347 May 2024 - Gryffe Advertizer

Local History: The World’s First ATM Machine

Did you know that the worlds first ATM machine was invented by a man from Paisley, almost 57 years ago this month?

In the mid sixties, James Goodfellow (87) was working as a development engineer for Glasgow company Kelvin in the mid 60s when he was asked to help on a project aiming to dispense money to customers when the banks were closed.

Back then unions were keen to get the banks to keep to a five day week, which meant closing on a Saturday morning – the time that many people chose to come and get money out as the banks usually closed at 3pm on a weekday. The banks needed a way for people to access their money when they were closed.

The problem was security and access. How were genuine customers going to get money out? According to Mr Goodfellow, in a BBC documentary, they had considered biometrics such as fingerprints or retinal scans but the tech just didn’t exist then. Goodfellow had a “Eureka” moment when he came upon the idea of a Personal Identification Number (PIN). This number would be known to the customer and the bank and related only to the customer’s card – but not to anyone else.

Millions have licensed the patent for the pin ATM machine but Goodfellow did not own the rights and did not become wealthy from his invention. He signed patents for 15 countries around the world and got about a dollar for each – about £10 today!

A year later another inventor (John Shepherd-Barron) patented an ATM which accepted cheques that were impregnated with a special radioactive compound. These were used for while in London and he was for many years credited as they person who had invented the ATM, however it is Goodfellow’s design that most resembles the machines we have to this day and the credit for inventing the ATM chip and pin is now placed at his door.

In 2006, Mr Goodfellow was appointed an OBE and inducted into the Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame. He has since received other awards such as the John Logie Baird Award for Outstanding Innovation and been given an honoroury doctorate by the University of the West of Scotland. A mural painted by local artist and friend Shaun Devenney is now in place within Mr Goodfellow’s neighbourhood as a way of giving recognition to this man and his invention. It is a stunning piece of work. The mural can be seen on the side of the SPAR shop on Rowan Street in Paisley.

Mural image by Street Artist Shaun Devenney

West Renfrewshire Young Farmers – Outstanding in their fundraising field!

West Renfrewshire Young Farmers, have raised an incredible £7,500 for St Vincent’s Hospice.

The West Renfrewshire Young Farmers recently celebrated their 80th Anniversary – they’ve had an incredibly busy year, from talent shows, auctions, livestock judging, concert dances, to gunge tanks and tractor pulls at their 80th Anniversary Field Day.

Throughout the year they have cultivated a community of support to help raise vital funds for the hospice. It costs over £6,000 per day for a full 24 hours of care at St Vincent’s, the funds raised by the West Renfrewshire Young Farmers and the wider community, will help to ensure that the hospice can continue to provide meaningful, specialist care to patients and families of Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire when they need it the most.

St Vincent’s Hospice are so thankful to have this amazing support. The Community, Corporate & Events Manager Emma Donald said, “The young farmers are such a fantastic group to have support the hospice, they’ve been an absolute joy to work with, their energy has been amazing and thanks to them, we have had the opportunity to be involved with new events and challenges. They’re an amazing group of young people who help other young people learn new skills, make friends and make a difference in their local community.”

Linsey Campbell, Vice Chairman of The West Renfrewshire Young Farmers said “We decided to raise funds for St Vincent’s Hospice as it is a local charity that is right in the heart of our community. We can’t thank everyone enough for helping to make the field day possible, to everyone who donated auction prizes, to the Miller family for providing us the venue and to J & S Montgomery for providing us with a tractor for our tractor pull and to everyone who came along to support our 80th year!”

Tea Party Raises £2,789 to Support the Warrior Princess

On 20th April the Bridge of Weir and Houston community came together to support Grace-Louse the Warrior Princess and raised a huge £2,789.31 for specialist therapies and equipment.

Grace-Louise Darroch is 4 years old. She suffers from an unusual genetic condition called CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder affecting 1 in 60,000 people. This is a very rare form of epilepsy that causes seizures, developmental delay and sleep problems. Every aspect of her development is affected, meaning that she is going to need lifelong care and medical assistance. On a daily basis her parents deal with multiple seizures that can last up to 10 minutes. Grace-Louise has difficulty sleeping and can go five to six weeks on only two hours sleep a night. She can’t walk or talk yet and currently has to be peg fed. However, Grace-Louise keeps surprising people. Her cheeky sense of humour and winning smile has captured the hearts of everyone who meets her. She has three brothers whom she adores and spent much of last year attempting to pull herself to her feet to get to them. She learnt to eat orally, but unfortunately an increase of seizures (it is supposed) meant that her condition recently declined. A huge amount of organisation went into the Tea Party. Raffles organised, many prizes and equipment donated, droves of home baking supplied and even some pet lambs made an appearance. The 2nd Bridge of Weir Guides group served tea and coffee and looked after the bake sale with military precision. The staff from Riverbrae

Nursery and Corseford School came along to see ‘Their Girl’. Grace-Louise’s aunt, Linda-May Ruxton said, “The love shown to Grace-Louise by all who know her was overwhelming. “ The family are keen to thank every single person who made this event possible.

Unfortunately, the run up to the Tea Party was emotional for the family as Grace-Louise was admitted to the Children’s Hospital and spent her 4th birthday there. At first, it was unlikely she would make the party, but surprising everyone again, she managed to attend for a short while with her mum. There was not a dry eye in the house when she awoke to hearing the children from Grant’s School of Music and Performance sing her favourite songs from the Disney movie Moana.

Doctors have said she may well be able to achieve more goals, but treatment is costly and not currently available in Scotland. For more information and to donate to her cause please go to www.justgiving. com/fundraising/Grace-Louise-Darroch or scan the QR code above.

Grace-Louise with brother Harvey and Aunty Linda-May

Bungee for Quarriers!

Take your support for Quarriers to new heights –sign up and take the leap!

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th May, Riverside Museum, Glasgow

As you (and your friends) ascend to the jump point (height 160 ft), you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Glasgow. Then, with the iconic countdown of “3, 2, 1, BUNGEE!” echoing in your ears, it’s time to take the plunge and embrace the rush of freefall. This is your chance to conquer your fears, challenge yourself, and make a real difference in the lives of those in need.

Sign up and start fundraising now! You will be supported to sign up to a Just Giving page and watch the donations roll in.

Contact: events@quarriers.org.uk to register your interest. Whether you are a seasoned thrill-seeker or a first-time jumper, this event is open to all who are willing to take the leap for a worthy cause. Cost: £20 entry fee.

Ready for our next challenge? ... The Fire Walk...

Friday 25th October, 7pm at the Glynhill Hotel, Renfrew

We’re turning up the heat on fundraising! This safe event is your opportunity to try something completely different, have a laugh, and raise muchneeded funds. To secure your place email: events@quarriers.org.uk

Quarriers, one of Scotland’s leading social care charities has more than 100 services throughout Scotland, providing practical care and support for thousands of vulnerable children, adults and families who face extremely challenging circumstances. For more information on the work of Quarriers, visit: www.quarriers.org.uk

Could you spare an hour a week, to help

Roar - Connections for Life is seeking your assistance

Many older individuals are finding themselves isolated at home, lacking social interaction for extended periods, which negatively affects their mental and physical well-being.

Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do at Roar, and we really can’t thank them enough as they deliver a central role. We are immensely grateful for their contributions as without each one there would be no Roar!

However, we need help to allow us to reach every referral coming in. There are various ways to get involved: n Befriending isolated older adults face-to-face or over the phone n being a health and well-being club assistant n supporting the craft club and men’s group n refereeing at the walking football session n teaching older adults how to use technology n or learning how to become footcare technicians to help individuals become more mobile. You can give as little or as much time as you want, please get in touch through the link below if you would like more information, Gill Thomson the volunteer Coordinator is looking forward to hearing from you.

https://roarforlife.org/get-involved/volunteer-with-us

Farmers Markets

Saturday 4th

Kilmacolm

Kilmacolm Community Centre 10am to 2pm

1st Saturday of the month

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Saturday 11th & 25th

Paisley

The Paisley Centre 10am to 2pm

2nd & last Saturday of the month

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Sunday 12th

Renfrew

Robertson Park

10am to 4pm

2nd Sunday of the month

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Saturday 18th

Bishopton & Dargavel

Bishopton Train Station Car Park 10am to 2pm

3rd Saturday of the month

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Saturday 25th Gourock

Gourock Train Station Car Park 10am to 2pm

Last Saturday of the month

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Sat 25th & Sun 26th

Barnhill Farm

Houston Road, Inchinnan 10am to 4pm

Last Weekend of the month

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Sunday 26th

Erskine Waterfront

10am to 4pm

Last Sunday of the month

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DATES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

UPCoMInG EvEnTS

Wednesday 1st

Kilbarchan Church Eco-Group - “LEGACY”

Kilbarchan Parish Church, Steeple St, Kilbarchan | 7.30pm

Free showing of the 2004 climate change film ‘Legacy’, with a discussion after the film, along with tea and coffee. ‘Legacy’ takes a realistic view of the changes that are taking place in ordinary people’s lives: some low-lying islands in the Pacific and Indian Ocean may soon disappear.

Wednesday 1st - Friday 31st

Spring Super Spotter Scavenger Hunt

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch | 9.30am to 4pm

Take part in this fun self-led activity to see what wild discoveries you can make! Use your wildlife spotting skills to see how many creatures on your activity sheet you can find, discover cool stuff about them and claim your prize back at the visitor centre once completed! £3.50.

Wednesday 1st until Friday 28th June

The Teardrop Explodes - A Paisley Pattern Exhibition

The Art Department, 2 - 10 Causeyside Street, Paisley PA1 1UQ. As per opening hours. The “Teardrop Explodes” exhibition will have a booth style layout featuring installations, artworks, displays, memorabilia, costumes, historical context, and textiles. A catwalk fashion show will be the spectacular opening event. Free entry.

Thursday 2nd

Paisley & District u3a

Paisley Salvation Army, Mill St, Paisley | 2pm to 3.30pm

Our next monthly meeting features Sandra McGruther to reveal international and Scottish popular crime writer, Alex Gray – expect a few twists/ surprises!

Outlook Team - Welcome to Indu Mani

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm | 2pm to 3.30pm

Returning by popular demand. Cookery Indian style. Indu will present a variety of dishes for our tasting. Plus jewellery and maybe a surprise! We’re celebrating our group is 10 years old this year!

Saturday 4th

Neilston Agricultural Show

Holehouse, Neilston, Barrhead, East Renfrewshire G78 3LE

A great day out for all the family with all the fun of the farm! From cattle and sheep dog trials, to show jumping, tug o war, and more, Neilston Show is a great day out for all the family. Admission to Show Ground:- Car Park £3 Adults £6 Children / Senior £3 Family (2+2) £15

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society

Annual Coffee Morning & Plant Sale

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

Top quality plants from Parklea nurseries, coffee and home baking, with a Tombola stall. Everyone welcome. £4.

Sunday 5th

Dawn Chorus - Guided Walk

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch | 5am to 7am

Close your eyes and soak up the sound of the birdsong as it gathers from a single voice into the crescendo of a full orchestra. We’ll finish off with a well-deserved hot drink and pastry back at the visitor centre. £12.75 - £15.75.

A Night At The Opera By Candlelight

Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley | 6pm

Presented by Candlelight with some of the country’s greatest opera singers in the stunning setting of Paisley Abbey, this truly is an evening not to be missed!

Paisley Sinfonia - Celebratory Concert

Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley | 4pm

Comprised of musicians from all around Renfrewshire and beyond Under the baton of Nicholas Wilks, featuring works by Verdi, Bizet and Tchaikovsky. Tickets: £12 (£6 for school pupils) available from members, on the door or contacting: secretary@paisleysinfonia.org.uk www.paisleysinfonia.org.uk

Friday 10th - Sunday 26th

Lochwinnoch Feel Good Festival is Back Lochwinnoch Cross

From creative workshops, recreational events, nature based activities, therapeutic classes and talks, yoga, pilates, movement and breathing classes. Wellbeing Fair 18th May at McKillop Institute with stalls, workshops plus free massage taster treatments and refreshments. Full programme online at www.myleapproject.org/fgfevents

Saturday 11th

Paisley Highlanders Association Ceilidh

Elderslie Village Hall, Stoddart Square, Elderslie PA5 9AS 7.30pm (Doors 7.15pm)

Take part in all your favourite dances ... Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant, Strip the Willow, St. Bernard’s Waltz and many more! Admission £6.

If you run a not-for-profit club, group or organisation and have an event coming up let us know about it and we will include it in our Upcoming Events for FREE!

Sunday 12th

Gourock Highland Games

Battery Park Sports Pavilion, Eldon St, Greenock PA16 7QG | 12noon

With pipe band and drum major competitions; highland dance competitions; heavyweight events; mini highland games; children’s entertainment; gift and craft stalls – a great day out for all the family. Free entry and open to all.

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden

Highwood by Kilmacolm, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm | 2pm to 5pm

A beautiful woodland walk around 50 acres of native bluebells, primroses and wild garlic in a delightful setting bordering the Green Water river with tumbling waterfalls. Great outdoor space for children to run and explore and splash in the burn (under supervision). A haven of tranquillity only three miles from the centre of Kilmacolm. This opening is raising funds for Buildher (buildher.org) a social enterprise owned by Orkidstudio. £5 / children free.

Monday 13th

The Kilbarchan Singers Summer Concert

Kilbarchan Parish Church, Steeple Street, Kilbarchan | 7.30pm ‘Chirps and Blooms’ Tickets £10 (children free) including refreshments are available from choir members, Bobbins (01505 344471) or at the door.

Tuesday 14th

Johnstone History Society

Masonic Hall, Collier Street, Johnstone | 7.30pm

This is our final meeting of this session. Our speaker on this occasion is Mr Ian Valentine and his talk will be about “Rudolf Hess: the Curious Tale of the last POW.” This I am sure will interest everyone. Being our last night we look forward to a good attendance of members friends and visitors all will be made welcome. Last months talk by Jeff Holmes who wrote 16 Incle Street was well attended and enjoyed by everyone. The Museum unlike our meetings does not close for the summer and will continue to open as usual Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 4pm. We carry a stock of books maps and pamphlets. These can all be purchased online and paid via PayPal. We now have a card machine in the Museum which makes it very easy to pay for any purchases made in the museum.

Wednesday 15th

15th May deadline for June

‘24 issue

Please send your submissions or advertising queries to: k info@advertizer.co.uk by the end of the day to guarantee inclusion!

Thursday 16th Outlook Team

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm | 2pm to 3.30pm Reports from the global charity The African Mercy and The Global Mercy ships with a talk and videos from their volunteer speaker.

Friday 17th

The Arkleston Singers Concert

Paisley South Church, 123 Rowan Street, Paisley PA2 6RZ | 7.30pm

Howard Goodall’s Eternal Light - a Requiem

With The Arkleston Chamber Ensemble and music by Debbie Wiseman, George Gershwin, Irving Berin & Carly Simon Soprano soloist: Catriona Hewitson. Baritone soloist: Andrew McTaggart. Tickets £12 from members, or: 07867 980914; online from WeGotTickets.com or at the door. The Arkleston Singers Reg. Charity No. SC032807.

Sunday 19th

Birkmyre Rugby Club Fun Day & BBQ

Birkmyre Park, Broomknowe Road, Kilmacolm | 11.30am

The day will mark the end of the playing season and is open to all kids of Primary School age to come along. With free burgers for the kids and qualified coaches leading the activities on the day. If you would like more info, email birkmyrekidsrugby@gmail.com

Spring time turns our attention to pressure washing and softwashing ready for the Summer ahead. With over 30 years experience of exterior cleaning systems, we are your local qualified and experienced cleaning company with the state of the art equipment, knowledge and experience to achieve the best results. Whether it is softwashing moss on roofs, algae from render, pressure washing decking, patios, monoblock drives or anything in between, please give us a call for free, friendly information on our services or for a free quotation.

01505 863 863

Local Groups

Bridge of Weir

Senior Citizens’ Association

Cargill Hall, 7pm. All welcome.

For further details contact: Mabel McPherson on 01505 615836 or Agnes McKechan on 01505 612032, email agnes_mckechan@ hotmail.com.

SWI

Cargill Hall, Monthly on Thursdays, 7.30pm.

We welcome visitors as well and members each meeting.

Houston

West Halls, Main Street, Houston

Houston Hello

2pm to 4pm

For people living with dementia, their carers and anyone else who enjoys a cuppa and a chat. 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. All are welcome. Contact Frankie Greenwood for details: 07817 210777 E: familyandcommunity. houstonkirk@gmail.com

Men’s Shed, 10am to 1pm

Come along and learn new skills, or improve old ones, and enjoy the camaraderie of our friendly group. Every Wednesday. For more details please contact: mensshed. houstonkirk@gmail.com

Toddler Group

9.30am to 11.30am

Thursdays during term-time - New prices £3 per child and £1 for each additional child, includes a snack. For more details please contact: houstontoddlers@hotmail.com

The Wee Blether

10.30am to 11.30am

Join us for a cuppa and a catch-up every Tuesday. All are welcome.

Foodbank Donations

10am to 12noon & 7pm to 8pm

Donations welcome every Tuesday.

Kirk Guild, 2pm

1st and 3rd Tuesday monthly.

For more details please contact: w.dunlop@yahoo.com

Birding & Birdsong for Beginners

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch | 10.15am to 12.15pm

Are you new to birdwatching or interested in taking it up? Join the team for the ideal workshop to introduce beginners to this fantastic hobby! £10.75 - £13.25

Rotary 10K - May’24

Houston Public Park, Four Windings, Houston | 1pm

The route covers country lanes between Houston, Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm, starting from Houston Public Park, for abilities from serious runners to novices/joggers. Kids Runs - Houston Public Park (assemble at 12.15pm) with a short run for aged 7 and under and a 2K Run for 7- 11. No Registration fee for Kids Run - parents invited to make a donation. Prizes donated by Arnold Clark. Pre-register online at https:// entries.runabc.co.uk/e/rotary-club-of-gryffe-valley-10k-980.

Friday 24th

Houston Tractor Run

Houston Village | 5pm

Line the streets of Houston and wave as we toot hello! You can even meet some of the tractors and have a shot in the drivers seat before they set off. More details, including a route map will be released on Facebook.

Saturday 25th

Sound Bath - Kilmacolm

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm | 10am to 11am

Replenish your energy, brighten your inner light, reaffirm your intentions, and harmonise with your highest self through a beautiful alchemical sound medicine journey into the heart centre and beyond. Exchange / £15 Tickets: www. thesonicden.com

Sunday 26th

Erskine Motorbike Meet

Park Mains High School , Barrhill Road, Erskine PA8 6EY Muster 11.30am. Arrive at Erskine Veterans Village 1pm

Entry for bikes/trikes or scooters is just £5 donation and visitors just £2 donation please. There are various ways you can get involved, from sponsorship at the event, gifts-inkind or donation of a prize for the raffle. Please contact us on 0141 814 4555 or events@erskine.org.uk

Fri 31st May - Sat 1st June

Windy Hill Art Club Summer Exhibition

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

Over 100 pieces of artwork of different media on display. Projects such as landscapes on a bright background, portraits in pastels and oils in the style of the old masters will be there for you to enjoy. Once again there will be a mystery picture to which every member has contributed. It will be revealed at the exhibition. Most of the works will be for sale and there will be a raffle with proceeds going to Ardgowan Hospice. We will be hosting a private viewing on Thursday 30th May 5pm-7pm. If you wish to attend the private view invitations will be available, please contact; helenmathie13@gmail.com

Coffee Morning in aid of

Come along to our Coffee Morning with Tea, Coffee, a selection of fantastic home baking and a variety of stalls to tempt you.

Put the date in your diary:

Saturday 15th June, 10am - 12noon in Freeland Church Hall

For more info, or if you’d like to help, please contact Muriel: 07925 054642 or Linzi: 07873 828514

www.dreamflight.org

Founded in 1987, Dreamflight is a charity which takes 192 children with serious and life affecting illnesses on a medically supported ten day holiday to the Theme Parks of Florida every October.

To date almost 7,000 deserving young people have benefitted from this trip, bearing out our motto “Changing Lives”.

Local Groups

Scottish Country Dancing

2pm to 4pm

West Halls, Main St, Houston

Every Thursday. All welcome – no experience necessary.

SWI 7.30pm

Carrick Centre, Main Street

Please come and join us and be part of a nationwide group of women all with the same vision. All welcome. We meet on the second Wednesday of the month. If you require further information, please phone 01505 325452.

Book Club 7.30pm - 9pm

Killellan Halls, 13A Kirk Road.

Last Wednesday of the month. All welcome. For more details please contact: smck.kilallan13@hotmail. co.uk.

Kilbarchan

National Women’s Register

For further info call 703786 and visit the website: www.nwr.org.uk

‘Cuppa at the Kirk’

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Every Tuesday, 2pm - 3.30pm Open to everyone to come along for a friendly chat and a cuppa.

A warm welcome is extended to all.

Lochwinnoch

Save a Life Scotland

Masonic Lodge, Main Street

Covering resuscitation and using a AED. To book a place call Morag on 07868 752814.

SWI

McKillop Hall, 7.30pm

New members and visitors most welcome.

Dementia Friendly

Lochwinnoch

The group aims to reach people with Dementia, their carers or family. In addition, provide social interaction and support for older members of our community. Contact: 07868 752814.

Transport can be organised from home if required to events.

Gryffe Valley Rotary Walk for Life Award

Gryffe Valley Rotary initiated a Walk for Health project in March 2021, seeking to encourage walking in the local Gryffe Valley environment, specifically to promote individual health and well-being. The Gryffe Valley Way is a 19 mile long walking path which connects the villages in the area of Gryffe Valley Rotary and forms part of the Clyde Coastal path network. The Way runs from the source of the River Gryffe (Cornalees Bridge at Loch Thom in Inverclyde) the full length of the river valley to where the Gryffe river joins the River Clyde, finishing in Linwood. The Way is classed as easy walking with some moderate gradients, and is suitable for all cross sections of the community. Access to bus stops and car parks along the route, facilitating shorter walks and allowing the Way to be completed in sections.

At the Scotland South Rotary District Conference held in Aviemore on 23/24 March, attended by over 200 Rotarians, ‘Walk for Health - The Gryffe Valley Way’ was voted the winner in the District competition for the best ‘Improved Health and Wellbeing Community Based Project’ within the District. For route description plus maps go to www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.php?PgID=860660&ClubID=1803

The club are keen to encourage local organisations/ groups to organise sponsored events making use of the Gryffe Valley Way and will fund prizes / awards. Members will be approaching organisations to discuss their ideas. If interested please speak to a member or email gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com

Speakers for May: The club continues to attract good speakers on a wide range of topics to its dinner meetings at the Fox and Hounds on Wednesday evenings: 1st - Working with Ukrainian Refugees in Poland - Tony Murray, 8thBusiness Meeting, 15th – Poet - May Howie, 22nd – Brighter Bridge of Weir - Neil Thomson, 29th - John and Brenda McCallum visiting rotarians - Rotary in South Africa Meetings are open by arrangement to people who are interested in Rotary or interested in the subject. You will be given a warm welcome. Please phone 07767 761977 or email: gryffevalletrotary@gmail.com to book in for a nice meal and evening.

Grants for Local Causes: We would welcome applications from local groups seeking grant support. Rotary are actively looking to help local organisations that support people (and their carers) who live with mental health or dementia. Please speak to a member or email: gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com

Figure it out with Multiply!

Struggling with the cost of living?

Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau invites you to the free workshops, where you will learn how to plan your budget, spend smart, where to seek support, and more!

1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 10am - 12noon

Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau, 7 Glasgow Road, Paisley PA1 3QS need a 1 t o1 appointment? Contact us: Tel: 0141 889 2121

www.renfrewshirecab.org.uk

Please scan the QR code for your free ticket

“Jazz on a Summer’s Afternoon”

Sunday 23rd June 2pm for 2.30pm Brookfield Village Hall featuring a traditional jazz band & some special tunes Raising funds for local and international charities. Licensed event - looks like being a great success!

President Les King receiving the cheque for £1,000 from District Governor Narek Bido.

Summer Show and Festival Season – What’s On Where

We are lucky to live in a rural spot where we get to choose from so many fantastic fêtes during the warmer months. If you’re a competitor this year, may your turnips be thunderous and your traybakes tremendous!

Neilston Agricultural Show – 199th Year!

Saturday 4th May from 8am - 4.30pm

Holehouse, Neilston

A well-established agricultural show showcasing farming skills, the Field to Fork ethos, plus a kids craft tent, animal judging in the main ring, horse-jumping and a schools tug-of-war competitions. www.facebook.com/neilstonagriculturalshow

Lochwinnoch Feel Good Festival

Friday 10th – Sunday 26th May

Expect a range of therapeutic, creative, musical and nature based activities. A wellbeing fair on18th May at the McKillop Institute includes a free massage and refreshments! www. myleapproject.org www.facebook.com/groups/ lochwinnochfeelgoodfestival/

Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow Agricultural Show –189th Year!

Saturday 11th May from 9am - 4.30pm

The Knapps, Kilmacolm

A much loved local show. Expect: vintage tractors, farming skills and animal judging in the main ring. A plethora of stalls and catering vans – and a beer tent! The industrial tent showcases prize winning baking and kid’s crafts. www.kilmacolmshow.org/

Houston and Killellan Carnival

Saturday 11th May (main event) from 1pm

The Carrick Centre, Houston

Fancy dress comp starts at 12.15pm at the Kirk. Parade starts at 12.30. Main event at The Carrick Centre. Expect slides, face-painting, tombola stalls, burgers and more. The ‘entry ticket’ prize draw gives you the chance to win a £50 voucher for Amaretto, a £50 voucher for a meal at the Fox & Hounds or a meal for two at the Houston Inn. houstonkillellankirk.org/event/houston-killellankirk-carnival/

Gourock Highland Games

Sunday 12th May - Entry time TBD

Battery Park, Greenock

Famous for its pipe band and drum major competitions, this show has a real Scottish flavour! There are also highland dance competitions; heavyweight events; mini highland games; children’s entertainment; plus craft stalls. www.facebook. com/GourockHighlandGames

Houston and Killellan Agricultural Society Show

Saturday 1st June from 10am – 4pm

Houston Playing Fields, Houston

Showcasing the very best of agricultural livestock and horses, local businesses as well as talented crafters and performers. Look forward to meeting the good boys and girls of the ever -popular Houston dog show! Organisers are on the hunt for performers for their Houston’s Got Talent Stage which always draws the crowds. e: enterhoustonshow@gmail.com or www. facebook.com/houstonshow

Lilias Day

Saturday 1st June from 12noon - 5pm

Kilbarchan Public Park, Kilbarchan

This year’s historical theme is floral arches and the scarecrows are back! Could your display combine the two? Expect a huge parade with historical costumes and floats galore. (Get in touch if you want to dress up.) Kids activities include a circus skills workshop, zorbs, wipeout rodeo and mini golf. Cheer on the tug-of-war and football derbies! There’s also a music tent, Clamjamfrie ceilidh tent, food village, craft market and lots more. www.liliasday.co.uk or e: info@liliasday.co.uk

Lochwinnoch Gala Day

Saturday 8th June

Grab your cowboy boots and get your Dolly on for this Wild West themed Gala Day. There will be lots of stalls and fun activities for the whole family. www.facebook.com/Lochwinnochgala

Bridge of Weir Gala Day

Saturday 8th June from 9am - 5pm

Houston Road Park, Bridge of Weir

The annual parade sets off at noon from the Cargill Hall heading towards Houston Road Park. The theme this year is The Circus – so expect a colourful and roarsome display headed by the Gala Queen and her attendants. www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100071810430785

Bishopton Day/Week

Saturday 8th - Saturday 15th June

Lots of live music on offer over this week. Big Vern ‘N’ The Shootahs, Alan Purvis, Zoe Tait - the ladybug, Grace Notes Choir and FEEVA 80s Revival are already confirmed. They’re looking for sponsors. bishoptonday.org

Kilbarchan Agricultural Show

Saturday 15th June, Roadside Field, Monklands Farm

A much loved local show. Expect: home crafts, dog shows, sheep shearing, vintage tractors, KG Hawks, RHET stalls, bouncy castle plus a fascinating ‘Show History’ area. Free entry for children. www. facebook.com/KilbarchanShow

Howwood Village Fete

Saturday 15th June from 1pm - 4pm

Howwood Primary School

What to expect: Bouncy castle, licensed bar, DJ, hot food, craft stalls, tombola, ice cream van and a fancy dress competition - the theme is “The Howwood Highland Hoolie”, celebrating all things Scottish! Tickets for the grand draw available from local groups. Prizes include dinner, bed and breakfast for 2 at the Bowfield Hotel. Stalls are available at a cost of £20. If you have a business/ organization you’d like to promote, contact: sarah.galloway@rocketmail. com

All our local shows have something for the whole family!!

Lillias Day 2018, Ellie McGreish

Neilston Agricultural Show Show, 2016

Houston Carnival, 2023

Houston and Killellan Agricultural Society Show, 2023

Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow Agricultural Show, 2022

Kilmacolm

Kidston Hall, High Street

Solas, 2pm

Solas creates a safe place to talk, to listen and to heal. You will be supported in processing issues of grief and loss by expert speakers as well as each other. For more information, please call Barbara Marshall on 01505 872417 or email: barbara@oochy.com

Outlook, 2pm to 3.30pm

A social community group led by the Community Issues team of Kilmacolm Old Kirk, extending fellowship and friendship and a warm welcome to everyone. The group meets 1st and 3rd Thursdays monthly from 2 to 3.30pm. A delicious afternoon tea is provided by the volunteer team. Meetings traditionally enjoy a guest speaker, videos, quiz, tombola, easy keep fit.

Good Book Club, 7.30pm Everyone welcome.

Nifty Knitters, 2pm Group meets every Wednesday in the Lounge.

Foodbank Donations

Kilmacolm Old Kirk

Twice weekly. Donations at Sunday services, or through any of the leaders who run church activities in the Kidston Hall.

If you would like your local group included here please send the details and contact information to: k info@advertizer.co.uk

St Vincent’s Raises £10,000 on International Women’s Day

The St Vincent’s Hospice Audience With Event, took place on Friday 8th March at The Glynhill Hotel with their partners Legacy Comps and raised an incredible £10,000. The intimate event allowed guests to get up close and personal with Rose Reilly MBE, Ian Durrant, and Peter Grant, hearing some never before stories and insights into their careers and the football world. St Vincent’s Hospice are an affiliated partner with Legacy Comps, which means when you enter a Legacy Comps draw and use code ‘svh01’ at checkout, St Vincent’s Hospice benefit from a fantastic 20% kick back. Plans are in motion for An Audience With 2025. If you are interested, please contact the fundraising team by emailing us at: fundraising@svh.co.uk for updates and future events.

Unleash the Roar

Iconic Brick Dinosaurs are coming to Paisley town centre from Saturday 22nd June - Monday 19th August – don’t miss this fun and FREE family day out!

Get up close and personal with these prehistoric reptiles and maybe take one home! Take part in the trail and you can enter our raffle to win one of our baby dinos, Teddy the T-Rex! Pick up a trail leaflet and your free activity sheet from our leaflet racks in the Paisley Centre and the Piazza Shopping Centre and let the adventure begin! Post your entry form into the Iconic Dinosaurs post-boxes in either shopping centre to enter our prize draw with two children’s summer hampers up for grabs!

So don’t forget to collect your illustrated Paisley Food and Drink Map when you collect your trail leaflet and free activity sheet!

Plus, Paisley is Paw Friendly so no need to leave your four-legged friend at home!

The Houston and Killellan Agricultural Show showcases the very best of agricultural livestock and horses, local businesses as well as talented crafters and performers. A super family day out suitable for ages. Expect an array of stalls selling a selection of delicious treats, candles, crafts and more. Don’t miss the well-groomed good boys and girls of Houston Dog Show. Organisers are on the hunt for performers for the Houston’s Got Talent Stage which always draws the crowds (enterhoustonshow@ gmail.com). The Craft and Baking entry categories will be available soon so look out for that on the show’s Facebook page. . This is a non-profit event; any profit made is reinvested into the show. If you have any feedback, organisers would very much like to hear from you. They are always looking for more help and plenty of show day suggestions. To enquire about joining the committee please email houstonshow@hotmail.co.uk. For more info: www.facebook.com/houstonshow

The Bridge www.thebridgebridgeofweir.com

Monday: 10am - 1pm : 2pm - 5pm n Tuesday - Sat : 10am - 1pm

Summer is fast approaching with the hope of sunny weather. It will give us time to stop and enjoy the colour provided by the plants in the front and side gardens of The Bridge. Thank you to Brighter Bridge of Weir for their work and skill in ensuring the garden looks its best, and also to the dedicated group who attend to our back garden. The benches at the top of the pathway are just the place for enjoying the sunshine while chatting to friends.

Volunteers - continuing with our thanks - we must thank our dedicated band of volunteers who so ably serve our customers. Without them we could not provide our service. Being a volunteer is a great way of meeting new people. How about joining our team? Ask the volunteer on duty. Customers - thank you for supporting The Bridge. Your custom enables us to provide the vital services of the Post Office.

Greetings Cards and Stationery - due to strong sales we are continually restocking our selection of cards for all occasions. As with all items, the wholesale cost of cards is increasing. We do however endeavour to keep the selling price at our usual competitive rate. In addition to our normal stock we have a selection of Fathers Day cards, Graduation cards and Thank you cards for teachers.

Post Office - The usual postal services are provided during opening hours. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Banking services at the Bridge of Weir Post Office

With the closure of the last bank in the village, this short note is intended to say what banking can and cannot be done in the Post Office at The Bridge.

Paying In: Cash can be paid in accompanied by a completed paying in book or a bank card. Large amounts of coins should be counted and bagged ready for weighing rather than counting again at the Post Office counter. Cheques can be paid in, but must be accompanied by a completed paying in slip to go in an envelope supplied over the Post Office counter.

The Post Office cannot accept payments into a bank pass-book or anything other than a bank card or completed paying in book. Most banks impose a paying in limit for any one month which is typically about £1500.

Withdrawals: Cash can be withdrawn using a bank card limited to £200 or £300 in one day or whatever would be the withdrawal limit from an ATM for the same card.

Banks: The Post Office is able to process transactions for most major banks, including Bank of Scotland, Lloyds, Royal Bank of Scotland, Halifax, TSB, Clydesdale, Virgin Money, Yorkshire, First Trust and Allied Irish.

Pensions: Most pensions are paid into a bank account with withdrawals and paying in, as for any other bank account. If you do not have a bank account, I-MOVO withdrawals can be made at the Post Office counter. Please ask.

Fuel bills and other payments: At present fuel bills, council tax and other payments can be made at the Post Office counter, provided that an invoice is available with abar code which can be scanned.

Heart Start Courses

Lochwinnoch & Howwood

Tuesday 28th May - 7pm

Masonic Lodge Lochwinnoch (Main St)

To book call Morag on 07868 752814

Councillor Details

WARD

9: JOHNSTONE NORTH, KILBARCHAN, HOWWOOD & LOCHWINNOCH www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/

Cllr Chris Gilmour: cllr.chris.gilmour@renfrewshire.gov.uk

0300 300 1289 | 07484 064521

Cllr Gillian Graham: cllr.gillian.graham@renfrewshire.gov.uk

0300 300 1268

Cllr Andy Doig: cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk

07534 148 224

Cllr Emma Rodden: cllr.emma.rodden@renfrewshire.gov.uk

0300 300 1431

WARD 10: HOUSTON, CROSSLEE & LINWOOD www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/

Cllr Audrey Doig: cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk

07768 130 935

Cllr Alison Ann Dowling: cllr.alison.dowling@renfrewshire.gov.uk

0300 300 1419

Cllr Robert Innes: cllr.robert.innes@renfrewshire.gov.uk

0300 300 1253

Cllr David mcGonigle: cllr.david.mcgonigle@renfrewshire.gov.uk

0300 300 1287

WARD

11:

BISHOPTON, LANGBANK & BRIDGE OF WEIR

www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/

Cllr James MacLaren: cllr.james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk

0300 300 1291

Cllr fiona airlie-nicolson: cllr.fiona.airlie-nicolson@renfrewshire.gov.uk

0300 300 1253

Cllr Colin McCulloch: cllr.colin.mcculloch@renfrewshire.gov.uk

0300 300 1427

WARD

1:

INVERCLYDE EAST www.inverclyde.gov.uk/

Cllr Christopher Curley: christopher.curley@inverclyde.gov.uk

07768 460073 | 01475 712370

Cllr Stephen McCabe: Stephen.McCabe@inverclyde.gov.uk

01475 712 020 (office hours)

Cllr David Wilson: david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk 01475

Karate: Adults & children welcome (7+ yrs)

q 07850 407442

f Johnstone Tora-Kai Karate

Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm

Zumba®:

k gems_paisley@hotmail.com

Tuesday 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Ballroom/Latin: New members welcome. Private lessons available.

q Stewart 07710 464 969

k ballroombasics@live.co.uk

Thursday 7pm - 8pm (Beginners)

Thursday 8pm - 9pm (Intermediate)

Saturday 11am - 12.30pm (Mixed Ability)

Sunday 11am - 12.30pm (Mixed Ability)

Yogabellies: Suitable for all levels of experience!

k yogabellieslyndsey@outlook.com

Please note - new class timetable:

Wednesday 6.15pm - 7.15pm (for Pregnancy)

Wednesday 7.30pm - 8.30pm (Hatha Flow for all)

Thursday 10am - 11am (for Mum & Baby)

The Ballet & dance Academy:

k suzanne@balletanddanceacademy.co.uk

Saturday 9am - 9.45am (pre school) 9.50am - 10.50am (P1 - P2)

DDP Yoga: Full body workout to improve flexibility, strength, balance & cardio fitness.

q Laura 07474 443505

k energisewithlaura@gmail.com

Monday 6.15pm - 7.15pm

Councillor Surgeries: (Library)

Robert Innes - Tuesday 21st 6pm - 6.30pm

Alison Ann-Dowling - Friday 17th 10.30 - 11.30am

We are currently looking for new members for the Bowling and Tennis Club. If interested in either of these please contact the number below.

For more information on hiring our hall please feel free to contact us.

k brookfieldvillage.org

f brookfieldvpa@gmail.com

t @BrookfieldVPA

Ward 11 ... Cllr James Maclaren

The Capital Works Programme has just been announced with just a few roads being resurfaced in my ward. Unfortunately I don’t see any work on the A761 road from BoW to Brookfield, though I’m looking for investment in the drainage.

Food bags should be readily available from the council by tying a bag to your brown bin, however, many never receive them. I have complained and I am told that the bin lorries leave with 3 boxes, but this obviously is not enough. No issue with residents leaving gifts for the operatives, but you should not have to leave biscuits to receive a new roll of bags. I am arranging for food bags which can be collected from the Langbank Village Hall.

The consultation for a new primary school in Bishopton is now over and we await the report to the Education & Children’s Services Policy Board on 23rd May for the result. The Park Mains High School Liaison Group is keen to see an extension to the HS, but many residents of Bishopton and Dargavel would like to see a new high school being built in their village. There are some doubts about the extension being large enough, plus some neighbouring high schools are reaching end-of-life. At 2,000 pupils, Park Mains High School is far from ideal, as voiced by the MSP Cabinet Secretary for Education. Flooding affects my ward during heavy rainfall, but unfortunately SEPA don’t recognise this. So, it is important to send photos to SEPA of any flooding.

SurgerieS: Langbank Church - 1st Monday of the month; Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir – 2nd Monday of the month; Bishopton Community Centre – 3rd Monday of the month. The times are 6.30 to 7pm. You do not need to book.

q 0300 300 1291 f /councillormaclaren k cllr.james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Christian Aid Week – How the Villages are Helping 12th – 18th May

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. For more than 75 years Christian Aid has been helping the poorest communities in the world by providing practical support and campaigning for justice. It supports people of all faiths and none. It is currently working with some of the world’s most vulnerable communities in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Bridge of Weir: Bridge of Weir churches plan to deliver Christian Aid Week donation envelopes to homes throughout Bridge of Weir. But the best way to donate is online. Go to: https://fundraise.christianaid.org.uk/envelope-2024/bridge-of-weir or simply scan this QR code.

Houston: Volunteers will be delivering red envelopes to all houses in Houston during the week. You can scan also donate by scanning the QR code (right) or give through the website: houstonkillellankirk.org

Kilbarchan and Brookfield: Donation envelopes will be delivered throughout Kilbarchan and Brookfield during Christian Aid Week and ask that you return your donations to collection points in Kilbarchan and Brookfield at the end of the week.

Alternatively donate via JustGiving page on the church website www. Kilbarchankirk.org

H.O.S.T.

The Carrick Centre, Houston

Centre : q 01505 229597

Coffee ShoP: (Monday - Sunday 10am - 4pm)

q 07794 923 068

Gryffe MAnor out of SChool: (Monday - friday) q 01505 615438

MonDAy

Houston & Killellan Kirk

Houston Hello

We’ve had great fun at our dementia inclusive drop-in recently.

Art Mindfulness 7pm (13th & 20th)

tueSDAy

Yoga 7pm

Art Mindfulness Kids 10am (2nd)

WeDneSDAy

Community Council 7.30pm (15th)

Camera Club 7.30pm

Moo Music 9.45am

Cllr Audrey Doig 7pm (15th)

thurSDAy

Gryffe Quilting Group 10am (9th & 23rd)

Folk Club 8pm

Move It Or Lose It 10.30am

Crafty Friends 7.30pm (2nd, 16th & 30th)

friDAy

Grants School of Music 6.30pm (3rd)

Houston Show 7pm (31st)

Kirk Carnival 4pm (10th)

Natalie Don MSP Surgery 12.30pm (3rd)

Gavin Newlands MP Surgery 12.30pm (10th)

Cllr Surgery Allison Dowling 11.15am (17th)

Yoga 10.30am

Mr & Mrs McGhee 9am

SAturDAy

DWL MH/R2 9.30am (no class 11th)

Kirk Carnival 8.30am (11th)

Cllr Surgery Robert Innes 11am (18th)

Condie Birthday Party 1pm (18th)

SunDAy

Baptist Church 11am and 6pm

Phee Birthday Party 2pm (19th)

Centre Patrons PLEASE ADVISE date or time changes due to holidays or circumstances to clients and Centre Management Weekly

BookinG enquirieS:

q Stewart Scally on 07473 696869, Gordon or Gary on 01505 674277 k thecarrickcentre@gmail.com

We had a wonderful turnout on Easter Sunday at our outdoor Holy Communion service and again at Morning Worship. The early birds among us enjoyed their coffee and bacon rolls and the children enjoyed hunting for Easter eggs later on.

The countdown to Houston & Killellan Kirk Carnival 2024 is ON!

Congratulations to Niamh Kerr, who is in S1 at Gryffe High School, for creating the winning logo. With just a few weeks to go now we are all very excited and looking forward to welcoming everyone. From a Fancy Dress Competition, rides and slides, sideshows, facepainting, tombola stalls, burgers and hot dogs, a tea room, plant stall and lots more - there’s something for everyone! Remember to enter your programme tickets (or buy extra!) for the Lucky Prize Draw and the chance to win fabulous prizes. Every penny raised at Carnival helps support groups and activities that are open to the whole community.

At the end of March, some of the children from Houston Primary Nursery came along to join us and show us the beautiful Easter bonnets they had made. They had great fun playing games, chatting and singing with our regular group members and we are looking forward to welcoming them again in May.

Michael White from Screen Memories hosted another excellent session on April 11th; this time the theme was “The Golden Raspberry Awards”. We watched lots of old film clips and had to score them for the worst ever Scottish accent. As always, this involved lots of laughter as we heard some pretty awful accents!

Houston Hello meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 2pm to 4pm at the West Halls, on Main Street, in Houston.

if you would like to find out more about the group, then please just pop in or contact Frankie greenwood on 07817 210777 or email familyandcommunity.houstonkirk@gmail.com

People living with dementia who are not able to attend independently must be accompanied by someone to support them.

Ward 10 ...

Cllr Audrey Doig

As the first shoots of summer periodically appear, for which I may say I am extremely glad as an inveterate sun-worshipper, my mind is turning to the vast range of community events which take place in my ward. I very much enjoy attending the annual Houston Kirk Carnival as I always do, and I am looking forward to the annual Houston Agricultural Show, which showcases the very best of what Scottish agriculture both produces and brings to our tables. I am biased of course, but both my ward and the adjacent ward, which my husband represents, have a fantastic range of local gala days and events of that kind and we both love attending them all together.

Over the last month I particularly enjoyed attending the annual Brookfield Art Show. I enjoyed meeting village residents and listening to their concerns and am so proud that I represent an area which has so much creative talent and artistic ability within its communities. As the weather improves and we all like to get out more, I would simply make an appeal to everyone to do all they can to battle the constant problem of littering. Over years, and at particular times, this problem can get worse and summer tends to be one of these periods - I would like to reminder everyone that we all have a duty in this regard. I am sure if residents want to volunteer to litter-pick both Houston Be Happy and the Litter Crew would be glad to accept you on board.

q 07768 130935 k cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Ward 9 ...

Cllr Gillian Graham

Finally, it feels that spring is in the air and (dare we hope) warmer drier days are around the corner.

I’m conscious at this time of year that many of our school pupils are graduating from High School. I was delighted to attend the recent graduation ceremony at Johnstone High School. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all our school leavers well as they embark on their chosen studies and careers. My grateful thanks go to the teachers and education staff who work so hard to support our pupils throughout their school journey.

As we head towards summer community groups in Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch and Howwood are busy planning Gala Days and fundraising activities. I love a Gala Day and I spent years on the Lilias Day committee. It gave me insight into the hard work and commitment of our local volunteers who organise these events bringing us together as a community. Along with my Ward colleague Cllr Gilmour, I’m delighted to sponsor the Lochwinnoch Gala Fancy Dress prizes again this year. As always ‘Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch Labour Branch’ will have stalls at Lilias Day and at Lochwinnoch Gala. It’s a great opportunity to fundraise and to meet up with and chat to local residents. I hope you’ll pop by to say hello.

For Kilbarchan residents the name ‘Rosie’ will always be associated with Lilias Day. For decades Rosie Forrester was a constant presence in the Lilias Day parade. I remember Rosie well, a lovely woman who had a laugh and a smile for everyone. Residents have asked me about having a bench to remember her. It’s been an honour for me to purchase a plaque for Rosie. I’d like to thank Kilbarchan Community Council and Chris Steele for their advice and ideas. Working with Kilbarchan Smile a bench for Rosie has been identified in the public park and we will also be planting a rose tree in her memory.

SurgerieS: 1st Saturday of the month: 9am McKillop institute, 10am Howwood Village Hall, 11am the Old Library Kilbarchan - Last Friday of the month Morrisons Supermarket, Johnstone.

q 0300 300 1268 k cllr.gillian.graham@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Lochwinnoch Feel Good Festival

We’re back for 2024 with a jampacked Feel Good Fortnight 10th - 26th May. The programme this year includes over 100 events and, for the first time, is taking some on tour to our neighbouring Renfrewshire Villages. Events are scheduled in Kilbarchan, Houston, Brookfield, Howwood and Bridge Of Weir.

The programme includes nature based activities, therapeutic workshops, creative projects, recreational events, and a range of classes including free yoga, pilates, meditation, mindfulness and tai chi throughout the Fortnight. There will be a Feel Good Fair at McKillop Institute on 18th May where there will be a range of wellbeing stalls and free massage and therapy taster sessions, workshops, delicious street food, free kids crafts and refreshments available on a donation basis.

LEAP’s Project Coordinator Jacqueline Quigg says, “Anyone is welcome to join us and book in to our scheduled programme of events, wherever you live. Our mission is to make self care accessible in these challenging times and we want as many people as possible to benefit from the activities offered through our festival. We will also be hosting another Feel Good Gathering later in the year, which will be a community building day of festival fun with entertainment, activities and stalls. We’re looking forward to sharing details about this soon.”

You can find the full Feel Good Fair programme online at www. myleapproject.org/fgfevents or follow them on Facebook at www. facebook.com/lochwinnochfeelgoodffestival/and Instagram at www.instagram.com/lochwinnoch_feel_good_festival/

Howwood Wildlife & Woodlands

On Saturday 13th April our group of volunteers set about tidying up the Rhombus Garden. Having strimmed the grass around the daffodils, the paths and areas around the garden required to be cleared of the multitude of leaves and twigs deposited since last Autumn. Removal of weeds around the various shrubs planted in the garden was also carried out. The stairs leading from Midton Road to the main road at the front of the Rhombus Garden was also given its usual clean up to prevent any accidents caused by wet leaves and twigs on the steps.

The 300 daffodils planted opposite the Triangle at the junction with the Main Street last November also added some colour.

In common with other village groups we are also keen to attract more volunteers and more information can be obtained by contacting Bill David : bill@billdavid.co.uk

Howwood Parish Church

Welcome to May.

The flowers and blossom are looking beautiful all around the village.

Both the Guild and the Coffee mornings are now finished for the summer. A big thanks to all who attended, as well as the helpers and organisers - without whom it would not have been such a good year.

The Church service will be as usual every Sunday at 10am. Please do come and join us. All are welcome in this place.

Howwood Village Fete

Saturday 15th June, 1pm - 4pm, Howwood Primary School

Plans for the 2024 ‘How Good is Howwood’ Village Fete are well under way. We really hope that the village and our neighbours will come together for a fun afternoon and to support the local groups and organisations who work hard to put on this event.

With lots to keep the whole family entertained on the day including a bouncy castle, licensed bar, tea room, DJ, hot food, craft stalls, tombola, bottle stall, ice cream van and, of course, the fancy dress competition - our theme for this year is “The Howwood Highland Hoolie”, celebrating all things Scottish.

Tickets for the grand draw are available from local groups and How Good is Howwood committee members. There are some great prizes including dinner, bed and breakfast for 2 at the Bowfield Hotel, a meal for 4 at the Boarding House, and a round of golf for 4 at Caldwell Golf Club.

Stalls are available at a cost of £20. If you have been busy crafting, are fundraising or have a business/organisation you’d like to promote, please contact: sarah.galloway@rocketmail.com

You can keep up to date with everything and contact us via the “The new & improved Howgood is Howwood” Facebook page. Put the date in your diary and keep your fingers crossed for great weather!

Kilbarchan Guide Centre

Monday

leiSure ClASSeS

Art with Iain 1.30pm - 3.30pm TUESDAY

Fitness with Carol 9.30am - 10.30am THURSDAY

Yoga with Jacqueline 10am - 11am FRIDAY

Art with Iain 10am - 12noon

Art Masterclass with Iain 1pm to 3pm

GirlGuiDinG kilBArChAn

Monday

Rainbows 6pm to 7pm

Tuesday

Rainbows 6pm to 7pm

Guides 7.15pm to 9pm

Wednesday

Brownies 6.30pm to 7.45pm

Thursday

Brownies 6.30pm to 7.45pm

enquirieS: k kilbarchanguidecentre@gmail.com

Kilbarchan Guide Centre, High Barholm, Kilbarchan, PA10 2EF

Registered Scottish Charity: SC033237

a www.girlguidingkilbarchan.weebly.com

The old library centre kilbarchan

oPeninG tiMeS: Monday – friday: 10am - 12noon & 2pm to 4pm

Monday

Spanish Conversation 2pm - 3.45pm(u3A)

Tuesday

Craft Group 2pm - 4pm (every 2nd Tuesday)

Board Games 2pm - 4pm (u3A first Tuesday of the month)

Book Group 7.15pm - 8.30pm (once a month)

Wednesday

Yoga with Cheryl 10am -11.30am

Yoga with Jo 7.30pm - 9pm

Thursday

Move it or Lose it 2pm -3pm (exercise for over 60’s)

Family History Thursday 7pm (once a month)

Please phone or email for further info.

q 01505 706070

k kipcokil@hotmail.com

W www.kipco.org

The Old Library Centre

9 High Barholm, Kilbarchan, PA10 2EF

Kipco is a Scottish charity, SC031251, run by volunteers

Howwood Community Council (HCC)

You may recall reading that the Howwood Community Council (HCC) are taking steps to make more use of the Village Hall. A number of ideas have been raised at monthly HCC meetings and we are having some success in making these come to life.

Two of our new active members (Sarah Galloway and Lorna Poole) suggested a Craft Fayre - back in January they created a plan to pull this together.

We highlighted the event in the Gryffe Advertizer, on our Facebook page, and started contacting local crafters to assess the interest. We were pleasantly surprised with the response - by the end of the January, we had 11 enquiries for tables, at the second week in February we had 16 bookings and we were still dealing with enquiries in early March. With this in mind, we arranged for the availability of extra tables should they be needed. We expected 18 dealers in the main room would be the limit, but we were able to accommodate 20. A few more approached us, but were too late to be included on this occasion.

On Saturday 23rd March, the first Howwood Craft Fayre took place in the village hall with a good variety of crafts on offer. The talented local crafters displayed items ranging from candles and stained glass to ceramics and cushions. Refreshments were provided by Howwood Brownies and a free craft table kept the children occupied while the adults browsed the stalls.

Our villagers supported and enjoyed the day leaving with their treasures. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive with many asking when we will be holding our next Craft Fayre. We hope to make it a seasonal event.

Future considerations include: Farmer’s Markets, a Ceilidh in the autumn and possibly Car Boot sales. Why not follow us on Facebook (search Howwood Community Council).

The Thursday afternoon exercise class is well attended with participants having lots of fun. Lots of happy people have been catching the Move it or Lose it! Bug! Come and join the fun and make new friends. We would love to meet you!

Kilbarchan Old Library, sadly, has to announce the death of our longest serving volunteer: Hamish Thompson, who passed away on 9th April 2024.

Hamish was a very hard working, totally committed, volunteer at the Old Library since it first opened: September 2006, giving a huge amount of his time, knowledge and skills; appearing nearly every day to see if anything needed to be attended to or helped with. He will be a huge loss to our team. He also started up, and ran, a very successful Bridge Class which ran for many years on a Friday afternoon, until he became unwell.

Kilbarchan Parish Church

Services continue on Sundays at 11am, conducted by Rev Stephen Smith and Aaron Marshall. Junior Church and the crèche meet in the small hall from 10.45am. All welcome

The Tots’ Club meets on Mondays from 9.15am - 11.30am in the hall. All tots aged 3 and under, accompanied by an adult, are most welcome. The club is on holiday on 6th and 27th May, resuming on 3rd June.

Cuppa at the Kirk continues on Tuesday afternoons from 2pm - 3.30pm and anyone wishing to enjoy a warm space and friendly chat is welcome

Midweek Fellowship continues on Wednesdays with coffee at 10.30am, followed by a short service of worship.

The Badminton club meets on Thursdays in the large hall at 8pm

Messy Church is on Saturday 18th May from 4pm, all children and adults welcome

The church supports the Renfrewshire food bank every week.

For all info visit the website: www. kilbarchankirk.org

Ward 9 ...

Cllr Andy Doig

The Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority (SPT) are promoting a very ambitious proposal for bus franchising which will cover the old Strathclyde regional area, including Renfrewshire. Bus franchising is where the authority specifies the bus services to be provided, determining the routes, timetables, and fares. Services are then operated under contract by private companies through a competitive tendering process. I am very much in favour of this model and should benefit villages like Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch, and Howwood.

By early summer Kilbarchan should benefit in particular from the new Johnstone and Area Community Transport Initiative, a new not for profit company which is aiming to fill in the bus links which frequent bus users in the village find most challenging, namely linking up the village to Johnstone, Paisley, and Glasgow.

I am continuing my campaign to get Renfrewshire Council to upgrade Howwood Village Hall. The overflow has been repaired and the front door is also due to get re-painted - also by the end of May public Wi-Fi should be installed. My efforts to renovate both the McKillop and the Steeple Hall are bearing fruit so I will not cease to fight to see Howwood Village Hall also get a full upgrade as soon as possible.

Also by the end of the summer both Howwood and Kilbarchan should see the first phase of the Safe Rural Walking Initiative proposals in place, to make our villages safer places. Lochwinnoch is in the second tranche of this programme and to set the scene I arranged for a senior council officer to attend the last meeting of Lochwinnoch Community Council, and it was very positive with much interest in the kind of anti-speeding measures which might benefit the village.

SurGErIES: Lochwinnoch Bowling Club on the first Tuesday of the month, in Howwood Bowling Club on the second Tuesday of the month, in Lilybank Bowling Club in Johnstone on the second Thursday of the month, and at the Old Library, Kilbarchan on the last Tuesday of the month, all at 6.30pm.

q 07534

148

224 t CllrAndy4Ward8 k cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk

f independentVoice/Ward9JohnstoneAndVillages

Kilbarchan NWR

We have planned our new programme until the end of August and will be starting by reading/performing the latest murder/mystery play Ad Hoc, written by an NWR English member, with donations to charity. In May, we are visiting Houston NWR to hear a speaker about Rudolf Hess flying to Scotland and we shall be discussing the national country, the Caribbean. The book group will discuss “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot. We shall be visiting the Paisley Art Institute exhibition in the Glasgow Art Club and enjoying a couple of coffee afternoons.

The Walking Group has been taking part in the National Big Walk, walking in Linwood Moss, Gleniffer Braes, Kilbarchan Dampton Pad, Glasgow Women’s East End Heritage Walk and RSPB Lochwinnoch.

We are a very busy, friendly group - For further info please phone 703786 or visit the website: www.nwr.org.uk

Kilbarchan Lilias Day

Saturday 1st June, 12 - 5pm

Lilias Day is fast approaching and we are excited to announce the events we have lined up.

This year our creative theme is floral arches, a historic Lilias Day tradition brought back for ‘24. You can get creative by decorating your house or taking part in the kids competition. We’re not forgetting about the scarecrows which will be back by popular demand, perhaps you could combine your display to feature both?

The enthusiasm from villagers on costume day was great to see as more than 50 people chose their characters! We are looking forward to a bigger historic parade than in recent years, and it is not too late to join in so get in touch if you want to dress up and wave at the crowds. With floats from Kilbarchan Primary, Stage Avenue, Kilbarchan Scouts, The Nursery and Thorn Athletic. Kilbarchan and Houston Pipe Bands will be leading the parade and tempting Habbie out the Steeple to come and join the day!

In the park there is the fabulous Kids Tent with everyone’s favourite magician and new this year, a circus skills workshop. For the bigger kids the Zorbs are back, along with wipeout, rodeo and minigolf. If you are in a competitive mood the tug of war will see the Gatesiders defending their crown and the football derby between Kilbarchan and Bridge of Weir will feature both boys’ and girls’ matches so come and cheer them on!

We’re delighted to be welcoming Clamjamfrie Ceilidh band to get the party started, our music tent showcasing up and coming bands from the local area and if you need some sustenance the food village with coffee, cakes, burgers, loaded fries and much more should keep you going.

If your looking for something a little more relaxing wander round our ever growing craft village, which compliments the main charity stalls. Dig deep to sustain your local charities, organisations and crafters. Each year tens of thousands of pounds are raised for good causes on Lilias Day thanks to the support of the communityso get involved or come along to enjoy all the entertainment and stalls on the day. Contact us: info@liliasday.co.uk

Entrance to park from 12 noon at Well road, Gateside Place and Park View. Entry £3 per adult, children £1. Parade starts at 1pm from Tandlehill road.

Looking forward toseeing youthere!

Miss Lilias is Paige Quigg

The School Queen is Jess McPhail, the School King Brody Duncanson, attendants are Laurie Holloway, rachel Byrne, Harris Duncanson and Fraser Stockton.

Thank you Sally Kennedy

Dementia Friendly Lochwinnoch would like to thank Sally for her very generous donation of over £100 to the group. Sally very kindly did not ask for presents at her birthday but asked that everyone gave a donation. Again, thanks Sally for your kindness and generosity!

Kilmacolm Ceilidh

Friday June 7th at 7.30pm at Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm

Duchal Nursery School warmly invites you to our 2024 village ceilidh. Join us for a fabulous night of ceilidh dancing with music from the fantastic McHart Ceilidh Band, plus a disco, raffle and buffet. Cash bar will be available on the night.

Tickets £25, with proceeds going towards supporting the nursery. All over 18’s are very welcome and we would love to see you there.

Tickets are selling fast, available from Shona Marrable: shonamarrable@gmail.com

Ward 1 ...

Cllr Stephen McCabe

Further to my update last month, the Council has reached an agreement with the Scottish Government to effectively freeze Council Tax in 2024/25 through a credit to Councils Tax accounts this month to offset the 8.2% increase implemented from 1st April. Your Scottish Water charges will still rise by 8.8% though as the Council has no control over the these. The 8.2% Council Tax increase will be permanently reversed on 1st April 2025 if the Scottish Government confirms that the funding they have made available this year will be available in future years and they do not seek to impose another national Council Tax freeze or cap in 2025/26. Several Councils in Scotland are close to bankruptcy and any further freezes in Council Tax will push them over the edge.

It was great to listen to Mornings with Kaye Adams on BBC Radio Scotland on 16th April coming from the Port Glasgow Community Campus. The staff and pupils of Craigmarloch School, Port Glasgow High School and St Stephen’s High School portrayed all three schools in a very positive light.

The ownership of the housing and commercial development at Kilmacolm Cross has recently changed hands. The new owners are preparing their plans to complete the development. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we see work start.

I have received more complaints this year about the nuisance caused by Seagulls nesting in the village. The clear advice from Environmental Health is that residents should not feed the birds as it only encourages them and could attract other pests. The noise from the Seagulls can be very loud, particularly in the early hours of the morning, and they have been known to attack people and animals if they perceive a threat to their young.

SurgerY: Tuesday 14th May from 6pm -7pm in Kilmacolm Community Centre. q 01475 712 020 (office hours) k Stephen.McCabe@inverclyde.gov.uk o 10 Victoria Gardens, kilmacolm, PA13 4hl

Kilmacolm new Community Centre

Centre Opening Times

Monday – friday: 9am - 10pm

Saturday: 9am - 3pm Sunday: Closed enquirieS / rooM hire 01505 873994 www.cargillcentre.com

Monday

Yoga with Janis 10am – 11am

Yoga with Liz 10am - 11am

Yoga with Jane 11.30am - 12.30pm

Pilates with Emma 6.30pm – 7.30pm Bridge 7pm - 10.30pm

TUESDAY

Qi Gong 12noon – 1pm

Gamata Youth Drama Class 5.45pm - 8.15pm

Windy Hill Art Club 6pm – 8.30pm

Wednesday

Move It or Lose It 10.30am – 11.30am

Pensioner’s Lunch 12.30pm – 2pm (book via Café)

Friendly Bridge 1.30pm – 3.30pm

Pilates with Jennifer 6.15pm – 7.15pm & 7.30pm – 8.30pm

Thursday

Pilates with Jennifer 9.30am – 10.30am

Yoga with Janis 10am – 11am

Acting for Fun 5pm – 8.30pm Bridge 7pm – 10.30pm

FRIDAY

Music Land 10am – 11am

Art Class 10am - 12noon

Pilates with Jane 11am – 12 noon

saturday

Gail Ashley Dance School 9.30am - 3.30pm

Special events in MAY

WeDneSDAy 15th

Hearing Aid Help - 10.30am - 12.30pm

tueSDAy 28th

Community Council Meeting 7.30pm – 9.30pm

C AFE O PE n I n G T IMES

Monday – friday: 10am - 4pm

Saturday: 10am - 3pm Sunday: Closed reSerVAtionS / tAkeAWAy 01505 874663

Ward 1 ...

Cllr Chris Curley

Council Tax Freeze implemented in Inverclyde.

The budget passed by Inverclyde Council on the 29th of February increased council tax by 8.2% to raise £2.9m rather than utilise similar funding available from the Scottish Government for implementing a Council Tax Freeze. I welcome that it has now been decided to implement a Council Tax Freeze in Inverclyde in 2024/25, albeit belatedly. Unfortunately, this late change of heart means that there will be undoubted confusion with respect to reissuing of council tax bills and additional costs associated with administration. The revised bills for 2024/25 should be sent out in May with subsequent direct debit payments reduced accordingly. The Scottish Government has provided funds for a series of COVID memorials throughout Inverclyde. There will be a memorial in Kilmacolm at Birkmyre Park next to the MUGA which will take the form of a small ground level Labyrinth with raised sections for seating. This should begin to take shape over the next few months and I believe it will make a good addition to the park, providing a space for ‘Remembering Together’, as the project is called..

On the 9th of April I attended the launch of the new Glen Rosa ship at Fergusons in Port Glasgow. It was a great day and great to see the Inverclyde community marking this occasion and showing their support for the shipyard and its workers. We talk a lot about the heritage of shipbuilding in Inverclyde, but the launch also demonstrated the ongoing importance of these skills to the area as we look to provide a secure the yard future through further investment and new contracts for the yard.

SurGErY: Kilmacolm New Community Centre 6.30pm - 7.30pm on Wednesday the 22nd of May and at Boglestone Community Centre, Port Glasgow from 6pm - 7pm on Wednesday the 29th of May.

q 07768 460073

k christopher.curley@inverclyde.gov.uk

f @Ward1chriscurleySNP

Kilmacolm Old Kirk

FOODBANK:

Kilmacolm Old Kirk supports the work of the Church Angels in Port Glasgow who run a twice weekly Foodbank scheme. Donations can be made at each Sunday service, or through any of the leaders who run church activities in the Kidston Hall.

SUNDAY WORSHIP:

Services are held each Sunday at 11am to which all are welcome. A Sunday School is available for children. Refreshments are served after the service for all to enjoy some companionship.

All our services are streamed online through our Facebook Page @kilmacolmold and can be watched live or at any point afterwards for those who cannot attend. You can also follow us on Instagram via @KilmacolmOld or visit our website at: www. kilmacolmoldkirk.org.uk

Ward 1 Cllr David Wilson

Complaints about Warden activity around Gillburn Road/ Market Place. Parking is a problem and I am trying to accelerate off street parking at a site in Gillburn Road.

The 189th Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow Agricultural Show is on Saturday 11th May. This is a great and popular village day out with many entertaining features. The Estate is planting trees at Knapps but have kindly left adequate space for the Show. The committee have worked hard and creatively to fit everything in.

We have carried out peatland restoration work at our farms above Kilmacolm and Greenock. The Scottish Government through Nature Scot granted us £888K to carry out the work. Road gulleys at the Cross have been cleared to stop the flooding but those causing similar problems at the junction of Castlehill Road/ Crescent are on a private road and the responsibility of residents. Local groups I sponsored have received monies from the Council Community Grants Fund, including Kilmacolm Bowling Club, Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow Agricultural Society, Kilmacolm Playgroup and Toddlers and Birkmyre Rugby Club.

The 700MW battery storage system at Auchentiber Farm has been approved by the planning Committee. This installation will store electricity from windfarms when there is an overload. I visited the Police Contact, Command and Control Operation at Govan. The 999 and 101 calls are handled by extremely well trained staff who are adept at filtering and analysing calls. The two Major Incident rooms were installed with all relevant communication devices.

The £19.2 million cruise ship visitor centre in Greenock has been delivered by the Council thanks to funding by the UK and Scottish Governments and contribution from Peel Ports. Princess Anne and her husband graced us with their presence at the official opening. The use of the land at Wateryetts will be decided by committee in May. The developers and locals have their plans for the site. I voted against the 78 house development but the Council at Full Council and the Scottish Government , on appeal, approved the housing.

SurgerY: 11th May at the Cargill.

q 07766 992294 or 01475 741969 / 722975

k david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk

Out and About

Clyde Muirshiel News

Estate Team Repair Bridges and Paths in Parkhill – Local Contractor Donnie and Estate Team Chargehand Gordon have repaired and upgraded several of the bridges and paths in Parkhill Woods and they’re looking great! Thanks for your patience during these works - we hope the improvements add to your walk.

Lambing Season is here! - Many of our local farmers will have lambs at this time of year so please do not enter a field with lambs and always keep your dog under close control when using the Regional Park sites and farming land beyond.

Castle Semple Conservation Volunteers Update - Every week the Ranger Service work with our volunteer group, share skills and help them complete various conservation tasks to enhance the Park for wildlife and visitors. Recently, they’ve burned the last rhoddie of the season at the end of March, carried out some tree maintenance at Muirshiel and tidied up the lochshore path. Would you like to join them on a Thursday? Email the Rangers on cmrp.rangers@renfrewshire.gov.uk to be added to the mailing list.

Ranger Service work with local Schools Pupils from Forest View will be starting a programme and visiting Castle Semple Country Park to learn about conservation and engage in volunteering tasks shortly. We will also be working with Johnstone High from now until the Summer Season and St Fergus school in Paisley all on a weekly basis.

Peatland Restoration Work Complete - The last of the large machines doing Peatland Restoration work in the Inverclyde section of the Regional Park has now come down off the hill via Muirshiel Country Park. The work was organised by Inverclyde Council and carried out by Peatland Restoration and Nature Scot. By blocking drainage ditches and channels and restoring the peat, the area will be able to capture more water, increase biodiversity and most importantly store more carbon. Well done to all involved.

Youth Volunteers - Do you know a someone doing their Duke of Edinburgh? The Ranger Service runs a weekly volunteer group on Sunday mornings, 10am-12 noon at Castle Semple and Muirshiel. Recently they’ve been working on bird surveys at Fairlie, car park edging and doing some habitat piling. Email the Rangers on cmrp.rangers@renfrewshire.gov.uk to be added to the mailing list.

Lochwinnoch Community Walk - Looking for some gentle exercise and good company? Meet on Mondays (except public holidays) at new location Castle Semple at 10.30am and are led by the Park’s Ranger Service. Walks are 1 - 1.5 hours long at a social pace. See you there!

Get Social: Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ClydeMuirshielRegionalPark or Instagram & Twitter: @Clydemuirshiel

Houston Agricultural Show

The Annual Show will take place on Saturday 1st June at the playing fields. This is a great opportunity to show your baking and crafting skills and also for the children to do some handcrafts and show them off and maybe win a prize.

To obtain a schedule please contact Isabelle Stuart issistuart@gmail. com or tel. 07508 905298. This is a great family day out. Schedules availability from the village shop North Street and committee members. Another exciting event is the Tractor run on Friday 24th May - this is not to be missed.

Colourful Kilmacolm

By this time of year, irrespective of the weather, nature has come alive and there is colour everywhere. Apart from the white snowdrops, which we enjoyed at the start of the year, the predominant colour in our gardens and in the surrounding countryside in spring tends to be yellow. Even when we have plantings of mixed coloured crocuses, for example, the yellow ones usually bloom first. Next to grab our attention is the explosion of yellow from Witch Hazel (hamamelis), forsythia and of course the daffodils. In the wild it might be celandine, primroses, broom and gorse and shortly thereafter dandelions. Of course, sometimes the wild flowers take a liking to our gardens, which is when we unfairly perhaps call them weeds. Our garden at Market Place is favoured by celandine, but while pretty, it gradually takes over and swamps the choicer plants. That’s when the Colourful Kilmacolm gardeners have to step in and restore a little order. If you enjoy gardening and have a little time to spare, why not join us now and again? Please get in touch if you can help, even just occasionally. Contact Peter (01505 872448) or Liz (07963 973031) for more information, or have a look at our website: www.colourfulkilmacolm.org.uk

Members will by now have been notified of our AGM on the evening of 13th May, so encourage us with your attendance.

It’s all about the bees!

Luxury home fragrance maker Olapip Home has teamed up with fellow local business Brierie Financial Planning to raise money for two local community gardening groups.

Olapip Home was asked by Houston based Brierie Financial Planning to collaborate and create a hand poured candle to mark their 9th birthday. The prominent bee in Brierie’s logo centres around hard-working bees to represent cooperation, productivity and expertise - values that Brierie Financial Planning hold true. We all understand the importance of protecting bees and the key role that they play as pollinators in our gardens and countryside, so a beautiful spring/summer scent for the candle seemed fitting. With spring upon us and thoughts turning to our gardens and what we can do to help protect bees, Olapip created the perfect candle in their quaint Bridge of Weir studio. ‘Spring Showers’ is a divine scent that encapsulates all those lovely garden aromas with notes of fresh flowers, mowed lawns and that unique afterthe-rain scent, petrichor.

Garden Openings

HIGHWOOD off Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm PA13 4TF

Dr Jill Morgan - Nominated charity: Orkidstudio 60%.

Sunday 12th May, 2pm - 5pm - Admission £5, children free.

Olapip and Brierie FP wanted to acknowledge the hard work of Houston and Bridge of Weir’s local community gardening groups who work tirelessly on a volunteer basis to improve the appearance of the villages and provide much needed habitat for bees with their beautiful planters and flower gardens. As such they are delighted to donate a percentage of sales from the Spring Showers collaboration candle to Bee Happy Houston and Brighter Bridge of Weir.

Join in the buzz and support this worthy cause. Spring Showers collaboration candles are available at Olapip Home (Blackhall Mews, Windsor Place, Main Street, Bridge of Weir - at end of Windsor Place next to the bus stop at Lintwhite Cres) and on the website olapip.co.uk You can also find details about Brierie Financial Planning at brieriefp.co.uk

Description: A beautiful woodland walk around 50 acres of native bluebells, primroses and wild garlic in a delightful setting bordering the Green Water river with tumbling waterfalls. Great outdoor space for children to run and explore and splash in the burn (under supervision). A haven of tranquillity only three miles from the centre of Kilmacolm. This opening is raising funds for Buildher (buildher.org) a social enterprise owned by Orkidstudio.

BARNBETH HOUSE - Clevans Road, Bridge of Weir PA11 3RS

Laura Brown, Head Gardener; Dylan Brown, Assistant Gardener

Sunday 2nd June, 2pm - 5pm - Admission £5, children free.

Nominated charity: St Vincents Hospice Limited 60%.

Description: Barnbeth Estate is a country estate in Renfrewshire with an Arts & Crafts mansion at its heart. Extensive formal gardens with sweeping lawns and mature trees, formal patio area with pond, rockery with unusual alpines/shrubs, herbaceous borders running down the stream edge leading to a large pond. Large woodland with rhododendrons, eucryphias, azaleas and laurel and a new topiary themed garden. This is a traditional garden with a modern twist - full of surprises.

k

May is a busy time at RSPB Lochwinnoch, for the team and for nature!

The Channel Hide is one of the best places to enjoy the swooping flight of Swallows and Sand Martins over the fen and the scrape. The view of the scrape means it’s also a great location to scan for visiting birds, especially passage waders like Whimbrel, and roosting Curlews.

Head down the Dubbs Trail for an immersive chorus of Sedge Warblers, and, if you’re lucky, the chance to spot an elusive Grasshopper Warbler or hear its reeling song. At the Fen Hide and the leaning rails, look out for Spotted Flycatchers, and from the Aird Meadow Hide, see if you can spot the Black-headed Gulls on the reserve’s new nesting rafts. Along the boardwalk, look out over the Aird Meadow Loch to watch Great Crested Grebes and their beautiful courtship dance.

Kids can take part in our Spring Super Spotter Scavenger Hunt and, if the weather turns damp and cold, you can head to the visitor centre to enjoy a hot drink, sandwiches and snacks with a great view out over the scrapes and the Aird Meadow Loch.

Events: Wildflowers of Lochwinnoch Walk, a Birding and Birdsong for Beginners day and our Women Only Wildlife Walk. Head to events.rspb.org.uk/lochwinnoch to find out more.

Please remember to enjoy the reserve responsibly as per the Scottish Outdoor Access code, especially as it is the birds’ breeding season, keeping dogs on a lead or under close control.

Kilbarchan Smile

Improving Village Spaces

Kilbarchan Smile will be putting up its Gazebo in Ewing Street on 11th May 2024 10am till 2pm to promote Garden Day on the 12th. Garden Day is a chance for people to down tools and spend time in their gardens or the lovely gardens, parks, and green spaces around the village, some of which our volunteers look after. Being in a garden lowers your blood pressure, improves your mood and mental wellbeing, so Garden Day aims to celebrate the benefits of gardens for our physical and mental health at the start of Mental Health Awareness Week. We will have plants and baking available for your Garden Day. Come and hear our plans for the new Heritage Garden Project.

by Rona Simpson

Overtoun House and Lang Craigs Walk

There are a wide range of walks to choose from around this site – from gentle strolls to more serious hikes. Crossing the lower section of Overtoun Estate is a series of wellsurfaced paths that are suitable for buggies – this includes the sheltered Overtoun Glen where you will find the fish pond. This trail is only 0.6 miles and ideal if you have young children or an elderly companion. It might take about 1 hour to complete.

The Spardle Linn Stroll, south of the House, at 2km is slightly longer and takes you through some steep sections and wonderful waterfalls. You might be lucky enough to hear a green woodpecker within the mature woodlands in spring.

If you feel you would like something a little more demanding, then keep climbing higher on the trails, through the red route and beyond and you will eventually find yourself on top of the Lang Craigs gazing out over the Clyde. The footpaths are clearly marked on OS maps, and the lower sections are colour coded, so you can’t go too far wrong.

Lang Craigs is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its variety plant life. Indeed it has become a haven for wildlife – even more so after the Woodland Trust planted over 230, 000 native trees including oak, birch, Scots pine, rowan and hazel. In spring, you can see carpets

DiFFiculty rating: Easy to strenuous //////january.output.denim

of bluebells on the grassland terraces of the Craigs, and the pale lilac cuckoo flower. In summer you might see the tiny yellow tormentil and dainty dog violet, the yellow orange and bird’s foot trefoil and the purpleheaded devils bit scabious – these plant provide a source of food for a wide range of butterflies and bees. Look out for the ringlet and orangetip butterflies and the rarer small pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies which feed on these wonderful wildflowers.

If you fancy an even longer walk you can extend the red path up past Round Wood Hill (265m) and continue the trail past the Black Linn into the Forestry Commission Woodland of Auchentorlie and loop down past Greenland reservoir 2 and 3 turning right passing north of the quarry and then right again passing Milton House which should be south of you then taking a right onto the Milton Brae which leads you back to Overtoun House. This is about 7km from Overtoun house and could take around 3 or 4 hours. (Butterfly and Trail Images: Wikimedia ShareAlike 2.0)

Start/FiniSh: Overtoun House Car Park

PointS oF intereSt: Trails, flora, fauna and historical features

DiStance: Differing distances from 1k to 7k

Local History: Overtoun House and (Spooky) Bridge

Overtoun House - 3 miles from the village of Milton in Dumbarton - was built in the 1860s. The house is an example of Scottish Baronial architecture. It is now maintained by West Dumbartonshire Council. James White, a returned lawyer and co-owner of the J & J White Chemical Works in Rutherglen, bought the estate in 1859. It remained in his family until 1931 when his great nephew, Dr J White – a London GP - donated the house to the people of Dumbarton.

During WW2 Overtoun was converted into a convalescent home for injured soldiers and locals – it remained untouched by the bombs that were to destroy some of the nearby Clyde areas.

It has been said that the bridge located on the grounds of Overtoun house is haunted by the White Lady of Overtoun, who’s the ghost of the wife of former estate owner James White. It is claimed that the bridge affects dogs in particular, causing them to throw themselves off the side of the bridge. It’s said that more than 300 dogs have suffered this fate over the years. Other explanations cite the scent of mink coming from under the bridge and an illusion of flat ground instead of a 50ft drop!

(Image: Wikimedia ShareAlike 2.0)

Orange Tip

Overtoun House Trails

Map courtesy of: The Woodland Trust

Overtoun House is a 19th-century country house and estate in West Dunbartonshire

Kilmacolm Horticultural

Society

The Annual Coffee Morning and Plant Sale will be held on Saturday 4th May, 10am - 12noon.

The venue this year is Kidston, High Street, Kilmacolm. Top quality plants will be brought from Parklea Nurseries, we can arrange for your purchases to be delivered to your door later in the day. Coffee/Tea and scones/pancakes/home baking should keep everyone happy. A Raffle table of donations will be drawn towards the close of the morning. Entry at the door is £4.

If you can help in any way, with cakes, or a gift to the raffle, or help with serving the teas and coffees, please contact Jill on 01505 872393. We are a small voluntary society with a big heart and look forward to seeing you all at our fundraising event of the year. See our website on www.www.kilmacolmhorticultural.com

Bridge Of Weir Horticultural Society

May is usually a good month, so gardeners are optimistic! April offered up blustery showers, cool temperatures and little sun - which delayed our hopes for good germination following our seed-sowing evening - but kept early frosts at bay, so we enjoyed beautiful displays of flowering cherries, camellias and magnolias. Unsettled conditions remind us to check tree stakes and gently hammer loose ones back in. Ensure the stake is on the windy side of your plant to support the trunk as it bends away from the wind. Avoid damaging the roots of young saplings by inserting the stake first, then adding the plant and soil. Use a tie which won’t damage the soft wood, e.g., thick twine or rubber-coated wire. Cut the legs out of old tights – and create strong, flexible and long-lasting ties which are particularly good for pulling together coniferous branches after snow damage. Tie saplings against the stake, about one third up the trunk to avoid root-rock but still allowing for some movement, encouraging the anchor roots to settle in. Another slack tie at the top of the stake will prevent the tree swaying too much. Tie in a figure of eight so there’s always a gap between stake and trunk.

Our Plant Sale will be on Saturday 11th May from 10am till we sell out. As before, we’ll be at the Co-op. Earlier, Members and guests will meet on Thursday 9th in Freeland Church Hall at 8pm for “Companion Planting” – tips on making the most of our gardens. Contact Donald Hepburn (Chair), 01505 612898.

Brighter Bridge of Weir

Followers of Brighter Bridge of Weir’s Facebook page will be aware of recent instances of vandalism at some of the Group’s sites. Such mindless acts are frustrating, angering and disrespectful of the Group and those who donate to support it, but the volunteers have made good the damage and will continue their work to brighten our environment.

Brighter Bridge of Weir is now in it’s fourteenth year of operation, and the founding members recall that the potential of such incidents was of concern to some at the time, but they carried on anyway. Since then, incidents of vandalism have been remarkably few. In fact, more damage has been caused by road traffic collisions (8), contractors (especially weed killers and industrial mowers), storms and theft. Oh, and the occasional foraging animals (see picture)! So, yes, Brighter Bridge of Weir’s volunteers were frustrated by the event, but they got back up again. Stuff happens, and as our medieval forebears said, every village has its idiot(s).

The Group is expecting its delivery of summer plants this month or early next, and they’re hoping to get another bright and colourful show on the roadside!

St Columba’s

Reading School

We were delighted to get the news recently that Junior School have achieved Reading Schools: Silver accreditation.

This was a real team effort - in order to gain the Silver accreditation, Miss Kelly and the Junior School Library Committee put in a lot of hard work gathering all the evidence that we are providing additional opportunities to broaden our learners’ experiences, such as engaging with authors, visiting libraries, and bringing in other outside expertise.

To celebrate their new accreditation, the Committee took a trip to The Ginger Cat Bookshop in Bridge of Weir to buy new books for the Junior School Library. The Parent Council kindly gifted the money for these books and Parent Council Chair Mrs Davidson joined us for the visit.

Scottish Schools Challenge Cup

We are incredibly proud of our 1st XI who finished as runners up in the Scottish Schools Challenge Cup for season 2023-2024.

Langbank Primary

Langbank on the Move

Langbank Primary pupils have been taking their learning beyond the classroom with 2 recent school trips. The first took our Primary 1 pupils on an adventure to Kelvingrove Art Galleries where they not only explored the museum but set off on their travels by train and then the Glasgow underground. Our P6/7 pupils also enjoyed a recent trip to the Glasgow Science centre where they learned about the human body in a fantastic interactive workshop and toured the exciting experiences the Science centre had to offer.

Ground Force Day

The girls have displayed great commitment all season and started this tournament with the preliminary round in September. On their cup journey they have scored an impressive 20 goals and conceded none.

Despite putting in a tremendous performance, the girls came away with a 1-0 loss against Robert Gordon’s College at the schools final at Glasgow Green. Credit to an outstanding Robert Gordon’s goalkeeper - despite a lot of pressure and shots on target we just couldn’t convert our chances.

Want to experience life as a Columban? Get in touch with our Admissions Registrar today and arrange a visit to see the School in action and to find out more about our exciting new facilities opening in August 2025. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest news from across the School. admissions@st-columbas.org | st-columbas.org

It was all hands on deck last month for our Garden Ground Force Day at Langbank. It was a great turn out on the day where a number of our P2 and 3 parents came along and helped clear many of our planters and garden areas in the school. We look forward to planting some flowers and vegetable in the coming months and watching our garden transform even more.

Langbank Foodbank Collection

Langbank pupils demonstrated their generosity and commitment to supporting the community through their latest foodbank collection for Renfrewshire foodbank. Our pupil volunteers did a great job of collecting and sorting the items for donation and we will continue to support this charity through our termly collections. Our next collection will take place June 2024.

Houston Primary

J&L Football Festival

Absolutely delighted with our Primary 7 football team’s results at the On-X. A very wet but worthwhile experience and set of results. We were unbeaten due to our amazing teamwork and individual quality on the pitch.

NSPCC Number Day

What a fantastic day we had dressing up for Number Day, whilst supporting the NSPCC charity, where we raised an amazing £269.50

Superb creativity on display throughout the school. A huge thank you to all the parents who supported their child to make their own unique Number Day outfit and to the staff who also dressed up and joined in on all of the fun!

The pupils had an amazing day, due to the well planned maths activities prepared by our wonderful staff team.

International Care Day

On Friday 16th February we took part in International Care Day activities. Our pupils learned about fostering, adoption, being looked after by a family member and the role of a Social Worker,

Scottish Celebration

Our whole school was entertained by our talented pupils. They were treated to: bagpipes, dancing, singing, an address to the haggis, poetry recitals from the wonderful finalists from each year group, some beautiful tunes from some of our talented musicians, and a stunning rendition of Auld Lang Syne from the P6 & 7 choir.

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The Last Queen’s Men

Twenty Boys from over twelve companies of Paisley & District Battalion The Boys’ Brigade were involved in taking the final step to reach their goal – to become Queen’s Men. This group of young men travelled to Carronvale House – Boys’ Brigade’s Scottish National Training Centre in Larbert, Stirlingshire for a residential training weekend as the final part of becoming the last Queen’s Men as of next year they will become Kings Men. They took part in learning new skills like coaching sports learning to play a musical instrument or taking part in an expedition of up to three-night duration.

This has been a long road travelled for these for these lads. Giving over thirty hours voluntary service each to their church and BB companies working and supporting younger boys giving them the example and leadership to see them through their journey in the organisation.

They have also committed and gave to their communities. Yes, in total these young men have given over 1,000 hours to local organisations on top of the over 600 Hours they gave to their churches. From working with Homeless Veterans and Poppy Scotland where the young men were involved and assisted in raising over £10,000 in this past year, to assisting with Hospital Radio, Local Hospices, Children’s Nurseries plus giving their time volunteering in Dementia Care Homes.

During their residential weekend they were involved in a series of team building tasks from sports to quizzes and model building called ‘Wacky Races’ through to Dragon’s Den – a Sales Pitching exercise. Working together is an important part of life which were refined over the weekend working with new people from other companies many of who they had not met before joining their groups.

Gryffe Valley Rotary Young Photographer

Congratulations to Freja J of St Columbas School whose photograph won the District 132 Final in the Age 11-13 category and now goes forward to the GB final.

Her interpretation of this years challenging theme “Rebuilding” shows the first houses at Dargavel on the site of the former ROF Bishopton

Castle Semple Sailing Club

As usual, the changing of the clocks has heralded a change in the clubs events. The Wednesday evening Spring series has commenced as well as Thursday evening training for both cadets and adults. Regular Sunday racing has continued with the Winter series now complete and the Spring series in progress. The weather hasn’t been particularly kind throughout late Winter and early Spring and this has tempered participation somewhat. Having said that, a number of enthusiastic sailors have braved the conditions to get out on the water. The Easter school break has allowed the usual week long cadets course to run. Those who took part had a great time and some grateful parents too no doubt! Further progress has been made on the club house with new toilets and showers now operational, and rather symbolically, the club flagpole now raised in its new position. An exciting event is coming up on the 4th and 5th May when the club welcomes Sailability Scotland’s Challengers again. It’s an event we’re all looking forward to. As always, if anyone would like to find out more, please drop by the club on Sunday afternoons or contact us on info@castlesemple.co.uk

Birkmyre Rugby Club Fun Day & BBQ

Sunday 19th May starting at 11.30am

The day will mark the end of the playing season and is open to all kids, boys & girls, of Primary School age to come along and enjoy the fun.

You do not need to have played rugby before to attend and this free event is open to both members and non-members of the club. There will be free burgers for the kids and qualified coaches will lead the activities on the day.

For more info, email birkmyrekidsrugby@gmail.com

RegularClassesMeet

Step aerobic Class

Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir (Opposite Amaretto)

Tuesday: 7pm

STEP is making a huge comeback in popularity. A great workout for all fitness levels, high or low intensity. Why not come along and have fun whilst working out?

q Mo 07505 126416

Jennifer Sloan Physiotherapy Led Pilates

Kilmacolm Community Centre

Wednesdays: 6.15pm - 7.15pm 7.30pm - 8.30pm

Thursdays: 9.30am - 10.30am

q Jennifer 07731 303709

k jennifer-mcghee@hotmail.co.uk

Zumba

Freelands Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir (Opposite Amaretto)

Monday: 10am

Love to dance? Why not come along and dance to fantastic music and feel FAB. All fitness levels welcome. From the young to the young at heart. q Mo 07505 126 416

Move it or Lose it!

Langbank, Gourock, Bridge of Weir, Greenock, Kilmacolm, Houston and Kilbarchan

Classes aimed at men & women over 60, for those who are socially isolated or anyone who has health issues preventing them from attending the gym. We’d love to meet you. a www.moveitorloseit.co.uk

f Move-it -or-lose-it-with-fiona q Fiona 07811 766672

Sk fitness

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club, Old Pro Shop, Golf Course Road, Bridge of Weir

GROUP TRAINING: Mon: 9am & 6pm, Tues: 7pm, Fri: 9am

SPIN & WEIGHTS: Mon: 5pm, Wed: 9am, Thur: 6.30am & 7pm, Fri: 6.50am, Sat: 9am

SPIN: Tues: 7am, Wed: 5pm, Thur: 9am, Fri: 6am

SPIN & BOXING: Wed: 6pm, Sat: 8am q Suzanne 07525 536070

SANA YOGA

Kilbarchan Scout Hall

Traditional Yoga and Yin Yoga, Sound Baths

Tuesday & Sunday, Book online a www.yogasana.one k zoe@yogasana.one q Zoe 07850 397666

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club Ladies

The golfers have been having a tough start to the 2024 golfing season. Rain, gales, hail and sleet have all been in more than plentiful supply on most days!

Wednesdays appear to have been hit particularly badly and therefore 3 Competitions have been cancelled since the 20th March. We are hoping that this will not become the norm going forward! Despite the disappointment of no golf, the ladies have met regularly in the club for coffee or lunch and a chat in good company. Kate Scott, the Ladies Captain, organised a fun putting competition to be held for anyone brave enough to try and putt the ball to finish in the centre of, what would be, the hole. Not as easy as it sounds but Elaine Campbell managed to execute the task perfectly! 26 Ladies did manage to play in the opening event which was the 12 hole, 5 club stableford. This was won by Vicky Rennie with an excellent score of 32 points.

The Captains Drive In date was moved from the beginning of January, as in previous years, to the 7th April with the hope that the weather would be better. Sadly this was not the case and it had to be postponed due to torrential rain. Our fingers are crossed that it will go ahead on the rearranged date. May is always a very full calendar for golf and various events are planned in the Clubhouse as well. The first of these is a new event - Nine, Wine and Dine on 10th May. Times available from 4pm - 6pm. Members and Guests can enjoy 9 holes of golf followed by a glass of wine and a choice of food from the daily specials menu. Members should sign up at the bar. Wishing the best of luck to everyone playing in the knockout competitions going forward.

Brookfield Bowling Club

Brookfield Bowling Club held their Opening Day on Saturday 6th April. The picture shows President Mary Taylor preparing to throw the first bowl of the new season.

We still have some vacancies for new members who will be made most welcome. Please phone 07388 779215 or e-mail Brookfield.Bowls@gmail.com or pop down on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday at 1.45pm and make yourself known.

The Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club

The weather hasn’t been too kind to golfers throughout Scotland in recent months, however despite this, The Old Course Ranfurly is holding up well and we have enjoyed the start of the golfing season with our first monthly competitions of 2024.

Despite the weather, our clubhouse continues to provide members, guests and visitors with a warm welcome. We have hosted various private events including football end of seasons prize givings, an engagement party and a christening. Our catering and bar staff have served up some fantastic events in recent weeks, including our Easter Special weekend and our Masters Spanish Tapas special menu.

Our March quiz fell on Good Friday during the Bank Holiday weekend and we had a sell-out with 140 attending an joining and one of our resident quizmasters Alan Stirling wore his infamous gold jacket. Despite there being 38 teams participating we had a tie for the very first time and both teams agreed a tie was the bets outcome and shared the spoils. Well done to both teams who agreed to donate the £389 raised on the night to Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland in memory of our former Captain Stuart Gibson who passed away recently.

Finally, our annual Ryder Cup style competition between our “older” and “younger” members was played in dreadful conditions on Sunday 14th April. Congratulations to our young crew (pictured) who won a tight match 5-4.

Ladies Section

Despite the fact that most days you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s still Winter , the new Golf Season is in full swing. Here at old Course Ranfurly our new Lady Captain is Fiona McCruddon ably assisted by her Vice Captain , Lana Wilson.

Last month we held a cheese and pate / quiz night which raised £210 for Fiona’s chosen charity SAMH - Scottish Action For Mental Health. I’m sure we will raise much more for this worthy cause as the year goes on .

Date for your diary ladies! This year our Ladies Open takes place on Thursday 4th July. The format is Greensomes Stableford with each couple only costing £20! There are tee times available between 10am - 2pm. Book now via …… to secure your chosen tee time.

Ladies VC 2024/25 Lana Wilson

Lady Captain 2024/25 Fiona McCruddon

Defibrillators:

Lady Captain raises funds for Quarriers in memory of her Grandmother

Quarriers would like to thank the former Lady Captain at Ranfurly Castle Golf Club, Karen Binning, for her fundraising efforts last year, raising £835 for the local health and social care charity.

Quarries has always had a place in Karen’s heart due to her family’s involvement with the charity. The organisation is now one of Scotland’s largest providers of social care, however, it was once a children’s home for orphaned and destitute children. Karen’s grandmother and her two great uncles were admitted to the children’s home in 1910. Aged just 6, her grandmother and her two older brothers went to Quarriers village after their father died of typhoid and their mother had to undergo surgery. The children’s grandparents did their best to look after them, but with other younger children around to look after, it was felt the three older siblings could cope with the move.

Karen and her family contacted Quarriers to find out more about their ancestor’s time in the home. They discovered when they arrived and which cottages they stayed in.

The team at the golf club raised funds by having a charity bunker, where players paid £1 if they landed in it; they had a Tri-Am tournament which had a £5 entry fee; a Bridge afternoon and the funds from the raffle at the Annual Dinner were donated to Quarriers.

Louise Strachan, Quarriers Events and Community Fundraiser said: “We are very grateful to Karen for choosing Quarriers as her preferred charity during her time as Lady Captain and to everyone who supported her. This fantastic donation will allow us to continue providing care and support to those who need it most.”

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submit your items: q 01505 613340 k info@advertizer.co.uk

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Items For Sale

Clothes & Shoes

Bishopton

• The Cornerstone, Greenock Rd

• Bishopton Community Centre

Brookfield

• Brookfield Village Hall

Bridge of Weir

• Co-Op

• Old Ranfurly Golf Club

• Ranfurly Castle Golf Club

• Gate Hs, BoW Leather Works

elderslie

• Elderslie Golf Club

houston

• Outside Church Hall, Main St

• Co-Op

• Strathgryffe Tennis (reception)

• Old telephone box, Houston Rd, Crosslee

• Back of Houston Primary outer-side of playground fence

hoWWood

• Howwood Hall, Station Rd

• Christ the King Church, Bowfield Rd

• The Boarding House (open hrs)

• Howwood Primary School fence

Johnstone

• Keystore, Spateston

Eleganza Sposa Ladies cream and

• gold trim Wedding Hat with attachable veil. £50. Tel: 07810 165798.

Electrical & Gas

Bosch Fridge Freezer -

• used for around 4 months. Immaculate condition. H200cm - W60cm - D62cm. Cost £699, sell for £250 ono. Tel: 07767 144986.

Household & Garden

Two Jack Vettriano framed by Portland

• Gallery in Paisley, one measures 63cm / 70cm, the other measures 68cm / 64cm. Pictures if required. £75 for the two. Tel: 01505 872813.

Modern Dining Room Suite, black,

• chrome and glass. £300. Tel: 01505 506385.

2 Seater Floral Bed Settee (

• bed never been used). £250. Tel: 01505 506385. Conservatory furniture set, green with

• cream coloured cushions. Settee + 2 chairs, coffee table & side table. Good condition. £300. Tel: 07968 246289.

Silver Grey velvet Chaise Long. New

• x D38” x H27”. Good condition. £40. Needs collected. Tel 07758 370044. IKEA white wicker/metal office chair.

• Good condition. £30. Tel 07758 370044.

Weber Portable Gas Barbecue with 1

• extra gas bottle. Used twice. Cost £300, sell £200 ono. Tel: 01505 612848.

Sports

Ladies Golf Clubs - 8 Irons, 2 Drivers,

• 1 Rescue Club and Putter. Good bag. Very reasonable priced at £55. Tel: 01505 346118 or 07770 516503.

Peugeot male 1989 vintage all terrain

• bike, 18 speed, 26” alloy wheels, heavy duty robust Peugeot frame. All as original and in good as new working order. £140. Tel: 07910 472394.

2 x 19” unisex Pendleton Electric Bikes,

Other Items

• available. Tel: 01505 506385.

• excellent condition. 1 Black and Rose Gold, and 1 White and Blue (extras available for both). £450 ono for each (can be sold separately). Tel: 01505 614593.

Downsizing - quality home furnishings

• condition. Tel: 01505 506385. Dark navy leather double sofa - W65”

• 1927 portable model. Fully working, excellent condition. Comes with needles and a few records. Can see playing - pick up only. £95. Tel: 07591 121777.

Gramophone - His Master’s Voice

• Keystore, Corseford

• Johnstone Town Hall

• Scottish Fire & Rescue

kilmacolm

• Kilmacolm Golf Club

• St Columba’s Senior School

• Piano- just short of 5ft. Matt ebony. Replacement/new keyboard etc. Offers invited. Tel:01505 506385.

Collard & Collard Baby Grand

• Gym, Birkmyre Park

• Library (rear of New Surgery)

kilBarchan

• Scout Hall

• suitable for boats/yachts up to 30ft length. £50. Tel: 07910 472394.

Bruce boat anchor, 7.5Kg. Weight

Squier Precision Bass Fender Guitar, • black and white plus Park Bass Amp, stand and 2 leads, excellent condition. £150. Tel: 07887 784162.

Crown Sovereign 4 Berth Caravan • with Awning. Excellent Condition. £1,200 ono. Tel: 01505 872818 or 07960 913607.

Wanted Items

Old records wanted. 45s & LPs Cash

• paid. Tel: 01505 873958 or 07710 777571.

• Kilbarchan Bowling Club

• Kilbarchan Primary School (main door)

langBank

• Langbank Village Hall

• Doctors surgery, Station Rd (carpark wall)

linWood

• Onyx Leisure Centre

• Spar, Clippens Rd

• Asda

lochWinnoch

• Outside GP Practice, Main St paisley

• Russell Institute Quarriers

• William Quarriers House (entrance to Faith Ave)

• Country View

p ick up a copy:

Bridge of Weir

• Wrights Home Hardware

• Bernie’s

• Anderson’s Bakery

• The Library

houston

• Co-op

• Newsagent

• Curly Coffee

hoWWood

• Village store

kilmacolm

• Newsagent

• The Library

• Community Centre

• Colin Love Fishmonger Johnstone

• Johnstone Library

kilBarchan

• Bobbins

lochWinnoch

• Castle Semple

• Key Store

• La Dolce Vita

l ocal h alls:

Bridge of Weir

Business

media pack available online at: a www.advertizer.co.uk/advertise/ Advertising

#348 June 2024 15th May 2024

#349 J uly 2024 12th June 2024

#350 a ugust 2024

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

It is hereby agreed that: The placing by the Advertising Client of an Advertisement

• is deemed to be acceptance of Conditions of Acceptance of Advertising. All Advertisements in this Publication must not contravene the • Standards. The Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage incurred

Freeland Church 01505 612610

www.freelandchurch.org.uk

Brookfield Village Hall 01505 335562

www.brookfieldvillage.org

houston

Carrick Centre 01505 229597

e: thecarrickcentre@gmail.com

Compass Centre 01505 615441

kilBarchan

Guide Centre

e: kilbarchanguidecentre@ gmail.com

www.girlguidingkilbarchan. weebly.com

Old Library Centre 01505 706070

kilmacolm

www.kipco.org

Cargill Centre 01505 873994

www.cargillcentre.com

Brownie/Guide Hut

guidehutbookings@gmail.com

• The Library local councils: a www.renfrewshire.gov.uk

www.inverclyde.gov.uk

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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.

Ads Directory by Category

Health, Beauty & Fitness

Decorus

LaserLight

Bishopton Dental Care

New Vision Opticians

Home Hardware

Wright’s Home Hardware . . . . .

Home Improvements

CHG Architecture . . . . . . . . . . 19

3D Garden Design . . . . .

Kieran Turner Aerial

Gryffe Windows & Doors

A&M Sandstone

Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms

CMS Surveyors

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CLH Joinery

Apple Tree Gardens .

Fencetec Ltd

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Handyman/Property Maintenance

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Joiners

DJY Joinery Ltd

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JBC Joiners & Builders

M Addison Joiners&Builders

SMG Roofing & Building

CLH Joinery

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Kitchens Affordable Luxuries

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Taylor Made Joinery

CLH Joinery

Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms

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A Gallagher

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M&E Painters

James Martin

GFM Painters & Decorators

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RED Pest Control

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PetVets

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Kilellan Roofing

James Kerr Joiner

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Plumbers

Plumbing & Heating

Rightio Subcontractors Ltd

GasMan Energy

Gasfit

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Property, Sales & Let

Cochran Dickie

Kingsley Wood & Co

Corum Property

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Wright’s Home Hardware . .

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