313 APRIL 2021 - Gryffe Advertizer

No.313: SPRING

LOCAL NEWS FOR: • BRIDGE OF WEIR • BROOKFIELD • HOUSTON • HOWWOOD • KILBARCHAN • KILMACOLM • LANGBANK • LOCHWINNOCH • QUARRIERS

APRIL 2021

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Welcome to our Spring issue....

At long last we are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel ..... as our Spring issue wings its way to your door, we are tentatively coming out of lockdown and stretching our legs a little further afield.

We are delighted that there are some events happening again, albeit either outdoors or online. But hopefully as the vaccines roll out across all age groups, our much loved annual events will start to recommence.

Sadly, some of the regular early summer events will be affected. As we went to print, we had heard that the Gourock Highland Games has been cancelled for 2021. However, the Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow, and Houston Agricultural Shows will take place online again this year. These were a big success last year, so hopefully this year will be even better!

Also the Paisley Food & Drink Festival and a number of charity fundraisers will all be online in the coming weeks. We’ve tried to include as many as we can in our diary.

COVER IMAGE: Neil Bletcher “Blue Tit”

Next Deadline:

As we hopefully progress into the end of lockdown, we plan to run regular issues of the magazine. However, delays may be caused due to the ongoing situation and possible further restrictions.

Our office is only open for limited hours at the moment. Please contact us via email or social media, or leave a phone message, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

21st April 2021

Please also keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.

for the MAY 2021 issue

Shop local - support your community!

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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CONTENTS When the lights go up 06 village news 12-25 GRYFFE Valley Rotary Club 14 Name a guide dog puppy ‘Habbie’ 21 Lochwinnoch Arts Festival 22 Out & about 28-33 Duchal woods-quarriers walk 32 Is it time to switch on to an ebike 33 Pedal the Park 33 schools & clubs 34-41 Regular meets 39

Coming events 42-47 Paisley food & drink festival 43 Johnstone Phoenix Theatre 45 HISTORY 46-47 Urban Historian - weavers project 47 classified ads 48 public defibrilator sites 49 Sales & Wants 49 Advertizer ads directory 50 Paisley Colour Photo Competition 51

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Celebrating our 25th Anniversary

Scotland’s Virtual Kiltwalk Power Doors is an award-winning Prince’s Scottish Youth Business backed company established in 1996 celebrating our 25th anniversary and have a combined experience of over 50 years and specialise in the supply & installation of garage doors along with other associated products.

Like all outdoor projects a garage door can be costly, and we are here to help advise you on what would best be suitable for you and your needs. Our showroom based in Lochwinnoch (10mins from Glasgow Airport) has several doors on display of all the available designs allowing you see what you would be wishing to purchase.

We offer a free quotation service for supply only, supply & install of automatic and manual garage doors in a range of designs such as, Up ‘n’ Over – Sectional – Roller – Automatic Doors We also offer a repair and maintenance service and cover a vast area throughout Scotland’s central belt.

BAFTA Scotland: Guru Live Online BAFTA Scotland will host its flagship festival for aspiring creatives, Guru Live, online for 2021 between the 4th & 7th May! If you’re a lover of film, games or television then Guru Live is definitely the right fit – but you’ll find the festival especially helpful if you’re just making your start in the industry. Whether that means you’re a graduate looking to take those first steps or you’ve already got a few credits under your belt, we’ve got a session for you!

Tickets are free! Find out more at http://guru.bafta.org/guru-liveglasgow BAFTA Scotland: Guru Live Online will take place online from Tuesday 4th to Friday 7th May 2021, Line up TBC!

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On the weekend of April 23rd - 25th, take on a challenge of your choice and support a charity you care about, as part of Scotland’s Virtual Kiltwalk!

You can take on any Kiltwalk Inspired challenge you wish – go for a walk (of any length), a cycle, jump on a trampoline or even a family scavenger hunt! You decide on your challenge and as long as you’re raising funds for your chosen charity ... anything goes!

Raise funds for a charity of YOUR choice and thanks to The Hunter Foundation, all of your funds will be topped up by 50%*.

Once you’re registered, a JustGiving fundraising page will automatically be created for you to share on your social channels.

Easy! Entry is Adults £12.80 / Children 5-15 £6.50 / Under 5s Free.

All online and offline funds sent to the Kiltwalk by midnight on 3rd May will qualify for the top-up.

We may not be walking together but the Kiltwalk is with you all the way!

Sign up at https://thekiltwalk.co.uk/scotlandsvirtual

Child’s Eye Muse Presents: International Museum Day Join Child’s Eye Muse online on the 18th and 19th of May for International Museum Day, celebrating your favourite exhibits and museum visits!

Let’s enjoy International Museum Day 2021! Whether it’s from the present (or past), post drawings or pictures your child has taken or videos, poems, short stories, or commentary on their favourite exhibits and museum visits for everyone to see into museums from around the world. Anyone internationally is welcome to join us in our virtual event.

Child’s Eye Muse Celebrates museums every day. Come celebrate with us! This is a free event and details can be found at https:// www.childseyemuse.com/

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When The Lights Go Up

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by Rona Simpson

We are lucky to have so many excellent local theatre groups in our area including the award-winning PACE Youth Theatre, Kilbarchan Kirk Drama Group, Johnston Phoenix Theatre Groups and Kilmacolm Dramatic Society. However, with auditoriums empty and no funds coming in, over the last year many have employed unconventional ways to keep audiences engaged. From online pantos to community workshops delivered through zoom, these groups have pushed the boundaries of storytelling in our communities.

PACE Theatre Company, based in Paisley, was founded in 1988 and is a non-profit making theatre specialising in work with young people. It is the largest youth theatre in the UK. Jenni Mason, Artistic Director had this to say, “As for everyone, this has been an unprecedented year for PACE. Young people were quickly identified by children’s charities as being particularly vulnerable, and it was obvious to us that the arts had a key role to play ... Lockdown prompted a re-imagining of our core activity last March and we have been successfully running online drama classes and building a creative community for new and existing members since then … members have had access to online videos, audio adventures, podcasts and digital theatre.”

But you don’t need to be a member to take part in some of PACE’s online workshops. Connected: A multi arts project for families, has proved very successful. Family groups are invited each Monday at 8pm to explore movement and share stories of Paisley, which is edited into a short film. It is also completely free. The group also runs a series of musical fitness classes for kids twice a week, allowing kids to connect in person and get fit!

Another winner was their amazing, free, streamed Christmas Panto, “Lost in Pantoland”, which brought much needed Christmas cheer in November of last year.

Despite the pandemic, PACE and Renfrewshire Council are pushing ahead with the conversion of 33 Sneddon Street – site of the old Mannequins night club – to be restored as Exchange, a community theatre space for children and young people. For more info on this exciting project check out this link: www.pacetheatre.com/exchange/ As the realisation dawned that there would be no performances for the foreseeable, Kilmacolm Dramatic Society, established in 1945, decided to take matters into their own hands. The team have written a series of excellent monologues and passed them to members to perform. Stand outs include SDCA Monologue and The Doctor. These often funny, moving and well-observed slices of drama can be found on their website kilmacolmdramaticsociety.co.uk/ or facebook page.

Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group, originally known as The Johnstone Operatic and Dramatic Society, was formed in 1963 by founder Tom Carmichael. In 1993, daughter Margaret Carmichael created Johnston Youth Theatre. Both organisations have brought communities together through innovative and entertaining allowing children and adults alike the opportunity to explore the creative arts in a fun environment. They have a fab facebook page full of funny memes, streamed theatre, and links to local castings.

Culture and arts are the beating heart of any community and when local theatre gets the green light to open, we should all do our best to support them. Not only will you have a great night out, but you get to share this experience with neighbours and friends. A truly magical connection that we have all sorely missed.

Photos by Alex Brady

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Renfrewshire Women’s Aid Christmas Eve Pyjamas You donated an amazing 292 pairs of Christmas Eve Pyjamas and 156 pairs of Fluffy Socks for the women and children staying safe in the Renfrewshire Women’s Aid refuge during Christmas 2020.

CO-OP Renfrewshire Food Bank Donation Bins - Christmas 2020 Thank you to everyone in the CO-OP stores – customers and staff – in Bridge of Weir, Kilbarchan and Houston who donated so generously to the Renfrewshire Food Bank Donation Bins in the run-up-to Christmas 2020.

Due to COVID-19, I couldn’t hold Christmas fundraisers in-store during Christmas 2020 but your donations of food and toiletries more than made-up for it!

There have been (and continue to be) so many stories of people desperately trying to make ends meet due to job insecurity and being furloughed because of the pandemic – parents making the agonising choice between ‘heat or eat’.

All of your donations allows Renfrewshire Food Bank to help each and every client that is referred to them. A three-day, dietician approved food parcel can then be kindly given to those in-need.

Thanks once again and may 2021 be a brighter and better year for everyone.. Jenny x

All of the pyjamas and fluffy socks were packaged-up and delivered to the staff (pictured) at the Renfrewshire Women’s Aid office in Violet Street, Paisley in-time for Christmas. As was the case in the run up to Christmas 2019 (our very first collection), the staff were overwhelmed with the generosity shown by the kind residents of Houston, Bridge of Weir and Kilbarchan who donated Christmas Eve pyjamas and fluffy socks in the village CO-OP stores.

A very difficult Christmas for all of us last year and an especially difficult one for the women and children escaping from domestic abuse and being supported by Renfrewshire Women’s Aid. Your donation of pyjamas and fluffy socks certainly helped brighten their Christmas and showed that people in their community are cheering them on as they stride forward to their new lives – free from domestic abuse.

Thanks so much to everyone who donated and here’s to a better 2021..

Jenny x For the collection Christmas 2022, I can be contacted JennyMeadows10@ outlook.com

Go a step further for people with Parkinson’s People in Renfrewshire may be stuck for ideas on how to support good causes whilst they aren’t able to meet with friends, family and their community to fundraise during the corona virus pandemic.

At Parkinson’s UK, our annual ‘Walk for Parkinson’s’ series will return this summer, uniting people in Scotland and across the UK to raise money that will transform the lives of people with Parkinson’s.

But if summer’s too long to wait, our ‘Organise Your Own Walk’ event is a fantastic way to enjoy some fresh air while also raising funds for our vital work.

Why not stroll 2 miles for the 2 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s every hour in the UK? Or trek 12.4 miles for the 12,400 people living with Parkinson’s in Scotland? You choose your route, how far, when and who you walk with - just make sure you follow the local corona virus guidance.

The funds you raise will help support people living with Parkinson’s, their families, friends and carers right across Scotland and the rest of the UK, who need us now more than ever.

To download your free pack with everything you need to plan a sponsored walk, visit parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/organise-your-ownwalk. If you have any questions, call 0800 138 6593 or email: fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk.

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Open Book & Paisley Library Shared Reading Group Join Open Book and Paisley Library for an hour of shared reading on Wednesday mornings, looking at poems & stories from the weekly Unbound newsletter. This is a free event organised by Paisley Central Library and sessions run fortnightly on Wednesdays from 11.30am - 12.30 noon. No experience necessary. Ages 16+.

Get your zoom link at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-book-andpaisley-library-on-zoom-tickets-113605127996 Learn more about Open Book Unbound at www.openbookreading.com/ unbound/ and sign up for the Unbound newsletter.

Open Book organise and run weekly shared reading sessions for a diverse range of community and public participants across Scotland.

Part of a book and a poem are read aloud during these relaxed and informal sessions, with an Open Book Lead Reader on hand to help guide the discussion. We regularly run creative writing sessions for our readers, using the material the group is reading as inspiration to create new writing.

Dates: 14th & 28th April, 12th & 26th May, 9th & 23rd June.

Great Guide Dogs Virtual Tea Party

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For one week every May we see the posters & bunting, and a red donations envelope drops though our letterbox to be picked up later in the week by a volunteer collector. And, following the covid restrictions last year, on-line donations were also made possible through an “e-envelope”.

This year’s Christian Aid Week will take place from 10th to 16th May. But what is Christian Aid? Why does it exist? What does it do?

At the outset it is perhaps worth clarifying what it is not.

It is not “aid for Christians”! Christian Aid is committed to supporting poor and marginalised people, whatever their beliefs, sexuality, gender and ethnicity. It is a signatory to the international Code of Conduct which sets ethical standards for aid work and, among other things, promises that aid will not be used to further a particular political or religious standpoint.

These days it is not even limited to “aid from Christians”.

Because of its excellent record in tackling poverty and the causes of poverty, Christian Aid is now funded by generous donations from a wide variety of people with diverse religious beliefs.

Pop the kettle on and join us for a cuppa this April as we take on another Guinness World Records attempt! Whilst we unfortunately are still unable to have a big face-to-face tea party safely, that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun by coming together online to show people with sight loss that we are still here for them no matter what.

But there is a core belief running through everything that Christian Aid does. Christian Aid believes that everyone is equal in the sight of God. Poverty is an outrage against humanity. It robs people of their dignity and lets injustice thrive. But together we have the power to transform lives.

Whether you plan to join the party on your own, with family, colleagues or as a fundraising group, let’s make a difference and be record breakers together.

Started 75 years ago, Christian Aid now operates in nearly 40 countries promoting sustainable development, striving for social justice and pursuing a vision of a world without poverty. It works with local partner organisations which have first-hand knowledge of the practical needs of the poor in their area and are able to ensure the sustainability of initiatives to lift communities out of poverty.

To get involved and for full details visit guidedogs.org.uk/teatime.

Christian Aid is also prepared to challenge governments and systems on the underlying causes of poverty. It played a leading role in securing international Government agreement to cancel the debt burden which was crippling some of the poorest countries in the world. In many countries, it has been able to champion the status of women and unleash the huge contribution they can make to lifting their communities out of poverty. Today Christian Aid is not only addressing the very real and immediate impact of climate change on some of the poorest communities in the world but also challenging governments on their response to the climate crisis.

For more information about Christian Aid please visit: www. christianaid.org.uk . And get ready for that red envelope – real or “virtual”! Details to follow next month.

Photo: Janice B & Pups

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village news Bridge of Weir Churches Together Easter Trail The Bridge of Weir Churches Together Easter Trail – Freeland Church, St Mary’s Church and St Machar’s Ranfurly Church all collaborated to share the Easter story during the school holidays.

The Easter Trail runs until Sunday 11th April. The Easter Trail begins at St Machar’s Ranfurly Church (Kilbarchan Road) where you can pick up a free bag for children with the instructions and items that you need on the trail. There are also laminated cards with a prayer trail for teens and adults. Each stop on the trail has a large board explaining part of the Easter story.

You can do it in one go or, if it is too long for little or older legs, over a few days.

The trail instructions are also online on www.stmacharsranfurlychurch/community and on our churches’ social media pages.

Members of Freeland, St Mary’s and St Machar’s Ranfurly Churches have recorded readings through the entire Gospel of Mark (not as long as it sounds!). There will be two or three chapters read daily, which will take approx. 15-20 mins. These videos were shared on YouTube during Holy Week: Palm Sunday (28th March) through to Easter Sunday (4th April).

VW Bistro Since early March, Brookfield has had its very own coffee stall operating from the car park at the Village Hall. Imported from California, the VW Bistro is a converted 1969 T2 VW Campervan and will be serving up tea and premium coffee together with cake.

Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10am - 2pm. Social distancing rules apply. For updates, follow VW Bistro on Facebook or Instagram. delaYed agM A virtual Annual General Meeting of Brookfield Village Council covering the period January - December 2019 finally took place on Thursday 25th February via Zoom. This AGM was scheduled for March 2020 but was unable to take place owing to the Covid 19 restrictions. At the meeting, several residents expressed concern at the speed at which some vehicles are being driven in the Village. Both the Village Council and Community Council would urge residents to be mindful of driving at a safe speed.

Please be aware that there are 20mph signs in both Albert Road and Victoria Road. This is an indicative speed but it is hoped that for the safety of all residents as well as pets, drivers adhere to this speed on all roads in the village. Thank you in anticipation of your help and co-operation.

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Santa would like to thank all those involved with his sleigh tour this year.

A big Thank You to AK Vehicle Rental for providing the van for the sleigh.

Also, a big Thank You to all those who came to wave to Santa as he toured about.

With any luck Santa will be back to his normal duties this coming Christmas.

The Bridge

Brookfield News

Facebook: brookfieldvillage.org | e-mail: brookfieldvpa@gmail.com

Bridge of Weir Festival Committee/ Santa Sleigh

Twitter: @BrookfieldVPA

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Spring is upon us and already we are planning for Christmas 2021!

Alison Bannerman has finished our much acclaimed Christmas card and members of the Paisley Colour Photographic Club are taking photographs for the 2022 Calendar. greetings Cards - due to strong sales we are continually restocking our selection of cards for all occasions. easter sunday - is celebrated on 4th April. Brighten up someone’s day, especially this year, by sending an Easter Greetings card from our colourful display.

Post Office - The usual postal services are provided during opening hours. stuart and fiona - Later this month we are saying goodbye to Stuart as he retires and welcoming Fiona as she joins the Post Office team.

Stuart, thank you for 4 years of friendly and reliable service. It has been a great pleasure working with you.

The Co-op Local Community Fund - The Bridge is one of the three local causes which will benefit from the Fund during 2021. Funds raised will be used to improve facilities. Please register with the Coop to support The Bridge. Join online at “coop.co.uk/membership” or by downloading the “Co-op app.” The reference for The Bridge is 48305. Becoming a Co-op member is an opportunity to assist local community groups, not only this year, but in future years.

Thank you for your support over the last number of challenging months. We look forward to serving you soon.

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

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WARD 11 Cllr Natalie Don It is great to be able to write to you all again. The last year has been incredibly difficult for us all with the Covid-19 pandemic but with the continued roll out of the vaccine, we can all hope to get back to some form of normality this year.

Renfrewshire Council’s budget was recently passed, which prioritises Renfrewshire’s Covid Recovery and puts the well-being of our communities at it’s heart, despite huge pressures as a result of the pandemic.

Council tax: Will be frozen for the coming year, more money will be invested into our play parks and green spaces as a result of the vital role these spaces played during the pandemic. There will be funding to support the provision of safe road crossing facilities to improve safer walking routes to schools and nurseries and funding for studies to reduce traffic and promote safer walking within rural Renfrewshire villages. More funding to support social recovery including more funding into mental health, support for businesses, support for private tenants, care experienced young people and young carers and a large investment to support increased pressures in the Adult Social Care Services.

Bishopton: I am well aware of the growing concern for increased health provision. This is an absolute priority for me and I have been continuously pushing for progress with this and will continue to do so. I am pleased that both the nursery and primary school in Dargavel are progressing well with the nursery still on track for completion in July 2021 and the primary school set for its first intake of pupils in the new school year.

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Bridge of Weir: Scottish Water begin repairs in Mimosa Road following a longstanding issue with sewage overspill. I hope once complete that this provides the solution that was so badly needed for local residents. I know that local roads are a concern following a harsh winter. Renfrewshire Council’s roads resurfacing programme is now being finalised and I have requested several of our local roads are included in this years programme including Main Street in Bridge of Weir.

Finally, I know that many people have been concerned by an increase in incidents of vandalism and fire raising in our communities with bins set alight, parks vandalised and play equipment destroyed.

This is simply not acceptable, our outside spaces have been so important to us during lockdown and it is really sad to see things that are enjoyed or used by the community being ruined. I have raised all incidents that have been brought to my attention with the Police and the wardens service and will continue to do so.

CONTACT: Due to the current COVID restrictions, my surgeries are taking place remotely at 10am on the first Saturday of the month however I am happy to arrange a call at anytime throughout the month. Residents can contact me to arrange a chat by emailing me at: natalie.don@renfrewshire.gov.uk

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WARD 11

Gryffe Valley Rotary Club

Cllr James W.H. MacLaren

MeMBership

CoVid-19: As I write this article, I am pleased to say that I have my appointment for the vaccine which I will be getting and I hope that everyone will take up the offer. We have to wait and see if it will be mandatory to have the vaccine for events like holidays, or to have a letter of exemption.

CleVens road footpath: As an update on the Clevans Road footpath, you may be aware that the council has agreed to put in new drainage along Clevans Road between Donaldfield Road and Golf Course Road including repairing and tarmacking the footpath. This will make a much safer route for pedestrians accessing the Donaldfield Estate and beyond. Hopefully this will be finished by the time you read this.

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There has been a good response to the campaign to diversify the club by finding new members. Four new members joined at the meeting on 3rd March (A first for the club on Zoom): Dr Les King a retired engineer, Dr Astrid Koenig a surgeon, Dr Thorsten Koenig a trainee minister, and Matt McElroy a retired teacher. A fifth new member- Councillor James Maclaren – will be inducted shortly.

Several further initiatives are being investigated around attracting local business people. Watch this space! If you are interested, please email gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com and we will talk to you about the opportunities which Rotary brings. support for Young people

litter piCKing: A big thank you to everyone who has joined the Team Up To Clean Up group. All you litter pickers, and I include myself in this, are making a huge difference to our environment.

For anyone else who wants to join in, we have free litter picker and green bags available to get you started.

ContaCt: No surgeries at present but I hope they will be starting up again soon. 07534 148794 / 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. 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.

Youth speaks The Gryffe Valley Rotary annual public speaking competition could not be in public this year! However, undeterred, seven teams from St Columba’s School, Kilmacolm recorded their speeches which were then judged by members of the Renfrewshire Speakers Club from the comfort of their own homes. The winners of the Senior category were team “Chilli Chips”, who debated the issues around “Social Media is a hindrance to personal development”.

In the Intermediate category the winners were “There is no “I” in Team”, debating “Foods with high sugar content should cost more”.

The Runners-up were “The Cosmonauts”, discussing “We should abandon Earth and colonise another planet”. We are very grateful to everyone who participated in Youth Speaks this year …. The competitors, the Judges and the St Columba’s staff.

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Young Chef Unable to organise our Annual Young Chef Competition in the usual format, we decided to add some cheer by offering prizes for the best Festive Fare produced by classes in Gryffe High and St Benedict’s. A few hundred pupils from S1 to S3 took part, with some amazing results. Well done to all the pupils and many thanks to the food technology staff in both schools for their enthusiastic support with the organisation, judging and photographs.

The Youth Speaks and Young Chef events are just two of many competitions for young people organised by Rotary in co-operation with local schools. Winners of the Young Writer competition will be announced shortly and plans are afoot for the Primary School Quiz. For details of how to get involved please email gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com .

Home Start books for kids Gryffe Valley Rotary helped more than more than 200 disadvantaged children in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde at Christmas through a project with Home Start - generously supported by the Arnold Clark organisation. Home Start (https://www.home-start-renfrewshire.org.uk/) is a nationwide charity which exists to give emotional and practical support to parents with young children, in order to give children the best possible start in life. Approximately £2,000 was spent by Rotary on selected good quality books - carefully matched to the ages of the children (6 months to 17 years) - to provide presents which were delivered by Home Start. speaKer Meetings Our speaker meetings continue over Zoom at roughly fortnightly intervals. We have enjoyed some excellent talks from Rev Willie McPherson spoke about the work of the Vine Trust, Sue Hope who talked about the Freedom from Fistula charity, Lewis Bright, grandson of Jim McBeath (the Club’s Speaker’s convenor) who told us about his attendance at the 24th World Scout Jamboree, Kirsteen Plop on the work of the Leonard Cheshire charity, and Colin Johnson, Head Teacher of Gryffe High School, on the achievements of the school and current challenges. Topics for future meetings include “Ski Touring”, “Aquabox”, “The Mayflower”, and “Local Railways”.

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ward 1 - inverclyde roads prograMMe: The Council’s roads investment programme for 2021/22 includes a number of local projects: carriageway resurfacing on Finlaystone Road (Yetts Avenue to Leperstone Road) and Bridge of Weir Road (Lochwinnoch Road to Rowantreehill Road); footway resurfacing of Lochwinnoch Road (Knockbuckle Road to Castlehill Road); and widening of Glenmill Bridge.

There are also a number of reserve projects: carriageway resurfacing of sections of Belmont Road; footway resurfacing on Park Road (Knockbuckle Road to Castlehill Road); resurfacing of the footbridge over the cycle path on Lochwinnoch Road; and replacement of the parapet of the Craigbet Avenue Bridge.

After consultation the Barrs Brae and Lochwinnoch Road car parks will remain as free 24hour carparks. The Local Development Plan will determine whether the new car park will be on Gillburn Road or behind the old Police Station.

Cllr Stephen McCabe

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Cllr David Wilson litter piCKing: The admirable Kilmacolm Litter Pickers, impressively organised

by Jennifer Cowan, have continued all winter and make a significant difference to the look of the village. The Community Council had their annual clean up in March. sChools: Schools will not be fully back until after Easter.

Some pupils will return for only a few hours a week in the classroom and there should be more concern for the logistical problems of working parents.

The Scarecrow competition organised by St Columba’s Junior School brightened up Halloween as did the Christmas light competition. Great thanks is due to the girls at the Cross Café and the Community Council for organising the Christmas Hamper Raffle which raised a significant sum for the Guides and the Scouts.

The S1 intake for Port Glasgow High School has increased from 100 to 120 for the academic year 2021/22. Under Stuart Clark and Gillian Carroll the school has shown significant academic improvement and the numbers of placing requests tell their own story.

CoVid-19: After a few false dawns, at long last there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to this terrible virus. The virus rate in Inverclyde is again the lowest in the health board area and the local vaccination programme is making good progress. We can’t be afford to be complacent however. We need to stick with the restrictions as long as they are in place.

KnoCKnairshill CeMetarY: An expansion at a cost of £1.6m has been approved to go to tender. This removes any urgency from an extension to Kilmacolm Cemetery though I do know there would be a demand for lairs in the village.

farMers MarKet: I received a number of complaints about the Kilmacolm Famers Market and in particular the huge number of people visiting the market on 6th March. While in normal times we would be delighted to welcome visitors to Inverclyde the current restrictions don’t allow for nonessential travel and the location of the market in Kilmacolm is not suitable for such large numbers.

planning: The Local Development Plan will be concluded after consultation by May. The hearings for both applications at West of Quarry Drive and Plannetreeyetts will be conducted around the end of April. Venue and communication method to be decided. Still no news on the Carsemeadow appeal in Quarriers.

CounCil tax: The Council set its budget on 18th March, having previously set the Council Tax on 18th February. The Council Tax was frozen at the previous year’s levels, although households will see their bills increase marginally as the Government has permitted Scottish Water to increase its charges.

roads: The safety measures on the Port Glasgow Road A761 accident blackspot have been implemented. I am concerned about speeding in the village and believe that a 20mph limit may help and would welcome comment.

CounCil Budget: The priorities in setting the Council’s budget were to limit any reductions in frontline services and jobs and support the recovery from Covid. Despite a disappointing settlement yet again from the Scottish Government we have achieved these objectives, in large measure through the use of Council reserves. Key proposals in the budget include a £6m Inverclyde Jobs Recovery Plan and a £4m Covid Recovery Fund.

ContaCt: My face to face advice surgeries remain suspended due to the current Covid restrictions.

01475 712020 (during office hours) / Stephen.McCabe@inverclyde.gov. uk. Alternatively you can write to me at 10 Victoria Gardens, Kilmacolm PA13 4HL.

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BroWn Bins: The final pickups will be the 8th and 15th of November. I have asked for a later date.

laMBing season: I have been asked to remind dog owners to keep dogs on a lead. Being worried by a dog can cause a ewe to abort.

CoVid-19: I sit on a cross party Covid 19 Recovery Board of 5 Councillors. We assess sub groups including Economic, Humanitarian, Education, Sport and Culture. We have Covid 19 updates, in great detail, on a weekly basis. As I write we are under 50 cases per 100,000.

ContaCt: david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk 992294, 01475 741969, 712975.

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Scotland’s Garden Scheme Plant Sale Saturday 24th April, 10am to 12pm Spring plant sale in the centre of Kilmacolm, outside the Library, on Saturday 24th April 10am12pm. In aid of Pancreatic Cancer Scotland and SGS charities.

Please check SGS website for updates and visitor guidance.

Langbank Litter Picking As lockdown continues we have all being making the most of our outdoor space (when it’s not too wet) and enjoying walks in and around the village. However as well as taking in the scenery many have been saddened by the amount of litter lying around at the roadside. But as always there are those wonderful people who don’t just see the problem, they decide that they can make a difference and so we are grateful to those villagers who have been picking up litter in and around the village and surrounding roads. So if you’ve driven along the A8 just east of Langbank and spotted green bags full of litter waiting to be picked up or extra green bags beside bins then you’ll know it’s because folks have been out and about trying to make their village that bit nicer for everyone. To those kind individuals and families, THANK YOU! We know Langbank is not alone in this and that many areas are joining the Renfrewshire Team Up To Clean Up initiative, which has inspired many to do their bit – more information on this can be found on council website or Team Up to Clean Up Facebook page.

Sadly another thing noted by villagers during the past few months is the increase in dog fouling, which we know is a problem for other communities too. There are many things about this issue which angers and frustrates people and we are keen to try to tackle the issue in a positive way, but how do you reach out to people? In Langbank we are going to try a bit of Scottish Education to ask people to think about the inconvenience to others and the dangers to animals when they don’t pick up after their dog. So some posters will be going up around the village, which we hope will help.

On a positive note we continue to support our friends and neighbours through this pandemic; bikes are still being mended, grants for village improvements sought, errands ran for vulnerable neighbours, prescriptions collected. The list goes on so thank you Langbank and keep it up, even once normality returns we hope this renewed community spirit will continue.

For further information please contact the Langbank Community Council at info@langbank-community.com

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HOUSTON & KILLELLAN KIRK - Outreach in Houston Continues During Lockdown The Local Outreach team at Houston & Killellan Kirk have been anxious not to allow Lockdown to derail their regular community initiatives. Likewise the many volunteers, assisting with these projects were keen to maintain the momentum.

• Weekly Foodbank Collections continued at the West Halls The Renfrew Foodbank reported that the Houston Community had provided an inspiring close to 25,000 meals in the first 9 months of Lockdown. Although Foodbank collections were suspended for six weeks early in the year, in the interest of the safety of staff and volunteers, collections then re-started with the same enthusiastic response.

• Warm Clothes Collection in November This annual initiative was again incredibly well supported, with 26 large bags of new warm clothes divided between the Simon Community and Refuweegee.

There was also a £200 donation to Glasgow City Mission, to be used to purchase warm clothes, as they have little storage space.

• Christmas Gifts for the Children of Prisoners Another annual initiative where there was greatn generosity in the response from the community for these children, supported by CrossReach at Perth and Polmont Prisons. Elaine Waugh from CrossReach, who came with a large van to collect over 200 large gift bags of goodies, said she was humbled by the impressive collection, which would make so much of a difference to the children. Her fellow children’s worker was speechless on receiving the delivery.

• Christmas Cards prepared by Sunday Club The older folk in our congregation were thrilled with the Christmas Cards prepared and delivered by the Sunday Club. The oldest recipient was nearing her 108th birthday, on which she received her COVID vaccination, as well as a card from the Queen. Not sure she expected a wait of 108 years, before appearing on BBC & CNN News!

• Hand Sanitiser supply generously donated The Kirk had a large quantity of hand sanitiser donated and this has been (or will be when businesses re-open) distributed to various small retail outlets, sports clubs and pub/restaurants in the village.

• Easter Eggs for the children of families supported by The Star Project During March, those donating to the Foodbank were encouraged to provide Easter Eggs for children supported by The Star Project in Paisley. Typically the Houston Community responded with great generosity.

These are just some of the activities which have continued in this difficult climate.

They don’t include the busy weekly Family and Community programme undertaken by Frankie. Full details of the activities lead by Frankie are on the Kirk website: www.houstonkillellankirk.org. Also, of course, there is all the work undertaken by Revd. Gary, supported by Thorsten (Ministry Candidate) – much of which often goes unnoticed, as it is in the background.

A good example of this has been Revd Gary’s many hours of involvement in the preparation of the QR Code Virtual Nativity, displayed in the village at Christmas.

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ward 10 Cllr Audrey Doig 2021/22 Budget: Last month saw high drama with the eventual adoption of Renfrewshire Council’s budget for 2021/22 by only two votes. I very much welcome the Rural Safe Walking Initiative contained within the Budget which aims to control and eradicate speeding in and through Renfrewshire’s villages, such as Houston, Crosslee, and Brookfield. I know through talking to other village councillors, of all political persuasions, that this is sadly a very live issue across our village communities but it has to be tackled in the name of health and safety. The Initiative will look at the full range of anti speeding measures, from speedbumps to chicanes, and act where appropriate in consultation with the local community. roads & paVeMents: Another key element to the new Budget is more investment into roads and pavements. We have just gone through another very cold period and unfortunately the frost rips up many of the repairs previously completed, even in the last two years. One notable example which needs attention is the section of Barrochan Road from Crosslee to West Fulton, which has badly broken up. I intend to bring this to the attention of council officers.

Crones & Colitis: I was further pleased that the last full council meeting unanimously passed a motion I submitted on better toilet signage for sufferers from Crones and Colitis. This was raised with me by a Houston constituent who stressed to me how difficult it can be to find public amenities when out and about. She directed me to the Crones and Colitis UK website, and I decided to do all I could to raise this very important issue to improve the quality of life for those who suffer from this debilitating condition.

ContaCt: Councillors are not at the moment having face to face surgeries due to the Covid 19 restrictions. cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk 130935.

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Let’s make it easier, safer and fun to get outdoors in Houston!

The past year has shown how important having a variety of outdoor spaces on our doorsteps is.

Houston has a good number of outdoor spaces and paths, but there is always room for improvement. Some places and routes are easier to access than others, depending where you live.

Fortunately, a solution is at hand! Houston Community Council has secured money from Sustrans Scotland to make it easier and safer for everyone in Houston to get outdoors and move about, and to improve the quality of outdoor spaces to enjoy across the village.

Between now and June 2021, the Community Council has partnered with a design team (of which I’m part) to work with the community and see what could be improved where and how, and then what the key priorities are.

The first stage of the project is now live! We want to find out what people think of a number of path routes and outdoor spaces across Houston.

Please go to our new interactive website at www.connecting-houston.com, where you can show us where you go outdoors and share your ideas for improvement.

The more people who can get involved, the better the outcome will be for everyone, so please spread the word! Feel free to circulate this poster....

If you’ve got any questions, I’d love to hear from you. Please give me a call (07900 334110) or email me: nick@nickwrightplanning.co.uk.

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NATIONAL LOTTERY

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AWARD Houston & Killellan Kirk News

We are absolutely delighted to report that Houston and Killellan Kirk have been successful in their application for a £10,000 National Lottery Community Fund Award to establish a Men’s Shed for the Houston Community.

The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said “In these uncertain times our priority is to ensure that National Lottery money continues to flow to charities, voluntary sector organisations and grassroot groups. I would like to congratulate Houston and Killellan Kirk Men’s Shed group on their award, theirs is an important project and will support people now and in the future when they can physically come back together to make great things happen in their community.”

The need for a Men’s Shed in the community emerged from the Conversation Café that the Kirk held with the Houston Community in 2019. Mental health and loneliness were highlighted as priority areas with which our community wanted support and the Kirk are keen to provide this support. Men’s Sheds are a growing movement across the UK and make a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the community as they help reduce isolation and empower local communities.

The Houston Community Men’s Shed will be equipped with work benches and tools where men (and women) can meet while pursuing their practical interests and skills, offering to fix and make items for people in the local community and become involved in community projects. It will provide a vital service and space for the community, not only where folk can get some practical jobs done, but where social connections and friendships can be made and concerns shared – or folk can just come along for a blether with like-minded people.

Adam McCartney, the Men’s Shed project lead, commented “I’m really excited to take this project forward on behalf of the Community here in Houston. The ‘Men’s Shed’ concept is already well established in Scotland and we have taken the opportunity to visit a number of local initiatives already making a favourable mark on their Community. I was a strong supporter of this idea when it was flagged up at our Community Conversation Café and, as we face the many challenges resulting from the lockdown restrictions of the past year, I’m even more convinced of the benefits which a successful ‘Shed’ could bring to our Community here in Houston in the period ahead.”

Left to right: Adam McCartney (Project Convenor), Jack McNeill, John Wilson & Ian Jackson

At the time of preparing this item of news, the preparatory work on the site had just started.

Kirk’s Chosen Charities for 2021 As in previous years, Remembrance Sunday retiral offerings will be split between Erskine Home and SSAFA. At our Communions (March and October), and our Easter and Christmas Services the collections will be divided between the baby milk project in Mwandi, St Vincent’s Hospice and the Star Project in Paisley.

Erskine Home provides support to Armed Forces veterans of all ages in Scotland, through care homes and a Veterans’ Village, including an Activity Centre, and has constructed a number of Single Living Apartments. ssafa is the UK’s oldest national tri-service charity, existing for over 130 years to relieve need, suffering and distress amongst Armed Forces veterans and their families, in order to support their independence and dignity.

St Vincent’s Hospice will be known to many as providing in-patient care to those with life limiting conditions, but also a day care service offering emotional and other support. About 70% of the running costs have to be achieved through fundraising. The Star Project is an award winning Community Development Organisation based in Paisley, delivering a diverse programme of creative group, community, and individual support to adults and families.

The Mwandi Baby Milk Project has been supported for a number of years by sending funds through the Kirk’s Missionary Partners based in Zambia. The money is used to purchase baby milk for children where mothers are unable to provide this.

During Lockdown periods, while there may not be the opportunity to make retiral offering donations at the Kirk, these may be made at the Foodbank at the West Halls on Tuesdays in envelopes, marked accordingly. Alternatively, there will be a tab available on the Kirk website www.houstonkillellankirk.org at the appropriate times.

The Charities, as always (and perhaps more so in these difficult times) are most grateful for the support!

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Name a Guide Dog puppy ‘HABBIE’ West Renfrewshire Guide Dogs for the Blind Fundraising Team Name a Guide Dog puppy ‘HABBIE’ We only have £640 to raise to reach our target of £2,500 to name a puppy ‘Habbie’. As you will know due to Covid we have not been able to hold events as we have done in previous years.

If anyone would like to donate to ‘name a puppy’ please visit our just giving page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ kilbarchancommunitypuphabbie or if anyone who like to fundraise with their friends and family and select us as the charity that would be very much appreciated.

Whether you choose to set yourself a fitness challenge, virtual quiz or coffee morning we would love your support! If you would like to support us please contact Anne Ferguson 01505 705602 or anneferguson_1953@hotmail.com

U3A cheery midweek cuppa Paisley & District U3A members can now raise their spirits over a mid-week cuppa and chat. A new activity, initiated by member Mary Law and hosted by group co-ordinator Jane Hughes, allows safe social contact despite lockdown measures. The free Tea about Three zoom club on Wednesday afternoons opens at 2.45pm.

Jane Hughes remarked: “All the changes introduced to deal with the pandemic means face to face group meetings cannot happen for a while. So it made sense to offer a safe way for younger and older members to still be sociable and stay in touch. At least we can now see someone else’s four walls! There’s no agenda for Wednesdays.

People make a cuppa, bring it to the meeting and enjoy a friendly chat as they put the world to rights. We are a welcoming bunch.

So you’ll feel right at home while staying at home.”

Mary Law, from Paisley, had the bright idea to start an ‘On your own’ activity group in 2020. She explained. “A friend told me about the U3A one she went to in England. So I suggested starting it here but then the Corona virus changed everything. Instead of being able to play indoor games, chat in person or meet for afternoon tea as we hoped, things have moved online and now we’ve launched the Tea about Three club.” Mary has also started a beginners’ bridge group and enjoys helping others to learn the game.

For details on how to join the new Tea about Three club or beginners’ bridge group, please visit the U3A website: https://u3asites.org.uk/ paisley/welcome

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Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Future Events

Lochwinnoch International Aid and Fairtrade News

The Swings - Outdoor Performance

March 8th was International Women’s day.

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. We felt it appropriate to mark the day with a donation of £200 to Womankind, an international charity focussed on ending violence against women and girls, advancing women’s economic rights and strengthening women’s political participation and leadership.

Come and enter our world and playground of The Swings. A giant swing set, 5m high and 2 swings, with 2 aerial artists who use the Swings as their aerial apparatus to fly high and appear throughout the day. The Swings will be open at various times for anyone to come and join in. Feel the rush of air pass your face, as you swing higher and higher. An interactive event for all the family.

If restrictions allow we’ll be in Lochwinnoch in 2021, fingers crossed!

Outdoor Art Installation at Castle Semple The ethos of the village and the work of the Arts Festival is a natural “fit” with Renfrewshire Council’s Great Place scheme. The scheme aims to promote an area’s heritage and culture, and to develop suitable places as “cultural destinations”.

Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Committee, Castle Semple County Park and Sustrans have partnered up to ensure that Lochwinnoch stays firmly on the map as a popular and memorable visitor attraction.

Working with the community we will be commissioning and delivering a new sustainable outdoor art installation at Castle Semple.

To keep up to date with what’s happening go to: facebook.com/ groups/LochinnowchArtsFestival

Kilbarchan NWR We continue to meet via Zoom on Tuesday and Friday afternoons at 2.30pm with a full programme of interesting topics, many lighthearted.

We enjoyed our own speaker on Charles Darwin, with members of local groups joining us. The National Organiser has arranged a great variety of speakers each Thursday evening and a fortnight of events towards the end of April.

If you would like to find out more about the national group, please visit the website: www.nwr.org.uk or for information about joining the Kilbarchan group, please telephone Fiona on 01505 348627.

Kilbarchan Parish Church At the time of going to print, the timescale for easing of Covid restrictions was fluid, with some prospects of an accelerated return to the “tiered” system. We intend to resume worship in church when Renfrewshire moves to tier 3 and hope that this may provide the opportunity to conduct services during Holy Week. The restrictions mean that numbers able to attend will be limited and those intending to worship will need to use the booking system. Full details will be posted on our website: www.kilbarchankirk.org Our regular Sunday Reflections will continue and can be found via our website, on our Facebook page and on Youtube. You can also access the Reflections by telephone on 01505 805893.

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Womankind (https://www.womankind.org.uk/) is currently working with its partners in a number of African countries and in Nepal. In Ethiopia for example they are working to end the most prevalent forms of violence against women and girls including child marriage, female genital mutilation and domestic abuse. In Nepal they are working to address caste based discrimination. Lower caste Dalit women for example experience more violence and discrimination than women of other castes.

Quoting from their website £100 could help provide a marginalised woman in Nepal with funding to start her own Business. £55 could contribute to training a teacher on how to protect the rights of young female students.

On Tuesday 20th April we will be hosting a talk by Aron Eales of Strathclyde University. He will be sharing his experiences of work to provide small scale solar PV systems in Malawi. You can register for the talk by visiting the Lochwinnoch International Aid & Fairtrade Facebook page.

During the recent Fairtrade fortnight a range of online events took place. One event which a number of us attended was a coffee tasting experience. Samples were sent out beforehand and we were able to savour the coffee whilst watching a coffee tasting demonstration and also an interview with the producer.

The coffee was from the Sholi co-operative in Rwanda. One message that came through strongly was the importance of the Fairtrade guaranteed minimum price. Coffee prices fluctuate markedly on the international markets and the guaranteed minimum means that small farmers can weather the troughs.

One of our members, Mary Alice also posted a cookery demonstration on our Facebook page. She conjured up a delicious kedgeree incorporating Fairtrade Kilombero rice from Malawi. Our 90 kilo Kilombero rice challenge continues and bags are still available in the Heritage Farmers Market at £3.75 per kg. Alternatively you can ring the number below.

We are still unable to resume any fundraising events but we continue to receive money via our regular monthly subscription scheme and we are always ready to welcome new members.

Individual donations are also welcome. Get in touch through lochintaid@gmail.com or telephone 07702 544868.

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01/04/2021 15:00:32

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ward 9 Cllr Derek Bibby Budget: Renfrewshire Council’s budget was set on the 4th March. Council Tax will be frozen for the coming year. Among the decisions taken Renfrewshire schools, and mental health and adult care services will see investment along with support to young carers. Locally there will be investment in Clyde Muirsheil Park, which will involve tree works and pathway clearance. There will also be funding for traffic reduction studies in our villages designed to bring about safer walking routes.

I would have wanted this to go further in terms of identifying specific traffic calming measures, as the blight of speeding and other issues continues to affect the lives of everyone in our local communities.

CoVid-19: One of the very few positives resulting from the Covid pandemic has been the increased patronage to local shops and businesses, as advocated in the Advertizer over the last 12 months and beyond.

It was therefore with some considerable dismay, that the residents of Lochwinnoch learned of the proposal to end the provision of post office services at the local Spar store from the middle of March.

This was a nonsensical decision, given that we are still in the throes of the pandemic, and one which would require villagers to travel to access these services.

Fortunately, and following strong local opposition, this planned closure has been put on hold, pending discussions on how post office services can best meet the needs of the local community.

There seems little doubt that retaining them in their present location is the best way forward.

Another consequence of the pandemic has been the closure of our cultural and heritage sites and facilities.

The future of the Weavers Cottage has been raised with me by some Kilbarchan constituents.

I contacted National Trust Scotland to seek reassurance regarding plans for its reopening.

Although the cottage will not reopen this year the plan is that normal service will be restored in 2022.

ContaCt: In common with other councillors, I am currently not holding face to face advice surgeries. cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk / 0300 300 1274 or 07534 156007

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Cllr Bill Binks I do hope you are all coping with the current situation and that family and loved ones will soon be able to meet up once again. planning: The main topics under discussion in Ward 9 are planning related. I have received several complaints in relation to the Reporters comments and decisions on the Local Development Plan (LDP) for Renfrewshire. The most verbal being from residents of Lochwinnoch. By the time you read this the Planning Board will have made their decisions. However, before making any recommendation they should heed the comment by the reporter in the summing up on page 349, paragraph 17 and I quote: ‘The consideration of any planning application and proposed layout and final number of housing units would be a matter for the planning authority’. In other words, the final say on whether to build or not to build is down to the Planning Board of Renfrewshire Council.

One final word on the subject. How can the reporter justify allowing development on a green belt site in Lochwinnoch and yet refuse a planning application submitted to the Planning Board to build on land at the Golf Driving Range, Rannoch Road, Johnstone which was designated a brown field site back in 2019?

As members of the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board we do not have to adopt the recommendations, but can apply our own modifications to the proposed LDP. A precedent which has been set by West Dunbartonshire Council in their refusal to accept the Reporters revised plan. roads: I met up with a local resident in Howwood and an officer from the Councils Roads department to look at the junction of Midton Road and Beith Road at West Corseford. There have been many accidents at this junction over the years all caused by excessive speeding. We discussed the putting up of chevron barriers, to reconfiguration of the road and more warning signs.

Reducing the current speed limit from 60mph to 40mph is already in the pipeline for implementation. I did also mention that the electronic 30mph signs either end of the village were not working. This again is in hand but delayed because of the virus situation as the engineers have to travel from England to complete the works. hoWWood plaYparK: It’s good to see that the Friends of Howwood Playpark have secured a ten-year lease from the Council for the use of the old changing rooms in the park. They are now actively looking for funds to regenerate the building.

ContaCt: cllr.bill.binks@renfrewshire.gov.uk / 0300 300 1423 or 07976 239949

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Cllr Andy Doig 2021/22 BUDGET: Renfrewshire Council’s 2021/22 budget was passed last month, incorporating significant investment for my ward.

I am pleased to report that the Budget included new monies to upgrade and refurbish the kitchens in Howwood Village Hall. I also requested more money for priority road markings to put in new safety features at the notorious Bowfield Country Club junction which has been the scene of many accidents. There will also be a clean out of the gullies in Bowfield Road and the resurfacing of George Street. This represents the biggest tranche of council investment in Howwood for many decades.

ROADS: Many constituents over the last year in Kilbarchan, Howwood, and Lochwinnoch, have contacted me in relation to increased speeding through the villages, and the risk this causes.

Accordingly the Rural Safe Walking Initiative will look at a range of anti-speeding measures, from speedbumps to chicanes, and consult with local communities as to the best way forward. Kilbarchan will be one of the first villages where the Initiative will be piloted, as there have been several speeding incidents in the village over the last four months.

SCHOOLS: There will also be new monies to establish a new Schools Infrastructure Fund which will see a new Thorn Primary built in the Johnstone North part of my ward, as well as an upgrade for the playgrounds at both St Margaret Primary in Johnstone and Lochwinnoch Primary. There will further be an examination of the drainage issues at Howwood Primary School playground with remedial action planned.

CONTACT: Councillors are not at the moment having face to face surgeries due to the Covid 19 restrictions. cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk / 07534 148224 facebook Independent Voice/Ward9JohnstoneAndVillages twitter @CllrAndy4Ward8

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out & about Kilbarchan & District Beekeepers Association Beekeepers are often asked if their bees will die when winter temperatures plummet as they did in February this year. Thankfully, bees can withstand very low temperatures provided they have enough stores (food) and the hive is wind and water tight with some insulation added. They also need to have a good number of bees to form a healthy cluster that will generate sufficient heat for them to survive.

That is not to say there are not some casualties sadly, especially toward the end of winter when instead of warming temperatures there is a prolonged cold damp spell. Beekeepers need to check the stores in their hives (carefully without letting residual heat out) and hopefully if all is well the Queen will have begun to lay eggs to create new young bees. A good sign of early life is bees foraging on warmer days and taking pollen back to the hive.

Aconites, crocus, snowdrops and gorse are all good food sources at this time of year, followed by blue bells and early blossom.

Meanwhile beekeepers have not been idle in winter.

Online meetings have continued along with talks and discussions by speakers as far away as America. At the February KDBA online meeting medical herbalist Nikki Addiss, gave a fascinating talk on Honey and Healing, which covered the uses of locally produced honey as treatment for a whole range of illnesses, from arthritis to chest and throat infections. She talked about a growing number of studies that have found honey to be an important addition to the medicine cabinet. Hopefully, future studies will continue to produce positive results for its benefits to health.

Colourful Kilmacolm This year, more than ever before, we are all looking forward to springtime and hoping for better weather – and better everything – enabling us to get out and about more. Even gardening activities have inevitably been curtailed, but the committee of Colourful Kilmacolm has been active in the background. Learning from our experience last year when plants were difficult to come by, we have already placed our order for this summer’s displays, which we can assure you will be bright and cheerful. Before that there will be spring bulbs galore to gladden our spirits. Watch out for variations on previous years’ themes.

We are pleased to report that membership is holding up well, and we take this opportunity to thank our members for their renewed subscriptions. These are always welcome, but especially this year as Inverclyde Council has, understandably, been unable to support us financially. We were therefore particularly delighted to be given a generous contribution from the Co-op Local Community Fund.

The local Co-op provides a very valuable service to the community, and in turn, we hope that our efforts help to make our village a pleasant, welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.

At the time of writing it seems very likely that our AGM will again be held virtually. Members will be informed of arrangements in due course.

If you would like to be involved, either actively or by donating, visit www.colourfulkilmacolm.org.uk or phone Peter (01505 872448) or Liz (07963973031) for more information.

If you are interested in beekeeping for yourself, please contact our secretary via helenajbee@gmail.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 Instagram via kilbarchanbeekeepers or Twitter @ KilbarchanBees

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May Deadline Date: Wednesday 21ST April

RSPB Lochwinnoch Easy does it At the time of writing, the outlook is beginning to look a bit more positive. Of course, Brighter Bridge of Weir’s volunteers haven’t been about much in the past several months - just enough to keep things going - but they have been busy behind the scenes, planning for the better days ahead. Their order has been placed for the summer plants and they’ve chosen a varied and colourful selection. Delivery of the plants is expected around the end of May or early June.

In the meantime, they’ll be tidying up the existing plants and shrubs, and they hope to be putting the finishing touches to the Heritage Garden (although when they say ‘finishing touches’, like everything else they do, it will continue to develop and change over time).

Let’s hope that everyone can make the most of the coming months after all, we deserve it, don’t we?

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A visit to RSPB Lochwinnoch in April is a chance to see much of our well-loved spring wildlife. Red and blue damselfly species are emerging, orange-tip butterflies flit among the pinkywhite cuckooflower and bluebells open amongst the wild garlic in the woods. For the birds, the breeding season is in full swing – and song! – as our avian summer visitors like swallows and sedge warblers continue to arrive, adding to the rich dawn chorus and joining our resident birds in building nests, laying eggs and even raising early broods of young.

Updates for Visitors: Our trails and carpark are still open! Please abide by government guidelines while visiting.

We will re-open the shop when the government restrictions on non-essential retail allow.

Our toilet re-opened on 19th March.

Be mindful of the breeding season: minimise disturbance by walking dogs on leads or under close control, staying on the trails and keeping noise to a minimum.

You can visit our website or Facebook page for up-to-date information on our facilities: https://www.facebook.com/ RSPBLochwinnochNR Have you been enjoying nature in Spring? Let us know on Facebook @RSPBLochwinnochNR or twitter @RSPBLochwinnoch

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Snappy U3A Winners

Kilbarchan Smile

There were plenty of smiling faces at this month’s Paisley & District U3A meeting. Winning entries for the 2020 digital photography competition were announced online by Gryffe camera club former chair, Kate Cummings. She and fellow judge, Scottish professional photographer, Guy Hinks, chose Pat Cook’s wild flower picture in the nature category as overall winner. Snaps taken by Gordon Phillips and Allana Parker came top in the humour, landscape and location categories.

The regular Community Spring Clean Up has been postponed.

Kilbarchan Smile this year is joining in with Keep Scotland Beautiful and the council’s Team Up to Clean Up to organise events from 28th of May to 20th of June – watch this space for details.

Meanwhile, many thanks go to all the volunteers who do regular litterpicks around the village, including Rachel Byrne pictured here doing her bit for wildlife and walkers in the Burntshields woods.

Regular young litter pickers aged 5 to 15 can apply for a Blue Peter Green Badge offering free access to Edinburgh Zoo, Country Parks and many more venues. If you would like to get involved, refuse sacks, gloves, tabards and info are available by contacting Kilbarchan Smile on 07952 169341.

U3A chair, Kathy O’Donnell commented: “Living through a pandemic obviously affected the way we lived and what we could photograph. We are so grateful to Kate Cummings and Guy Hinks for volunteering to judge our second annual photography competition.

They were impressed by the many eye catching submissions from talented members.”

Kate Cummings said: “We loved Pat Cook’s beautiful photograph for its detail and colour tones.

It is simple yet striking. In fact, it’s just the kind of picture we all aspire to take.”

On being told she was the overall winner, Pat Cook in Renfrew said: “I’m extremely surprised and delighted to discover my image has been well received. I enjoy taking photos, especially of natural history subjects. Being restricted during lockdown meant I was searching for subjects locally, and in the summer there were plenty of wildflowers around in the local fields.”

Spring Flowers

View the judges’ winning selection of photos at: https:// u3asites.org.uk/paisley/welcome

Pat Cook’s Wild Flower

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Spring flowers blooming in K i l b a r c h a n Community G a r d e n .

Kilbarchan Smile volunteers are looking forward to welcoming visitors again when restrictions allow. Distanced access from Friday 12th of March, or to get involved later in the year call 07952 169341.

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | SPRING April 2021

Equine Rescue and Education Equine Rescue and Education SCIO is a registered charity based in Howwood, run by a board of Trustees and a small group of volunteers.

We specialise in working with horses and ponies who are hard to rehome and need long term rehabilitation due to behaviour or health issues. This includes a little rescue pony who arrived terrified of people. One of our team has slowly gained his trust, and he can now be handled by her, meaning he can receive all the routine care he needs, such as his feet being seen to and dental checks. He can’t be rehomed as his own health would be at risk without routine care.

This is just the beginning of his education.

All our horses are given the opportunity to find out what they can and cannot do, what they want to do and what they do not want to do, in their own time. Patience, time, and kindness is often what it takes to help our horses heal and flourish.

We believe horses should be loved for who they are and not what they can do for us. Ridden or not ridden, young or old, cuddly or like their own space we are the place where they can be themselves as they recover.

However, due to the nature of horses and ponies we tend to work with, funding remains an ongoing worry. We have been hit especially hard this past year as all our fundraising activities could not go ahead due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. We receive no government funding and rely on the generosity of the general public for donations. We are always looking for donations, of any size, to help us keep the sanctuary going.

We would also ask you consider sponsoring us for the Virtual Kiltwalk 2021 which we are all (horses and ponies included!) taking part in. Sir Tom Hunter will even add 50% extra to our fundraiser.

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Kilmacolm Horticultural Society The Kilmacolm Horticultural Society are holding a Virtual Spring Bulb Show, which will be presented through their website: www.kilmacolmhorticultural. com on Saturday 17th April.

Photographs of Spring bulbs in the garden or home, with thanks to our members for sending in colourful entries, by email to: kilmacolmhorticulturalsociety@ gmail.com, - deadline for entries is Wednesday 14th April.

We are hoping but cannot give any certainty to the traditional Annual Flower Show being held on 4th September, but gardeners everywhere will be hoping for a good summer of flowers and produce.

You can stay updated on all our activity and adventures, including the Kiltwalk and ways to support us, by following us on our social media - just search for Equine Rescue and Education!

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01/04/2021 12:14:39

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Duchal Woods to Quarriers River walk This lovely walk follows the Gryffe Water as it meanders through open countryside from Kilmacolm to Quarriers village. Affording plenty of places to picnic and a great wild swimming spot if you are feeling brave enough.

The walk begins at the village entrance to Milton Woods – known locally as Duchal Woods. Walk through woods to the road at the bottom.

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by Rona Simpson

Length: 4.5 miles Duration: 2 hours or more if you stop for a swim!

Rating: Easy Points of Interest: Denniston Motte/wild swimming

Take a left and follow the road to a bridge 2 minutes away.

Denniston motte is on the hill to the right.

Cross the style on the far side of the bridge then carefully make your way over the small burn and follow the feint path on the side of the woodland with the river on your right.

Pass into the field by a large fallen tree and keep following the edge of the river as it bends to the left. This is a great spot for a picnic and a dip.

Keep following the river all the way to the road. Cross the road following the green signpost for Quarriers Village down some steps and enter the playing fields by the river where at the far side you will see a playground.

Denniston MottE Mottes were defensive structures built often with a wooden or stone castle tower built on the flat top. They were introduced into Scotland by Norman settlers in the twelfth century.

It is thought that the motte belonged to Hugh de Danielstoun, a knight who fought on the side of Edward the I. Later this Motte might have been used as a meeting place indicated by the discovery of a 15th – 16th century bronze or copper counting piece, found in a sheep scrape on the north side of the motte. (Taken from Renfrewshire History Forum).

Keep following the river, now on your left, and it will take you to the rear of the Sommerville Hall.

Cross the bridge to join the cycle track – paying attention to the info boards as you go which explain the history of Quarriers.

Follow the cycle track back to Kilmacolm.

2012-06-30 113 Quarriers Village”

by Martyn Jenkins is licensed with CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

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01/04/2021 12:14:41

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | SPRING April 2021

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Pedal The Park

Is it time to “switch on” to an e-Bike?

Sunday 23rd May 2021 Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch.

E-Bikes are growing in popularity and it’s not hard to see why – especially if you don’t relish cycling uphill!

Looking for a new training challenge for 2021? Sign up to Clyde Muirshiel & Ride63’s annual sportive Pedal the Park, taking place on Sunday 23rd May 2021.

The event will start at Castle Semple Visitor Centre in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire at 8am and will follow a challenging 115km route with approx 1650 meters of climbing through Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and North Ayrshire, the rough boundary of the Regional Park. It is aimed at road bikes but hybrids, e-bikes etc are very welcome.

This is not a closed road sportive.

Pedal the Park is supporting CLIC Sargent in Scotland for the third year in a row, helping children and their families affected by cancer in the local area, with over a third of the £20 entry fee going to charity. The remaining funds will go towards Ride63’s target of improving cycling facilities and routes in the OS map 63 area.

Sign up now via British Cycling and set yourself a winter training target for you and your turbo, plus it will encourage you outside! Planning a new bike purchase soon? Signing up to Pedal the Park will get you new season ready. You can also ride for your own charity or raise additional funds for CLIC Sargent. What are you waiting for? Sign up now through British Cycling.

Food & service stops will be available if Covid regulations allow at the time and we will update the info here once we know the current situation.

Still need a bit of convincing? Here are a few other reasons to join the e-Bike revolution...

1. They’ll help you go further, faster, longer.

You can get up to 15mph almost instantly on an e-bike and with no energy sapping hills to contend with you’ll manage to cycle much further too.

2. They get you riding more.

According to a recent report by the Transport Research Laboratory, 46% of regular bikes are being used just once or twice a week. In comparison, 30% of people with e-Bikes use them once a day, while a massive 81% ride them at least once a week. Which means that e-Bike users are twice as likely as regular riders to get out there and ride.

3. They can help keep you fit.

Because you’re riding more, you’ll be pedalling more – even if that electric motor is helping you out on occasion. E-bikes are especially great for people who love the idea of riding a bike, but feel they can’t because their fitness isn’t what it could be, or isn’t what it used to be due to age or illness or just don’t like hills!

4. They can help save you money.

An eBike is far cheaper than buying, insuring and maintaining a car and a lot less than forking out for a season ticket or taking regular trips on public transport.

5. They’re great for commuting.

Not only will they save you cash and get you fit on your way to work, they can also free you from the misery of either stalemated traffic (the average speed of cars in central Glasgow is only 7.4mph!) you’ll zip past everyone on your e-Bike, it also allows you to avoid overcrowded trains and buses.

Last but not least - they’re just so much fun to ride!

The full range of Hikobike E-bikes costing from £1,375 are exclusively available across Glasgow and the West of Scotland only through spokes.

The event was unable to go ahead as planned on 2nd May due to Covid regulations so it has now been rescheduled to Sunday 23rd May. All riders registered already will have an email informing them and have automatically been moved to the new date.

Event updates will be posted on the Ride 63 facebook page A Rider Information Pack will be issued to all riders 2 weeks before the event by email.

If you entered the 2020 event which regrettably had to be cancelled due to COVID-19, you have automatically been transferred to the 2021 event. So get out that turbo trainer or cycle (as permitted by current regulations) and get into training.

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01/04/2021 12:14:42

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clubs & schools

St Fillan’s Primary School Learning in Lockdown: On Monday 16th February, our Primary one to three children returned to school following a period of lockdown and remote learning. Our boys and girls demonstrated great resilience and independence as they engaged in all of the exciting home learning tasks that their teachers had set for them. They participated well in their live interactions and enjoyed taking part in Mental Health Week. We are super proud of their efforts and their ability to follow our school values and aims from the comfort of their own homes! We were so excited about their return to school that we decorated the school gates with banners and balloons. It was so lovely to see their smiley faces and we hope to welcome our bigger boys and girls back to school in the same style later on this month.

Golden Ticket Tea Party: Every month, the Head Teacher, Mrs Mackenzie hosts a ‘Golden Ticket Tea Party.’ Two guests are selected from each class to join the Head Teacher for a hot chocolate and snack as a reward for their achievement in living by our school values and going ‘Above and Beyond.’ On Friday 12th February, every child in the school received a golden envelope with their invitation to attend an online ‘Golden Ticket Tea Party.’ The children even received a sachet of hot chocolate, some marshmallows, a sweetie and a certificate to make the online interaction even more special and enjoyable. We believe that every child has been a star during this unprecedented time and they have all gone ‘Above and Beyond’ to cope with the challenges of the pandemic. A great time was had by all!

Houston Primary School Pupils Return On Monday 22nd February we welcomed back our EL&CC and P1-3 pupils following the recent lockdown. It was just wonderful to see so many excited faces.

Unfortunately our P4-7 pupils have to stay at home for a bit longer and engage in their lessons via Google Classroom. We look forward to them returning on 15th March.

B&Q Support Outdoor Learning Lily’s mum organised resources to support outdoor learning for our pupils who attend the Hub during lockdown. We are very grateful to B&Q for their generosity.

Men’s Shed Logo Competition:

Renfrewshire’s Sumdog Competition

Our boys and girls were invited to take part in an art competition whilst learning from home. The competition was organised in partnership with Houston & Killellan Kirk who were looking for a logo design to be created as a symbol for their ‘Men’s Shed’ initiative.

A big congratulations to Primary 4B for coming 15th in the recent Renfrewshire SumDog competition.

We were delighted to hear that one of the children in our Primary 5/4 class, Lucy Dempster was successful in the submission of her design. Her simplistic, yet effective design was colourful, eye catching and depicted a rainbow. Rainbows are a sign of hope for us at this time.

Fantastic effort from Jack Crerar who was 7th and Kyle Moulton who was 18th overall out of 2246 pupils who took part.

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Fairtrade Fortnight at Gryffe Every year at Gryffe High School we support Fairtrade, most notably during Fairtrade Fortnight - and despite not being able to do our usual run of events, we still encouraged everyone in our school community to think about and get involved with Fairtrade.

Our S1 and S2 pupils undertook a number of remote learning tasks to engage with the Fairtrade Fortnight 2021 theme of climate change.

They thought about what climate change is; the impact of it; and the likely scenarios of what our world will look like in the future if we do not act now. Pupils were encouraged to ‘Share Their Vision’ of the world they want to see - from climate change reversal to rewilding of natural spaces.

The Fairtrade Foundation had excellent resources available through their ‘Choose the World You Want’ online festival, encouraging us all to think about how actions, no matter how small, have an impact. Pupils also learned that by spending a bit more and purchasing Fairtrade products, the farmers and producers are guaranteed a living income to ensure that they can afford to send their children to school, have safe working conditions and do what they can on the frontline to protect the environment (when the very tough choice about survival can often mean selling their land to loggers and miners resulting in devastating deforestation).

Our main activity this year was encouraging all pupils to bake using Fairtrade ingredients and create a design feast for the eye (since we can’t taste anything...!), and pupils and staff took the brief and made some wonderful creations.

Prizes will be winging their way to entrants to enjoy some well-earned Fairtrade treats!

Mrs J. Davey on behalf of the Citizenship Committee

Duchal Nursery After providing a key worker service for the start of the year it has been wonderful to welcome all the children back to Duchal again, they have all grown both physically and in confidence since we last saw them and we are delighted to hear all their chatter and excitement filling the nursery!

We’ve made the most of the recent lovely settled weather, allowing us to make the most of the garden for activities, including making geometric bubbles of all shapes and sizes and splat painting to demonstrate the effects of gravity; this did result in some enthusiastic use of paint.

We’ve built a wormery in nursery so the children can see the amazing job these creatures do in keeping our soil in a state which supports the growth of our food.

We are now offering places for August 2021 and delighted that we now provide free funded places, please do get in touch to find out more, if your child will be of nursery age after the summer and you are looking at your pre school options, for August or in the future. We are now open daily from 8.15am – 6pm during term time.

Duchal Nursery has been established in Kilmacolm for over 50 years and is a fantastic place to begin your child’s pre-school education. As an independent nursery our children move on to various schools in Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Glasgow. Please visit our website for more information – www.duchal.com and find us on Facebook. If you would like to come and visit the Nursery please get in 01505 874358 or email: info@duchal.com

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01/04/2021 14:17:44

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Bridge of Weir Primary School Lockdown Learning It’s hard to believe we’re looking back on another period of lockdown, when the pupils of Bridge of Weir Primary once again had to learn at home.

The online learning platforms Seesaw and Google Classroom swung back into action, as pupils checked their devices daily for their lessons. They completed some maths, literacy, health and wellbeing, and one other curricular area every day.

Every week we had face to face interactions using Google Meet.

It was great to see our teachers and classmates, even if only on a screen.

The teachers at Bridge of Weir Primary were delighted with the level of online engagement, and the amount of work pupils submitted.

School also remained open for children of key workers and became known as ‘The Hub’.

Pupil Anya said “Hub schooling is very different to normal school.

Usually in school you work all day, but for hub school the teacher sets tasks to do over the duration of the day everyone gets a Chromebook to work on. Once everyone in the class is finished we get to play outside! There are lots of activities to choose from like tig, hide-and-seek, and sometimes drawing on the concrete with jumbo chalk! It is great fun, and it gives everyone the chance to make new friends”. She continued “While having lunch at the hub school, all the pupils love to watch movies and if one wasn’t enough, every Friday the P5 – 7 have a movie club where they can enjoy a drink and a sweet treat.”

At the point of writing, we are all looking forward to seeing everyone back in school, and we are looking forward to better times.

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St Columba’s Thrives in Lockdown Since 2020, the closure and partial reopening of schools has been an inescapable part of school life. While it is undeniable that there is no substitute for face-to-face teaching and learning, virtual school and everything our community has achieved in the last year has been nothing short of extraordinary.

On March 23rd, 2020, St Columba’s School moved the entire curriculum online, with immediate effect. Since then, teachers’ faces have been projected into the homes of their pupils and our children and young people have been able to continue learning, both independently and by working collaboratively with staff and peers.

In building our virtual school, we have continually sought the views of our parents, adapting the school day and our expectations of our pupils, to ensure the learning experience is as enjoyable and as effective as possible. School events, from the Summer Fete to the Infant Christmas show have taken place online; assemblies - pupil led, of course - have been broadcast every week; and drama, public speaking, music and sport have continued unabated wherever possible.

Inevitably, some pupils initially struggled with this new way of learning, but others did not just cope, they excelled. Those with specific learning needs, such as dyscalculia or dyslexia, have benefitted from being able to work at their own pace, revisiting recorded lessons and PowerPoints after the ‘school day’ is finished. Some pupils who would sit silently in the physical classroom have found security in learning from behind a screen, and contributed readily in online forums and discussions.

Remote learning has given students greater autonomy to work at their own pace, in their own way, choosing whether to have their camera on or off, to contribute orally or via text; to listen passively or engage actively. Given this flexibility and control, many pupils have thrived.

When pupils returned to school in late 2020, webcams allowed for teaching and learning to continue seamlessly, despite frequent absences of both staff and pupils due to self-isolation or illness.

We cannot go back to the model of teaching and learning of 2019. Instead we must look to the future, based on an understanding that now, more than ever, we are living in a digital world and we have a responsibility, as a school, to ensure that we are equipping pupils with the skills they need not simply to participate in that world, but to shape it.

Visit us online by registering for one of our virtual open events – we look forward to meeting you! st-columbas.org Follow us on social media for details of an exciting community art trail round Kilmacolm. We will be hosting this event over the Easter weekend, in partnership with local families, organisations and businesses.

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01/04/2021 14:17:49

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Lochwinnoch Primary Funding Bid Lochwinnoch Primary School Parent Council has secured a share of funding made available through the Scottish Government’s Community Climate Asset Fund (CCAF) contributing to a green and just recovery from COVID-19. The CCAF is providing capital funding for a variety of items which will help community-based organisations to tackle climate change as Scotland accelerates it’s just transition to a net zero society.

The CCAF is a Scottish Government fund, administered by Keep Scotland Beautiful, and 279 community-based organisations from across Scotland have been awarded more than £3.2 million of funding to tackle climate change. Building on the invaluable contribution that community-based organisations are making to Scotland’s COVID-19 response, the CCAF will help them to play a prominent role in the green recovery.

LPS Parent Council have been awarded a grant of £4,061 for a community growing hub to help the community of Lochwinnoch reduce local carbon emissions through growing fruit and vegetables for residents in the village. The parent council has formed a partnership with Lochwinnoch Community Garden and outwith school hours part of the site will be open for the wider community to use.

Learn more https://www.facebook.com/LochwinnochPSParentCouncil Alison Ramsey, vice-chair of Lochwinnoch Primary School Parent Council said: “We are delighted to have received this funding to improve our school garden.

“We plan to use the money to buy raised beds, tools, a shed, seeds and plants. This will transform the garden space and help to educate all the children in the school in food growing. We are also looking forward to opening up the space to the wider community and forming strong links with Lochwinnoch Community Garden for the benefit of everyone in the village.”

Anne Menzies, Principal Teacher at Lochwinnoch Primary said “We are delighted to be able to expand our school garden and are looking forward to learning more about how to grow our own fruit and vegetables. We would like to say a big thank you to the Parent Council for sourcing the funding and we look forward to working with them and the local community to bring the project to life.”

The CCAF is designed to support communities to reduce usage of petrol and diesel cars, cut waste, grow local food, and reduce emissions from community buildings. Community-based organisations have secured funding for items including electric vehicles and bikes, energy efficiency measures in community buildings, and equipment to grow food and tackle waste.

Further information at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/ccaf

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Castle Semple Sailing Club 2020 didn’t start well for Castle Semple Sailing Club, it seemed like every weekend another storm arrived then just as we thought the weather was improving and we thought we might get sailing …….lockdown happened and we remained closed until late June, when having liaised with our fellow water sports clubs at the loch and RYA Scotland, following CV19 guidance and with risk assessments in place, we managed re-open in a very limited fashion.

Although all our usual racing and cup events, apart from one, were put on hold we did continue our casual sailing for the rest of the year with our cadets enjoying taking part in training sessions twice a week during the warmer months.

In September we held a one-day RS200 event which attracted 13 boats and some excellent sailing weather for the day – lots of hiking resulting in some tired – but happy looking competitors.

We are hoping that restrictions will be eased by April and that we may be able to run some courses for under 18s and possibly some adult training. But would stress this is all dependent on restrictions easing. If you would like further details/be kept up to date with our plans please contact us at: info@castlesemplesc. co.uk.

We are open for new memberships and have space in our compound for dinghies.

See our website for further info: www.castlesemplesc.co.uk

Regular Meet Classes Move it or Lose it!

Zoom Pilates classes

I’m sure we are all looking forward to brighter days ahead. To the day when we can reunite at our fun filled classes to enjoy the friendship, laughter and wonderful music that lifts our spirits.

As soon as we are able, I will be in touch with all my class members to confirm the restart date.

Contact Fiona 07811 766672 or visit www.moveitorloseit.co.uk

Mondays at 9.30am - 10.30am & 7pm - 8pm Tel: Yvonne 07786 224367 or yvonne@clydephysiotherapy. co.uk

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Zumba Light St Fillan’s Church, Kilmacolm Mondays 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.

Energise with Laura

Rebok Step Class

Online Yoga Classes.

Monday - Beginner friendly DDP Yoga at 6pm Thursday - Intermediate DDP Yoga at 6pm Contact energisewithlaura@ gmail.com or visit www. energisewithlaura.com

Freeland’s Church Hall, B of W Tuesdays at 10am - all levels 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.

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: jennifermcghee@hotmail.co.uk

Due to current government advice 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.

01/04/2021 14:17:55

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Kilmacolm Golf Club

The Course Is Open Thankfully golfers in Scotland have been able to enjoy their sport during the recent lockdown, unlike their counter parts south of the border, and the members of Kilmacolm Golf Club have been making the most of the many health benefits from playing golf.

New Course Manager With the arrival of our new Course Manager, Jim McMurdo, and his green keeping team, the course is looking fantastic, despite some inclement Scottish weather during January and February. With its wonderful location the course is certainly the place to be enjoying some fresh air and our fabulous countryside!

Clubhouse opening soon With the easing of restrictions, we hope the clubhouse will soon be fully re-opened, giving access to our new indoor studio, which is perfect for tuition, practice and fun, social golf. We are also excited to announce our new catering set up, offering members refreshments before or after their round. Neil Moodie will be running our catering with some scrumptious offerings, we can’t wait to have a busy clubhouse again!

Charity Fundraising

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Old Ranfurly Ladies Section

The ladies golf season has got off to a good start this year. We have been very fortunate to be able to play during present lockdown and many ladies have enjoyed winter golf when weather permitted. We are now able to play 4 in groups of 4 from different households allowing all the usual competitions to take place. There’s been an excellent turnout already at a selection of Stableford Competitions and a Ladies medal. Unfortunately the Fun Tri-am for Monday 29th March was cancelled due to the severe weather conditions. Many more competitions are planned for the coming season including in April a Texas Scramble and the Anne Lavety Memorial Stableford.

An extensive range of competitions is planned for rest of the season.

One of the highlights of this is the Ladies Open Competition to be held on Thursday 1st July 2021. It’s a Greensomes format £20 per couple. It’s a very popular event and attracts competitors from all over including Helensburgh and Arran. We are looking forward to welcoming all entrants to our newly refurbished club house for what is always a competitive and enjoyable days golfing. Since February we have had a very welcome addition to our facilities on the course in the form of a ‘Coffee Cart’ As the club house is closed at present the catering staff have brought the club house outdoors to the course. As well as our members enjoying a hot drink and snack many passing walkers also enjoy our hospitality. Hopefully our golf season this year will be able to proceed as planned as everything gets back to normal. Fingers crossed and good luck ladies!!

Despite lockdown, Kilmacolm Golf Club have continued with their support for Erskine Veterans. This year has been extremely tough for the charity sector so we were determined to continue our support. As we couldn’t host the usual bridge afternoon we held our 1st ever virtual online event, with 36 enthusiastic players taking part and enjoying a sociable afternoon game online. First held at the club in 1977, this annual event has generated around £22,000 for Erskine since its inception.

May Deadline Date: Wednesday 21st April 34-41 SCHOOLS-SPORTS 313_SPRING-APR21.indd 40

01/04/2021 14:17:58

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | SPRING April 2021

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= = = = = ADVERTISING FEATURE = = = = =

Looking for a new golf club?

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club are looking for you! We have a new Professional and Shop plus a refurbished Clubhouse. There are also amazing new membership offers and fun programs for Ladies and Juniors. Social memberships mean all the family can join in!

PGA Professional, Stuart Smith (aka @GolfGuruStu) brings all the services you’d expect from your local Professional. The Shop is easily accessible at the Clubhouse entrance. We’ve partnered with Foremost Golf to access the widest range of products from leading brands in store, or online via their Singles Service plus there’s a Price Match Promise!

Outdoor Fun at Strathgryffe!

We are introducing love.golf backed by ground-breaking research introducing ladies to golf. Love.golf is a proven approach to women’s coaching, delivered by a community of coaches who engage, inspire and progress women in the sport. Stuart Smith is the only love.golf coach in Glasgow, see contact details below.

For Juniors, we offer the Golphin MyPathway2Golf Program; a digital platform to help Golf Clubs increase Junior participation.

By providing an exciting, fun, and comprehensive package of resources we hope to inspire more Juniors in the local community to get involved, love the game and become life-long members at the Castle.

Introducing “Member Get Member 20/20 Offer” where members and new member(s) (it’s cumulative too!) get a discount on your subscription for 2 years! If you have any friend(s) who are looking for a club to join, then get them to the Castle – it’s a win win!

If you and your family and friends would like to know more about membership, contact the Club on 01505 612609 or email gm@ ranfurlycastlegolfclub.co.uk.

For any equipment enquiries or information on coaching opportunities, please contact Stuart on the above number (Tuesday to Saturday) or email professional@ranfurlycastlegolfclub.co.uk Follow us: Facebook @RanfurlyCastleGolfClub Twitter @gc_ ranfurly for daily updates.

Local tennis players have been enjoying the great outdoors at Strathgryffe Tennis, Squash & Fitness Club. Despite the local restrictions, group coaching has been able to continue outdoors and the children have been having a blast!

Coaching is available for children age 2 years upwards and adults of all ages. All playing standards welcome. The next block of coaching starting in April is now available. For further information go to: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/StrathgryffeLTC/Coaching.

Strathgryffe continues to offer other social and competitive opportunities for tennis players and the recent easing of restrictions now allows for doubles tennis. To find out more information about Strathgryffe, visit: www.strathgryffe.net.

= = = = = ADVERTISING FEATURE = = = = =

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

coming events

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.

APRIL Thursday 8th - Saturday 10th

Animated Shorts 1 virtual event - daily from 10am Puppet Animation Scotland - A selection of short films ranging from 2-8 mins in length. Inspiring, heartwarming and full of adventure, our programme of miniature tales is suitable for all children from age 3+ and their families to watch together.

Once you reserve your ticket, you will receive a link to watch all of the films at the pace which suits you, with all films remaining online for three days. This programme is available to audiences living in the UK only. This is the first of two short animation programmes. https:// www.puppetanimationfestival.org/ whatson/animated-shorts-1/

Saturday 10th

Paisley Farmers Market beside Gilmour Street Station, Paisley PA1 1BS 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.

MonDAY 12th - Mon 31st May ACCORD Online Art Exhibition virtual event All for one ACCORD – an online Art Exhibition where all paintings have been donated. ACCORD Hospice are delighted to be able to have on sale a variety of paintings, all that have been donated by our wonderful and generous artists.

100% of all sales will be coming to ACCORD. A huge thanks to all the artists below who donated to this online exhibition. Arrangements for the pick up of purchased paintings will be carefully timed. More details at https://www.accordhospice. org.uk/event/all-for-one-accordonline-art-exhibition/

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Thursday 15th - Saturday 17th

Animated Shorts 2 virtual event - daily from 10am Eccentric, adventurous and full of creativity, our programme of miniature tales is suitable for all children from age 7+ and their families to watch together this Easter holidays. The programme offers the chance not only to watch animation but also to try your hand at making your own, with short video tutorials from leading animators sharing simple animation activities for families to try at home.

This is the second of two short animation programmes. https:// www.puppetanimationfestival.org/ whatson/animated-shorts-2/

Friday 16th - Saturday 24tH

Online Paisley Food and Drink Festival virtual event The popular Paisley Food and Drink Festival is taking a different shape for 2021 – with a tempting online programme across nine days this April.

Follow @paisleyis on Facebook and @paisleyfoodanddrink on Instagram for the latest updates.

Information on the events and how to get involved in the interactive experiences and online cooking demonstrations can be found at https://paisley.is/featured_event/ paisley-food-and-drink-festival/

Saturday 17th

Virtual Spring Bulb Show virtual event Hosted by Kilmacolm Horticultural Society with photographs of Spring bulbs in the garden or home. Please email your entries to: kilmacolmhorticulturalsociety@ gmail.com, - deadline for entries is Wednesday 14th April.

01/04/2021 14:16:08

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | SPRING April 2021

Paisley Food and Drink Festival goes online for 2021

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Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow Show After discussion with the Directors it was agreed that we would take the difficult decision to cancel the Show again this year.

The festival will take place from Friday 16th – Saturday 24th April and will showcase the rich diversity of Renfrewshire’s food and drink offer through a series of vibrant short films and a mouth-watering menu of interactive experiences, including online cooking demonstrations, tastings, workshops and much more.

However, following the success of last year’s virtual show, we will be running another virtual show this year! Details will be revealed very soon! Full details available from our Facebook page and website.

Paisley Food and Drink Festival aims to support local businesses, cafes, bars, restaurants and growers across Renfrewshire and the surrounding area, with spending local more important now than ever.

https://www.kilmacolmshow.org/

https://www.facebook.com/kilmacolmandportglasgowshow

As part of the festival, Renfrewshire Council is producing a series of short films shining a spotlight on local food and drink businesses and the range of cuisine available across the area’s towns and villages.

The ‘Taste of Renfrewshire’ videos will be screened online across the nine days alongside a fantastic programme of virtual experiences.

Friday 16th April: Regular partners The Rum Shack and Three Sisters Bake are back for this year’s online event with a special Rum Shack Takeover evening of rum tastings (rum boxes can be purchased in advance), live bands and Caribbean cooking and cocktail making.

Friday 23rd April: Exclusive live Three Sisters Bake-along.

Gantry Paisley will host a virtual gin tasting evening with new local producer Tear Drop Gin. Virtual tasting kits, including four different gins paired with a suggested tonic and garnish, can be purchased online and will be posted out ahead of the event.

Inchinnan’s Barnhill Farm will also stage a variety of farm to table experiences across the festival with fantastic online cooking demonstrations. Pick up locally sourced ingredients and recipes from the Barnhill Farm Shop before learning how to make delicious food along with ‘how to’ videos from the farm.

Saturday 24th April: Paisley’s historic bar and venue The Bungalow hosts an online evening of music and cocktail making.

Enjoy performances from The Vegan Leather, Tom McGuire and The Brassholes, Skaledonia, John Rush and Well Happy Band alongside tips on how to make some of your favourite cocktails by local businesses The Gantry, The Lane, The Swan and The Gleniffer Hotel in Paisley and The Brown Bull in Lochwinnoch.

The festival is also working closely with local takeaway website and app Paisley Eats to help promote businesses. Food outlets who would like to put forward a special dish or offer can do so as members of the Paisley Eats App or through the Paisley.is website.

Zero Waste Scotland will also showcase a number of online cooking demonstrations as part of its Love Food Hate Waste campaign, including MasterChef – The Professionals 2016 winner Gary Maclean’s top tips for cooking with kids, recipes for two special eco-friendly cocktails and advice on how to avoid wasting good food.

Follow @paisleyis on Facebook @paisleyfoodanddrink on Instagram or visit https://paisley.is/featured_event/paisley-food-and-drinkfestival/ for the latest updates.

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01/04/2021 14:16:10

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

WEdnEsday 21Th

Great Guide Dogs Virtual Tea Party virtual event Pop the kettle on and join us for a cuppa this April as we take on another Guinness World Records attempt! Whilst we unfortunately are still unable to have a big faceto-face tea party safely, that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun by coming together online to show people with sight loss that we are still here for them no matter what. Whether you plan to join the party on your own, with family, colleagues or as a fundraising group, let’s make a difference and be record breakers together.

For full details visit guidedogs.org.uk/teatime

Friday 23Th - sunday 25Th

Scotland’s Virtual Kiltwalk Various Take on a challenge of your choice and support a charity you care about, as part of Scotland’s Virtual Kiltwalk! You can take on any Kiltwalk Inspired challenge you wish – go for a walk (of any length), a cycle, jump on a trampoline or even a family scavenger hunt! You decide on your challenge and as long as you’re raising funds for your chosen charity ... anything goes!

Sign up at https://thekiltwalk. co.uk/scotlandsvirtual

saTurday 24Th

Scotland’s Garden Scheme Plant Sale outside Kilmacolm Library, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10am to 12noon In aid of Pancreatic Cancer Scotland and SGS charities. Please check SGS website for updates and visitor guidance.

Paisley Farmers Market beside Gilmour Street Station, Paisley PA1 1BS 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.

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MAY saTurday 1sT

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! Customer entry restricted for everyone’s safety. 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.

ACCORD Hospice Virtual Balloon Race virtual event - from 12noon A virtual balloon race is a 100% eco-friendly simulation whereby everything about the race is real except the balloon, so no birds or animals are harmed during the race!

Track your virtual balloon over the 7 day race period - LIVE! The race starts at 12noon on 1st May and the balloons are “launched” from St Petersburg, Russia. The winning virtual balloon is the one which has flown the furthest from the launch point in Russia. Prizes: First Prize – £500 Second Prize – Apple iPad 10 runner up prizes – £10 book tokens More info here https:// www.accordhospice.org.uk/event/ may-day-balloon-race/

TuEsday 4Th - Friday 7Th

BAFTA Scotland: Guru Live Online virtual event BAFTA Scotland will host its flagship festival for aspiring creatives, Guru Live, online for 2021 between the 4th & 7th May! If you’re a lover of film, games or television then Guru Live is definitely the right fit – but you’ll find the festival especially helpful if you’re just making your start in the industry. Whether that means you’re a graduate looking to take those first steps or you’ve already got a few credits under your belt, we’ve got a session for you!

Tickets are free! Find out more at http://guru.bafta.org/guru-liveglasgow

01/04/2021 14:16:14

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | SPRING April 2021

Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Groups’ last performance was their 2019 panto Alice in Pantoland and members were devastated at not being unable to perform Jack & The Beanstalk in December 2020 at Johnstone Townhall.

So, to try give something back to the community at the festive period, the Group had been rehearsing virtually to perform Carol Singing outside some local Care Homes. The members and the care home staff and residents were so looking forward to this but a change COVID restrictions meant that at the last minute, these could not go ahead. Everyone was so disappointed but the Group hope to do something for the care homes once restrictions are lifted.

Not only has Lockdown impacted the club members, but it has also has impacted the Groups’ fundraising and to that end their Just Giving Page is open for donations - anyone who’d like to contribute to the continued running of the club should use this link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/johnstone-phoenix?utm_ term=gZQVERBPP Over the last few months some other fabulous fundraising activity has seen members: •

organise a fundraising raffle

•

create and sell fabulous JPTG face masks

•

create a virtual concert which involved solo performances and video input from many club members which was great for members and guests to watch

Further fundraising activities are being planned for 2021 … watch this space.

To keep in touch, group members have also been busy having online quiz nights, social nights as well as monthly Committee meetings.

If you are interested in joining the club or want to find out more, please contact us at johnstone.phoenix@hotmail.com or at http://jptg.co.uk/

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ACCORD Hospice Virtual Balloon Race Saturday 1st May 2021 A virtual balloon race is a 100% eco-friendly simulation whereby everything about the race is real except the balloon, so no birds or animals are harmed during the race!

All you have to do is: Buy a virtual balloon – Virtual balloons cost £3. You can buy as many as you like!

The more you buy, the more you increase your chance of winning! Build it – You can customise your virtual balloons shape, size and composition to increase your chance of winning. The race company, Eco racing, use real life weather tracking, so make sure your virtual balloon is built for all weathers!

Track your virtual balloon over the 7 day race period- LIVE! The race starts at 12noon on 1st May and the balloons are “launched” from st Petersburg, Russia. The winning virtual balloon is the one which has flown the furthest from the launch point in Russia.

Prizes: First Prize – £500 Second Prize – Apple iPad 10 runner up prizes – £10 book tokens More info here https://www.accordhospice.org.uk/event/ may-day-balloon-race/

01/04/2021 14:16:16

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

Photographs of Glentyan Estate, 1922 Richard Hunter was proprietor of Glentyan Estate from 1898 until his death in 1939. He kept the gardens well maintained and invested in new additional features to enhance his estate. One of these was the creation of an artificial lake, now known as Glentyan Loch.

Richard’s son, Charles was a keen photographer. When I was first shown the glass negatives of his photographs, they were wrapped in pages of an old newspaper dated 1922. The photographs provide a unique visual record of the estate around one hundred years ago. The image below shows the rose beds to the rear of Glentyan House.

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Local history Listen Closely. Kilbarchan.

Photos: The Cross and Church Street 1900.

Kilbarchan Pipe Band, post-war.

Despite the pandemic Listen Closely: an oral history of Kilbarchan 1900-2000, has sold reasonably well. Any profit that it may make will be shared between Erskine and St.Vincent’s.

People in the book have been delighted: ‘I read it from cover to cover and now go back frequently to enjoy many recollections. We now realise how many things we forgot to tell!’

The publisher, who was responsible for the layout, was pleased that someone ‘liked the layout, easy to read.’

Folk who do not feature realised how close their experiences had been to life in Kilbarchan.

‘The opening chapter reminded me of my village in Fife.’

‘There were many similarities to my time in Girvan.’

‘It was just like my youth in Edinburgh.’

‘There are remarkable memories from local boys who could see Clydebank burning. My own memories of fires at Thameshaven and of machine-gunning German planes remain...’

Glentyan Loch, and a full sized tennis court, were used by the family for leisure and recreation. The boat house also had a punt gun, used for fowling, moored centre front.

A main feature on Glentyan Loch was the Japanese Bridge which separated the loch from the old mill dam which had powered Glentyan Corn Mill.

Authors Colin Campbell and Christine Macleod realised that the main strands of life in the twentieth century were shared throughout the country. Football, pigeons, childhoods, schools, work, the war, prefabs, national service, the cinema, dancing, roaming the countryside and farming were all different from today. Change is the underlying theme of Listen Closely.

The book is available in Kilbarchan shops and at www.thirstybooks

Charles Hunter’s glass negatives were given to me by his sister, Elspeth. She wanted them to be kept in Kilbarchan.

Ian Trushell processed the photographs and the glass negatives are in safe keeping in the village. © 2021 Helen Calcluth, Renfrewshire Local History Forum

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | SPRING April 2021

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Johnstone History Society Sadly as everyone knows due to the Pandemic and present restrictions the Museum has been closed for several weeks however as soon as restrictions are lifted we plan to open as quickly as we can following government guidelines. Our hours will be as usual Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 4pm .

Like the Museum our monthly meetings have had to be stopped so as things stand we will not be resuming this season but hopefully in September we will be able to resume as normal with whatever guidelines are in place at the time. Any of the books and publications we offer for sale in the Museum may be purchased online on our website at johnstonehistory.org and paid for through PayPal. We hope all our members and friends are well and staying safe.

Urban Historian - Weavers Project Weavers of Kilbarchan – Who & Where?

The Weavers of Kilbarchan – Who & Where? Is a new research project being launched by The Urban Historian in April 2021 to research the people behind Kilbarchan’s weaving industry. A gofundme page has been set up to begin raising the funds to allow the research to proceed.

The Weavers of Kilbarchan project aims to investigate the weavers of Kilbarchan Parish from the 17th Century through until the 1921 Census. In addition to the census information the project will also use contemporary 17th & 18th Century records such a Poll Tax, Hearth Tax and other Tax rolls to trace the rise and fall of the weaving industry within the parish.

Working on the project will cost about £45 per day to access all of the relevant census data in Edinburgh over 26 days. All funding received goes straight to the project and will be used to access the records and produce a final publication report.

The start date for the project will be the 1st April 2021 with the intention to complete the project with 2 years.

Why I’m doing this project While preparing a talk on the weavers of Kilbarchan in 2019 it became very apparent that previous research has focused on the weaving processes and the buildings associated with the industry and not the people. Being a genealogist as well as a historian made me start thinking of the people themselves - who were they? Can we put names to properties in the parish/ village? Can we trace the family connections such as children following in their parent’s footsteps or did they move into different parts of the textile industry in the area?

Through the project I hope to answer these questions.

Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/weavers-of-kibarchan-who-where New Books Published In addition to the new project, two new books have been published by the Urban Historian in February 2021. The first is “From the Cottage to the Castle” by Andrew Coats first published in 1887 where Andrew describes his family’s history and then goes on to look at the rise of J & P Coats. The Second volume “Peter Burnet” is a new look at the life of Paisley’s black weaver, who during his lifetime was known as ‘Black Peter’. Peter was born in America and arrived in Paisley in the 1790s learning the weaving trade from Robert Tannahill’s father. He died in Paisley in 1847. Both volumes are available on Amazon.

Everyone who supports the fundraiser will receive the final report and updates on the project.

We appreciate the support of the community.

Full details of The Urban Historians schedule can be found at www.theurbanhistorian.co.uk Stephen can be contacted via email (info@theurbanhistorian.co.uk) or on 07557853960 for further information on any aspect of The Urban Historians activities.

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01/04/2021 14:16:19

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

business classified WE ACCEPT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

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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

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

Advertising throughout The Gryffe Advertizer:

VACANCIES

TUITION

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/ t i m e o r F/ t i m e vacancies for u-5’s and after school. T: 01505 873839.

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Definitions: “Standards” means the British Code of Advertising Practice and the provisions of any law applicable to advertising including, but not limited to, the Trade Descriptions Act, 1968, the Consumer Credit Act 1974, the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988, the Financial Services Act 1986, the Business Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977 and all amendments and replacements.

It is hereby agreed that: • The placing by the Advertising Client of an Advertisement is deemed to be acceptance of these Conditions of Acceptance of Advertising.

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

• Insertion of Advertisements and/or Editorial is strictly at the discretion of the Publisher.

• The Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage incurred by the Advertising Client as a result of any failure, negligence or omission by any party in the course of the distribution or circulation of the Publication in which the Advertisement is scheduled to appear.

• In the event of any error, misprint or omission by the Publisher in the printing of an Advertisement, the Publisher will either reinsert 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.

01/04/2021 14:37:36

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | SPRING April 2021

sales & wants ITEMS FOR SALE CLOTHES & SHOES New Ladies Guess Black Hand Bag. Height 9.1 /2 ” i n c h e s x w i d t h 13.1/2” inches. £30. Tel: 01505 614503.

Tottenham Hotspur away shirt 2021. Brand new NIKE size L, dark green. £50. Tel: 07856 610671.

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN F LY M O X L 5 0 0 H ove r Mower 20” cutting width. Powered by GCV 160 Honda Petrol Engine.

Model No: 9638508-50 / Serial No: 6090051.

Great working order, able to deliver / give demo.

Serviced June 2020, unused since but have receipt. 5 years old, cost new circa £500. Selling for £100 ono. Home: 01505 873165 (BT Call Guardian). Mob: 07768 631500.

Recliner Armchair - electric, as new, rarely used, arm caps and head cover.

Cost £600 sell £140. Tel: 07986 812483.

Chrome/glass bar table a n d 2 c h ro m e /wo o d chairs. VGC. £30. Tel: 07758 370044.

Light Brown Leather 2 Seater Recliner Couch and matching Recliner Swivel Chair with 2 Foot Stools, all in perfect condition.

Great Bargain £300. Tel: 01505 842558.

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.

Large traditional Office Desk (2 large drawers and 4 smaller drawers) and Swivel Chair with writing slope. £100. Tel: 01505 842558.

Sturdy White Chest of Drawers in very good condition, consisting of nappy changing shelf, drawers and cupboard for storage. £30. Tel: 01505 842558.

2 Patchwork type Quilts (both different). Bought in America, lovely condition. £30 each or 2 for £50. Tel: 01505 842558.

4 wrought iron garden chairs. £100. Tel: 07808 774209 .

TECHNICAL & GAMES

ELECTRICAL & GAS

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

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

Cash paid for Vinyl Records and Music CDs (a few or a lot). Tel: 01505 324683 or 07765 115347.

White Chest Freezer in good working order. £25.

Tel: 01505 842558.

SPORTS Chris Hoy CAMMO 650C Road Bike, Dependent on size this is suitable from 7 to 9 years old. A carbon fork, butted 6061T6 aluminium frame and 8-speed Shimano gearing add up to a proper entrylevel race bike rather than a road-bike styled toy. £200. Tel: 07968 124817.

Ladies Bike with 6 gears, in immaculate condition + extras included. £50.

Tel: 07749 482631.

Gents Racer Bike. £20. Tel: 01505 842558.

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Echo show 8 smart display +Alexa 20 x 14cm screen. BRAND NEW. £66. Tel: 07856 610671.

OTHER ITEMS Tr e n d M i n i M a c h f o r sale. £50. Tel: 07763 466490.

S e t o f 6 B a h co wo o d chisels. Never been out of the box. £50. Tel: 07763 466490.

Artists painting equipment: easels, oils, brushes, pencils, paints, etc. All fo r £4 0. Te l : 01 5 0 5 842558.

WANTED ITEMS

FREE CYCLE Beautiful dining/ boardroom table free to good home. Donation to Ardgowan Hospice appreciated. Tel: 01505 872345.

Local Public DEFIBRILlATOR SITES BISHOPTON 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 Elderslie Golf Club

HOUSTON 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)

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

50

ads directory by Category Accountants & Financial

Childcare

Affluent Financial Planning . . 7 CLA Accountancy Services . . . 44

Cleaning & PowerWash

Architectural Services Abbey Architectural Services . . 3 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 17 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Automotive Services Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Bathrooms Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 3

Bedrooms Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 9

Blacksmith & Metalwork McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 43

Building Services

Abbey Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 44 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 42 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 47 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 7 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 21

Cycle Repair Spokes Bikes Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 33

Driveways A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Education St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 37

Electricians GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 MAS Electrical & Security . . 43 Russell Milne Electrician . . 15

Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 14 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 7 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 17 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 9 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 44 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 9 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 25 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 11 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 42 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 19

Fencing

Care Services & Homes

Garolla Holdings Limited . . . 11 Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 11

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 43

Firewood & Logs LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 25 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Funeral Services Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 5 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 45

Garage Doors & Gates

Catering Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 42

next Deadline 21st APRIL 2021 for MAY 2021 issue Dates may change - please watch our webpage at www.advertizer.co.uk or keep up to date on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GryffeAds

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Garden Service & Design 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 31 Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 17 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 29 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 29 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 7 Lady Grafters Garden Services . . 29 R & J’s Gardening Services . . 31 R Williams Tree Services . . . 30 Scotlawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 29 West of Scotland Landscape . . 31

Gas & Heating Services C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 17 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 23 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 45 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 44 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 5

Glazier 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 45

Hairdressers & Barbers Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 42 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 43

Health, Beauty & Fitness

Home Interiors

Plasterers

Solicitors

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 9 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 25

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 17 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 17 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 44

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 5

Joiners CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 45 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 17 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 9 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 9 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 47 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 11 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 42

Kitchens Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 3 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 9 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 9 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 42

Locksmiths Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Painters & Decorators A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 44 Andrew Hay Painter & Decorator . . 19 GFM Painters & Decorators . . 15 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 25 John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 21 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Pest Control

Plumbers C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 17 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 23 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 45 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 44

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

Taxis ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Tiling Tree Surgeon

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 47

Removals

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 29 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 29 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 R Williams Tree Services . . . 30 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 29

@ease Removals & Transport . . 15 Clyde Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

TV & Satellite

Refuse & Clearance Clyde Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Retail Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26,27

Roofing Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 14 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 17 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 7 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 7 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 44 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 11 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 19

Home Hardware

Contact us!

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 31 Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 9 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 17 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 43 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Renfrewshire Handyman Hire . . 21

Stoves

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 5 Re-Max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 3

Home Improvements

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Property, Sales & Let

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 42 Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 21 Jamie Scott Personal Training . . 41 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26,27

Special Occasions

Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 25 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 43

Upholstery Services Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 42 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 47

Window Cleaners DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 44 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 47 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 7 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 42

Window, Consv & Repair 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 45

WWW.ADVERTIZER.CO.UK @GRYFFEADS

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Our office is only open for limited hours at the moment. Please contact us via email or social media, or leave a phone message, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Please also keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.

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

01/04/2021 14:37:39

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | SPRING April 2021

51

Renfrewshire Inter Club Projected Images Competition Paisley Colour Photographic Club were the hosts for the long running and hotly contested Renfrewshire Inter Club Projected Images Competition held on 18th February.

Joining the host club in the competition were Eastwood Photographic Society, Greenock Camera Club, Gryffe Camera Club, Inverclyde Camera Club and Paisley Photographic Society. Approximately 110 of the competing clubs members joined the Zoom meeting to enjoy the submitted images and listen to judge, Peter Paterson’s positive criticism and scores.

Each club submitted 12 photographs with all images scored out of a potential 20 maximum marks. Winning club on the evening was Eastwood Photographic Society on 226, followed by a tie for second place between Greenock Camera Club and Paisley Colour Photographic Club, each securing 219 points. These were followed by Paisley Photographic Society on 208, Inverclyde Camera Club on 196 and Gryffe Camera Club on 192.

As remarked by the judge, the overall standard of photography throughout the competition was exceptionally high, with 11 of the submitted images securing the maximum 20 points.

The top scoring images are: • “Focussed” by Ken Wilkie of Eastwood Photographic Society

• “The Leap” by Campbell Skinner of Greenock Camera Club

• “Jacana On The Move” by Gavin Hana of Eastwood Photographic Society

• “The Try Scorer” by Gary Bradley of Greenock Camera Club

• “Lion Ant” by Keith Beard of Eastwood Photographic Society best overall image in the competition)

• “The Swimmer” by Campbell Skinner of Greenock Camera Club

• “Lonely” by Peter DE Marco of Eastwood Photographic Society • “The Lonely Bike Taxi” by Ken Lindsay of Eastwood Photographic Society

“Lion Ant” by Keith Beard of Eastwood Photographic Society

• “Bald Eagle in Snow” by Richard Bennett of Paisley Colour Photographic Club • “Chalkhill Blues” by Ken Dow of Paisley Colour Photographic Club

• “Curious Red Squirrel” by Mike Cruise of Paisley Colour Photographic Club “The End” by Peter De Marco View all 12 images online at www.advertizer.co.uk/renfrewshire-inter-clubof Eastwood projected-images-competition Photographic Society • “The End” by Peter De Marco of Eastwood Photographic Society

“The Try Scorer” by Gary Bradley of Greenock “Bald Eagle in Snow” by Richard Bennett Camera Club of Paisley Colour Photographic Club

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“Curious Red Squirrel” by Mike Cruise of Paisley Colour Photographic Club

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