271 April 2017 - Gryffe Advertizer

No.271 Distributed to: • Bishopton • Bridge of Weir • Brookfield • Elderslie • Houston • Howwood • Kilbarchan • Kilmacolm • Langbank • Lochwinnoch • Quarriers

Muirshiel Country Park by Diaporama

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No. 271

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April 2017

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your LOCAL community magazine

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EXPERT JET-WASHING With Spring now here, this is the time of year we are busiest cleaning driveways, patios etc., ready for the Summer. If you are thinking of having your driveway cleaned then it is crucial it’s done correctly to prevent problems in future. If there are a lot of weeds these should be treated before jet-washing and after a high-pressure industrial clean that removes dirt, moss and a little sand, it is critical to re-sand with kiln-dried sand, a Biocidal treatment will then resist future growths. Give us a call for free friendly information on this service or for a free quotation.

Before

After

01505 863 863 www.nutechcleaning.co.uk

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This

Month

A Spring in our Step

I was humming along to Crowded House ‘four seasons in one day’, while watching the wonderful volunteers from Brighter Bridge of Weir outside our office as they worked away at the new embankment across at the Gryffe Garage.

With the hope of Spring around the corner, all our fabulous village groups are dusting down their spades and getting the borders and planters ready for the sunshine to bring out the flowers.

Irene and Neil Thompson, members of the Brighter team represented the group at the Scottish Rural Awards in Edinburgh last month. Although Brighter Bridge of Weir were not the eventual winners on the night, they were delighted to have made the final shortlist. In any event, we certainly all think they are winners.

And another success. Last month, Jake Fulton of Houston Litter Crew was presented with the Community Volunteer of the Year 2017 at the Provost’s Community Awards. Jake has managed to inspire a real sense of community pride, cohesion and spirit within Houston and the Crew have combined to make the area a cleaner and nicer place to live.

Local Development Plan 2017 Both Inverclyde and Renfrewshire are currently in the process of preparing a new Local Development Plan for each area. Community engagement is an essential part of the process and you are encouraged to attend local meetings and give your input on the proposals.

There will be a Planning Policy team from Inverclyde Council at the Kilmacolm Community Centre on 25th April. More information on p39. Renfrewshire Council has details available on their website, or by calling the Local Development Plan team on 0141 618 7838. The deadline for comments is 1st May 2017. Again more details available on p36.

contact us

Delays for Drivers

The Gryffe Advertizer, 1st floor, Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN t: 01505 613340 e: info@advertizer.co.uk w: www.advertizer.co.uk All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

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

contents

local news....................8-13 optical blog......................10 legal blog.......................8 dental blog........................11 what’s on........................14-23 finance & tech.................24-25 financial blog.........................24 it blog...............................28 on the road......................33 local history.....................30 village news....................36-45

pet news.....................46-47 pet blog............................46 outdoors........................48-53 school news.................54-59 photography blog..............57 sport news....................60-63 sporting blog.....................63 business classified..............64 church listings....................65 deadlines dates...................65 property classified.................65 sales & wants......................66 advertizer directory................67

We seem to have road works everywhere just now, partly due to Councils using their budgets before the year end, but also cable installation throughout the area.

A temporary nuisance but hopefully a long-term benefit.

The anticipated delays at Deafhillock Roundabout have come to fruition as work began last week on the infrastructure for the new houses being built on the Barochan Road site at Brookfield. Having had warning signs that these would start in February, it wasn’t until mid March before they actually began and already drivers are trying to find alternative routes to avoid long delays at peak times.

Park cafe is saved And on a final note, the Birkmyre Café, situated at Birkmyre Park in Kilmacolm, has been saved with the advent of a new lease agreement. Thanks to all who signed the petition and gave support to this superb facility.

Which just leaves me to advise you of our next dates.......

Next Issue: No.272 May 2017

Deadline: Friday 14 April 2017

Call or email in your news!

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

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

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

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

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

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk This May, ‘Go Yellow’ for Ardgowan Hospice Have your own event in your workplace, school or college and help raise funds for hospice care.

Or, come along to our Coffee Morning in the Access Centre on Friday the 26th of May at 10am - 12pm.

Contact fundraising@ardhosp.co.uk or call 01475 726830 for more details.

Ardgowan Hospice is a charity registered in Scotland: Registered office 12 Nelson Street, Greenock PA15 1TS Scottish Charity No: SC011541 Company No: SC075515 www.ardgowanhospice.org.uk

Dinner/Dance Every Saturday night from 8pm 11pm at Willow Bank Hotel, 96 Greenock Road, Largs. Booking essential. Call 01475 675435 for further information.

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Soroptimists Learn About Mental Health Services Business & Enterprise Manager, Karen Milne and RAMH Ambassador, Suzanne Adam from local mental health charity RAMH were delighted to join members of Soroptimist International of Paisley at a recent meeting.

Karen gave a presentation about RAMH – who they are, what they do and talked about mental health services available in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.

She also talked about the importance of maintaining good mental health through connectedness, creativity and caring; Karen pointed out how the Soroptimists do this every single day!

She also touched upon overcoming stigma and misconceptions around mental ill health, how to help someone you think may be experiencing mental ill health and who to contact. RAMH are delighted to be a nominated Charity of the Year for Soroptimists in Paisley.

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A Fab Night of Folk ‘A FAB NIGHT OF FOLK’ - a fundraiser for the Beatson Cancer Charity was a great success. Organised by Bridge of Weir musicians Eric and Eilidh Grant, they appeared at ‘Live at the Star’ along with their ‘Random Connections’, some superb musicians and singers they’ve collaborated with over the years.

All the musicians: Jenny Potter; Sarah Marshall; Iain Dawson; Willie Gamble; Jenny Booth; Dave Gibb; Fraser Spiers; participated without fee or expenses; as did host Ronnie McCorrisken and guest speaker Victoria Ross from Paisley, who bravely came to tell of how the Beatson Cancer Charity had helped her through her recent crisis. Her talk brought everyone closer to what it was all about; frankly she was inspirational. The sellout event was held at the Star Folk Club in Glasgow; thanks are due to their team for their hard work and to the club for donating all receipts to the charity; with additional support from the Greenock Royal Amateur Boat Club Sessions the total raised was over £2,500.

The picture features L-R; Jenny Booth (Glasgow); Jenny Potter (Kilmacolm); Eilidh Grant and Eric Grant (Bridge of Weir).

Photo L to R: Jean Ramsay, Karen Milne (RAMH), Sue Williams (President), Margaret Wallace, Suzanne Adam (RAMH)

Legal Blog

by Isabella McKerrow, Affinity Family Law

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

It is important that you find a solicitor who has the expertise and experience in the area of law that you want advice on. I am a dual accredited specialist in family and child law. I also have further expertise having qualified as an Advocate.

A solicitor might advertise that they are an expert or a specialist in a particular area of law but how can you be sure that they are what they claim to be?

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

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Instructing an accredited specialist is not necessarily more expensive. The price a solicitor charges varies from firm to firm. You may find a firm with a solicitor who is an accredited specialist charges less than a firm who does not have a specialist. Don’t be fooled by large firms with expensive plush offices and exorbitant fees. Check they have an accredited specialist.

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

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

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The Glasgow event is the biggest Kiltwalk of the year and takes place on Sunday 30th April with three separate walks of different lengths across the city.

Thousands of walkers will set off from Glasgow Green and head for the Kiltwalk Village on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond.

You can choose from the following distances, all suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities.

The Wee Wander, 6 miles - The Wee Wander, suitable for the whole family, is 6 miles long, starting at 12noon and begins and ends at Moss O Balloch Park. £12.66 per adult, £6.33 per child, FREE for under 5s.

The Big Stroll, 15 miles - For those looking for an intermediate challenge, look no further than The Big Stroll - 14 miles across Glasgow. Starting at Clydebank at 11am and ending at Moss O Balloch Park. £31.65 per adult/child.

The Mighty Stride, 23 miles - The big one! Across Glasgow, leaving from Glasgow Green at 9am and finishing at Moss O Balloch Park, the Mighty Stride is for those looking for the ultimate Kiltwalk experience. £31.65 per adult/ child.

Walk routes and lengths have not yet been confirmed and are subject to change.

If you are in doubt about your ability to take part in the event or if you have any medical conditions, please consult your doctor before registering.

Looking for someone local?

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Start swotting up for the RAMH annual Dinner & Quiz - this year hosted by the wonderful broadcaster & writer Vanessa Collingridge, with headline sponsors University of the West of Scotland. It’s on Friday 19th May at the Normandy Hotel Renfrew and guests will enjoy a fizz reception, 3 course meal with coffee and 8 rounds of celeb-hosted quiz. The sports round will be hosted by St Mirren FC legend, Tony Fitzpatrick.

Teams of maximum 10 guests will compete to win the much coveted RAMH Quiz Trophy, sponsored

by Linstone Housing. And the best bit is that the event aims to raise £15,000 for local mental health services. Tickets are £35 per person, so reserve your place now enquiries@ramh.org or 0141 847 8900.

The evening is perfect for corporate hospitality, team building, or socialising with friends. Dress is smart/casual (no denim, no trainers). It kicks off at 7pm, the trophy is presented at midnight and the dancing finishes at 1am. It’s a terrific evening of competition and fun. All guests are warmly welcomed and furthermore, you will be supporting recovery from mental ill health with RAMH. Are you ready to take on a challenge in 2017 for RAMH? Push your comfort zone, achieve something you never expected you could, meet a great bunch of new people, all while supporting local mental health services. Join us for the 2017 Canyoning Challenge on the River Tay! You’ll be jumping, swimming, and even abseiling through a beautiful gorge, and seeing sights you can only see from the river.

It’s on Saturday 26th August and includes return transport from Paisley or Barrhead, half day’s canyoning, pub dinner to finish and home before sunset.

A fantastic, unique experience for only £15 registration fee + £75 sponsorship, all going directly to local mental health services. Book now! enquiries@ramh. org or 0141 847 8900.

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Have been awarded £7,200 in grant by Crerar Hotels Trust and The Trades House of Glasgow Commonweal Fund.

Key headlines: • Grant used to purchase a new electric bed and mattress • Crerar Hotels uniquely makes up to 50% of distributable profits available to its registered charity • Crerar Hotels Trust has now made over £7m in grants over last 16 years • The Trades House of Glasgow Commonweal Fund is available to charities and organisations within the city of Glasgow and surrounding areas.

THE Crerar Hotels Trust announced that it has awarded a grant of £3,600 to St Vincent’s Hospice.

This is on top of £3,600 already awarded by The Trades House of Glasgow Commonweal Fund.

Sometimes patients can be quite anxious when they are admitted to the Hospice and we need to ensure that they can enjoy a good night sleep. Specialist mattresses help with the prevention of bed sores and offer the best comfort possible.

We have electric beds which help patients’ complex healthcare needs as they are designed to provide safe patient mobilisation, which is crucial for many. St Vincent’s Hospice has used the funding to renew one of their 8 electric beds and mattress, which, at 8 - 10 years old had become worn and difficult to keep operational.

Brigitte Main, Ward Manager states: “The new bed and mattress is a huge improvement to the comfort and care of our patients’. The lady who is currently using the bed told me she is sleeping like a princess and having access herself to the remote control makes it so easy to get in and out of bed. Thank you.”

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Optical Blog

by Kerry Taher, New Vision Opticians

What’s so special about OCT? Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive, highly sophisticated, quick and painless way of assessing the eye in incredible detail using specialised waves of light. It allows us to see parts of the eye in a way that would otherwise not be possible (apart from hospital clinics), and has helped to save the sight of many people.

OCT isn’t part of an NHS-funded eye examination and currently only about 20% of opticians in the UK have invested in this technology.

However, these numbers are increasing due to the significant clinical benefits that it provides. Compared with retinal photography that shows us the 2D surface of the retina, OCT clearly shows us all of the retinal layers in 3D, as well as parts of the structures in front of and behind the retina.

These can be measured and any changes can be accurately tracked over time. Invaluable for unexplained changes in vision, glaucoma/family history of glaucoma, diabetes and in the diagnosis and treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration.

Research has shown that “structure changes before function”. In most types of glaucoma, by the time you notice a problem yourself, a lot of your visual field (side vision) will already be lost because the brain fills in the extra blind spots in your vision until they become too large. Similarly, if the “flashing light test” that measures your visual field shows some changes, the damage has already been done. OCT allows us to see the changes in retinal structure BEFORE the visual field is affected, and this means much earlier disease detection, treatment can be started sooner, and damage will be minimised/ prevented.

Regular eye examinations are essential for maintaining healthy eyes and reducing the amount of preventable sight loss. With OCT, we can see and prevent so much more.

For further information, please call the practice on 01505 614 700.

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Dental Blog

by Sheila Macintyre, Practice Owner, Kilbarchan Dental Practice

What is Plaque and What Do You Need to Know?

We have all heard of plaque but why is it bad for our teeth and what can you do to minimise any harmful effects?

Plaque is made up of invisible masses of bacteria called a “biofilm” that constantly grow on surfaces within the mouth. It is a sticky colourless deposit at first, but when it forms tartar, it is often brown or pale yellow.

The formation of plaque is a normal process and can’t be prevented but its progression and build-up can lead to tooth decay or gum disease. The dental biofilms can become acidic causing demineralization of the teeth (also known as “dental caries”) or harden into tartar that attaches to the enamel on your teeth and below the gum line.

Plaque control and removal can prevent the development of dental caries and gum disease, so first and foremost it is important to follow a good oral health regime brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Even better if you can also use an interdental brush to reach those hard to get places.

Dental plaque is difficult to see unless it’s stained but this is easily solved by chewing a red “disclosing tablet” available from most supermarkets and pharmacies. Stain and examine your teeth regularly to make sure you are removing all plaque. Your dentist can help advise on a suitable toothbrush and interdental brushes.

If tartar has formed it is a bit harder to get rid of and cannot simply be removed through brushing. In this case a professional clean by your dentist or dental hygienist is required. Nowadays this involves the use of an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations to loosen the tartar and washes away the debris and, if required, the scraping away of tartar manual tool.

If you would like any more advice on how to care for, or improve the look of, your teeth visit us at Kilbarchan Dental Practice, call 01505 704969 or click www.kilbarchandental. co.uk where you’ll find lots more free tips.

Hospice extends care in the community Ardgowan Hospice is running two new supportive care clinics out in the community with the aim of widening access to hospice services.

The two clinics will run on alternative Wednesdays at either Port Glasgow Health Centre and Greenock Health Centre (room 89, Wing G), and are open to patients who are experiencing issues related to any lifelimiting condition, and not just cancer – people with conditions such as heart failure, COPD, kidney, renal or liver failure, and neurological conditions such as motor neurone disease.

Dr Sandra McConnell, consultant at Ardgowan Hospice said, “We are trying to increase access to our service in the community and realise that, for several reasons, a familiar local environment may be more acceptable to some patients than attending the hospice.”

“There are many benefits to people and their families when supportive or palliative care is involved at an earlier stage - including extending length of life in some cases and improving the quality of life and support available, to enable people to deal with the challenges they face and help them try to achieve what matters to them.”

Patients can ask their GP, specialist nurse or consultant to make a referral for them to one of the clinics.

Further information can be obtained by calling Ardgowan Hospice on 01475 726830 or emailing info@ardhosp.co.uk.

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Mary Sweenie and family Fundraise for St Vincent’s Hospice Mary Sweenie received care from St Vincent’s Hospice a few years ago.

Knowing that it costs around £6,000 a day to provide Hospice services, she and her family decided that as a way to say thank you for the all the care shown during her stay, they would organise a charity fundraising night at the Ferguslie Bowling Club in Paisley.

Family and friends were invited for a night of fun with karaoke, a raffle, a DJ and a buffet, made by family member Caroline Beatson. Caroline was happy to make her famous buffet, as a way of thanking the Hospice for her father-inlaw’s care.

For Mary, the best Christmas present would always be a night out with all her family, so she decided to use some of the money that would have been spent on gifts to cover the costs of the DJ and buffet food. The hall was kindly donated for use by Ferguslie Bowling Club free of charge for this wonderful cause.

A grand total of £1,140 was raised, including a donation of £180 from colleagues of Mary’s son, Bobby, at Renfrewshire Council Building Services.

The whole family would like to express their thanks to all who attended, donated, purchased raffle tickets and offered their support to what was an incredibly successful fundraising night. Bobby Meiklejohn, Mary’s brother, expressed “We couldn’t have done it without them”.

The family’s support for the hospice doesn’t stop there though. Stuart Ritchie, husband of Mary’s granddaughter Ashley, will be taking part in a sponsored cycle - The Paisley-Whithorn 100 Mile Challenge - in April this year. Says Stuart, “I’m happy to be fundraising for the Hospice as my grandfather received end of life care, and my aunt is currently receiving care there”.

Pictured in the photo from left to right are Bobby Meiklejohn, Mary, Brian, Angela, Caroline and Jacqueline, presenting the cheque to Karen Gallacher from our in-patient unit and Laura McDade from the fundraising team.

Laura said “On behalf of all at St. Vincent’s Hospice we want to sincerely thank Mary and all her family for this wonderful sum of money raised and for all the ongoing support they are giving to us.”

“If you are interested in holding your own fundraising event in aid of St Vincent’s Hospice please contact the fundraising team on 01505 705635 or email info@ svh.co.uk”

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Celebrating 6 Successful Years with a Refurb!

Room 19 opened it’s doors at 19 Steeple Street Kilbarchan on 21st June 2011. Since then the salon has been going from strength to strength welcoming new and existing clients.

During these busy six years, Room 19 have built up a loyal customer base.

This is mainly due to their consultation service allowing them to deliver the best result for their clients. Room 19 pride themselves on the professional service delivered by each team member. Pamela, senior stylist with over 30 years hairdressing experience, ensures the whole team are up to date with the latest styling and colouring techniques. She recently introduced into her salon Olaplex, a unique three-step process which works to repair damaged hair. Pamela believes sourcing such treatments and techniques have been key to the success of her busy salon. Working with Pamela from the start and an integral part of the team is Jordan. Alongside Jordan is Bria. Bria, a finalist at Wella Xposure London 2016, brings a wealth of colouring techniques.

We wish her well having recently qualified for this year’s semifinals. Learning from Jordan, Bria and Pamela is Sarah, our super friendly and welcoming junior stylist.

Call 01505 70 40 40 to arrange a visit with one of the team!

World Shine Coffee Morning With African Slideshow. 11am – 1pm Saturday 1st April at Mount Zion Church, Law View Road, Quarriers Village. Entrance £2.50 World Shine UK is a charity dedicated to reaching, raising and releasing the poor and destitute in Uganda with Christian faith in action. Joanna Lunn, World Shine UK Treasurer, will be giving a brief presentation at 12 noon about her recent trip to Uganda.

She went in February with her daughter to see the work first hand, visiting both the WSF School in Rwentobo, and the headquarters in Kampala.

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April

events

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Until Mon 3 April

Sun 2 April

Going Solo At Sixty Nine Shelagh Campbell Exhibition

Woodland Arts and Crafts

House for an Art Lover, 10 Dumbreck Road, Bellahouston Park 10am to 5pm

Please visit www.shelaghcampbellar tist. co.uk for further information or email arts@ houseforanartlover.co.uk

Sat 1 April St James Orchestra and Glasgow Lyric Choir Concert

Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley 7.30pm The concert will also include excerpts from Mendelsohn’s Symphony No.2., co-conducted

by Leon Reimer and Julian Evans. For more information please visit the St. James Orchestra website at www.stjamesorchestra.org.uk. Tickets £10 / £5.

Wildlife Photography Workshop – Intermediate Level RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm

The workshop will be led by wildlife photographer David Palmar (www.photoscot.co.uk). This will be an excellent opportunity to build on your existing photography skills. Advice, encouragement and ideas will be freely given! Cost: £40 – 20% discount for RSPB members.

Book Launch : Black Cart by Jim Carruth Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir 7pm

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 1pm to 3pm Join our Rangers and gather woodland materials to make your artistic creation.

Family volunteering with your children or grandchildren RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 1pm to 3.30pm

It’s a chance to spend some quality time with the children in your life, and it’s free. Please book.

Cost: FREE

Mon 3 - Fri 7 April Junior Multi Activity Weeks

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch

Mon 3rd – Fri 7th or Mon 10th – Fri 14th April. A full week of activities for 8-15 yr olds to get active, learn new skills and make new friends, on land and water! Get 6 or more children together and book your own course. Costs £160 for 5 full days.

Tel 01505 842 882.

Mon 3 April Make Your Own Mondays: Bushcraft – Super Sticks!

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 11am - 1pm OR 2pm - 4pm. We will make bows and arrows and have a go at some target practice! We’ll make stick people – or stick creatures, then create some beautiful natural mobiles. Booking essential. Cost: £5 (RSPB members £3) - Adults go free!

Local poet and current Glasgow poet laureate Jim Carruth will launch his new poetry collection “Black Cart”. At this event he will read a number of poems and talk about his rural Renfrewshire upbringing. Free Entry.

Tue 4 April

World Shine Coffee Morning

Bug Box making

With African Slideshow. Entrance £2.50.

Join our Rangers and make fun bug boxes for your garden. £2.50 for materials

Law View Road, Quarriers Village 11am to 1pm

Sat 1 - Sun 2 April Binocular & Telescope Open Day RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm

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

Scottish Model Yacht Championships

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch

Great spectator sport and not an April Fool! For further information visit the website at http:// www.caledoniasailing.com/tag/internationalone-metre

Sat 1 - Mon 10 April Explorer Challenge: Wheel of Natural Wonders!

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm

Cost: £3 per child (RSPB members £1) [Normal trail fees apply]

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Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 1pm to 3pm

Wed 5 April Embroiderers’ Guild

The Bridge, Main Street, Bridge of Weir 7.30pm Renowned textile artist, Alison King will outline her recent projects, commemorating World War I. Members and visitors very welcome.

Wedding Open Evening

Ingliston Country Club, Old Greenock Road, Bishopton 5pm to 8pm

Free admission, plus canapés & sparkling wine reception.

Thu 6 April The Original Harlem Globetrotters Intu Braehead 7pm

Every game will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequalled fan interaction.

Den Build

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 1pm to 3pm Join the Rangers and see who is a budding Bear Grylls.

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Thu 6 - Fri 7 April

Tue 11 April

Embroiderers’ Guild

Mini Beast Hunt

A two-day class with Alison King. Some places are still available. Please contact egallaher@ btinternet.com for further information.

Six legs, eight legs, 100’s of eyes, a tube to sip nectar or mandibles to rip prey, let’s catch some real mini monsters.

Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir 10am to 4pm

Fri 7 April Renfrewshire RSPB

McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew 7.30pm

There will be an illustrated talk by Paula Baker entitled Loch Lomond - building the dream. All welcome.

Sat 8 April Kilbarchan Parish Church Easter Extravaganza Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street 10am to 12noon

Easter egg hunt for the children & Easter bonnet & decorated egg competition. Stalls with homebaking and Easter gifts. Entrance £2:50, children £1 and this includes coffee with hot-cross buns.

The Bridge Community Garden

The Bridge, Main Street, Bridge of Weir 2pm

Six Must Do’s For The Over 50’s Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 10am to 12noon

Come for a chat and a free 45 minute talk every Scot over 50 should attend

Tue 11 - Sun 16 April Explorer Challenge: Going on a Bear Hunt!

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm

Any time! (centre open 7 days; 10am – 4pm) Spend some quality family time together at RSPB Lochwinnoch! This event is not your usual kind – you do it with your own family in your own time! Simply pop into the Visitor Centre any time between Tuesday 11th and Sunday 16th April, where the friendly staff will get you started. Then, visit different stations along our main tail to go on a bear hunt! Cost: £3 per child (RSPB members £1) [Normal trail fees apply]

Wed 12 April

Sat 8 - Sun 9 April

Johnstone Town Hall, Johnstone 2pm

Guide Centre, Barn Green, Kilbarchan

Willie and The Wicked Wolf

Presented by ‘Over the Top Puppet Company’.

The puppets are all hand operated within a rickety seaside style puppet booth, which heaves around alarmingly throughout the performance issuing bubbles, smoke, occasional jets of water and a variety of props. Suitable for ages 5+. £4 + bkg fee.

Opening times Sat 10am - 4pm and Sun 12 noon - 4pm. A display of over 100 paintings in various mediums and styles which our members have worked on throughout the year. Prices to suit all pockets. Tea/Coffee & Baking available.

Thu 13 April

Mike and Jenny Clark and Friends in Concert

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 1pm to 3pm

Salvation Army, Mill Street, Paisley 7pm

UK Farewell Tour Concert - Saturday 8th April – 7pm; Sunday 9th April – 10.30am. To reserve a Ticket £5 /person. Contact: Pauline Alexander Tel: 0787 603 1431. E-mail: paulinesalexander@ gmail.com

Sun 9 April Kilbarchan Gateway Garden Drop In Session

Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan 1pm - 3pm Come and put your name down for a growing area & start your very own veg plot! All welcome.

For more information and to get involved contact Gail Scoular on 07985749220, email hello@ kilbarchansmile.co.uk or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook.

Pirate Day

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 1pm to 3pm Dress as a scurvy buccaneer and practice your best Arrg! Drama and shouting a plenty. Prize for best dressed pirate.

Mon 10 April Carers Meeting

Ranfurly Doctors Surgery, Kilmacolm Road, Bridge of Weir 7pm

Strathgryffe Medical Practice invites its patients to a carers meeting. A speaker will attend to talk about Power of Attorney and Guardianship.

Make Your Own Mondays: Nature Detectives RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch

11am - 1pm OR 2pm - 4pm We’ll become nature detectives for the day! We will make our own detective books, then head out on a scavenger hunt to looks for tracks, prints and other signs of animal activity. Booking essential.

Cost: £5 (RSPB members £3) - Adults go free!

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Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 1pm to 3pm

Keen to get involved in a community project? - Why not pop along to our community garden and join local people of all ages sharing in the care and development of the garden.

Kilbarchan Habbies’ Annual Art Exhibition

april 2017

Bird Box Making

Join the Rangers making bird boxes, £4 to take it home for your garden. Pre-booking essential.

Fri 14 April Advertizer May Issue Deadline

The Advertizer - Neva Place, Bridge of Weir If you would like anything published in our May issue, please email info@advertizer.co.uk or call the office on 01505 613340. Don’t miss out!

Sat 15 April Quarriers Village Easter Egg Hunt Quarriers Village 10am to 2pm

Turn eggsplorer at Quarriers Village: collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win an Easter egg! £3 Easter Egg Hunt entry includes a chocolate egg.

Marquee next to Sommerville Weir Hall (Three Sisters Bake), Faith Avenue, Quarriers Village.

Falconry Day

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 1pm to 3pm Visit the birds of prey and take a walk around their homes and get up close and personal with the winged hunters, followed by a flying display (Weather Dependant)

Sat 15 - Sun 16 April Sailability Spring Regatta

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch 10.30am to 4pm

Lots of accessible sailing boats will be training on Saturday and racing on Sunday. More info: Tel: 01505 842 882.

Easter Entertainment

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch 11am to 3.30pm

Drop in at any time to complete the self-guided hunt for the Easter Bunny. At Castle Semple and Muirshiel

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Sun 16 April

Sat 22 April

Easter Egg Hunt

Creative Communities Writing Workshop:

Weaver’s Cottage, The Cross, Kilbarchan 2pm to 4pm Organised by the Weaver’s Cottage Support Group. This is a popular event with families.

Easter Bunny Hunt

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 1pm to 3pm Join the Rangers for Easter games. Bring your painted egg and roll it down the hill. Prizes for best fancy dress, and best painted egg.

Easter Egg Decorating & Rolling

The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, Greenock 12.30pm to 3pm

Decorate an egg then rolling down one of Inverclyde’s highest hills! COST: £5 per child MORE INFO: online and book or tel: 01475 521 458

The Easter Egg Run is Back

Glasgow Green, Greendyke Street, Glasgow There is no registration fee, but we ask every biker to make a suggested donation of £10. Sponsor forms, t-shirts or any other fundraising materials, call our fundraising team on 0141 212 8750 or email info@glasgowchildrenshospitalcharity.org.

Mon 17 April Easter Games

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 1pm to 3pm Join the Rangers for all things chocolate with Easter themed games.

Easter Eggstravaganza

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 12noon to 3pm We have plenty of wildlife-themed Easter activities for children of all ages, including egg decorating, a treasure hunt, face painting and the ever popular Egg Drop Challenge! No booking necessary. Cost: £6 (RSPB members £3). Adults go FREE!

Wed 19 April Medical Applications Evening St Columba’s School, Duchal Road, Kilmacolm 7pm

Fourth and fifth year pupils from both Inverclyde and Renfrewshire schools are welcome to attend.

Guest Speakers include: Dr Iain Findlay, Vice President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and Mr Graham Haddock, Deputy Director of Admissions at the University of Glasgow Undergraduate Medical School. Please contact Dgallacher@st-columbas.org if you wish to attend.

Old Pictures and Videos of Lochwinnoch

McKillop Hall, Main Street, Lochwinnoch 7.30pm If you missed the first showing of this excellent and informative show here’s your second chance! Dr Brian Smith will show three topics; Industry of Lochwinnoch, People of the Village & Buildings and Architecture. Donation to Alzheimer Scotland.

Wed 19 - Sat 22 Apr Beer Festival & Food Festival Paisley - various venues

07731 923970

Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 1.30pm to 2.30pm

My Summer Diary with author Liz Rettig. FREE - Age 12+. Liz talks about her Kelly Ann books about a 15 year old who keeps a secret diary.

Email vfinnigan@st-columbas.org to reserve a place.

Duck Race

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 1pm to 3pm Pick your lucky duck and follow it down the stream to see who wins. Prize for first place.

Scotland’s Gardens - Plant Sale Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10am - 12noon

The plant sale will be held at the Cross outside the Library and Cargill Centre. All donations are welcome. Parklea “Branching Out” receives 40%, the net remaining to SG Beneficiaries. Free

Kilmacolm Community Cleanup Pullman Car Park 10am

Please meet just at the entrance to the cycle track. Everything will be provided. Please call or text KCC on 07542 788502 or email secretary@ kilmacolmcc.co.uk to sign up. Please note the event may be postponed due to bad weather.

International Jamboree Coffee Morning

Kilbarchan Guide Centre, Barn Green, Kilbarchan 10am to 12noon

Homebaking, Tombola, Raffles. In Aid of Girlguiding going to Poacher 2017 Jamboree. £3 (children £1.50).

Lochwinnoch Explorer Group: Raptors!

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 12noon

We’ll be learning all about all about birds of prey! Please wear suitable clothing for being outdoors. Ages: 5 - 14 years. Children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

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

Sun 23 April Kilbarchan Smile Big Spring Clean

Ewing Street Car Park Area, Ewing Street, Kilbarchan 2pm to 4pm

Come along and “Do Your Bit”. Equipment will be provided. Please wear strong shoes or boots.

For more information and to get involved contact Gail Scoular on 07985749220, email hello@ kilbarchansmile.co.uk or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook.

Magic with Tickles the Clown

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 1pm to 3pm Come and meet Tickles the Clown and be amazed at her magical skills and balloon animals - Face Painting also available

Great British Tennis Weekend

Strathgryffe Tennis, Squash & Fitness Club, Fleming Road, Houston 1pm to 4pm

Enjoy over 300 ales, beers, ciders and wines from Scotland, the UK and abroad. The one-day Food Festival is a free outdoor event with street food from across the globe, cookery demonstrations, live music and children’s entertainment - held on the final day of the Paisley Beer Festival.

Free entry and access to indoor tennis/squash/ fitness sessions with fully qualified club coaches Visit : www.greatbritishtennisweekend.com. Come along & support the school theatre refurbishment.

Full details in the sports section of this issue.

Thu 20 April

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch

Creative Communities Talk:

St Columba’s School, Duchal Road, Kilmacolm 7.30pm to 8.30pm

Murder in the Library with Russel D Mclean. Join crime noir writer Russel for a glass of wine as he talks about his latest thriller Ed’s Dead. Email vfinnigan@st-columbas.org to reserve a place.

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk

Pedal the Park

A 100k road cycling sportive, Pedal the Park takes in most of the Regional Park’s boundary and stunning scenery. Sign up now via British Cycling online for just £15 in advance, or £20 on the day. This includes a £5 donation to local charity CLIC Sargent in Scotland supporting their work with young people with cancer and their families. See you there!

TUES Head In The Clouds

4

APR

Paisley Central Library @ 10.30am & 1.30pm £3 + bkg fee* Suitable for ages 0-5

Cirrus the dog has a serious job: he has to keep watch on the sheep. What to do when they lose themselves, drifting amongst the dancing clouds? How can he help these woollyheaded dreamers get back down to earth?

THUR Dinosaur Detectives

6 APR

Paisley Arts Centre @ 2pm

£4 + bkg fee*

Suitable for ages 5+

The Dinosaur Detectives weave their way through the audience looking for clues about the past, they discover a secret doorway, inside there are a number of cases; they contain the stories of the people who discovered dinosaur bones in Victorian times …

FRI Chris Ramsey: Is That Chris Ramsey?

7 APR

Paisley Town Hall @ 7.30 pm

£20 / £18 conc + bkg fee*

A brand new stand up show for 2017 from the comedian you’ve seen on The Royal Variety Performance, Celebrity Juice, Hebburn, Live At The Apollo and various newspapers when he was wrongly arrested in a hotel in his underpants.

SAT Talisk

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Paisley Arts Centre @ 7.30 pm

£10 (£8 conc) + bkg fee*

One of the fastest rising bands on the British folk scene.

Mohsen Amini (concertina), Hayley Keenan (fiddle) and Craig Irving (guitar) create a captivating, energetic and dynamic sound that, in little more than a year, has earned them multiple award wins and nationwide media and audience attention.

APR

TUE Jack and the Beans Talk

11 APR

Paisley Arts Centre @ 2pm

£4 + bkg fee*

Suitable for ages 3-7

Jack lives on a small farm with his mum and very little to eat. He likes to talk to the birds, his cow and anyone who will listen. Imagine his surprise when he swops his cow for some magic beans and starts to hear a whispering in the breeze and a giant rumble in the sky ...

THUR When Marnie Was There (PG)

13

Paisley Arts Centre @ 2pm

£4 (£2 conc) + bkg fee*

Anna Sasaki lives with her relatives in a seaside town when she comes across a nearby abandoned mansion, where she meets Marnie; a mysterious girl who asks her to promise to keep their secrets from everyone. As the summer progresses, Anna spends more time with Marnie, and eventually Anna learns the truth about her family and foster care.

APR

FRI Ken Mathieson’s Classic Jazz Orchestra

21 APR

Paisley Arts Centre @ 7.30 pm

£12 (£10 conc) + bkg fee*

The Classic Jazz Orchestra includes some of Scotland’s finest and most versatile jazz talents winning the Best Band category in the 2009 Scottish Jazz Awards. It’s music to gladden the heart and animate the feet from an era when jazz was synonymous with joy.

SAT Imar

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Paisley Arts Centre @ 7.30pm

£12 (£10 conc) + bkg fee*

With a line-up featuring members of Mànran, RURA, Talisk and Barrule,– the group’s formation embodies a personal reconnection with its members’ formative years, dating back long before their recent camaraderie around Glasgow’s justly celebrated session scene.

APR

THUR Life after Death

27 APR

Paisley Arts Centre @ 8pm

£10 (£8 conc) + bkg fee*

18+

A story of fear, love, life and Blackpool .... on returning from a stag weekend, Scott’s brain exploded. He had suffered a massive brain haemorrhage, so he did what any self respecting Glaswegian man would do and went back to bed for 4 days.

FRI Horse McDonald in Careful

28 APR

Paisley Arts Centre @ 7.30 pm

£12 (£10 conc) + bkg fee*

Written by Lynn Ferguson and Directed by Maggie Kinloch, ‘Careful’ is Horse McDonald’s spellbinding debut play.

Horse takes us on a journey from wearing two-tone velvet loons to being one of Scotland’s most celebrated singers, and through those times when she had to be ... Careful.

Call us on 0300 300 1210 or visit https://boxoffice.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ to book

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Sun 23 April Houston and Killellan Social Committee

Houston & Killellan Kirk, Main Street, Houston 7.30pm

We are very privileged that The Glasgow Philharmonic Male Voice Choir have agreed to come to Houston Kirk and perform for us. Please come along and support this event.

Wed 26 April Six Must Do’s For The Over 50’s Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir 10am to 12noon

Come for a chat and a free 45 minute talk every Scot over 50 should attend

Wed 26 - Sat 29 Apr Whisky Galore - a Musical Johnstone Town Centre

An amateur production by Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group, by arrangement with Stagescripts Ltd. Evening shows doors 7pm, curtain 7.30pm.

Matinee doors 1.30pm. Adults £13, conc £10.

Book tickets now on 07748 827727 / jptg. tickets@gmail.com

NEVER MISS A THING!

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

Thu 27 - Sat 29 April ‘Quartet’ by Kilmacolm Dramatic Society Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 7.30pm

Tickets available from the Cross Cafe, Kilmacolm or by phoning Rosie Thirde 01505 873088.

Fri 28 April Fashion Show

Langbank Village Centre, Middlepenny Road, Langbank 7.30pm

A variety of current fashion items including tops skirts trousers dresses and knitwear will be on display, and for sale, there will be a changing area to try clothes on. Please come along and refresh your summer wardrobe, whilst supporting Church funds. Phone 01475 540752 for a ticket. Tickets includes a raffle and refreshments. £5

Carrick Nights - Concert Series

Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 8pm Barochan Quartet & Paula Barron. A string quartet of local talent, all professional musicians and members of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Paula is a semi-professional mezzo soprano who hails from Paisley and her accompanist Jim Drennan with a programme of light classical repertoire/ songs from the shows. Call 01505 229597 or e mail thecarrickcentre@gmail.com for further information.

Sat 29 April BeachWatch

Lunderston Bay, Cloch Road, near Gourock PA19 1BB 11am to 1pm

As part of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive help the Rangers & Greenock Conservation Volunteers record the sea debris. MORE INFO: Tel: 01475 529 543 & bookings.

Birds for Beginners

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 11am to 1.30pm Learn more about common garden birds and pick up tips and advice on wildlife watching techniques.

After this, we’ll head out onto the reserve to put these new skills into practise and then top it all off with a hot drink back at the centre. Places limited.

Adults: £5; Child: £3 (RSPB members: £3/£2)

Sat 29 Apr - Mon 1 May Binocular & Telescope Open Day RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm

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

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Tribute Nights at The Lynnhurst Paolo Nutini - Fri 21st April

Ralph Vaughan Williams ‘In Windsor Forest’ Daniel Elder ‘Nocturnes’ plus Gwyneth Walker, Morten Lauridsen and familiar favourites

Friday 12 May 2017 at 7.30pm

Lylesland Church, 123 Rowan Street, Paisley PA2 6RZ

Only £25pp. Evening includes a delicious 3 course meal, glass of bubbly on arrival & the best live entertainment in town!

Lionel Richie & MoTown Fri 9th June Only £25pp. Evening includes a delicious 3 course meal, glass of bubbly on arrival & the best live entertainment in town!

Tickets £10 - available from members, by phone from 01505 850 344 / 07932 680951, online from WeGotTickets.com (+ booking fee) OR at the door

Little Mix Magic Sat 10th June Bring the kids along for our tribute to Little Mix and enjoy a meet and greet photo opportunity afterwards.

This event also includes a delicious Pizza/Pasta buffet and a mini disco afterwards – Only £15pp.

Scottish charity no 032807

Call The Lynnhurst Hotel on 01505 324331 for tickets or pop into Reception - The Lynnhurst Hotel, Park Road, Johnstone. PA5 8LS!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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every Monday

2nd Thursday monthly

Lochwinnoch Community Walk

Sòlas Bereavement Support Group

The Cross, Lochwinnoch 10.30am

Kidston Hall. 6.30pm - 8.30pm.

This event will not take place on public holidays.

Hearing Aid Clinic

Bishopton Belles Line Dancing

Hearing aid batteries and hearing aid checks.

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

Postnatal Support Group Paisley Abbey 10.30am - 12noon

Crèche facilities available along with access to free counselling services if required.

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

every Wednesday Knitting Group Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers 10am - 12noon

Knitters of all levels welcome!

Skinny Minnies

19 19

3rd Friday monthly

every Tuesday Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Hall 6.30 - 8.30pm

april 2017

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir 1 - 2pm

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

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

last Friday monthly TheTerrace St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Hall

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

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

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

Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir 7pm - 8pm

For a healthier, slimmer, more energetic you!

every Thursday Weekly Volunteer Group Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 12.30pm - 3.30pm

Conser vation Volunteers - adult group.

Newcomers always welcome.

every Friday Singing for Wellbeing Bishopton Community Centre 2pm - 3.15pm A fun, no pressure choir singing feel good songs.

every Saturday Weekly Volunteer Group Greenock Cut Visitor Centre 10.30am - 2.30pm

Conservation Volunteers, adult group. Newcomers always welcome.

every Sunday Weekly Volunteer Group

1st SAT Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 10am - 2pm

1st & 3rd SUN Loch Lomond Shores

10am - 3pm Tel: 07977 179 861

2nd THU & last SAT Paisley Cross

10am - 2pm Tel: 01655 770217

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

The Masqueraders present An Evening

of Stories, Songs & Surprises at 7.30pm

on Saturday 29th April in St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Hall, Bridge of Weir. Tel: 01505 612472. Tickets (£5) includes tea and cakes. Raising funds for Accord Hospice

Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 10am - 12noon

Youth volunteer Group - age 12 - 18 years.

Newcomers always welcome.

Houston Litter Crew Co-op Car Park 10am – 11.45am

All volunteers welcome and all equipment supplied.

2nd & 4th Wednesday BoW Senior Citizens Club Cargill Hall 7 - 9pm

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

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

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

Crafty Hobbies Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 7.30pm

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

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

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

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H

NIV E R S A AN R

IE S

WED 19th

30 T

The Easter Egg Run is Back SAT 22nd

St. Mirren FC Scottish Cup Winners 1987

The Paisley Beer Festival of real ale returns in April just in time for their 30th anniversary.

The four-day Festival is Scotland’s biggest and will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2017. Organised by the Renfrewshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), thousands will enjoy over 300 ales, beers, ciders and wines from Scotland, the UK and abroad.

Sunday 16th April For over three decades, thousands of families have enjoyed this incredible event where more than 1,000 bikers ride through the streets of Glasgow in a mile long convoy of colour, noise and smiles in support of the boys and girls at Scotland’s largest children’s hospital.

There will even be activities for all the family to enjoy as well as the chance to sit on some of the bikes once they arrive back from the procession!

There is no registration fee but we ask every biker to make a suggested donation of £10 on arrival to support our young patients at the hospital.

Sponsorship - For the event, please consider raising sponsorship rather than bringing Easter Eggs and chocolate. As many of our patients are on special diets or are “nil by mouth”, they are unable to enjoy confectionary gifts. Financial donations mean that we can continue to ensure that our young patients have the best possible care and experience at the hospital by funding state-of-the-art medical equipment, family support services and innovative play programmes.

The one-day Food Festival is a free outdoor event organised by Renfrewshire Council with street food from across the globe, cookery demonstrations, live music and children’s entertainment.

Food Festival will be held on the final day of the Paisley Beer Festival. www.paisleybeerfestival.co.uk

Strictly Dine & Dance Ingliston Country Club, Bishopton are inviting you along to an exciting Strictly Dine & Dance Evening on Friday April 7th. A glamorous & fun filled night of Latin and ballroom dancing to the live music of Angela & Paolo!

Only £24.95 per person which includes a 2 course meal with tea or coffee in our Connemara Suite. To book email general@ingliston.com or call 0845 301 1010.

Wedding Open Evening Come along to Ingliston Country Club, Bishopton on Wednesday 5th April – 5pm – 8pm. FREE ADMISSION plus canapés & sparkling wine reception.

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Route -

Bikers to meet at Greendyke Street – beside Glasgow Green Arrive from 10am before parade leaves at 11am On leaving Greendyke Street the route takes in the Broomielaw before crossing the Squinty Bridge and heading up Govan Road towards the hospital. The parade will pass the front of the hospital before finishing at the Ogilve Car Park on Hardgate Road No bike? Join us at the Royal Hospital for Children from 11am and welcome the parade as they approach the finish point!

If you require sponsor forms, t-shirts or any other fundraising materials, call our fundraising team on 0141 212 8750 or email info@ glasgowchildrenshospitalcharity.org.

23/03/2017 13:51:35

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the

april 2017

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arts centre

Iain Connell & Robert Florence: Uncles

Saturday 1st April - 8pm - Tickets £16.50 Get ready for some big laughs and foul-mouthed guidance from two men who know ALL the answers to EVERYTHING. Robert Florence & Iain Connell, creators of hit BBC sketch show Burnistoun, bring us this hilarious live show - It’s time to sit down and listen to your uncles.

Big Girls Don’t Cry

Sunday 2nd April - 7.30pm - Tickets £22 Experience the iconic sound of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons with songs that have a place in everyone’s heart.

Horse in Careful

Saturday 8th April - 7.30 pm – Tickets From £ 10 to £12 There are times in life when you need to be careful, but you’ll always be saved if you use your voice. Horse McDonald takes us on a journey from wearing two-tone velvet loons to being one of Scotland’s most celebrated singers.

Dido & Aeneas

Saturday 8th & 9th @ 7pm & Sunday 9th @ 3.30pm April Tickets from £7.20 to £9 Scottish Opera’s Connect Company present Purcell’s tragic tale of love and betrayal. This exciting, fully-staged production gives a nod to the opera’s classical roots, with a 21st Century edge.

Memory Lane: The Ultimate Feel Good Show

Thursday 20th April - 2.30 pm & 7pm - Tickets From £14 to £16 This fast moving, roller coaster of a journey through some of the greatest songs of the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Islands In The Stream

Saturday 22nd April - 7.30 pm- Tickets £20 Celebrating the Queen & King of country, with hit after hit including: Jolene, Ruby, 9 to 5, Lucille, Here You Come Again, The Gambler, I Will Always Love You, Coward of the Country, plus the smash hit Islands in the Stream.

Funbox Presents Underwater Adventure

Sunday 23rd April - 1pm & 3.30pm – Tickets £13.50 Funbox returns with their new show Underwater Adventure, where they voyage beneath the waves to the bottom of the ocean.

Psychic Sally: Call Me Psychic

Wednesday 26th April - 7.30 pm – Tickets £24 The nation’s favourite psychic, Sally Morgan is back and better than ever with her brand new and most jawdropping show yet – ‘Call Me Psychic’.

On Our Way To Lisbon

Thursday 27th April - 7.30 pm – Tickets £16 The story of how, in 1967, Glasgow Celtic became the first British team to win the European Cup with victory over the mighty Inter Milan. Two fans look back and fondly recreate how the Bhoys in Green and White beat the team who were hailed as unbeatable and draped Europe in green, white and gold.

The Dolls Abroad

Saturday 29th April - 4pm & 8pm – Tickets £22 Starring Louise McCarthy (Two Doors Down) and Gayle Telfer Stevens (River City), The Dolls Abroad is the “must see” comedy for 2017. Having scrubbed toilets and pubs from Balloch to Dalgety Bay, The Dolls are in need of a holiday

Quartet, by Ronald Harwood, was first performed at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford in 1999 before moving to the west end later that year. It will now be performed in the Kidston Hall in Kilmacolm from 27th - 29th April and I am delighted to report that rehearsals are going very well under the professional direction of Alison Holliman.

Our cast John Gilchrist, Claire MacClatchie, Jean Simpson and John Watson, along with our Director Alison Holliman, have put so much work into this funny and moving play. The time spent learning words, rehearsing and designing / building a stunning set is all for your entertainment so please put one of your nights aside and come along and support us.

With the play being set in a retirement home it only seemed right to have a cast photograph taken in our very retirement home, Woodrow Court, along with Ted, Wilma and Rhoda. Can you guess the cast I wonder?

Ted, as a singer himself, could have come straight from the script of Quartet and I thank him very much for his support with KDS and help promoting our show. Woodrow Court are very lucky to have you!

After a conversation with my mum a few days ago about us all facing up to age and mortality I was reminded of the words of George Burns – ‘You can’t help getting older but you don’t have to get old’.

This is testament to my mum and certainly to the characters in the play. So come along and together we can Laugh a little, Sigh and little and Cry and little and enjoy the play Quartet.

Tickets available from the Cross Cafe or by phoning Rosie Thirde 01505 873088.

I look forward to seeing you there

Kate Watt, President Anyone elderly or with mobility issues who needs help getting to and from the play please email me at katewatt317@btinternet. com or pop your name and address into the Cargill Centre in Kilmacolm and I shall be in touch with you.

Descent

Saturday 29th April - 8pm – Tickets From £10 to £12 50-somethings Rob and Cathy are looking forward to reclaiming their own lives now that their daughter Nicola is grown-up and settled; but looming over them is a threat that could rip their future apart.

BEACON ARTS CENTRE, CUSTOM HOUSE QUAY, GREENOCK, PA15 1HJ INFO@BEACONARTSCENTRE.CO.UK TELEPHONE: 01475 723723

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Quarriers Ladies Lunch

Food From The Heart

Sun 23rd April, 12pm - 4.30pm at The Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow - £40pp If you are a lady who lunches, then we’d love you to join us for a sparkling Champagne Reception in the Grand Central Hotel’s stunning Grand Ballroom.

Great food, shopping, goody bags, special guest speaker and live music from The Jerseytones. It really is an event not to be missed.

You can purchase tickets at https://quarriers.org.uk/get-involved/ladies-lunch2017-payment/ or for more information please contact events@quarriers.org.uk or call 01505 616054.

In the March issue of The Advertizer we featured ‘Food From The Heart’ by Margaret McLean in our Book Review. Copies of the book can be ordered by emailing Margaret at Margaret. mclean73@gmail.com The book is priced at £10 including postage.

ACCORD Hospice Saturday 20th May from 10am - 4pm A fun filled day for all the family in Paisley Town Hall. Come along and show your support!

Hosting a wide variety of stalls and attractions, the Accord Hospice summer fayre will have something for everyone.

On offer will be homebaking, bric-a-brac, tearoom, craft stalls, games and competitions, children inflatable rides, book stalls and much more.

For more information, email fundraising@accord.org.uk.

This is a free event

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Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Old pictures and Videos of Lochwinnoch

Wednesday 19th April 7.30pm McKillop Hall Dona�on to

If you missed the first showing of this excellent and informa�ve show here’s your second chance!

Dr Brian Smith will show three topics; • Industry of Lochwinnoch • People of the village • Buildings and architecture

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Diaporama At our March meeting we were very pleased to welcome Geof Longstaff, CPAGB, a very experienced audio-visual worker from Falkirk Camera Club. He presented 16 shows - all very different, entertaining and thoughtprovoking. We saw some historical sequences - Old Bannockburn using old postcards and an old Falkirk photographer- John P Munn’s successful photos. Several shows were unusual - for one show he used nothing but the ‘Reflections’ seen in water, mirrors, glass, etc., for another ‘Shadow and Silhouettes’ he made each image change colour e.g. sky/clouds go from blue to red. We saw ‘Architecture in the Landscape’ with Charles Jenks. ‘The One (slide) Show’ was of knives and forks that changed colour, moved, appeared and disappeared all with just one image but using an animation technique from the computer - it was very different!! We went travelling with a visit to ‘Iconic Falkirk’ with the wheel and Kelpies, ‘Fort George’ on the Moray Firth, ‘Texas Remembers’ - Sam Houston and the revolution, ‘Yellowstone National Park’, ‘Washington’ with its memorials to past presidents and ‘Niagara Aspects’ showing different views of the falls -

Financial Blog

by Carl Melvin, Affluent Financial Planning Ltd

Lifetime ISA The New tax year starts shortly and this brings with it new allowances and tax planning opportunities. There’s a new ISA available called the Lifetime ISA or LISA (as in Liza Minnelli) 1. Who can have one? Only available to you if you are aged between 18 and 40

from a boat, behind the water and from the air. We ended with ‘Arlington’ - a very moving piece about the American military cemetery. It was a superb evening enjoyed by all.

Our next meeting is ‘Les Girls de Houston’ on Monday April 10th at 7.30pm in the Carrick Centre, Houston. All welcome.

All images by Geof Longstaff

8. Don’t give up your workplace pension – Be careful not to choose a LISA in preference to your workplace pension scheme, as you may lose your employer’s contribution.

9. You can transfer other ISAs into a new LISA to secure the bonus available.

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

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

2. How much can I invest? You can save up to £4,000 each tax year and the Government will pay a top up bonus of 25% on the contributions you pay (up to age 50). An overall ISA limit of £20,000 applies from 06/04/2017 3. Why does the Government pay a bonus? The Government wants to encourage people to save for a first-time house purchase (up to £450,000) or for retirement 4. What can I invest in? Cash or investment funds 5. Why should I invest? Your investment grows tax free 6. When can I get my money out? You can get the money out penalty free for house purchase or for retirement at age 60 – any other purpose before age 60 will incur a 25% penalty.

7. Can couples benefit? Yes, you can use 2 LISAs if a joint house purchase is planned

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TV Licence Rising To £147 From 1st April 2017, the cost of the annual licence fee will increase to £147, the Government has confirmed.

This is the first time the licence fee has increased since 1st April 2010. The Government is responsible for setting the level of the licence fee, and last year announced that it would rise in line with inflation for five years from 1st April 2017.

Licence fee payers will receive a payment plan or a reminder reflecting the new amount when their licence is next due for renewal. Those buying or renewing a licence after 1st April will pay the new fee. Those already buying a licence on an instalment scheme which started before 1st April – such as monthly direct debit or weekly cash payments – will continue to make payments totalling £145.50 until their licence comes up for renewal.

Fergus Reid, TV Licensing spokesperson for Scotland, said: “The free concession for those aged over 75 remains, although as at present this is not issued automatically, and anyone entitled to the concession must apply for it. If you are blind (severely sight impaired) you are entitled to a 50 per cent concession on the cost of a TV Licence. From 1st April 2017, this amount will be £73.50”.

“TV Licensing provides a range of ways to pay, including small weekly cash payments and annual Direct Debit. Payers can view their details on line at any time, and can choose to receive correspondence from TV Licensing by email, rather than by post,” he said.

Anyone watching or recording TV programmes as they are shown on TV, or watching or downloading BBC programmes on iPlayer needs to be covered by a licence. This applies whether they are using a TV set, computer, or any other equipment. For more information about when a licence is needed, visit tvlicensing.co.uk/info

Royal Mail Adds a Penny to Stamp Prices Royal Mail has announced that, from 27th March, the price of a First Class stamp will increase by 1p to 65p and the price of a Second Class stamp will increase by 1p to 56p.

In addition, the price of a Large Letter First Class stamp will rise by 2p to 98p; a Large Letter Second Class stamp will rise by 1p to 76p.

The increases are in line with the rise in the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), which rose by 1.8% in the year to January.

In a statement issued on Friday 24th February, Royal Mail said: that the increases are “necessary to help ensure the sustainability of the Universal Postal Service”.

Royal Mail added: “Our stamp prices are amongst the best value in Europe when compared to our counterparts. The European average for First Class letters (0-100g) is 87p. The UK First Class stamp price remains below this. The European average for Second Class letters (0-100g) is 67p.

The UK Second Class stamp price remains below this.”

Royal Mail said it understood how hard it was for many companies and households in the current economic environment. The latest increase follows a previous 1p rise for both first class and second class stamps in March 2016.

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MyAccount – Online at a time that suits you COFFEE MORNING SIX MUST DO’s FOR THE OVER 50’s Tues 11th April 10-12pm Wed 26th April 10-12pm Carrick Centre - Houston

Freeland Church - BOW

Come for a chat and a free 45 minute talk every Scot over 50 should attend

• • •

Wills Power of Attorney Advance Directive

Please call Kingsley Wood and Company, Solicitors on 01505 874114 to book a place or for further information.

MyAccount is your digital customer account with Renfrewshire Council.

Available on a smartphone, tablet or pc, you can access a variety of council services online at a time that suits you.

What does MyAccount offer?

You can view your Council Tax and rent accounts; apply for benefit, council tax discount or exemption; and notify us when something’s changed. Smart online forms make applications quick and simple to complete and electronic upload of supporting evidence is a straightforward camera click away.

Almost 40% of MyAccount customers currently log in from a smartphone which means they have access to their council tax and rent balance, payments, and transaction history at the touch of a button, wherever they are online.

Getting started – www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/MyAccount It’s quick and simple to register with MyAccount - all you need to get started is an email address. Simply visit the Council website at www.renfrewshire. gov.uk/MyAccount. Once you have set up your profile you will receive an email with a one-time password and a link to activate your account.

Coming soon The Council is looking at the best ways to add additional services to MyAccount such as the reporting of missed bins, potholes and street lighting faults as well as arranging a bulky uplift. We will keep you up to date with progress and timescales.

Feedback Take a look at what MyAccount has to offer – it really could save you time.

You can tell us what you think of it and what kinds of services you would like to added to MyAccount by emailing the team at myacccount.help@ renfrewshire.gov.uk

IT Blog

with Colin Fyfe of Colcom

The future of computer technology will always be an evolving scientific discovery into evermore complex and minute systems; towards the electron level architecture of quantum computing, and wherever else.

Where science leads, we all follow. Some way off from ‘the electron level’; My domestic computer support service offering has changed in the fifteen years or so that I have been providing repairs locally.

Where hardware upgrades and repairs were once the bulk of the work, now improvements have made hardware more stable and software more clever and intuitive.

While we have become more reliant on our computer technology; the quality of the product itself has improved immeasurably. I am not an Apple fanboy but I recognise that where they tend to lead the way with design, other manufacturers must follow or perish. This is particularly true in both the mobile and portable market.

Computer or Technology consultancy, even in the domestic context, has become more about data connectivity and integration than about the data itself. Computer network based technologies like CCTV and security systems, Wireless access and Smart Home have become the new domestic technology requirements that require sales advice, installation and support.

Last month I completed a wireless installation in a converted farmstead using satellite broadband with walls thicker than bales of hay. As I was finishing up, checking the wireless signal from the end of the driveway I was reflecting on what was once, not so long ago, solely a computer repair business and how things have changed and where science will take us yet.

I don’t expect to be offering quantum computer repairs any time soon.

Research blueprints for such a computer recently published by a technology group at Sussex University estimate production costs of £100 million and an expected completion time of ten years. For that kind of money, it should fix itself.

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Bridge of Weir & The Great War 100 years ago this month – April 1917 Gunner James McGibbon, Royal Field Artillery Sapper David Tod, Royal Engineers Lance Corporal John Holmes, 10th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Private Hepner Giffen, 16th Royal Scots

Black Cart Mills 8 The Candren Burn - Concluding the eight-part journey down the Black Cart Just before the Black Cart joins the Gryfe at Blackstoun, the last of its burns, the Candren, falls into the river. Along with the Espedair Burn, which falls into the White Cart opposite Paisley Abbey, the Candren Burn powered and provided process water for two dozen bleachfields south of Paisley, around half of which were on the Candren.

The plethora of high quality textiles produced in and around Paisley from the 1740s created a demand for high quality bleaching and finishing. Textile manufactories or weaving shops in the town, such as the Paisley Stocking Factory ‘put out’ work to most of these bleachfields.

The highest bleachfield on the Candren Burn was at Foxbar, followed by two at Causewayend, a mill and bleachfield at Lounsdale, then further bleachfields at Hillfoot, Bredisland, and two at Meiklerigs. Much of the burn is now culverted among Paisley suburbia, forgotten until heavy rain causes it to rise and flood property.

The burn then passes under the Johnstone Canal, where the poet Tannahill drowned, then through the site of Ferguslie Cotton Mills, to Millarston Bleachfield. Finally, it crossed Paisley Moss. After the burn passes under what is now the Johnstone Bypass (A737), it enters the Black Cart below Candren itself, near Blackstoun. Candren Bleachfield, was one of the earliest in the county, established by 1752.

By the 1780s each field on the burn covered at least two acres, though Causewayend (East) and Lounsdale, both owned by John Craig, were already three times this size. As well as using the burn for process water, most of the bleachfields had water powered wash mills, and latterly added other power driven machinery. Several small reservoirs were built along the burn to store water. The largest survives as Durrockstock Pond. The workers cottages for the bleachfields were the core of the settlements which now form Paisley’s southern suburbs.

In conclusion The Black Cart from its source to Clyde has powered at least 50 mills and water driven industries. Some of the traditional grain and waulk mills lasted for centuries, others only a few decades. Some remain to be rediscovered.

Outlet from turbine at Johnstone Old Cotton Mill The days of water power are far from past. Some of the bigger mills, including Johnstone Old Cotton Mill, latterly installed turbines to generate electricity from their lades. Other old mill sites on the Black Cart and its burns are now attracting interest for the small-scale generation of electricity.

© 2017 Stuart Nisbet, Renfrewshire Local History Forum RLHF next archaeology lecture will be held in the Shawl Gallery in Paisley Museum on 13th April, when John Reid will speak on The Roman Assault of Brunswark Hill – a battle rehabilitated Visitors are welcome at all our lecture meetings.

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Before April 1917 there had been a two-month pause in the telegrams that would ‘deeply regret to inform’ next of kin in Bridge of Weir that another family member was dead or missing. The Battle of Arras was to change that dramatically. Arras was a British-Canadian diversionary attack ahead of a major French offensive under their confident new C-in-C, Robert Nivelle. On the first two days, the British and Canadian forces made significant advances, taking Vimy Ridge, three and a half miles of ground near Arras, and capturing 9,000 prisoners. Some tactics, like advancing under a creeping barrage, are now regarded as important developments that led to ultimate victory, but, in the familiar pattern of this war of attrition, the weather, German reinforcements and a lack of consensus amongst the British high command thwarted any immediate breakthrough. Worse still, the Germans were expecting the French attack at the River Aisne one week later, and had strengthened their defences.

The French lost 40,000 men on the first day and the attack was abandoned three weeks later. Nivelle, who had promised to end the war in two days, was replaced by Pétain. So much for the puppet-masters.

Two Bridge of Weir men were killed by German shells before the Battle of Arras began. Jim McGibbon, son of farm servant William McGibbon from Inveraray and Martha Aitken, had been in France since July 1915 with the Royal Field Artillery. His trench mortar battery had been bombarding enemy lines for three days when on 6th April he and two comrades were killed, possibly by returning shell-fire.

David Tod was the son of James Tod and Joan Robertson, both originally from Fife, and, like Jim McGibbon, David was a currier in the leather works.

He volunteered in August 1914 and became a sapper in a signals company.

It was his job to maintain the front line telephone system and on 6th April he and two others were at Roclincourt near Arras repairing telephones in a dug out when it received a direct hit from an enemy shell. None survived.

John Holmes was the son of Alexander Holmes, a journeyman mason from Lochwinnoch, and Margaret Laird. He volunteered soon after his nineteenth birthday, and fought in the later actions of the Somme Offensive, gaining promotion to Lance Corporal. The 10th Argylls were in action on the first day of the Battle of Arras, 9th April, and took their objectives at the cost of 9 killed, 64 wounded, relatively light casualties in the war that consumed men. But John was one of the wounded and died two days later.

His handsome features are on the front cover of “Supreme Sacrifice”.

Gottfried Hepner Giffen has a curious and compelling story. His father, Gottfried Hepner was a German-born musician who married Alma Jacob in Ilfracombe, then moved to Glasgow. Alma died young in 1893. Gottfried was consumed with grief and also died within months. The children were taken into Quarrier’s Homes, young Gottfried still in his first year. His older siblings were sent to Canada but Gottfried was fostered by Humphrey Giffen, a gardener at the Homes, and his wife Christina Newbigging and was raised as Hepner Giffen. He became a joiner and married Nellie McDougall, an older sister of Bertie, the professional golfer killed on the last day of the Somme. Hepner first fought with the Scottish Rifles from June 1916 but in July was transferred to 16th Royal Scots (McCrae’s Battalion) which had been raised in Edinburgh, many volunteers coming from professional football clubs. On 28th April, the battalion attacked the Chemical Works and Mount Pleasant Wood at Roeux to the east of Arras, but a German counter-attack prevailed and many, like Hepner, the adopted Scot who may not have known of his German roots, were killed or captured.

A survivor later described the assault on Roeux as like poking a wasps’ nest with a pointed stick. ‘We should have left it well alone’.

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

Gordon Masterton

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Kilbarchan April 1917 The Spring Offensive on 9th April 1917 is largely remembered for the Canadian capture of Vimy Ridge, near Arras. Many British divisions supported them, on their right, including the 51st (Highland), 9th (Scottish) and 15th (Scottish).

Along with Scottish battalions in other divisions 36% of the attackers were Scottish, which partly explains Scotland’s higher than average war time losses.

Private John Cuthbertson Houston had joined in November 1916 and was posted to 16th Royal Scots (McCrae’s Battalion), 34th Division. He died on 9th April at the age of 23. For nine years before he was called up he had worked for the Glasgow and South West Railway Company, latterly at Lochwinnoch Station. He had been actively involved as a Sunday School teacher in the United Free Church in Kilbarchan. He lived with his family in Church Street. He is buried at Roclincourt Valley Cemetery.

2nd Lt. John Hill Macintosh was killed in the next phase of the Arras Offensive on 14th April 1917. Before the war he had been a stockbroker’s clerk with Wilson and Lambie of St. Vincent’s Place, Glasgow. He joined the 6th Highland Light Infantry, 52nd (Lowland) Division. He served in the Gallipoli campaign, was selected for training as an officer, sent to Officer Cadet School in the UK then posted to 17th HLI, which had originally been recruited from men who worked in commerce in Glasgow. A brother officer wrote, ‘He fell at the head of his men, leading them to victory.’ He was 28 and is named on the Thiepval Memorial. His family home was in Church Street.

After some initial success on 9th - 12th April the battle became an ugly slog, focussed on the village of Roeux.

Private William A Graham originally was born in Maryhill in 1897 and in the 1911 census lived at 12 Parkview as a boarder, and was at school. He initially served in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders but was transferred to the 6th Gordon Highlanders, 51st (Highland) Division. The division was much embroiled at Roeux. William died of wounds on the 23rd of April 1917 and is buried in Fampoux British Cemetery. He was 20 years old.

Private Alexander H Craig had worked as a colour mixer at Cartside Mill before he joined in May 1916. He served with the 7th Black Watch, 51st (Highland) Division. He lived with his wife and two children at 47 New Street. He was killed at the age of 25 in the fighting around Roeux and is buried in Brown’s Copse Cemetery Arras Town Hall at Roeux.

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Johnstone History Society The April meeting of the History Society is on April 11th at 7.30pm in the Masonic Hall Collier Street. In April our speaker will be Dr Ralph McLean who is the curator of 18th century manuscripts at The National Library of Scotland. He will be speaking on Burns and the Scottish Enlightenment this should be a very interesting talk. New members and visitors will all be made most welcome. On the 14th March we had our AGM which although poorly attended was a very successful night. The AGM was followed by a very challenging picture quiz compiled by Valerie Reilly.

The museum is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 4pm. We have a variety of books and publications available to buy and these can also be purchased online at johnstnehistory.org payment can be made via PayPal. We have a few calendars left now selling at £2.

Inchinnan Historical Interest ‘597AD St Conval to All Hallows - 1420 Years and Counting’ Inchinnan Historical Interest Group (IHIG) has received £60,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for an exciting project, ‘597AD St Conval to All Hallows - 1420 Years and Counting, in Inchinnan’. Led by volunteers from the local community, the project focuses on an archaeological survey of All Hallows site, where there has been a church since medieval times and the surrounding area.

This project will delve into and disseminate the rich heritage of Inchinnan by examining the historical and archaeological background of the multi-period site of All Hallows. 1,400 years of occupation, with a programme combining community volunteers and school engagements will enable young people and volunteers to discover and learn about local heritage through archaeology and research. They will achieve this by researching the history of All Hallows and being involved in geophysics and archaeological surveys to recreate medieval life in Inchinnan.

IHIG is a local history society which works with individuals and other groups to record and research the history of Inchinnan. Working with young people will help them to learn about their heritage through developing research and recording skills, and will forge a lasting interest in local History. Through the involvement of a range of heritage professionals from archaeologists to model makers, participants will gain a deeper insight into this previously under-researched part of their history, as well as teaching them valuable new communication skills to use as they develop their careers.

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Rotary Foundation Celebration – Purple Dinner To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Rotary Foundation (Rotary’s own international charity) and Rotary Day, the Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley held a special dinner on 23rd February with the theme “Purple” – purple being the colour of dye used to mark children who have been inoculated against polio in the Rotary Foundation End Polio campaign.

Jason Andrews of The River Inn obliged with an excellent three-course dinner which followed the purple theme! Our speaker was Jim Morton, the Rotary District Convenor for Foundation who gave us a detailed update on the charity and its successes.

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Kilmacolm Camera Club Camera Club fun and games continued with a portrait session involving the children of the Fashion Group that meets at KNCC. It was a chance for the Fashion Group to pose for the camera, and for Camera Club members to brush up on their portrait photography skills. We thought that the portraits looked very natural and relaxed.

We also devoted an evening to a mixture of “20 Image” presentations, and short photo sequences, set to music. These were created and presented by our members, and included the Western Isles, Lake District, portraits, La Gomera (in the Canaries), icebergs and penguins, Maltese Dancers and even Paisley! A varied and informative selection to fill the evening.

Last month, we held our Annual Competition, a selection primarily of the best of our images this season. Judging our efforts was the experienced Gordon McMann, of Queen’s Park Camera Club, who gave a careful critique of each image, pointing out its qualities, together with potential areas for improvement, all presented with an easy style and good humour.

In the Print section, Douglas Forrest “bestrode the competition like a Colossus”, with “Luskentyre” (first) and “Sanna Bay, Ardnamurchan” (second) (both shown here). Bill Ham came third, with “Gallery of Modern Art Stairway.” In the Digital class, Tina Marr was first, with “Callanish Sunrise,” (shown here) Douglas Forrest continued to bestride the opposition, with “Corgarff Castle, Aberdeenshire” and Jane Robertson was third, with “Hold Tight” (shown here). In the recent annual competition among Renfrewshire clubs, Jane’s image came very close to being the photo equivalent of Cruft’s Supreme Champion!

Speaker Meetings Jim Watson, a longtime member of Gryffe Valley Rotary Club, was the speaker on 8th March and, as he has done before, told an interesting “historical tale”. Jimmy’s subject was the disastrous naval campaign of the Russian Admiral Rozhestvensky who at the instruction of the Czar sailed his ramshackle Baltic Fleet to the China Sea in a vain attempt to recapture Port Arthur from the Japanese in 1904. The Russians were badly beaten by a Japanese fleet which was built in Britain and included the first “big-gun battleship”- a predecessor of Dreadnought. Jimmy presented his tale in his inimitable style assisted by some old-style visual aids!

Ron Aitchison, a more recent member of Gryffe Valley, but a Rotary stalwart for many years and Captain of the Curling team, entertained the club on 15th March with another amusing “Tale from the Back Green”, from the book by Bill Paterson.

Our season’s nearly over now, but we won’t be going into hibernation.

Some Camera Club outings will be planned for the summer months. Please come along and see how to get the most out of your camera. Details of these outings will appear in the Advertizer (or just contact one of our Committee).

Looking forward, future speaker meetings continue the wide variety of interesting topics and speakers: Wed 22nd March at 7pm Dinner - Bob Hanna a guest of Ross Anderson on “Birdwatching”. Wed 29th March at 7pm Dinner - Mike Farley on the topic “Rocks and Dinosaurs”.

Venue: Kilmacolm New Community Centre, Room 1.01; Tuesday evening, time 7.30pm.

10K Run – Sunday 7th May Members have been out and about advertising the 10K Run, including distributing posters to local shops and doing a promotion at the Linwood Park Run. The club are particularly keen to encourage sponsored teams of four runners – family groups, companies (WH Malcolms and Bridge of Weir Leather approached), Clubs (Strathgryffe Tennis Club, Kilbarchan Harriers, Running Buddies, Park Run and numerous running clubs contacted) and pubs (River Inn, Fox and Hounds, Houston Inn, several pubs in Lochwinnoch, Kilbarchan and Bridge of Weir). Runners interested in joining/forming teams are encouraged to register and collect sponsorship.

Proceeds for debra charity for Children and Young People with the skin disease Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB)!! Register now at www.gryffevalley.rotary1230.org.

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Contacts: Billy Blair, Tel: 873383; Janice Stevenson, Tel 873595.

Website: clikpic.com/kilcamclub/

Leaving an Engine Idling is an Offence “Stationary idling is an offence under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988,” says Jeanette Miller, a managing director of Geoffrey Miller Solicitors.

The Act enforces rule 123 of the Highway Code which states: “You must not leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.” Doing this can incur a £20 fixed-penalty fine under the Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations 2002. This goes up to £40 if unpaid within a given timeframe.

Of course, it doesn’t mean you’ve got to cut your engine at every red light: you are allowed to leave your engine running if you’re stationary in traffic or diagnosing faults. https://www.confused.com/on-the-road/driving-law/stopped-parked-engine-runningidling-breaking-law-police-fine

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6 points & £200 fine for using a mobile phone when driving From 1st March 2017 onwards drivers caught using their mobile phones behind the wheel will

face six points, a £200 fine and have no option of a remedial course. Drivers who recently passed their driving test will also risk having their licence revoked.

The new rules apply in England, Scotland and Wales, with repeat offenders facing a £1,000 fine and a six-month driving ban. The law will aim to deter drivers from texting, making phone calls without a hands-free kit and using social media or other applications whilst driving.

The new deterrents arrive in the aftermath of the RAC’s Report on Motoring 2016, which suggested that record numbers of motorists were using their phones on UK roads. It estimated that 11 million motorists had admitted to making or receiving a phone call in the 12 months prior to the report, with a further five million taking photos or videos while driving.

The way vehicle tax is calculated will change for cars and some motor homes that are first registered with DVLA from 1st April 2017.

Vehicle Tax Rates The change won’t affect any vehicles registered before April, but drivers can check the vehicle tax rates to make sure they know what they need to pay.

The rates explained Vehicle tax for the first year is based on CO2 emissions.

After the first year, the amount of tax that needs to be paid depends on the type of vehicle. The rates are: £140 a year for petrol or diesel vehicles £130 a year for alternative fuel vehicles (hybrids, bioethanol and LPG) £0 a year for vehicles with zero CO2 emissions New vehicles with a list price of more than £40,000 If a vehicle has a list price (the published price before any discounts) of more than £40,000, the rate of tax is based on CO2 for the first year.

After the first year, the rate depends on the type of vehicle (petrol, diesel, alternative fuel or zero emissions) and an additional rate of £310 a year for the next 5 years.

After those 5 years, the vehicle will then be taxed at one of the standard rates (£140, £130, or £0, depending on vehicle type).

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Stop Spam Texts Spam texts are a modern scourge, plaguing our mobile phones with unwanted adverts, often from dodgy companies. Yet it is possible to fight back, report them and minimise the number you get. This guide explains how to identify the three main types of unwanted texts and how to deal the problem - including the four numbers that can beat ‘em.

What type of text is it?

There are three types of spam message – each needs to be dealt with differently so it’s important you identify which it is.

An example of a spam text These usually message randomly generated numbers, advertising services such as accident ‘ambulance chasers’, PPI claims handlers or debt write-off firms.

How to spot ‘em: They usually come from an 11-digit mobile number and the company isn’t identified.

Legitimate marketing messages These should include the name and contact details of the sender. You will usually have given consent for them to be sent, though possibly unknowingly.

How to spot ‘em: Firms will identify themselves within the body of text or in the sent-from number (this will show as text). If not, it’s breaking regulations and can be considered spam.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk

Paisley Colour Photographic Club Paisley Colour’s Annual Print and Creative Competitions Paisley Colour Photographic Club were very delighted to welcome back Libby Smith MPAGB EFIAP APAGB HonPAGB HonSPF from Carluke to judge the club’s annual Print and Creative competitions last month. Libby gave a very thorough and interesting critique to each of the printed and creative images. She shared with the audience her wide photographic experience and her knowledge about composition, lighting and image processing and demonstrated that by making very subtle changes to an image such as to contrast and colour, a great improvement would result. There was a beautiful selection of colour and black and white printed images on show and Libby judged the top three printed images to be by Robert Fulton, Mike Cruise and Guy Phillips.

Creative photography is defined as altered reality and involves producing an image through the use of imaginative skill or originality of thought. This includes modifications on the computer or in the camera, as well as an unusual point of view, imaginative use of lighting or any other presentation that begins with the photographer’s image but defies the normal appearance of things.

Premium messages Again, these are services you have agreed to but you may be unaware that by buying a service, or game, on your mobile you’re getting a regular, charged text.

How to spot ‘em: It will be from a four, five or six-digit number and will bill you for receiving the message.

Spam texts: NEVER reply These are messages you’ve never asked for and don’t want. They’re likely to be generic, not targeting you personally, though it depends on the company.

Spammers frequently change these messages in order to try and evade detection, resulting in a large number of variants.

Increasingly, these messages are sent by computers to masses of randomly generated numbers. They use multiple pay-as-you-go Sim cards which will often only be active for a week or two. It’s a scam aiming to obtain genuine personal details. The GOLDEN rule is...

Do NOT reply, at all, ever - do NOT text STOP! These texts WANT any response to confirm you are a real person. Some even try to trick you by saying “text ‘STOP’ to be removed from the mailing list”. IGNORE THIS! (Of course, it can be difficult to split the legit from the not-legit.) Any numbers that are confirmed are likely to be sold on to injury claim specialists, PPI reclaiming firms or other unscrupulous marketeers who may further spam you with unsolicited calls and texts.

What do I do if I get one?

There are three steps you can follow when it comes to spam messages. The first two tackle the wider problem – they won’t completely stop them but the more of us that do this the more it helps to reduce spam in the future. The third should help stop repeated targeting from a particular advertiser.

1. Use the four numbers that can beat spam texts The first option is to report it to your network provider. The big networks have a simple, FREE method to help you do this. Just forward the message to 7726 (spells SPAM), making sure it includes the senders’ number.

2. Report it to the Information Commissioner Information Commissioner’s Office can fine firms up to £500,000 for the most serious breaches of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), which govern spam texts.

3. Block the number The most direct way of ensuring you don’t get any more messages from a particular number is to simply block the number. Unfortunately many companies use multiple Sims to send spam, so blocking one doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t hear from them again.

Legit marketing messages: Opt out You get legitimate marketing messages when you fail to tick or untick a box (whether on purpose or by accident) and allow companies to send you marketing messages or give your details to third party operators. If legit, the text will always include the sender, in line with regulations.

How to stop them Firstly, text ‘STOP’. Firms are legally obliged to pay attention to this. However, make sure you are 100% certain it is a legitimate marketing message, or you may get even more spam. If that doesn’t work, try the website of the company named in the message. You should be able to find an option to opt Advertizer - Current & Past Issuesthe firm and request it stops. outGryffe of receiving its texts.

If not, phone

Http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/stop-spam-texts www.advertizer.co.uk/issues

24-35 BUSINESS_271_APR17.indd 34

There was a wide variety of interesting, sometimes amusing but always superbly produced images in the Creative Competition and Libby gave well considered comments to each image in turn. Her fourth placed image was Ken Dow’s clever smoke and portrait composite image entitled “Incenseed”.

Third place was awarded to Linda Rodger for her colourful and precisely worked painterly style image “Venice” whilst in second place was Ann Philpot for her beautifully arranged and coloured triptic image “Design Art Deco Tiles”.

For the second year running the top image in Paisley Colour’s Creative Competition was awarded to Linda Rodger for striking and subtly textured portrait image “Laura”.

For further details about PCPC including future lectures and competitions and updated members galleries please view: www.paisleycolour.co.uk

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Langbank Camera Club The submissions for the March print competition “History”, which excluded castles, provided images of artefacts and structures spanning the centuries from around the world. First place was awarded to John Davies for his image of Dyfi Furnace, West Wales. The charcoal blast furnace was built in 1755 and was in continuous use until 1810 before being converted for use as a sawmill. The original waterwheel powered the bellows of the blast furnace and the sawmill.

Gary Ramanathan was awarded second place for his image of the Kings Tombs, near Dalyan, Turkey. The tombs of Kaunos are cut high into the cliff-side and date back to the middle of the 4th century BC. Third place was awarded to James Goodall for his image of the Glenlee ship at the transport museum, Glasgow. The Glenlee was built in Port Glasgow and launched in 1896.

At February’s print meeting we were transported to Ethiopia by Phil and John O’Brien. This excellent slideshow gave a very interesting insight into the daily lives and customs of tribes in Ethiopia, especially of those living near to the border with South Sudan. It also highlighted the remoteness of some of the villages being visited.

For example, the ferry to cross a river was a shallow dugout boat with crocodiles near by.

It has been a quiet month for the club but the Projected Digital Image (PDI) evenings continue to demonstrate the diversity and excellence of members’ images on the big screen.

The next print meeting in April will be held as usual on the second Monday of the month, 10th April at 7.30pm. The print competition topic for April is “Nature”. A large subject which includes all flora and fauna in the wild.

(Colour/Monochrome) The next PDI meeting will be held on Monday 24th April at 7.30pm, where the theme of the evening is “Landscapes”. The informal nature of these particular meetings enables members to share hints and tips, as well as to discuss what’s new in photography.

Club meetings are held in Langbank Church Halls, Langbank. Visitors are always very welcome at any of our evenings.

If you wish to find out more about Langbank Camera Club please contact Derrick McPherson at langbankcc1@gmail.com with your enquiries or visit our website: www.langbankcameraclub.weebly.com. Club membership is only £10 for the first year.

Gryffe Camera Club The Club has had some interesting speakers over the last month. Libby Smith with an image processing techniques, Mark McColl with a talk on InfraRed photography and an evening of Astro photography and time lapse presentations from Kirk Norbury.

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We are really pleased to announce that LEAP has received support for the Brighter Warmer Renfrewshire project and our youth project YEP! The funding is to help us deliver community based work from April 2017 to March 2018.

Brighter Warmer Renfrewshire Brighter Warmer Renfrewshire is here to support individuals, families and community groups across Renfrewshire reduce the amount of energy we use in our homes & in our daily lives, tackle fuel poverty, gain new skills, learn & work together to make better use of the resources we have to realise a vision of a Brighter Warmer Renfrewshire. This project is funded through the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund. Keep an eye out for the Brighter Warmer Renfrewshire Project on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/myleapproject/

YEP & ReMode ReMode is a shop of re-designed clothing, a learning hub and workshop space. It is part of a wider Youth Engagement Programme devised by and for young people across 6 rural Renfrewshire communities. Throughout 2017/18 we will develop ReMode as a circular economy enterprise, engaging the young and wider community in workshops, pop-up events, and social gatherings to achieve textile waste reduction. This project is funded through the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund and the European Regional Development Fund. We will soon be recruiting for a Sales Assistant post for ReMode! Keep your eye out for ReMode on their facebook page www.facebook.com/remodeyouth/ to find out more.

Lampshade Re-use Workshop fun Much fun was had at the first LEAP Lampshade Re-use Workshop, where the 6 participants learned how to strip back their old lampshade and recover with reclaimed material.

This workshop was oversubscribed, so if you would like to put your name down for the spring workshop, or would like to find out more, please email susie@myleapproject.org

Lampshade Group participants

Manos Amigas craft organisation visits LEAP’s ReMode shop Yannina Meza from Manos Amigas, the Peruvian based organisation that brings talented artisans together, to export their crafts to the growing Fair Trade markets in Europe, recently visited ReMode in Lochwinnoch. Gillian Steel of ReMode showed her samples of young people’s own label upcycled, re-designed and zero waste clothing. ‘I was really impressed at how this project has cultivated a drive for new artisan skills for young people. ‘Liz Cotton from Rainbow Turtle, who hosted Yannina’s visit to Renfrewshire, added that ‘ReMode is challenging young people to consider and take action to reduce the detrimental impact of fast fashion and the throw away clothes culture on the environment ’ It was a fantastic day at the Glasgow Climate Festival in George Square on Saturday 4th March. The event was organised

ReMode visitors by community-led organisations, funded through The Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund and supported

by Keep Scotland Beautiful and CEMVO Scotland.

The outdoor marquee in Glasgow Square was open to the public and projects showcased their work and got everyone involved in stunt cycling, Dr Bike checks, board games, ‘take one action pledges’ with LEAP holding a fashion show promoting ReMode’s work in creating zero waste fashion.

League Competition Round 5 gave wins for Sandy Thomson with Air Brakes in the A section and Barbara Martin with The Lonesome Tree in the B section.

For information on the coming nights please see the website www. gryffecameraclub.co.uk/

april 2017

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Yep! Zero Waste clothing for young people.

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bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Renfrewshire Council Consulting On Development Proposals In Bridge Of Weir Developers have already been involved in preparations for the Plan and they have submitted proposals to build close to 1,000 new houses on the village greenbelt.

The actual sites are: • South of Kilmacolm Road (200 houses) • Whitelint Gate (200 houses) • Between Kilbarchan Road and Crosslee Road (50 houses) • West of Larmarnock Road (320 houses) • Kilbarchan Road, South of Hazelwood Road/Shillingworth (200 houses) • West of Thriplee Road (50 houses) The Council believe that there is more than enough land already available for new housing, without the need to give up greenbelt. It has presented this view as its “preferred housing strategy” in the new Local Development Plan preparation.

The Council is now at the stage of seeking public comments on its new Plan.

As part of this consultation, it is asking if people are happy with its “preferred housing strategy”, or for other suggestions. The Council needs to take into account public support, or otherwise, for the new Development Plan. Should its preferred options not be supported, it is likely that greenbelt sites will be considered for development.

Comments can be made via the Renfrewshire Council website www.renfrewshire. gov.uk by going to “Planning, building standards and regeneration”, then to “Preparation of the next Local Development Plan”. Proposals for specific housing developments are detailed in “Background Paper 2 Housing Site Assessments 2017” Information on how to submit comments is provided, including an online option using a “MIR and Environmental Report Consultation Form”.

This form includes the opportunity in Question 3 “Renfrewshire’s Housing Land Requirements” to indicate support for the Council’s preferred strategy (no greenbelt development), or to suggest alternatives.

The deadline for comments is Monday 1st May. Further information can be obtained from the Local Development Plan team on 0141 618 7838. bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

The Bridge

Easter Sunday is celebrated on 16th April. Send an Easter card, give a Money Wallet or a gift from our exciting collection of new items.

Shop News – an extensive variety of Greeting Cards are on sale to cover most special occasions. Our usual stationery items are always in stock. From early April we will stock small gifts from a range by “Emma Ball Ltd”.

Post Office - going on holiday soon? Ask Donald, Anne or Stuart for leaflets on Travel Insurance and Travel Moneycard and to request Euros on Demand or order other Currencies.

Help is at Hand within your Community Centre – Do you have any issues to resolve? An appointment with one of your local MSP’s, MP or Citizens Advice Bureau staff is the answer. Please call in to find out the times of their surgeries.

An evening out at The Bridge – twice monthly, you can enjoy a film along with complimentary refreshments in The Bridge. Please collect a Programme.

The Garden –we are again appreciative of the work The Allotments and Garden Society undertake in the garden at the rear of The Bridge, ensuring we can enjoy seasonal changes.

As always we wish to thank our dedicated team of volunteers who, through their commitment, enable The Bridge Community Centre, Shop and more importantly Post Office to serve the village.

(Opening Hours: Mon – 9am to 5pm (PO closed 12 noon to 12.30pm); Tues & Fri – 1pm to 5pm; Wed & Thu – 10am to 2pm; Sat – 9am to 1pm)

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bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Friday 28th April 7.30pm in Langbank Village Centre. Tickets, which include raffle and refreshments, are £5.

Phone 01475 540752 for a ticket. A variety of current fashion items will be on display, and for sale, there will be a changing area to try clothes on.

Please come along and refresh your summer wardrobe, whilst supporting Church funds.

The final meeting of the session will take place on Thursday April 6th. Storyteller Marjorie Leithead will entertain us and we will also have the annual mini show and AGM. The meeting is held in the Royal British Legion Hall at 7.15 for 7.30pm and everyone is welcome. The final event of the session will be an outing in June to Drumlanrig Castle.

Fashion Show

BoW SWI

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Senior Citizens Club We meet at Cargill Hall every 2nd and 4th Wednesday 7 - 9pm. Subscriptions are only £6 per year and £1 each week pays for your tea and biscuits. Entertainment provided. Previous entertainers include a male voice choir & live music. Contact Sheila Patterson for further information on 01505 690521. bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Bridge of Weir Community Council Two of our members attended a seminar on the Scottish Government Planning Consultation and will be making a response to the consultation on behalf of the Community Council. There is also a consultation on the Local Development Plan – Main Issues Report. Details can be found on the Renfrewshire Council web site. We will add a link on our web site www.bridgeofweir.org to assist anyone wishing to participate in the consultation.

The proposal to build 14 flats and 8 detached houses on land at Old Ranfurly Golf Course adjacent to Lawmarnock Road has been refused by the Planning Board at Renfrewshire Council. The process of the planning appeals in relation to Whitelint Gate and Land North of Kilmacolm Road will be set out by the Scottish Government Reporter at a meeting on 30th March. The actual appeal hearing is likely to be scheduled for late May. We will keep you informed of progress on this via Facebook and our web page.

At our recent meeting Inspector Cassie Glass reported on the previous months crime figures. Seven crimes had been committed including one for drink driving in which the offending vehicle collided with a parked car.

Shift patterns for Community Policing are changing from five shifts to two allowing for more policing at essential times. Inspector Glass has agreed to look and identify if there is any information the Police can offer in our quest to have the 30mph speed limit extended beyond St Mary’s Church, Johnstone Road.

Renfrewshire Council has once again refused this request.

Guest Speaker at the meeting was Susan Knowles, Volunteer Development Officer from Quarriers charity who is looking for volunteers to help with adults with learning difficulties in all areas of their work. She was also seeking out advice on advertising on how best to recruit volunteers. We agreed if the charity sends us further information we would put this on to our Facebook page.

Renfrewshire Forum of Community Councils approached us seeking our views regarding 20mph speed limits being introduced throughout Renfrewshire.

The Community Council has reserved it’s decision until further information is forthcoming.

On the buses: We were informed by McGill’s buses of changes to their services in Bridge of Weir that will be introduced on the 3rd of April. McGill’s have apologised for the error and will update us with further information. SPT will investigate if a solution can be found regarding the link between Johnstone and Bridge of Weir.

Visit our Facebook page for updates.

Virgin Media cabling works are causing some concern regarding the quality of the re-instatement of the pavements. Complaints should be made in the first instance to the site supervisor or by contacting the Virgin customer helpline on 0870 888 3116 (option 3). We have passed on Community Council concerns to our Councillors.

Due to the refurbishment of the Cargill Hall the venues for the next three meetings have had to be changed. 4th April St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Hall. 2nd May and 6th June the Primary School. All with the usual start time of 7pm.

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bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Saturday 10th June 2017

Spring is in the air, to celebrate its painting ‘SALE TIME’ at the Bridge, Main Street, Bridge of Weir from 3rd April.

Pop in and choose from an eclectic mix of colourful oil and water colour paintings and prints, artwork is mainly

by Alison Bannerman and Phyllis Mulligan, both are local artists. Paintings purchased can be taken away on the day and they are not expensive with a percentage of the sale going to the BRIDGE CHARITY.

Bridge of Weir Gala Day It’s that time of year again.

Saturday 11th March saw the selection of Kaylynn McKinnon as the Bridge of Weir Gala Queen 2017, with Olivia Anderson and Darya Lavizani chosen as her attendants.

Our thanks go to all the girls who turned up on the night, and they all contributed to Gala Queen 2017 selection night some very hard decision making for our three judges, Marie, Maria and Lyndsey.

Kaylynn will be crowned at Bridge of Weir Gala Day on Saturday 10th June.

The theme for this year’s Gala Day is ‘Commotion in the Ocean’. Anyone wishing to enquire about a pitch on the day should contact Meg Millar by email at meg_ millar@hotmail.com. Please note that as last year, due to ground conditions, there will no public car parking within Houston Road Park, and the inter schools football tournament will be held at Bridge of Weir Primary School.

Bridge of Weir Festival Committee

Gala Queen Kaylynn with Olivia (right) and Darya (left)

February saw the Festival Committee AGM and the election of office bearers for the coming year. Chris Gilzean has taken over the reigns from the late Gordon Lethorn, and will be known as Festival Co-ordinator, with Paul Matthews as his deputy. Meg Millar will continue as Secretary and Brenda Lethorn as Treasurer. bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Our French conversation group has started. We meet every Wednesday 9.30am - 12noon in Bernie’s Cafe, Main Street, Bridge of Weir. Please contact me on: 07463 570464 or Email: avril.forbes2015@outlook.com.

All welcome.

Strathgryffe Medical Practice invites its patients to a carers meeting at 7pm on Monday 10th April at Bridge of Weir surgery. A speaker will attend to talk about Power of Attorney and Guardianship.

French Conversation

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Bridge of Weir Choral Society Bridge of Weir Choral Society are holding their Spring Concert in St. Columba Church Kilmacolm at 7.30pm on Sunday 7th May. The main item in the programme is Mozart’s Mass in C Major and the choir will also perform works by Vaughan Williams and Finzi.

For further information please contact Ernie Smyth on 01505 702997. bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Bridge of Weir Elderly Forum Come and join us on Tuesday 11th April at Royal British Legion Hall and put your name down for our outing to Dumfries on Thursday 4th May. Meeting at 3pm.

We have a coffee afternoon on Tuesday 25th April in Freeland Chruch Hall - tickets £2.

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Carers Meeting

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

The Bridge Community Garden For several years now the back garden at the Bridge Post Office and Community Centre has been developed as a community garden growing a range of edible crops. We are keen to involve local people of all ages in sharing in the care and development of the garden. Our first work day in the garden this year will be on the afternoon of 8th April from 2pm. Please come and join in. bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Langbank WI The AGM and Annual Dinner will be held at Gleddoch House Hotel & Golf Club on Thursday 20th April - 7pm for 7.30pm. bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Colour your Walls

Last month many paintings were sold making this a desirable location for art lovers and painters alike. It’s always difficult to define and hard to describe a painting you love... But you won't know if there is something to colour your home if you don’t pay the Bridge a visit. One of the artists has suggested there will be lovely paintings of scenes, favourite places, kids at the shore just to mention a few themes all hopefully capturing the beautiful sunshine and shadow. Always check opening times before visiting. bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Goodbye! - The Local Government elections are just a few weeks away and the past five years of being a Councillor have simply flown by!

Those five years have been very busy and interesting and it has been a privilege to work for and with the residents of our beautiful Ward.

I shall be retiring as Councillor for Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank and am delighted that Natalie Don, from Bridge of Weir, has agreed to put herself forward for election in my place - I wish her and all constituents all the best for the future! bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Renfrewshire Council are finalising their carriageway resurfacing plan for 2017/2018. Hopefully there will be a good number of roads and pavements resurfaced. Roads should concentrate more on fixing the drains and improving the drainage so the resurfacing lasts longer.

Bishopton residents living near the railway station are frustrated by the inconsiderate parking which takes place by commuters who, despite the increase in parking spaces, are still parking in the residential streets near the station. Getting the residents to agree to parking restrictions is not easy, so in the meantime I will be producing some A6 windscreen cards requesting that motorists use the car park.

I had some success this week with the planning application no. 16/0669/PP for the erection of 8 houses and a block of 14 flats on the Old Ranfurly Golf Course to the side of Lawmarnock Road, Bridge of Weir. The Scottish Government Reporter had identified the site as suitable for only nine units and this was then included in the Local Development Plan. Despite this, the application came before the committee with a recommendation of Grant. Thankfully my amendment to refuse the application won the day.

In Langbank, there is a Core Path between Middlepenny Road and Marypark Road which the Council are making plans to repair using the Community Payback Team. I am hoping for a big improvement on this footpath.

Thanks to everyone over the last five years for filling in my Pothole Watch forms, your calls, coming to my surgeries, and sending me emails.

Singing for Wellbeing

On the 4th May, I would like to receive your vote and be your councillor for the next five years.

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

Surgeries: Bishopton Community Library - 1st Monday of every month (6.30pm). Bridge of Weir PS - 2nd Monday of every month (6.30pm) (no surgery in April due to school holiday).

Langbank Parish Church Hall - 3rd Monday of every month (6.30pm). Tel:- 0300-300-1291 or by email to cllr.james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk . Check out my Facebook page for more information and articles www.facebook.com/councillormaclaren.

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bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents Association The latest meeting of Bridge of Weir TARA was once again well attended, and our thanks go to Councillors Maria Brown and James MacLaren, the Police, Community Wardens Aideen Dempsey and Alan Robb, and Housing Officer Alan Boyack for their attendance.

The Police report showed that there were nine crimes committed around the village in the past month of which three were detected. The crimes included two common assaults, a theft by shoplifting, a drugs offence, bogus workmen and two road traffic offences.

The Renfrewshire Wardens reported that it had been quite quiet around the village of late with only two dog fouling fines issued, both on Houston Road. There were between seventy and a hundred foot patrols of Bridge of Weir over the past three months.

TARA along with Cllr. Maria Brown did a site visit to Warlock Road to look at the road surface which is in need of repair. The pothole stretching across the whole junction with Woodside Ave will be repaired within the next few weeks, and resurfacing work of the damaged road surface will be taken forward into the next financial year.

TARA along with Gordon Anderson and Cllrs. Maria Brown and James MacLaren recently had a meeting with a representative of Renfrewshire Council’s roads department to look at the junction at the War Memorial. The Council have pledged to undertake a survey of road traffic at this junction.

TARA would like to congratulate Gordon Anderson for his recent Renfrewshire Council Provost’s Award for all his hard work around the village, unblocking drains, lifting litter, etc. We’d also like to congratulate Brighter Bridge of Weir for recently being short listed for the Scottish Rural Awards, unfortunately they were unsuccessful this time, but we all appreciate how much they do around the village.

The next meeting of Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents Association is the AGM on Tuesday the 18th April at 7.30pm in the Pirie Centre, Freeland Church. All are welcome.

kilmacolm & quarriers

kilmacolm & quarriers

Creative Communities Writing Workshop: My Summer Diary with author Liz Rettig - Saturday 22nd April from 1.30 - 2.30pm FREE entry - Age 12+ - Kilmacolm New Community Centre Join Liz as she talks about her Kelly Ann books about a 15 year old who keeps a secret diary. You will get the chance to learn some cool story telling secrets and write your own diary entry style story. Email vfinnigan@st-columbas.org to reserve a place. Creative Communities is an outreach programme of St Columba’s School, Kilmacolm. kilmacolm & quarriers

Kilmacolm Community Cleanup Saturday 22 April - Meet at the Pullman Car Park - 10am The Kilmacolm Community Council is seeking local resident help to clear the rubbish that is littering the verges of the roads in and out of Kilmacolm. A few hours of volunteers’ time will go a long way in helping to tidy up the mess deposited by the thoughtless and uncaring few.

Community minded folk who wish to volunteers their time are asked to meet outside the Pullman - just at the entrance to the cycle track - at 10am on Saturday 22nd April where they will be formed into teams. Each team will be assigned a specific area of roadside to clean up. A few of the willing volunteers will need to transport themselves and some of the other team members to and from the outlying locations in their own vehicles.

Inverclyde Council will provide litter pickers, refuse bags, high viz vests and disposable gloves.

Volunteers are advised to wear weather appropriate kilmacolm & quarriers clothing - which is likely to get dirty - and comfortable walking shoes or boots and they may wish to bring their own heavier working gloves and a mobile phone.

We warmly invite Please call or text Kilmacolm Community you and your family Council on 07542 788502 or email to our Good Friday secretary@kilmacolmcc.co.uk to sign Service at Grace up for this worthwhile community Church, Kilmacolm event or just arrive on the day. Those on Friday 14th volunteers who wish to offer their April, at 7.30pm in Guide services as drivers are asked to please Kilmacolm make contact before the event. If really Hut, Woodrow Avenue, Kilmacolm, severe adverse weather is forecast on PA13 4QF. Guest Preacher: Mr Alex Bedford. For details please contact the day the event will be postponed. gracechurchkilmacolm@gmail.com

Good Friday Service

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kilmacolm & quarriers

Girdwood Building, St Columba’s School, Gryffe Road, Kilmacolm (note: please use Gryffe Road entrance).

Join crime noir writer Russel D McLean for a glass of wine as he talks about his latest thriller Ed’s Dead.

Email vfinnigan@st-columbas.org to reserve a place.

Creative Communities is an outreach programme of St Columba’s School, Kilmacolm

Thank you to everyone for continued support for this very worthwhile cause. £900 was raised - a wonderful amount.

Creative Communities Talk: MND Coffee Murder in the Library with Russel D Mclean - Thursday Morning 20th April - 7.30pm - 8.30pm - FREE. The Library, The

kilmacolm & quarriers

There has been a generally positive response to the new LED ‘white’ street lights being installed over the last few months. These lights are more energy efficient, environmentally friendly and less costly to maintain than the ‘orange’ lights. We accept that there are some people who don’t like ‘white’ lights and there have also been concerns expressed about the lack of overflow lighting into gardens and pathways. If you have any issues with the new lights please feel free to contact us.

The Council’s Environment & Regeneration Committee agreed on 2nd March to promote a variation to the existing traffic regulation order covering Kilmacolm to remove the requirement to display parking discs in on-street parking bays. The outcome of a 21 day public consultation will be reported back to a future meeting of the Committee.

At the same meeting the Committee approved further sums of £25,000 for both Kilmacolm and Quarriers for environmental improvements. As with the previous funding, decisions on how this money should be spent will be made in consultation with Kilmacolm Community Council and Quarriers Village Council.

At the time of writing this column we have been advised that the Council’s contractor is due to start work shortly on installing new gullies in Whitelea Road to resolve the ongoing drainage problem close to the junction with Carruth Drive.

We’re sure this will come as a relief to residents.

Other issues we have dealt with in the past month include anti-social behaviour at Kilmacolm Cemetery; complaints about problems caused by Virgin Media in the Pacemuir estate; and the ongoing disruption to nearby residents from the works in Leperstone Avenue in Kilmacolm to create platforms for self-build plots being developed on the Council’s behalf by Riverside Inverclyde. Hopefully this last issue is nearing an end. Once again we apologise to residents for the disruption they have faced.

Councillor McColgan Since this is my final column before I stand down as a Councillor to focus on my legal career, can I thank you for the opportunity to represent Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village over the past five years. It has been a real privilege and an experience I will always cherish. I hope to return to elected politics at some point in future.

No surgeries this month. Tel: 01475 712727 (office hours) or 07881 280016 or by emailing me at james.mccolgan@inverclyde.gov.uk. Alternatively you can write to me at Inverclyde Council, Municipal Buildings, Greenock PA15 1LY. Councillor McCabe No surgeries this month. Tel: 01475 712020 (office hours) and 871368 (home) or by email to Stephen.McCabe@inverclyde.gov.uk. You can write to me at 10 Victoria Gardens, Kilmacolm PA13 4HL. Keep up to date with my work by visiting my blog: http://councillorstephenmccabe. blogspot.com/ and follow me on Twitter @CllrSMcCabe. kilmacolm & quarriers

Kilmacolm Guides Kilmacolm Guides are celebrating their 100th birthday!

The 1st Kilmacolm Guides were set up on 20th June 1917 and they have been active ever since. With up to 4 Guide packs, 3 Brownie packs and Rainbows packs over the years Girl Guiding has played an important part in our village life over the last century.

We are holding a 100th birthday celebration on Sunday 21st May at the Guide Hut on Woodrow Avenue. If you have any photographs, stories or memorabilia about Guides in the village over the years we would love to hear from you, please email kilmacolmguides100@gmail.

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kilmacolm & quarriers

From 21st February to 8th March street lights were down in most of the Pacemuir Estate. The fault was a cut cable where Virgin Media were working. Lights in Springwood and Quarry drives have been changed to give greater brightness.

The Clydeman Lunch Club at St Mary’s Episcopal in Port Glasgow is the brainwave of Sir Eric Yarrow. In February Sir Eric himself spoke about Burma in WW2 and in March there was a presentation on the rebirth of Ferguson Marine. Many from the village attend and the subject at 11.30 on the 11th is "Our Clyde, Our Ships & Our part in the slave trade". I can thoroughly recommend the fellowship and good company, chaired by the Rev David Gifford. kilmacolm & quarriers

Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow Agricultural Society 182nd Annual Show Held at the Knapps, Kilmacolm on Saturday 13th May by kind permission of Lord Maclay, Mrs Smith and Mr Robert Baxter. Thank you to our sponsors, advertisers, volunteers and supporters.

A Kilmacolm Heritage Company has been formed, with Jim Wood as chair. There is much heritage in the village from the Neolithic Settlement at Knapps, various Stone Age forts, the arrival of Christianity in the 7th Century, the Covenanters in the 17th, the train in the 19th and the outstanding architecture throughout. The intention is to have a display in the Cargill Centre for visitors and locals alike.

kilmacolm & quarriers

The Birkmyre café has been saved with the advent of a new lease. Thanks to all who signed the petition and gave support.

The drainage of the two big rugby pitches will commence, at long last, in the summer.

An abandoned car in Woodrow Avenue has been removed.

I continue to get complaints about the Council Tax increase for bands E to H. Can I emphasise, this is a Scottish Government increase, not one initiated by Inverclyde Council.

Classes for Cattle, Sheep, Clydesdale Horses, Young Farmers, Light Horses, Dogs, Children’s Pets and Industrial Work. A great day out for the whole family!

Easter is coming. Can I draw your attention to the 9.30 morning service on Easter Sunday at the Knapps. This is a village tradition followed by refreshments at the Old Kirk.

There’s plenty to see and do: watch or compete in one of our many classes; browse the Trade Stands or Craft Tent; watch the displays in the Main Ring; have lunch, a snack or enjoy some drinks at the Bar. Most importantly, don’t forget to watch out for Knappie, the monster of the loch, on the Cross Country course!

My surgery is 13th April 10 - 11am in the Cargill. I can be contacted at david. wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk and 07766 992294 ,01475 712727 and 741969.

Show Schedules - Schedules for Industrial Section are available from all usual outlets in village and in schools and nurseries. kilmacolm & quarriers

Inverclyde Local Development Plan The Inverclyde Council is currently preparing a new Local Development Plan for the Inverclyde area to supersede the existing one in 2019. The Local Development Plan is the document which sets out the Council’s strategy and policies for the use of land and buildings in Inverclyde, and is the basis for determining planning applications. For example, it is the Local Development Plan that identifies the green belt, housing development opportunities and regeneration priorities, amongst other things.

The first stage in preparing the new Local Development Plan is a document called the Main Issues Report, the purpose of which is to encourage early community engagement in the process. The Main Issues Report was approved for publication by the Inverclyde Council Environment and Regeneration Committee on 2nd March and will be published on 31st March with a consultation period running until 31st May. A representative of the Inverclyde Council Planning Policy team will be in attendance at the 25th April meeting of the Kilmacolm Community Council to explain the Local Development Plan process and the Main Issues Report contents.

Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village residents are encouraged to attend this meeting to learn about aspects which could affect them and village life.

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Spring is coming back round again to Kilmacolm and Mérignies! Over the dark winter months we have been working steadily with our French friends to map out a calendar of twinning events and projects for 2017.

Holy Week is always a highlight in our Church life here in Quarriers Village. Why not come and join us for quiet contemplations around the cross on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and a lively, all age Easter Celebration with puppets and a praise band playing traditional and contemporary worship songs on Easter Sunday? We are located in the Upper Village near the end of Law View Road.

Twinning News: Kilmacolm-Merignies March saw the visit of students from the high school of Immaculée Conception (Mérignies/Seclin) to St Columba’s. This school exchange project (now in its third year) offers students the precious opportunity to learn about one another’s cultures, languages and lives, through staying with host families and participating in a school day.

Easter Celebrations at Mount Zion

Our service times are:

Over the weekend of 13th May, to correspond with the Agricultural Show, we will receive a delegation from Mérignies, including mayor, Francis Melon. On the Saturday evening, the Twinning Society will host a dinner for our French friends at the Kilmacolm Golf Club.

At the heart of the twinning process has always been the desire to fully involve our local communities on both sides of the Channel.

This year will see a project between the Kilmacolm Library and the Médiathéque in Mérignies. It’s likely that this will take the form of an educational exhibition. We are in the planning stages of a project between the Kilmacolm Civic Trust and the Mérignies Historical Society. Further details of these projects will be unveiled before the summer.

Of further interest is an invitation from the Mérignies Golf and Country Club to the members of Kilmacolm Golf Club to participate in a challenge game in early October. November 2015 saw the clubs sign a reciprocal agreement, leading to an inaugural, fun challenge game between the Scots and the French in Kilmacolm last June (gaily won by KGC). Our French friends are no doubt seeking their revenge! kilmacolm & quarriers

Well done to the team from St Columba’s School who made it to the final of the “BP’s Ultimate Stem Challenge” where they travelled to and competed at the Science Museum in Kensington, London.

Ward 1 councillors have received complaints from residents who live beside the area that is being cleared to prepare plots for people to buy and build their own homes on. Several residents living on Leperstone Avenue and Finlaystone Road have complained about noise levels, vibration and parking issues while the work is being carried out. The work is being carried out by Riverside Inverclyde in partnership with the council. I raised concerns about this with RI. It was good to see that a number of Kilmacolm groups benefitted recently from grants from the council’s Grants to Voluntary Organisations Fund. Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow Agricultural Society received £1,750; Kilmacolm Horticultural Society £500; Kilmacolm Playgroup and Toddlers £500; Kilmacolm Local Area Guides £1,000. There were also a number of district wide organisations who received grants that will benefit people across Inverclyde.

I would like to remind constituents to make sure their sheds and garages are locked. In recent weeks there have been reports of items being stolen from sheds in parts of Inverclyde. Let us not make it easier for any opportunist thieves.

Surgeries in April before the council elections on 4th May are on Monday 10th in Boglestone Community Centre from 5pm to 6pm and on Monday 17th in Kilmacolm Community Centre from 5pm to 6pm. My surgeries will also be advertised on the Inverclyde Council website and on my surgery posters. I can be contacted at the office on 01475 712727 or my mobile number 07747 765 839 or by emailing me at jim.macleod@inverclyde.gov.uk or writing to me at Inverclyde Council, Municipal Buildings, Greenock, PA15 1LY. kilmacolm & quarriers

Maundy Thursday Communion: April 13th - 7pm Good Friday Meditation: April 14th - 2.30pm Easter Sunday Family Service: April 16 - 10.30am

It has become one of Mount Zion’s Easter traditions to share a brunch after our celebration of the resurrection, hosted by Helen Dunbar. All donations given at the brunch go towards the work of Mercy Ships worldwide. kilmacolm & quarriers

Kilmacolm Old Kirk Dates for your diary Thursday 6th April – Sòlas Bereavement Group meets in the Kidston Hall from 6.30pm – 8.30pm.

Mon 10th - Fri 14th April – Holy week services; venue to be confirmed.

Sunday 16th April – Easter Sunday: 9.30am: Holy Communion at Knapps Loch; 10.30am: coffee, tea, hot cross buns; 11am: Easter Worship with celebration of Holy Communion.

Outlook Don’t forget our regular Outlook group which reaches out to the whole community in fellowship. The format is the same for most weeks – invited speakers offering topics of interest, community issues for discussion, shared activities, music films, etc. Afternoon tea gives us all the chance to enjoy time with friends and to make new friends too. The team provide a wonderful variety of home baking. A voluntary donation is collected, to be sent to the OUTLOOK monthly nominated charity.

The spring programme is: Thursday 6th April – Guide Dogs for the Blind – from puppy training to owners.

Thursday 20th April – Erskine Hospital: ‘Proud to care’ – a century of care.

NEXT MONTH Thursday 4th May – Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance; four years old and growing.

Wednesday 17th May - Outing to Glenarm at Rhu with afternoon tea in Helensburgh. Coach, entry, afternoon tea: £15. 1pm – 5.30pm.

Thursday 18th May – Clydeside Singers return: singalong with popular tunes, plus an update from Mary’s Meals charity.

Every afternoon: Community Issues, Dates for your Diary and Afternoon Tea. OUTLOOK is for the whole community; it’s an open invitation to everyone. Please come along and you can be sure of a warm welcome from the Old Kirk Community Issues Team. kilmacolm & quarriers

Voice of Hope Every Tuesday Ladies Bible Study 10.30am Coffee, 11am Every other “Friday Night Church” 7pm Tea, 7.30pm start - (April 28th) Essential Bible Truth For An Effective Christian Lifestyle Both gatherings held in our home - Everyone very welcome!

For further information please contact Angus or Anita 01475 540700 or 07890 777710.

Andrew Hammond 1937 -2017 Rosemary Hammond and family would like to thank everyone who sent flowers, letters and cards and who attended Andy’s thanksgiving service at Kilmacolm Old Kirk. The retiring offering raised the magnificent total of £954.90 which has been sent to the PSP Association to help them with research into the disease.

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With regards to the Howwood park, I have written to the council asking for a higher level of maintenance for it. There is a group interested in taking it over, but in the meantime it has to be looked after better.

The Howwood Community Council were awarded a grant recently to install a second defibrillator in the village so well done to them. The playgroup and the youth club were also awarded monies to allow them to carry on their good work.

So this is my last contribution to The Advertizer as many of you know I have decided to retire from elected politics. I will miss representing the people of Howwood and I have enjoyed doing so for the last 10 years. In that time I have met many great people who work so hard for the village.

howwood & elderslie

Hi there, you will probably have heard the main points of the council's recent budget, but it is worth noting the extra £1.5 million for the refurbishment of St Anthony's school. This extra money will allow a full refurbishment of the school and I know everybody associated with the school are delighted. Also a record £6.7 million has been allocated for roads improvement and I know we will be looking for our fair share in Howwood.

I have one surgery left at the village hall on 27th April.

I wish you all the best.

howwood & elderslie

Howwood SWI Tuesday 18th April My responsibilities

by The Chaplain at Glasgow Airport.

Hostesses - Margaret Jamieson & Elizabeth Lawson.

Vote of thanks - Anne McCallum.

AGM & trophy presentations.

Meetings in Howwood Village Hall at 7.30pm.

A warm welcome to all.

Contact Irene on 01505 704800 for further details.

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houston, crosslee & brookfield

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Houston Kirk Carnival Hollywood Comes To Houston Kirk Carnival on Saturday 13th May This year the Carnival Queen is Amy Anthony Attendants: Katie Allison, Keira McGarvey Do you want to be a HOLLYWOOD STAR for a day, now is your chance. Live your fantasy and become a Hollywood actor, a cartoon character or anyone or anything associated with Hollywood. Let this be an opportunity to turn Houston into a film makers paradise. Glitz and glamour let’s have it.

This is an immensely successful event, but in order to achieve this there is a tremendous amount of hard work involved by organisers and contributors.

It all kicks off at 12noon outside the Kirk with the judging of the HOLLYWOOD procession. Around 12.15pm the Houston Boys and Girls Brigade Pipe Band will lead the party followed by the Queen-in-Waiting, Amy Anthony and her attendants Katie Allison and Keira McGarvey who will be transported in style. They, along with the rest of the parade, will head off to the front of the West Hall in Main Street where the art competition and fancy dress winners will be announced.

Then we have the big moment when the Carnival Queen is crowned and the 2017 Kirk Carnival commences. There are so many stalls and games to enjoy along with a huge variety of tasty food which will certainly lure you in ......... so don’t have your lunch before you come.

Before we pack up at the end of the day, the prizes winners for the various competitions from the programme will be announced. The prizes in the lucky draw competition are particularly good this year, so if you haven’t filled in your programme entry or you want to increase your chances of winning, then additional entries can be purchased from a dedicated stall – Good luck!

To all helping hands and all who take part, now is the time those with green fingers are thinking about sowing seeds and getting the flowers and shrubs houston, crosslee & brookfield ready for the plant stall.

To all who are de-cluttering and getting rid of unwanted items of ‘bric a brac’, etc. Please remember the white elephant stall. If you need assistance getting items to the church hall please contact Kathryn McCartney (613741) or Mary Reid (613770) who will gladly help. Unfortunately we cannot accept electrical goods or large items of furniture. Don’t forget donations of toiletries, bottles, jewellery, home baking and toys. All will be received gratefully.

Houston and Killellan Social Committee

Sunday 23rd April at 7.30pm in Houston and Killellan Kirk; We are very privileged that The Glasgow Philharmonic Male Voice Choir have agreed to come to Houston Kirk and perform for us.

All proceeds will go to the Killellan Halls Fund.

Another date for your diary: Saturday 30th September in the West Halls; Allander Jazz Band will entertain.

Watch this space for more details.

houston, crosslee & brookfield

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Tablet Lost & Found I am a very nice Tablet, please help me find my family. I have a screen saver to melt the hardest of hearts. I have not seen them since Sept. 2016 and despite extensive attempts since to trace them, remain alone and unused.

The people who have temporary care of me are really very nice, but at the end of the day, there is nothing like family. So this is a final attempt to find them before my battery finally runs out. If you think I may belong to you please call in to the Carrick Centre or email thecarrickcentre@gmail.com

Houston & Crosslee

The last official meeting of the year will be our AGM and Spring Show on Wednesday 12th April.

On 10th May we hold our “Tea and Chat” in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care.

All our meetings are held in The Compass Centre, South Street, Houston at 7.30pm. Come along and join us, you will be made very welcome.

For further information please contact, Arlene MacKay on 07932 459994.

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houston, crosslee & brookfield

Over the past 18 years I have had the privilege of representing the residents of Bridge of Weir North and Craigends (1999 to 2007) followed by 10 years (2007 to 2017) as a Multi-member Councillor in Houston, Crosslee, Brookfield and Linwood.

With the next Local Government Elections taking place on 4th May and as I will not be seeking re-election I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support over those past years.

There have been many high points during those times.

Looking back over the period, I would select among many others, three major achievements that I feel have been especially successful for the local community. These were achieved in conjunction with Renfrewshire Council colleagues and the local Community Council.

1. The change in catchment areas to allow all children living in Houston and Crosslee to attend their local Primary and Secondary Schools, 2. The Multi million pound River Gryffe Flood Prevention Work protecting the houses bordering the river in Crosslee 3. The installation of the traffic lights at the junction of Magnus Road and Barochan Road allowing the many vehicles from the Oilfields to safely exit this dangerous junction.

I would like to wish every success to the four Councillors who will be selected to represent Ward 10 (formerly Ward 9) after the Renfrewshire Council elections on the 4th May and hope that they experience the same satisfaction of representing the Community as I have had over the period.

Finally my thanks to the staff of The Advertizer for accepting my articles over many years.

Please note that there will be no surgeries in April, but I can still be contacted by phone on 0300 300 1265 or by e-mail at cllr.allan.noon@renfrewshire.gov.uk until the 30th April. houston, crosslee & brookfield

Houston and Killellan Agricultural Show This year the Annual Show will be held on Saturday 3rd June. Schedules for the Craft and Baking section are available from the Paper Shop and the Post Office in the village or by emailing issistuart@fsmail.net houston, crosslee & brookfield

Brookfield Country Dancing club Thursday evenings from 7.30pm - 9.30pm run by Aileen Craig (01505 322684). New members are most welcome and as an introduction, the first class is free.

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Crafty Friends 1st and 3rd Thursdays in the month at 7.30pm in the Carrick Centre, Houston.

No craft experience necessary.

Tel: Lorna Cairns 612844 or Shirley White 610721.

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Houston Co-op - ‘Easter’ At The Renfrewshire Food Bank The Renfrewshire Food bank donation bin in the Houston Co-op has been warmly received by the generous residents of Houston – it is being filled to the brim twice a week!

In the run up to ‘Easter’ the Food bank will be collecting donations of ‘small packets’ of Easter treats – Creme eggs, mini eggs or similar.

(We find that large Easter eggs ‘crack’ in the handling process at the Food bank!)

A huge thank you to everyone in Houston who has donated so kindly this year to the Renfrewshire Food bank.

A Happy Easter to you all houston, crosslee & brookfield

Carrick Nights - Winter Concert Series Promoted by HOUSTON OLD SCHOOL TRUST

Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston - 8pm Friday 28th April - BAROCHAN QUARTET + PAULA BARRON Tickets: Adults - £12, Children/Students - £5. Why not have a meal in our Café at 6pm prior to the concert. Early booking a must as space is limited. (2 courses £15 - BYOB ). Call 01505 229597 or email thecarrickcentre@gmail.com We are grateful to Enterprise Music Scotland, through funding provided by Creative Scotland, for their award of a grant to help make these Concerts a reality.

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H.O.S.T. The Carrick Centre, Houston (Houston Old School Trust)

kilbarchan & lochwinnoch

THURSDAY Primary Colours (20TH, 27TH) 3.30pm Dawn Campbell 07789 262350 Crafty Friends 6TH, 20TH 7.30pm Folk Club 8pm iaintdawson@gmail. com 07786 078952 BurleX Fitness 9.15am - 10.15am Kelly, 07944 815298 W.I. 20TH 9am Galaxy 2.30pm – 7.30pm FRIDAY Yoga 21ST, 28TH 10:30am M/s Lawson 01505 613690 Big Kids Little Learners (21ST, 28TH) 1pm – 2pm Janine Neil 07870 697017 Galaxy Dancing (21ST, 28TH) 3.30pm - 7pm MP Surgery 14TH 12.30pm – 1.30pm Carrick Concert 28TH 8pm SATURDAY Galaxy Dancing (22ND, 29TH) 9.30am - 5pm SUNDAY Baptist Church 11am and 6pm Ian Simpson, 01505 612203 Sandy Young 01505 331488 Bill Haddow 01505 690693 hostbooking@outlook.com or The Coffee Shop

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Following my meeting with Barratts Regional Management I am pleased to tell constituents that the company have conceded that they did not communicate with Brookfield Community Council as effectively as they could have, regarding the widescale removal of the trees at the former Merchiston Hospital site. Barratts have pledged not to remove any other trees on the site and to remediate some of the trees which they removed. At least this shows that they have listened to my representations on behalf of the wider community. I have further asked council officers to monitor any problems with traffic levels at the Deafhillock roundabout, as due to the ongoing development at Merchiston this will place a heavy pressure on the entrance to the A737 in months to come.

Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Crafts from the Past - A very well attended second event in the lead up to the 2017 Arts Festival. The McKillop was transformed with many materials and artefacts from Lochwinnochs' rich industrial history. Margaret Dolan and Jim McNair supplied many beautiful pieces of furniture that had been made in the village. Pat Smith who had been a cooper in Lochwinnoch demonstrated the skills to make a barrel. There was beautiful silk threads of majestic colours on show. In addition, some of the amazing silk materials made in the old Silk Mill were on show. Paisley Museum were very generous and lent the exhibition stands on weaving and the Paisley Pattern. Many of the history boards from our own library were on show to further inform on the many aspects of old Lochwinnoch. There were many ‘museums in a box’ where artefacts from old schooldays including ‘the belt’ got many of the locals reminiscing.

There were looms and printing on offer for the children to have a try at these skills.

During the afternoon Dr Brian Smith who was born and brought up in the village showed different presentations of the village, industry, people of the village and buildings and geography.

This was very well received. We plan to show this again in the near future, watch this space!

We would like to thank Claire McDade from Paisley Museum who kindly opened the event and all the helpers who manned the stands and ran the tea room. We collected £215 for Alzheimer’s Scotland.

Photo’s: Pat Smith making a barrel & Margaret Dolan discussing furniture making Mapping Lochwinnoch - A full house at Castle Semple for the first of two events in the lead up to the 2017 Arts Festival. Vanessa Collingridge writer and TV presenter and John Moore from Glasgow University map historian held an informative and fun event on Sunday 5th February. Looking at old and new maps of the village tracing the history and industry in the area.

The children and families then made their own maps of the village - Great fun!

Photos: John Moore & Two locals Mrs Dolan and Mrs Cochrane making a map

kilbarchan & lochwinnoch

Monday to Friday, Woodlands Out of School 01505 615438 MONDAY Sewing Group (3RD, 10TH) 10am 12noon Yoga (except 17TH) 1pm Mary Laidlaw 01505 229112 Diaporama 10TH 7.30pm W.I. 24TH 9am Galaxy 5pm – 9pm TUESDAY Paint Pot Tots (18TH, 25TH) 10am Dawn Campbell 07789 262350 Musical Theatre (18TH, 25TH) 4pm 5pm Yoga (18TH, 25TH) 7pm M/s Lawson 01505 613690 W. I. 25TH 9am Kingsley Wood 11TH 10am Galaxy 4pm – 8.30pm WEDNESDAY Big Kids Little Learners (19TH, 26TH) 10am – 11am Janine Neil 07870 697010 Councillors Surgeries 19TH 6.30pm Gryffe Melody Makers 12TH, 26TH 7pm Camera Club (5TH, 12TH, 26TH) 7.30pm Community Council 19TH 7.30pm W.I. 19TH 9am Fatburn Extreme Fitness 6pm

I am pleased to welcome the substantial monies which primary schools and secondary school in my ward are receiving from the Scottish Government as part of the Pupil Equity Fund. The Fund is a partnership between Holyrood, Renfrewshire Council, and local schools, designed to drive up attainment in Renfrewshire schools. As a county we are receiving £4 million, and Ward 9 is receiving a massive £642,400 of that total, which is very good news indeed.

My advice surgery in Linwood is on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, at 6pm in Linwood High School. But I am also always available to constituents who can call me on 07768 130935, or e-mail me at cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

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Weaver’s Cottage Reopens

1pm on 1st April marks the reopening of the National Trust for Scotland’s Weaver’s Cottage at the Cross, Kilbarchan. The cottage will be opened from Fridays to Tuesdays from 1pm to 5pm until the end of the season. The cottage gives a fascinating insight into the crowded lives of people in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. The main feature is the 200 year old loom, on which cloth is still woven. Visitors can try their hand at weaving on a more modern version. There are signs of life in the cottage garden.

On Easter Sunday, 16th April, from 2pm to 4pm there will be an Easter egg hunt, organised by the Weaver’s Cottage Support Group. This a popular event with families.

Pictured right is the Weaver’s Cottage team of staff and volunteers who met informally in March to mark the start of the National Trust for Scotland’s sixtieth year of public access to this unique and historic Renfrewshire visitor attraction. Left to right: James Wallace, Christine Gilmore, Christine MacLeod, Evelyn Campbell, Joan MacKinnon, Beryl Baillie. kilbarchan & lochwinnoch

Renfrewshire Council's budget has been approved. The council tax has been frozen for 2017/18, and there is additional funding for roads, education and community care.

As Depute Convenor for finance I had also argued for a freeze on council charges, and the removal of charges for music tuition in schools, so I am pleased that this is the case.

The campaign for the council election in May is well underway and I will be standing for re-election. The last 5 years have flown by and it has been a privilege to represent the people of Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch. I know from speaking to villagers over recent weeks that the local issues, whether they be standards of living, education, community safety, road repairs, or the environment, are the ones that matter to local folk.

There have been many challenges over recent years and I have worked day in and day out to meet these challenges, for example working to protect and extend child care provision, and protecting social care services for our older residents.

The last couple of years have seen unprecedented threats to the green belt, and I have amongst others vigorously opposed planned developments at Branscroft and Milliken Road in Kilbarchan. All these issues and many more, will continue to have an important potential impact on the lives of villagers.

If re-elected in May, I will continue to work hard for all in Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch and Howwood village - which is part of the new ward, - and fight for a fair share of resources, in order that our quality of life can be maintained and where necessary improved - That will be my number one priority.

Surgeries - Saturday 1st April at 9am in the McKillop Institute and 10am in the Steeple Hall.

Contact me at cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 0300 300 1274 or 07534 156007. kilbarchan & lochwinnoch

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club The club takes place on Monday mornings from 9.15am - 11.30am in the hall, where there is a large variety of toys and a bouncy castle for the tots - from birth - 3 years - and coffee and friendly chat for the accompanying adults, cost £1 for each adult. The club continues until 3rd April, when there are 2 weeks holiday for Easter and resumes on Monday 24th.

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Kilbarchan Parish Church in April Services continue at 11am each Sunday throughout April, conducted by Rev Stephen Smith.

For Easter, the Service on Maundy Thursday 13th April is at 7pm when the choir will lead worship with excerpts from The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins. The Sacrament of Holy Communion will also be observed. On Good Friday 14th, the service is also at 7pm. On Easter Day Sunday 16th April, there will be a service at the Weavers’ Cottage at 8.30am, followed by refreshments in the hall. The main service is at 11am.

Sunday School will be on holiday on 9th and 16th, but the crèche continues to meet in the large hall from 10.45am each week and refreshments will be served after the service as usual.

All welcome to any or all of these services.

For further information about the church and the organisations, please visit Kilbarchan Kirk online: www. kilbarchan-kirk.btck.co.uk Kilbarchan Parish Church Midweek Fellowship continues from 10.30am for coffee, followed by a short service of worship, on Wednesdays in the small hall.

Kilbarchan Parish Church Easter Extravaganza will take place on Saturday 8th April from 10am 12noon in the hall and grounds, off Steeple Square, where there will be an Easter egg hunt for the children.

There will be an Easter bonnet and decorated egg competition. There will also be stalls with home-baking and Easter gifts. Entrance is £2:50, children £1 and this includes coffee with hot-cross buns. kilbarchan & lochwinnoch

Last year’s Miss Lilias Victoria Thomson, pulls out the the winning ticket.

Lilias Day Big Prize Draw - Tickets on sale now

Tickets are on sale now for the Lilias Day Big Prize Draw where once again we will be giving away £1,000 to one lucky winner. The prize draw takes place in the park on Lilias Day, Saturday 3rd June. Tickets can be purchased from the village shops, The Trust, Habbies Bar and from committee members.

Buying tickets not only gives you a chance of winning £1,000, but also helps to raise money to support the community.

Last year’s winner, Elizabeth Russell said “I was so surprised when I heard I had won the raffle.

We had just left the park when I got a phone call from Mr Stockton to say I was £1,000 richer. What a great way to end a fantastic day!”

There are Committee Chairman, Graeme Stockton presents still lots of Elizabeth Russell with prize winning cheque. ways to get involved in Lilias Day. Decorating your house or premises helps to transform the village, Decorated house in Dalhousie Rd. giving it a real festival atmosphere and keeps a centuries old tradition alive. Local organisations or village streets can also have a float in the parade. The floats are free for the day and inspire some wonderful creations. Floats are limited so contact us as soon as possible to reserve your float at info@liliasday.co.uk.

If you fancy something a bit more active you can get together a team for the tug of war. Can you beat the mighty medieval warriors or the very 21st century QT Fitness team (last years winners)? If so email us with your team name and contact details - info@liliasday.co.uk.

There is still time to add a listing to our Lilifest line-up. If you’re planing to hold an event in or around Kilbarchan in the week leading up to Lilias Day let us know.

Types of events included in the Lilifest line-up are music and entertainment, craft fairs, work shops, coffee mornings, quiz nights etc. Details of the line-up will be announced soon.

Greame Stockton, Lilias Day Chairperson, adds “we’re really looking forward to this years Lilias Day. It is already shaping up to be a great day and we have a few surprise additions to be announced shortly. Watch this space!”

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Kilbarchan Co-op Renfrewshire Food Bank Donation Bin Christine Cosgrove (assistant manager) in the Kilbarchan Co-op has very kindly installed a ‘Renfrewshire Food bank donation bin’ within the store.

The donation bin can be found at the front of the store – to the left of the tills.

The Renfrewshire Food bank is now supported by the Co-op stores in Houston, Kilbarchan and Bishopton.

We look forward to receiving your generous donations of tins, jars or packets of food, toiletries and cleaning products.

1 ton of food is distributed by Renfrewshire Food bank every week in the Renfrewshire area.

People requiring the services of the Food bank are referred by health professionals and social services and a voucher is issued for food. A three day, dietician approved food parcel can then be collected from a local distribution site in Renfrewshire. * Renfrewshire Food bank is unable to accept fresh food or alcohol. kilbarchan & lochwinnoch

Lochwinnoch SWI The April meeting is on Wednesday 19th, in the McKillop Hall at 7.30pm.

It is our 64th Birthday Social with entertainment and some delicious things to eat. This evening is for members only.

Kilbarchan Fairtrade Group Last month Kilbarchan Fairtrade Group held a sample and sale in Kilbarchan Parish Church. A variety of spreads, on pancakes made by Carol of Bobbins, and biscuit samples, were available to the folk in the hall. Over two hundred pounds worth of goods were sold at the Rainbow Turtle stall. Most of the goods are available at Rainbow Turtle, opposite the Abbey in Paisley and online from Traidcraft. Thanks to all who participated.

Photo shows early sales at the stall.

kilbarchan & lochwinnoch

International Jamboree Coffee Morning Saturday 22nd April 10am - 12noon Kilbarchan Guide Hall, Kilbarchan. £3 entry £1.50 Children. Homebaking, Tombola, Raffles.

In Aid of Girlguiding going to Poacher 2017 Jamboree

kilbarchan & lochwinnoch

Kilbarchan During the month of April, the group has 2 meetings, the first is Room 101, when we shall decide what to consign to the bin, and an evening entitled 'May I Recommend'. We have also been invited to the Houston group for a speaker on Mercy Ships.

The group would welcome new members, we meet on Wednesday evenings in each other’s homes and enjoy speakers and discussions on a wide variety of topics. If you are interested in finding out more, please phone 703786 or see the website: www.nwr.org.uk.

kilbarchan & lochwinnoch

Masonic Meeting Notice Lodge Captain Speirs Houston no.791 Masonic Temple, New Street, Kilbarchan - meetings start 7.30pm April 11th - FC Degree

May 12th

- MM Degree (special meeting)

Visiting brethren welcome kilbarchan & lochwinnoch

Kilbarchan Habbies’ Annual Art Exhibition Kilbarchan Habbies’ Art Group will be holding their annual exhibition on Saturday 8th April and Sunday 9th April.

As usual, the exhibition will be held in the Guide Centre, Barn Green, Kilbarchan.

Opening times are Saturday 10am - 4pm and Sunday 12 noon - 4pm.

Come along and enjoy a pleasant morning or afternoon. We look forward to seeing you there!

kilbarchan & lochwinnoch

Following recent changes I intend to contest the new Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch, and Howwood Ward as an Independent candidate in May and would like to thank all those constituents who have contacted me offering their support for my decision to go Independent. As always, I will seek to stand up for the interests of all constituents, regardless of their own political views, and will seek to put my ward first, freed from the constraints of party politics.

kilbarchan & lochwinnoch

We look forward to a splendid evening and to welcoming all our members.

kilbarchan & lochwinnoch

As an Elected Member I have written to the Scottish Reporter upholding the decision of Renfrewshire Council to reject the planning application for building at Branscroft in Kilbarchan. My decision to do so was based fundamentally on the need to protect the Greenbelt, but also to Cllr Doig said: "Fairtrade is all about acting local yet highlight the unsustainable thinking global. What we do here can help struggling nature of the proposed farmers abroad, so more power to their elbow". development in relation to both the drainage and infrastructure of the village and the massive pressure to the Kilbarchan Primary catchment area which a new development at Branscroft would represent. The Scottish Government have informed me that a Hearing is to take place regarding the appeal by the developers and I have indicated that I intend to attend this Hearing and will seek to speak up against this proposal, to defend the interests of the village.

Kilbarchan advice surgery is on the 2nd Wednesday of the month in the Steeple Hall at 7.45pm, and my Lochwinnoch surgery is on the 4th Wednesday of the month in the McKillop at 7.30pm, excluding July. Tel: 07534 148224, tweet me on CllrAndy4Ward8 or e-mail me at cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk

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Photo - Lochwinnoch Fairtrade Coffee Morning meeting volunteers

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

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

Johnstone Cat Rescue If you can help us with any fundraising or donations of either food or bedding, please call Sheena on 01505 337321.

Thank you.

Pet Blog

by PetVets

Tick Talk

Ticks are small arachnids (meaning they have 8 legs!) which feed on blood. They are found in woodland and moorland and are most common from April till October.

Ticks have 4 life stages: eggs, larvae, nymphs and adults.

All life stages other than the eggs require to feed in order to develop into the next stage or to reproduce. Ticks lie in wait in areas of vegetation and attach to passing animals, including cats and dogs, to feed. Once attached they feed for several days and then drop off.

Ticks can cause health problems. At the site of attachment there can be a local reaction causing inflammation and swelling. Severe infestations can lead to anaemia due to blood loss, especially in young or very small animals. They can also transmit diseases to the host animal. The most common signs of a tick borne disease are fever and lethargy, but may also include weakness, lameness, joint swelling and anaemia. These signs can develop weeks or months after infection.

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In order to reduce the risk of disease transmission it is important that ticks are removed as soon as possible. This can be done using a specially designed tick hook or with a pair of fine tipped tweezers. The tick should be rotated clockwise while pulling gently to remove. It is important not to jerk the tick as stressing the tick increases the risk of transmitting disease.

If you are not sure about removing a tick yourself your vet will be happy to help.

It is a good idea to use a preventative treatment designed to repel ticks and reduce the chance of one attaching, and also to kill ticks rapidly if they do attach and feed. This reduces the risk of disease transmission. Your vet will be able to advise on the best option for prevention for your pet.

Call 01505 800366 for further information.

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Re-homing Pets Can you offer a home to any of our featured pets?

Morgan - 11 year old female cat Morgan is an affectionate wee girl who loves attention, so she should be fine in a home with children. She is also ok with small dogs, but has never lived with big dogs or other cats before so not sure how she would be with either of those. She is used to getting outside so does need a garden please, not near a busy road, so that she can go out once she’s settled in.

Spot - a 10 year old female cat Spot is a lovely little lady looking for a quiet home with no children and no other pets. She is so sweet natured and just loves getting wee strokes and lots of attention. Spot’s owner sadly passed away and she was lost on her own, but you can make her a happy wee cat once again. She will need access to outside as she loves to have a wee potter about the garden.

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

Quaver & Disco - 9 wk old male guinea pigs Quaver and Disco are lovely wee boys who are desperately looking for a new home together. They enjoy running from one den to another and like having each others company. They, like many guinea pigs, love gnawing on treats and eating fresh veg. All Quaver & Disco are looking for is a new owner who is happy to spend the time handling them and providing the care they need. They are looking for a fun new enclosure so they can keep themselves entertained.

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

Ollie - a 8+ year old male crossbreed Ollie is a gorgeous, gentle boy who takes a while to get to know new people. Ollie needs an adult only home with his own secure garden to practice his training in. Ollie needs a calm, quiet home with someone who is around all day to help him settle and get used to his new home.

Ollie needs to be the only dog in the home and would like quiet areas to go for walks. He needs to be kept on lead on walks.

Roxy - a 8+ years female crossbreed Roxy loves chasing a ball, loves getting treats and enjoys going for walks. Roxy would love a home with a secure garden to run around and play in.

A calm, quiet home where she can take a bit of time to settle into her new family life would be ideal. She can live with children 14 years and older. Roxy is ok with dogs, but needs careful introductions as she can be fussy about her doggy friends.

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

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Lochwinnoch Community Garden PLANT STALL - We plan to run a plant stall at the Lochwinnoch Gala on Saturday 10th June - if you have any plants you could give for the stall can you bring them to the Community Garden on the 28th May at 1pm.

PLANTING CONTAINERS IN VILLAGE - As with last year we are calling out for volunteers to help plant out the many containers we have in and around the village.

Please meet outside the McKillop at 1pm on Sunday 4th June to lend a hand.

WORK PARTIES IN COMMUNITY GARDEN - 23rd April & 28th May at 1pm.

Scotland’s Gardens in the Local Areas Spring and end of season plant sales in the centre of Kilmacolm.

The plant sale will be held at the Cross outside the Library and Cargill Centre on the 22nd April between 10am and 12 noon. Entry is free and donations are welcome. Parklea “Branching Out” receives 40%, the net remaining to SG Beneficiaries.

April Gardening - Sunshine and showers Spring is finally in evidence as daffodils and flowering trees start to bloom. Expect the inevitable April showers this month but with sunny days too, when you can turn your attention to the lawn. It’s an exciting month, with indoor-sown seeds well into growth, and it’s also time to start sowing outdoors. Just watch out for frosts...

Top 10 jobs this month 1 - Keep weeds under control 2 - Protect fruit blossom from late frosts 3 - Tie in climbing and rambling roses 4 - Sow hardy annuals, herbs & wild flower seed outdoors 5 - Start to feed citrus plants 6 - Increase the water given to houseplants 7 - Feed hungry shrubs and roses 8 - Sow new lawns or repair bare patches 9 - Prune fig trees 10 - Divide bamboos and water lilies

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Pedal the Park 2017 Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park along with Ride 63 Community Cycling Club is again hosting ‘Pedal the Park’ a challenging 100km road cycling sportive around the stunning scenery of Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and North Ayrshire. The event is again supporting CLIC Sargent by donating a third of all entry fees to help children with cancer in the local area.

The sportive is a noncompetitive road cycling event where individuals can challenge themselves and join the camaraderie of other cyclists sharing the experience. Now in its third year and following a 100% increase in participant numbers from year 1 - 2, organisers are hoping year 3 will reach around 300 cyclists. This would mean a charity donation of £1,500, beating last year’s £1,210 donation.

Leaving from Castle Semple Visitor Centre in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, the route is expected to roughly follow the Regional Park’s 108 square mile boundary and features 2 challenging climbs, one out of Greenock up the Shielhill Glen Road and the other is up over the Dalry Moor Road.

Online entry for Pedal the Park is through British Cycling and costs just £15. You can also download and complete an entry form from the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park website – www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk/ downloads. You must complete this and pay at Castle Semple Visitor Centre in advance of the event.

Entry also includes a cycling goody bag with medal and food station supplies. The food station will again be at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park’s Greenock Cut Visitor Centre and will have some mechanical support as well as all important toilet breaks!

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2 Go To Edinburgh & Clean Up The Scottish Rural Awards presentation ceremony was held at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh on 16th March. Our group was nominated for recognition in the Community and Environment category by the Advertizer, and we were one of just seven groups from throughout Scotland shortlisted by the organisers. Well, we didn’t get an ‘oscar’ on the night but, for our small bunch of (mostly) retired enthusiasts from Brig o’ Weir, even to be mentioned was a big honour. Thanks again to Rona and the Advertizer for taking the trouble to put Brighter Bridge of Weir’s name forward.

As shortlisted nominees, our group was invited to attend the occasion, and so husband and wife team Neil and Irene Thompson went to represent us. But before that, they had to put in a shift with some of the other volunteers, tidying up at the Torr Road junction.

In other news, we’re having our annual cleanup event on the morning of Saturday 13th May and we hope that some of the village’s residents and organisations can spare a couple of hours to help. There will be more detailed information available nearer the time, but we’re giving you this forewarning so that you can make room in your diary.

And while you’ve got your diary to hand, this year’s Fun Casino Night will be on 30th September, so don’t be arranging any holidays around then.

You’ll have more fun in Bridge of Weir and it’ll be cheaper, too.

Follow us on facebook.com/brighterbridgeofweir brighterbridgeofweir.org

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Recognition of Local Gardening Groups The club had invited representatives from each of the voluntary gardening teams in the villages of the GVRC area.

These groups have each planted purple crocus bulbs which will act as a local reminder of the Rotary End Polio campaign. President Peter Dickie and International and Foundation convenor Neil McAlister welcomed the 5 representatives and thanked them for the work they do to make our villages more attractive. The photograph shows President Peter Dickie, John Fergus of Colourful Kilmacolm, Jake Fulton of the Houston Litter-Crew and Bee Happy Group, David Foulds of Lochwinnoch Community Gardening Group, Margaret Greenlees of Brighter Bridge of Weir, David Ritchie of the Brookfield Gardening Group, and Neil McAllister.

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Welcome to Scotland’s largest Regional Park Tag-n-Track Project Update

More Info…

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

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

Project News We have been busy over the last month here at TnT. Two more ringing events carried out, school workshops developed and advertised and talk requests being dealt with. I even spotted my first lesser black-backed gull the other day in Linwood. Our ringing event at the end of February was hit with bad weather, but we persevered and after a few hours we started to get a run of birds at the net. First a blue tit, then a great tit and then, just as we were getting ready to let the great tit go, one of the visitors shouted that there was a big bird in the net. A quick glance and suddenly I was out the Centre like a shot jumping over the fences to get my very first sparrowhawk out the net. He was a stonking adult male and he completely enthralled everyone present. Before long all his biometrics were recorded and before a sea of mobile phones he was released flying higher and higher above the Centre.

It’s funny how things work out though...That evening, back at Castle Semple telling the Rangers about the sparrowhawk when we heard a massive bang at one of the office windows. I opened the window to see 15ft below another sparrowhawk, this time a big female. Another mad dash outside saw the bird safely retrieved. It was suffering from concussion, but was lucky not to have killed itself. After an overnight visit to Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue for meds and observation, she was collected and released back at Castle Semple much to the delight of the visitors present at the time.

Our most recent ringing event has to be one of my favourites so far. Not because of the birds we caught (which included a total of 6 long-tailed tits another new bird for Muirshiel), but for the engagement with the visitors. Many came after hearing about our previous events with a few repeat visitors too. The McAlindon family arrived early on with their two young girls with bird spotter guides in hand. It wasn’t long before birds started coming into the Centre and we worked through the girls’ books to help them ID blue tits, robins and the long-tailed tits. As many of the birds are moulting just now it wasn’t uncommon for a few feathers to fall off and the girls started to cellotape these into their books next to the relevant species.

For me this is what Tag-n-Track is all about. Inspiring our visitors and the next generation. Intrigued? Future event details are below!

Event News Our next ringing event will take place at Muirshiel Country Park on Sunday 9th April between 10.30am and 3.30pm. Please do come along and see what surprise birds we get in the net this time.

Pedal the Park – A 100k road cycling sportive, Pedal the Park takes in most of the Regional Park’s boundary and stunning scenery. Sign up now via British Cycling online for just £15 in advance, or £20 on the day (Sunday 23rd April). This includes a £5 donation to local charity CLIC Sargent in Scotland supporting their work with young people with cancer and their families. See you there!

10k Bog Stomp Run - Entry now LIVE!: The off road hill run due to take place at Greenock Cut Visitor Centre on Sunday 3rd September is LIVE on the Clyde Muirshiel website. See clydemuirshiel.co.uk/event/bog-stomp-2017 for more details and online entry, just £20.

Model Yachts: Sailing into Castle Semple will be the Scottish District Championships, sailing all weekend on the 1st and 2nd April. Great spectator sport and not an April Fool!

Easter Fun & Summer Courses Online now: Planning ahead? Courses are filling up now for both Spring and Summer through our new online booking system. Keep your kids busy and give them a taste of adventure in the holidays.

Open for Summer: On the 1st of April summer hours return to the Park’s 3 Visitor Centres. Castle Semple will be open daily 10am – 5pm and Greenock and Muirshiel will be open weekends and public holidays 11am – 4pm. With the brighter nights coming in we have lots of opportunity for you to get outside and walk, run or cycle.

Ride 63 Community Cycle Club: Pick up the new club calendar and check out our AGM meeting notes at the Castle Semple noticeboard.

Join our new ‘group style facebook page’ contact the secretary by email ridesixtythree@gmail.com for a membership form and ride info.

Regular Events Mondays (but not public holidays) Lochwinnoch Community Walks meet 10.30am at The Cross, Lochwinnoch.

Weekly Volunteer Groups Newcomers always welcome!

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Thursdays Castle Semple Conservation Volunteers, Adult group, from 12.30pm – 3.30pm.

Saturdays Greenock Cut Conservation Volunteers, Adult group, 10.30am – 2.30pm.

Sundays Castle Semple Young Volunteers, 12 - 18 yr olds, 10am – 12noon

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

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Spring has well and truly sprung! The birds are singing, there’s blossom in the trees and the flowers bursting through the forest floor are full of colour and life!

Spring is a fantastic time of year to see a variety of wildlife at their most showy – the birds are especially putting on their best efforts to impress potential mates with beautiful plumage and song. Take a stroll along our trails and treat yourself to the wonderful sensory experience of the colour and sounds of spring.

Now that the weather is that little bit warmer and drier, it’s time to roll out our programme of outdoor events. From our well-established pond dipping and Make Your Own Mondays activities, to a range of selfled challenges – are you feeling brave enough to go on a bear hunt?

Although winter is a period of relative inactivity – or perhaps that should be recuperation – for the active gardener members of Colourful Kilmacolm, some things have been going on in the background. As well as having regular committee meetings, we have been engaging with Kilmacolm Community Council, as a result of which they have readily agreed to finance the planned upgrade at Market Place from the Community Fund money allocated to Kilmacolm for village centre improvements. Progress on Market Place has been frustratingly slow, but we hope that this year will see some real developments to an area which has been neglected for too long.

To mark our involvement in the Rotary Foundation “End Polio Now” campaign, when we planted 1,500 purple crocus bulbs provided by The Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley, one of our members attended a dinner at which we were presented with an attractively designed certificate, now displayed in the Cargill Centre. The bulbs have added considerably to the layby displays at either end of the village.

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Are you quiet enough to spot a pixie on our new fairy trail?

On Easter Monday (17th April) we’ll be holding our annual Eggstravaganza, and we’ll have a great range of Easter-themed activities on offer – join us for a treasure hunt where those with eagle eyes will be rewarded with a chocolatey surprise! And that’s just for starters, as we’ll also have a range of hands-on activities for children of all ages, including egg decorating, face painting and the ever-popular Egg Drop Challenge!

Colour and new growth is now appearing rapidly at all our sites, and already a team has been out to tidy up and ensure that our plantings at the Pullman embankment will look their best.

Membership of Colourful Kilmacolm is open to everyone. We would welcome anyone willing to come out occasionally with trowel and secateurs, but nongardening members can also be valued members. The very modest annual membership subscription (£5), along with money received from Inverclyde Council and other sources will enable us to keep enhancing Kilmacolm.

Membership forms can be downloaded from our website www.colourfulkilmacolm.org.uk or you can phone Peter (01505 872448) or Diane (01505 872611).

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New Wild Camping Laws Come Into Force at Loch Lomond New by-laws restricting wild camping and firelighting have come into force across Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

“Camping management zones” have been created at key sites across the park’s 460,900 acres.

The new policy was tabled by park management in response to antisocial behaviour and concerns about rubbish abandoned on the loch shores.

In the restricted locations of West Loch Lomond, East Loch Lomond, Trossachs West and Trossachs East, visitors wishing to “wild camp” will need to apply for a £3 permit or risk being given a £500 fine.

Officials said the stricter rules - which apply between March and September - cover less than 4% of the vast park.

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Eadha is currently involved in some interesting woodland creation projects during this winter and spring. All the projects are on reclaimed land and all focus on land reclamation and habitat creation. The first is at Glentaggart Opencast Mine near Douglas in South Lanarkshire. Thanks to funding from the Brown Forbes Memorial Trust and Douglas and Angus Estates, we are planting 8,000 trees to create areas of scrub and pioneer woodland.

This has been designed as a trial to test how well certain pioneer species succeed in colonising the former mine land. There is no topsoil on the site (or hardly a blade of grass) and we have been adding small amounts of forest soil sourced from long established native woodland sites in the hope of introducing the essential range of mycorrhizal fungi necessary for healthy trees.

We a trialling our full set of Galloway and Arran aspen clones to see which performs best to enable selection for future mine sites. We have also been sourcing cuttings of rare mountain willows found high in the Perthshire hills to see how they perform, a first for the UK. While the conditions are certainly harsh, in many ways they resemble the landscape immediately after the ice age and we can take guidance from the pollen record to learn which trees were the early colonisers once the ice retreated. We are effectively trying to speed up processes which happened over 1000s of years. A challenge indeed!

We are also avoiding tree guards and fencing at this site which while standard practice in most new woodland projects is neither practical nor affordable in this case. We have therefore been experimenting with innovative methods of tree protection by planting in dense clumps and exploiting thorny and unpalatable species to protect against browsing deer. We will be monitoring the site over the next three years. There is approximately 100 square kilometres of derelict opencast mine land across Scotland so if our techniques prove successful we could be very busy!

Another interesting dimension to the project is our use of volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds. This includes groups from the Maryhill Integrated Network who provide support and activities for refugees while they await visas. It has been inspiring working with these groups who have demonstrated a fantastic work ethic in such challenging conditions.

The park authority said it had also created around 300 “low-cost camping spaces” across the zones.

The new rules call on visitors to bring their own firewood “as collecting firewood has a damaging effect on wildlife in the area”.

Eadha has also commenced some native woodland planting at Knowes Road Landfill Site near Beith. Again we are planting a range of native pioneer species which will hopefully provide some screening and wildlife habitat. We are sourcing local native willows as well as planting our own aspen trees supplemented by birch, alder, broom, crab apple and a range of native shrubs. Give us a wave if you are passing on the train to Ayrshire!

The move has been criticised by outdoor enthusiasts who accused park authorities of “misusing statistics” to strengthen its case for the by-laws.

Contact: Peter Livingstone, peter@eadha.co.uk, 07968 745197 www.eadha.co.uk facebook: Eadha Enterprises twitter: eadhaaspen

Campers are also being asked to take extra care when lighting fires.

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Bridge Of Weir Horticultural Soc

As I’m writing this the daffodils are in full bloom and even bluebells & rhododendrons have started to flower - let’s hope this is a good omen for the summer.

The month of April is a very busy time in the garden; days are lengthening, temperatures are rising, and the gardens are bursting into life. We have vast displays of Daffodils throughout the estate with many different types and shades to brighten up the spring garden; these will flower throughout this month and well into next month. New plantings of Tulips should be starting to bud in the courtyard area, camellias are still in bloom and many of our flowering cherry trees have lovely shades of pink and white flowers at the moment.

In the kitchen garden we have planted our early potatoes; we are growing the variety ‘Swift’, which is very early to crop. At Finlaystone we try to keep the use of pesticides to an absolute minimum, and we try to implement companion planting if possible; last year we planted summer savoury plants between our broad beans, these prevented the black fly from feeding on the fresh shoots of the broad bean plants.

This year we are trying to increase our snowdrop stock, especially in sparse areas of the snowdrop trail, we are getting through this task well, but any of you who might enjoy a few hours helping to re-plant these bulbs, in a lovely woodland setting, will be made most welcome, and the results of your labour will be enjoyed by many for years to come.

Many thanks go to all our volunteers who play a huge part in keeping the gardens tidy. If you would like to join our team of volunteers either on a regular or a casual basis, then please phone reception on 01475 540505 for more information or apply online.

We have plants for sale on a regular basis; if you see any plant growing in the gardens and would like one, check at reception to see if we have any available, if not we may be able to propagate it for you.

If you have any comments about the gardens, or need advice on a gardening subject then please contact Norah at reception, your feedback is appreciated.

Fraser Lang

Kilbarchan Smile Gateway Garden & Big Spring Clean Kilbarchan Smile recently secured additional “Stalled Spaces” funding to continue to develop Kilbarchan’s Community “Gateway Garden”.

Amongst other things this allows for additional growing spaces for budding gardeners to grow their own plants, tools and equipment for all the family and additional plants to enhance the overall look of the garden.

The hard work of the volunteers and partners continues with ongoing planting and tidying taking place, lovely new benches now located in the space and the creation of a “bug hotel”.

Despite achieving a huge amount and dramatically improving the look of the area at the entrance to the historic village more volunteers are needed to ensure the future of the garden is secure. The next Drop In session will take place on Sunday 9th April from 1pm to 3pm. Come and put your name down for a growing area & start your very own veg plot! See the Spring flowers in bloom, plant Summer flowering bulbs and help provide nesting materials for the birds. All welcome.

The group also have a Garden Party planned for Sunday 28th May as part of this years Lilifest to celebrate the completion of this next phase of development.

Our March guest speaker was Robert McCaw who gave a colourful presentation starting with autumn flowering plants such as the purpleberried Callicarpa and Cotoneasters and Pyracanthas whose fruits are all sought-after by foraging birds.

Early bulbs such as Aconites and Snowdrops establish new groups if split and spread out, when still “in the green” as this makes them easier to find. Heathers interspersed with Crocuses and Snowdrops put on a good show on a sunny, wintry day.

Viburnum x bodnantense, Witch Hazel and Daphne mezereum, planted near a door or path, are must-have shrubs for late winter with their beautiful flowers and perfume.

Spring flowering bulbs offer a variety of flowers. Pheasant’s Eye Narcissus with its delicate white petals and red eye has a lovely perfume but Hyacinths, also known for their perfume, are less likely to flower well again in the open garden. Tulips bring colour into the garden for several months, starting with T. Kaufmanni, then T greggii and concluding with Darwin Tulips which are the showiest.

Bob told us to plant tulip bulbs with the flat side facing the pot’s side since the first leaf will grow from here, followed by the flower from the bulkier side.

Magnolias give a stunning spring display but are often caught by late frosts whereas Rhododendrons and Azaleas love life on the West of Scotland.

We were reminded to plant with insects in mind especially Bees remembering that single flowers are best. Selected double flowers look good to us but not to bees. Mason bees are the great workers, pollinating up 2,000 plants a day but all bees, hover flies and insects need our encouragement to carry on this work.

The use of summer bedding plugs was discussed as a way of getting a good start on the season and are a very economical way of growing without heat. Summer shrubs such as Hydrangeas require careful pruning. If in doubt, remove a few old brown stems, leaving new green ones and cut these back to a healthy bud. Buddleia are favourites with gardeners, flying insects and, particularly, butterflies alike. These can be robustly spring-pruned.

Aim for a goblet shape to let air circulate and cut back to two or three main branches, cutting diagonally above outward facing buds.

Another topic covered was good soil preparation. Autumn leaves when matured into leaf mould will enhance soil textures and when spread with other composted material will encourage good growth. Also reminded growers to feed bulbs in pots until the leaves die down. A traditional feed for gardens is Blood, Fish and Bone which is organic (but treated for safe handling) and a top dressing will be absorbed by plants as and when they require nourishment. Some familiar garden preparations are leaving the market, so gardens need to be more symbiotic; more user and insect friendly.

We next meet on Thursday 13th April when there will be an informative but fun quiz for members and guests. We meet at 8pm at The Legion. organising the 2017 “Kilbarchan Smile Big Spring Clean” for Sunday 23rd April taking place from 2pm-4pm. Volunteers (Smilers) are being asked to meet at the Ewing Street car parking area opposite Bog Park. Greener Renfrewshire Do You Bit will once again provide equipment including litter pickers, hi viz vests, bags, bag hoops and gloves. If you want to make a difference to the village please come along and “Do Your Bit” if you can – as they say many hands make light work! Greggs will be providing hungry volunteers with well-earned provisions at the end of the day.

Kilbarchan Smile Big Spring Clean

For more information and to get involved in either the Gateway Garden or other Kilbarchan Smile activities contact Gail Scoular on 07985 749220, email hello@kilbarchansmile.co.uk or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook.

Kilbarchan Smile was set up to help make improvements to the village with the support and involvement of the community. To this end the group is

(Photo courtesy of Andy Stark/The Studio Bridge of Weir)

Stalled Spaces is a Renfrewshire Council, in partnership with Engage Renfrewshire, initiative to support community organisations in Renfrewshire that are interested in running small projects in local spaces of unused or underused land. Invaluable support is also provided by the Community Payback Team within Renfrewshire Council.

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St Fillan’s Primary School It has been a very busy term in St Fillan’s with lots of visiting specialists inspiring us to be creative and imaginative in our learning.

Zoolab visited St Fillan’s Primary and brought with them some fascinating creatures such as a tarantula, scorpion, toad, snake and millipede. The children learned about their various habitats and those who wished to were able to hold them. Some of us, mainly staff, were too scared to touch them.

Monday

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers McKillop Hall, 9.45am - 11.30am

The people from the cinebus spoke to our pupils about disability and opened up discussions on tolerance and respect for others. Each class watched a short film which highlighted aspects suitable to the age of the class.

£2/family fee incl tea & children’s snacks.

Generation science worked with groups of children and helped the younger children to understand how day and night happens. The older pupils learned about renewable and non renewable energy and associated technologies which connect to the smart grid.

Howwood Baby & Toddler Group

Hopscotch Theatre gave an informative and enjoyable performance about Scottish Innovation which stimulated some of us to find out some more information about Scottish Inventors. Hopscotch Theatre followed this up with a growth mindset workshop for out P5 - 7 pupils. This was very well received with our young people now more likely to say “I can’t do it YET!”

Gryffe High School π

Maths have Fun as they celebrate Day Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14) around the world and the Maths department had the pupils making Pi chains and singing the Pi song. Pi (Greek letter “p”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant - the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter - which is approximately 3.14159. Well done to class 1Mk, who earned House Points for Mackintosh by creating the longest Pi chain of the day.

Mrs A. Mullan - Mathematics Fairtrade Fortnight finishes with a Community Coffee Morning Our Fairtrade Community Coffee Morning at the Church Halls in Houston, raised the fantastic sum of £360 for Traidcraft and Rainbow Turtle. Thank you to everyone who came along to support this event. This was the last event in a busy Fairtrade Fortnight.

Other events were Ben and Jerry stalls, Rainbow Turtle stalls in school and a Fairtrade Bake off for staff and pupils.

Pupils from the Citizenship Committee also enjoyed a lovely morning with pupils and staff of the Mary Russell School in Paisley at their Fairtrade Café event.

Miss H Rowan – on behalf of the Citizenship Committee S2 Choices for Life Presentation All S2 pupils enjoyed a ‘Choices for Life’ presentation, delivered in conjunction with Police Scotland, providing them with the information required to make positive life choices in relation to substances. As part of the presentation, some willing volunteers also had to opportunity to try out ‘beer goggles’, simulating the effects of the influence of alcohol.

Pupils then put their knowledge to the test during an interactive evaluation session, requiring them to respond to a variety of situations and then facing any subsequent consequences of their actions. Feedback from pupils was extremely positive, with 15 students now selected to attend a follow up session at Johnstone Town Hall on Monday 20th June. Thanks to our Safer Communities team at Police Scotland and our S6 Hearty Lives Peer Educators for supporting pupils in promoting their Health and Wellbeing!

Miss H Holmes – Project Leader Health and Wellbeing

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every

Kilmacolm Playgroup

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm, 9.30am - 11.40am Howwood Parish Church, 10am - 12noon

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, 9.15am - 11.30am

every Tuesday

Kilbarchan Tots

Kilbarchan Scout Hall, 10am-12noon £2 contribution. Tea, coffee & biscuits.

Langbank Playgroup

Bridge of Weir Toddlers

What an amazing and fun filled place to be!

At playgroup, children have the opportunity to develop their social skills, independence, creativity, numeracy, literacy skills and many, many more ….. What’s not to like, when all of this can be done through play!

Recently, the children had great fun developing their creative skills in a variety of ways. We have also been busy with our visits from Skoobmobile, as well as Lisa from Graffiti Dance Troupe.

Do you have a child aged between 2.5yrs to 5yrs old?

Then why not let them come along and experience the fun! Everyone welcome from Langbank and surrounding areas.

Playgroup is held on a Friday morning (term time) in Langbank Village Hall and we currently have spaces for children aged 2.5yrs to 5yrs. If u would like to join us on a Friday morning or for more information, please contact Jen Burrows on 07947 983025.

Howwood Playgroup

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, BoW

Pop along and see us from 9.30am - 11.30am

Kilmacolm Playgroup

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm, 9.30am - 11.40am Howwood Church Hall, 9.45am - 11.35am

every

Wednesday

Kilmacolm Toddlers

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm, 10am - 11.30am For children from birth to 3 years.

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers McKillop Hall, 9.45am - 11.30am

£2/family fee incl tea and children’s snacks.

Howwood Playgroup

Howwood Church Hall, 9.45am - 11.35am

every Thursday

Houston Toddlers

Church Hall, Main Street, Houston

Pop along and see us from 9.30am - 11.30am

Kilmacolm Playgroup

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm, 9.15am - 11.40am

Howwood Playgroup

Howwood Church Hall, 9.45am - 11.35am

every

Friday

Langbank Playgroup

Langbank Village Hall, 9.45 - 11.45am For 2.5 - 5yr olds.

Contact Jen Burrows 07947 983025.

Langbank Under 3’s

Church Hall, Langbank, 10am - 11.45am For children from birth to 3 years

Baby and Toddler Group

Elderslie Kirk, Main Rd, Elderslie, 9.30am - 11.30am

£2 includes children’s snack and tea/coffee.

Lots of different toys to play with. All welcome.

Community Bookbug Sessions

Livingstone Hall at St Columba’s Junior School, Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm.

From 9.30 - 10am

1st & 3rd Friday

Renfrewshire Inverclyde Twins Club McKillop Hall, Lochwinnoch, 1pm -2.30pm

£3. Bring a mug along for a cuppa.

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Houston Baby & Toddlers We’ve been having lots of fun with our friends, making Mother’s Day cards, and enjoying some Easter themed celebrations (the grown up’s thoroughly enjoyed an evening out too!) Why not come along and join us on a Thursday morning?

Children from 0 - 4 years old, together with their parents/grandparent/ carer, will receive a warm welcome. The children can have fun playing with our many toys while the adults chat over a cuppa. We meet every Thursday 9.30am - 11.30am (term time only - CLOSED 6th & 13th April) in the West Hall, Main Street, Houston, PA6 7EL (next door to the Carrick Centre) – welcome anytime. We look forward to meeting you. Sharon, Lesley & Fiona. (lesleyannjackson@outlook.com)

Disabled Scouts can now be Prepared for Camping!

SCOUTS who are disabled can now ‘be prepared’ to enjoy going camping thanks to a donation from the intu Braehead Community Fund.

The shopping and leisure destination has given £500 to the 98th Renfrewshire Corseford Scouts to help buy a mobile hoist, which would allow disabled young people to attend Scout camps.

The Corseford Scouts meet intu Braehead’s community development manager, Lydia Brown, front row right with, from left, Scout group treasurer, Suzanne Wales and Scout group leader, Samantha Courtney

The Corseford Scouts have 14 members, both boys and girls, between the ages of 8 and 21 and are based at the charity, Capability Scotland’s Corseford School, in Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.

A mobile hoist costs almost £2,000 and thanks to the donation from intu Braehead, the Scout group has been given a boost in their fundraising efforts.

Scout Group treasurer Suzanne Wales said: “This is a fabulous gesture from intu Braehead and once we get the hoist, it will mean more youngsters can go to Scout camp. At the moment some of our members can’t stay at camp overnight because they need this type of equipment. It will make a huge difference to them and their parents!

It’s important that our youngsters can experience camp like all the other Scouts. It will also give the children some dignity so they don’t have to be physically lifted by their parents.”

Community development manager at intu Braehead, Lydia Brown said: “The people running the Corseford Scouts deserve all the help they can get. It’s important the youngsters get a chance to enjoy the benefits of being in the Scouts and going to camp is part of that experience.”

Duchal Nursery The children are really embracing our music project which started with Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. Great fun was had listening first to the story, and then to the orchestral music.

We’ve had the opportunity to play all sorts of instruments including the flute and even a euphonium - creating some very strange noises!

The afternoon clubbers have been looking at the story of ‘The Rainbow Fish’ linking into our caring and sharing ethos, discussing rainbows and looking through prisms to see their own rainbows!! They’ve painted an amazing rainbow which is decorating our walls.

We are now taking registrations for August 2017 and beyond, so if you have a child that is coming up to nursery age please get in touch to arrange a visit and find out more about us. We are having an Open Morning at the nursery on Saturday 20th May, all are welcome. It’s a great opportunity to meet teachers and current parents and to find out more about what we get up to and our new extended day until 3.30pm!

If you would like to come and visit the Nursery and meet the teachers please contact Head Teacher Jean McCarthy on Tel: 874358. Also visit our website at: www.duchal.com and find us on Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest news.

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Kilmacolm Playgroup & Toddlers Playgroup is very excited to welcome even more new children to our sessions, which are the busiest they’ve been all year!

The children will be focussing on the themes of Transport, Road Safety and People Who Help Us to encourage the children’s knowledge in these important areas. We are hoping to welcome a professional into the playgroup to talk to the children.

The children are continuing to develop their physical skills through ball games, Sticky Kids, and yoga and always make good use of our spaces within the hall. We are also looking to develop our play outdoors!

Strathgryffe Inter-Schools Tennis Match Inter-Schools Tennis Match The annual Inter-School Tennis Doubles Match which involves all three local primary schools, Bridge of Weir, Houston & St Fillan’s was a very closely fought battle this year. Houston Primary edged out in front as the eventual winners but only once the final round of matches had been completed.

A team of tennis coaches from Strathgryffe delivered a four week block of coaching sessions, free of charge to all P6 pupils at Bridge of Weir, Houston and St Fillan’s Primary Schools. A team of 8 boys and 8 girls were then selected to represent their school and participate in a round robin doubles league with points being awarded at the end of each round to each winning couple. The competition was held in the indoor courts at Strathgryffe on Thursday 16th March.

The Inter-School Shield was introduced into the school calendar in 2003 as a joint venture between Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash Club and Renfrewshire Active Schools. The level of play continues to improve as more and more of the local children are giving tennis a go.

Details for the new summer tennis programme are now available with classes for both children and adults. For more information please visit our website www. strathgryffe.net or contact Head Tennis Coach, Derek Brown on 01505 615301 or email: derekbrown@strathgryffe.net

23/03/2017 12:04:13

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Bridge of Weir Primary School This is a very hard working term and classes have been taking part in a whole range of lessons, activities and outings. Our nursery children took a trip to the Co-op on Shrove Tuesday where staff helped them prepare pancakes with a delicious choice of toppings – yum! P1 were amazed to discover a dinosaur had found its way into school one night, but realised someone must have been ‘pulling their legs’ as they are all experts and KNOW dinosaurs are extinct. P2 have been loving reading Julia Donaldson’s famous “Room on the Broom” book and had great fun making chocolate witches’ hats, whilst P3 are looking forward to visiting Paisley Museum to see the “May the Toys Be With You” exhibition which is all about Star Wars. Our budding engineers in P 3/2 have been working with Mrs Mackinnon and Mr Lowit to make their own moving vehicles as part of their Transport topic and have become very knowledgeable about axles and chassis!

Everyone looks forward to Fairtrade Fortnight at Bridge of Weir Primary as it’s the only time of year when we’re allowed to buy chocolate in school. This year was no different and P4 sold an impressive total of 362 bars of Fairtrade chocolate to pupils and staff. P4a also led an excellent assembly which included lots of interesting facts, an acrostic poem and a very catchy song encouraging everyone to buy Fairtrade products.

The Caribbean has been a lovely focus for our P5s during a damp and dreich Scottish February. The vivid colours of their artwork and the blue skies and sunshine of Barbados, Jamaica, etc., have provided a sharp contrast to the weather outside the classroom window. P6 have been particularly busy over the last few weeks visiting St Mirren Football Park for Safe Kids sessions, receiving tennis coaching from Strathgryffe Tennis Club, releasing brown trout (which they raised from fish eggs) into the River Gryffe and enjoying a trip to Glasgow City Halls to see the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Finally, our P7 pupils have been taking part in the “I Wish” project as part of Paisley’s bid to be City of Culture in 2021 and had a brilliant time when they went along to Erskine Music and Media Studio to take part in a range of creative activities. They are also very excited to have created artwork and a sound track for a special performance which they will attend at Paisley Town Hall with other schools from throughout Renfrewshire.

If you’d like to find out more about life at Bridge of Weir Primary, please take a look at our website!

Houston Primary School Eco News - Our pupils have been very busy making bird feeders making sure that the birds don’t go hungry during the winter months. Their design had to ensure that the bird seed wouldn’t fall out and could be attached to a tree or fence.

P6 are learning about bridges and are heading out to see the Queensferry Crossing which is due to open in May 2017. The 1.7 miles (2.7km) structure will be the longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world. The pupils are also making their own bridges from balsa wood, which will then be tested for strength at the end of the challenge. We thank all of the parents and grandparents who are supporting the children with sawing, measuring, mitring and gluing.

P6 have also entered this year’s Euro Quiz and have been working very hard to learn as many facts as possible about Europe. The pupils who will be representing Houston Primary School are Aidan Smith, Eilidh MacKinnon, Skye Mills and Liam O’Brien.

P7 completed their Technology Challenge and this year’s winning team created a robot which could move forwards and backwards, had flashing lights and could even talk!

Congratulations to Douglas Boyd, Ellie Shaw, Rory Devine, Kyra’s English and Sam Carvil.

A huge thank you to our judges from Gryffe High School, Trinity High School, St Andrews Academy and Strathclyde University.

P7 have also entered the Rotary Quiz. The pupils who will be representing Houston Primary School are Peter Boyd, Ben Stevenson, Luke Wilson and Tylar Pollock.

The Kirk Carnival is nearing and the pupils have voted for this year’s Carnival Queen and her attendants. The exciting news will be shared at assembly.

P2 have been learning about Space and went on a trip to the Science Centre to enhance their learning.

They visited the planetarium where they learned about constellations and what it would be like to live in a spaceship.

P5 have transformed their classroom into a tropical rainforest. I’m sure you will agree it looks amazing.

Buddy Reading - Mrs Brooker has been training children to support the younger pupils with their reading.

Primary 5 pupils have been supporting P1 pupils with their pronunciation and P6 pupils have been teaching songs and rhymes to the nursery pupils.

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Port Glasgow High School S5/S6 Geography Field Trip The S5/6 National 5 and National 6 Geography pupils spent Valentine’s Day together, collecting data for their Assignments. They visited 6 locations - 3 in Glasgow and 3 in Greenock, and carried out a variety of tasks, including a traffic count, environmental quality survey and a land use survey. This data will now be used to write up a comparison of the two locations for their assignment. They all said it was a LOVELY day!”

Ryan Collins Masterchef Huge congratulations to S5 pupil Ryan Collins who is heading for the Rotary International regional finals after winning the local heat of the prestigious cooking competition. Ryan, an S5 hospitality student, has also taken part in the Future Chef Competition held in City of Glasgow College. He has also been very busy cooking for the Gourock Rotary at the Royal Gourock Yacht Club. Next stop, school canteen!

International Women’s Day (By Kirsten Irvine S6) On Thursday 9th March I was honoured to speak in the Scottish Parliament as part of Tearfund’s #7girlsmalawi project to mark International Women’s Day 2017. I was joined by six other girls from all around Scotland to share the testimonies of seven Malawian girls who had been forced into child marriage from a young age to men double their age. I read aloud the testimony of sixteen year old Charity in front of an audience at parliament. The experience was especially moving as it revealed the harsh realities of child marriage and the long road we have to achieve global gender equality.

PGHS successes at Inverclyde Festival The school was delighted to recognise the fantastic work of our very talented musical performers in the recent Inverclyde Music Festival, with a celebration event hosted by the Head Teacher.

Over 10% of the school roll participated in the Music Festival – a great indication of the talent and dedication of the pupils.

“Taste of Industry” Event S3 HFT and S5 Hospitality students participated in an exciting educational experience delivered by Tennant’s Training Academy and Tree of Knowledge. A range of experts from Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism industry including Mar Hall, Porter and Rye and FreshDirect delivered a range of master classes designed to give students a real life insight into working in this ever-growing Scottish industry.

Deirdre Davie Visit to Drama (By Alison Walker S5) On the 9th March the Port Glasgow High S5/6 Drama class were visited by River City actress Deirdre Davis. We performed our monologues/ duologues for her which we are using for our upcoming exam. It was a fantastic experience as she was able to provide us with some advice and suggestions as to how we would improve our exam performance.

Follow us on Twitter @PortGlasgowHS and @PGHS_PE_

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Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley Youth Services The last month has been a busy one for Gryffe Valley Rotary Youth Services committee at club, district and regional levels led by Andrew Macleman and John Tuck.

Houston win Rotary Primary School Quiz The Houston Primary School team and St Fillan’s Primary tied on 85 points each after ten rounds of questions at the Rotary Primary School Quiz held on Monday 6th March at the British Legion Club in Bridge of Weir. The pupils demonstrated their knowledge of Bridges, the Sea, In the Air, Cats, Famous People, Quotations, Music, Ancient Civilisations and Energy.

After three questions in the tiebreak round the Houston Primary team of Tylar Pollock, Luke Wilson, Ben Stevenson and Peter Boyd emerged as the winners. President Peter Dickie and Youth Services Convenor Andrew Macleman thanked the four teams taking part (Houston, St Fillan’s, St Columba’s, and Bridge of Weir), Gibb Stuart for their help with the prizes, Mike Pepper the question - master and John Douglas who devised the quiz.

Young Chef District final Charlotte Westwood of St Columba’s, winner of the club competition, went forward to the Rotary District final at South Lanarkshire College and once again demonstrated her culinary skills. She is pictured wearing her “Chef’s Whites” which were kindly provided by Jason Andrews and carried the logos of the Fox and Hounds and The River Inn. Rotary Youth Speaks Senior Regional Final won by St Columba’s St Columba’s, as winners of the Club and District competitions, went forward to the Regional Final (Scotland and the NorthEast of England) at Pollokshields Burgh Hall on Sunday 12th March. Speaking on the subject “The internet killed music – or did it?” they emerged as winners in a tough competition against teams which had won their respective District Finals in Scotland and the North - East of England. The team comprised Chair: Mark Connelly, Main Speaker: Dominic Bogle, Vote of Thanks: Lawrence Lavizoni. Next is the national final! The picture shows the team with Depute Rector Antonia Berry.

Gryffe Valley Young Writer competition Five local schools took part over the three age categories. The overall winners in the respective age groups, were; Junior - Kirsty Weir, Intermediate - Tom McGeoch, both from St Columba’s Junior School and Senior - Rachael Bell, from Gryffe High School. The entries from our three winners will go forward to the District Competition and we wish them well.

Gryffe Valley Rotary Club thanks all the young people who took part in Young Writer. Also, our special thanks are given to all teachers who helped and encouraged their pupils to participate.

Kilbarchan Community Nursery In March we held our sponsored Storython event.

During the week, children listened to stories read by staff and students, parents and grandparents, teachers from Kilbarchan primary school and on board Renfrewshire Libraries book bus ‘Skoobmobile’. The children all collected stickers on their cards to record how many stories they had heard and the overall total target of 100 stories in the week was exceeded with 224 being read. The money raised from this event will be used to purchase new resources to make up home link story bags.

To mark World book day, we had a visit from Zoo Ed with their sensory story telling workshop – The Gruffalo.

During the live literacy workshop the children listened to Fiona reading The Gruffalo and then got to meet the snake and mouse from the story as well as other woodland animals.

After the holiday break in April, the children will be choosing their new topic and the preschool children will meet their buddies from Primary 6 as part of the transition to school programme.

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Gryffe High PTA in partnership with

Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash Club Fleming Road Houston

Sunday 23 April 2017 1- 4p.m.

Come along whatever the weather to Strathgryffe T&S. Club & take part in the

"Great British Tennis Weekend"

FREE ENTRY & ACCESS TO indoor tennis/squash/fitness sessions with fully qualified club coaches Visit : www.greatbritishtennisweekend.com

Support the school theatre refurbishment by purchasing...

"Afternoon Tea" available in the lounge.

Tickets: £5 for adults & £3 for concessions (including tea/coffee/scones & cakes) Available in advance from school office & Strathgryffe or on the day.

Visit indoor courts 3 & 4/Clubroom for ..... challenges against Gryffe High sports leaders games/activities/raffle/tombola/table tennis Shopping opportunities including candles, jewellery, pet products & line gifts also available.

Come along and enjoy a fantastic family afternoon of food. fun & activities while helping with this project.

Please wear suitable footwear for access to all activity areas No high heels/soles that mark

Photography Blog

by Lauren Russell, Owner, Little Studio Kilmacolm

Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to grab your kids and a camera and head outside for a little spring photo-shoot. We are so fortunate to have such beautiful woodlands, parks and open fields so close-by and you might well stumble across a colourful and suitable area in the next couple of weeks.

Plan your child’s clothing carefully, making sure it will compliment the flowers (and vice versa); avoid white clothes - they get dirty easily and white can also often confuse your camera and over-expose (be too bright) in the photos. If you are photographing your children with smaller flowers such as daffodils and bluebells, get them to sit down amongst the flowers (without squashing any of course!) - it will look so much better than just asking them to stand in front of them as they will then be surrounded by flowers. And if you know how use your camera to blur the flowers in the foreground and background, then even better!

You will, however, need to keep snapping and chatting to achieve those lovely expressions! If you keep them engaged in conversation your child will eventually forget about the camera and just interact with you.

Remind yourself not to say “smile” or “cheese” but ask them questions that you know are going to bring about the desired facial expression.

If your kids sense that you get frustrated with them when the camera comes out, they won’t be at all willing the next time you suggest a little photo-shoot. So, even if things aren’t going as planned, tell them they are doing great and have fun with it.

And if they are old enough to be bribed, it’s always worth telling them that they will get a little reward at the end.

I hope you found this useful and manage to capture some gorgeous photos of your children amongst the spring flowers.

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Kilmacolm Primary

St Columba’s School, Kilmacolm

Our first event in February was our Valentine Disco which was organised by our PTF committee. The boys and girls had a great time, enjoying the music, tuck shop and just having fun with their friends.

P7 travelled to Dalguise this year for their residential trip. The boys and girls had a fabulous time, enjoying quad biking, archery, fencing, zip wire and loads of other fantastic activities.

The weather was kind to our group and although cold it was mostly dry, but very, very muddy!

This year we celebrated World Book Day with a variety of activities.

Pupils, staff and parents wore their pyjamas to school and everyone ‘Snuggled Down to Read a Story’ in the hall with lights off, torches lit, blankets and teddies. Great fun, whilst continuing to encourage good reading habits.

P1 & 2/1 have been studying Katie Morag as a novel in their classes. To finish off their topic they held a Grandparents Day, where grandparents were invited to come along, see what the pupils have been learning and enjoy an afternoon tea party with singing and dancing and lots of reminiscing about when they were in school. Lots of hard work, but lots and lots of fun.

We recently participated in Port Glasgow Bulb Show with a variety of entries which included artwork, bulbs and buttonholes to name a few. We did well again this year with some attractive entries and the boys and girls had so much fun preparing for the show. Also, well done to Ava Crawford who won first place in the Kilmacolm Horticultural Society Show for her tulips.

More recently some pupils from P4 - 7 participated in the Burns Federation Competition in The Beacon Theatre in Greenock. All of our pupils were confident throughout, performing verse speaking, vocal solos and instrumental pieces. Well done to Poppy Paterson who was second in her singing and a special mention to Jules Gaston who won the P4 - 5 instrumental section playing his violin, and now moves on to the National Final in May. Good luck Jules.

We invited parents to school this week to walk ‘The Muga Mile’ in order to raise funds for a clean water project for our partner school in Malawi. Our thanks to all who kindly donated to raise over £130 to go towards this well deserving project.

P7 pupils raised funds whilst also raising awareness of Fairtrade this week. They organised a Fairtrade Stall and Coffee Morning/Afternoon to raise funds which will be sent to support Cancer UK. Well done P7!

Our final success was our P6 rugby team who participated in a rugby festival in Birkmyre Park and brought back the trophy. Well done to our boys and girls, a wonderful achievement.

We were delighted to welcome an exchange group of young adults from our twin school in Merignies, France.

The senior pupils, accompanied by staff, had a tour of our school and were served breakfast by our pupils in P6/5. We’re not sure exactly what they thought about the porridge!

Youth Speaks Congratulations to Dominic Bogle (Senior VI), Mark Connolly and Lawrence Lavizani (Senior IV) who are the Senior Winners 2017 of the Rotary Youth Speaks Regional Final. They will now go on to compete in the National Finals in Telford in May. This is a great achievement, having seen off tough competition in the local, district and regional finals throughout the course of the year.

Our Head Boy Dominic Bogle also won the National Final of ‘Poetry by Heart, Scotland’ in March, which makes him the best young reciter of poetry in Scotland – an amazing achievement.

Pipe Band Congratulations to the Pipe Band who were awarded third place out of twelve schools competing in the ‘Junior A’ category of the Scottish Schools’ Pipe Band Championships which took place at James Gillespie’s High School on Sunday 12th March a wonderful achievement following several weeks of dedicated practice. This sets them up nicely for their much anticipated tour of New York at the beginning of April.

Easter Chicks A warm welcome to our latest Early Years new additions, six fluffy Easter chicks! They arrived in shells and after a few days, closely monitored by our Early Years gang, they had hatched. We even had a webcam set up so all of our pupils and parents could keep an eye on them around the clock, which turned out to be quite addictive!

French Exchange Our Senior IV pupils welcomed their French exchange pupils to the school in March for a truly wonderful visit. The pupils received a pipe band welcome and were taken on a tour of the School and village by our Advanced Higher pupils, as well as participating in classes during their stay. Well done to everyone who contributed to make it such a success.

Medical Applications Event We are hosting a Medical Applications event on Wednesday 19th April at 7pm for our fourth and fifth year and invite pupils from Inverclyde and Renfrewshire schools to attend. Guest Speakers include: Dr Iain Findlay, Vice President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and Mr Graham Haddock, Deputy Director of Admissions at the University of Glasgow Undergraduate Medical School. Please contact Dgallacher@st-columbas.org if you wish to attend.

Community Bookbug Sessions Pop along to our new weekly Bookbug sessions, which run every Friday from 9.30am-10am in the Livingstone Hall at St Columba’s Junior School, Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm. Bookbug sessions are free, fun and friendly events for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their families to enjoy together. Each session lasts around 30 minutes and includes songs, stories and rhymes. Our session is hosted by Miss Victoria Jones who works in our Early Years department and is a Scottish Book Trust Bookbug session leader. We look forward to welcoming you and your little ones.

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Abbey Nursery We would like to wish everyone a very Happy Easter and a lovely break and hopefully the sun will be shinning throughout April! Children at the nursery have had a very busy few weeks recently and a particular highlight for the Grasshoppers was meeting Olympic Athlete Derek Hawkins. Derek, together with his brother Callum, competed in the Rio Olympics and was delighted to present Achievement Certificates for the multi sports programme organised by David Scott from ActivKids.

March also saw the beginning of our forest schools programme again, together with literacy walks around the village. Within the playroom the children have been exploring Space and Planets as part of their science activities and are learning so much as well as creating their own paper mache models, eating space food, reading stories, visiting the science centre and videoing their own learning.

Meanwhile the Busy Bunnies celebrated Pancake Day and World Book Day with great enthusiasm and are looking forward to fundraising for Comic Relief and exploring the colour Red. Dinosaur’s continue to be of great interest to the children and they have been having fun exploring Dinosaur’s in ice and teaching staff all different names.

In the Little Ladybirds playroom the children have been enjoying making fruit scones to take home and had fun getting messy and learning about textures and what happens to the dry ingredients when the wet ingredients are added. While doing this they have been developing their listening skills and ability to follow simple instructions and could well become the next Mary Berry!.

Our Family week in March is always a great time and we are looking forward to welcoming in parents, grandparents and carers to join us in the nursery to take part in some of the activities and experiences on offer to the children. Finally, can we please ask parents who are looking for a childcare place from the summer to come and see us as soon as possible as spaces are much in demand.

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Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club The Ladies Section of Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club is delighted to announce that last year £1,000 was raised for Scottish Autism and Cancer Research. This year, we hope to surpass that amount and donate to MND Scotland, the Motor Neurone Disease charity.

We will be holding a wide range of exciting events and hope that you will join and support us to reach this goal.

Our largest event will be the Ladies Open which will take place on Thursday 6th July.

Please submit entries for this Stableford Greensome to:- The Secretary, Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club, Ranfurly Place, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3DE. Another event will be the The Ramphorlie Quaich Stableford Greensomes.

Maximum Individual Handicap 34. Entry Fees £16 per couple or single entries of £8 per person. Final Entry Date Friday 30th June. Tee Times 10am to 3pm.

Entry Form and fee to be returned to The General Manager, The Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club, Ranfurly Place, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3DE. Tel: 01505 613214. Snacks and meals available all day. No competitor may win more than one major prize.

Application forms can be downloaded from www.oldranfurly.com

Strathgryffe Wins Tennis Scotland Award Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash Club is the winner of the prestigious Tennis Scotland Tournament of the Year accolade for 2016. The club has been a staunch supporter of HSBC Road to Wimbledon which is the biggest tournament in British tennis and gives all 14 & under players the opportunity to progress through to compete on the world famous grass courts at the All England Club.

Tennis Development Manager, Susan Weanie & Head Coach, Derek Brown received the award at the Tennis Scotland Awards lunch which was held at Dunblane Hydro on Saturday 4th March.

Susan Weanie c o m m e n t e d “Strathgryffe is delighted to receive the Tennis Scotland Tournament of the Year Award. We have supported the 14 & under Road to Wimbledon for many years and encourage all our junior members, who are ready to compete, to play. Since 2007 we have had more than 50 players entering.

2016 was exceptionally good with 74 of our juniors participating.”

Strathgryffe beat off competition from other competitions including the Elgin Team Challenge, Innes & Mackay Inverness, BAT Borders and the East Lothian Open, which were all shortlisted.

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Kilmacolm Bowling Club New Season Members of Kilmacolm Bowling Club are looking forward to the new season which will soon be upon us. The green will open on Saturday 8th April at 2pm.

As part of Bowls Scotland initiative we will again be participating in the Try Bowls Weekend.

The green will be open to non members for free taster sessions on Saturday 29th April and Sunday 30th April between 10am 2pm. Please come and try out bowling - all you need is a flat pair of shoes, we will provide bowls and tuition followed by tea and biscuits.

Kilmacolm Bowling Club welcomes new members of all ages, contact the Secretary on 01505 874239 for further details.

Walk Islay 9th - 14th April It is not vital to book any walks this year however we would appreciate a quick email to tell us you are interested in attending any of our walks to footstep@walkislay.co.uk or post your interest on our facebook site https:// www.facebook.com/WalkIslay/ Fees and advice - A fee of £4 will be charged for each walk. The cost of a return foot passenger to Jura is £3.50 and to Colonsay £8.

Bus timetable can be viewed here http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/ default/files/btt196-450-451.pdf note school holiday timetable should be used.

Refreshments as well as suitable footwear and clothing are strongly recommended.

We request that smoking is permitted only at the discretion of the walk leader and kindly ask you not to bring your dog due to the presence of livestock with young across the islands. We have tried to grade the walks as easy, moderate, challenging and strenuous.

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Olympic Marathon Brothers Start Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club Race To Sign Up For Paisley 10k The Ladies section have had a busy winter calendar with social events which have helped raise money for this year’s charity Motor Neurone Scotland.

OLYMPIC marathon runners Callum and Derek Hawkins have started the race to sign up for this year’s Paisley 10k and Fun Run. The popular event - sponsored by sports and outdoors retailer, Decathlon takes place on Sunday August 20th.

And now the starting gun has been fired for people to register for the 10k race and shorter 3k Fun Run, organised by Renfrewshire Leisure in conjunction with Renfrewshire Council.

Last year, almost 2,000 people raced around the streets of Paisley in the 10k and were quickly followed by hundreds of fun runners - many taking part to raise tens of thousands of pounds for their favourite charities and good causes.

Macmillan Cancer Support is the Paisley 10k Race official charity partner for the third year.

Brothers Callum and Derek, from Elderslie, Renfrewshire, were in Paisley to help launch this year’s Paisley 10k and Fun Run. They represented Great Britain in the 2016 Rio Olympics and both have previously won the Paisley 10k race.

This year’s race has £1,200 of prize money and trophies up for grabs and Derek and Callum Hawkins for the fun runners, there are prizes for the first three boys and girls from primary and secondary schools over the finishing line.

Callum, who runs for Kilbarchan Amateur Athletic Club and has just won the National Cross Country Championships, said: “The Paisley 10k is a great race and I’d encourage everyone to sign up and take part. Derek and I have competed several times and we’ve really enjoyed it.”

Brother Derek, also, a Kilbarchan AAC runner, added: “If you’re an aspiring athlete the Paisley 10k will be a good test for you. Taking part will definitely help your development as a runner as there’s always a quality field of athletes in the race.”

Renfrewshire Leisure chief executive, Joyce McKellar said: “This is a fantastic event whether you are a serious athlete or someone who likes to keep fit and healthy by running. And then there’s the Fun Run, which is great for mums and dads and other family members to have a run with their kids on the shorter easier course around Paisley town centre. The whole day combines to create an event that everyone can enjoy and there’s a real carnival atmosphere in the town on race day with lots of street stalls and entertainment.”

You can register for the race by logging on to renfrewshireleisure.com or by telephoning 0300 300 1362 or picking up an entry form from any Renfrewshire Leisure venue.

In February Strictly Come Dancing came to Old Ranfurly. A thoroughly enjoyable evening was spent having demonstration dances and group lessons, which proved to be very entertaining. Clearly some ladies should stick to the golf!

For our March social, we welcomed to Old Ranfurly, Eilidh Briggs, Curtis Cup team member. Eilidh gave the ladies a few coaching tips and shared some of her golfing experiences. Our evening was rounded off with cheese, wine and a very competitive putting competition. Everyone is looking forward to the season ahead.

Coaching Sessions We are holding golf lessons for Junior beginners, aged between 5 and 17, from Monday 3rd April to Thursday 6th April .... Only £10 per person.

As May is National Golf Month we’d love to encourage new lady members to come along to our taster session/beginner classes commencing Tuesday 2nd May from 6.30pm to 7.30pm for 5 weeks. Nominal fee of £10 for the 5 week course.

Gents beginner/improver coaching will also be available from Thursday 4th May for 5 weeks. Basic areas to be covered will be grip, stance, ball position, alignment covering aspects of short game, iron play, woods and putting. Cost of 5 week course will be a nominal fee of £10, which will be used for Junior development at the Club.

To register your interest for any of the coaching sessions please email admin@oldranfurly.com

Bridge of Weir United Applications are welcome on a voluntary basis from members of the local community who are interested in assisting with the ongoing running of Bridge of Weir United, a local volunteer led football club with teams ranging from age group 2005 up to 2010. Accordingly, applications are invited for the following role: Chairperson • To be a facilitator, figure head and co-ordinator • Plan and organise committee meetings • Liaise with the Club Secretary and Treasurer in preparing agendas, making sure that all current issues are covered and documents are prepared for meetings • Ensure committee meetings are carried out in a fair and orderly manner and to act as a conduit between all age groups • Make sure that any necessary decisions are taken with a vote if needed. If votes are divided equally, the Chairperson may have the casting vote. Summarise decisions and action points at the end of the meeting Anyone interested in applying for the above role should contact Ronnie Palin on: 07584 275743.

Ranfurly Castle Ladies The golfing season has begun for the Ladies of Ranfurly Castle Golf Club despite the weather doing its best to put us off! The first competition was held on Wednesday 8th March and was the12 hole, 5 Club Competition.

Conditions were very windy but everyone completed the 12 holes with Mary Craig finishing the winner with 22 points (13) and Marion Munro the runnerup with 21 points (11).

On Wednesday 15th March the Ladies Committee hosted the annual Bridge Night with 20 tables playing in the evening. A lovely supper was provided by the committee and £341 was raised for Alzheimer’s Scotland.

Prize Winners :Small Slam Gordon Adams

Mike Holm and

1st Prize - Timothy Russell with 4040 points L-R - Joyce McKellar, chief executive of Renfrewshire Leisure, Callum Hawkins; Hector Fernandez, from Race sponsors Decathlon; Derek Hawkins and Councillor Jim Harte, chair of Renfrewshire Leisure board of trustees.

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2nd Prize - Peter Nicol with 3680 points 3rd Prize - Ken MacKenzie with 2170 points A good evening was had by all.

Small slam winners pictured with Lady Captain Pamela Mackenzie on the right hand side

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Charity Golf Day Teen Challenge Strathclyde is pleased once again to host its annual charity Golf Day at the Gleddoch House Hotel, Golf Course which is set above the village of Langbank, 15 minutes from Glasgow.

The day will commence with tea, coffee and a hot roll, which will be provided from 12 noon onwards (during registration) followed by 18 holes of golf (Shot gun start 1.30pm). In the evening, relax with your team over a three course meal followed by prize ceremony and charity auction. This event is organised to raise much needed funds for the ongoing work of Teen Challenge Strathclyde.

Teen Challenge Strathclyde is active in the field of drug prevention by providing drug education to thousands of school children each year. It also works with many churches and communities to help them provide young people in their area with the

right information to make the right choices. Through a network of ‘coffee-bar’ buses, volunteers operate at street level to befriend and help people with drug abuse and alcohol problems. From these contacts we are able to refer people to residential programmes throughout Scotland and the UK. If you are interested in supporting the charity and wish to enter a team in this year’s event, please complete the booking form (see Facebook photos) and either scan and email to golf.tcs@gmail.com or post to the address shown. Please note only once a deposit has been paid, can we guarantee a place for each team.

David Currie, Golf Co-ordinator, Teen Challenge Strathclyde - Email: golf.tcs@gmail.com Last year’s golf event raised an amazing amount of £9,000 - Thanks to all who participated.

Quarriers United FC

Calling U19 Players – 1999/00 birth year The U19’s are developing well this season and we intend to keep an U19 team playing next season to, so if you are interested in playing please contact Jack Cumming on 07450 252887.

Calling U17 Players – 2001 or 2002 birth year The U17 team will also continue next season so we are looking for anyone who fancies playing football on a Saturday afternoon to give us a call! We are also keen to find another coach to help with this team!! Any interest please call Alistair McPhail on 07718 320437Calling 2006 to 09 Birth Year Players We are looking for girls and boys who want to come and train with SFA qualified coaches at our soccer school! The squad train throughout the summer on a Friday evening from 6pm to 7pm on the playing fields at Quarriers Village, or call Craig Smith on 07894 393660 or Lucy Harper on 078110403907 .... It’s about having fun and developing them as players and developing flourishing teams at various age groups.

Quarriers United FC has been running now for 13 years and the club continues to grow on its ethos of “all-inclusive football for all young players and having fun”.

The club infrastructure has continually developed, having our own pitches at both 11-a-side and 7-a-side and changing rooms and a very supportive committee to keep the club running.

However to push on into the next period for the club we need to find local parents who want to assist in providing local developmental football for children. The club are happy to support people who want to volunteer by helping them with coach development and team set up. Over the years we have supported young coaches who are keen to learn, with local lad Nick Loftus starting his coaching at Quarriers and now a professional coach in Norway.

“It has been a fantastic journey thus far and it is amazing to watch the under 19’s go from wee boys to now playing as young men understanding football and also learning the important life skill of teamwork.” says coach Graham Robertson.”

“Quarriers Utd has built up a great local presence and is admired within local football. It is now time for another generation of parents and volunteers to step forward and help to provide local football for young people. We have the infrastructure and we are prepared to support volunteers in every way possible to ensure the club continues to flourish and children get a chance to play locally” says QUFC Chairman Stewart Cumming.

If you are keen to help in anyway please call Graham Robertson on 01505 615344 or 07764 287005.

every

P1 Scottish Grand Prix Of The Sea 2017 Saturday 24th - Sunday 25th June After the thrill of it’s debut in Scotland in 2016, the Grand Prix of the Sea will return to Greenock in 2017! Don’t miss this great FREE event at the Esplanade in Greenock.

Mixed in with the powerboat and jet-ski racing will be jet-ski freestyle displays, air displays and a wide range of stalls and interactive games afloat and ashore.

For more information, visit www.p1superstock.co.uk

every Thursday

Monday

Kilbarchan Athletic Club

Adult Jazz Class

Bridge of Weir, 10am Tel: 01505 690757 for further information.

Adult Beginners Ballet Class Bridge of Weir, 11.30am

Tel: 01505 690757 for further information.

Kilbarchan Athletic Club On-X, Linwood, 7pm

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990.

5-a-side Football

Powerleague Paisley, 6pm Tel: Jim on 01505 874215; or jimbretherton@aol.com

Bridge of Weir Ladies Badminton Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, 7.30pm

Callanetics

Brookfield Village Hall, 7.15pm

Strathgryffe Motorcycle Club

every Tuesday

Bridge of Weir Walking Group

Outside the Co-op, BoW, 10.30am 1 hour walks. Call Senga on 0141 842 3000.

Gryffe Badminton

Strathgryffe Tennis Club, 8pm

Football Training

Johnstone High School, 6pm - 9pm Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details.

Taekwon-Do Johnstone Sports Complex PA5 0LD, 6pm Call 07951 365166 for details.

every

Wednesday

The Trust Inn, Kilbarchan, 9pm - 10.30pm

Greenock Hockey Club

Visit www.strathgryffe.org for details.

Inverclyde Academy, Greenock, 6.30 - 8pm

The Shotokan Karate Club

Woodlands Primary, Linwood, 7-8pm/8-9pm www.linwoodkarate.co.uk

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Contact Liz Baldwin, mobile 07944 607005.

Callanetics

On-X, Linwood, 7pm

Friday

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990.

every

Birkmyre Park Pavilion, Kilmacolm, 10am

Callanetics

David 01505 874192 kilmacolmwalkers@talktalk.net

Brookfield Village Hall, 9.15am & 10.30am

Callanetics

Adult Tap Lessons

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm, Evening

Kilmacolm Walkers

Brookfield Village Hall, 9.15am & 10.30am

The Shotokan Karate Club

Woodlands PS, Linwood, 7pm & 8pm www.linwoodkarate.co.uk

Football Training

Johnstone High School, 6pm - 9pm

Call Gail Ashley on 07415 701667 for details

every

Sunday

Birkmyre Rugby Club, Kilmacolm Youth Rugby Section, 11am - 1pm www.pitchero.com/clubs/birkmyre

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details

Taekwon-Do Johnstone Sports Complex PA5 0LD, 6pm Call 07951 365166 for details

Baby Ballet

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm, Morning Call Gail Ashley on 07415 701667 for details

Brookfield Village Hall, 5.15, 6.15 & 7.30pm

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Castle Semple Sailing Club Open Day / RYA Push The Boat Out Day / Mini Dinghy Show - Sunday 14th May Ever fancied trying dingy sailing or other watersports? Come and try on Sunday 14th May at Castle Semple Sailing Club, Lochwinnoch 10.30am - 4pm.

Castle Semple Sailing Club has a variety of dinghies which you will be able to see both on and off the water. For further info and book a sail contact dawn@ castlesemplesc.co.uk.

During the winter months the Club has enjoyed a visit to Greenacres courtesy of Erskine Curling Club, met regularly for badminton and held its Whacky Winchester Pursuit Series followed by the Winter Series.

The first week of the winter series drew out a total of 12 boats, including 3 vortexes, GP14, Dart, Phantom, Laser, Vareo, Enterprise. The first race was fiercely contested with Mark in the dart way ahead pursued by Colin and Steve C in the vortex fleet, but alas they were not far enough ahead. The second race saw 3 less boats, leaving only 1 vortex (Angus), but if that fleet keep up their appearances could be a very interesting season.

The following week with Storm Doris out of the way all was looking good for Sunday when ... late on Saturday night Storm Ewan suddenly appeared on the weather map. On arriving at the club house on Sunday morning the usual suspects were found huddling inside muttering “ah well looks like soup and cake and heading back up the road” ..... So the soup was had and more suspects arrived and as the rain and wind lashed at the club house there were more mutterings ..... “Hmm I’m not going out in that” .... and similar comments. Even the keenest were definitely not looking keen to go out. Then a GP sailor arrived eager for an race - although he was a little perturbed that his crew i.e., Arthur “have you seen the forecast” had not shown any sign of arrival, likewise Jon (Vago) was patiently awaiting the arrival of his crew Iain. Eventually 1 GP and a fleet of toppers took to the water.

On the third week, the forecast had been changing on a daily basis, but hopes were high for a reasonable sail. It looked promising, but sadly the wind dropped Cadet Hector arrived eager for his first sail of the year, but was soon pacing the compound with the rest of the group. There was much gnashing of teeth in frustration so soup and rolls were consumed whilst to race or not to race was debated. Eventually some wind appeared .... and it was declared that we were racing.....however... By the time we were all changed and ready to go....the wind had other ideas and enthusiasm dwindled and ...returned.. Boats were launched and drifted over the start line ..... Toots for starting the race were all over the place, clearly the race officers of the day were testing the sailors’ intelligence. However eventually 8 boats started a slow drift up to buoy 2; 3 lasers, 1 enterprise, phantom, 505, MV2, Vago. The wind did manage to pick up a little after buoy 2 in the first race but as I said after a short tea break (all that the OODs permitted us!) it was out again for a 1 lap second race. It wasn’t exactly an exciting sail but at least those who wanted a sail got out.

Further info: www.castlesemplesc.co.uk

Sporting Blog

by Lesley Handley

6 benefits of Weight Training for Women [sorry guys!]

There are so many benefits of weight training for women (and men of course!), most of the recent training recommendations in the industry are for resistance training as opposed to endless cardio. So what are the benefits?

1. It Burns More Fat! Overall weight training burns more calories than steady state cardio.

You will burn fewer calories whilst actually weight training than you would doing two hours continuous treadmill activity, however, after a weight session your metabolic rate is increased meaning you will burn more calories for longer.

2. You can eat more!

Training with weights makes your muscles denser and bigger [toned].

To develop and maintain muscle you need to eat sufficiently to maintain them. Muscle burns calories by their very existence, so by having a little more muscle it allows your body to handle more calories without the weight gain that they would normally bring.

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3. Stronger bones!

The pressure weight training puts on your bones encourages your body to invest in making your bones stronger. This counteracts the propensity for women to lose bone density from their thirties onwards; a process which speeds up after the menopause. Encouraging bone density helps to protect from bone fractures.

4. Stronger immune system Literature today shows a link between healthy habits associated with people who tend to undertake weight training and stronger immune systems. It is considered better eating habits, higher quality sleep, improved circulation and lower stress levels all assist the body to protect itself more efficiently.

5. You’ll age better!

The points above all add up to you remaining stronger and healthier for longer. Your improved circulation helps to keep skin, nails and hair in good condition. Being in good sharp enables you to wear the clothes you want and generally feel better plus……

6. More confidence!

You will be physically stronger, have more energy and get less breathless when exercising [even when just walking]. You will also be less stressed and more likely to maintain a positive “can do” attitude towards tasks.

When combined, this will make you feel and be perceived as being more confident within yourself.

Lesley

For more information on nutrition or Personal Training contact me on 0773 627 4925 or email Lesley@fitsmartfitness.co.uk

23/03/2017 12:04:40

64

the advertizer

t: 01505 613340

07731 923970

e: info@advertizer.co.uk SITUATIOns Vacant

Trades and Services Chairperson, Bridge of Weir United Are you a member of the local community interested in assisting with the ongoing running of Bridge of Weir United, a local volunteer led football club with teams ranging from age group 2005 up to 2010? If you are interested in applying for the role please contact Ronnie Palin on 07584 275743 - Full details can be found in the Sports Section.

Business

CHILDCARE Houston registered childminders.

For an informal chat to find your best childcare, call Elizabeth Waddell T: 614925 Kilmacolm/Quarriers area registered childminders. P/ time or F/time vacancies for u-5’s and after school. T: 873839.

MISCELLANEOUS

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY

MUSIC TUITION

64-67 CLASSIFIED_271_APR17.indd 64

23/03/2017 12:47:56

@GryffeAds

PROPERTY

www.advertizer.co.uk

HOLIDAY HOMES

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

May ‘17 Issue: • Deadline: • Delivery: June ‘17 Issue: • Deadline: • Delivery:

14 Apr 28 Apr 12 May 26 May

april 2017

65 65

TRADES & SERVICES Black & White ads only Lineage: up to 20 words £13.00* Boxed ad: £7.50* per column cm PROPERTY & HOLIDAY HOMES CARS FOR SALE Lineage: up to 20 words £13.00* Boxed ad: £7.50* per column cm Photo: add £7.50* (colour) *all prices subject to VAT

LOCAL INFORMATION community council

KILBARCHAN

churches BRIDGE OF WEIR

Freeland Church: Rev KN Gray BA BD. Morning Service 10.30am.

Crèche, Sunday School, Lynx and Cornerstone. Evening Service 7pm www.freeland. org.uk St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Johnston Rd, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3EE. Our Services are held every Sunday at 10am.

On the first Sunday each month at 6pm we welcome all who enjoy the beauty of quietness and peace at “Sanctuary” our Contemplative Service. All who seek God in mindful enquiry, in beauty, in quietness and service to others, all who are tired of life or full of it, all who are confident or all who are afraid - indeed whoever you are - you are welcome here! http://www.heartlandsec.org/ BoW/index.html Contact: Revd.

Heller G.P 01505 872961.

St Machar’s Ranfurly Church: Sunday services 10.30am, Junior Church & Youth Church, hearing aid loop system. For more information on activities and events find us online – stmacharsranfurlychurch.org. uk or Facebook. Come along – all welcome.

Hope Hall: Sun 1pm Sunday School, 4.30pm Gospel Service; Mon 6.30pm Investigators for Kids, 8pm Bible Study and Prayer.

ELDERSLIE

Elderslie Kirk: Sunday service every week at 11am. Minister Rev. Robin Allison. All welcome.

Weekly meetings:- Monday Club every week from 12noon - 2.30pm. Light lunch and a varied activity programme.

Midweek Fellowship will meet every Wed from 10.30am for Tea/Coffee followed by a short Service of Worship at 11am.

HOWWOOD

Howwood Parish Church. Minister Rev May Bell. Sunday Service and Sunday School. 10am each Sunday. Prayer meeting held at 3 Bowfield Way, Howwood, 7.30pm on Tuesdays.

HOUSTON

Houston and Killellan Kirk Church of Scotland Charity no SC 012822.

During the Ministerial vacancy the Rev. Ian Bell will conduct our services. 2nd, 9th, 23rd & 30th April - 11am Morning Worship.

Holy Week services. 10th to 14th April all services begin at 7.30pm. Monday - Houston and Killellan Kirk. Tuesday Joint service with Linwood at Houston. Wednesday - Joint service with Linwood at Linwood Parish Church.

Thursday (Maundy) The Sacrament of the last Supper. Good Friday.

Houston and Killellan Kirk. 16th April 8am early morning Easter Service (bacon butty breakfast afterwards) - 11am Morning Worship including children’s Easter Egg Hunt.

St Fillan’s, Main St, Houston: Sun Masses: Vigil (Sat) 5pm, 9.30am & 11am. Weekday Masses: Mon - Sat 9.30am. Rosary: Tue, Thurs & Sat 9.10am. Exposition: Mon, Wed & Fri 9.05am. Confessions: Sat 10 - 10.30am and after Vigil Mass. Baptism: By arrangement.

Parish Priest: Rev. Joseph Burke. Pastoral Assistant: Sr. Mary Frances Collett, RNDM (Tel 01505 613514). Address: ‘Abbotsfield’, St. Fillan’s, Main St, Houston, PA6 7EL. T. 01505 612046. E. parish@stfillan.org. uk www.stfillan.org.uk Houston Baptist Church at Carrick Centre: 11am Family services with SS for children age 5 - 12; 6pm Eve Service; Mid-week Home Bible Study; For more information contact; Rev. D Snelson 01505 612722.

Church of the Nazarene: Village Hall, Main St, Houston PA6 7EL. Rev. Benito S Coetzee.

Family services at 10.30am with full toddler, children & youth activities running concurrently with the service. Youth meets at 6.30pm - 8pm on Sundays.

Word and Table Quiet Service held from 9am - 9.30am every 3rd Sunday. www.houston. nazarene.org.uk

64-67 CLASSIFIED_271_APR17.indd 65

Kilbarchan Parish Church Services continue at 11am each Sunday throughout April, conducted by Rev Stephen Smith. For Easter, the Service on Maundy Thursday, 13th April is at 7pm when the choir will lead worship with excerpts from The Armed Man

by Karl Jenkins. The Sacrament of Holy Communion will also be observed. On Good Friday 14th, the service is also at 7pm. On Easter Day, Sunday 16th April, there will be a service at the Weavers’ Cottage at 8.30am, followed by refreshments in the hall. The main service is at 11am Sunday School will be on holiday on 9th and 16th, but the creche continues to meet in the large hall from 10.45am each week and refreshments will be served after the service as usual. www. kilbarchan-kirk.btck.co.uk

KILMACOLM

St Columba Church of Scotland: (charity no. SC007992) Morning Worship Sundays at 11am. All welcome. Coffee/tea served in the hall after the service.

Grace Church Kilmacolm: in association with Downavale Free Church of Scotland (Charity No: SCO38274) - Sunday Service at 10.30am in Kilmacolm Guide Hut, Woodrow Avenue, PA13 4QF - all welcome.

Kilmacolm Old Kirk: Church of Scotland (Charity no. SC009291). www.kilmacolmoldkirk.org.uk.

Minister Rev. Dr Peter McEnhill (01505 873174). Morning Worship – Sundays 11am, all welcome Sunday School and Crèche available. Night Kirk, a short reflective service 1st Sunday each month at 6pm.

Sòlas Bereavement Group, 2nd Thursday each month at 6:30pm in Kidston Hall. Thursday 6th April Sòlas Bereavement Group meets in the Kidston Hall from 6:30 – 8:30pm. Mon 10 – Fri 14 April – Holy week services; venue to be confirmed. Sunday 16th April – Easter Sunday: 9:30am: Holy Communion at Knapps Loch; 10:30am: coffee, tea, hot cross buns; 11am: Easter Worship with celebration of Holy Communion.

St Colm’s Catholic Church, Smithy Brae Kilmacolm. Rev. Vincent Byrne. Family mass Sundays 10am with children’s liturgy, followed by tea and coffee.

Eucharistic service Thursdays 11 a m . Ro s a r y Tu e s d ay s 6.30pm. Prayer group meets Thursdays 7.30pm. Further information and contact details www.stcolmsparish.co.uk. All welcome.

Buddhist meetings: Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. Phone Margaret on 01505 871343.

St Fillan’s Episcopal Church, Moss Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4DL. Services on Sunday at 11.30am.

Wednesday: 10.30am Holy Communion. On the last Sunday of the month at 11:30am we welcome families to come and join us for our monthly Family Service. We are united by our belief in Jesus, who sustains and encourages us in all the ups and downs of life. Everyone is welcome to join us ! http://www. heartlandsec.org/KLM/index. html Contacts: Revd. Heller G.P 01505 872961 / Maureen Russell (Pastoral Assistant) 01505 872905.

LANGBANK

Langbank Parish Church: Rev. Dr. Ken Forrest. Sunday Services 10am with Sunday School, Crèche and young people’s group, the Welcomers. Tea/ coffee after the service. Church service starts at 10am. Come along and meet in the Hall from 9.50am. Charity No. SC015085.

LOCHWINNOCH

Parish Church: Rev. May Bell.

11.30am Morning Ser vice Sunday School and Crèche.

Calder United Free Church: (Church Street, Lochwinnoch) Sunday: 11am Morning worship with Sunday School and Crèche.

6.30pm Evening Fellowship group, 7.30pm ABC’s Teen group. Wed 6.30pm - 7.30pm.

Spiritualist Church, Lochlip Rd. All services commence 7.30pm.

QUARRIERS

Mount Zion Church: Rev. Andy Lunn BSc, (01475 791282) Mount Zion Church, Law View Road, Quarriers Village, PA11 3FD. Sunday Worship: 10:30am, Bible Study and Prayer Meetings: Wednesday at 7pm and Friday at 10 am. “Mozzy” Youth Club Thursdays at 6:30 for young people of high school age. Half night of prayer: 7pm – midnight, 4th Friday of each month. Feel free to come along at any of these times.

‘The Gatherin’ is at 7pm on the fourth Sunday of each month, at Mount Zion Church in Quarriers Village. The Gatherin’ for people to come together who hunger for more of the presence of the Lord and to be fed from His word.

Please come and invite others: all welcome!

Visitors are welcome at these monthly meetings.

BISHOPTON: Primary School: 1st Thurs at 7.30pm www.bishoptoncouncil.com

BRIDGE OF WEIR ST Machars Church Hall 1st Tuesday April 7pm. Bridge of Weir Primary School 1st Tuesday May and June 7pm (No meetings July and August) www.bridgeofweir.org BROOKFIELD: Brookfield Village Hall: 7.30pm in February, April, June, August, October and December on 2nd Thursday of the month.

HOUSTON: Carrick Centre: 3rd Wed at 7.30pm www.houstoncommcouncil@yahoo.co.uk HOWWOOD: Village Hall: 2nd Tues at 7.30pm. www.howwood.com/community-council.php KILBARCHAN: Steeple Hall: monthly at 7.30pm. www.kilbarchan.info/community_council.html KILMACOLM & QUARRIERS: Last Tues at 7.30pm, Kilmacolm Cargill Centre (NB: No meetings: July or Dec) www.kilmacolmcc.co.uk LANGBANK: Church Hall: 2nd Wed at 7.30pm LOCHWINNOCH: Bowling Club: 1st Tues at 7.30pm

community halls to let Bridge of Weir, Freeland Church. Tel: 612245 Brookfield, Village Hall. Tel: 335562 Houston, Carrick Centre. Tel: 612203 / 331488 Houston, Compass Centre. Tel: 615441 / 612617 Kilbarchan, Guide Centre. Tel: 702758.

Kilbarchan, Old Library Centre. Tel: 706070 Kilmacolm, Cargill Centre. Tel: 873994 Kilmacolm, Brownie/Guide Hut. Tel: 874428 Kilmacolm, Masonic Hall. Tel: 873059 Linwood Masonic Hall. Tel: 07825 222944

Please add your community hall details to our list email to info@advertizer.co.uk

local

councillors

RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk

Ward 7 - Johnstone South, Elderslie & Howwood: Cllrs John Caldwell, John Hood, Stephen McGee and Iain McMillan Ward 8 - Johnstone (North), Kilbarchan & Lochwinnoch: Councillors Derek Bibby, Andy Doig and Christopher Gilmour Ward 9 - Houston, Crosslee, Brookfield & Linwood: Councillors Stuart Clark, Audrey Doig, Anne Hall and Allan Noon Ward 10 - Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank: Councillors Maria Brown, Mike Holmes and James Maclaren INVERCLYDE COUNCIL: www.inverclyde.gov.uk Ward 1 - Inverclyde East (P.Glasgow, Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village): Cllrs David Wilson, Jim MacLeod, Stephen McCabe and James McColgan

23/03/2017 12:47:59

66

the advertizer

Items For Sale Baby Equipment Babies mamas and papas bumbo seat - £10. Fisher price rainforest peek-a-boo leaves musical mobile with three settings - £15. Travel cot - £10.

Angel care sensor pad and monitor - £30. Britax baby car seat aged up to approx 2 1/2 £25. All very good condition.

Tel: 07985 482211.

Potty Chair Mothercare red/ pink, VGC, £5. Tel: 01505 874870.

Rodi Maxi-Cosi car seat for sale, excellent condition, black & grey colour, suitable for children age 3-8. Cost £100 new will sell for £20. Tel 07557 564350.

Premature Baby Outfits (2 Items - Size Premie & 4-6 Months). £8 for both. Tel: 07879 519516.

Mamas & Papas Cot Bed, white with light oak effect finish.

Excellent condition, mattress also included if required. £50ono. Tel: 07739 998906.

Toilet trainer seat, white, VGC, £5 (have two). Tel: 01505 874870.

Clothes & Shoes Pink leotard size 00, appr. age 3-5 yrs old, good condition. £5. Tel: 01505 874870.

Tap shoes pink junior size 10 and 11. £10 per pair. VGC. Tel: 01505 874870.

Michael Kors gold heeled Sandals - brand new in box. Size 5. Were £100, sell for £25.

Tel: 07818 424129.

Ralph Lauren size 8 navy knee length Tennis Dress. Brand new. Was £60 sell for £15.

Tel: 07818 424129.

Nearly new 3/4 length brown leather jacket. Brand new condition. Large. £50. Tel: 07882 984824.

Boys Dressing Gown Age 6-7 Years. Brand New labels attached. £5. Tel: 07879 519516.

Boys Dressing Gown Age 7-8 Years. Brand New labels attached. £5. Tel: 07879 519516.

Household & Garden Piece of top quality 80/20 carpet 10ft by 12ft in rust colour with “Fleur de lis” motif.

Hardly used as was in our dining room. £100 Tel: 01475 540066.

t: 01505 613340

IKEA Large Sofa Bed Colour Ecru including new full set of covers & four matching cushions. £125. Tel: 01475 540714.

Original lazy boy recliner. Black leather, fridge and phone under arms. The chair also has heat and massage functions. £125. Tel: 01475 540714.

Large Unit. Top - glass doors.

Bottom - drawers and cupboards. Very good condition.

Mahogany wood. £200 ono.

Tel: 07753 234653.

Lamboure 2 seater and chair, cream colour, good condition. £200. Tel: 07460 112419.

Laminate kitchen worktop.

White light grey flecked. Over 6’ length. New. Cost £150. accept any reasonable offer.

Tel: 01294 834423.

Ryobi RBC430SES4 stroke petrol Strimmer & Brush cutter, with a line feed strimmer, grass trimmer head and an unused brush cutter blade.

Very good condition in working order. £85. Tel: 01475 540714.

Stunning dwell curved floor lamp with suede shade and marble base, as good as new, cost £250 sell for £75. Tel: 07557 564350.

Laminate kitchen worktop.

White light grey flecked. Over 6’ length. New. Cost £150 accept any reasonable offer.

Tel: 01294 834423.

Ulster ceramic dark brown Celtic design (similar to Denby) Dinner/coffee/tea set. Consisting 8 lots:- Dinner plates, side plates, desert dishes, handled soup bowls, 2 covered vegetable dishes, gravy boat and stand, cruet set. Covered jam dish, 7 cups and saucers, milk and the sugar, coffee pot. Lovely condition £100.

Downsizing reason for sale.

Tel: 07913 481101.

Marks & Spencer Sonoma 3 door Sideboard & Dresser. £550 ono. Tel: 07808 486004.

(Kilmacolm).

Two lengths of kitchen worktop - 1.8 metres black mottled colour, 1.7 metres brown marble colour. £15 each. Tel: 01505 873140.

Pair M&S fully lined brand new (still in packed) curtains (90” long x 53” wide). Stone colour with red leaf pattern. £50 ono.

Tel: 01505 506385.

07731 923970

Oak effect 2 door sideboard from Next W90xD46xH80 excellent condition. £60. Tel: 07900 245158.

Brand new carpet 5sqM silver grey. £50. Tel: 07900 245158.

Modern standard lamp and matching table lamp. Brand new (still boxed). £20 for both. Tel: 01505 612726.

3 bales of Liberty fabric. Approx £20 per metre. Tel: 01505 506385.

2 seater bed-settee (bed never been used) in chintz fabric.

All bedding included if desired. £100ono. Tel: 01505 506385.

Rich red patterned Axminster stair or hall carpet. As new.

27” wide. £50 ono. Tel: 01505 506385.

Heavy quality carpet roll 6’ wide.

Natural colour. Would cover stairs or hall. Brand new. £50 ono. Tel: 01505 506385.

Pine table & 2 high back chairs.

Brand new. £35. Tel: 01505 612726.

Electrical & Gas Babyliss Volume Wave Tongs.

Brand new in box. £10. Tel: 07818 424129.

Sony Hi-Fi stereo system. 3 separate components, turntable, tuner/amp/equaliser, dual cassette and 5 CD stack with stand and twin speakers. Full working order, space needed hence sale. £75. Tel: 01475 540714.

Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner (Parkside_Lidl) 1500W with attachments, ideal for garage/ workshop - stainless steel container, large bag capacity and blower and suction facilities. Automatically works with power machines such as table saws as a dust extractor.

Very good condition in working order. £45. Tel: 01475 540714.

Yamaha PSR400 keyboard, power supply, stand and music holder. 61 key instrument incorporating 100 sound effects and 100 instrument functions. It has multi mode operations and playback and record features. In full working order and good condition. £65. Tel: 01475 540714.

Nearly new 50cm under counter fridge. Used for 1 month whilst kitchen being refitted. £75. Tel: 07900 084673.

Neff double oven and grill fan assisted with led timer, free standing for sale, 3 yrs old immaculate condition and in perfect working order cost new £725 sell for £195. Buyer collects. Tel: 01475 540579.

Hotpoint fridge. £70. Perfect condition. Buyer collects.

Tel: 01475 540579.

Zanussi 3 drawer freezer 3 years old. Perfect condition £70. Collection required. Tel: 01475 540579.

Printer - Epsom Stylus SX218 with spare ink. Good working order. £30. Tel: 07908 144193.

Dyson DK14 upright cleaner, perfect working order, spotless all tools included. £30.

Tel: 01505 613232.

Sports Ladies Palm Springs Golf Bag, Pink, complete with 3 pink Head Covers and pink umbrella. £30. Tel: 07900 477277.

Various girls toddler bikes, with and without stabilisers, balance bike & girls scooters from £0 - £10. Tel: 01505 874870.

Figure skates Risport Antea white junior size 10, good condition, £10. Tel: 01505 874870.

Toddler Bicycle helmets (44-48 cm) pink x 2, suits appr. 1-5 yrs old, VGC. £5 each. Tel: 01505 874870.

Boys Dawes Redtail bike (red) for age around 7 or 8. Excellent condition. £40. Tel: 01505 328044.

Toys/Games/DVD Strawberry Stables Play Tent with Fudge the pony and accessories. In original box. £15. Tel: 07811 657695.

Yellow Apollo Digby Bike with stabilizers, suit 3 - 5years. £25. Tel: 01505 344754.

Other Items Brand new steel car wheel 6JX15H2 and new Jinyu tyre 185/60 R15. Stored as spare wheel only. £80. Tel: 07736 067169.

2 wooden African wooden figures, 1 African wooden seat, 1 wooden mask & 2 wooden spears. £70 the lot.

Tel: 07882 984824.

One set of wheel ramps for disabled scooter - 3ft long, extends to 6ft, aluminium. £50. Tel: 07882 984824.

ADVERTISING sales & wants ad rates:

UP TO £200 ....... FREE £201 to £500 ..... £5.00 £501 to £1000 ... £10.00 OVER £1000 ..... Call for details.

Use our Sales & Wants form and post to The Gryffe Advertizer, Neva Place, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3PN. or email your items to info@advertizer.co.uk

Vango Dakota 300 Tent. Brand new. £100 ono. Tel: 07740 600490.

Router, hand operated, Powercraft 1200W 1/4 collet, complete with router bits. The machine has been little used, is in good condition and full working order and most of the bits are brand new. £40. Tel: 01475 540714.

Gold’s Multi-Gym / Boxing Station. Full size punch bag, overhead punch ball and a suspended kick/punch ball.

Strength training features: chin up bar, dip handles, trunk curl grips and press up handles. Comprehensive instructions for parts and detailed assembly steps. Equipment housed and used in garage so is in good overall condition.

Space needed, hence sale. £60. Tel: 01475 540714.

Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner (Parkside_Lidl) 1500W with attachments. Ideal for garage/ workshop. Stainless steel container, large bag capacity and blower and suction facilities. Can be used purely as a vacuum cleaner, but also has a function to automatically work with power machines such as table saws as a dust extractor. It has had light use only, so is in very good overall condition and working order. £45. Tel: 01475 540714.

Ryobi RBC430SES4 stroke petrol Strimmer & Brush cutter. Line feed strimmer, grass trimmer head and an unused brush cutter blade. It has had light use only, so is in very good overall condition and working order. £85. Tel: 01475 540714.

Apple Wireless Keyboard brand new in box. £10. Tel: 07818 424129.

Vango Exodus 400 Sleeping Bag - 3 season. Brand new. Ticket price £89.99.

Sell for £50ono. Tel: 07740 600490.

Vango Omega 400R Sleeping Bag - 3 season. Brand new £50ono. Tel: 07740 600490.

Vango Voyager 300L Sleeping bag - 3 season. Brand new. £50ono. Tel: 07740 600490.

SuperGrafix by John Adams Suitable for 8+ Years. £10.

Tel: 07879 519516.

Hyundai I30 Rear Wiper Motor (Reg Year 2007-2009). £40.

Tel: 07879 519516.

Angle Grinder - 230mm Parkside (Lidl) - with stand. 240V mains, Power output 2000W, mounting spindle M14 threaded. 2 Bosch cutting blades (block and pipes), stand and accessories are unused. £35.

Tel: 01475 540714.

Wanted Items

One Curling Stone. Tel: 01505 324737.

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

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

Cash paid for Music CDs ( a few or a lot ). Tel: 0141 882 5594 or 07765 115347.

Free

Cy c l e

Upright piano recently tuned but still requires some work.

Free to uplift. Tel: 01505 613033.

30 Bobbins of thread - various colours. Tel: 07900 477277.

Arm chair with white cotton cover, free, good condition.

Tel: 01505 874870.

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

Advertising throughout The Gryffe Advertizer:

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

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

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

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

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

• In the event of any error, misprint or omission by the Publisher in the printing of an Advertisement, the Publisher will either re-insert the advertisement, adjust the cost or provide a refund. This does not apply if the Advertisement has been approved by the Advertising Client prior to publication. The total liability of the Publisher for such an occurrence shall not exceed the amount of a full refund for that particular Advertisement.

• The Advertising Client agrees to indemnify the Publisher in respect of all costs, damages or other charges falling upon the Publisher as the result of legal actions or threatened legal actions arising from the publication of the Advertisement, or any one or more of the series of Advertisements, published in accordance with the copy instructions supplied to the Publisher.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS

• Readers are reminded that when purchasing items or services advertised in the Publication that the Publisher cannot be held in any way responsible for the quality or correctness of the items or services included in the Advertisement.

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.

The opinions of the Contributors to this Publication are not necessarily the official views of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to edit or refuse any material submitted for publication.

The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977

64-67 CLASSIFIED_271_APR17.indd 66

e: info@advertizer.co.uk

Editorial throughout The Gryffe Advertizer:

23/03/2017 12:48:01

@GryffeAds

www.advertizer.co.uk

april 2017

67 67

Advertizers - A to Z

by category Accountants & Financial

Computer, IT & Web

Affluent Financial Planning . . 24 Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 15 Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 15 GMH Chartered Accountants . . 31 Stewart Independent Financial . . 1

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 22

Architectural Services Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Art, Gifts & Flowers Lorraine Wood Flowers . . . . . . 19

Automotive Services AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 ARC Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . Bk Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 33

Bathrooms Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17

Bedrooms Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 26

Blacksmith & Metalwork McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 42

Building Services A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 2 BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 43 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 6 KC Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 17 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 4 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 45 RPH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Rukeri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 Stewart Milne Homes . . . . . . . . 25 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 17 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 3 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 55

Business Services Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 22

Care Services & Homes Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 13

Charity Quarriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Cleaning & PowerWash CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 14 Eclipse deep clean . . . . . . . . . 14 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 15,41 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 KC Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 MattVac Carpet & Upholstery Cl . . Bk Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5

Coffee Shops Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 18

Council Notices Council Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 39,9

Councillor Dr Jacci Stoyle . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Driveways A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Driving Instructors AL Stewart - Driving Instruct . . 14 Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . 7

Education St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 59

Electricians Delta Electrical Services . . 31 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2

Fencing Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 42

Firewood & Logs LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 6 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 45 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Funeral Services Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 41 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 13

Garage Doors & Gates Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Garden Service & Design 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 51 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 51 Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 51 Care & Repair Gardening Servci . . 51 Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 48 DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 48 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 52 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 J S Montgomery Ltd . . . . . . . . . 49 M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 50 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 48 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 48 West of Scotland Landscape . . 51

Gas & Heating Services A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 15 C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 31 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 4 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1

Glazier 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 Cloudy2Clear Windows Glasgow . . 5 JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 4 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Hairdressers & Barbers Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 39 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 38 Room 19 Hairdressers . . . . . . . 13

pick up a copy

Health, Beauty & Fitness

Plumbers

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 39 Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 5 Decorus Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 12 Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 44 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 11 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 41 Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 39

A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 15 C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 31 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 4 JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Home Hardware Gibb Stuart . . . . 14,15,49,59

Home Improvements

Property, Sales & Let Cochran Dickie Estate Agents . . 29 Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1,28 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Stewart Milne Homes . . . . . . . . 25

Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 7 Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Conservatory Conversions . . . Bk Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 18 Rent A Bloke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Removals

Home Interiors

Retail

Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 26 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 45 The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 3

Home Security Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 28

Joiners A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 24 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 43 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 6 JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 RPH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 17 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 3 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 17

Kitchens Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 26 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 6 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 3 The Kitchen Station . . . . . . . . 23

Laundry & Ironing Harrods DryCleaners . . . . . . . . 45

Leisure & Recreation Kilmacolm Show . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Locksmiths Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Painters & Decorators A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 15 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 Ian Livingston Decorating . . 19 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Paul Brady Painter & Decorator . . 14 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

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

Pet Services & Training Bridge of Weir Dog Walking . . 47 Husse Pet Food . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 46 Strathgryffe Dog Walks . . . . . 47 Walkies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

@ease Removals & Transport . . 40 The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Restaurant & Bars Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 18 Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 Gibb Stuart . . . . 14,15,49,59 The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 3

Roofing Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 13 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 KC Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 17 MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 4 RPH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 17 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 55

Social Care Quarriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Solicitors Affinity Family Law Experts . . 8 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1,28

Special Occasions ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Stoves Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 45

Taxis & Minicoach hire ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 33 Minicoach Tours Scotland Ltd . . 22

Tiling Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 15 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Travel Agents Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Tree Surgeon Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 52 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 48

TV & Satellite Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 4 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3

Upholstery Services Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 Eclipse deep clean . . . . . . . . . 14 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 15,41 P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 5

Window Cleaners DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 14 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 15,41 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 14

Window, Consv & Repair 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3

Bishopton: Post Office, Woodrow’s Store, Keystore, Library, Conservatory Conversions . . . Bk Photographers Ingliston Country Club JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 4 Little Studio Kilmacolm . . . . 57 Bridge of Weir: Gibb Stuart, Bernie’s Cafe, Lochnagar, TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 MGM Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The Bridge, Library (Cargill Centre) Plasterers Erskine: Garden Centre, Library, Sports Centre, Swimming Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 13 pool Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 3 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 43 Houston: Co-op, Carrick Centre, Post Office, Newsagent Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 17 Howwood: Village Store, St Vincent’s Hospice Johnstone: Henderson Kilts, Papa Mac’s, Library Kilbarchan: Sheridan’s Store, Campbell’s, Newsagents, The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 Bobbins, Old Library Centre NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS Kilmacolm: Newsagent, Pieri’s, Cross Café, The Law requires that Advertisers selling goods Gibb Stuart, Cargill Centre, Library in the course of a business MUST include Langbank: Finlaystone Visitor Centre the word Trader, Dealer, Agent, Breeder or Lochwinnoch: Keystore, McKillop Centre, Library, Castle appropriate wording in the Advertisement to Semple Centre, Newsagent

distinguish from private advertisers.

64-67 CLASSIFIED_271_APR17.indd 67

@ease Removals & Transport . . 40 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 51 A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 15 A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 51 A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 15 ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Affinity Family Law Experts . . 8 Affluent Financial Planning . . 24 Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 AL Stewart - Driving Instruct . . 14 Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 7 Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 51 ARC Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . Bk Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 39 B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 2 Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 18 Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 5 Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Bridge of Weir Dog Walking . . 47 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 28 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 13 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 26 C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 31 Care & Repair Gardening Servci . . 51 Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 3 Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 15 CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 2 CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 Cloudy2Clear Windows Glasgow . . 5 Cochran Dickie Estate Agents . . 29 ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 13 Conservatory Conversions . . . Bk Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Council Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 39,9 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 48 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 Decorus Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Delta Electrical Services . . 31 Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 4 DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 24 DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 48 Dr Jacci Stoyle . . . . . . . . . . . 39 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 14 Eclipse deep clean . . . . . . . . . 14 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 15,41 Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 12 Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 15 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 48 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Gibb Stuart . . . . 14,15,49,59 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 52 GMH Chartered Accountants . . 31 Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 15 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 33 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Harrods DryCleaners . . . . . . . . 45 Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Husse Pet Food . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 4 Ian Livingston Decorating . . 19 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17 J S Montgomery Ltd . . . . . . . . . 49 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 43 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 4 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 6 JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 13 Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 33 KC Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 44 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 11 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 17 Kilmacolm Show . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1,28 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 22 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Little Studio Kilmacolm . . . . 57 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Lorraine Wood Flowers . . . . . . 19 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 50 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 14 MattVac Carpet & Upholstery Cl . . Bk MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 4 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 42 MGM Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 6 Minicoach Tours Scotland Ltd . . 22 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 38 NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 41 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 45 Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 18 P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 5 Paul Brady Painter & Decorator . . 14 Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . 7 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Quarriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 48 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 7 Rent A Bloke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Room 19 Hairdressers . . . . . . . 13 RPH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Rukeri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 46 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 39 St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 59 Stewart Independent Financial . . 1 Stewart Milne Homes . . . . . . . . 25 Strathgryffe Dog Walks . . . . . 47 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 17 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 3 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 3 The Kitchen Station . . . . . . . . 23 The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 55 Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Walkies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 West of Scotland Landscape . . 51 Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 17

contact us The Gryffe Advertizer

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Next Issue: (#272) May ‘17 Deadline: Friday 14 April

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07731 923970

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April 2017 No.271

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• Bishop • Bridge • Brookfi • Eldersl • Housto • Howwo • Kilbarc • Kilmac • Langb • Lochw • Quarri

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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