Grant School Age Payment.

The one-off payment of £252.50, administered by Social Security Scotland, is made to families when a child is old enough to start primary school. The payment can be used to buy everyday supplies like a new pair of shoes, books and school bags.

More than £10 million has been paid in Best Start Grant School Age Payments to families across Scotland since the benefit launched in June 2019.

Applications are currently open for children born between 1 March 2016 and 28 February 2017. Parents or carers have until 28 February 2022 to apply.

Best Start Grant School Age Payment is part of the package of five family payments administered by Social Security Scotland.

The package includes Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods and is available to families receiving tax credits or certain benefits.

Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said: “As children enter education for the first time, it is vital that the youngest people in our society get what they need to thrive.

Whether it be a new pair of shoes or books or paints for an art project, the Scottish Government is committed to providing extra help to give every child the best start in life.

“We know that covering the costs of starting school can be difficult. So, I am urging families who may be eligible to get in touch with Social Security Scotland to find out more.

“Even if you are deferring your child’s start date until next year or home schooling, please remember to apply before the closing date. We are keen to ensure parents and carers receive all the financial support they can apply for, such as a school clothing grant and free school meals.

“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that people are supported and encouraged to access all of the benefits they are entitled to, and will invest in new partnerships between schools and advice services to help expand these vital links for families.

“I am proud that we are already delivering a social security system that is there for people when and where they need it, that is fair and straightforward to access, and that encourages and supports people to get the financial support they are entitled to.”

Visit mygov.scot or call 0800 182 2222 to find out more or apply.

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SCOTLAND LOVES LOCAL IS once again LOOKING FOR HIGH STREET HEROES The Scotland Loves Local Awards are a celebration of all that is great about our nation’s towns and neighbourhoods- recognising and rewarding remarkable dedication and commitment towards shaping a sustainable, successful future with localism at its heart.

Categories include:

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Climate Town Award Creative Town Award Streets and Spaces Award Innovative Town Award Town Centre Living Award Place Leader Award High Street Hero

Last year’s regional award winners listed a number of our favourite local businesses.

Winners included Blackwood the Butchers and The Village Newsagent in Kilmacolm, Bunty’s General Store, Gibb Stuart’s, Scottish Leather Group, Brighter Sparks and the Coronavirus Community Support Group in Bridge of Weir, and Heritage Farmers Market Shop, Lochwinnoch Cares, Food Committee and Community Council in Lochwinnoch. And these are just the ones in our distribution area!

Recipients will be announced during an awards ceremony to be broadcast on Thursday 25th November 2021.

Applications for the Scotland Loves Local Awards close on Friday 10th September 2021. To apply, visit the website at: https://lovelocal.scot/awards/scotland-loves-localawards-application/

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Fundraising Walk for Scottish Huntington’s Association 10th Erskine Walk of Hope for Scottish Huntington’s Association SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity has continued to support veterans and their families within the Lieutenancy of Renfrewshire (Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire) over the past eighteen months as it has done since the charity was founded in 1885.

It has, of course, been necessary for all our volunteers to support our clients by working from their own homes. In addition a programme of cooperation between Branches has been initiated by the Charity and one of the first of these is the merger of the Glasgow Branch and the Renfrewshire & Inverclyde Branch to form the Glasgow and Renfrewshire Branch. The new arrangement has meant that, unfortunately, we have had to relinquish the use of the Wynd Centre, Paisley, after almost eighteen years; we owe the management and staff at the Wynd Centre our thanks for their support over the years.

The new contact details are as follows:

SSAFA Glasgow & Renfrewshire Branch (incl. The Lieutenancy of Renfrewshire) 179 Prospecthill Circus, Glasgow G42 0LA Telephone: 0141 613 3002 0141 840 4060 01475 731435 email: gandr.branch@ssafa.org.uk Web: www.ssafa.org.uk As in previous years, Margaret Moncrieff and friends will do a sponsored Walk of Hope along the banks of the Clyde in Erskine to raise funds for Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA). This will take place this year on Saturday 11th September at 11am from the Riverside car park. This is the 10th year of our Walk at Erskine which at the most will extend to 5 miles. Please join us if you can.

HD is a devastating neurological condition which renders the sufferer increasingly dependent on care over the course of 15 to 25 years. In many cases this care is provided by the immediate family over many years. The condition has been described as a combination of motor neuron disease, Parkinson’s and elements of Alzheimer’s. Sadly, it is genetic and every child of a person with the condition has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease. There are now real hopes of a treatment but it will be many years before these drugs are available. In the meantime, families and children who are affected by HD will continue to need the support of SHA. We seek to raise funds for SHA to enable them to continue to provide a comprehensive support and advisory service to families like hers who are affected by HD. Donations will be welcomed at the following JustGiving page http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/margaret-moncrieff11

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SSAFA welcomes enquiries from those who have served, or who are serving, in our Forces and the families of both who are in need and require practical assistance. In addition SSAFA represent most other Military and Merchant Navy Charities. The qualifying criterion for assistance in time of need is usually to have received one day’s pay in the Armed Forces (including National Service) or in the Merchant Navy. SSAFA Forces Help works closely with, and acknowledges the assistance given by, The ABF (The Soldiers Charity), The Royal Navy Benevolent Trust, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, Merchant Navy Welfare Board, PoppyScotland and the many and various Army Regimental Charities as well as other Forces and Civilian Charities and Trusts. SSAFA also works in partnership with the RCET (formerly the Royal Caledonian Education Trust). The RCET, a charity that is over 200 years old, is a major supporter of the children of Scottish Armed Forces, serving and veterans.

Volunteering with SSAFA is a very satisfying experience and right now the Branch is looking for volunteers to help with Case Working, Administration, IT and Publicity & Fundraising. Full training is given and expenses paid; it is appreciated that time is the most precious commodity that a volunteer can give.

Further details for both those that require practical assistance or as a potential volunteer can be found by contacting the Branch Secretary using the contact details above.

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Financial Planning week Free personal financial planning sessions during CISI Financial Planning Week 11th - 17th October #FPWUK #Planwell2livewell Affluent Financial Planning is delighted to be supporting the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment’s (CISI) Financial Planning Week and will be holding free, one hour consultations which can be booked with Affluent Financial Planning in advance, for week commencing 11th October, via: crm@affluentfp.co.uk or 01505 595060.

The annual campaign, organised by the-not-for profit professional body the CISI, is a national initiative to help improve the financial fitness of the UK public, while highlighting the fact that CFPTM practitioners represent the pinnacle of professionalism for their knowledge, skills and integrity.

The free, one-hour money management sessions will offer a chance for members of the public to have a one-to-one meeting with a qualified CFPTM professional, who begin by working through an individual’s life goals then help plan how to achieve them.

Contact Affluent FP now to book your free meeting!

National Financial Award Nomination Affluent FP provides advice on final salary pension transfers via the Pension Transfer Solutions trading style of the business. Pension Transfer Solutions has once again been shortlisted in the MoneyAge Awards 2021 Financial Adviser Firm: Micro Firm of the Year for the quality of advice and service it provides to consumers seeking pension transfer advice.

Affluent Financial Planning is delighted to announce that their Community Fund has awarded £1,500 to the 1st Bridge of Weir Scout Group. This money will be used to purchase 14 all season hammocks for 2 scout leaders and 12 children for all weather camping trips. This charitable grant from the Affluent Community Fund means that, in addition to the Scout Group awarding Zodiac bronze and silver awards, they can now award Zodiac Gold and Platinum awards too. Affluent F.P. Is delighted to support such a worthy group, and to give back to the local community.

If you know of a local community group or small charity, please encourage them to apply for a grant from the Affluent Community Fund - details can be found on their website at https://www.affluentfp. co.uk/community-fund

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St. Vincent’s Hospice Bungee Jump Are you brave enough to take a leap for hospice care and rise to the challenge of joining ‘team St. Vincent’s’

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Big Ginger Social Throughout the month of September, Cancer Support UK are encouraging you to host a ‘Big Ginger Social’ to support people currently undergoing cancer treatment.

This is a great opportunity to fundraise for cancer patients in Scotland.

Bring family, friends or work colleagues together and experience ginger-themed deliciousness, all for a good cause.

Why the ginger theme? We include ginger tea bags in our free Cancer Kits (cancersupportuk.org) for people experiencing cancer treatment. Ginger is proven to help offset the nausea that treatment can cause. So it’s an ingredient that’s very close to our hearts, but also one that gives you lots of creative options!

All donations raised will make a huge difference to the lives of people going through cancer. Every £25 you raise will help us to fill a Cancer Kit. If you are interested in hosting your own Big Ginger Social, order our free Big Ginger Social fundraising pack from cancersupportuk.org/ginger - you’ll get all the information you need, as well as inspiration, tips and even ginger-themed recipe ideas, too.

Start planning your Big Ginger Social today. Visit cancersupportuk.org/ginger to get started.

Join us for the second jump of the year leaping from a 160ft crane. Due to the great fun and success of the May Bungee Jump, St. Vincent’s Hospice are asking those in our community to join us once again at The Riverside Museum, Glasgow on Sunday 17th October 2021.

By taking part in this fundraising challenges you can help play a vital role in funding the work of the Hospice. Supporting your local hospice in this way helps us continue to provide, and improve, our specialist palliative care and support services to local patients and their families, making a real difference to the lives of people in the Renfrewshire area.

Minimum sponsorship is £200 which includes the cost of the jump. Spaces are limited!

Please contact info@svh.co.uk or call 01505 705 635 and ask to speak to Louise or Karen for more details.

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Scotland’s Memory Walk Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk is back for 2021 on Saturday 18th & Sunday 29th September and this year it’s your walk, your route, your way!

In Scotland, over 90,000 people are living with dementia. They need our support more than ever.

That’s why over the weekend of 18th - 19th September we’ll be uniting across the country for Scotland’s Memory Walk to walk in memory and honour of loved one’s living with dementia in Scotland.

We’re asking you to join us across Scotland and beyond to walk and fundraise with friends and family. This year it’s your walk, your route, your way.

Join us over the event weekend in your own special Memory Walk location and you’ll be uniting with thousands of other amazing supporters.

Take part as an individual or create a team, whichever you do, every penny raised stays in Scotland.

If you are unable to take part on these dates we would still love you to sign up and complete your walk on a date that works for you.

Be a hero in purple and join #ScotMemWalk Find out more at https://memorywalk.alzscot.org/

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village news Bridge of Weir Ladies Badminton Club –’The end of an Era’ Sadly, the Club members have hit their last shuttle as the club is closing. The club was formed in 1935 when the Cargill Hall was built, with the annual subscription being 2/6d (12 1/2p). The AGM minute book records that during the war, play continued with somebody volunteering to mend the shuttles, but they did support the war effort by knitting dozens of socks for the troops.

At one time the club had 36 members, a waiting list and had a team in the Paisley & District Badminton league, even that does not exist now. Unfortunately, membership has been falling over the years as badminton is less popular these days – is the population less inclined to take exercise?

We hope to have a gathering of recent and older members at some future date. Please contact Margaret (320 148) or Jackie (872 004) if interested in meeting up for a chat and deciding what to do with club funds in the bank.

The Bridge 63 Main Street, Bridge of Weir www.thebridgebridgeofweir.com Post Office - with our banks either closed or opening on a part-time basis please remember you can make cash withdrawals and pay cheques into your bank account through our post office counter.

Donald , Alison and Fiona will be happy to assist with your banking needs and all other postal services.

The Bridge preparations are well under way for Christmas. From the middle of October our selection of Christmas Cards, Wrapping Paper, Tags, Diaries and Money Wallets will be on sale.

Alison Bannerman, local artist and trustee of The Bridge, has designed a Christmas Card for 2021. A further selection of “The Bridge” charity cards will also be on sale as well as a variety of Traidcraft Cards. All cards, including the ever popular individual “Greetings from Bridge of Weir” will be available from our Christmas display.

So after nearly 90 years of fun and exercise – ‘The end of an era’ Which the few existing members are very sad about.

Our 2022 Calendar will be on sale early in September. Our thanks again go to the members of the Paisley Colour Photographic Club who have provided stunning photographs. The A4 sized calendar incorporates landmarks around Bridge of Weir.

Doors Open Day - Come & visit us!

Cinema - If there is sufficient demand we hope to start showing films again before the end of this year. If you would like to view films at The Bridge please write your name and contact details in the notebook at the shop counter.

Sunday 5th September from 2pm to 4pm at St Mary’s at Episcopal Church, Johnstone Road, Bridge of Weir. Have a blether, a cup of tea or coffee, scones and cake and have a look around our lovely church. There will also be some musical accompaniment. Donations accepted! Car park opposite church.

Hearing Aid Batteries - on production of your yellow Hearing Instrument and Battery Record Book and the signing of the battery receipt sheet, the volunteer on duty will issue you with one battery card for each hearing aid - So much easier than a trip to The RAH. Please view The Bridge as the place to go for all your postal and general banking needs and your stationery and greeting card purchases.

Finally a big thank you to all our customers and our dedicated team of volunteers.

(Opening Hours: Mon – 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm; Sat – 10am to 1pm)

Tues to

OctoBER Deadline Date: Wednesday 15th September contact: info@advertizer.co.uk 12-27 NEWS 317 SEPTEMBER 21.indd 12

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WARD 11 CLLR James MacLaren The future looks bright for Blooming Bishopton after just a few meetings. The new group that wants to improve the environment in Bishopton would welcome suggestions for any area improvements. Any green fingered residents who wish to get involved would be welcomed I am sure.

Do you know where your recycling goes? Council would be happy to provide an online webinar showing the current path of our recycling. This will be a very interesting talk from one of our experts in recycling. If anyone would be interested in learning more about the recycling of waste in Renfrewshire then please let me know and we can then sort out a date for this.

There remains concern regarding the opening of the new Dargavel Primary School. I’m receiving regular briefings on this but it does seem to be a bit touch and go for the October opening. Fingers crossed.

Bridge of Weir residents will have a chance to “Beat the Street”, a new active travel campaign running from 15th September to 27th October 2021. This is a fun and free walking, cycling and wheeling game which gets people of all ages out and about in their local area as part of a drive to support healthier and more active lifestyles. I will post more info on my Facebook page when available.

In advance of roads being resurfaced it does seem that the council are unwilling to spend money to fix potholes, even dangerous ones.

I will continue to bring these to the attention of the council. I am happy to receive info on any potholes needing fixed.

Surgeries are starting back possibly in September. Please check with me in advance just to make sure. My mobile number is 07534 148794 or you can email me cllr.james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov. uk Working with you and improving our local area. Please feel free to contact me with any of your concerns, and I am happy to meet with you at a mutually convenient time. If there is something that you would like me to write about more often then please drop me a line.

It is always good to get feedback, particularly of the positive kind.

Many thanks for all your cards, gifts and well wishes that I received recently, it was very much appreciated.

Regards Marjorie

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THANK YOU I would like to thank the 2 very kind ladies who stopped and helped after I had a fall in Main Street, Bridge of Weir, Friday 6th August.

One administered first aid and comforting words whilst the other phoned for an ambulance. I was meeting a friend for coffee, one of the ladies very kindly took her back to her home in Paisley .

Made good recovery.

Kind Regards to you both, June

Girlguiding needs you!

Were you a Rainbow, Brownie or Guide? Do you remember the fun you had at weekly meetings, camps or sleepovers? Most importantly, do you remember the leader who made it all possible?

Thanks to the dedication and support of amazing volunteers, girls and young women have a space where they can be themselves, have fun, form brilliant friendships and gain valuable life skills.

Girlguiding in Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm has units full of girls - Rainbows (5-7 years), Brownies (7-10 years) Guides (10-14 years) and Rangers (14-18 years).

We are URGENTLY looking for adult leaders for our Units; without more adult help the future of our Units is in real jeopardy.

In return, Girlguiding can offer everyone support, specialised training and the opportunity to develop new skills, meet new people and have fun. It has helped many of our volunteers to learn new skills including leadership and organisational planning that might be of use at work or add value to your CV. If you would like to find out more, please log on to www.girlguiding.org.uk/ interested and register.

Bridge of Weir SWI We are looking forward to returning to our monthly meetings and hope to welcome back all our members. To start the session we will be holding an introductory evening at Bernie’s at 7.30pm on 2nd September at a cost of £4 each.

As well as enjoying refreshments the evening will be an opportunity to plan for the year ahead and will include a raffle.

Langbank Welly Garden Anyone passing through Langbank recently, will have noticed Langbank’s lovely welly garden.

Earlier this summer, villagers were invited to plant up a welly boot and place it outside the church.

The final display looks amazing, and has received many complimentary comments from passers by.

House Wanted

Minimum of 3 bedrooms Detached or older Semi preferred in Houston, Kilmacolm, or Bridge of Weir area.

South/South West facing back garden.

Please call: 07753 659804

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DELIVERY PROBLEM? PLEASE GET IN TOUCH!

INFO@ADVERTIZER.CO.UK 01505 613340 WWW.ADVERTIZER.CO.UK/DELIVERY-FEEDBACK

Hope Hall Reopens Hope Hall reopens on Saturday 11th September, with a brand new look. The building has been extended to provide better facilities for the full range of church activities including toddler groups, kids clubs and family events with meals. There is also new technology for video conferencing, to keep in touch with friends who can’t get out easily. Despite all these improvements, our mission at Hope Hall remains unchanged: to share Jesus Christ with our community. All are welcome at our open day on Saturday 11th September, 10am 4pm, to explore the new Hope Hall, enjoy some home baking and discover more about the Bible. There will also be plenty of fun activities for children including a bouncy castle and a treasure trail.

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ward 1 - inverclyde Cllr David Wilson The largest number of complaints I receive is concerning speeding, mainly on the main arteries into and out of the village. Recent speed monitoring on Port Glasgow Road established average speed at 34.8 mph. This means a significant number of vehicles above 40mph.

I attended a meeting between SPT and IC to discuss further capital spend in Inverclyde by SPT(currently £1.3m on various transport related projects). As a result SPT will financially support the village, and all our villages, becoming mandatory 20mp, the Council will consult on Policy. Speed measurement will be conducted on BoW, Gryffe and Lochwinnoch Roads at locations, I helped to select (in conjunction with residents). The crossing attendant at KPS will evidence the dangers of excessive speed.

I have escalated the problem of the caravan outside KPS. This situation is of the Council’s own making and must be resolved. The fault does not lie with the Head or the Janitor.

Owners/ Directors of the Millpond land adjacent to Birkmyre Park (some 17 acres down to the river Gryffe) have generously offered this wild land to the Council/ Birkmyre Trust. Mini/Midi rugby available for both soccer and rugby can be accommodated. Good to see the success of both for our young folk and thanks to those coaching and organising.

Both GLW Airport and SPT are involved in COP26 planning. GLW is the primary Airport, and will have to accommodate some 30k delegates and 200 Heads of State attending in November. There are many cyber and basic security, logistic and infrastructure challenges to be faced. A small but highly sensitive issue is the parking sequence and hierarchy of National branded planes. Who parks beside who? SPT has responsibility for ground transport to the event, and both have applied for space and representation at the conference.

The self build plots at Leperstone have been strimmed and tidied up, other tidying needs to be done. Disappointed in the dog fouling on the way to the Cairn. A minority is letting us down.

The Annual Horticultural Show will be held in the Cargill on the 4th September. The committee have battled through the lockdown with virtual competitions. Well worth an hour of your time.

We have bid and been successful in hosting the British Pipe Band Championship next May at Battery Park. The excellent St Columba’s School Pipe band will hopefully again compete. They had plans in 2020 to attend all the events including the Worlds in Glasgow. I have tried to encourage the Director of Education to form an Inverclyde Schools Pipe band. She has resisted my advances, so far.

As Depute Provost I had the honour of raising the flag for Armed Forces Day. Under Covid restrictions, on my own. I look forward to a larger event next year followed by the Queens Platinum celebrations. I am sure the village will rise to this momentous occasion.

My Surgery is on the 18th September at the Cargill 10am - 11am.

I can be contacted: david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk 07766 992294, 01475 712975, 741969.

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Cllr Stephen McCabe Last month I welcomed Ministers from the UK and Scottish Governments to Inverclyde to see progress on the new Greenock cruise facilities in my role as Council Leader. This is one of the Council’s three Glasgow City Deal projects, which are being partly funded by both Governments.

The first phase of the £19.2m project, a new floating pontoon, has been completed, and work is now underway on a new dedicated cruise visitor centre. The centre will feature an arrivals/departure hall as well as a museum paying tribute to the late, world-famous artist George Wyllie, who worked as a Customs Officer in Greenock and lived for many years in Gourock, and a high-end restaurant and roof terrace with panoramic views of the River Clyde.

The development is expected to increase visitor numbers to some 150,000 passengers a year and provide a £26m annual boost to the Scottish economy.

Following on from the great success of this year’s ‘Summer of Fun 21’, where lots of young people and their families enjoyed a whole range of activities, the Council is now planning a serious of major events for next spring and summer as part of our local Covid recovery strategy. Events already in planning include the British Pipe Band Championships, Gourock Highland Games, a multi-media illumination and performance event based around the Beacon Arts Centre and an outdoor obstacle course event at Battery Park.

Plans are also being developed for more local events, including in town and village centres, and events to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. It promises to be an exciting summer in 2022.

The Council’s Chief Executive for the past five years, Aubrey Fawcett, retires this month after a total of 15 years of dedicated service. Aubrey’s successor is Louise Long, the current Corporate Director for Health and Social Care. Louise is the Council’s first female Chief Executive.

With the Council elections due next year I am keen to hear from constituents on what they think the Council’s priorities should be for the next five year term. Details of how to contact me are given below.

The putting green at Birkmyre Park in Kilmacolm is now open again. As I reported last month, officers are trying to pull together a funding package to resurface the MUGA. They had hoped to use funding from the Scottish Government’s new play area fund but unfortunately MUGA’s aren’t included in the play areas eligible for that funding.

I am hoping to resume my face to face advice surgeries this month. These will be advertised on the Council’s website at www. inverclyde.gov.uk. In the meantime 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.

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OUTLOOK OUTLOOK is a social community group led by the Community Issues team of Kilmacolm Old Kirk. We extend fellowship and friendship and a warm welcome to everyone, young or old alike.

We are pleased to announce that OUTLOOK will re-start on Thursday 2nd September, at 2pm - 3.30pm in the Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm. We invite you to join us for an Afternoon Tea party, home baked by the OUTLOOK team, with the chance to relax in good company.

Further meetings will be held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays monthly.

16th September, 7th and 21st October, 4th and 18th November, 2nd and 16th December. When numbers allow we will invite Speakers from various charities to come along for informal presentations.

We support the Foodbank project at the United Reformed Church, Port Glasgow. Any donations of tinned or dried food, longlife milk, sugar, biscuits, cereals, hygiene items, are invaluable to people in difficult times, who are temporarily reliant on food parcels. Come to OUTLOOK, bring yourself, bring a friend, and, if you wish - help others by bringing an item of food for the team to deliver to the Church Angels Foodbank.

On behalf of the Old Kirk - welcome to OUTLOOK.

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01505 863 863

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www.nutechcleaning.co.uk

19/08/2021 13:47:59

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Your Local COUNCILLORS WARD 9:

JOHNSTONE NORTH, KILBARCHAN, HOWWOOD & LOCHWINNOCH www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ Cllr Derek Bibby: E: cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk T: 0300 300 1274 | M: 07534 156007 Cllr Bill Binks: E: cllr.bill.binks@renfrewshire.gov.uk T: 0300 300 1423 | M: 07976 239 881 Cllr Andy Doig: E: cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk M: 07534 148224 Cllr Emma Rodden: E: cllr.emma.rodden@renfrewshire.gov.uk T: 0300 300 1431

WARD 10:

HOUSTON, CROSSLEE & LINWOOD www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ Cllr Audrey Doig: E: cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk M: 07768 130935 Cllr Alison Jean Dowling: E: cllr.alison.dowling@renfrewshire.gov.uk T: 0300 300 1419

WARD 11:

BISHOPTON, LANGBANK & BRIDGE OF WEIR www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ Cllr James MacLaren: E:cllr.james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk T: 0300 300 1291 Cllr Natalie Don: E: cllr.natalie.don@renfrewshire.gov.uk T: 0300 300 1426

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Welcome Back Angel Voices!

St Fillan’s Community Children’s Choir Open Meeting for Children and Parents/Guardians on Friday 17th September from 6pm in St Fillan’s Church Hall, Moss Road Kilmacolm Contact: Maureen Russell: maureenmrussell@hotmail.com or on mobile: 07905 950028.

Cllr Colin McCulloch: E: cllr.colin.mcculloch@renfrewshire.gov.uk Tel: 0300 300 1427

WARD 1:

INVERCLYDE EAST www.inverclyde.gov.uk/ Cllr Christopher Curley: E: christopher.curley@inverclyde.gov.uk M: 07768 460073/01475 712370 Cllr Stephen McCabe: E: Stephen.McCabe@inverclyde.gov.uk T: 01475 712020 (office hours) Cllr David Wilson: E: david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk T: 01475 741969 and 01475 712727 M: 07766 992294

Cllr Scott Kerr: E: cllr.scott.kerr@renfrewshire.gov.uk T: 0300 300 1424 Cllr James Sheridan: E: cllr.james.sheridan@renfrewshire.gov.uk T: 0300 300 1425

Angel Voices singing at Kilmacolm Primary School December 2019 with Music Director, Mrs Anne Lawrence and Teacher/Accompanist, Mr Michael Hepburn.

usefuL NUMBERS Domiciliary Physiotherapy is for people who are unable to come to the clinic for treatment.

This may be due to a recent change in mobility following any surgery, hospital admission, post covid or lockdown deconditioning, neurological conditions or those requiring orthopaedic rehabilitation following surgery.

Kilmacolm Physiotherapy welcomes Stuart Mitchell (BSc Hons, MCSP) to work as a Domiciliary Physiotherapist within our team. He has over 20 years experience as a Chartered Physiotherapist and treating people in their own home is his speciality.

If you or someone you know would like to make an appointment, please call 01505 873078.

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EMERGENCY SERVICES Police/Fire/Ambulance 999 or 101 (non-emergency) Gas Emergency 0800 111 999 Scottish Water 0800 077 8778 SEPA 0300 99 66 99 Floodline 0345 988 1188 Flytipping 0845 2 30 40 90

HOSPITALS NHS 24 Royal Alexandra Inverclyde Royal Queen Elizabeth

111 0141 887 9111 01475 633777 0141 201 1100

COUNCILS Inverclyde Renfrewshire

01475 717171 0300 300 0300

POLICE Crimestoppers Police Scotland

0800 555 111 01786 289070

ROADS R.A.L.F Traveline

0800 37 36 35 0871 200 2233

HELPLINES Citizens Advice Consumer Direct ParentLine Renfrewshire Care 24 Samaritans Trading Standards Victim Support

0808 800 1007 0808 800 9060 0800 028 2233 0141 314 7148 or 0141 314 7147 116 123 03454 04 05 06 0800 160 1985

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Kilmacolm Dramatic Society Having had to call off our production of Bob Heather’s Aladdin in November 2020, KDS very much looks forward to presenting it on stage in Kilmacolm’s Kidston Hall this November. Performances are scheduled for 25th, 26th and 27th November.

Director Mandy Robinson has been extremely busy with her extensive plans for what promises to be a fun filled show for all ages. Having held readings and auditions for the show, Mandy has almost completed casting all the roles, thanks to the encouraging level of enthusiastic interest from our members.

In September the Society also hopes to hold its - usually - annual barbecue, which is always a popular event.

While arrangements will be different from previous years in many ways, Mandy and her team are determined that “the show will go on” and bring some much needed colour and fun to the village.

If you’d like to know more about KDS, please visit our website – kilmacolmdramaticsociety.co.uk/ – or find us on Facebook’s Kilmacolm Dramatic Society public page.

We very much look forward to being back together again onstage and to welcoming our loyal audiences back again.

Kilmacolm CO-OP Inverclyde Food Bank Donation Bin The Inverclyde Food Bank Donation Bin is back instore in the Kilmacolm CO-OP and ready to receive all your kind donations.

The full list of items always needed at Inverclyde Food Bank: Cereal, UHT Milk, Diluting Juice, Tea, Coffee, Jam Tinned Soup, Tinned Meat, Tinned Fish, Tinned Potatoes, Tinned Vegetables Pasta Sauce, Dried Pasta, Tinned Tomatoes, Dried Rice Tinned Fruit, Tinned Creamed Rice Pudding, Tinned Custard Toiletries: Shampoo, Shower Gel, Soap, Deodorant, Men’s Shave Gel and Razors Toilet Roll and Household Cleaning Inverclyde Food Bank accepts all tins, jars and packets of food.

Inverclyde Food Bank CAN’T accept fresh food.

Thank you for your kindness.. Jenny x I can be contacted: JennyMeadows10@outlook.com

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What’s on

H.O.S.T

September ‘21

THE CARRICK CENTRE, HOUSTON

Monday to Friday Gryffe Manor Out of School 01505 615438.

Dance West Scotland enquiries@dancewestscotland.co.uk Coffee Shop: - Monday to Saturday 10am - 4pm Takeaways only.

Coffee Shop/Centre 01505 229597.

MONDAY

Weekly

Young Farmers Diaporama DWS

7.15pm 6th, 13th, 20th 7.30pm 20th MH 4pm

TUESDAY Rhythm Time Hazel Connelly Art Class Yoga DWS

10am 1.15pm 7th, 14th 7pm M/s Lawson 01505 613690 MH 4pm

WEDNESDAY

Art By The Burn ‘Art by the Burn’ is a new Outdoor Artisan Market in Houston, Renfrewshire. The weekend events will feature local artists, crafters, and designers from the Renfrewshire area.

Visit the market on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September at the Fox & Hounds Car Park between 11am - 4pm. A full list of exhibitors will be found on the AOS social media pages before each event.

If you would like to book a stall please see our website for details www.artonscotland.co.uk Support local, buy handmade, meet the maker!

Visit the website events/949770379209173

at

MH 3.30pm 9.30am R2 7.30pm

THURSDAY Little Petals Baby Massage Move It or Loose it Gryffe Quilting Group

R2 9.15am 9.45am 1pm - 2nd, 9th, 23rd, 30th 10am - 16th

FRIDAY

BISHOPTON The Cornerstone, Greenock Road Bishopton Community Centre

BROOKFIELD BRIDGE OF WEIR Co-Op Old Ranfurly Golf Club Ranfurly Castle Golf Club The Gate House, Bridge of Weir Leather Works

ELDERSLIE Elderslie Golf Club

HOUSTON

Yoga DWS

10.30am M/s Lawson 01505 613690 MH 3.30pm

SATURDAY DWS

MH + R2

9am

SUNDAY Baptist Church

R2 11am and 6pm

Centre Patrons - PLEASE ADVISE any date or time changes to Centre Management

Booking enquiries: Bill Haddow 01505 690693, Stewart Scally 01505 674277 Joe O’Brien 07968 804776 Email: thecarrickcentre@gmail.com or hostbookings@outlook.com

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https://www.facebook.com/

Local Public DEFIBRILlATOR SITES

Brookfield Village Hall Main Entrance

DWS Moo Music Gryffe Camera Club

20

Outside Church Hall, Main Street Co-Op Strathgryffe Squash & Fitness Club (Reception)

HOWWOOD Howwood Hall, Station Road Christ the King Church, Bowfield Rd The Boarding House (opening hours)

JOHNSTONE Keystore, Spateston Keystore, Corseford Johnstone Town Hall Scottish Fire and Rescue, Thorn Brae

KILMACOLM Kilmacolm Golf Club St Columba’s Senior School Gym, Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm Kilmacolm Library (rear of New Surgery)

KILBARCHAN Scout Hall Kilbarchan Bowling Club

LINWOOD Onyx Leisure Centre Spar, Clippens Road Asda

PAISLEY Russell Institute

QUARRIERS William Quarriers House (entrance to Faith Avenue) Country View

Some of these may have limited access. Please check with venue for full details. If we’ve missed any, please let us know - info@advertizer.co.uk

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ward 10

Cllr Audrey Doig People often say they cannot see much difference between one council administration and the next.

The mantra of the man on the Houston and Brookfield omnibus will tend to be borne of a general cynicism about politics and councillors in particular. However, I only ask people in Houston and Brookfield to check the websites of their respective Community Councils to see that this current administration, unlike the last one, is committing millions to road repairs in and around the villages as that was a clear demand from constituents that this be done. I am glad that the current administration has delivered on this.

I have had a few complaints from constituents in the Houston and Brookfield area regarding the blight of Japanese knotweed. Can I ask all constituents to please check their garden boundaries and any waste ground near their homes in case there is Japanese knotweed present. A quick look on social media will give people an idea of its distinctive look. We must be vigilant against this horticultural menace.

I would like to thank the Be Happy Crew for all their excellent work in both Houston and Crosslee recently to make our villages brighter and better looking with all their various green endeavours. They really are a key example of community empowerment in action and this does matter, that is why the litter picking crew has recently saw an increase to their numbers because their community leadership is inspiriting others. Well done to the Crew.

Contact Details for Cllr Audrey Doig Councillors are not at the moment having face to face surgeries due to the Covid 19 restrictions. But please e mail me on cllr.audrey. doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk or call me on 07768 130935 if you have a civic matter you wish to raise with me.

Houston & Killellan Kirk September at Houston & Killellan Kirk will see activities returning to a semblance of normality. This follows on from the Sunday Club returning on 15th August with the children dropped off at the Killallan Halls at 10.45am.

Sunday Services in September will take the form of Services at 11 am each Sunday. There will be no requirement for advance registration or booking. However, for those attending, the Check In Scotland app will be required to scan the QR code for the Kirk or halls – or simply provide personal details at the door. Harvest Thanksgiving will be celebrated on 19th September. Meanwhile, the Foodbank at the West Halls continues every Tuesday 10am – 12noon & 7pm – 8 pm.

Most activities and organisations will have started back from end of August. Full details can be found on the web site: houstonkillellankirk. org and/or the Kirk’s Facebook page. The Check In Scotland app can also be sourced on Facebook.

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Friends of HowwoodheldPark ‘Play at the Park’

Organised play sessions during the summer holidays for local children. The sessions were run by local play leader Kerry, who organised and led games for the children, with the final session having a ‘Sports Day’ theme. The sessions ran weekly for 4 weeks and were well attended, with over 50 spaces booked over the block. Thank you for everyone who came along and took part.

Kilbarchan Old Library Centre The Old Library Centre re-opened on 16th August and it is very good to be back in business.

We have undergone refurbishment to the outside of the building while we were closed which is now nearing completion. The inside has been redecorated.

Our wonderful gardening volunteers have been busy during lockdown and the garden is looking great. You can come in and have look around the garden anytime the library is open which is Monday - Friday 10am - 12noon and 2pm - 4pm. Our volunteers would be happy to hear of any ideas or suggestion the community has for the garden.

Classes currently running are: Yoga - Wednesday 10am and 7.30pm. Both of these classes will be taken by Elizabeth Hughes.

Yoga - Monday evening (starting September) 7.30pm - 8.30pm.

Friday 10am - 11am. Classes taken by Kerry Yoga.

Move It or Lose It - with Fiona Bretherton Thursday at 2pm Craft Group - meets every 2nd Tuesday at 2pm.

Book Group - meets monthly on a Tuesday evening Pilates - we do not have a start date for pilates starting.

Kilbarchan National Women’s Register As restrictions have now lifted, our programmes from the end of August will be based on weekly face to face meetings with some zoom meetings also. We have a very varied programme which includes: how has Covid changed your life? An ‘ology, Do you like your name, if not , what would you prefer the letter A, an obscure fact or story, a film night and discussion and one or two Friday coffee afternoons. Our book group will discuss the book Lucy Gault by William Trevor. If your interest is piqued by any of this, please get in touch either by phoning Fiona on 348627 or through the website: www.nwr.org.uk

Mary Stott Award This prestigious prize is awarded annually to a member who has shown outstanding achievement over several years both in work for NWR and in other areas, eg charity work and innovative ideas. The Kilbarchan members are delighted that our local organiser Fiona Catterson has been awarded the Quaich for 2021. This will be presented to Fiona at the AGM in Birmingham on 11th September. This will certainly put Kilbarchan on the NWR map.

Kipco is a recognised Scottish Charity (no SC031251) and is ran by volunteers. The Old Library Centre , 9 High Barholm, Kilbarchan.

PA10 2EF Tel 01505 706070 email: kipcokil@hotmail.com

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Cllr Andy Doig A recent Council report showed that nearly half of the listed buildings in Renfrewshire are in Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch alone, with significantly more in the villages compared to towns like Johnstone and Renfrew. One structure that I have had to raise concerns about, which is not listed, but perhaps should be, is the state of the Bridgend Bridge at the top of Calder Street in Lochwinnoch. Built in its modern form in 1814 it was recently damaged and one of the balustrades was broken. On examination I feel it needs major repairs and on health and safety grounds I have called on Renfrewshire Council to carry out comprehensive repairs as it is still frequently used, especially by agricultural traffic.

Recently I have been meeting with the residents of Milliken Park Road in Kilbarchan who are very concerned about both the overgrown verges and hedges, and the extreme patchwork quilt nature of the road. Milliken Park Road has undoubtedly suffered from being cut off from the rest of Kilbarchan with the construction of the A737 nearly thirty years ago, but the obviously substandard nature of the road is simply not acceptable and I have called on Renfrewshire Council to take action.

Last year there was a concerted campaign to cut the speeding limits into Howwood off the Beith Road in Johnstone, with more and more villagers concerned about speeding through the village.

I convinced the Council to act and last year they took the decision to re-zone the speed limit signs into Howwood from Johnstone from 60mph to 40mph, Covid restrictions have prevented the replacement until now but I am sure it will be welcomed by the people of Howwood.

Since the beginning of Covid restrictions no Councillors have been allowed to have face to face surgeries, but due to increasing lifting of restrictions Renfrewshire Council hopes to be able to resume these before the end of the year.

Contact Details for Cllr Andy Doig – Councillors are not at the moment having face to face surgeries due to the Covid 19 restrictions. But please e mail me on cllr.andy.doig@ renfrewshire.gov.uk, call me on 07534 148224, facebook me on Independent Voice/ Ward9JohnstoneAndVillages, or tweet me on CllrAndy4Ward8, if you have a civic matter you wish to raise with me.

12-27 NEWS 317 SEPTEMBER 21.indd 23

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Johnstone History Society

Doors Open Days 2021

Yet again we have no news about the restarting of our usual monthly meetings but be assured as soon as we have it will appear on our website, in the press or by email from our secretary.

On Sunday 5th September from 1pm to 4.30pm, drop in to Bridge of Weir’s St Mary’s Episcopal Church.

The Museum continues to open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 4pm.

Masks and hand sanitizing will still be in place at the moment.

All our usual range of books and maps are on sale in the Museum and can also be purchased online at johnstonehistoty.org and paid via PayPal. We have at the moment a box of discard books which you are free to come in and browse through and may be taken away for a donation in our box.

This September, explore sites across Scotland with inperson & online activities.

St. Mary’s was built in 1909 for Episcopalians, who until then had worshipped in a hotel. It is known locally as “the little white church in the wood”. It was built from start to finish in four months.

There is parking just across the road from the church.

Visit Bishopton Parish Church on Saturday 4th September from 10am to 4pm.

The present building was built in 1815 to replace an earlier building that had fallen into a state of serious disrepair. The presence of a church on this site goes back to the 12th century with the establishment of what was originally called the Erskine Church, renamed the Bishopton Church to avoid confusion with the new community and church of Erskine. The long story of this church extends over some 900 years and is rich in historical detail. Erskine’s Lamont Farm Project will be open both Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th from 10am to 3pm. They have a building with small furries such as rabbits and guinea pigs, and larger outdoor stables and fields with larger animals such as pigs and llamas.

For Doors Open Days 2021 visitors are free to wander the farm and view all animals. Animal handling will be available to under 12s, though this will be subject to changing Covid restrictions.

Lochwinnoch’s Castle Semple Visitor Centre will also be open both Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th from 1pm to 3.30pm.

Castle Semple Collegiate Church was built in 1504 by the Sempill family. One of only 42 Collegiate Churches in Scotland. It is a Late Gothic example and has a fine canopied tomb to Lord Sempill.

For Doors Open Days 2021 they are offering walking tours to Castle Semple Collegiate Church, available both dates, tour starts 1.30pm and ends 3.30pm. Limited spaces available so please book ahead at www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk There are also a number of interesting buildings in Paisley over the same weekend, including Renfrewshire House, where Renfrewshire Councillors take policy decisions as part of the democratic process of the Council.

For Doors Open Days 2021 visitors will be able to take a quiz and children can participate in mock votes and sit on the Provost’s chair! Do you know what a council does? Try the quiz or complete the worksheet and you could win a prize..

Hundreds of events have been listed & more are being added each day. Visit the website at https://www. doorsopendays.org.uk/ to find out where you can visit.

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Kilbarchan Parish Church Sunday Worship Our regular Sunday worship continues at 11am, and the numbers attending continue to grow.

The recent announcements by the Scottish Government have eased Covid19 restrictions in many ways, but have a more limited effect with regard to worship.

1) Social-distancing rules have been removed but we are conscious that many folk may not yet feel comfortable with this. Accordingly, we shall continue to seat attendees at designated locations in the church, at least 1 metre apart. This will increase our capacity to 120.

2) We are now permitted to sing, but masks must still be worn at all times. We shall resume congregational use of hymn books.

3) We still require to obtain contact details from all attendees to assist with the Test and Protect scheme, should the need arise.

For this reason, and to minimise delays in the vestibule before the start of worship, booking of places is strongly recommended.

You can book a place by emailing bookings.kpc@gmail.com or by texting or phoning 0787 620 1096 between Monday and Thursday of the week preceding the service. You must provide your name and a contact number.

Our regular Sunday Reflections continue and can be found via the church website https://kilbarchankirk.org also on our Facebook page and on YouTube.

You can also access the Reflections by telephone on 01505 805893.

Trainee Minister We were delighted to have had Mr. Douglas Adam on his six-week summer placement with us.

As we travelled though the book of Acts during July and August, he brought personal insights and experiences of mission and outreach echoing those of the early disciples.

Dougie has learnt much and achieved much during his time with us and we wish him well in his continuing studies for the ministry.

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Tokyo Titans do Renfrewshire Proud Scotland certainly punched above its weight this Olympics by coming home with no less than 11 medals. Renfrewshire can claim their fair share of these local heroes.

Paisley born Jack Carlin returns with a silver and a bronze for his part in the Men’s Team Sprint and the individual Men’s Sprint races. Mum, Gill, told the press that there was “no way he was walking away without a medal.” Neah Evans, originally from Langbank, although lives now in Aberdeenshire, returns with a silver from the woman’s team pursuit – an amazing result for someone who only started cycling for fun in 2014.

Kilbarchan Athletics Alumni provided a strong presence at these games. 800m runner Jemma Reekie, and marathon competitors Callum Hawkins and Steph Twell battled hard but failed to medal. Jemma ran incredibly well in the 800m heats coming first in the semi final, however she narrowly missed out on a podium place by ninehundredths of a second. Her training partner and silver medal winner in the 1500m Laura Muir was devastated for her friend as she tweeted, “Speechless. Wow, wow, wow. Gutted for Jemma Reekie, an amazing young lady who has such a bright future in this sport. So so so proud of you.”

Callum Hawkins from Elderslie has a long history with Kilbarchan Athletics. His dad is a coach and his brother Derek also runs for the club. Steph Twell is an English-born athlete and her connection with the club is a little different. Her mum is from Paisley and Steph has been friends with the Hawkins family for many years. In 2017 she competed and won the Scottish XC in an ACC vest.

Both Steph and Callum had their hopes pinned on the marathon, but both suffered injuries early on, which kept them from progressing.

Callum eventually pulled out of the race citing ankle pain which had plagued him in preparation for the games. When interviewed shortly after he declared that he needed rest and a beer.

Steph, who had been injured through lockdown said to scottishathletics.org, “I was running with neural pain the whole way through. I couldn’t find my rhythm very easily. I felt I was running with the brakes on .... I did so well finishing and I am proud of that.” And she should be. A team of heroes. Every. Single. One.

by Rona Simpson

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out & about KEA Kilmacolm Environment Action This group is about support, education and action in relation to protecting the environment, particularly in and around Kilmacolm. Topics may include supporting people to create wildflower spaces in their gardens, litter picking (already up and running!), events to explore the Kilmacolm environment, arranging talks and events to raise awareness, campaigns against environmental destruction, encouraging and protecting birds and other wild life, addressing light pollution, planting trees and wild flowers in public spaces, encouraging plastic and packaging reduction in local business, and maybe moving towards becoming a Transition town and Fairtrade town.

All positive ideas and action welcome!

Beginners welcome - this is a supportive, learning group.

Please contact us via the KEA email: ecokilmacolm@gmail. com or join the FB group.

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Kilbarchan & District Beekeepers Association The threat of our bees taking off for a new home has pretty much passed this month. The 2021 swarming season is behind us, along with drought, thunderstorms and some extreme temperatures that tested both bees and beekeepers alike.

By September the hive is settling down to a quieter spell and preparations begin for winter. The Queen continues to lay eggs and the foragers are still storing up pollen and nectar as well as fending off any wasps that would try to rob the hive and cause damage. The honeybee workers she is laying now, are the bees that will see the colony through autumn and winter, lasting just over 6 months, unlike their summer siblings who work themselves to death, usually around 6 weeks old.

The main nectar flow as it is known is over, except for the last of the heather and any beekeeper who takes the hives to the heather will bring them home by the middle of the month. The supers are removed – hopefully full of delicious heather honey which is then extracted, filtered and put into jars.

Meanwhile bees also continue to feed on late flowers but its time to treat them for varroa, the tiny mite that is unfortunately present in most hives. In recent years it has made its unpleasant way from Asia to nearly all parts of the world. The size of a pinhead it attaches itself to a bee and feeds on blood. An infestation weakens the colony to the point that bees are vulnerable to viruses and disease. Within a couple of seasons, the hive could be destroyed if the bees were left untreated.

As summer moves towards a close it’s giving a final flourish to ensure the autumn pollinators of all kinds can continue to forage for pollen and nectar. There are still flowering plants like Japanese Anemone, Asters and the often-overlooked ivy, which is an important late source of food for all sorts of insects.

If you are interested in beekeeping for yourself, please contact our secretary helenajbee@.com who will provide more details about our association and how to join. We have a Facebook page which is reserved for members and beekeeping friends, but you can follow us on Twitter @KilbarchanBees and Instagram via Kilbarchanbeekeepers

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Colourful Kilmacolm The beautiful weather that we enjoyed for much of the summer allowed our displays to show themselves off to full advantage. The bright colours of the begonias were all the more vibrant in the sunshine. Some gardeners may avoid begonias as being too brash for private gardens, but we hope you will agree that in the public setting they are hard to beat. We are trying several varieties and the variety ‘Glowing Embers’ at Birkmyre Park and Moss Road have attracted much positive comment. Of course the dry weather meant a lot more work for our teams of volunteers, so many thanks to all who helped with watering. Volunteers were also out on several occasions tidying the embankment garden at Carriages and also the little garden at Market Place, which suffered a bit in the dry weather but has now largely recovered. If anyone has spare plants that revel in dry shade please pass some on.

As summer draws to a close the committee begins to plan for next spring and summer. If you fancy being involved please be in touch. You can choose to simply be a supporter, or alternatively volunteer to help ‘hands-on’.

For more information visit www.colourfulkilmacolm. org.uk or phone Peter (01505 872448) or Liz (07963 973031) for more information.

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We’re all signed up!

Our Heritage Garden has received its finishing touch: a permanent fixture, known technically as an Information Panel, was acquired and installed. We didn’t want to start work on the sign until the Garden was complete and the information accurate, but now it’s here. It gives a little more detail about the features included, and also acknowledges the support that the community of Bridge of Weir has provided and continues to provide to Brighter Bridge of Weir.

The Garden is designed to be low maintenance, which lets us get on with all the other stuff that needs to be looked after, especially during the summer months.

Given everything that’s been going on (or not, in many cases), the planters, tubs and baskets throughout the village were looking quite good until the torrential rain hit. With luck, they’ll recover and flourish for at least another couple of months.

Annual Kilmacolm Flower Show

Kilbarchan Smile

Saturday 4th September

It was harvest time at Kilbarchan’s Community Garden and visitors had fun digging up potatoes and picking peas, blackcurrants and rhubarb. The Garden has re-opened for regular Open Day sessions, now running on Tuesdays from 2pm to 5pm. Outside these times, our member list is open for anyone wanting to join or you can get in touch for access. Activities on offer are : adopting a raised bed, watering, weeding, deadheading and planting bulbs for Spring later in the season, alongside children’s activities. All welcome to contact Kilbarchan Smile volunteers on 07952169341 or hello@kilbarchansmile.co.uk

The Kilmacolm Flower Show will be held on Saturday 4th September, with doors open at 10.30am - 3pm. The Show will by necessity be a smaller, simpler Show with a reduced number of classes in Flowers and in Vegetables. Permission has been given, we will follow all the council guidance rules - your safety is our priority. But we hope that you will come along, support the Kilmacolm Horticultural committee, enjoy the Show. Entrance is £2 for adults, with a free entry to the Prize Raffle.

Exhibitors are asked to stage between 5pm and 9pm on Friday 3rd September. For further information or a schedule - phone the Show Secretary on 01505 872393. The schedule is also available on the website - www.kilmacolmhorticultural.com.

Membership of the Society is £5 per year, due 1st September, or £50 for life membership. The Winter Syllabus will be available at the Show, dates (still to be confirmed) are 20th October, 17th November, 15th December. 2022 - 19th January, 16th February, 16th March. Plus the Spring Bulb competition, the annual Coffee morning, and the Summer Outing, all to look forward to, in the coming year.

We look forward to enjoying friendship shared in our common love of Gardening.

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October Issue Deadline: 15th September 2021 19/08/2021 12:17:50

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Lochwinnoch Community Garden The plant sale at the Community Feel Good weekend in July went well and the garden raised over £400. See David at the sales table. There was a meeting with John Maclennan from the Keep Scotland Beautiful organization.

John comes to assess and mentor the garden group to promote horticulture and care of the environment.

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19/08/2021 12:17:55

bell Wood e lu B : lk a W e h T & Windyhill

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Getting there: You can walk straight up from the centre of town or park at small car park on Auchenlodment Road. Windyhill is less than 1 mile from Johnstone Railway Station, and there are bus services along Rannoch Road Difficulty: Easy. Good paths and boardwalk sections Time: 1 - 3 hours depending on how much you decide to explore Points of interest: Nearby Johnstone Castle, Brandyburn waterfall Bluebell wood is a lovely open space that is prettiest in spring but can be enjoyed any time of the year and is especially popular with families. Kids enjoy the rocky outcrops and the wee Craigbog burn that runs through the wood. It has 4 and half miles of well-maintained paths. However if you wanted a slightly longer adventure why not meander south to Windyhill, crossing the Auchenlodment Road.

The easy incline of Windyhill winds its way through birch and oak woodland to views of Paisley, Glasgow and the Kilpatrick Hills. Follow on to the furthest edge to find the Brandyburn waterfall, a lovely spot for a picnic and a maybe even a paddle.

Conservation You may have noticed the fantastically gnarled oak trees amongst the mossy boulders at the car park.

Now they have new neighbours as 100s of saplings have been planted on the hillside towards the Gleniffer Braes. Children from the nearby Auchenlodment Primary School were among the people who helped plant these new trees. Oak trees are a gift to biodiversity. A mature oak can host up to 280 different insect species – more than any other tree in the UK.

Johnstone Castle This is not the most obvious place you’d expect to find a castle in Scotland. There are no extensive grounds, nor is it framed by mountains, but instead this 16th century castle is surrounded by post-war housing estates. Originally it belonged to the Laird of Houston. It passed through the hands of an Archbishops and other nobility other the years. It even played host to the world-famous composer, Frederic Chopin, who stayed there as a guest in 1848.

by Rona Simpson

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image – © Andy Hay. www.images-rspb.com

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RSPB Lochwinnoch As summer draws to an end and we move closer towards the equinox and the beginning of autumn, we can already see changes occurring at the reserve. Many of our summer migrants are getting ready to leave or have already departed, with others arriving in their stead. Keep an eye out for migrating osprey passing overhead whilst numbers of waterfowl slowly start to build on the loch and lapwing can be seen more commonly around marginal areas.

Much of our work here at Lochwinnoch is carried out to try and provide good habitat for water birds, whilst simultaneously trying to encourage as many different other birds and animals as possible.

The key to trying to maximise the number of different types of birds and animals on the reserve, is a mixture of different types of habitat, resulting in a “habitat mosaic”. In very simple terms, at RSPB Lochwinnoch this often means a mixture of longer and shorter vegetation, with pools and channels in the dryer ground, or islands in the water. In the coming months we hope to be carrying out some new developments on our Aird Meadow wetlands to provide more “edge habitat” (aka mud) and more water. This will benefit various animals, but especially wading birds and ducks.

Many of our trees are already bursting with berries and a few leaves are showing hints of turning various colours of golden yellows and browns. Autumn can also be a great time to spot a wide variety of mushrooms and other fungi that sprout from the earth or rotting wood providing an added element to the diversity of life on show around the reserve.

This September we will be continuing with our “Little Explorer Trails” that run daily and are a great way of getting kids outdoors and actively enjoying the wildlife that surrounds them. This month’s will be our “Wild Mystery Detective”. Someone has been stealing Sammy Squirrel’s acorns and we need your help to crack the case. Meet some of our helpful wildlife characters as you explore our woodland trail and find the clues to help solve the mystery.

See if you can spot any of the missing acorns along the way and collect the mystery letters to reveal the secret word! (Please bring your own pen / pencil) Cost: £2 plus entry fees for non-members [Normal entry fees for non-members £3 per adult, £1.50 per child] We will also be having our Annual “Doors Open Day” events on the weekend of 4th & 5th September where you can come along and access the reserve for free and take part in some of our self-led activities such as a scavenger hunt and pond dipping.

For more details see our website www.rspb.org.uk/lochwinnoch

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19/08/2021 12:18:03

clubs & schools

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School pupils getting ready for work SCHOOL pupils in Inverclyde are being given a helping hand into work after the council signed up to a national training and employability programme.

The local authority is involved for the first time in the national Career Ready mentoring scheme, which pairs employees with senior secondary students to give them an insight into the world of work.

School pupils Kieran McGeown, Darcy Milne & Tyler Forman with Councillor Jim Clocherty outside Inverclyde Council headquarters at Wallace Place, Greenock, as part of their Career Ready internship

Three pupils – two from Port Glasgow High and one from Inverclyde Academy – have been allocated mentors across a variety of council departments, including corporate communications, libraries, economic development and the Watt Institution, as part of a trial to see what extra support can be given to young people as they turn their attentions to life after school and employment opportunities.

It is a two-year programme beginning in S5 and continuing into S6 and typically involves regular meetings between mentors and students, or mentees, and a paid internship.

This is the first time the council and Inverclyde as a whole has been involved in the programme with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, World Teachers, Diageo and Scottish Government also taking part by mentoring and offering intern placements for around a dozen Inverclyde young people.

Mentee Darcy Milne, 16, from Port Glasgow, said: “Career Ready is an experience I needed as it has given me a sense of direction for my future.

“I’ve gained many skills and it’s given me a drive to pursue the career path I’m interested in.”

Fellow mentee Kieran McGeown, 17, from Greenock, said: “It’s been a great experience so far and I’ve learned so much, particular in the last two weeks with the internship.

“My knowledge and understanding of the whole world of work has increased massively, as has my confidence.”

Student Tyler Forman, 16, from Port Glasgow, said: “There is nothing quite like this programme and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

“It’s given me a great insight into a variety of different jobs and services across the council and will stand me in good stead for when I join a working environment.”

For more information about vacancies across Inverclyde Council and Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), visit: www. myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/inverclyde-council/jobs and look out for the #InverclydeWorks hashtag on social media.

St Columba’s Earlier this month, 140,000 young people across Scotland received their examination results – from everyone at St Columba’s, congratulations!

Columbans from Seniors IV to VI were presented for well over 800 qualifications at the end of yet another tumultuous academic year. At a time when learners have had to drastically change their ways of learning and adapt to an ever-changing landscape of COVID mitigation measures, we could not be more proud of our pupils. The outstanding results they achieved fully reflect the hard work, resilience and determination they, and their teachers, have shown throughout the pandemic. For many pupils, the long spring assessment period was a challenge but one that Columbans were prepared to seize with both hands!

We believe that strong foundations are the basis for scholastic success and in our Junior School, we prepare our pupils for the demands of a Senior School curriculum through our rigorous approach to embedding core skills as well as specialist teaching in PE, Art, Music, Drama and French.

This summer the beautiful Scottish weather has allowed many children to have fun exploring our wild woodies at our popular Holiday Club.

Children enjoyed a range of activities from exciting parkour to calming yoga alongside creative craft activities. Senior School pupils also enjoyed our week-long Drama Camp.

If you are interested in a St Columba’s education for your child, please do not hesitate to visit us online. St-columbas.org

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19/08/2021 14:11:55

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Duchal Nursery A wonderful sight to see our Duchal doors opening at 8am for the first morning of term to welcome all the excited children after the holidays.

Friends re-united and new friendships being forged.

The teachers have planned an action packed term of learning through play inside and outside of the nursery, making the most of the nursery facilities and perfect park setting.

The children were delighted to see the newly decorated nursery and can’t wait to start adding their artwork to the new display boards, and the teachers are buzzing with all the enthusiastic chatter and news.

Now open 8am - 6pm each day and offering free funded places Duchal really is the best place for everyone to start nursery life and take those first steps in primary education. To arrange a visit to see our facilities and meet our amazing teachers who really do make Duchal such a special place please email: info@duchal.com and find out more at: www.duchal.com

Ranfurly Castle Ladies Ranfurly Castle Ladies were delighted to be able to hold their Ladies Open Tri-am on 15th July.

28 teams took part on a very hot, sunny day with no wind. It was lovely to see so many visiting ladies enjoying relaxing outside after their game. The organising committee of Marion Munro, Alison Robertson and Jean Irvine worked very hard to make the day run smoothly, along with a team of willing volunteers. The winning team consisted of Margaret Gray, Linda Anderson and Laura Wilson, all from Old Ranfurly, with 64 stableford points. Pauline McEwen, Anne Gordon and Alison Thomson were 2nd with 63 points.

Prizes were also awarded for the Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin in different handicap categories. Sadly, due to Covid restrictions, no prize giving was held.

Greenlees matches have been continuing and the results now stand at 4 wins and 3 losses with one match remaining, against Loudon Gowf, at Ranfurly Castle. Good luck ladies.

On 21st July the Walker Quaich was played with Alison Templeton being the winner with a net 71 and on 28th July the Gillies Trophy was played with Anne Judge being the winner with a score of 42 stableford points.

Finally, we are once again congratulating one of our ladies for getting her 1st Hole in One at the 7th hole. Well done Vivien Howe.

Gleddoch Ladies Golf Champion 2021 Brookfield Tennis Club Sheena Wallace won the 2021 Ladies Championship Final beating Roisin Black in the final on Sunday 8th August.

It was a very well contested match, going all the way to the 18th hole, and the standard of golf played by both girls was a joy to watch.

Congratulations to Sheena on her first championship win, and commiserations to Roisin. The Gents Championship was won by Furhan Iqbal. The Senior Championship was won by David McAleer.

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Brookfield tennis Club recently held it’s annual tournament for the ‘Shield’ This is a very keenly contested mixed competition where the partnerships are different every time. It starts off with a ‘Round Robin format, then the 8 who have won the most games play a semi- final and these winners play a final. The winner were Danny & Isi, runners up Alan & Pat. Afterwards we always have a barbeque or some eats. The weather was wonderful and a great afternoon was enjoyed by the players and almost as many spectators.

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Beat the Street will be coming to Renfrewshire!

The fun, free, popular physical activity game that has taken Scotland by storm will be taking place across Renfrewshire this autumn.

Beat the Street is a real-life interactive game that aims to get whole communities moving together and has been played by more than 1.4million people in more than 100 locations across the UK and beyond.

In Scotland, Beat the Street has already successfully been played in locations such as Glasgow, Falkirk, East Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire, and the Renfrewshire game will take place from Wednesday 15th September to Wednesday 27th October across the areas of Bridge of Weir, Elderslie, Houston, Howwood, Kilbarchan, Linwood, Johnstone and Lochwinnoch.

Prior to the game, residents will see special sensors called Beat Boxes appearing on lampposts around these areas which players will hover their card or fob over to start their journey. They can then walk, cycle or wheel to the next one within an hour to score 10 points.

To play, primary schools will be provided with fobs and maps, but the game is free and open to all so the wider community is invited to collect a free card from a distribution point listed at: www. beatthestreet.me/renfrewshire.

Players can join a school team, a workplace or a community group and the further that participants walk, cycle or wheel, the more points they will win for their team. The teams that top the leaderboards will be in with a chance of winning vouchers for books and sports equipment at the end of the six-week game, with prizes for average points too, so smaller teams are also in with a chance of winning prizes.

To mark the charity’s 40th anniversary year, Beat the Street participants can also help one of the Provost’s chosen charities MND Scotland earn a cash donation of up to £500 based on the total number of miles travelled.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “Beat the Street is a fantastic initiative to get children, families and our communities active. We are incredibly excited to bring it to Renfrewshire and we can’t wait to see how far everyone can walk, run, cycle, and scoot during the challenge.” Beat the Street has been updated to ensure that it is COVID-19 safe and there is no need to touch any of the sensors or Beat Boxes – all players need to do is hover their card or fob near the sensor and it will register the points.

For more information on how to play, prizes and where to pick up a free card and map, click onto: www.beatthestreet.me/renfrewshire or search for @RenfrewshireBTS on social media

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Kilmacolm Golf Club What a wonderful summer of golf, with some amazing weather the members and visitors have been enjoying their time on Kilmacolm Golf Course. However, all good things must come to an end as a week of inclement weather took hold but didn’t put off our members!

Unfortunately, torrential rain and flooded greens reduced the annual Redcliffe Rosebowl from 36 to 18 holes with Andrew Farmer shooting a great 64 to take the prize.

Overall scoring was of a high standard setting up a great championship weekend in mid August.

The Ladies Greenlees team went above and beyond playing in dreadful conditions but with some great squidgying of the greens their efforts were rewarded as they triumphed 9-0. A fantastic win ensuring the team remain in Division 2 next year.

Finally, it looked like the weather had improved as the sun shone on our younger members for Junior Day. However, the heavens opened again drenching the youngsters but they were not to be deterred. Some fantastic golf from kids aged 3 - 18 there is certainly a great potential in the ranks.

Well done to Alfie Hammond for a great net 61 to win the Centenary Rosebowl and Natalie Sayers winning the Paterson Cup which was contested by a record number of girls.

Well played everyone let’s hope summer returns soon for our Championship weekend and Ladies Opens.

West Coast Paddlers in Lochwinnoch win Lottery grant The club, founded in 2012 and based out of Castle Semple Sports Centre in Lochwinnoch, is currently managed by a group of dedicated committee members, alongside a pool of regular coaching staff from across the central belt. They run weekly training sessions (for those aged 12 years and older) where members can learn basic sea kayaking skills in a safe and secure loch environment, before developing greater confidence and ability to progress onto the sea and participate in club trips to explore our coastlines and remote islands.

As Covid restrictions began to ease, the interest to take part in club training sessions exceeded the demand of the current club kit available – which is loaned to members for free. The grant of over £9,000 in National Lottery Funding provides the welcome opportunity to expand their fleet of boats and equipment to offer additional sessions to all interested participants and also meet the specific equipment needs of younger members.

To find out more about West Coast Paddlers visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/447250091977768

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Old Ranfurly Ladies Section On Friday 6th August we held one of our most popular competitions of the year, the Captain’s Outing. Previously this involved booking another golf club for a round of golf and post match dinner. However this year and last we have held our ‘away day’ at home due to restrictions. This has not in any way detracted from the enjoyment!!

38 ladies took to the field in teams of 4 The theme was Solheim Cup with ladies either in team USA or Europe. It was a Stableford competition and ladies played for a shield. All ladies entered into the spirit of it and there were many USA and European outfits and flags in evidence.

Unfortunately we were very unlucky with the weather and the competition had to be cut short due to thunderstorms accompanied by torrential rain!! However a winner was declared taking the score from the halfway mark. Marion Downie had best score and was awarded the trophy resulting in triumph for team USA!!

The Solheim Cup theme was continued through post competition dinner including choice of American Cob salad, paella, Belgian chocolate dessert and Key Lime pie. All provided by our excellent caterers Heather and Louise.

Suzanne Smith, lady captain for this year, and her team were given a huge vote of thanks for all their efforts and hard work in making the day so successful. Despite the weather it had been great day’s golf for all!!

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Castle Semple Sailing Club Down at Castle Semple Loch, Sailing Club members have been busy enjoying the lovely summer weather although wind had been in short supply for most of the time.

As midsummer day approached some early risers at the club set their alarm clocks early and were out for a sail at 4.30am! Sadly we did not see sun as it was hiding behind the clouds but we did get the best wind of the day. What we did discover was that overnight all the local wildlife gathers on all three pontoons standing room only which explains the state of the pontoons in the mornings .....

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On another weekend some members took part in the British Keelboat League over at Helensburgh/ Rhu. Well done to the Youth Team of Yuan, Archie, Rhona and Declan for coming third in the competition, despite the lack of wind! Meanwhile another group of members headed down to Largs to sail round Cumbrae with the obligatory stop off at Millport for ice creams. The Millport group having a great time in the sunshine and enjoying the wind which the group over at Helensburgh were lacking!

The cadet summer activity camps continued over the summer holidays with the youngsters having a great experience, making new friends and gaining confidence on (and a lot of the time in!) the water all the time. Keep an eye on our FB page and website for details of Autumn Sailing Camp. www/castlesemplesc.co.uk Thanks to Steve, Peter and Aileen for the photos.

We’re #BackOnBoard for 2021 After months of preparation, several test sails, and a whole load of Zoom calls, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust welcomed young people #BackOnBoard for the first time in almost two years on 12th July.

It took the efforts of the entire Trust community to piece together a unique and adapted season for 2021.

To see it come together after tonnes of work is nothing short of magical.

Thank you to everyone who has made what is happening possible. It has been truly amazing to welcome young people back on board, and the 2021 season is only just getting started.

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Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is located within the boundaries of the first National Park in Scotland, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. If you are looking for a Bird of Prey encounter, why not come along and spend a few hours in the company of these remarkable creatures.

There are over thirty Birds of Prey and Owls, representing twenty-six species including all 5 British Owls. Birds of all sizes, the Little Owl, Kestrels, Buzzards, Hawks, Falcons and Eagles, including “Orla”, our Golden Eagle.

Education is at the heart of our mission and we have daily flying shows and an education cabin to complete your visit The Bird of Prey Centre is currently open every day from 10am to 5pm.

No pre-booking is required and we recommend arriving 20 to 30 minutes before flying shows. Payment by card is preferred, although cash is accepted. Due to ongoing restrictions due to the current pandemic, we will be limiting the number of visitors permitted on site at any one time to approximately 60. We will require everyone to abide by the latest social distancing rules and take responsibility for their own welfare. Hand sanitisers are located throughout the centre.

Dogs are not permitted. The site is wheelchair friends and the Lomond Shore Complex has disabled toilets. Parking is available at the Loch Lomond Shores visitor centre. We look forward to welcoming you back.

Get information on our opening times and events at https://llbopc.co.uk/

Regular Meet Classes Little Down Dogs Yoga Howwood (Parish Church): Tues - After School Yoga - 3.30pm Thursday - Adults Yoga - 6.15pm or 7.30pm Houston: (Compass Centre) Monday - After School Yoga - 3.45pm (Strathgryffe Tennis Club) Tuesday - Adults Yoga - 9.30am Friday - Pre School Yoga - 1.30pm Kilmacolm (KNCC): Thursday - Yoga HIIT - 9.30am For more information please contact Jackie on 07977 139251 jackie@littledowndogs.co.uk

ENERGISE WITH LAURA

Online and in person yoga classes @ Thrive, 7 Castle Terrace, Bridge of Weir Monday - beginner friendly DDP Yoga: 11am - 12noon Wednesday - mum & baby DDP Yoga: 10am - 11am Thursday - beginner friendly DDP Yoga: 7pm - 8pm 1-1 slots also available Contact: energisewithlaura@ gmail.com or visit: www. energisewithlaura.com to book your sessions.

Move it or Lose it!

All our classes are back up and running. It’s been great to see lots of familiar smiling faces as well as some new ones.

In each class we focus on Flexibility, Aerobic health, Balance and Strength (FABS) exercises. With music to spark memories!

If you would like to join the fun and make new friends please contact: Fiona 07811 766672 First class is free for new members. Booking is essential! www.moveitorloseit.co.uk or check out moveitorloseitwithfiona on Facebook

CLYDE PHYSIOTHERAPY PILATES CLASSES

All classes held in St Machars church hall, Bridge of Weir.

Monday 9.30am, 10.40am and 7pm. Booking essential. Zoom option also available.

For more information or to book contact Yvonne on 07786 224367 or yvonne@clydephysiotherapy. co.uk

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Jennifer Sloan Physiotherapy Led Pilates Kilmacolm Community Centre, Wednesdays at 6.15pm - 7.15pm & 7.30pm - 8.30pm For more information or to book a class call Jennifer 07731 303709 or email: jennifer-mcghee@ hotmail.co.uk

ReEbok Step Class Freeland’s Church Hall, B of W Tuesday at 6.45pm - all levels A brilliant new Reebok Step class. Lots of fun, fab music and a fantastic workout. Why not come along and give it a go?

Booking essential. Contact Mo 07505 126416.

YOGA & RELAXATION WEEKLY CLASS

Traditional Hatha Yoga. Starting Wednesday September 1st at 10.30am - 11.45am in the Kilmacolm Community Centre Suitable for those who want a gentle start, a good stretch and a 15 minute relaxation. Age range from 18 to 90!

Bring your own mat, blanket & socks. Water if you wish.

Please book your space by email: marylaidlaw38@ gmail.com or text: 07971 277870 British Wheel of Yoga trained and teaching member of Yoga Scotland

Zumba Light

Freeland’s Church Hall, Main Street, B of W, at 10am All the fun and energy of Zumba but at a lighter pace! Fabulous music, full of fun - a fantastic class for for all levels.

Contact Mo 07505 126416.

Many of the classes which usually feature in this section have been unable to resume for the time being.

Check out previous Advertizers or our website for various class details and contact information.

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coming events

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EVENT INFORMATION: Due to Covid restrictions, we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser for updates on these events. Where we can, we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events.

auGuSt Saturday 28th Paisley Farmers Market The Cenotaph, Paisley PA1 1BG 10am to 2pm A huge variety of produce for sale.

A leisurely walk round the market provides many opportunities to taste produce and discuss the characteristics and uniqueness of each offering.

Sat 28th - Sun 5th SePteMBer 2021 Largs Viking Festival

Sunday 29th Erskine Riverside Market Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine PA8 7AF 10am to 4pm With a blend of Fresh produce, Unique gifts, Hand made items & Street food. The ideal family day out on your door step.

tueSday 31St Foodbank Donations West Halls Main Street Houston PA6 7EL (next to Carrick Centre and Village Hall) 10am to 12noon & 7pm to 8pm Donations collected every Tuesday.

Further details on the Kirk Facebook and www.houstonkillellankirk.org

Largs Returning for 2021! This Annual Festival marks the 1263 Battle of Largs. Get a glimpse of what Viking life would have been like in a 13th Century Viking Village. Come and learn about their way of life; learn about their clothes, weapons, jewellery and food. Ask the Vikings about their religion, beliefs, homes, crafts, ships, their homeland and why they left it. Village open from 11am to 5pm. The Scottish Food & Craft Fayre will also be open daily from 10am to 6pm. For more information please visit https:// largsvikingfestival.org/

Sunday 29th Football Training Birkmyre Park, Broomknowe Road, Kilmacolm 10am to 11am Come along on Sunday mornings for training, fun and football. Open to all 8 to 10 year old boys or girls.

Anyone interested contact John Wilson @ 07540 603019.

september

Saturday 4th Kilmacolm Farmers Market Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10am to 2pm Held on the first Saturday each month featuring a great selection of local Scottish produce! Please wear face masks or scarves if you can. Hand sanitizer at the entrance.

We are encouraging all of the stall holders to take card payments where possible. Looking forward to seeing everyone! Free entry.

Saturday 4th - Sunday 5th RSPB Lochwinnoch Annual “Doors Open Day” Events RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch Come along and access the reserve for free and take part in some of our self-led activities such as a scavenger hunt and pond dipping.

For more details see our website www.rspb.org.uk/lochwinnoch

thurSday 2nd Doors Open Days 2021 OUTLOOK Afternoon Tea Party Various Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 3.30pm With fabulous home baking by the OUTLOOK team, and a chance to relax in good company.

Saturday 4th Kilmacolm Flower Show Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10.30am to 3pm Entrance £2 for adults, free entry to Prize Raffle. For further information or a schedule call 01505 872393 also available on www.kilmacolmhorticultural.com.

Enjoy the Show!

This September, explore sites across Scotland with in-person & online activities. Hundreds of events have been listed & more are being added each day. Visit the website at https://www.doorsopendays.org. uk/ to find out where you can visit.

Sunday 5th Doors Open Day St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Johnstone Rd, Bridge of Weir 2pm to 4pm Have a blether, a cup of tea or coffee, scones and cake and have a look around our lovely church.

Musical accompaniment. Donations accepted! Car park opposite church.

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Sunday 5th Erskine Motorbike Meet Erskine Care Home, Bishopton PA7 5PU 1pm to 5pm Each year we welcome over 1,000 motorbikes, trikes and scooters to the estate for a fun family day packed with family entertainment, fairground rides, live music, market, street food, and more! Find out more at https://www.erskine. org.uk/give-support/fundraisingevents/erskine-motorbike-meet2021/

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Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Upcoming Events Breabach on Friday 24th September from 7.30pm at the Lochwinnoch Golf Club

Bridgeton Garage Open day Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust Bridgeton Bus Garage Ticket prices: Adult £5, Child/ Concession £3, Family £12. Child tickets are for ages 15 and under, Concession is for over 65. A family ticket is valid for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children.

Booking is through our online shop at https://gvvt-ltd-103047.square. site/product/bridgeton-garageopen-Sunday-4-july/74

Tuesday 7th Foodbank Donations West Halls Main Street Houston PA6 7EL (next to Carrick Centre and Village Hall) 10am to 12noon & 7pm to 8pm

Tickets £18 from renfrewshireboxoffice.ticketsolve.com/ or Now & Then Gift Shop, 8 Church Street.

Early announcement October 3rd And at.... the Lochwinnoch Golf Club

Donations will be collected every Tuesday in September.

Further details on the Kirk Facebook and www.houstonkillellankirk.org

Friday 10th ACCORDHospiceGirlsNightOut Normandy Hotel, Inchinnan Rd, Renfrew 7pm to Midnight Tickets £35 Hopelessly Devoted to Dirty Dancing! A night filled with music from Grease and Dirty Dancing guaranteed to get you up on the dance floor! Ticket includes an arrival glass of bubbly, 3 course dinner, and a tribute act of music from Grease and Dirty Dancing. DJ, with games, music and entertainment. https://www.accordhospice.org. uk/event/girls-night-out-withhopelessly-devoted-to-dirtydancing/ https://www.facebook. com/events/604295533588929/

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The East Pointers are a Canadian contemporary folk music group from Prince Edward Island, who won the Juno Award for Traditional Roots Album of the Year for their album Secret Victory at the Juno Awards of 2017. The group consists of guitarist Jake Charron, banjoist Koady Chaisson and fiddler Tim Chaisson

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Saturday 11th Fundraising Walk for Scottish Huntington’s Association The Erskine Bridge 11am This is the 10th year of our Walk at Erskine which at the most will extend to 5 miles. Please join us if you can.

Donations will be welcomed at the following JustGiving page http:// www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ margaret-moncrieff11

Hope Hall Reopens Hope Hall, Maxwell Pl, Bridge of Weir PA11 3NT 10am to 4pm All are welcome at our open day - enjoy some home baking and discover more about the Bible.

There will also be plenty of fun activities for children including a bouncy castle and a treasure trail.

Paisley Farmers Market The Cenotaph, Paisley PA1 1BG 10am to 2pm A huge variety of produce for sale.

A leisurely walk round the market provides many opportunities to taste produce and discuss the characteristics and uniqueness of each offering.

Saturday 11th - Sunday 12th Art By The Burn Fox and Hounds, Main Street, Houston 11am to 4pm Featuring local artists, crafters, and designers from the Renfrewshire area. A full list of exhibitors will be found on the AOS social media pages before each event. Please see our website for details www. artonscotland.co.uk Support local, buy handmade, meet the maker!

Sunday 12th Renfrew Market Robertson Park, Longcroft Drive, Renfrew 10am to 4pm Held on the 2nd Sunday of each month, showcasing fresh produce, artisan crafts, unique gifts and street food from local businesses!

Come down and support small and local businesses! Upcoming dates: 10th October, 14th November, 12th December 2021

Tuesday 14th Foodbank Donations West Halls Main Street Houston PA6 7EL (next to Carrick Centre and Village Hall) 10am to 12noon & 7pm to 8pm Donations will be collected every Tuesday in September.

Further details on the Kirk Facebook and www.houstonkillellankirk.org

Friday 17th Angel Voices Choir Open Meeting St Fillan’s Church Hall, Moss Road, Kilmacolm 6pm For Children and Parents/Guardians of St Fillan’s Community Children’s Choir.

For more information contact: Maureen Russell: maureenmrussell@hotmail.com or on mobile: 07905 950028.

Friday 17th - Saturday 18th BGCP Comic and Toy Market Tour: Greenock Oak Mall Shopping Centre, Greenock 10am to 5pm With traders selling everything from Comics, Art, Action Figures, Art, T-Shirts and much more. Free entry, no tickets. Please keep social distance, wear a mask and use hand sanitizer when needed. Find out more at https://www.facebook. com/BGCPComicCon/

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The Threads of Paisley Heritage Walk Join The Urban Historian for ‘The Threads of Paisley’ Heritage Walk, exploring the textile heritage of Paisley, from weaving to line, silk and cotton thread making.

This tour starts at Sma’ Shot Cottages on Sma’ Shot Lane (not on Shuttle Street). We then head through the town finishing close to the Anchor Cotton Thread works of Clark & Co, who later merged with J & P Coats creating the worlds largest cotton thread manufacturing company in the world at the time.

The walk will cover industries connected to textiles including dying, Calendar works, scouring works and Dye Wood Mills.

Join the Urban Historian on Saturday 28th August, 1.30pm - 3.30pm.

The event takes place in Paisley and tickets are £5.50 each. To join in, please call 07779296525 or visit the event website at https:// www.theurbanhistorian.co.uk/the-threads-of-paisley-heritagetour/. Further events can be found on the website.

Woodlife Presents:

Glasgow Food & Film Festival Saturday 25th September from 12noon till 8pm Picture this: groups of friends relaxing in hot tubs, beds, bean bags and fluffy blankets, drinking fizz and craft beers, watching cult classic movies under the stars!

We couldn’t imagine a more magical evening!

Expect all the classic binge-worthy needs with our very own street food stalls including: ice cream, popcorn, sweets, chocolates, pizza and more..

We have outdoor entertainment such as fairground rides and more to make your movie breaks as exciting as possible! https://www.facebook.com/events/2117734765186478/

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Saturday 18th Bishopton & Dargavel Farmers Market Bishopton Train Station Car Park, off Birch Road 10am to 2pm A farmers market full of the best locally produced produce.

Full compliment of stalls plus Fish from Oban, Taste of Espana, Three Sisters Bake, and All things Nice for home made chutneys and preserves. Held on the 3rd Saturday every month.

Tuesday 21st Foodbank Donations West Halls Main Street Houston PA6 7EL (next to Carrick Centre and Village Hall) 10am to 12noon & 7pm to 8pm Donations will be collected every Tuesday in September.

Further details on the Kirk Facebook and www.houstonkillellankirk.org

Friday 24th Breabach Lochwinnoch Golf Club Burnfoot Rd, Lochwinnoch PA12 4AN 7.30pm Tickets £18 Brought to you by Lochwinnoch Arts Festival. Tickets available from renfrewshireboxoffice.ticketsolve. com/ or Now & Then Gift Shop, 8 Church Street.

Friday 24th - Monday 27th Vikings! at Kelburn Kelburn Castle, Kelburn Estate Fairlie Largs KA29 0BE With a hoard of activities across the site: a display of Viking life, skills from the Glasgow Vikings plus sword displays and skirmishes. Fri to Mon: Viking-themed adventure in The Secret Forest for only £4 entry pp - no booking required! Extra activities throughout the estate as well as our Saloon play area, Adventure Course, History Trail, and grounds and gardens. Entry to Kelburn is free. £5 per car parking charge (see website for minibus and coach prices). Secret Forest £4pp (under 3’s go free). See website for details. https://www.facebook. com/events/2977490269240272/

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Saturday 25th Paisley Farmers Market

45

Erskine Motorbike Meet

The Cenotaph, Paisley PA1 1BG 10am to 2pm A huge variety of produce for sale.

A leisurely walk round the market provides many opportunities to taste produce and discuss the characteristics and uniqueness of each offering.

Glasgow Food & Film Festival Glasgow - various venues 12noon to 8pm Picture this: groups of friends relaxing in hot tubs, beds, bean bags and fluffy blankets, drinking fizz and craft beers, watching cult classic movies under the stars!

Expect all the classic binge-worthy movies and our very own street food stalls including: ice cream, popcorn, sweets, chocolates, pizza and more.

Fairground rides and more to make your movie breaks as exciting as possible! https://www.facebook. com/events/2117734765186478/

Sunday 26th Erskine Riverside Market Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine PA8 7AF 10am to 4pm Held on the last Sunday of each month with a blend of Fresh produce, Unique gifts, Hand made items & Street food. The ideal family day out on your door step.

Scotland’s Kiltwalk - Team St Vincent Glasgow - various venues Registration will open as soon as the Kiltwalk team get the green light and when it’s safe to do so with details on how to sign up to follow in the coming weeks. Team St. Vincent’s Hospice Kiltwalkers have been an amazing support us raising much needed funds for the hospice, please take part in this great fun day event and support your hospice. Stay safe and we’ll be in touch with details! Https://www. facebook.com/StVincentsHospice

A date for the diary not to be missed is the Erskine Motorbike Meet on Sunday 5th September, from 1pm to 5pm, in the grounds of the charity’s Veterans’ Village in Bishopton!

Now in its 15th year, the Erskine Motorbike Meet has become one of the highlights of Erskine’s events calendar. Each year we welcome over 1,000 motorbikes, trikes and scooters to the estate for a fun family day packed with family entertainment, fairground rides, live music, market, street food, and more!

Erskine continues to monitor the situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak very closely, taking the advice of the World Health Organisation, UK and Scottish Government and NHS Scotland.

The Erskine Motorbike Meet 2021 will only be able to proceed if the health protection regulations in place as at 5th Sept 2021 so permit.

If you would like to support The Erskine Motorbike Meet, there are various ways you can get involved, from sponsorship at the event, gifts-in-kind or the donation of a prize for the raffle. To discuss further, please contact us on 0141 814 4555 / events@erskine.org. uk Find out more at https://www.erskine.org.uk/give-support/ fundraising-events/erskine-motorbike-meet-2021/

Renfrew Market Renfrew Market runs on the 2nd Sunday of each month from 10am until 4pm in Robertson Park showcasing fresh produce, artisan crafts, unique gifts and street food from local businesses!

Come down and support small and local businesses!

Upcoming dates: 12th September, 10th October, 14th November, 12th December 2021.

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local community, local life ...............

tueSday 28th Foodbank Donations

Vikings! at Kelburn

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24th to 27th September

West Halls Main Street Houston PA6 7EL (next to Carrick Centre and Village Hall) 10am to 12noon & 7pm to 8pm Donations will be collected every Tuesday in September.

Further details on the Kirk Facebook and www.houstonkillellankirk.org

oCtober Saturday 2nd Kilmacolm Farmers Market

The Vikings are invading Kelburn Castle & Estate at Fairlie over the September Weekend!

Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10am to 2pm

We have a hoard of activities across site including a living history display of Viking life and skills from the Glasgow Vikings plus sword displays and skirmishes throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Held on the first Saturday each month featuring a great selection of local Scottish produce! Please wear face masks or scarves if you can. Hand sanitizer at the entrance for you to use. We are encouraging all of the stall holders to take card payments where possible. Looking forward to seeing everyone! Free entry.

From Friday to Monday, there will be a Viking-themed adventure in The Secret Forest for only £4 entry per person - no booking required! We’ll also have extra activities throughout the estate as well as our Saloon play area, Adventure Course, History Trail, and grounds and gardens.

Sunday 3rd The East Pointers Lochwinnoch Golf Club Burnfoot Rd, Lochwinnoch PA12 4AN Brought to you by Lochwinnoch Arts Festival - A Canadian contemporary folk music group from Prince Edward Island, who won the Juno Award 2017 for Traditional Roots Album of the Year for their album Secret Victory.

The 2021 Virtual London Marathon virtual event The biggest marathon ever staged anywhere in the world, with 100,000 runners. Be part of 50,000 walker, joggers, runners and take on the world’s greatest marathon at your place and pace. 50,000 participants will run from Blackheath to The Mall in the traditional mass-participation Virgin Money London Marathon on the streets of the capital.

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Entry to Kelburn is free. £5 per car parking charge (see website for minibus and coach prices). Secret Forest £4pp (under 3’s go free).

Other activities TBA may incur a cost and may require booking – see website for details. Viking event timings TBA. The Glasgow Vikings is a member of The Vikings, an international group that re-enacts the life, times, and battles of 8th-11th century Britain. https://www.facebook.com/events/2977490269240272/

BGCP Comic and Toy Market Tour: Greenock The BGCP is back but on a smaller socially distanced scale.

We’ll be coming to The Oak Mall in Greenock on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September, from 10am to 5pm, with traders selling everything from Comics, Art, Action Figures, Art, T-Shirts and much more.

This event is free entry and requires no tickets.

Please keep social distance, wear a mask and use hand sanitizer when needed. Find out more at https://www.facebook. com/BGCPComicCon/ Additional Dates: 12th November 2021, 13th November 2021

Friday 10th September

Normandy Hotel, Renfrew 7pm to Midnight - Tickets £35 pp Music from Grease and Dirty Dancing guaranteed to get you up on the dance floor! DJ Chris will fill in the gaps with games, music and entertainment. Not one to be missed! https://www. accordhospice.org.uk/event/ girls-night-out-with-hopelesslydevoted-to-dirty-dancing/ https://www.facebook.com/ events/604295533588929/

Book now to avoid missing out on this amazing night!

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47

Return of popular events this winter Renfrewshire Council is planning for in-person events this winter with the return of two local favourites The Spree and Paisley Halloween Festival.

As the Scottish Government eases restrictions on indoor and outdoor events, the local authority has announced plans for the return this October of these popular festivals – but with new formats for 2021 as health protection measures remain in place.

The Spree

is a popular music and arts festival which first took place in 2012 and this year’s event is scheduled for 8th - 16th October 2021.

The iconic Spiegeltent will return with a programme of Scottish and UK-based music artists announced later this month. Show capacities will be reduced from those in previous years to allow for some physical distancing and health protection measures.

The Wee Spree programme will also return for the school holiday week with a fun schedule of activities and arts for kids and families taking place in a range of venues across Paisley.

Programme details will be made available later this month at:www.thespree.co.uk

Paisley Halloween Festival has been the most popular event in Paisley’s calendar in recent years. It was recognised as Best Cultural Event or Festival at the Scottish Thistle Awards 2019/2020 organised by VisitScotland.

The festival’s 2021 edition will take on a very different format this year with a series of spectacular installations that are ‘Out of This World’ popping up across Paisley town centre over five-days from 28th October – 1st November 2021. The event is part of the celebrations for Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21.

Louisa Mahon, Head of Events, Marketing and Communications for Renfrewshire Council, said: “It’s great to be looking forward to inperson events again, but we are always mindful that public safety is the number one priority while we’re still living with coronavirus.

“Live music has been much-missed these past 18 months and it has been great to see its return locally in recent weeks. We’re very happy to be working with Regular Music again to bring some top Scottish and UK artists to the festival. With the Wee Spree and events coinciding with the school holidays, we’re aiming to offer some fun, safe family activity that we can all enjoy locally.

“I’m confident everyone who visits our town centre on those five days will enjoy an ‘out of this world’ experience! Keep your eye on Paisley. is for more information out soon”.

The Spree and Paisley Halloween Festival have received funding support from EventScotland’s Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund and the Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “Scotland is the perfect stage for events and with the easing of restrictions it is great to see the return of live, in-person events, including the return of both The Spree and the Paisley Halloween Festival. Events are such an important part of our communities and EventScotland is delighted to be supporting The Spree through Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund and the Paisley Halloween Festival in celebration of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21.”

More information about both events is available online at: www. paisley.is.

For the latest local updates, go online at: www.renfrewshire.gov. uk/coronavirus.

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local community, local life ...............

business classified WE ACCEPT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

48

ADVERTISING RATES

TRADES/ SERVICES/ PROPERTY/ VEHICLES BOXED AD £8.00* per column cm PHOTO £8.00* (vehicle/property sales only) * Prices subject to VAT

TRADES AND SERVICES

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY

CHILDCARE Houston registered childminders. For an informal chat to find your best childcare, call Helen Smith on 07952 390282

Kilmacolm/Quarriers area registered childminders. P/time or F/time vacancies for u-5’s and after school.

T: 01505 873839.

CONTENT OF THE GRYFFE ADVERTIZER CANNOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT CONSENT FROM THE PUBLISHER The Gryffe Advertizer is published by The Gryffe Advertizer Ltd

Advertising throughout The Gryffe Advertizer:

PROPERTY WANTED

House Wanted To Buy Minimum of 3 bedrooms Detached or older Semi preferred in Houston, Kilmacolm, or Bridge of Weir area.

South/South West facing back garden.

Please call: 07753 659804 48-51 CLASSIFIED 317 SEPTEMBER 21.indd 48

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 Conditions of Acceptance of Advertising.

• All Advertisements in this Publication must not contravene the Standards.

• 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 appears.

• 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.

19/08/2021 12:30:12

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | September 2021

sales & wants ITEMS FOR SALE CLOTHES & SHOES Gents Footjoy Golf Shoes. Size 9. Black.

Very good condition. £15 ono. Tel: 01505 341206.

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN 2 burgundy Marks and Spencer semi circular 2 seated sofas. Extremely good condition. £100.

Tel: 07788 917365.

UNUSED Gorilla Gazebo.

2.5m x 2.5m, black and white with 4 detachable sides.

Extremely sturdy and waterproof.

Cost £175, looking for £150 ono. Tel: 07751 229942.

Single Divan Bed with Guest Bed underneath.

Never been used. £120.

Tel: 07983 380358.

Large 3 seater and 2 seater leather sofas, dark brown, good condition. £250. Tel: 07751 229942 .

Karcher K211Plus power pressure washer in good working condition, including accessories. £20. Tel: 01505 702250.

Integral Washer-Dryer.

Perfect working order, good condition. Quick wash. Instruction book. £45. Tel: 07442 010385 / 01505 615746.

ELECTRICAL & GAS Russell Hobbs Six Plate E l e c t r i c H o t Tr a y H e a te d To u g h e n e d Glass Surface - Size 380 x 63 mm with solid mahogany handles and trim in full-working order. £15. Tel: 01505 872592.

Livivo Deluxe Foot Spa - 220-240V with three Settings :- 1) Vibration & Infrared Only 2) Heat & Water Pump Only 3) Vibration, Heat, Water Pump and Infrared. Hardly used, in excellent condition and full working order. £15.

Tel: 01505 872592.

BaByliss Ionic 2000W H o o d H a i r d r ye r i n excellent condition with 3 Heat/2 Speed Settings. Less than 2 years old, fully adjustable, hardly used and comes with Instruction Booklet. £40.

Te l : 0 1 5 0 5 872592.

PETS Dog Ramp. £10.

07983 380358.

Tel:

SPORTS Apollo Phaze mountain bike, blue and white.

Brand new condition as used only twice. £50.

Tel: 07751 229942.

OTHER ITEMS Ladies Guess black hand bag new. Height 9.1/2” x width 13.1/2”. £25.

Tel: 01505 614503.

Clarks Anker Merzerisiert Crochet Thread. Box of 10 Pearl 10 gram - no8.

Box of 7 cream - no60.

Box of 9 cream - no80.

Box of 7 cream - no60.

4 white - no40. 2 peach - no20. Sum of £20.

Tel: 01505 614503.

WANTED ITEMS Local lily grower requires the use of a greenhouse/ polytunnel in Kilmacolm area in return for light gardening duties. Tel: Vince 01505 872082.

48-51 CLASSIFIED 317 SEPTEMBER 21.indd 49

49

The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 - 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.

C a s h p a i d f o r Vi n y l Records and Music CDs (a few or a lot). Tel: 01505 324683 or 07765 115347.

Old records Wanted 45`s & LP`s CASH Paid. Tel: 01505 873958 or 07710 777571.

Garage/lockup in Bridge of Weir for storage and use of classic car. Daily access essential. Would look to rent on annual or at least six-monthly basis. Price negotiable.

If interested please call on 07718 915359.

D o yo u h ave a n o l d abandoned outboard motor in your garage/ shed for a repair project.

Tel: 07774 126328.

FREE CYCLE Sofa bed, sleeps 2 children/1 adult. Good condition. Must collect.

Tel: 07792 019011.

Sony Hi-Fi with radio, twin cassette, 5 CDs. Size H45 x B25 x D32 w i t h t wo s p e a ke r s H52 x B25 x D37cm.

For uplift. Tel: 01505 341206.

Breeze blocks quantity 12. Builders sand. Tel: 07527 449268.

Local Public DEFIBRILlATOR SITES BISHOPTON

JOHNSTONE

The Cornerstone, Greenock Road Bishopton Community Centre

BROOKFIELD Brookfield Village Hall Main Entrance

BRIDGE OF WEIR Co-Op Old Ranfurly Golf Club Ranfurly Castle Golf Club The Gate House, Bridge of Weir Leather Works

ELDERSLIE

Keystore, Spateston Keystore, Corseford Johnstone Town Hall Scottish Fire and Rescue, Thorn Brae

KILMACOLM Kilmacolm Golf Club St Columba’s Senior School Gym, Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm Kilmacolm Library (rear of New Surgery)

KILBARCHAN Scout Hall Kilbarchan Bowling Club

Elderslie Golf Club

HOUSTON

LINWOOD

Outside Church Hall, Main Street Co-Op Strathgryffe Squash & Fitness Club (Reception)

HOWWOOD Howwood Hall, Station Road Christ the King Church, Bowfield Road The Boarding House (opening hours)

Onyx Leisure Centre Spar, Clippens Road Asda

PAISLEY Russell Institute

QUARRIERS

William Quarriers House (entrance to Faith Avenue) Country View Some of these may have limited access. Please check with venue for full details.

DELIVERY PROBLEM? PLEASE GET IN TOUCH!

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19/08/2021 12:30:17

local community, local life ...............

50

ads directory by Category Accountants & Financial Affluent Financial Planning . . 8 CLA Accountancy Services . . . 24

Architectural Services CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 17 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Art, Gifts & Flowers Freelance Florist . . . . . . . . . 42

Automotive Services Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Bathrooms Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7

Bedrooms Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 13

Blacksmith & Metalwork McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 11

Building Services A & M Sandstone Restoration . . 5 Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 23 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 5 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 19 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 37 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 3 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 11 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 43 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 9 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 25 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 25 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 43 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 11

Care Services & Homes Garden Service & Home Interiors Plasterers Solicitors Home Instead Senior Care . . . 7 Design Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 13 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 31 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 15 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 29 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 25 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 37 Catering Special Occasions Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 29 Stewart Design Studio . . . . . . 3 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 43 Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Charity Hope Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Cleaning & PowerWash DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 9 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 43 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 37 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 13 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 11 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 21

Driveways A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Education St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 35

Electricians GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 MAS Electrical & Security . . 33 Russell Milne Electrician . . 23

Fencing McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 11

Firewood & Logs LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 25 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Funeral Services Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 9 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 39

Garage Doors & Gates Garolla Holdings Limited . . . 15 Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

next Deadline

OCTOber issue: 15th SEPTEMBER 2021 Dates may change - please watch our website: www.advertizer.co.uk or keep up to date on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GryffeAds

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Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 17 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 29 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 19 Lady GraftersGardenServices . . 29 R Williams Tree Services . . . 31 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 29 West of Scotland Landscape . . 31

Gas & Heating Services C HunterPlumbingHeatingGas . . 37 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 3 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 15 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 21

Glazier

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Home Security

Plumbers

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 31

C HunterPlumbingHeatingGas . . 37 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 3 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 15

Joiners CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 33 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 37 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 3 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 9 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 42 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 25 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 43

Kitchens Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 13 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 3 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 43

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 15

Roofing

Locksmiths

A & M Sandstone Restoration . . 5 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 23 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 31 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 5 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 13 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 19 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 11 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 43 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 25 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 11

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 23 Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 33 KilmacolmPhysiotherapyClinic . . 18 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Home Hardware Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Home Improvements 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 29 A & M Sandstone Restoration . . 5 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 29 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 17 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Renfrewshire Handyman Hire . . 3 Stewart Design Studio . . . . . . 3

Pest Control

Tree Surgeon

TV & Satellite

Hope Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

A Gallagher Painter&Decor . . 24 Andrew Hay Painter & Decor . . 19 James Martin - Painter&Decor . . 33 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 37

Retail

Removals

Hairdressers & Barbers

Painters & Decorators

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

@ease Removals & Transport . . 17 Clyde Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Clyde Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Health, Beauty & Fitness

Taxis

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 29 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 31 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 R Williams Tree Services . . . 31 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Refuse & Clearance

Leisure & Recreation Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 25

Property, Sales & Let Tiling

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 11

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 23 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 17

Stoves

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 7

Contact us!

WWW.ADVERTIZER.CO.UK @GRYFFEADS

Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 7 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3

Upholstery Services Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 43 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 37

Window Cleaners DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 9 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 37 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 13 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 31

Window, Consv & Repair 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 11

1st Floor, Neva Place Bridge of Weir, PA11 3PN INFO@ADVERTIZER.CO.UK 01505 613340

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19/08/2021 12:30:19

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | September 2021

51

Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund The Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund - by young people, for young people - gives you, as a young person, a voice in your community and lets you decide how to make living as a young person in Renfrewshire better.

Through youth participatory budgeting, young people have come together to set out what the £150,000 fund should be spent on and how it will benefit their fellow young people in Renfrewshire.

All you need to do is come up with an idea, fill out an application and your peers will vote on what they believe will make the biggest difference to their area.

What are the rules for applications?

Promoting positive mental health & wellbeing

•

Age - Anyone aged 12-25 can apply

•

•

Maximum grant award - £2,700 from the Villages, Gleniffer and Erskine, Inchinnan, Bishopton and Langbank and £2,500 from the other Local Partnerships ((Renfrew, Johnstone & Linwood, Paisley North, West & Central and Paisley East)

Removes stigma and is positive about mental health and wellbeing

•

Involves young people and their families when dealing with poor mental health

•

•

Applications could be sent to a maximum of 3 Local Partnerships

Encourage open discussions regarding young people’s mental health

•

Individual young people could apply but would need a constituted group to act as their guarantor.

•

Develops life skills for employment, budgeting and leading an independent life

•

Schools in partnership with their Parent Councils could apply if projects benefit the wider local partnership area and not just the school itself.

•

Builds confidence, communication and social skills within young people

•

Constituted groups and organisations that provide services to young people aged between 12-25 in Renfrewshire could apply.

•

Applications must match one of the priorities set out by our young people below.

Priorities of the fund Through youth participatory budgeting, young people from Renfrewshire Youth Voice have come together to set out what the £150,000 fund should be spent on and how it will benefit their fellow young people in Renfrewshire.

Youth Involvement & Participation •

Removes barriers for young people to participate.

Sport & Physical Activity •

Sport is more accessible and appealing.

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Employability & Youth Development

New projects in response to Covid-19 •

Helps young people recover from the impact of the pandemic

Apply for the fund You can apply online -

https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/celebratingrenfrewshire.

Alternatively, please use the application form on the above page and send it to Youth Services C/O West Primary, Newton Street Paisley, PA1 2RL

Closing date for applications - 8 September 2021 How will I vote?

Voting will take place via the Young Scot website and you will be able to vote for your favourite projects in your area.

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