280 January 2018 - Gryffe Advertizer

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January 2018 No.280

Dusk walk at Muirshiel by Carolyn Craig

No. 280

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January 2018

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your LOCAL community magazine

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This month

It’s that time of the year when we seem to be shrouded in darkness from dawn till dusk. Fortunately the beautiful Festive displays provide some light (no pun intended) relief, but it all seems too short a period when no sooner are they up than we’re taking them all down again. Therefore this year we decided to put up our lights and decorations at the beginning of December and we plan to keep them up until the end of February. Putting superstition aside, I hope some of you will join us in keeping the villages a little bit brighter during the winter months.

If we’ve missed any content please accept my apologies. We lost our broadband during publishing week and had to revert to the contingency plan of working from mobile data. We’ve come a long way from the old dial-up modems and it was certainly a wake-up call to just how reliant we have all become on our fast fibre broadband. And I thought it was just the kids that protested when it was down!

We’ve made a few layout and style changes this month. Hopefully these make it a bit easier to find your way around the pages. If there is anything you think we could do to further improve the content or layout please get in touch via the usual channels.

One improvement on the roads, the traffic lights at Deafhillock Roundabout have gone and are not due to return until late Spring. A welcome relief to those who have had to commute through the queues day after day. Hopefully, when they do return, valuable lessons will have been learned and the delays will be kept to a minimum!

To the relief of many, a number of planning appeals have been refused for areas in Kilbarchan, Brookfield and Bridge of Weir. We wait to hear the fate of sites in Kilmacolm. We’ll provide an update in 2018. However, Bishopton continues to be bombarded with development and we believe that over 4,000 new houses are to be built, taking the total housing in Bishopton to over 6,000 houses.

BOLLARDS! I was intrigued to see that someone has decided to plant traffic cones on top of the crumbling bollards on the island leaving Bridge of Weir for Kilmacolm. On these dark nights, with no reflective coating left on the bollards, this is an accident waiting to happen. I presume the cones were supposed to help in terms of reflectiveness, better than nothing but I presume if a car were to hit these cones the resultant damage could be quite significant. Could we have a more reliable and safer fix... please!

Good news for parking in Kilmacolm. In January 2016 I talked about the suspension of the 30 minute parking enforcement in Kilmacolm. In January 2017 this had been raised to 2 hours but was still causing problems due to the requirement for a parking disc to be displayed. Now in January 2018 we finally get the good news that, while the 2 hour parking limit will remain, the need for a disc will be removed. This will surely help regenerate visiting customers to the local shops? And hopefully should plans for parking restrictions in any of the villages be implemented in the future they will be applied having taken lessons from the Kilmacolm scenario.

By the time you are reading this the unwrapping will be over with bundles of wrapping paper and maybe a wilting tree passed its best. Our local recycling centres will take various items including trees.

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your continued support and look forward to working with you throughout 2018.

A special thanks to our local Councillors and many other contributors who provide their news and updates and, of course, the local retailers, tradesmen and businesses for their ongoing support on which our community thrives.

Rona

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Contact us 1st Floor, Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN t: 01505 613340 m: 07731 923970 e: info@advertizer.co.uk w: www.advertizer.co.uk @GryffeAds Open Tuesday to Thursday 9am-4:30pm; Friday 9am-12:30pm All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. The Gryffe Advertizer cannot be held responsible for unsolicited materials.

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

local news....................4-13 optical blog.......................10 dental blog......................13 what’s on........................ 1 4-19 finance & tech.................22-27 financial blog.........................22 IT blog.........................22 legal blog......................25 l o c a l h i s t o r y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 6 pet news.....................28-29 pet blog............................28 outdoors........................30-35 village news....................36-45

Contents

school news.................46-50 on the road.....................51 sport news....................52-55 sporting blog.....................54 business classified............56 c h u r c h l i s t i n g s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 sales & wants......................58 advertizer directory................59 d e a d l i n e s d a te s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 9 p i c k u p a c o p y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 0

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GIBB STUART Bridge of Weir wins National Competition Home Hardware (Scotland) Ltd held its first ever Christmas window competition for its 60 plus members shops throughout Scotland and the North of England and we are delighted to report that Gibb Stuart in Bridge of Weir won the competition! The prize was a fantastic Stylo Turntable!

Sandy Gibb Stuart is pictured being presented with his prize by Irene Cross, Marketing Manager of Home Hardware (Scotland) Ltd. Irene told The Advertizer, “We were delighted with the response and the high level of entries, but Gibb Stuart’s were a cut above the rest.”

Local Firm Cleans up at ROCCO Awards Adil Khan, who runs Harrods Drycleaners in Castle Terrace, Bridge of Weir, is overwhelmed to have won the 2017 Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Rocco awards for Young Business Person of the Year.

Adil told the Advertizer, “This was another fantastic night, another nomination and another award! 2017 just keeps getting better! And we have not finished yet. We are nominated for another business award which will be held in December in Glasgow. I would like to say a huge thank you to each and every customer from Scotland.”

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january 2018

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up?

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

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

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

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

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

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2018 Art Festival Early Announcements March is not far away and the festival will soon be here!

Many of this year’s events will be supporting our local hospice St Vincent’s. The hospice is celebrating their 30 years of care and support. Here are a few of the many events that will be on from the 13th till the 25th March 2018

The Rose Room and international saxophonist Laura McDonald

RSNO Brass Quintet and M a t t h e w McAllister Classical guitar Authors Christopher Brookmyre and Corinne Hutton

Comedy Night ‘Buddy Good Laugh’ Many local talented artists and lots of “come and try”!!

Look at our web site for more:

Paisley Abbey Recitals

Come and Sing Handel’s MESSIAH

On Saturday 20th January 2018 at 12.30pm, also Cloister Café with baking from 10am.

Jillian Christie (soprano) : Catherine Herriot (piano) in celebration of Robert Burns.

Tickets £5 at the door. Paisley Abbey (Church of Scotland) – Registered Charity No. SC007633

With Orchestra directed by Dr George McPhee at Paisley Abbey on Sunday 28th January 2018.

Rehearsal starts 2.30pm (entry from 2pm) and the performance starts at 6.30pm. Singers: Adults £20, Students/school pupils £5. Audience: £5 at the door .

All singer applications are welcomed but places are allocated on a first come basis to enable the conductor to achieve as balanced a choir as possible. NB on this occasion scores will not be provided. There will be no formal dress code.

Information for singers on how to apply and pay etc. can be had at 0141 848 1392 or from proutley@talktalk.net or application forms can be downloaded at www.paisleyabbey.org.uk All funds raised support the music in Paisley Abbey. Paisley Abbey(Church of Scotland) – Registered Charity No. SC007633

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www.lochwinnochartsfestival.co.uk

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january 2018 Thank you to our headline sponsor

Ardgowan Hospice presents

THE

MASQUERADE BALL Greenock Town Hall, Saturday 10th March 2018

Tables of 10 are £550 and include: Sparkling reception, Celebrity Host, Live Music, Three Course Meal, Silent Auction, Live Auction, DJ and more

7pm – late • Unveil yourself at midnight…if you choose To book your table, call Alex Mula on 01475 558888, email fundraising@ardhosp.co.uk or visit www.ardgowanhospice.co.uk marketing sponsor

New Year is a time for resolutions Why not make a resolution that can make a real difference to you and your local community and volunteer at Ardgowan Hospice.

Studies show that volunteers are happier and healthier. It is even more beneficial for your health as you get older than exercising and eating well. Volunteering is a good reason to get out of the house and develop new friendships.

We encourage students to volunteer with us, whether for Duke of Edinburgh Awards or for University applications. We gain a lot from you giving up your time and in return you can gain relevant experience.

Your time makes a tremendous difference to people in your community when they need it. Every pound raised and every minute of your time will help make a massive difference to people’s lives.

Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose. It helps you feel involved in a cause you care about and helps you feel better about yourself. You may think now is a good time to develop new skills, or wish to expand your current set.

We have roles within Hospitality, IT, Retail and more. Interested? Please contact Rebecca Morrison on 01475 726830 or hr@ardhosp.co.uk

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Holmpark transfers to Bishopton community BAE Systems has completed the transfer of Holmpark to the Bishopton Community Development Trust. The handover of the nine acre site, at no cost to the Trust, is part of BAE Systems’ commitment to improve facilities for sport, recreation and play within Bishopton and Dargavel villages.

These commitments include setting up a Bishopton Community Trust and payments to a Community Development Fund which is to be managed by the Trust.

To date, BAE Systems has made payments of c. £200,000 to the Trust and is committed to further payments of £200,000. Prior to the handover, BAE Systems completed upgrading work to Holmpark which included improvements to drainage and the boundary around the recreation ground.

BAE Systems has also confirmed that two sites within the Dargavel Village development will be provided at no cost to Renfrewshire Council for the development of 80 new-build socially rented houses. The new homes are part of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan which was announced recently by Renfrewshire Council and will provide modern, spacious and energy efficient accommodation.

The first of the homes are expected to be complete by mid-2019.

Derek Mackay MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, said: “I am delighted to see the handover of Holmpark to the people of Bishopton. It is encouraging to see the Community Trust and the development managers working together to ensure the local community fully benefits from the development.”

Mark Reason, Director of BAE Systems Real Estate Solutions, said: “The transfer of Holmpark is a major milestone in our redevelopment project in Bishopton. Working with the local community is an important part of the project. I am delighted that the land is now with the Bishopton Community Development Trust so that new and improved facilities can be developed that will benefit the whole community.”

Scott Wilson, Chair of the Bishopton Community Development Trust, said: “The community taking ownership of Holmpark is a major milestone for Bishopton and the Community Development Trust. We have ambitious plans to create a fantastic sporting and leisure hub for the village on the land and look forward to working with the wider community to deliver these much needed facilities.”

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

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

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

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

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LEAP Home Energy Workshops in action ‘How do we make the most of Smart Meters in our homes?’ and ‘how do we set our heating timer switches to heat our homes efficiently?’ were two of the questions on everyone’s lips at a recent LEAP Home Energy workshop with a group of Renfrew residents, learning English as a second language.

Paul Gallagher from LEAP’s Energy team (pictured here with the group) was on hand to answer questions and offer energy advice and information at the workshop. For more information or to take part in or host a LEAP Energy, Transport, Waste talk /workshop, email lesley@myleapproject.org or call the team on 01505 842530/ 612034.

OIR Dance Group The OIR Dance Group meet on a Monday at 1.30pm in the Clark Memorial Hall, Largs. Dancing consists of Ballroom, Sequence, Old Time and Scottish. All new members are made welcome, so dust off your old dance shoes and come along and join us, come alone or bring a partner. Contact: Bill Alexander on 01475 522043 or Archie Adams on 01475 649008.

Optical Blog

by Kerry Taher, New Vision Opticians

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is the most commonly found condition that we see in practice.

Typical signs and symptoms include inflammation of the eyelids leaving them red and sore, tiny flakes like dandruff at the root of the eyelashes, dry eyes, blurry vision and sensitivity to light. Our eyelids contain tiny glands that produce oils that help to keep the eyes moist. In blepharitis, these glands become blocked, which results in poor quality tears and this leads to any/all of the symptoms described above.

It responds well to simple treatment and is usually harmless. However, in severe/untreated cases, there can be irreversible changes to the eyelids which will put the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye) at risk.

Most of us want a quick fix that will magically improve symptoms but there is no such thing. The treatment is known as “lid hygiene” and this should be done twice daily, ideally even when the symptoms are not there, to prevent the condition causing further problems. It consists of 3 main parts: HEAT: This widens the eyelid glands, melts the oily secretions blocking the openings of the glands and softens any eyelash flakes.

MASSAGE: This pushes out the oil from the tiny eyelid glands, helping to unblock them.

CLEAN: Eyelid scrubs/wipes clean the eyelids and eyelashes and reduce the inflammation. This is the best way to reduce symptoms but many people use baby shampoo with good results too.

Artificial tears will help to make the eyes more comfortable but won’t solve the problem and in more advanced cases antibiotics may also be needed.

Some people are prone to blepharitis and may need to continue lid hygiene for some time or even indefinitely.

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

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Ladies Lunch raises £24,000 for charity

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The festive season kicked off in impressive style this weekend, as the St. Vincent’s Hospice Ladies Lunch raised an incredible £24,000 for their charity. The event was hosted by Steve McKenna and featured live entertainment from girl group Feeva, along with a three course lunch and an exclusive selection of pop-up shops at the Grand Central Hotel on Sunday 3rd December.

Commenting on the event, Chief Executive of St. Vincent’s Hospice, Kate Lennon, said: “Every year, our Ladies Lunch sets the tone for Christmas, and I am delighted to say that this year was no different. We had a fantastic turnout for the lunch and raised an incredible £24,000 for our Hospice.”

St. Vincent’s Hospice is a provider of specialist palliative care for individuals and families affected by life limiting illnesses across Renfrewshire. Their team of dedicated staff provide care, support and guidance in their eight bed In-Patient Unit, their Day Hospice and in people’s own homes. They also offer bereavement care and support for families and young people who have been experienced the loss of a loved one.

Kate added: “Events like this are absolutely essential for allowing us to continue to offer the treatment and care across the community that we do every day. Our Fundraising team worked extremely hard to make sure this event went off without a hitch and I cannot thank them, and everyone who came along enough for making the day as successful as it was.”

For more information on St. Vincent’s Hospice, including upcoming events or how you can support their services, visit: www.SVH.co.uk.

Reclaim the Night Members of Soroptimist International of Paisley joined Renfrewshire Rising, local Councillors and many others to march through Paisley Town Centre on Tuesday 28th November. The annual march raises awareness of the 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence Campaign. Violence against women continues to occur every minute of every day, but women everywhere are making a stand.

Following the march, a wreath was laid in Dunn square to remember those who have lost their lives to domestic violence.

Marchers then moved on to Paisley Abbey for a welcome cup of tea and entertainment provided by the Rockus Community Choir and drummers, Sheboom! An enjoyable and positive end to the evening.

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The legacy of Paisley’s 2021 UK City of Culture bid The legacy of Paisley’s 2021 bid for UK City of Culture continues with public applications invited from community projects for funding from Renfrewshire Council’s flagship cultural grants programme.

The Culture, Heritage and Events (CHE) Fund is available for organisations looking to stage a cultural event. One of the key legacies of the town’s bid, it has so far supported 80 projects to the tune of more than £630,000.

Paisley was the only Scottish place on the shortlist for the UK City of Culture 2021 competition alongside Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland, Swansea and Coventry, which took the title.

The CHE fund aims to raise cultural ambition, enhance participation and unlock creative potential in Renfrewshire. Application deadlines have just been approved by Renfrewshire Council’s Leadership Board for the next four rounds of funding.

New applications for 2018/19 will be considered at three levels, from £1,000 and under, from £1,000 to £10,000 and over £10,000.

The first round should be submitted by February 12th 2018, with a decision by 24 April. A further three rounds will follow, on May 10th, October 10th and December 10th.

The initial fund amount of £500,000 was doubled to £1 million in February this year, with the first five rounds of funding attracting a total of 242 applications from businesses, communities and cultural organisations across Renfrewshire and Scotland. There have been total funding requests of around £3 million.

Voluntary or community organisations, schools, colleges and universities, independent artists and makers, artist’s collectives, cultural organisations and networks and business, including creative industries, can all apply.

Projects to have received funding so far include teenage animator Morgan Spence’s Lego video about Paisley and a collaboration between local group Right2Dance and the internationally renowned Sir Matthew Bourne’s Re:Bourne company .

The projects should contribute to regeneration and can show imaginative use of the townscape or buildings and enhance the annual cultural calendar. Strengthening cultural capacity, and showcasing the talent of Renfrewshire are among the other objectives.

For more information on the CHE Fund, visit: www.paisley2021.co.uk

St. Vincent’s Hospice nears Pearl Anniversary In 2018, St. Vincent’s Hospice will be celebrating 30 years of care for all as they mark their Pearl Anniversary with a special Ceilidh Ball taking place at the Hilton Glasgow on Friday 2nd February 2018.

As part of the event, the Hospice are offering limited opportunities for businesses, groups and individuals from throughout the community to become Pearl Sponsors: high profile sponsors to help deliver vital care and support for individuals and families affected by life limiting conditions.

Chief Executive of St. Vincent’s Hospice, Kate Lennon, said: “For close to 30 years our team of specialist, dedicated staff, have been delivering palliative and end of life care, as well as supporting families and loved ones during some of the most difficult times of their lives.”

“What we have accomplished during this time has been incredible, but it has only been possible thanks to the continued generosity of countless sponsors and donors, who have given up their time, money and effort for our services.”

“2018 is going to be a celebration of all of how far we have come, the lives we have touched as well as a look to the future, and we want you to be a part of that by becoming one of our Pearl Sponsors.”

By becoming a Pearl Sponsor, you will receive a table at the Ceilidh Ball, and will be presented with a limited edition, collectable gift as a token of your support. You will also be featured in the programme for the evening, and across a variety of promotional and digital channels throughout the 12 months.

Kate added: “Our Fundraising team will work with your business or group to maximise the benefit of your participation and help raise your profile across Renfrewshire as a supporter of St. Vincent’s Hospice and a vital partner in helping us treat more patients than ever before.”

For more information about Pearl Sponsorship, please contact: Louise.

Strachan@svh.co.uk.

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Dental Blog

by Sheila Macintyre, Practice Owner, Kilbarchan Dental Practice

Happy New Year January is the time for New Years’ Resolutions so we thought we would suggest a few to help you Care for Your Smile: 1. Drink More Water and Cut Down on Sugar (especially sugary drinks)– as well as quenching your thirst and hydrating your skin water helps to rinse away bits of food and bacteria.

2. Eat More Fresh Fruit and Veg – fibrous foods such as celery help to clean your teeth as they are chewed but do remember some fruits can be high in acid so try and eat with meals and brush your teeth an hour after.

3. Chew Sugar Free Gum – evidence has shown that chewing sugar-free gum can improve our oral health by producing more saliva.

4. Make sure you Replace Your Toothbrush or Brush Heads at least every 3 months. If you didn’t get an electric toothbrush for Christmas treat yourself to one in the January sales, they are proven to remove 100% more plaque than traditional manual toothbrushes.

5. Quit Smoking – smoking causes discolouration of the teeth along with a whole host of health issues.

6. Cut Down on your Alcohol Consumption - drinking too much has been linked to an increased risk of developing mouth cancer especially when combined with smoking. Red wine is particularly bad for staining teeth and other drinks and mixers can be high in sugar.

7. Visit Your Dentist Regularly – usually at least once every 6 months for a check up and any maintenance like a scale and polish.

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

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TH JANUARY

Photography Exhibition

The Bridge, Main Street, Bridge of Weir Come along and have a look at the work of 2 local professionals: Andy Stark of www.stark-images.co.uk Al Goold of www. algooldphoto.com/ Check out our facebook page at www.facebook.com/thestudiobow/ and our web/sales site at thestudiobow. zenfolio.com/ Why not meet the team – one of us will be there every Wednesday and Thursday to tell you more about what we do, we would love to meet you.

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27TH D

ECEMBER

Brookfield Cheese & Wine

Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside Road, Brookfield 2pm This ever-popular event is the ideal opportunity for residents, visiting family members, friends and neighbours to get together for a really sociable afternoon between Christmas and New Year.

   Birds for Beginners

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 11am to 1.30pm Are you a beginner to bird watching? Join the team at RSPB Lochwinnoch for a workshop ideal for introducing beginners to this fantastic hobby! 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.

You don’t even need your own binoculars, as they are available for hire from the shop!

Please book, as places are limited. Cost: Adults: £6; Children: £4.80 (RSPB members: £4.80/£3.80)

FRI

29TH D

ECEMBER

Family Bushcraft Event

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch 10.30am to 12.30pm Use traditional fire lighting methods and cook over a campfire. Learn the skills of survival. For more info. Look or book online or tel 01505 842 882. £5 per person

SUN

ECEMBER

Hogmanay Dance

Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside Road, Brookfield 8.30pm to 1am Dance the night away and see in the New Year with live band, DIZZY HEIGHTS. Tickets £12.50 (minimum age 16) available from brookfieldvpa@gmail.com or from any Village Councillor. Bar/Raffle/Refreshments.

Tickets: £12.50.

   Hogmanay at the RBL Bridge of Weir

Royal British Legion, Livery Walk, Bridge of Weir 9pm Join us for our Hogmanay in the Club to bring in 2018 to the wonderful sounds of Pete West. Tickets £10. Visitors welcome tickets at the bar. If you’re having a Function or Special Occasion in 2018 our excellent facilities are available to hire call us on 01505 613530.

TUE

9TH J

ANUARY

Kilbarchan Beekeepers

Kilbarchan Steeple Hall, Steeple Square, Kilbarchan 7.30pm to 10pm Beekeeping DVD’s Peter Stromberg: You can come along and find out more about Honeybee husbandry and related topics.

FRI

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A South Ayrshire Birder’s Year

McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew 7.30pm Renfrewshire RSPB Local Group Angus Hogg will deliver an illustrated talk entitled ‘A South Ayrshire Birder’s Year’. All Welcome.

FRI

12TH - 19TH J

ANUARY

St Columba’s School Entrance Assessments

13TH J

ANUARY

RAMH Firewalk

Paisley - various venues 3pm to 7pm At ProLife Fitness Centre in Paisley, with free parking, and close to Gilmour Street Station.

This unique experience is offered to you at just £10 registration fee (early bird rate) and £45 minimum sponsorship. For many, the Firewalk is a life changing experience.

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

SAT

13TH - S 14TH UN

JANUARY

Model Rail Exhibition

Johnstone Town Hall, Johnstone Renfrewshire Model Railway Club’s 2018 Exhibition - layouts will range from N gauge to G Scale. This Exhibition will be multinational with layouts depicting scenes from ten different countries. There will also be an interactive zone where visitors will be able to control locos and racing cars, which proved a great hit with our younger visitors. Once again the large Lego layout will be there.

MON

15TH J - S 17TH F AN

AT

EBRUARY

Art Exhibition for St Vincent’s Hospice

TH JANUARY

St Columba’s School, Duchal Road, Kilmacolm Entrance assessments for Early Years, Junior and Senior School begin on 12th January.

For the full schedule of dates please see St Columba’s update in the schools’ section.

To make an appointment or for further details please visit www.st-columbas.org, contact Junior School on 01505 872768 or Senior School on 01505 872238.

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The Bridge, Main Street, Bridge of Weir From the 15th January to 17th February we are pleased to host an art exhibition in aid of St Vincent’s Hospice. Please come along to support this local charity. The Bridge also boasts an extensive selection of Greetings Cards, essential Stationery items, a drop in café, ever-changing exhibitions and sales of used books.

TUE

16TH J

ANUARY

Art Community Classes

St Columba’s School, Duchal Road, Kilmacolm 7pm to 9pm Classes return on the 16th January and run for eight weeks. Led by artist and former teacher Helen Mathie our classes are suitable for any level. Held at St Columba’s School, Duchal Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4AU, 7 - 9pm. To download a booking form please visit: www.st-columbas.org/ communityclasses or contact Helen at hmathie@st-columbas.org.

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17TH J

ANUARY

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society

Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 7.30pm The January Winter Lecture with guest speaker Sharon Gemmell from Parklea - Branching Out. Parklea is a registered charity as a therapeutic horticultural centre with training at the nurseries. They are a top quality nurseries - on our doorstep ! Please come along and hear more about the people and organisation of Parklea. Refreshments.

Everyone welcome.

WED

17

19

- FRI JANUARY

TH

TH

LEAP ReMode Event: KNIT

Lochwinnoch Parish Church Brush up on your knitting skills and create loose knit jumpers. Knitting novices welcome! All workshops are in Lochwinnoch Parish Church, 12noon - 3pm or 6pm - 9pm (Thursday/Friday only). Please book in advance: gillian@myleapproject.org

FRI

19TH J

ANUARY

Advertizer February Deadline

The Advertizer - Neva Pl, Bridge of Weir If you would like anything published in our February ‘18 issue, please email info@ advertizer.co.uk or call the office on 01505 613340. Don’t miss out!

SAT

20TH J

ANUARY

Lochwinnoch Explorers: Rainforests!

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 12noon Rainforests are like no other habitat, and in spite of only covering 2% of our earth’s surface, around half of all animal and plant species live here! These amazing areas, found on every continent except Antarctica, are under threat every day from logging, agriculture and mining. Come along for fun day out on the reserve to learn about why rainforests are so amazing and important.

Please wear suitable clothing for being outdoors. Ages: 5 to 14 years. Please note that all children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. Cost: £5 (£3 RSPB members) (adults go free)

   Concert by Westerton Male Voice

Kilmacolm Old Kirk, High Street, Kilmacolm 7pm to 9.30pm Hosted by Kilmacolm & Quarriers Christian Aid committee. Tickets £10 include refreshments in the interval. Westerton Male Voice are celebrating 60 years of singing, the full choir of forty five male singers are promising an evening of high class entertainment. Tickets available from Jill Russell on 01505 872393, or committee members at each church in Kilmacolm and Quarriers.

   Kilbarchan Messy Church

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street 4pm to 6pm Kilbarchan Messy Church in Kilbarchan Parish Church Halls from 4pm – 6pm. All accompanied children welcome.

SAT

20TH J

ANUARY

Paisley Abbey Recitals

Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley 12.30pm Jillian Christie (soprano): Catherine Herriot (piano) in celebration of Robert Burns.

Tickets £5 at the door. Paisley Abbey (Church of Scotland) – Registered Charity No. SC007633

SAT

27TH J

ANUARY

Luxury Continental Breakfast

Houston & Killellan Kirk, Main Street, Houston 9am to 11:30am Cheer up your Saturday morning! Child friendly and gluten free options. Scruptious continental Breakfast. Donations to solar lamps for school students in Zambi. One day only! Don’t miss it!

SAT

27TH - S 28TH UN

JANUARY

Binocular & Telescope open day

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm Come and see a range of binoculars and telescopes to suit everyone. With our knowledgeable staff on hand to assist, ensuring the correct one’s for you. Our optics are competitively priced, with the added bonus that you are helping conservation. Cost: Free

SUN

28TH J

ANUARY

The Clydebank Citadel Band

St Machar’s Church, Kilbarchan Road, Bridge of Weir 3pm Returns by popular demand with a varied programme. Featuring some Scottish pieces for Burns Season. Tickets include refreshments, available at church or from Morven 612286. Tickets: £5

   Come and Sing Handel’s MESSIAH

Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley 2.30pm With Orchestra directed by Dr George McPhee. Rehearsal starts 2.30pm (entry from 2pm) and the performance starts at 6.30pm. Singers: Adults £20, Students/ school pupils £5. Audience: £5 at the door. Information for singers on how to apply and pay etc. can be had at 0141 848 1392 or from proutley@talktalk.net or application forms can be downloaded at www.paisleyabbey.org.uk

FRI

2ND F

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2

- FRI ND MARCH

Carrick Nights - Alison McNeill & Sacha Savaloni

Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 8pm Alison (soprano) and Sacha (guitar) perform a variety of Spanish, Latin American, French, Italian, Contemporary and Scots Song repertoire. Performing recitals in Spain and throughout Scotland at various prestigious events, expanding and enriching the repertoire for voice and guitar and transcribe a lot of music for their performances.

Ticket Prices (single concert): Adults £12, Children/Student £5. Call 01505 229597 or e-mail thecarrickcentre@gmail.com

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

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

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

Tour dates - February 2018 SAT 10 EDINBURGH Usher Hall SUN 11 GLASGOW Royal Concert Hall TUES 13 GATESHEAD The Sage WED 14 MANCHESTER O2 Apollo SAT 17 BRIGHTON Dome SUN 18 BRISTOL Colston Hall MON 19 NOTTINGHAM Royal Concert Hall WED 21 BIRMINGHAM Symphony Hall THUR 22 LONDON Palladium Tickets from GIGSANDTOURS.COM & TICKETMASTER.CO.UK

Carrick Nights All concerts will take place in the Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston commencing at 8pm.

Friday 2nd February 2018 - Alison McNeill & Sacha Savaloni Alison (soprano) and Sacha (guitar) perform a variety of Spanish, Latin American, French, Italian, Contemporary and Scots Song repertoire. They have performed recitals in Spain and throughout Scotland at various prestigious events and are passionate about expanding and enriching the repertoire for voice and guitar and transcribe a lot of music for their performances.

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

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

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

Option to have a meal in our Café at 6.30pm prior to the concerts, but early booking recommended as space is limited. (2 courses £15 – BYOB) Should you wish more information or to request tickets please call 01505 229597 or e mail thecarrickcentre@gmail.com We are grateful to Enterprise Music Scotland, through funding provided

by Creative Scotland, for their award of a grant to help make these Concerts a reality.

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january 2018

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

Did you Know?

Your cinema now offers a range of enter tainment from ballet to sport, comedy to live music, opera to theatre, museums to art gallery exhibitions, with much of it broadcast live by satellite.

For more information about these events contact your local cinema.

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the advertizer

MONDAY

Lochwinnoch Community Walk The Cross, Lochwinnoch 10.30am

This event will not take place on public holidays.

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

Tel: 07709 340675 for further information

Pilates Class

Kilellan Halls Houston 6.15 - 7.15 & 7.30 - 8.30.

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

Gryffe Voices Community Choir

2ND WEDNESDAY MONTHLY Inverclyde Carers Outreach Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 11am - 2pm

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

2ND THURSDAY MONTHLY Sòlas Bereavement Support Group Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm. 2pm - 4pm.

3RD FRIDAY MONTHLY Hearing Aid Clinic

Freeland Church, Bridge of Weir 8pm to 9.45pm

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir 1 - 2pm

EVERY TUESDAY

2ND SATURDAY MONTHLY ‘Brunch & Browse’

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

Contact gryffevoices@gmail.com

Bishopton Belles Line Dancing

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Hall 6.30 - 8.30pm

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

Singing for Wellbeing

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

EVERY

WEDNESDAY

Knitting Group

Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers 10am - 12noon

Knitters of all levels welcome!

Skinny Minnies

Hearing aid batteries and hearing aid checks.

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

Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 10am - 12noon

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

Youth Volunteer Group - age 14 - 18 years.

Newcomers always welcome.

Houston Litter Crew

Co-op Car Park 10am – 11.45am

All volunteers welcome and all equipment supplied.

2ND & 4TH WEDNESDAY BoW Senior Citizens Club Cargill Hall 7 - 9.15pm

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

1ST & 3RD THURS MONTHLY ‘Outlook’ Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm 2pm - 4pm

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

Crafty Hobbies Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 7.30pm

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

regular updates @GryffeAds

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january 2018

Model Rail Exhibition Renfrewshire Model Railway Club’s 2018 Exhibition (and our second since the successful re-launch of the event in Nov 2016) will again be in Johnstone Town Hall on 13th and 14th January 2018. The layouts will range from N gauge to G Scale. This Exhibition will be multi-national with layouts depicting scenes from ten different countries. There will also be an interactive zone where visitors will be able to control locos and racing cars, which proved a great hit with our younger visitors. Once again the large Lego layout will be there.

Rainbow Turtle Visit our shop and website to view our extensive range of fairly traded goods with UK wide delivery.

HAMPERS - FOOD - GIFTS - CARDS - TOYS JEWELLERY - ACCESSORIES Help make the world a fairer place Shop Fair Trade instore: 7 Gauze Street, Paisley open: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm or online: www.rainbowturtle.org.uk contact us: tel: 0141 887 1881 email: info@rainbowturtle.org.uk

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the advertizer

IT Blog

with Colin Fyfe of Colcom

I wrote here recently that Microsoft were due to release a large update for the Windows 10 operating system, dubbed the Fall Creators Update, it would be a cure-all for the bugs and security glitches that the operating system has, generally, done well to negate.

The update landed a couple of months ago now with all the bells and whistles that these updates come with these days, a polite reminder here and an over-friendly welcome message there. After the faffing about, the update procedure would take a couple of hours, or for the unlucky ones with an un-desirable anti-virus programme or a peculiar driver requirement, a whole evening.

The resulting update, if successful, left the machine no better off to look at although I believe there are slight performance improvements throughout the operating system. These improvements are, to many of my clients, completely undone by the update’s damage to their Office program or the fact that they can no longer access their computer at all.

Windows 10 will update itself, there is little you can do to stop it. As polite as Microsoft may pretend to be, it has a heads-down approach to ramming updates your way – look out.

Happy New Year, Colin

Financial Blog

by Carl Melvin, Affluent Financial Planning Ltd

Pension Annuities – Pros & Cons Annuities provide an income for life, so why don’t more retirees opt for an annuity? Annuities have fallen out of favour as low interest rates mean a lower income is on offer. However, annuities can still be attractive to some individuals. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of this option for your pension fund?

Advantages • Simple and easy to understand • Offers a fixed and secure lifetime income – the income will never run out, however long you live.

• Available for pension funds of all sizes.

• No need to review, not affected by stock market and no investment risk • You could get more income if you have poor health and/or you are a smoker Disadvantages • Annuities can be inflexible • Inflation proofing can be expensive • Cannot be passed on to your beneficiaries as a lump sum (unless you buy capital protection) • Widows benefit must be chosen at outset and is lost if your spouse dies before you • You don’t benefit from stock market rises • Annuity rates are generally perceived to be low.

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 email info@affluentfp.co.uk. Alternatively, pop into the Affluent office opposite Amaretto restaurant on Main Street, Bridge of Weir. www.affluentfp.co.uk

NEW YEAR - NEW BUSINESS! Want to start a business but not sure where to turn or how to do it?

Business Gateway Renfrewshire can give you practical help, advice and support for new and growing businesses in Scotland. Contact us on 0141 530 2406 or on Facebook www.facebook.com/bgrenfrewshire/, or visit the website at www.yourbusinessgateway.co.uk

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january 2018

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the advertizer

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

Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley

Switch and Save in 2018

There’s always something interesting to learn from a Rotary meeting. We have a variety of speakers at our meetings and in the last few months we’ve heard all about wills from Pamela Niven of Harper McLeod, talking about real life issues followed by an animated question and answer session. A history of the Clyde steamers from Iain Quinn which included the Waverley and the Queen Mary, the last 2 vessels of their type in the world. He also showed a remarkable celebratory film, shot in the mid 1970’s. And we had a fascinating story from Mike Pepper, past president of the GVRC, detailing an aircrash and investigation back in 1954, which his aunt happened to be travelling on. The subsequent enquiry led to the airline carrying lifesaving equipment on cross-Channel flights.

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE Water Aid -The Club has made a donation of £500 to this important charity and we have met the deadline to qualify for a matching £500 contribution from the Government.

ST COLUMBA’S SCHOOL FAYRE The club were pleased to support this event on Saturday 2nd December. St Columba’s is a valued corporate member of Gryffe Valley Rotary. The club offered a Free Draw with the prize being a pack of Rotary Smoked Salmon.

Feeling the January pinch after Christmas excesses? How’s about a New Year’s Resolution which can help? Switching your energy supplier for your home or business could save you up to £260 a year! Alasdair and Lesley in our LEAP team have become UK registered Big Energy Saving Network Champions. We’ll give you impartial advice and help you smoothly switch to a supplier that suits you, no cost or hassle, saving you time, effort and money. Give us a call on 01505 842 530 or email energy@ myleapproject.org.

EVENT PLANNER You are welcome to join us at our meetings: • Sat 20th January 2018: Burns Supper. Annual event. Great food and entertainment in the traditional style at the River Inn. Tickets for sale £37.50 from members.

• Mon 22nd -Thurs 26th January: Evenings out for Young Carers at the Experience, Hillington.

• Wed 14th February 2018: Valentines Dinner at the River Inn for members and partners.

• Monday 12th March 2018: Primary School Quiz. Parents and friends welcome.

• Sun 15th April 2018: Charity Musical Lunch at St Columba’s school.

Save the date!

• Sunday 29th April 2018. Annual 10K run. The date is chosen to allow four months of training after the Christmas and New Year celebrations!

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Legal Blog

by Isabella McKerrow, Affinity Family Law

Powers of Attorneys

and the Role of the Public Guardian Having a Power of Attorney “POA” in place lets you plan what you want another person to do for you in the future should you become incapable of making decisions about your own affairs. Previously, I explained the benefits of having a “POA” in place, no matter what age you are, and the different types of POA’s that are available.

The Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 gives the Public Guardian “OPG” the following duties and responsibilities relating to Powers of Attorney: • To register POA’s that meet the registration criteria.

• To maintain a public register of continuing and welfare POA’s.

• To provide advice and guidance to continuing attorneys on the exercise of their powers.

• Certain powers to investigate concerns and take steps to safeguard financial matters of the adult where it appears they are at risk.

For a POA to become effective it must be registered with the OPG. The fee for registration is currently £74. If you are in receipt of certain benefits you may qualify for a fee exemption. Most solicitors will recommend that

the POA is registered straight away. Some people may take the view not to register straight away as they may never need to use it, thereby saving £74. Before the OPG will register the POA, they carefully scrutinise it to ensure it complies with the criteria of the 2000 Act. If they reject it and the adult has already lost capacity it may not thereafter be possible to correct the error. Consequently the POA is ineffective and resort will have to be made to the lengthy and expensive process of applying to the court for a Guardianship Order.

(For more information on the role of the Public Guardian and about Powers of Attorneys visit the website: www.publicguardian-scotland.gov. uk- Telephone: 01324 678300)

Preparing for the General Data Protection

7

Regulation (GDPR) 12 steps to take now 1

8 Awareness

9 Information you hold

10

Communicating privacy information You should review your current privacy notices and put a plan in place for making any necessary changes in time for GDPR implementation.

4

This checklist highlights 12 steps you can take now to prepare for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which will apply from 25 May 2018.

Data Protection by Design and Data Protection Impact Assessments You should familiarise yourself now with the ICO’s code of practice on Privacy Impact Assessments as well as the latest guidance from the Article 29 Working Party, and work out how and when to implement them in your organisation.

Individuals’ rights You should check your procedures to ensure they cover all the rights individuals have, including how you would delete personal data or provide data electronically and in a commonly used format.

Data breaches You should make sure you have the right procedures in place to detect, report and investigate a personal data breach.

You should document what personal data you hold, where it came from and who you share it with. You may need to organise an information audit.

3

Children You should start thinking now about whether you need to put systems in place to verify individuals’ ages and to obtain parental or guardian consent for any data processing activity.

You should make sure that decision makers and key people in your organisation are aware that the law is changing to the GDPR. They need to appreciate the impact this is likely to have.

2

Consent You should review how you seek, record and manage consent and whether you need to make any changes.

Refresh existing consents now if they don’t meet the GDPR standard.

11

5

You should designate someone to take responsibility for data protection compliance and assess where this role will sit within your organisation’s structure and governance arrangements. You should consider whether you are required to formally designate a Data Protection Officer.

Subject access requests You should update your procedures and plan how you will handle requests within the new timescales and provide any additional information.

6

12 Lawful basis for processing personal data You should identify the lawful basis for your processing activity in the GDPR, document it and update your privacy notice to explain it.

Data Protection Officers

International If your organisation operates in more than one EU member state (ie you carry out cross-border processing), you should determine your lead data protection supervisory authority. Article 29 Working Party guidelines will help you do this.

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LOCAL

history

Kilbarchan November-December 1917 and January 1918 Private Alex McCall had been employed at Georgetown at the Ordnance Factory before he was called up on 20th March 1917. He served with the 11th Argylls and was captured by the Germans. His mother heard through the Red Cross that he had died in the prisoner of war hospital at Rethel on November 1st 1917. He is buried at the French National Cemetery at Rethel, 38 kilometres north east of Reims. His mother lived at 5 Church St. Alex was 20 when he died.

Private John C Finlayson served in the 1st Camerons, 1st Brigade, 1st Division. He joined the army on 31st August 1916 and qualified on the Lewis Gun. He had attended Paisley Grammar School before becoming a shipping clerk with the Eglington Silicon Brick Company in Glasgow. He had attended the Memorial Hall. He went to France on 6th December and was killed on 18th November 1917 while ‘giving the lads help to get out of a difficulty’. His widowed mother and sisters lived at Viewfield, Kilbarchan. He was 21 when he died and is commemorated at Tynecot, Passchendaele.

Smeath Hill Homestead Over the last year members of the Forum have been revisiting a number of archaeological sites in the area. One interesting site was Smeath Hill Homestead. The site (NS 3155 6609) lying to the south of Smeath Hill, was first surveyed by Frank Newall in the nineteensixties.

The remains of a massive circular stone wall, 2.5 metres wide, surround an enclosure, measuring 15 metres in diameter. The stone built walling is intact with two entrance gaps, one on the east of the wall, and the other on the northwest. Since Newall’s survey, the enclosure has become very overgrown. Evidence of interior structures is obliterated by vegetation and only the tops of a few stones remain apparent on the surface.

However, Newall’s survey gives a detailed interpretation of the structural evidence he found in the interior of the enclosure in the nineteen-sixties. Newall states that the enclosing wall surrounded an internal circular corridor or passageway, which in turn surrounded a large single roundhouse. The corridor was bounded by the enclosing stone wall and the wall of the roundhouse.

The East entrance gap in the enclosing wall led across the corridor to the entrance to the roundhouse. The wall’s North-West entrance led to the northern section of the corridor which was subdivided into three separate cells. The southern section, also subdivided into three separate cells, was entered from the East gateway.

The remains of numerous Bronze Age roundhouses are to be found in the surrounding landscape, but those enclosed by defensive stone walling are considered to be Iron Age. The site can be accessed from the track leading over the moor from Muirshiel Country Park to Hardridge Farm. The homestead lies some distance to the east of the track. The moorland terrain is boggy underfoot and the site is best visited in dry weather.

Private John Priestley was born in Paisley but lived at Fernlea, Brookfield. Initially he trained with the Argylls but was posted to the 8th Cameronians with the 52nd (Lowland) Division in Palestine. He was educated at Camphill School, Paisley and completed his teacher training in Aberdeen. He taught at South Public School and was a member of Kilbarchan U.F. Church. He was torpedoed in the ‘Ivernia’ on his way to Egypt. He was killed on 23rd November 1917 and is remembered at Jerusalem War Cemetery.

Private Caldwell Meiklem served with the 1st Battalion of the Scots Guards and was killed in the Battle of Cambrai. In 1911 he was a resident of Pollokshields who had been born in Kilbarchan. The 1905 rates valuation recorded him as having a house and garden in Victoria Road, Brookfield. He was killed on 27th November 1917 and has no known grave. His name is on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval.

Private William Meikle Mitchell’s name is also on the Lochwinnoch war memorial. In the 1911 census it is recorded that he was born in Kilbarchan and was a bank clerk. He served in the 4th Royal Scots Fusiliers, past of the 52nd (Lowland) Division which served in Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine before moving to France in 1918. He was 24 when he died on 21st December 1917, has no known grave and is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial.

Signalman John MacPherson Campbell’s family lived at 32 High Barholm in 1911 - the census stated that his mother was the householder, with three sons and a daughter, of whom John was the second son. By 1915 the family was at 6 Gateside Place. He served in the RNVR and was aboard the S.S. Glenfruin when it was torpedoed by submarine U103 off Holyhead on 26th January 1918. The ship was carrying iron ore from Seriphos to Ardrossan. All 32 crew members were lost. John was 18 and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. ing

Photo: Tynecot, names of the miss-

© 2017, Helen Calcluth, Renfrewshire Local History Forum

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january 2018

6 key sectors to a thriving Renfrewshire economy Members of Renfrewshire’s Economic Leadership Panel – which brings together the region’s business and education experts – have identified the six target areas of culture, health and childcare, manufacturing, skills, tourism and transport.

Now plans are in place to create six groups who will meet in January as they formulate specific strategies for each area of emphasis.

The Leadership Panel was established in the summer to drive Renfrewshire’s future economic success. Its membership is drawn from companies large and small across the area together with representatives from the public sector, further and higher education and national agencies.

Its first task is to support the development of a long-term economic strategy for Renfrewshire from 2018-2035 and the sector specific groups will play a key role.

These latest developments come as Councillors on the Leadership Board today (Tuesday 12 December, 2017) approved a new Renfrewshire Economic Profile, providing bitesize data on how the local economy is faring. The six-monthly snapshot will be shared online and give councillors a handy tool to track local progress.

The example November 2017 profile shows Renfrewshire’s employment rate at 74.7 per cent, outstripping the Glasgow City Region and higher than the Scottish average.

It also shows a five per cent unemployment rate, again bettering the national position, with average weekly earnings £14 up on the average Scot.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “It is only through partnership working that we can achieve our collective goals and at the same time having this regular profile of our economic performance enables us to make the strategic directions to deliver a thriving Renfrewshire.”

Get the most out of your Lighting in 2018 Lighting accounts for 15 per cent of a typical household’s electricity bill and you can cut your lighting bill and energy use by changing which bulbs you use and how you use them. Replacing a traditional light bulb with an LED of the same brightness as a lesser energy efficient bulb, will save you about £3 to £6 per year. Most homes typically use a mixture of standard light fittings and downlighters or spotlight fittings and LEDs are available to fit most of these. If you swap the bulbs in your home with LED alternatives, you could save about £35 a year on your electricity bills. Contact the LEAP Energy team on 01505 842530/ 612034, email info@myleapproject.org for more information on reducing your home lighting costs and saving money.

Johnstone History Society Our first meeting of 2018 will take place on Tuesday 9th January 2018 in the Masonic Hall Collier Street at 7.30pm with Dr Clare Wilson from Stirling University.

The subject of her talk is “Rediscovering the hidden history of Whisky Production in 18th and 19th century Scotland” a very appropriate talk for this time of year.

The Museum will reopen on 10th January 2018. Until then we will be open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10pm till 4pm. At the moment as well as our usual books and publications we have on sale our very colourful Johnstone Calendars priced at £7 with an envelope for posting. The Calendars and any of our books can be purchased online at johnstonehistory.org and can be paid for via PayPal. The Society would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members and visitors a Happy New Year.

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Rescue Centres

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

Sri Lankan Street Dog Charity Fundraising Efforts WeCare Worldwide is a charity set up by a team of veterinary surgeons and nurses from the UK. They work on a voluntary basis in the south of Sri Lanka providing healthcare to street dogs which would otherwise receive no aid. They also carry out vaccination, neutering and education projects to create sustainable changes which promote the health and wellbeing of the animals long term.

Glasgow’s animals need blankets

These wonderful people provide their immense expertise and knowledge for free, but still have to cover all costs for medicine, equipment and food. Their work is completely funded by public donations. So far they have been able to set up a clinic building and basic equipment, but are sorely needing more diagnostic tools and medicines. The vets see anything from broken legs to predator attacks and poisonings; they work wonders with the resources that they have, but have many limitations in the field.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing to animal lovers in Glasgow to donate blankets for animals in their Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

They ask that people do not donate old duvets or pillows as the animals can easily tear these apart.

Blankets can be handed anytime between 10am and 4pm Wednesday to Monday into the centre which is located at 125 Kinnell Avenue, Cardonald, Glasgow G52 3RY.

I am currently raising £3,000 to buy a machine for testing blood and desperately needed medicines for this wonderful charity. Any donations which can be made would be hugely appreciated, as any penny brings me closer towards my goal.

Donations can be made at the following address: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wecarevetequipment Many thanks for reading.

Laura Dunn BVM&S Msc MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon

Pet Blog

by PetVets

Why Do We Vaccinate Dogs?

Vaccinations protect against infectious diseases which can be fatal.

Vaccinations protect your dog against: 1. Parvovirus A highly contagious virus spread through contact with infected faeces.

The virus can also live on shoes, clothes and floors for many months.

Symptoms include vomiting, severe bloody diarrhoea and lethargy.

Parvovirus can be fatal in up to 90% of cases. Puppies are especially susceptible.

2. Canine distemper A contagious virus spread through saliva, blood, or urine. Initial symptoms include red, watery eyes, nasal discharge and fever. Later symptoms include lethargy, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea and seizures. It can also cause hardening of the footpads and nose. It is fatal in up to 50% of cases.

3. Leptospirosis A bacterial infection spread through infected rat urine and contaminated water. Symptoms include fever, muscle tremors, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst, jaundice and breathing difficulties. In severe cases dogs can develop kidney damage and liver failure. It can be fatal even with the best treatment.

4. Infectious Canine Hepatitis A viral disease spread through urine, saliva, blood, faeces and nasal discharges. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, vomiting, coughing, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. In severe cases the disease can cause jaundice and liver failure, and can result in seizures and coma. Even with the best treatment severe cases of infectious canine hepatitis can be fatal.

Optional additional vaccinations are also available for Parainfluenza and Kennel Cough which cause upper respiratory tract disease.

Puppies can start their vaccinations from 6 - 8 weeks old with a second vaccination 2 - 4 weeks later. Pups should not mix with other, potentially unvaccinated dogs until their primary vaccine course is complete.

Booster vaccination are required for distemper, parvovirus and infectious hepatitis every 3 years and for leptospirosis every year.

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january 2018 LOST PETS?

Re-homing 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

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

info@advertizer.co.uk

Scruff - 8 y/o male cat Scruff arrived at the centre at the beginning of June as an un-neutered stray with a Scruff horrible open wound on my neck which was treated. He’s now neutered and microchipped. He’s a bit shy and timid so he needs someone who will give him time and patience. He’s looking for a forever home with no children and no other pets. He loves being outside so he needs a garden, not near a busy road, so that he can go out once he’s settled in his new home.

Alfredo - 2 to 3 y/o male cat Alfredo was a stray who was having to fend for himself while kind people were feeding him. He’s a shy, timid boy at the moment as the staff don’t know when he last Alfredo had human interaction so he will need a quiet home with someone who will spend a lot of time helping him settle. He needs a home with no children or dogs but it’s unsure how he would feel about other cats. He needs a garden not near a busy road, so that he can go out once he’s confident and settled in his new home.

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

Kyle - male Red Tailed Black Shark Kyle came into our care after his previous owner could no longer care for him. He will require a large tank as this species can grow to 6 inches long. He would be best suited to a semi aggressive community tank as he is an aggressive species of fish. They cannot live with other red tailed black sharks or other shark like fish.

They have been known to jump so their new home will require a lid.

Kyle

Demi - female cornsnake

Demi

Demi arrived in our care through no fault of her own and is now looking for her forever home. Though they don’t play fetch or come when you call their name, cornsnakes are great pets for any reptile lover. She would be suited to an experienced owner who can provide the specialist care she requires.

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

Winter Beekeeping January and February are the least ‘hands-on’ for time in the hive and for the beekeeper, and most time is spent on planning for the year ahead, cleaning, maintaining and replenishing equipment. The honey bee does not hibernate, the colony is reduced to minimal numbers that are able to keep the small cluster of bees warm enough to survive the low temperatures, with the Queen kept at the centre of the cluster at all times. Weather permitting they will still venture out of the hive for water and to do other essential ‘business’, called cleansing flights.

Snow does not cause issues for the Honeybee colony, as long as the entrance is not blocked, and it can actually help insulate the hive.

When the bees cannot forage due to weather or the lack of available pollen and nectar, they rely on their honey stores. The nature of beekeeping usually means the honey has been taken as a crop by the bee keeper. So instead they are given substitutes such as Sugar Syrup, and in the colder months special Sugar Fondant. It can be an anxious time for the beekeeper, waiting to see if the colony has survived the dark cold winter months and resisting the temptation to take a peek, as this can lower the hives sorely maintained temperature, to a dangerous level. There are ways of checking that the colony is active and has access to stores or food provided by the beekeeper, such as hefting the hives to check the weight or by quickly looking under the roof to see if the fondant most beekeepers use, is accessible and that there is enough left.

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

Floss - 2 to 5 y/o female Collie Cross (Border) Floss was found as a stray and doesn’t seem to have much experience of the outside world, she may have lived rurally on a farm before. We are looking for an active home that has experience with Floss rescue collies. Floss would prefer a quieter home with few visitors. She needs lots of mental stimulation to stop her from getting bored so having someone around for most of the day is a must. Floss can live with children 16 years plus. She does bark at other dogs but could possibly live with the right dog but no cats. She seems to have quite a high prey drive so will need a sensible owner to manage this.

Kanook - 2 to 5 y/o male Alaskan Malamute Kanook is very active and loves to exercise and play games. He needs a quiet home with people who have experience of the breed. He can be worried in some situations so he will need an understanding owner who will take their time with him. Kanook will need a secure Kanook garden where he can run safely and stretch his legs. He will need a home with people over 16. Kanook needs a few meets at the centre to build a relationship before going to his new home.

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

Interested?

If you are interested in beekeeping for yourself or the whole family, anyone is welcome. Contact Helena Jackson, the Kilbarchan and District Beekeepers Association Secretary via e-mail Helena.Jackson72@sky. com if you would like to know more!

KBA hold evening meetings during Autumn & Winter months in The Steeple Halls, Kilbarchan between 7.30–10.00pm. You can come along and find out more about Honeybee husbandry and related topics, drop in to find out more at one of the remaining winter season meetings below.

Evening Programme 2017/18 9th January

Beekeeping DVD’s Peter Stromberg

13th February

Products of the Hive Christine Matthews

13th March

Microscopy Ian Craig & Peter Stromberg

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Christmas Waste

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society

We hope you’ve all had a great festive period so far and that Santa was good to you! But now the presents are all opened, there will be a small mountain of wrapping to dispose of.

Wednesday 17th January at 7.30pm

Your local recycling centres are all open over the holidays so you can do your bit to help the environment: Recycle your Christmas cards in your blue recycling bin or in the paper bank at your nearest bring site or recycling site.

The January Winter Lecture will be held in the Community Centre, Kilmacolm where our guest speaker is Sharon Gemmell from Parklea - Branching Out. Parklea is a registered charity as a therapeutic horticultural centre with training at the nurseries. They are a top quality nursery - on our doorstep Please come along and hear more about the people and organisation of Parklea. Refreshments. Everyone welcome.

Real Christmas trees should be taken to your nearest recycling site and put in the green waste skips. Please ensure that all decorations are removed before putting your tree in the skip.

Christmas cards are recycled back into cardboard products e.g.

Packaging materials, cat litter.

Please ensure that cards with foil or glitter are not placed in the recycling bin as this type of material causes contamination.

Reduce your Christmas waste by buying cards made from recycled card and reusing good quality wrapping paper.

You can re-use old cards to make gift tags and new cards. Re-useable artificial trees should be donated to charity shops.

Renfrewshire Recycling Centres There are five recycling centres for the Renfrewshire area: • Erskine: Barrhill Road PA8 6BU Open 8am to 4.45pm (winter hours) • Johnstone: Miller Street PA5 8HP Open 8am to 4.45pm (winter hrs) • Linwood: Middleton Road PA3 3DP Open 8am to 4.45pm (winter hrs) • Paisley: Underwood Road PA3 1TL Open 8am to 8pm all year.

• Renfrew: Haining Road PA4 0AJ Open 8am to 7.45pm Mon to Thurs and Sat to Sun, and 9am to 6.45pm Fri.

Inverclyde Recycling Centres There are two Recycling Centres in Inverclyde where bulky materials and garden waste can be recycled: • Greenock: Pottery Street PA15 2UH Open 8am to 6pm (winter hrs) • Gourock: Kirn Drive PA19 1YT Open 8am to 6pm (winter hrs) [no vans or trailers] Last entry is 10 minutes prior to closing time.

All centres will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Sunday 7th Winter Walk 1-3pm Blow off last year’s cobwebs with an invigorating Ranger led walk through the forest. Warm clothes and suitable footwear required.

Sunday 14th Winter Woodland Art 1-3pm Join our Rangers and gather woodland materials to make your artistic creation.

Sunday 21st Winter Scavenger Hunt 1-3pm How many winter signs can you find? Wrap up warm and join our Ranger’s to find winter treasures on fun filled Winter Scavenger Hunt.

Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch 1-3pm We have joined forces with RSPB Lochwinnoch help with the Big Garden Birdwatch. This is a national wide bird survey to help to identify which species of birds are doing well in numbers, those that aren’t and how we can help them.

Walk with our Ranger Team to the hotspots to identify and count the bird species that live here on the estate. You can also collect the RSPB identification charts from Visitor Centre throughout the day for a self-led walk.

“The Big Garden Birdwatch is a brilliant citizen science project, and has given the RSPB loads of data about our garden birds for the last 39 years.

Over half a million-people counted the birds in their garden or local green space last year and in 2018 we’re hoping for even more! Going along to an organised event can give you the knowledge and confidence to identify the birds you might see before you go home, put your feet up and count your own garden birds! For your free Big Garden Birdwatch pack, which includes a bird identification chart, plus RSPB shop voucher and advice to help you attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 70030 or visit rspb. org.uk/birdwatch.” Hannah Sharratt, Warden, RSPB Lochwinnoch

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january 2018

Lochwinnoch Community Garden On Sunday 26th November a few of us did a bit more clearing up of rubbish and leaves.

We tidied up the containers at the library too.

The payback team have been hard at work clearing more of the weeds etc. In addition, the Lochwinnoch school ‘Green team’ spent a morning with L i z Parsons helping to construct some paths round the pond.

The poly tunnel is on course to be replaced. The damage to the wooden structures is not as bad as we thought so we hope it will be up and running for the new year to start planting.

A big thank you to all who have helped either at the garden or in the planting of the many containers we now have in and round the village. We plan to have a whole day on a Saturday to work in the garden we will let everyone know when it is in the new year, here’s to good weather for us all in 2018!

Top Community Cycle Award for CMRP Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and partners Ride 63 Community Cycling Club, have been awarded the GOLD level Cycle Friendly Community Award by Cycling Scotland. The Award recognises the wide range of cycling that goes on in the local community and how Clyde Muirshiel has encouraged and developed this.

In order to meet the conditions for the Award at Gold level, the Park has over the past few years undertaken a wide range of cycling related activities. These have included training new cycle ride leaders, acquiring a wide range of adapted bikes, delivering adapted bike sessions to local special schools and completing studies on active travel enhancements as well as investigating the potential for more off road bike routes.

The photograph shows Kath Brough, Behaviour Change Manager at Cycling Scotland and Tom Arthur MSP for Renfrewshire South at Clyde Muirshiel’s Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochwinnoch presenting The AWARD to David Hill, Senior Instructor at Clyde Regional Park and Claire Devlin Secretary of Ride 63.

Langbank Camera Club The 2017/18 season got off to a great start with the addition of many new members. This increase in numbers, and the fact that most of them are new to photography as a hobby, has necessitated additional club nights for tutorials, demonstrations and workshops. We still have lots more topics to discuss from the basics to more advanced techniques.

So, if you are interested in photography and weren’t sure about joining a camera club, now would be a good time as you would not be alone in this learning process, especially if you have received a new camera over Christmas. We are a small and friendly club with the aim of promoting photography to the wider community.

During November we discussed how to take sunsets.

The sunset examples shown were taken by D. McPherson, J. Davies and P. O’Brien. We also introduced basic photo editing techniques, managing digital photographs on your PC and how to find them quickly without the need of specialised software.

The festive season is now past but the club would like to wish all readers of the Gryffe Advertizer all the very best for 2018.

The main meeting will be held as usual on the second Monday of the month, 8th January 2018 at 7:30pm. The print competition topic for January 8th is “Environmental Trash”. The PDI meeting will be held on the fourth Monday of the month, 22nd January at 7:30pm. The topic for PDI night is “Forms in Nature”.

Membership is only £10 for the first year. To find out more about Langbank Camera Club please contact Derrick McPherson at langbankcc1@ gmail.com.

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Welcome to Scotland’s largest Regional Park

CMRP update

CMRP closes 31st Dec at 2pm, reopening at 12 noon on Tuesday 2nd January

Happy New Year! It’s sale season!

Come on down for discounts on a wide range of gifts, toys, tasty treats and homewares.

Got a new bike for Christmas? Enter Pedal the Park, a 100Km sportive in support of CLIC Sargent in Scotland. Find out how to enter here: www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/ details/167229/Pedal-The-Park- Or why not join the Ride 63 Community Cycle Club? See their facebook page for info or contact club secretary: ridesixtythree@gmail.com Fancy taking up a new hobby this new year?

Beith Camera Club meets monthly through the winter, with images on display in our Visitor Center Cafe. More info here www. beithcameraclub.org.uk

What’s On...

Sat 6 Jan - Swan Chat Let’s talk swans! Get to grips with these elegant birds. Drop in, no need to book.

Where: Castle Semple Visitor Centre When: 1 - 2pm More info: tel 01505 842 882 Sun 7 Jan - There and Back Again – a Ranger’s Walk Start the year in the way you mean to go on!

Get outside with our Rangers for a guided 12km walk around the Greenock Cut. WHERE: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre WHEN: 10am - 12.30pm COST: FREE MORE INFO:Book your place online or tel 01475 521 458 for info.

Tag-n-Track Project

We are delighted to report that all of our gulls have left Scotland! PC Bobby left the Republic of Ireland on the 23rd of November. He surprised us by taking a different route into Spain from the rest of the gulls.

He arrived in Portugal on the 2nd December at just before 1pm and he is currently north of Beja.

Jonathan LC. Gull departed on the10th of November he arrived in Wales on the 12th. He spent 16 days in Wales, going between Llangors Lake and Brechra Pool Nature Reserve. Jonathan arrived in Brittany on the 29th of November and is hanging around a port at Douarnenez.

We have some unfortunate news about Gully MacGullface.

We noticed unusual temperature activity from his satellite tag and it was confirmed that Gully was no longer moving around. We managed to get in contact with a Spanish birdwatcher called José Manuel through the Clyde Ringing Group and he recovered Gully’s tag with harness still attached.

Evidence suggests that Gully had been predated, most likely from a Marsh harrier. Sad news, however we still have all his data and hopefully we can reuse his tag and put it on another bird. Perhaps Gully MacGullface II? To keep up to date with the project and to find out more check out www. clydemuirshiel.co.uk/ things-to-do/widlife/tag-ntrack/teamgull/ or at www. facebook.com/TagnTrack/

Sat 13 Jan Beachwatch Work alongside our Rangers and the Marine Conservation Society to remove and record sea debris from Lunderston Bay. WHERE: Lunderston Bay WHEN: 11am - 3pm MORE INFO: tel 01475 521 458 Sat 20 & Sun 21 Jan RYA Powerboat Level 2 A comprehensive course to enable you to gain your powerboat licence.

WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre WHEN: 9am – 4pm both days COST: £150 MORE INFO: Look online and book ASAP Sat 20 & Sun 21 Jan Tag-n-Track Open Weekend Join us over the weekend to find out what the gulls have been up to, what else the project has been doing and how you can get involved.

WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre WHEN: 10am - 4pm MORE INFO: 01505 842 882

You can sponsor one of the gulls for £25 and in return you will receive an adoption certificate, factsheet, monthly email updates, your name on our website and a fluffy gull to call your own. Look for details on our website or email tnt@ clydemuirshiel.co.uk to find out more.

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

Volunteer with us!

Greenock Cut’s group meet 10.30am– 2.30pm every Saturday and Castle Semple on Thursdays 12.30 – 3.30pm

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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january 2018

Gryffe Camera Club

Diaporama

If you are interested in joining Gryffe Camera Club, or in just popping along to one of our Speakers nights, we meet every Wednesday Night at The Carrick Centre, Houston between 7.30pm and 10.00pm. Our speakers in January are Andy Stark with a ‘Hike to Mont Blanc’ on 10th, and Robert Quig on 17th with an intriguing lecture called ‘Wild West’.

We held our ‘Christmas Extravaganza’ on the 11th of December. Our Christmas party night is a night when we all become creative to produce shows with a Christmas theme. Some were very funny, some serious and some more reminiscent of Christmas past.

We’ve had a packed four weeks since the last issue. Firstly, one of our own members - Hugh Kerr – who is a keen kayaker, gave us a very interesting evening on his sailing/rowing travels up the West Coast of Scotland over the years. In addition to Gryffe CC members, there were also several of Hugh’s sailing club friends and volunteers from SUSTRANS in the audience.

Hugh’s show was a take on Dickens’ ‘Christmas Carol’. He made an excellent very curmudgeonly McScrooge while Clair played her many roles: charity worker, ghost and urchin with aplomb.

The first GDPU league fixture of the season was against Motherwell Camera Club, and was judged by Findlay Rankin. Despite his fearsome reputation he proved to be an excellent judge and gave an insightful critique of the prints presented to him. Luckily, neither team entered a ‘Bird on a Stick’ type photo, as he informed us on the night that he is not a fan of that genre of photography.

Val’s shows were both takes on popular Christmas songs and were very funny.

Her images were acquired from many sources including the internet.

Our annual competition against Hub Singer this year was judged by Charles Summers from Edinburgh Camera Club. A friendly rivalry has developed over the years, and both clubs look forward to the evening, and also to winning the bragging rights for the next twelve months.

Charles contributed to the excellent evening with his helpful comments on the prints, and the consensus was that everyone learned something from the evening. Unfortunately, this year, Gryffe came second.

Ronnie’s show was called ‘I Wish it Could be Christmas Every Year’ and was a record of his family’s escapades over the years with some very interesting images.

Internal League Competition 3a was judged by the Club members, the winners being:

Fiona set her show to an earworm of a novelty Christmas song called ‘I’m Gettin Nuttin for Christmas’ which was accompanied by some funny photo shopped images. Her second show was ‘Christmas Markets’ and had images from the Edinburgh and Glasgow Christmas markets and

fairground attractions.

We had a very enjoyable tea break with lots of Christmas nibbles and finished the evening with our Christmas Quiz, courtesy of Hugh, which was as competitive as usual.

Our next meeting on the 8th of January, in the Carrick Hall in Houston, will be: ‘David and Ronnie’s Surprise Package’ and as usual guests will be very welcome.

A Prints

Mono Prints

1st place - Matt Johnson

1st place - Andy Stark

2nd place - Pat Allan

= 2nd place - Matt Johnson

3rd place - Pat Allan

= 2nd place - Matt Johnson

Digital A

Digital B

1st place - Bill Crookston

1st place - Chris Arthur

2nd place - John McConnelogue

2nd place - Chris Kyle

3rd place - Malcolm Martin

3rd place - Rhona Miller

Take a look back

www.advertizer.co.uk/blog

Competition 3 is unique in the Gryffe syllabus in that the entries are judged twice - internally by the members, then by an external judge who will visit us in January to give us his verdict. It is always interesting to compare ours and the judge’s opinions.

Finally, one of our members - Andy Stark- has an exhibition of his work at The Bridge until 14th January. If you call in on a Wednesday you can meet him in person.

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Kilmacolm Camera Club

PCPC

Last month we held our first internal league competition of the season.

The subject was an “Open” category, judged expertly by Ross Eaglesham, of Eastwood Photographic Society.

Summer Assignment Competition

In the Prints section, Douglas continued on his winning ways, with first, second and third place. His first placed print was “Harris Hills ICM,” second was “Glasgow Cathedral Bell” and third was “West Winds at Luskentyre.” Billy Blair had a Highly Commended, with “False Chanterelle,” along with Bill Ham, with “Ferry Walkway at Wemyss Bay Station.” Also Commended were Billy Blair, with “Nuthatch” and David Addison, with Seven Glasses.

In the Digital Image section, Jane Robertson came first, with “Chipmunk in Myra Canyon.” David Walker took second, third and a Highly Commended, with “Dahlia Detail,” “Glenashdale Woods” and “Backlit Tulips,” respectively. Also Highly Commended was Janice Stevenson’s “Gruinard Bay.” David also had a Commended, with “Festival Glee.”

A selection of the winning images are shown here.

The following Tuesday, David Walker was the “turn” (at least he was cheap!). For the first half of the evening, he showed us his techniques for photographing flowers, buildings, outdoor performers, pets, Skye and landscapes (taken, in some instances, through a car window at 50 mph!). In the second half, he continued his Glasgow Doors Open wanderings, with “Hidden Treasures – Part 3.”

Come along and see what makes a winning image (bring along some of yours!). You’ll be very welcome.

Club members were treated to an enjoyable evening’s judging at the McMaster Centre in Renfrew recently.

The club’s annual Summer Assignment Competition was judged by Gordon Baird of Kirkintilloch Camera Club and he gave a very thorough and generous critique to each of the 88 images entered. Gordon was encouraging and constructive and also added much humour to his commentary.

He took care to ensure that each entry satisfied the requirements of each of the seven themes for the competition - Back Alley(s), Graceful, Cloudscape(s), Cutlery, Green, Candid and High Key. Entry, open to all members, consisted of up to four images, one from any four of the seven themes and each image scored out of twenty.

In the opening section “Back Alley(s)”, Graeme Dewar’s beautifully composed image entitled “The Alley” was the top image. The top “Graceful” image was seascape “Graceful Waters” by Kim Phillips. In the popular section “Cloudscape(s)”, “Jura Cloudscape” by Duncan McEwan received twenty points and was top image whilst in the section “Cutlery”, Kim Phillips was again top for her excellent image “Forks with Marble”. Gordon’s choice of winning image in another popular section “Green” was by Richard Bennett for his outstanding natural history shot entitled “Otter with Green Crab”.

Norma McDowell’s well observed monochrome image “Sneak Peak” was judged as best “Candid” image and finally in the section “High Key”, Andy Kerr’s superb still life image “Potable Water” was the top image.

Venue: Kilmacolm New Community Centre, Room 1.01; Tuesday evening, time 7.30 (October to March)

This year the overall winner of the Summer Assignment Competition was Kim Phillips. Her impressive winning set of four images is completed by “Cloudscape” and “Green on Blue”.

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

Website: clikpic.com/kilcamclub/

Club meetings continue on Thursday evenings throughout the winter and spring with a variety of lectures and competitions. Visitors are always welcome. For more details please visit: www. paisleycolour.co.uk

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january 2018

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The Bells…. The Bells….

Many of us are probably wondering where 2017 went.

For Brighter Bridge of Weir, last January began quietly enough and 2018 will no doubt be the same. Then, gradually, the pace will pick up and suddenly, almost before the Group knows it, it’s spring and things are getting frantic. But let’s make the most of the start of this new year and allow the sounds of the Ne’erday bells to recede slowly.

Judging by the donations received, not to mention the encouraging letters, emails and comments on social media, as well as a citation in the Scottish Rural Awards, Brighter Bridge of Weir can consider 2017 to have been another success. We will strive to build on that in 2018, the eighth full year of the Group’s existence.

Our Group exists to benefit everyone who lives in, works in or visits Bridge of Weir, and we’re open to suggestions from all concerned with the village. And if you feel you could help us in some way, by spending an hour or two now and again lending a hand, please get in touch. You don’t have to have green fingers, just a desire to help make Bridge of Weir brighter. You can follow us on Facebook and the Advertizer, and you can visit our website, www.brighterbridgeofweir.org, where you’ll also find contact information.

But for now, with the sound of those bells ringing in our ears, we wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2018. photo:Brighter Bridge of Weir’s festive lighting in the Woodland Garden

Now that Christmas is over, it can seem like there are no more presents to open for another year, but there are plenty of gifts to be had from nature in January!

The shapes left by Jack Frost on plants and cobwebs can make the countryside look like it has been dusted with diamonds and a fresh snowfall can feel like a surprise just for you. Even just a dusting can reveal the prints of animals that have travelled through your garden. You might find the cloven hoof tracks of a deer or the pads of a fox or badger! You might find the tiny tracks of a bird, but are they from a blackbird hopping across your lawn, or a sparrow scurrying around?

If you are intrigued about what birds might be using your garden and want to try putting a name to Robin Redbreast or Jenny Wren, why not come along to a Birds for Beginners workshop? We are running one at RSPB Lochwinnoch on the 27th of January from 11am to 1.30pm.

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

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the advertizer Snowy views from Howwood by Susan Edge

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir Happy New Year to our customers, volunteers and employees. A big thank you for using the Post Office, Shop and Community Centre during 2017.

The use of the Community Centre continues to increase. Make it the place in the centre of the village to catch up with friends. The monthly Hear to Help Service is used by local residents and is very much appreciated as it can save a visit to the RAH. We are also pleased to advise that more people are using The Citizens Advice Bureau who provide a fortnightly bookable service.

Our weekly Bridge Class is very popular on Friday afternoons. Surgeries are held by several of our elected representatives. Films, shown on a fortnightly basis are well attended - please collect the new list of films for the first half of 2018.

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

The private room within The Bridge is available for rent on an hourly basis during opening hours. Please ask any of the volunteers who will arrange for the Trustee responsible for booking to make contact.

Senior Citizens Club

From the 15th January to 17th February we are pleased to host an art exhibition in aid of St Vincent’s Hospice. Please come along to support this local charity.

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Bridge of Weir SWI We enjoyed a festive supper at our December meeting.

Entertainment was provided by a talented group of young people, the New Port Theatre Group, from Port Glasgow. They sang a variety of Christmas songs, providing their own musical backing. This was their first public engagement, but the quality of their performance will ensure that they become more widely known. In September they are hoping to put on a production of Sister Act. The next meeting will be on 4th January at 7.15pm at the British Legion and is entitled “ It is Good to Talk”, led by Action on Hearing Loss Scotland. We will also hold a silent auction on behalf of this year’s charity, the Sandpiper Trust.

Bridge of Weir Lace Group

The Bridge also boasts an extensive selection of Greetings Cards, essential Stationery items, a drop in cafe, ever-changing exhibitions and sales of used books.

As we enter another year we must give a big ‘Thank You’ to our team of dedicated volunteers as without them The Bridge could not operate. Please make their day by popping in to view all The Bridge has to offer.

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

We meet at Cargill Hall every 2nd and 4th Wednesday 7 - 9.15pm.

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

Hogmanay at the Royal British Legion, Bridge of Weir

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Bridge of Weir Christmas Lights A big thank you to everyone who turned out for the Bridge of Weir Community Council’s Christmas Lights Switch on. Especially the Festival Queen Kaylynn Mc Kinnon who pulled the switch and her attendants Olivia Anderson and Darya Lavizani who led the countdown.

Massive thanks also to Bridge of Weir Primary School Choir who sung for us at the Carol Service in Freeland Church and entertained us afterwards in the British Legion “they were delightful”.

Thanks to all the volunteers, without whom the event would not have taken place.

Finally special thanks to Santa - he came all the way from Lapland. Despite not having Rudolph and the reindeers he improvised by borrowing a fire engine for the trip!

Join us for our Hogmanay in the Club to bring in 2018 to the wonderful sounds of Pete West Sunday 31st December from 9pm. Tickets £10. Visitors welcome - tickets at the bar.

If you’re having a Function or Special Occasion in 2018 our excellent facilities are available to hire call us on 01505 613530.

Your Ward 11 Councillors ... for Bishopton, Langbank & Bridge of Weir

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january 2018 bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Bridge of Weir Community Council PLANNING: The December Community Council meeting heard that the Appeals lodged with the Scottish Government against Renfrewshire Council’s refusal to grant planning permission for the proposed Housing and Supermarket Developments at Kilmacolm Road and Whitelintgate were dismissed by the Reporters. In welcoming the decision the Chairman recognised the work undertaken by the Community Council led by Planning Convener Tom Fulton in campaigning to reach this verdict. A significant result for the Village.

A planning application for twelve dwelling houses at Lawmarnock Road on the site at Old Ranfurly Golf Course, has been lodged with Renfrewshire Council by Cala Homes. A revised planning application has been submitted for the Bull’s Garage site. The main changes to the original application are on the access and layout of the development.

CRIME: The Police reported four crimes in the previous month one of which had been detected. The Police were asked to keep a watchful eye on Joe’s Brae (Locher Road) as wine bottles and a drug pack had been discovered during a recent clean up.

Let's hear from our Councillors Natalie Don reports: I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. I hope you had a lovely time during the holidays and are now managing to adjust back to normality.

I certainly had a lovely time in the lead up to Christmas, attending various Christmas Light switch-ons and other festive events. I was especially happy to attend a showing of the Bishopton Primary School Nativity, the children were fantastic and it really gave me the festive cheer.

ROADS: The most common issues I have been dealing with across Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank have included blocked gullies, damaged roads, and leaves on pavements. I have raised several areas of concern including Kilbarchan Road and Bridge of Weir Road and do hope that by the time you are reading this, repairs have been carried out.

Further to previous updates regarding the roadworks at Deafhillock Roundabout, I can now confirm that further improvement works for the A737 east-bound on-ramp lane which were due to take place in January, have been pushed back to Spring 2018, following discussions with the developer. I have also been assured that when these works do take place, they will not be to the same scale or cause as much disruption as the previous works. I can also confirm that resurfacing works are now scheduled for the A761 (main road leaving Bridge of Weir) in January. I understand that further road works will not be welcomed by everyone however this should only last a matter of days and will make a huge difference. I have had many complaints about this road which is in a shocking state at sections and once it is complete, it will hopefully give everyone a much smoother and safer drive. For any more information on this, please get in touch.

I am still awaiting timescales for the review of the current layout of the Livery Walk Car Park. I will continue to keep residents informed of the progress of this and any further updates regarding a long term solution to the parking problem. In Bishopton, a site visit was carried out to the traffic lights at Greenock Road/ Ferry Road after a series of complaints regarding long wait times. It has been requested that additional sensors including a stop line loop and a vehicle detector are to be added to Ferry Road.

The accusation of fraudulent use of Council Housing at Moss Road has been investigated by council officers and concluded to be unfounded.

ROADS: Renfrewshire Councillors reported to the meeting that the Johnstone Road resurfacing will not start till April/May 18. However, they will continue to pursue repairs to potholes along this route. Councillors are to attend a meeting with Officials to discuss the issues at Deafhillock round-a-bout.

Investigations into the overcrowded village car park continue, but no solution has yet been found. St Andrew’s Drive has been resurfaced and already a utility company has dug it up.

Poor Lighting at the Lanes at Southview Crescent and Woodside Avenue are a concern. Renfrewshire Council are looking at possible solutions. Adoption of Clevans Road footpath funding is being sought.

PARKS: The Fund Raising and Project Convener informed the meeting that eight items of exercise equipment will be installed in Ranfurly Park.

Community Council was delighted to see repairs to the decorative wall on Livery Walk were complete in time for the Christmas Lights switch on. The stone wall in Mimosa Road has also been repaired.

EVENTS: The likely date for the Craft Fair will be in the month of March.

The next meeting of the Community Council will be on Tuesday the 6th of February at 7pm in the Cargill Hall. The Community Council wishes all residents a happy and prosperous New Year.

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

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

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

PROJECTS: I was pleased to visit LEAP at their office in Bridge of Weir to learn more about the range of different projects they are working on including youth programmes, education and the car club. Leap offer free energy advice to residents and local businesses and I would encourage anyone who would like to find out more about how they could save energy, money and help our local environment to get in touch with them. I also recently had the pleasure of attending a coffee morning run by Bravehound, a charity based in Erskine Home, Bishopton, who train and provide companion dogs to support veterans. It was fantastic to spend a couple of hours with several award winning, beautiful and well behaved dogs and it was really excellent to meet the people behind this fantastic charity.

d your Please ad hall y communit r list u o o t s il deta o info@ - email t .co.uk r advertize

New Year, New You! Whatever has been bothering you, whether it’s hair where it shouldn’t be or an old tattoo that makes you cringe, or maybe it’s broken veins or acne, Laserlight has a solution for you.

Our IPL and Laser treatments are effective on all skin tones and if you’ve been keen to try it then with the January offer of 40% off there’s never going to be a better time.

Call now to book this fantastic offer!

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bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Bridge of Weir TARA The latest meeting of Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents Association was well attended. Our thanks go to Cllrs. Natalie Don and James MacLaren, Police Officers Eilidh O’Hanlon and Steven Reid, Housing Officer Barry Scott, and Community Wardens David Robertson and David Sloan for their attendance.

The police report showed a total of six crimes committed around the village over the past month. The biggest crime was an attempted murder by discharge of a firearm and two people have been arrested in connection with this shooting. Other crimes included one fraud from a bank account, one attempted housebreaking, and a failure to report a road traffic collision.

There were also two outdoor thefts with one trolley jack and digger stolen, and one trailer stolen from outside the local Scout hut. The trailer stolen contained customised barbeque equipment that the Scouts use on Bridge of Weir Gala Day, and they appeal for anyone with information to pass it on to the police.

TARA and Cllrs Maria Brown and James MacLaren had a site visit in February with representatives of Renfrewshire Council as regards the lighting at the Bedends footpath between Southview Crescent and Houston Road. The new LED lighting had created a large blackspot in the lighting coverage of the footpath, and the Council said a further lamppost would be installed. With no new lamppost in situ as we now move into winter, TARA contacted Cllr Natalie Don to see if she could get an update. It appears that the Council’s lighting contractor had gone into administration and they have only recently appointed another one. We are assured that the lighting will still be upgraded along the footpath.

TARA continue to work with the Council’s Community Resources department in connection with Houston Road park, and a flood control officer will be surveying the park in the near future, as flooding despite last year’s new drainage works, continues to be a problem.

Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents Association’s next meeting will be on Tuesday 23rd January 2018 in the Pirie Centre, Freeland Church at 7.30pm.

Bridge of Weir TARA would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

kilmacolm & quarriers

kilmacolm & quarriers

Let's hear from our Councillors David Wilson reports: The CO-OP has applied to the licensing board for an extension to their alcohol sales space for a Champagne Cabinet! Only in Kilmacolm.

KNCC, the New Surgery and the Community Council have contributed to a defibrillator which will be sited on the wall of the Surgery. The School intends placing their two on outside walls and with Birkmyre Gym this gives 4. The Cargill has proved to be a resounding success, with 5 times the village population crossing its door in a year. On some days there is no spare capacity and other halls in the village still have customers.

The Environment and Regeneration Committee on 26th October unanimously agreed to cease parking discs in Kilmacolm. This followed a public hearing on 31st August to hear the arguments of the one objector. At full Council on 30th November the cessation was again unanimously agreed. There needs to be a further 6 weeks, in case of a legal challenge, before discs go. This will be towards the end of January. I thank my colleague Councillor McCabe for his support in this matter. I would point out that the 2 hour limit will remain in force. The village traders did not want the disc system. 47% of all tickets were for disc offences, often visitors.

A distinctive purse was found at the Bonfire with a small sum of money inside.

Please contact me by email if you know the owner.

I attended the Mactaggart and Mickel exhibition with regard to housing in Kilmacolm and had a short briefing by Quarriers on a potential development

the advertizer bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Langbank SWI

In January we will host a Scottish Quiz, with guests from other SWI groups.

In February, we will delve into our family history with Margaret White, our own village expert on investigating a family tree, who knows how many of us have skeletons in the closet?

In March we welcome the local charity Branching Out, from Parklea, and will get gardening and plant advice from our local garden centre.

A packed and varied syllabus, and any new members will be made most welcome.

We meet in Langbank Village Centre on the third Thursday of the month at 7.30pm.

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

The Clydebank Citadel Band .... Returns by popular demand St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Sunday 28th January 2018 at 3pm £5 including refreshments Varied programme Featuring some Scottish pieces for Burns Season Tickets available at church or from Morven 612286

in the village which they may go out to consultation on. An application has been received for 64 houses and flats at Balrossie. Not sure where this one will go but I can recommend the illuminated glass panels of yachts in the hall at the Cargill, rescued from Balrossie. South Branchal road is to have significant carriageway resurfacing.

Chris Curley reports: I was pleased to be able to attend Port Glasgow High School’s performance of festive songs at the lunchtime café in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

This kick started the festive season for me and was soon followed by the Inverclyde Schools’ Concert - well done to all involved. I was honoured to provide the welcome at the switching on of the Quarriers Village and Kilmacolm Christmas lights. At Kilmacolm, the great singing by Kilmacolm Primary School pupils enabled Santa to find his way to the village and switch on the lights (with only one trial run).

Congratulations to the S3 pupils of St Stephen’s High School who, through the Youth Philanthropy Initiative, secured a £3000 donation from The Wood Foundation to Jericho House, an abstinence-based recovery project for adults with a history of drug dependency.

The Scottish Government have now published their draft budget, taking account of the limited funds released by the UK Government through the Barnett Formula. Formal consultation of the Inverclyde budget will begin in January and further information of the possible savings will be provided in the “your council, your say” section of the Inverclyde Council website. I would encourage everyone to take part in the consultation.

Your Ward 1 Councillors ... for Inverclye East (includes Kilmacolm& Quarriers)

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january 2018

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Help Save Kilmacolm Meadow House builder and Developer Mactaggart & Mickel have submitted a ‘Proposal of Application Notice’ to Inverclyde Council, to build 75 houses on Greenbelt land ‘West of Quarry Drive’ - the beautiful area between Port Glasgow Road, Wateryetts Drive, Springwood Drive, Quarry Drive and the Cemetery Road, known as ‘Kilmacolm Meadow'.

This is the 3rd time Mactaggart & Mickel have tried to build on this Greenbelt land, with previous failed applications in 2004 and 2014. But they won't give up trying!

This area is of HIGH importance to our community. It is used by a large number of dog walkers EVERYDAY. People even drive here to walk their dogs! It is a social meeting place, and is part of the fabric of our community.

Children also enjoy playing safely in the Meadow, away from traffic.

Kilmacolm Residents Association have been trying to protect Kilmacolm Meadow since we discovered in May 2017 that it was under threat, yet again!

Unfortunately Mactaggart & Mickel's own Public Consultation period has now finished, as they only gave a 4 week time period for this. But you can still view Mactaggart & Mickel’s proposal for their 75 houses at their own website here: www.macmicgroup.co.uk/kilmacolm If you would like to support us volunteers in the long hard struggle to protect our beautiful countryside & wildlife, send us an email to join our emailing list here: KilmacolmResidentsAssociation@gmail.com There will be another round of Consultations from Inverclyde Council, once Mactaggart & Mickel submit a Formal planning application. We will all have to object then once again. That will be the THIRD round of Consultations. No wonder people get confused or give up!

Concert by Westerton Male Voice Saturday 20th January 2018 Kilmacolm & Quarriers Christian Aid committee are holding a Concert to be given by the Westerton Male Voice Choir, on Saturday 20th January 2018, in Kilmacolm Old Kirk, at 7pm - 9.30pm. Tickets costing £10 include refreshments in the interval. Westerton Male Voice are celebrating 60 years of singing, the full choir of forty five male singers are promising an evening of high class entertainment. Please support us, tickets available from Jill Russell on 01505 872393, or committee members at each church in Kilmacolm and Quarriers. kilmacolm & quarriers

Curry & Quiz Night Saturday 3rd March 2018 The Annual Kilmacolm Scout Curry and Quiz Night will be on Saturday 3rd March 2018. Tickets are £10 which includes your curry. There will be a bar on the night selling beer, wine, spirits, prosecco and soft drinks. There will be great food, quizzing, music and maybe even some dancing! So get a team together - max 8 people per team - or better still 2 teams and order your tickets from Maureen on 01505 872094 or any of the scout leaders.

We always appreciate the support. Money raised goes to help support our local scouts activities.

kilmacolm & quarriers

Kilmacolm Meadow is extremely rich in wildlife with deer, buzzards, kestrels, owls, bats and many other creatures. Over 150 wild flowers and grasses grow here, including butterfly orchid, knapweed, scabious, yellow rattle, bird’s-foot-trefoil - all of which provide essential nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies.

kilmacolm & quarriers

We also plan to organise a rather fun and exciting community 'Music Event' in Kilmacolm, late January/early February 2018, so be sure to keep your eyes & ears peeled for this. Why should campaigning to protect our countryside be boring? Let's give it a bit of Rock n Roll!

Find more information at our website here; www.kilmacolm.info

Kilmacolm Residents Association

ils Any deta sed? we've mis m to email the izer. rt info@adve co.uk

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the advertizer

Volunteers needed If you have a spare couple of hours a week and would like the opportunity to support a local cause, Ardgowan Hospice are in desperate need for volunteers within their retail shops.

We have vacancies from sales assistant to clerical support, no experience is necessary as full training is provided.

kilmacolm & quarriers

For more information contact Linda Kelly, Retail Development Manager, linda. kelly@ardhosp.co.uk or 07919216353

kilmacolm & quarriers

kilmacolm & quarriers

Cycling Without Age visited Campbell Snowdon Care Home in Quarriers Village on Tuesday 5th December to showcase their project and help Campbell Snowdon launch a fundraising campaign to bring a trishaw to Quarriers Village. CWA has captured the imagination of people across Scotland following the phenomenal internet success of Fraser Johnston who spearheaded the project in Falkirk. If you want to see the trishaws in action and support their fantastic initiative then join our crowdfunding at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/growingcycling-without-age.

At the November 2017 meeting of the Kilmacolm Community Council the Police reported that six crimes were recorded in the Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village in November. The November report by the Community Wardens highlighted again that Birkmyre Park after dark attracts most of the relatively few incidents of anti-social behaviour in Kilmacolm.

Cycling without Age

Christine Bell from Cycling without Age Scotland is piloting the Tri-shaw with Councillor Wilson and Mary who is a resident in the Campbell Snowdon Care Home.

kilmacolm & quarriers

Kilmacolm Community Council

A representative from Community Track made a well received presentation of the work they undertake promoting healthy outdoor activities for the community which are aimed at reducing carbon emissions in Inverclyde. They focus on removing the barriers to cycling and travelling on foot. Details of their good work and volunteering opportunities are available on their website at http:// communitytracks.net.

At the meeting the planning applications ‘validated’ since their last formal meeting were considered. The applications that related to the conversion of Balrossie House existing buildings into residential units and the construction of forty nine new build houses evoked a strong reaction from those in attendance at the meeting who expressed concern at the way the proposals had been communicated, the size and nature of the proposed housing development and its impact on traffic in the area and in Kilmacolm centre. After discussion it was agreed to object to the applications and to seek more information on the proposals preferably in the form of an open consultative meeting.

A Kilmacolm resident who wishes to remain anonymous has generously asked to share in the cost of providing the community access defibrillator which is to be located on the Library wall at the Kilmacolm Cargill Centre.

kilmacolm & quarriers

Guide Hut to hire

A great venue with easy access near to the village centre. Newly refurbished main hall, with additional kitchen facilities and outdoor area. Perfect for children’s parties, weekly classes and one off special occasions.

Anyone wanting to hire the Guide Hut please contact Roz on 07584 359007.

kilmacolm & quarriers

Kilmacolm Surgeries Every 4th Monday PC Jamieson, the local neighbourhood officer, will hold a surgery in the Community Centre between 10.30 - 11.30am. Please pop in and see him if you want to share any concerns or need advice.

The plans for the restoration work and replanting of the ‘water fountain’ garden at the Kilmacolm Cross - part of the village centre improvement project - had been finalised and the work is out to tender.

The Kilmacolm Horticulture Society will continue to tend the garden.

Improvements to the steps and paths in the Old Kirk graveyard are to be undertaken as part of the main village improvement project.

A separate ‘community spend’ budget of £70,000 is available for community inspired village centre improvements and added facilities for Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village The Kilmacolm Community Council is actively seeking suggestions from village groups and residents for improvements or additional facilities that will enhance village life in Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village.

The public consultation to examine savings proposals for Inverclyde Council is to start in the new year. Kilmacolm Community Council will take an active role in the consultation process.

What’s on January Thu 4th January – Outlook – New Year Quiz – Music with Eileen, Rhymes or Reason. 2pm – 4pm in the Kidston Hall Thu 11th January – Sòlas Bereavement Group, 2pm – 4pm in Kidston Hall.

Thu 18th January – Outlook – Aids to Hearing/Sight/Touch.

Advice and talk by Inverclyde Sensory Impairment Team. 2pm – 4pm in the Kidston Hall Sat 20th January – Christian Aid Concert in the Kilmacolm Old Kirk.

Sun 21st January – United Service with Kilmacolm Old Kirk, St Columba’s and St Fillan’s for week of Prayer for Christian Unity, with celebration of Sacrament of Holy Communion in St Fillan’s Church kilmacolm & quarriers

Brunch and Browse, St Fillans Church Please note that there will be NO Brunch and Browse in January 2018. We shall be open again on Saturday 10th February and look forward to seeing everyone then.

The Kilmacolm Community Council wish the residents of Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village a very Happy New Year.

Visit www.kilmacolmcc.co.uk to view meeting agenda, minutes and news. Contact secretary@kilmacolmcc.co.uk with suggested village improvements or added facilities.

kilmacolm & quarriers

Golf Club 125 Book Kilmacolm Golf Club is delighted to announce the publication of a book marking the 125th Anniversary year. The book covers the history of the Club from its foundation in 1891 to the present day.

Copies are available, at a cost of £10.00 each, from David Muir, the General Manager at Kilmacolm Golf Club, Porterfield Road, Kilmacolm PA13 4PD. Tel: 01505 872139.

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Old Kirk, Kilmacolm

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january 2018 kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Kilbarchan Old Library Centre A Happy New Year from the Old Library Centre.

Do you know the Old Library Centre is a charity run by volunteers? It is for the benefit for the people of Kilbarchan and offers many facilities to the village.

These include Fitness classes; Yoga, Pilates and FABS (for over 60’s), Bridge Club, Book Group, Craft Group, “First Love Music” for babies and toddlers, Computer hire and printing, Photocopying, Drop-in centre, Room hire (please see website www.kipcokil.com for details).

So have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? Why not resolve to make more use of this village facility – get fit or start a new hobby and at the same time help contribute to you local village facility.

For details on how to become a supporter, volunteer or attend any of our classes please contact the Old Library Centre on 01505 706070 or email kipcokil@hotmail.com kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Kilbarchan FABS Class It may be winter outside but in our hearts it’s spring! These are the lovely ladies who braved the storm ‘Sweet Caroline’ in December to come to the FABS class in Kilbarchan. Happy and Healthy New Year to all.

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Dementia Friendly Village Steering Group At our November meeting there were 14 in attendance. Main points from the meeting: There were 63 replies to the survey with 50% made up of careers from in or around the village. The findings will provide some guidance on how the steering group can move forward to help address some of the issues of dementia in the village Iain Houston has been working in Lochwinnoch Primary School on dementia training. He has had three sessions of 2 hours each with Primaries 6 and 7 and put across 5 key messages about dementia. The children have responded very well. The local secondary schools are to be approached next.

Willie Graham reported that he is hoping to arrange a meeting with the three churches probably on a Saturday morning.

Troon and Prestwick have been sharing their ideas re their approach to becoming a dementia friendly town. Iain showed us a film about making Prestwick Airport dementia friendly.

A second film was viewed, this time a short 3 minute one made by Alzheimer Scotland. It shows a day in the life of a person with dementia, seen from their viewpoint. It shows very negative reactions to their behaviour and then the same situations with really positive supportive responses to their needs. It was very moving and it was felt that it should be shared as much as possible.

Julie Gahagan would like offer a service which will mentally stimulate through the use of crafts, reminiscence boxes using scents and old photos.

Also music and singing has proved very successful. It was suggested that perhaps we could form a group in the village for those with dementia and their careers.

Next meeting set for Wednesday January 10th, 8pm at the Calder United Free Church Hall.

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Would you know what to do in an Emergency?

New Dates for 2018!! ♥ Every week in Scotland, 70 people suffer cardiac arrest. ♥ More than 3500 people per year in Scotland are treated by the Ambulance Service following a cardiac arrest. ♥ Only one in 20 people will survive. ♥ Without resuscitation, cardiac arrest is always fatal ♥ But, performing CPR could double that person’s chance of survival

Kilbarchan Messy Church

kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie

There are many ways you can support the Old Library Centre. You can attend one of our classes; you can volunteer; you can use our facilities. Many people in the village are “Supporters” by making a financial contribution £10 per year or £5 for seniors which contributes greatly to the finances of the centre.

We’re back on Saturday, 20th January from 4pm to 6pm. Our theme for the day will be the Creation and we will explore this through crafts, story and song. All young people will be made most welcome, just remember to bring an adult with you. At the end of the day we sit down to eat together and catch up with friends old and new.

Come and join us, you will be made most welcome.

Heartstart courses are free of charge and it only takes two hours to learn the skills which may someday save a life: ♥ Recovery position ♥ CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) ♥ Heart Attack ♥ Choking ♥ Serious bleeding To learn the simple skills that save lives, contact Morag Thow on 07868 752814 to book onto one of our courses: Wed 24th January 2018

7-9pm

Masonic Lodge Lochwinnoch

Tue 20th February

7-9pm

The Boarding House Howwood

Wed 28th March

7-9pm

Masonic Lodge Lochwinnoch

Tue 17th April

7-9pm

The Boarding House Howwood

Wed 23rd May

7-9pm

Masonic Lodge Lochwinnoch

Tue 19th June

7-9pm

The Boarding House Howwood

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kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Let's hear from our Councillors Andy Doig reports: As the frenetic activity of the festive period is over we now enter the New Year with an eye to the memories, for most a mixture of both good and bad, that we have left behind in 2017, and I wish all my constituents and their families a prosperous New Year for 2018.

PARKING: Renfrewshire Council introduced car parking charges in Johnstone town centre at their meeting in early November and this is due to come in to force in 2019. Now it may seem superficially that this is not a decision that will affect residents in Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch, and Howwood, but I am very concerned about the law of unintended consequences and how this anti business decision could lead to a lack of banking services for village residents. I will therefore work with other opposition Councillors to reverse this decision to impose car parking charges in Johnstone at the earliest opportunity.

PLANNING: Like many constituents I was overjoyed to hear that the group of five planning appeals that were in the hands of the Scottish reporter, including the controversial planning appeal for the Branscroft site, have all been rejected. This will be good news for village communities across Renfrewshire and in particular I would like to personally commend Mr Ken Ives and Mr Bruce McFee for their stout defence of the integrity of Kilbarchan at the Appeal Hearings earlier this year. One of my New Year resolutions is to pray that the Scottish reporters display the same common sense and reject the appeal currently out for the Johnshill site in Lochwinnoch.

Derek Bibby reports: A Happy New Year to everyone in Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch.

PLANNING: Excellent news to start the year comes with the decision to reject the appeal on the planning application at Branscroft Kilbarchan. It has taken a long time, but the right decision has been made, and the views of local people who were against this development have been respected. It is also reassuring that the adjacent application in Brookfield at Sandholes Road has similarly been rejected.

PARKING: A public meeting held before Christmas to discuss the Council’s decision to introduce parking charges in Johnstone, was attended by a hundred people who were unanimously opposed to the charges. The meeting was organised by Johnstone Community Council and the Business Consortium.

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Lochwinnoch SWI

A very Happy 2018 to all our members and friends.

The January meeting is on Wednesday 17th at 7.30pm in the McKillop Hall. Mrs Elizabeth Alexander is coming to speak on “The Renfrewshire Food Bank”. This will give us an insight on the workings of food banks for those less fortunate than many of us.

We look forward to welcoming members and visitors.

For further information contact Elma Richmond tel 843193 or email richmond32@tiscali.co.uk

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Lochwinnoch Spiritual Sanctuary

Meetings take place within Lochwinnoch Bowling Club, Calderhaugh Lane, Lochwinnoch PA12 4AL - entry off Main Street.

Services are held every two weeks - the next service will be 14th January 2018, medium TBA, on 28th January the guest medium is Alice Trevorrow. £3.00 entry which includes tea/ coffee. All welcome.

I have asked my colleagues on the relevant council board to raise the issue of the availability of taxis in Johnstone and the villages, that are able to accommodate wheelchairs and their users, particularly at the weekends. I know that this is a problem for some disabled residents and their carers.

The Council recently agreed to ensure that there was the necessary transport to ensure workers in pubs, clubs and restaurants who work late to the early hours were able to get home safely to our villages. This was a really positive move. I will seek similar action in regard to taxi availability for disabled residents.

CITY OF CULTURE 2021: Finally thanks to all those who contributed to Paisleys bid to become UK City of Culture 2021. Although the town missed out on the crown the raising of awareness in regard to Renfrewshire’s Cultural heritage has been invaluable. The traditional events and festivals in our villages continue to make a significant contribution, thanks to the energy, enthusiasm and creativity of volunteers and community activists, who will ensure that our culture and heritage will be protected and grow.

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

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

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

Your Ward 9 Councillors ... for Kilbarchan, Howwood, Lochwinnoch & Elderlsie

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january 2018 kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Elderslie Kirk Guild

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Fairtrade Stall Kilbarchan

Elderslie Kirk Guild will meet on Wednesday 10th January 2018 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall when Russell Crawford will be speaking on “Malawi Fruits”, and on Wednesday 24th January, when Frances Dunlop will entertain with Gaelic Waulking Songs”. All welcome. kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Bonjour from Vanda

Thanks from VANDA’S MOBILE HAIRDRESSING to all my clients who have supported me in my mobile hairdressing business over the past years.

Most of you will know I have left Scotland for the warmth of France.

I am finding my feet out here and life is very different.

Take care and thanks again, Vanda. kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

The Second Lochwinnoch Golf Club Tea Dance

The second free Tea Dance in support of Lochwinnoch Dementia Friendly Village was held on Friday 1st December. A great afternoon of dancing and singing was had by all. Music Box provided fantastic music for the dancers who were joined by the eight captains from Lochwinnoch Primary School.

The Small Fezzes had the crowd singing well! Santa made a visit to the dance too!

The next meeting of Kilbarchan Fairtrade Group takes place in the Ladies Room at the Steeple at 7.30pm on Tuesday 9th January 2018. The group would be very happy if folk who believe that producers abroad should have a fair price for their goods and labour would come along and share their enthusiasm and skills with the existing members. The meetings are fairly informal and do not normally last too long! kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Kilbarchan NWR

During the month of January, the group has 2 meetings. The first is a planning meeting for the session January-June and we shall also be reviewing the book “Miss Garnet’s Angel”

by Sally Vickers. Our second is in Houston at the invitation of the Houston Group to hear a talk by a lady who was an air stewardess and is now a driving instructor, so some amusing anecdotes! We would be delighted to welcome new members, please phone 703786 for more information or see the website: www.nwr.org.uk kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Lochwinnoch Art Group This Group is always glad to welcome new members. We are not a class, as such, but sharing knowledge and ideas from the group as a whole does result in an improvement in performance.

All abilities are urged to come along and give us a try. Hope to see you there....meetings take place on Mondays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in the Space Room in the McKillop Halls. For more information phone Lorna 01505 843048.

A huge thanks to Mr Cochrane who sponsored the dance, Janice and the team at the golf club, Ann Arnold’s Contact the Elderly team for providing transport. Also to councillors Andy Doig and Derek Bibby for supporting and joining in the fun!

There will be a third dance on Friday the 2nd of March 2018 more information nears the time!

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Kilbarchan Parish Church Services continue at 11am each Sunday throughout January, conducted by Rev. Stephen Smith. On Sunday 7th, an informal communion will follow the 11am service. The members of Kilbarchan Parish Church wish all a very happy and peaceful New Year.

We continue to support the Paisley Food Bank each Sunday .

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

ALL WELCOME TO ANY OF OUR SERVICES. For further information about the church and the organisations, please visit Kilbarchan Kirk online: www.kilbarchan-kirk.btck.co.uk Church Hanging. A new hanging for Kilbarchan Parish Church will be unveiled in January-this will be in the form of a vine and the members of the church family have signed leaves to attach to make a record for future generations. kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Howwood W.I.

Tuesday 16th January 2018: Tag-N-Track By Hayley Douglas, Ranger Muirshiel Country Park Competition: Country animal photograph Hostesses: Eileen Smith & Irene MacTaggart Vote of Thanks: Jane Millar New members will be made very welcome.

For further information please contact Irene MacTaggart on 01505 704800.

kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie

I am well and I hope everybody else is feeling the same.

Kilbarchan Fairtrade Group ran a most successful stall in Kilbarchan Parish Church at the end of November. For the first time over £400 worth of goods were sold: this exceeds any other similar fair trade sale in the village. The stall was provided by Paisley based Rainbow Turtle, opposite the Town Hall, which sells fairly traded goods all year round. Thanks to all who gave their support. Selling in the photo are Moira Stark and Moira Smith.

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Knitting Bee Knuts4Knitting

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

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

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houston, crosslee & brookfield

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

Monday to Friday, Woodlands Out of School 01505 615438

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Brookfield news A Happy New Year to all Brookfield residents!

Coffee Shop: Mon - Fri 9am - 4.30pm Sat, 9am - 4pm MONDAY Yoga (Weekly) 8th/15th/22nd/29th @ 1pm Mary Laidlaw 01505 229112, Diaporama 8th @ 7.30pm (Rm5), Young Farmers 8th/15th/22nd/29th @ 7.30pm (MH+R2), Sewing Group (Weekly) 8th/15th/22nd/29th @ 10 -12noon TUESDAY Paint Pot Tots (Weekly) 9th/16th/23rd/30th @ 10am Dawn Campbell 07789 262350, Musical Theatre (Weekly) 9th/16th/23rd/30th @ 4pm - 7pm, Yoga (Weekly) 9th/16th/23rd/30th @ 7pm M/s Lawson 01505 613690, Lirico Languages (Weekly) @ 7pm - 8.30pm (Fiona 01505 614306), Councillor Surgery @ 6.45pm - 7.30pm, Agri Society 9th @ 7.30pm - 10pm, Agra Vista 9th @ 12.30pm - 3pm WEDNESDAY Big Kids Little Learners 17th/24th/31st @ 10am – 11am Janine Neil 07870 697010, Gryffe Melody Makers 3rd/10th/17th/24th/31st @ 7pm, Community Council @ 7.30pm, Gryffe Camera Club (Weekly) 3rd/10th/17th/24th/31st @ 7.30pm (MH 3rd) THURSDAY Gryffe Quilting Group 4th/18th @ 1.15pm - 3.15pm, Primary Colours (Weekly) 4th/11th/18th/25th @ 3.30pm – 4.30pm, Crafty Friends 4th/18th @ 7.30pm, Folk Club (weekly) @ 8pm iaintdawson@gmail.com 07786 078952, Galaxy (Weekly) 11th/18th/25th @ 3.30pm - 7pm, Baby Massage @ 1.30pm - 2.30pm FRIDAY Yoga (Weekly) 12th/19th/26th @ 10.30am M/s Lawson 01505 613690, Big Kids Little Learners (Weekly) 12th/19th/26th @ 1pm – 2pm Janine Neil 07870 697010, Galaxy Dancing (Weekly) 12th/19th/26th @ 3.30pm - 7pm, M.P. Surgery Gavin Newlands 12th @ 12.30pm - 1.30pm SATURDAY Galaxy Dancing (Weekly) 12th/19th/26th @ 9.30am -5pm, Councillors Surgery 6th @ 11.30am - 12noon SUNDAY Baptist Church (Weekly) @ 11am and 6pm Booking enquiries to: Ian Simpson 01505 612203 Bill Haddow 01505 690693 Stewart Scally 01505 674277 hostbooking@outlook.com or The Coffee Shop

The village enjoyed a busy festive season starting with the Christmas Tree Light Switch-on event on Sunday 3rd December. We would like to say a huge thank you once again to Gowanlea Nurseries & Garden Centre for their kind donation of the splendid tree. Thanks also to our very own village brass group, the Brookfield Brass Necks, for their musical contribution!

The children’s Christmas Party the following weekend was well attended, fun was had by all and Santa found the time in his busy schedule to put in an appearance with a huge sack of presents!

At the time of going to press, we look forward to enjoying the remainder of social events in the village throughout December, culminating in the Hogmanay Dance in the Village Hall.

Brookfield Village Council would like to thank all those who helped with the various events throughout December and indeed, the year as a whole – your contribution is much appreciated and these events would not be possible without you. Volunteers are always welcome – contact us on brookfieldvpa@ gmail.com if you would like to get involved in 2018.

NEW YEAR NEW YOU! As we look forward to 2018, we may just have the answer to all those good intentions and New Year resolutions of getting fitter.

A number of classes take place in the Village Hall on a weekly basis (starting w/c 8 January) as follows: Callanetics: Special exercises designed for every part of the body will tighten and lift the buttocks, reduce the hips, flatten the tummy, and firm the arms and legs - to give you the figure you’ve always dreamed of - now! Age is not a barrier - Callanetics is so safe that even eighty-year-olds can do these exercises. Originally developed for bad backs, Callanetics uses small and delicate movements consistently applied. The programme has no sudden jerking or hard impact, which can cause harm to the body. Contact Gwyneth on 07850 382238 for more information.

CLASS TIMES: Monday: 7pm - 8pm, Wed: 5.15 - 6.15pm, 6.15 - 7.15pm, 7.30 - 8.30pm, Thurs: 9.30 - 10.30am, Fri: 9.15 - 10.15am, 10.30 - 11.30am

houston, crosslee & brookfield

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Got a sewing machine but never used it or just lost confidence? Do you want to know how to raise/lower a hem or change a broken zip? We might just have the solution. A new SEWING CLASS has started in the Village Hall Library on a Tuesday evening from 7 - 9pm. Come along and learn essential techniques every Beginner or Refresher Sewer should know. £10 per class. Places for 6-week block must be booked in advance. Contact brookfieldvpa@ gmail.com for more information or to book a place.

Crafty Hobbies is what we do Come and join our Crafty crew Come & learn some Crafty makes Followed by some tea and cakes

New Sewing Class Crafty Friends

We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursdays in the month at 7.30pm in the Carrick Centre Houston. No previous craft experience necessary. We are just a group of ladies who enjoy making things! Contact - Lorna Cairns 612844 or Shirley White 610721.

ZUMBA®: Zumba® takes the “work” out of workout, by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party. Once the Latin rhythms take over, you’ll see why Zumba® Fitness classes are often called exercise in disguise. A total workout, combining all elements of fitness: cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, resulting in boosted energy and a serious dose of awesome each time you leave class. Contact Gemma on 07909 993423 for more information.

CLASS TIMES: Tuesday 6.30 - 7.30pm Modern Ballroom/Swing/Latin: If the recent series of ‘Strictly’ has inspired anyone in this area to get dancing, then sign up for lessons with CoStep.Co. They teach Argentine Tango & Modern Ballroom (also Latin & Swing) and their specially designed beginners classes are an ideal way to get started if you’re new to partner dancing. Contact Mary: e-mail: alldance@costep.co or call 07513 046016 for more information.

CLASS TIMES: Thursday 7pm - 9pm Facebook: brookfieldvillage.org ~ Twitter: @BrookfieldVPA e-mail: brookfieldvpa@gmail.com

Your Ward 10 Councillor ... for Houston, Crosslee, Brookfield & Linwood

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january 2018 houston, crosslee & brookfield

Let's hear from our Councillors Audrey Doig reports: In true Scots tradition I would like to wish all my constituents and their families a very Happy New Year for 2018. I read recently that we live in very uncertain times but in fact it has always been the case, so my New Year’s resolution as a Councillor is to try and support all the communities in my ward to make small positive changes which should help to create brighter and better communities for all.

PLANNING: I am delighted that the Scottish reporters have rejected the planning appeal for the proposed development at the Sandholes Road site in Brookfield, this was one of a series of five village appeals across Renfrewshire taken as one appeal and my fear was that at least a few might slip through.

I am overjoyed that the greenbelt integrity of Brookfield has been defended and I would like to mention in dispatches Ms Marjorie Love and Ms Margaret Dundas who put up a stout defence for Brookfield at the Appeal Hearing earlier this year.

ROADS: Recently I have had a number of complaints from residents in Houston Main Street about how the lack of pavements makes it very difficult to walk to local shops and schools, especially for the very young, the very elderly, and those with disabilities. So my simple plea to all my constituents for 2018 is to please keep within 20 miles per hour when driving in the centre of Houston to ensure safety for all.

Jim Sheridan reports: ROADS: Local communities and commerce may be temporarily relieved to hear of Renfrewshire Council’s decision to suspend all future planned roadworks around Deafhillock Roundabout until late spring 2018. All three major parties recognised the frustrations of the local residents and businesses, trying to go about their everyday lives in these challenging circumstances. Therefore this decision is welcomed to allow future necessary roadworks to be planned in a way that recognises previous mistakes and learns from them. Planning for this development got off to a bad start and gradually got worse. People recognise and accept that maintaining and constructing new roads causes delays, but they quite rightly expect all those involved to work together in a professional way, including utilities to limit delays to the public.

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Who, Why, How?

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Parlez Vous Francais French Conversation group meets every Wednesday from 9.30am till 12noon at Fox & Hounds. Informal tuition same venue 2pm - 4pm.

Phone 01505 871 343, 07463 570464 or email avril.forbes2015@ outlook.com

Houston & Crosslee SWI Our first meeting of 2018 is on January 10th when we have a “Corners” evening.

Moyra Miller will show us how to crochet and Claire Mckay will teach us chair exercises. There will also be a surprise guest.

On February 14th we enjoy our annual meal out.

We meet in the Compass Centre, South Street, Houston on the second Wednesday of the month, Please come and join us, you will be made very welcome. If you wish further information please contact, Arlene MacKay on 07932 459994.

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Monumental Mast appears at Magnus Road Residents in Houston were left dismayed and angry at Renfrewshire council Planning Department’s decision to allow Vodafone to install a huge 20 metre high mobile mast in an area of residential housing. Its stark appearance and height dominates the landscape. It towers over nearby housing and spoils the skyline.

A Facebook petition has been started with the aim of appealing to Vodafone to move the mast to a more appropriate site. It is believed that the mast does not comply with Planning Advice Note: PAN62 Radio Telecommunications which states that ‘The aim is that the equipment should become an accepted and unobtrusive feature of urban and rural areas’ Be aware: as of July 2017, a telecommunications operator can erect masts up to 25 metres in height with no planning permission (just a prior approval application is required).

We therefore urge you to sign our petition and help protect the appearance of our villages. The petition is also planned to be available via the Houston Community Council Facebook page.

Https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/relocate-mobile-mast-away-frommagnus-road-houston houston, crosslee & brookfield

Houston and Killellan Kirk Luxury Continental Breakfast Join us for a Luxury Continental Breakfast on Saturday 27th January to raise money for solar lamps for senior School students in Mwandi, a village in Zambia. We have already supplied 170 lamps for years 9 and 12 and are fundraising to supply years 9 and 12 again this year (year 10 will already have a lamp each). In 2019 we will do the same and after that we only need to supply year 9 annually so that all the senior students (years 9-12) have a lamp.

Most families do not have electricity which is very expensive anyway and subject to rolling cuts. Kerosene is dear, deadly because of the fumes, and dangerous because of the fire risk. Candles are dangerous because of the fire risk and don’t give much light. So the solar lamps allow the students to study at home safely with free, adequate light, and have the best chance of good grades. For the most part the population is on a dollar a day subsistence farming and fishing. houston, crosslee & brookfield

New CoStep dance classes in Brookfield Village Hall New dance classes start in Brookfield Village Hall (PA5 8UB) on Thursday Evenings from 11th January.

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Are you interested in discussing who we are, why we are here, predestination or free will, western philosophy versus eastern philosophy? We meet in Fox and Hounds once a fortnight. Contact 01505 871343 or 07463 570464 or email avril.forbes2015@outlook. com.

houston, crosslee & brookfield

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Argentine Tango and Modern Ballroom with some Latin & Swing.

Open to all; join the Beginners class if you have no dance experience, otherwise join the Post-beginners class.

Have fun and learn at your own pace. To reserve your place contact us - email brookfield@costep.co or call 07513 046016.

For more details visit www.costep.co

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Book Week at Howwood Primary School Pupil, parents and grandparents celebrated their love of reading for Scottish Book Week in November. The local Skoobmobile arrived in the playground to present P1 and P2 pupils with their Read, Write and Count bags while the older pupils enjoyed a visit from a local author, Lindsay Littleton. Adults and carers came in to school and enjoyed reading with their children on our new comfy library beanbags and all pupils worked together to create a living book review for the rest of the school to view.

The school took the opportunity to launch the First Minister’s Reading Challenge and all children are now recording the books that they read for pleasure in their personal passport.

EVERY

MONDAY

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

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

Kilmacolm Playgroup

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm, 9.30am - 11.40am

Howwood Baby & Toddler Group

Howwood Parish Church, 10am - 12noon

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, 9.15am - 11.30am

EVERY TUESDAY

Kilbarchan Tots

Kilbarchan Scout Hall, 10am-12noon £2 contribution. Tea, coffee & biscuits.

Bridge of Weir Toddlers

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, BoW

Registering for School

Riverbrae School celebrates first Christmas

Pop along and see us from 9.30am - 11.30am

SCHOOL SESSION 2018 – 2019

Riverbrae School pupils are getting into the festive spirit, celebrating the achievements of their very own Special Olympian at the switching on of the school’s Christmas tree lights.

MSP Tom Arthur had the honour of switching on the lights and presenting a special Photo (L-R): MSP Tom Arthur, Lewis Nicholson, Head Teacher Catherine Gilius. award to 13-year-old Lewis Nicholson for his achievements in sailing at the Special Olympics National Summer Games in Sheffield in August.

Head Teacher Catherine Gilius said Deputy Head Teacher Mick Kelly had selected Lewis for the games after noticing his talent in sailing.

“Riverbrae prides itself on supporting our unique and talented students so it has been wonderful to see Lewis having this opportunity,” Ms Gilius said.

“We’re extremely proud of Lewis and the example he’s set for our students to never let anything hold you back from achieving your dreams.

“His success is truly reflective of our school’s ethos to transform the learning opportunities available to children with additional support needs.”

The community spirit that has boosted Riverbrae since it opened in August was in evidence at the celebrations, with parents and the community police again supporting the school.

Ms Gilius thanked Community PC Gordon Aitken for organising the festive Christmas tree, courtesy of a donation from B&Q. She also thanked parents for volunteering their time to make the festivities a success by wrapping Christmas presents and securing raffle donations.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for coming together to make Riverbrae’s first Christmas a special and memorable one,” she said.

Riverbrae School was joint-funded by Renfrewshire Council (£10.1m) and the Scottish Futures Trust (£8.7m) and designed to transform the learning opportunities available to children with additional support needs.

EVERY

Children who reach the age of five years between - 1st March 2018 and 28th February 2019, should be registered for primary school on Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th January 2018.

Schools Primary 1 Pupils whose surname begins with the initials A to L should register on Wednesday 10th January 2018 and pupils whose surname begins with the initials M to Z should be register on Thursday 11th January 2018.

Parents must register their child in their chosen denomination or non-denominational catchment primary school, on the above dates as appropriate, between the hours of 1.30pm and 3pm.

You must register your child in the catchment denominational or nondenominational school even if you are considering a placing request for another school.

The following documents are required for registration:• Your child’s birth certificate • Your Council Tax demand notice for the current year, in your name • A utility bill (i.e. Gas, electricity, landline telephone or broadband) in your name and dated within the last six months.

• Your Tax Credit Award Notice / Universal Credit Statement.

(Original documents required)

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Kilmacolm Playgroup

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm, 9.30am - 11.40am

Howwood Playgroup

Howwood Church Hall, 9.45am - 11.35am

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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Youth Speaks Competition On Tuesday 21st November 2017, teams from St Columba’s and Gryffe High School took part in the Intermediate and Senior level Youth Speaks competitions held at Kilmacolm Community Centre. The winners of both the Senior and Intermediate competitions were from St Columba’s School. The teams from Gryffe High School were also very talented and performed well. Indeed the Gryffe Senior Team have since won another multiple-school speaking competition. The winners now go forward to the District competitions to be held at Pollokshaws Burgh Hall on the 4th and 25th February 2018.

Euroscola - Our Euroscola selection process is complete. Our Euroscola for 2018 is Alexis Spragg of St Columba’s School. Alexis is from Wemyss Bay and will be an excellent representative of our Club, in what sadly will be the last Euroscholar event EU parliament with British participation.

Primary School Quiz - The competition will be held at the British Legion Club, Bridge of Weir on Monday 12th March 2018 with the same format as previous years - 10 rounds of 6 questions. Local Primary Schools have been invited to take part.

Young Writer competition - Early notification has been sent out to participating schools.

Gryffe Valley Rotary Club

Langbank Playgroup What an amazing place to be!

At playgroup, children have the opportunity to develop their social skills, independence, creativity, numeracy, literacy skills and many, many more…..

Over the last month the children have been developing their sense of rhythm while exploring the musical instruments on offer. The children worked together to create their own band and develop their skills further.

We will be concentrating on some visits to and from the local primary school which will assist the development of the close relationship with the school and therefore provide a smooth transition in the childrens pre-school year when moving into Primary 1.

Do you have a child aged between 2.5yrs to 5yrs old? Then why not let them come along and experience the fun! Everyone welcome from Langbank and surrounding areas.

Playgroup is held on a Friday morning (term time) in Langbank Village Hall and we currently have spaces for children aged 2.5yrs to 5yrs. If you would like to join us on a Friday morning or for more information please contact Jen Burrows on 07947 983025.

Gryffe High School Fantastic Effort for Refuweegee Charity Fantastic effort from our school community in putting together donations for Refuweegee charity. Over 160 gift bags and back packs were handed in and are now heading to refugees arriving in Scotland this winter. Thank you to all pupils, parents/carers and staff for their generous and thoughtful gifts.

All gift bags and back packs have now been delivered to Refuweegee in Glasgow.

Refuweegee is a community-led charity set up to ensure that all refugees arriving in Glasgow are welcomed to the city in true Glaswegian style.

We want to make sure that when people arrive in Scotland they receive the welcome they deserve and few useful tips too! We also want to provide everyone who wishes to get involved and make a difference, the opportunity to do so.

Our aim is to provide every Refuweegee who arrives in the city with a community built welcome pack. Each pack will contain three categories of items; essentials, Glasgow welcome and ‘letters from the locals’ and as a result of the final category, each pack will be completely individual.

Book Week Scotland The English department have been busy getting creative for Scottish Book Week Scotland.

Their chosen theme was ‘Fairytales’ and as many departments as possible were encouraged to take part. As you can see, there was a great response from everyone across the school.

Well done to all pupils and staff who took part in all of the events and in particular those who dressed up on Friday. It was a Fairytale ending!

Houston Toddler Group What a great time we have had at toddlers recently. Unfortunately we said farewell to Sharon as her youngest heads off to nursery. Sharon has been a huge part of the running of toddlers for the last 3 years. We are sad to see her go but excited for herself and Jack as they start an exciting new chapter. We had great fun with our Christmas party and Christmas crafts. We are looking forward to lots of fun things in the 2018. We start back January 4th 2018.

We welcome all children age between 0-4 years old, together with their parents, grandparents or carers to join in with the games, crafts and play on offer every Thursday. The children can enjoy playing, making friends and of course snack time while the adults can catch up with a cuppa.

We meet between 9.30-11.30am so come along when you are ready to the West Hall, Main Street, Houston PA6 7EL (next to the Carrick Centre) ... We look forward to meeting you all.

Events included lots of fun literary activities in English, the library and various other subjects across the school. This included a Fairytales Fairy Cakes coffee morning for staff, Favourite Fairytale sheet and Book Quiz.

Any money raised throughout the week went to the World Literacy Foundation.

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Johnstone High School

Bridge of Weir Primary School

Christmas Craft Fayre

Book Week Scotland is one of our most exciting literary celebrations, and one that the whole school takes part. This year to celebrate we held numerous events throughout the school.

We hosted our first Christmas Crafts Fayre and it was an extremely successful evening. It was very well attended and everyone had a wonderful time. There were over twenty five stalls selling crafts and Christmas treats. Due to the success of the evening, we are hoping to continue this tradition next year. Thank you to everyone who attended.

Anti-bullying Week We also worked hard to encourage pupils to take part in anti-bullying week. We feel this is a very important issue and we are working hard at Johnstone High to ensure that bullying is a thing of the past. We hosted a range of fun activities that highlighted the importance of the cause and topped the week off with a staff karaoke. Pupils and staff had a great time!

Congratulations We would also like to congratulate our very own Rebecca Adams. She recently won the Renfrewshire Youth Voice “Young Volunteer of the Year” Award after volunteering for over 500 hours! We are so proud, congratulations.

Houston Primary School Fantastic Photographers!

Mr Chambers from Gryffe Camera Club and Mr King from Bridge of Weir Rotary Club, presented our talented photographers with gift vouchers for Braehead for their wonderful photographs they entered into this annual competition. This year’s winner was Lucy Carberry who took a photograph of the Louvre in Paris. In second place Murray Clark and in third place Emily Ross. Mr Chambers thought that the entries this year were of a very high standard and encouraged the present P5 and P6 pupils to enter next year.

Football Ms Brown and her football team are performing extremely well this season. At their most recent tournament, they won three out of four matches. Well done to all and their commitment to training.

Netball Mrs Irvine and her netball team took part in a recent tournament and won three matches out of five. Well done!

Renfrewshire Road Race Well done to all P6 and P7 children who participated in the Renfrewshire Road Race. They did very well with the P7 boys team being awarded with overall third place. Well done!

Switch off Fortnight Houston Primary School has partnered with EDF Energy’s education programme The Pod to celebrate Switch Off Fortnight this November.

More than 1,700 schools across the UK are joining in the action too.

Our P7 Eco Representatives prepared a PowerPoint for the upper Assembly to spread the news. They had some fantastic energy saving ideas, such as ‘Gadget Free Friday’, and ‘Turn off Tuesday’.

Eco Cluster Visit Andrew Hay of Gryffe High School, contacted Mrs McPherson to invite the Eco Representatives to their very first joint Eco meeting. This was a great opportunity to share ideas and expertise. We now plan to work in partnership with Houston’s Bee Happy group to develop a community garden and support with litter picking in the village. The Bee Happy group have made Houston a beautiful place to live with all the lovely flower beds and litter free streets.

There was great excitement when P2 and P3 pupils received their Read, Write, Count bags at our special Book Bag Party at the end of November. They were joined by parents, grandparents and other family members who were invited into school to help share this special occasion. The bags are funded by the Scottish government and include books, counting games and activities to encourage reading, writing and counting skills and are an important part of our Book Week Scotland celebrations.

Parents were very impressed by the high quality of the books and children loved exploring the contents of the bag with members of their family. This is a wonderful way to promote reading and learning at home and in school and we were delighted that so many parents were able to come along.

Primary 4 – 7 pupils were encouraged along the theme that “Books don’t need electricity!” We can read them anywhere and everywhere!

We invited children and parents to take the Extreme Reading Challenge and to think about different, exciting, fun and SAFE places you can enjoy a book and to then share their idea with us, the winner will receive a house token and entry into a Prize Draw.

To end Book Week teachers swapped classes to read a story and some of our nursery and primary 1-3 pupils also dressed up as book characters (and so did some of the teachers).

As well as book week we have also been reminding children of Road Safety Week, we welcomed both of our lollipop ladies along to assembly and to the nursery. Answering questions posed by some of our P3a pupils, they gave us some really good advice to help us keep safe when crossing the road.

The Nursery children are enjoying regular sessions with Silly Science and each child has the chance to join in some amazing experiments. This was real hands-on learning and everyone was fascinated to see how materials changed when they were mixed together. They maybe didn’t realise they were learning about polymers but they loved making glitter slime!

Christmas celebrations are upon us and in full swing, our annual school Christmas Fayre was our biggest yet which was organised by our dedicated parent teacher council and by many local businesses and stall holders. Children were able to showcase their creations to parents and carers and our Santa’s grotto was the best we’ve ever had!

Our school nativity concert is set to place on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 December with class parties also taking place on the last week of term.

Our primary 5-7 pupils designed a greetings e-card that showed some environmentally friendly Christmas behaviours and traditions.

The winning entries will feature in the 2017 Christmas card for Maurice Golden MSP. Winners will also be awarded a ‘Plant a Tree’ experience.

Houston Christmas Light Winner Mr Arthur organised this year’s competition to design a light for the village. All children created their very own design way back in September, which was a bit strange then talking about Christmas. The winner for Houston Primary was Kara Hunter of Primary 6. Here she is switching on her very own light in front of very many members of our local community.

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ The club takes place on Mondays from 9.15-11.30am in the church hall and is run by a group of volunteers from the church. We are delighted to welcome tots from birth-3 years, along with their accompanying adults. There is a huge variety of toys and bouncy castle for the tots and enjoyable company with tea/coffee for the adults. The cost remains £1 for adults. The group resumes on Monday 8th January.

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St Columba’s School St Columba’s Ranked 4th Top Independent School in Scotland St Columba’s School has been ranked fourth in the Sunday Times league table of top Scottish independent secondary schools in 2017, as well as second in the West of Scotland. The results were published in Parent Power 2018: Best UK Schools Guide and are based on 2017 Advanced Higher, Higher and National 5 examination results.

The size of St Columba’s School is one of its many strengths. With around 700 pupils, each child is known by name and recognised as an individual.

Mrs Angus, Rector, said, “I am delighted with the results. Considerable effort is made to create an environment which allows us to identify and nurture the unique talents and skills of each pupil, and encourage each one of them to realise their full potential, grow and flourish.”

Debating Team Scotland St Columba’s debating success continues as Hannah McLoughlin and Rachael Curry (SVI) have been selected as two out of five representatives for Team Scotland. Both girls will represent Scotland in the World Schools’ Debating Championships in Croatia next year.

Established in 1988 with teams from six countries, the World Schools’ Debating Championships is now a truly global competition for high school debaters and over forty countries are now represented at the Championships. St Columba’s pupils have represented Team Scotland in Athens 2009, Qatar 2010, Turkey 2013, Bangkok 2014, Singapore 2015, Stuttgart 2016, Bali 2017 and now Croatia 2018.

Spirit of Christmas 2017 The Spirit of Christmas programme was chosen as the Whole School Christmas charity campaign. The programme was set up to ensure that all children in Glasgow and the West of Scotland receive a Christmas gift.

In previous years the support from St Columba’s has been phenomenal and as a result Spirit of Christmas nominated Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire, a domestic abuse charity, as the recipient of our gifts. The

support from parents, pupils and staff was excellent once again and we were delighted to donate 420 gifts for the children, then a further 50 for the women to help them at this tough time.

Entrance Assessments and Visits You are most welcome to make an appointment to visit and see our Early Years, Junior and Senior Schools at work and play. St Columba’s offers academic excellence with a wide range of opportunities for your child and wraparound care from age 3. For those who wish to join us for their sixth year we also offer a wide range of Advanced Higher subjects and are happy to discuss your options with you.

Entrance assessments begin on 12th January: 12th & 15th January - Junior School 13th January - Senior School (Transitus - Senior VI) 16th - 17th January - Junior 1 18th - 19th January - Early Years (Prep) 19th - 20th April - Early Years (Nursery)

Art Community Classes Our popular Art Classes for adults return on the 16th January at 7pm and cover four different aspects of painting over eight weeks, starting with water colours and ending with oil painting. All abilities are welcome as are our stalwart members of the group. Lessons take place in the Senior School’s art rooms and are relaxed and friendly. Led by artist and former teacher Helen Mathie, our classes are suitable for artists of any level, including beginners. To book please download a booking form at www.st-columbas. org/communityclasses or contact hmathie@st-columbas.org.

For further information about St Columba’s please visit www.st-columbas. org, contact Junior School on 01505 872768 or Senior School on 01505 872238.

Follow us on facebook.com/stcolumbasschool and twitter.com/ColumbaSchool.

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Duchal Nursery

Abbey Nursery

The children enjoyed a wonderful end of term, they created a beautiful array of amazing festive crafts that decorated the nursery during the run up to Christmas and went on a magical trip to the Tron Theatre for our festive trip out.

All this together with a fantastic Nativity performance and a visit from the special man in red really got us in the festive mood!

January is all about new beginnings and we are looking forward to 2018 and the new ideas we can bring to the nursery to make it more enjoyable and stimulating for the children so they can continue to excel as the year progresses.

We are excited to get out into our lovely garden which has just had a big makeover. It is now fully covered with artificial grass allowing us to be out using it without getting muddy boots! With the arrival of Spring we will be planting pots with shrubs and learning how to respect and appreciate the wildlife and plant life around us.

Before that though we would like to share news about our recent Care Inspection and are delighted to announce a ‘sector leading’ achievement of Excellent/Grade 6 in both areas being looked at; Care & Support (of the children) and Staffing. We are over the moon with the outcome – and feel it clearly reflects the high standard of care and learning offered at the nursery and the commitment and experience provided by our wonderful staff team.

If you are looking for nursery places this August please get in touch to have an informal look around our nursery. We can arrange a time convenient to you to come and see the purpose built facilities, meet the teachers and children and get an insight into Duchal life. Please contact us on 01505 874358. Also visit our website to find out more www.duchal.com and keep up to date with all the latest news on Facebook.

Kilmacolm Primary Towards the end of November we celebrated Scottish Book Week with a Harry Potter themed week of activities including; dressing up in Harry Potter costumes and bringing in props, reading activities, visits to Kilmacolm Library and we even turned the school into Hogwarts.

The highlight of the week was a visit from Owl Magic who brought along a selection of different types of owl to show us. The boys and girls had a wonderful time whilst being encouraged to read and further our ‘KPS Loves Reading’ message.

Our P6 & P7 pupils participated in the Gryffe Camera Club competition again this year and as usual the quality of the photographs was outstanding. Committee members visited us on comic Relief Day to present the prizes to our winners who were: 1st Jenni McKeown, 2nd, Natalina Wong & 3rd Jack Kretowicz. Well done to all of our winners and to those who took part.

We had a special visit recently from Toby Jack the donkey, who was very patient and well behaved as our classes came to see him and have a stroke and sometimes a little hug. The children were delighted to welcome Toby Jack to school and he left with a very, very large amount of carrots and other yummy vegetables to eat.

Areas highlighted as contributing to this exceptional Grade was the nursery’s commitment to ongoing training for all staff; the empowerment of staff and devolved leadership by many; the role of Michelle the cook in supporting the health and wellbeing of the children; the teamwork within the playrooms and across the nursery; the sports coaching and music programmes and the total respect and consultation of the children with their interests and talents identified and nurtured by the staff. What a great way to end the year!

Other new developments at the nursery include the grand opening of our Library which has been totally refitted to enable children and parents to select books at their leisure. This highlights Abbey’s commitment to traditional literacy learning as the foundation for a love of reading and discovery.

The Little Ladybirds are also enjoying their new and quite large indoor sandpit and this is encouraging their social skills in playing and exploring together with their friends.

Closing the year the nursery also made sure it was doing what it could for others, and sent more than 40 bag packs to the Sinilian Second Primary school in the Philippines who the children have been talking to over the past few months and nearer to home the children and parents donated lots of toys and food to the local Foodbank.

Finally, our PTF committee have worked very hard over the last few weeks to organise our annual Spirit of Christmas event. This year we raised around £2000 for school funds, which is a fantastic amount. Thanks to all parents, pupils, staff and friends who came along and made the morning such a success.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all readers a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

Just The Ticket By a sheer coincidence shortly after the pupils of Primary’s 6 and 7 of Kilmacolm Primary School had completed their project on “The Coming of the Railway to Kilmacolm” for the new Heritage Gallery shortly to be opened in the Community Centre, a resident handed in to the Heritage Centre Co. A rail ticket for the last train journey from Kilmacolm to Bridge of Weir on the 8th January 1983.

The Head Teacher, Mrs. McCredie, is delighted that the ticket will be incorporated and displayed in the School’s project in the new Gallery.

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january january2018 2018 Help us keep you & the local area moving this winter.

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Follow us on facebook & twitter @GryffeRoadwatch and if you spot or know of any road works, flooding, ice or blockages let us know!

You can send us a message via facebook or twitter or post a wee comment on Gryffe Roadwatch or The Advertizer’s page.

Possible return of the train Two momentous events have occurred within the last three weeks which greatly enhance the prospect of the return of the railway to the Gryffe Valley -- a campaign we have been fighting for over many years, recognising of course that the interests of present day “cycle track” users must now be accommodated.

The first of these is the Scottish Government’s (through their Planning and Environment Appeals Tribunal) refusal to allow development to go ahead at the “WhiteLint Gate” site at the eastern end of Bridge of Weir.

This, if passed, would have allowed the developer to “ride rough-shod” over long established rights to maintain the integrity of the railway trackbed, rights which had been established following a previous unsuccessful Planning Application by Bellway Homes to build on the trackbed at the old Bridge of Weir station in 2001/2.

The second momentous event, perhaps less obviously relevant to the Gryffe Valley railway’s future, is the Scottish Government’s rejection of Renfrewshire Council’s proposal for an Airport Rail Link entering the Airport from the western end using a “tram-train” system. This scheme had been proposing to use a large slice of the “Greater Glasgow City deal” money, awarded by the governments to promote “transport infrastructure” improvements within Renfrewshire, yet nothing whatsoever had been apportioned to overcome the totally inadequate transport infrastructure conditions (both road and rail) within the rural Renfrewshire hinterland.

We are not against giving a high priority to a Glasgow Airport rail link, but if the alternative one we have in mind were to be adopted, it would take a logical direct route, branching off the main line at Arkleston and entering the Airport from the east, with a “through” station at an elevated level within the concourse, allowing the line to be extended later, if not immediately, over the M8 at its narrowest (west of the St James Interchange) and continuing on along the north side of the A737 to serve Linwood and join up with the original route of the Gryffe Valley Line.

Deafhillock Roundabout Roadworks Amnesty Local communities and commerce may be temporarily relieved to hear of Renfrewshire Council’s decision to suspend all future planned roadworks around Deafhillock Roundabout until late spring 2018. Commenting on this decision local Councillor Jim Sheridan said, “All three major parties recognised the frustrations of the local residents and businesses, trying to go about their everyday lives in these challenging circumstances.

Therefore this decision is welcomed to allow future necessary roadworks to be planned in a way that recognises previous mistakes and learns from them. Planning for this development got off to a bad start and gradually got worse. People recognise and accept that maintaining and constructing new roads causes delays, but they quite rightly expect all those involved to work together in a professional way, including utilities to limit delays to the public.

Parking Discs to cease in New Year Inverclyde’s Environment and Regeneration Committee has unanimously agreed to cease parking discs in Kilmacolm. This followed a public hearing on 31st August to hear the arguments of an objector.

Councillor David Wilson told the Advertizer, “At full Council on 30th November the cessation was again unanimously agreed. There needs to be a further 6 weeks, in case of a legal challenge, before discs go.

This will be towards the end of January. I thank my colleague Councillor McCabe for his support in this matter. I would point out that the 2 hour limit will remain in force. The village traders did not want the disc system.

47% of all tickets were for disc offences, often visitors.”

The advantage to the people of Gryffe of such a scheme would be enormous, allowing not only rapid and direct access to the centres of Paisley and Glasgow, but also to the Airport (as a place of work as well as a flight “jumping off” point). We recognise that an essential part of any such railway system would be to provide “park and ride” facilities at many of the stations for those many who would still have to start and finish their journeys by car or local bus.

Our group has many interested and like-minded people behind us, so why not give us your opinion and hopefully also lend us your support. We will be canvassing for contact details at the various community centres in the area in the next few weeks.

Brian Turner, on behalf of The Gryffe Valley Transport Forum.

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Brookfield Curling Club Brookfield Curling Club celebrated a successful 2016/17 season on the ice when they held their Prizegiving recently in Brookfield Village Hall. The club plays at Greenacres Curling Rink on Monday evenings and is keen to encourage new members to come and join them in this great sport. If you’d like to “give curling a go” why not contact club Secretary Marilyn Muir 01505 503761 you will be made very welcome.

Houston United Houston United held its end of season medal ceremony lunch at the River Inn on the 12th of November. The 2010, 2011 and 2012 footballers joined us for the day for lunch, raffle and their well deserved medals.

Family and friends raised almost £500 for the club funds through the raffle. A great day was had by everyone.

The 2010’s enjoyed their first full season of 4 a side football and our 2011/12’s will be registered in time for kick off at the beginning of next year.

These age groups only formed in August and started with only 9 boys and 3 coaches. We have now grown to over 30 boys and 6 coaches. During the event We were proudly able to announce the arrival of several new female coaches and two junior coaches who will assist us. For only £20 a month boys from Houston, Bridge of Weir, Kilbarchan and even Paisley come to train with us twice a week at On-X and for weekend matches. The club is open to boys and girls at all age levels, and from all surrounding areas. See details on our Facebook page or website www. houstonunitedfc.com.

Local Sponsor of our away kit, Allan and Victoria Sawers from Alvic Sliding Wardrobes based here in Houston attended the event.

They were presented with a framed strip and received a huge thank you from the community. Club chairman Louis Jeffery also attended, who has just completed a new sponsorship deal for new home kit for all age groups with the River Inn and Houston Inn. For any children interested in getting into football Houston United also run a local academy for 5-9 years olds on a Saturday morning, where young players can come along, pay on the day and enjoy fun footballing activities.

Coaches from left to right. Back row. Mark Fitzgerald, Paul Ritchie, Louis Jeffery, Brian McNab, Scott Adair.

Coaches from left to right. Front row. Ronan Watters (jnr Coach), Craig Watters, Emily Martin (jnr coach), Chris Martin

Castle Semple Sailing Club 2017 Year of the cadet – Award 2 RS Fevas Castle Semple Sailing Club had a great start to the sailing season with the grant award to purchase 2 RS Fevas making 2017 undoubtedly, the year of the Cadet. All Alan Falconer’s hard work certainly paid off as the Cadets have flourished this year. By the end of the season we had nearly as many girls as boys sailing which is fantastic. Two of the cadets, Yuan Wong and Hector Wedderburn are now regularly attending Feva academy away events.

The Cadet regatta was held in August and we were fortunate enough to have Tom Arthur, MSP for Renfrewshire South along to award the prizes and congratulate us on the achievement of the 2 Fevas.

Push the Boat Out day and Mini Boat Show In May, the sailing club along with the Rowing Club and Clyde Windsurfing Club, took part in the very successful RYA Push The Boat Out day. The sailing club also held a “mini dinghy boat” show on the same day and will be repeating this in 2018.

GP14/Enterprise Traveller event in June The first day was very challenging but the second day was cut short due to the strength of the wind which was a shame, I think that is the first time that has happened, we have had the reverse several times.

Cup days We had all our usual cup days starting with the Asymmetric Cup which proved to be very challenging like the Commodore’s Cup which also proved to be another test in stamina and survival! However, the Ian Brown Cup and the Cucina Minucci Cup days were a gentle breeze.

As ever topper team racing proved to the most entertaining event of the sailing calendar Away events As well as our own cup days the club has been well represented at GP14, Enterprise and Vortex events around the UK. Ladies Section The Sunday morning ladies section is now well established with a small but select group – always open for more ladies…

WWWPS (Winchester Whacky Winter Pursuit Series) Now into its 3rd season the winter pursuit racing is proving to be very popular with as many boats taking part as during the summer racing.

Thanks to Angus Winchester for continuing to organise this. Although at the moment it is rapidly becoming the TPWWDS (Team Pam Whacky Winter Drifting Series) – virtually unheard of five Sundays of very gentle winds – but seems ideal winds for “Team Pam” in their Enterprise as they are top of the table at the time of going to press.

Commodore Special prize awarded to Alan Falconer for his outstanding contributions to the Club during the year both with the cadets and the RYA Push the Boat Out Day.

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Feel Better, Feel Fitter and Feel Great about helping Ardgowan Hospice.

Get active and get sponsored.

Call 01475 558899 or email fundraising@ardhosp.co.uk to sign up and receive your sponsor forms.

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

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Hatha Yoga On Wednesdays 6.30 pm - 8pm in the large hall at St. Columba Church and on Mondays in the Tweedie Halls, Linwood (previously held in Brookfield for 17 years) from 10am - 11am.

Both these classes are available to all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners. Both are friendly, lively environments.

For further information please contact Janice on 07968 207272.

New Year, new you?

Kilmacolm Golf Club Ladies

Why not set a fitness goal for 2018 and take on one of these challenges in aid of Ardgowan Hospice. You would be raising valuable funds toward patient care while showing off your impressive new active lifestyle: • London Marathon 22nd April 2018 • Glasgow Kiltwalk 29th April 2018 • Stirling Scottish Marathon 29th April 2018 • Edinburgh Marathon 26th & 27th May 2018 • Glasgow Women’s 10k 10th June 2018 • Tough Mudder 16th & 17th June 2018 • Iron Man Edinburgh 1st July 2018 • Pedal for Scotland 9th September 2018 • Great Scottish Run 29th & 30th September 2018

There was a great turnout for the Ladies A n n u a l Meeting and Prize Giving at Kilmacolm Golf Club on Tuesday 5th December. The club house was beautifully decorated by the Ladies Committee and a tasty supper was enjoyed by all.

Sara Bishop was elected as the new Ladies Captain and Rosemary Hammond as Vice Captain. A huge thank you to our retiring Lady Captain, Lois Brown, for all her hard work this year which she has undertaken with great gusto!

The ladies bridge afternoon, in aid of Erskine Hospital, is on Tuesday 6th February 2018 at 13.30. To book a table for the bridge afternoon please contact Norah Adams on 01505 872691

Contact fundraising@ardhosp.co.uk or call 01475 558899 for your sponsor forms and achieve something wonderful as a group or an individual challenge.

EVERY

MONDAY

Adult Jazz Class

Sporting Blog

by Lesley Handley

Heading into 2018…

I have thoroughly enjoyed writing this blog for all my readers over the last number of years but this one is going to be a bit different… it isn’t going to be my words! I recently read something from someone else and couldn’t have put it better myself and thought I would share it with you, exactly as it was sent to me…

Bridge of Weir, 10am Tel: 01505 690757 for further information.

Adult Beginners Ballet Class

Brookfield Village Hall, 5.15, 6.15 & 7.30pm

Tel: 01505 690757 for further information.

Hatha Yoga

Kilbarchan Athletic Club On-X, Linwood, 7pm

Large Hall, St Columba Church, 6.30 - 8pm Classes available to all levels. Tel: 07968 207272.

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990.

5-a-side Football

EVERY THURSDAY

Tel: Jim on 01505 874215; or jimbretherton@aol.com

Kilbarchan Athletic Club

Powerleague Paisley, 6pm

Strathgryffe Motorcycle Club

Freelands Church (Opposite Amaretto), 6.30pm.

Tel: 07505 126416 For More Information.

Bridge of Weir Ladies Badminton Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, 7.30pm

Visit www.strathgryffe.org for details.

Tweedie Halls, Linwood, 10 - 11am

If you are reading this and you’re overweight or out of shape, and you really want to do something about your current lifestyle, don’t be that person that gives up when things don’t happen right away. Stop hoping that you will get magical results in a couple of weeks. Don’t quit because you find the journey tough. Don’t accept the now if the future could be happier and healthier. And stop letting the old habits become the easy, safe option. Make a commitment to yourself and enjoy the journey.

Pilates classes

Birkmyre Park Pavilion, Kilmacolm, 10am David 01505 874192 kilmacolmwalkers@talktalk.net

The Shotokan Karate Club

The Trust Inn, Kilbarchan, 9pm - 10.30pm

(Stella Bartram, 2017)

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990.

Kilmacolm Walkers

Brookfield Village Hall, 9.15am & 10.30am

Brookfield Village Hall, 7.15pm

The Shotokan Karate Club

On-X, Linwood, 7pm

Callanetics

Callanetics

This chase for personal improvement should never end, you must never quit trying to be better than you were yesterday. The path of least resistance becomes an easy step, then a habit and finally a life.

Sometimes, the best of all things come with the hardest journey.”

Woodlands PS, Linwood, 7pm & 8pm www.linwoodkarate.co.uk

Football Training

Woodlands Primary, Linwood, 7-8pm/8-9pm www.linwoodkarate.co.uk

Hatha Yoga

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

Classes available to all levels. Tel: 07968 207272.

St Machars church hall, Bridge of Weir 9.30am & 10.40am. Kilmacolm community centre 6.30pm.

Tel Yvonne 07786224367 or yvonne@ clydephysiotherapy.co.uk

EVERY TUESDAY

Baby Ballet

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm, Morning Call Gail Ashley on 07415 701667 for details

Falun Dafa practice

Port Glasgow Library 17:00 - 19:00 With five gentle exercises, Falun Dafa is an ancient self-cultivation practice based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance.

EVERY

Bridge of Weir Walking Group

FRIDAY

Callanetics

Outside the Co-op, BoW, 10.30am

Brookfield Village Hall, 9.15am & 10.30am

1 hour walks. Call Senga on 0141 842 3000.

Adult Tap Lessons

Gryffe Badminton

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm, Evening

Strathgryffe Tennis Club, 8pm

Call Gail Ashley on 07415 701667 for details

Football Training

SUNDAY

Johnstone High School, 6pm - 9pm

EVERY

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details.

Birkmyre Rugby Club, Kilmacolm

Taekwon-Do Johnstone Sports Complex PA5 0LD, 6pm

Youth Rugby Section, 11am - 1pm www.pitchero.com/clubs/birkmyre

Call 07951 365166 for details.

info@advertizer.co.uk

t: 01505 613340 52-55 NEW SPORTS_280 JANUARY18.indd 54

Contact Liz Baldwin, mobile 07944 607005.

Callanetics

Bridge of Weir, 11.30am

Every day; slowly and one step at a time. You may never be what you were, but you can be the best you can be, and your best days in life might be tomorrow instead of something lost in your past.

For more information or advice on personal training contact me on 0773 627 4925 or e-mail lesley@ fitsmartfitness.co.uk

Inverclyde Academy, Greenock, 6.30 - 8pm

Tel: 07505 126416 For More Information.

Old Skool Step Class

Lesley

WEDNESDAY

Greenock Hockey Club

St Fillan’s Church, Kilmacolm, 10am.

“We have lost what it means to chase what we want over time. We have replaced the power of the journey with need for immediate gratification. If we can’t have what we want now, we quit now, then pursue lesser goals that are easier to achieve. If it took you 20 years to get horrendously out of shape, no six-week makeover, fad diet, have-it-all-by-Monday idiocy can correct that lifestyle.

I want to take this opportunity to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year, I hope 2018 is a great year for you all.

EVERY

Zumba Light



01505 613340

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55

january 2018

Fitness Facilities at Strathgryffe

Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash Club known locally as ‘the tennis club’ includes a fitness suite which has a comprehensive selection of fitness equipment and a selection of circuit classes during the week for teenagers and adults.

The fitness suite can be accessed by members from 5.30am, 7 days a week which is very flexible for early risers. For more information please visit: www.strathgryffe.net or Tel: 01505 615100.

Jill Jackson at Ranfurly Castle The wonderful Scottish singer/songwriter Jill Jackson made an appearance at the Castle promoting her excellent new album.

The place was packed to the rafters as 90 people enjoyed dinner and then an amazing performance from Jill and her band.

Gleddoch Ladies celebrated the end of the golfing season with a delicious Prizegiving Dinner in Gleddoch House Hotel. The chefs and restaurant staff really pulled out the stops, we were serenaded by Moira Kerr, and the evening was a great success.

8th October: Stableford - Silver winner Shirley Back

Club Champion Shirley Back receiving her trophy from Captain Mhairi Bryce

Bronze winner Sheena Wallace October Medal: Silver

Shirley Back

Bronze

Margaret Adams.

The knockout competition results: Gleddoch Two Ball: winners Roisin Black and Margaret Adams, runners up Shirley Back and Sheena Wallace Mixed Fours: w i n n e r s Roisin and Ronnie Black, runners up Shirley Back and Tommy Bradley.

Xmas is fast approaching and the Clubhouse has been full of fun with more still to come.

On Saturday 2nd December over 20 children enjoyed the annual party and were royally entertained by PAT the Magician. Santa arrived with his Elf to help and gave out parcels to everyone we just hope the children are continuing to be good so that he will return again on Christmas Eve!

Gleddoch Ladies’ End of Season Report

The last 2 competitions before the rain came were:

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club

On 6th December 33 ladies had hoped to play 9 holes of golf but it was not a surprise when the weather scuppered those plans.

Not to worry - a quiz was at hand to entertain instead and a total of 44 ladies took part in the fun.

Everyone was in Xmas dress and some people had been quite creative and moved away from the easy option of a Xmas jumper - of which there were no duplicates! We had a couple of cheeky Elves but the winner of the best dressed went to Anne Judge for her very attractive fairy outfit.

The winning quiz team consisted of Mary Craig, Alison Templeton and Moira Wilson.

After all the hilarity everyone enjoyed a very nice lunch provided by Stewart Catering while chatting loudly!

Earlier in the year the club held a Charity auction night with entertainment by ‘Happy Ever After’. A huge thank you goes to all those who took part and helped to raise over £6,000 for Prostate Cancer Research.

The photo shows organiser Jack Snell and Captain Callum Campbell with a representative from the Cancer Charity and one of the Band members from the night.

Roisin Black & Margaret Adams, Two-ball winners

Jagger Rosebowl: winner Shirley Back, runner up Mhairi Bryce Club Champion for 2017 is once again Shirley Back, runner up June Lockhart.

Congratulations to all the winners!

June Lockhart, winner of Melissa Morris Trophy, with the very fetching hat

Shirley also had a brilliant success when she won the UK Civil Service Ladies’ Championship in Warwickshire in September. We are very proud of her.

@GryffeAds www.advertizer.co.uk 52-55 NEW SPORTS_280 JANUARY18.indd 55

14/12/2017 17:16:57

56

the advertizer HEALTHCARE/ BEAUTY Trades and Services

Business

CHILDCARE

Houston registered childminders. For an informal chat to find your best childcare, call Elizabeth Waddell T: 01505 614925 Kilmacolm/Quarriers area registered childminders.

P/time or F/time vacancies for u-5’s and after school.

T: 01505 873839.

MUSIC TUITION

MISCELLANEOUS

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

• In the event of any error, misprint or omission by the Publisher in the printing of an Advertisement, the Publisher will either re-insert the advertisement, adjust the cost or provide a refund. This does not apply if the Advertisement has been approved by the Advertising Client prior to publication. The total liability of the Publisher for such an occurrence shall not exceed the amount of a full refund for that particular Advertisement.

• The Advertising Client agrees to indemnify the Publisher in respect of all costs, damages or other charges falling upon the Publisher as the result of legal actions or threatened legal actions arising from the publication of the Advertisement, or any one or more of the series of Advertisements, published in accordance with the copy instructions supplied to the Publisher.

• Readers are reminded that when purchasing items or services advertised in the Publication that the Publisher cannot be held in any way responsible for the quality or correctness of the items or services included in the Advertisement.

Editorial throughout The Gryffe Advertizer:

The opinions of the Contributors to this Publication are not necessarily the official views of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to edit or refuse any material submitted for publication.

t: 01505 613340 56-59 NEW CLASSIFIED_280 JANUARY18.indd 56

e: info@advertizer.co.uk 14/12/2017 16:38:30

ON

january 2018

churches

BRIDGE OF WEIR

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

Grace Church Kilmacolm: in association with Downavale Free Church of Scotland (Charity No: SCO38274) - Sunday Service at 10.30am in Kilmacolm Guide Hut, Woodrow Avenue, PA13 4QF - all welcome.

St Colm’s Catholic Church, Smithy Brae Kilmacolm. Rev. Vincent Byrne. Family mass Sundays 10am with children’s liturgy, followed by tea and coffee.

Eucharistic service Thursdays 11 a m . Ro s a r y Tu e s d ay s 6.30pm. Prayer group meets Thursdays 7.30pm. Further information and contact details www.stcolmsparish.co.uk. All welcome.

Buddhist meetings: Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. Phone Margaret on 01505 871343.

St Fillan’s Episcopal Church, Moss Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4DL. Services on Sunday at 11.30am.

Wednesday: 10.30am Holy Communion. On the last Sunday of the month at 11.30am we welcome families to come and join us for our monthly Family Service. We are united by our belief in Jesus, who sustains and encourages us in all the ups and downs of life. Everyone is welcome to join us ! http://www. heartlandsec.org/KLM/index. html Contacts: Revd. Heller G.P 01505 872961 / Maureen Russell (Pastoral Assistant) 01505 872905.

Freeland Church: Rev KN Gray BA BD. Morning Service 10.30am.

Crèche, Sunday School, Lynx and Cornerstone. Evening Service 7pm www.freeland.org.uk St Mar y’s Episcopal Church, Johnston Rd, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3EE. St Mary’s Episcopal Church is a small, lively and mature Christian community.

We are united by our belief in Jesus, the One in whom God fully revealed Himself and through whom we have life in all it’s fullness. Come and worship with us. Our main Service is held on Sundays at 10am. A warm welcome awaits you. Contact: Rev. Heller G. 01505 872961 www.heartlandsec.org/BoW St Machar’s Ranfurly Church: Monday 15th Jan Guild meeting, all welcome, 2:30pm in St Machar’s Church Hall, speaker is Sheila McLean, talking about Hansel Village, a social care provider in Ayrshire for people with learning disabilities. Friday 26th Jan The Terrace Lunch Club 12-1:30pm St Machar’s Church Hall. Everyone welcome at the Terrace, soup and sandwiches, coffee/tea and biscuit for £4 Sunday 28th Jan Citadel Band Concert at KILBARCHAN LANGBANK 3 pm in St Machar’s Ranfurly K i l b a r c h a n P a r i s h C h u rc h : Langbank Parish Church: Sunday Services continue at 11am Church tickets. After the success Services 10am with Sunday e a c h S u n d ay t h ro u g h o u t of last year’s performance, School, Crèche and young January, conducted by Rev. the Citadel Band is back for a people’s group, the Welcomers.

Stephen Smith. On Sunday 7th, concert in aid of general church Tea/coffee after the service. an informal communion will funds. Tickets (£5) available Church service starts at 10am. follow the 11am service. The from Mary Taylor (webmaster@ Come along and meet in the members of Kilbarchan Parish stmacharsranfurlychurch.org.

Hall from 9.50am. Charity No. Church wish all a very happy and uk, 01505 612417).

SC015085. peaceful New Year. We continue Hope Hall: Sun 1pm Sunday to support the Paisley Food Bank LOCHWINNOCH School, 4.30pm Gospel Service; each Sunday . Sunday School Parish Church: Mary Jane Bird.

Mon 6.30pm Investigators for Sunday 11am: Morning and the Crèche will meet in Kids, 8pm Bible Study and Worship and Sunday School. the hall from 10.45am each Prayer.

All welcome. week. ALL WELCOME TO ANY ELDERSLIE Calder United Free Church: OF OUR SERVICES. For further Elderslie Kirk: Sunday service (Church Street, Lochwinnoch) information about the church every week at 11am. Minister Sunday: 11am Morning worship and the organisations, please Rev. Robin Allison. All welcome. with Sunday School and Crèche. visit Kilbarchan Kirk online: Weekly meetings:- Monday 6.30pm Evening Fellowship www.kilbarchan-kirk.btck.co.uk Club every week from 12noon group, 7.30pm ABC’s Teen - 2.30pm. Light lunch and KILMACOLM group. Wed 6.30pm - 7.30pm. a varied activity programme. Kilmacolm Old Kirk: Church of Spiritualist Church, Lochlip Rd. All Scotland (Charity no. SC009291).

Midweek Fellowship will meet services commence 7.30pm. www.kilmacolmoldkirk.org. every Wed from 10.30am for uk. Minister Rev. Dr Peter QUARRIERS Tea/Coffee followed by a short McEnhill (01505 873174). Mount Zion Church: Rev. Andy Lunn Service of Worship at 11am.

BSc, (01475 791282) Mount Morning Worship – Sundays HOWWOOD Zion Church, Law View Road, 11am, all welcome Sunday Howwood Parish Church. Minister Quarriers Village, PA11 3FD. School and Crèche available.

Rev May Bell. Sunday Service Sunday Worship: 10.30am, Sòlas Bereavement Group, 2nd and Sunday School. 10am each Bible Study and Prayer Meetings: Thursday each month at 6.30pm Sunday. Prayer meeting held Wednesday at 7pm and Friday in Kidston Hall. Kilmacolm Old at 3 Bowfield Way, Howwood, at 10 am. “Mozzy” Youth Club and Kilmacolm St Columba are 7.30pm on Tuesdays.

Thursdays at 6.30pm for young having United Services at 11am. people of high school age. Half During the month of August, HOUSTON night of prayer: 7pm – midnight, they will be held in St Columba Houston and Killellan: Unless 4th Friday of each month. Feel Church. otherwise stated Services will be free to come along at any of conducted by the Rev. Ian Bell. St Columba Church of Scotland: these times. (charity no. SC007992) Morning January: Sunday 7th - 11am ‘The Gatherin’ is at 7pm on the Worship Sundays at 11am. All Morning Worship, Sunday 14th fourth Sunday of each month, at welcome. Coffee/tea served in 11am Morning Worship, Sunday Mount Zion Church in Quarriers the hall after the service.

21st - 11am Morning Worship, Village. The Gatherin’ for people Sunday 28th - 11am Morning to come together who hunger Worship. for more of the presence of the Lord and to be fed from His word.

Please come and invite others: all welcome!

A place for renewal

57

As I mentioned in the November issue of the Advertiser, I would like to set out some thoughts why there may yet be good reasons to come (back?) to church.

In January, at the start of a new year, we are generally encouraged to take stock of our diet, our life style and our finances. If these are not what they ought to be, we may make new year’s resolutions. We tell ourselves we will snack less, drink less, spend less, or exercise and save more. However, if you are like me, a few weeks into January the fervour and determination with which we started our new regime might already be draining away. What is usually required for these kind of life makeovers to stick is a change of attitude at a more deep seated level. Perhaps we have had a serious health scare, or we have witnessed it in people dear to us. Suddenly we have a strong inner motivation, an inner transformation we might say, that enables us to follow through on the more external changes needed.

Some folk might have the impression that people who go to church should be pretty clean living and ‘scrubbed up’ before they can venture near God. Or that Christianity is mainly about being and doing good. Whilst followers of Jesus are called to be good and to do good, if we start here it distorts the message and the ministry of Jesus. He came to and for all, but he spent most of his time with people at the social and moral margins of society. He didn’t begin by telling them to ‘scrub up’ and ‘get a grip’, but by offering them healing, freedom, forgiveness and a welcome that they didn’t get elsewhere.

This welcome often resulted in a deep seated renewal, a transformation of their lives.

The church (not the building, but the people gathered) is and should be a place of continual renewal. It’s a place where we can hear a message of grace and forgiveness offered freely to all. A place where the Spirit of God is poured out to effect a deep seated change in our lives. Where we can practice this renewed life together – with varying degrees of success and failure, but always with the offer of forgiveness and the promise that God will complete the work he began in us.

Admittedly sometimes the church as it comes across, seems stuck in the past, but perhaps you’d be surprised of the new life that can be found when you go looking for it.

God is not finished with his grand design to make all things new; why not come and find out for yourself what renewal you might experience when God has his way in our midst.

Isaiah 43: 18-19 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

Rev Hanneke Marshall, Minister of St Machar’s Ranfurly Church

@GryffeAds www.advertizer.co.uk 56-59 NEW CLASSIFIED_280 JANUARY18.indd 57

14/12/2017 16:38:35

58 Baby Equipment

Maxi-Cosi Priory child car seat, 9 months to 4 years.

Model with stabilising leg.

Black/grey and in great condition. £40. Tel: 0752 8362930.

Clothes & Shoes

Motorbike All In One Hein Gericke All Star Waterproofs. Black & Silver. Medium. As New. £30 ono. Tel: 01505 874103.

Ladies Windsmoor Coat, size 18. Tickets still attached. Cost £300 sell for £100. Tel: 07878 599505.

Antler Suit Carrier. £10.

Tel: 07878 599505.

Gents Black Gogo Jacket, medium. £5. Tel: 07878 599505.

Hunter Wellies Inserts.

Navy/Union Jack Top. Medium. £5 ono. Tel: 01505 874103.

Loveson Pink Jodphurs.

Waist 24. Hardly worn. £ 5 o n o . Te l : 0 1505 874103.

Barbour wax jacket, ladies 14, olive green, cord collar. As new condition.

Worn couple of times. £40. Kilmacolm. Tel: 07717 190180.

Radley handbag, small, black leather, big enough for purse and phone. As new. £15. Kilmacolm.

Tel: 07717 190180.

Household & Garden

Single Bed - cream colour, two drawers in base, VGC, used with mattress topper throughout. £50 Tel: 01505 872442 Fold-out Sofa Bed - navy blue, most suitable for a child’s room. £20 Tel: 01505 872442 Marks & Spencer natural colour fabric sofa bed - as good as new. Cost £1000 would sell for £150 collection required. Tel 01505 872213.

Black and silver TV corner stand unit. £20 ONO. Tel: 01505 872634 Recliner Chair, Swivel, as new. Fabric, natural, with footstool, could deliver.

Cost £280 - sell £48. Tel: 07986 812483.

Apollo Firecracker, ladies lightweight alloy tech.

7 gears. Excellent condition. £100 ono. Tel: 01505 874103.

Raleigh StreetWolf, blue 5 9 yrs. 6 gears. £10 ono.

Tel: 01505 874103.

Electrical & Gas

Toys/Games/DVD

Zanussi FL820 washing machine. 800rpm spin, good working order. £30 ono Tel: 0787 656 3768 Bosch Aquatax 1200 powerwash. Used once. £40 ono Tel: 01505 874103.

Bosch professional drill/ driver 3680CV 18V -60C in a prof box Brand new for joiners for business/ industrial use £230. Tel: 07856 610671 Red Rascal mobility scooter class 11 4mph. Good condition, new battery £350 ono. Tel: 07970 126366

Wii with all attachments.

Mario Kart with steering wheel. Family trainer with mat. Band Hero, including guitar, drums and mic.

Boogie Superstar. High School Musical 3, Beach Sports & My Horse 2. £125 ono. Tel: 01505 874103.

Other Items

Yamaha VPT 220 Keyboard with Stand & Beginners Music Book. £50 ono. Tel: 01505 874103.

Vintage Amber necklace cognac 80g NEW £60.

Tel: 07856 610671 Rohde ladies winter insulated boots, fur inside Sports black size5 NEW £36. Tel: Streamline Roller Blades, 07856 610671 Roadrunner pivot system with memory foam inserts. 4 x winter tyres for Hyundai Ix35 (or similar) Size Red & Black. Size 36 £20 255/55 R18 98T. In good ono. Tel: 01505 874103. condition, good tread, Adult Giro Bike Helmet, stored indoors when not Pink 61-64cm. £5 ono. in use. £150. Tel: 01505 Tel: 01505 874103.

874887.

Orange Mountain Bike. £100 ono. Tel: 01505 Brand new steel car wheel 6JX15H2 and new Jinyu 874103. tyre 185/60 R15. Stored Exercise Bike - Reebok as spare wheel only. £80.

XB0009 Console.

Tel: 07736 067169.

Excellent condition. £200 ono. Tel: 01505 871810. Collectors Victorian Dolls House over 3 floors with Powabyke electric bike balconies and electrics.

XLS10 - step through £300 ono. Tel: 01505 frame. Fitted with larger 874103. battery and the original smaller one as a spare. Sleeping Bag, Mountain Warehouse. Apex 250.

6 gears and “twist and Patterned in carry bag. go throttle”. Can be used Hardly used. £5 ono. Tel: without pedalling. Very 01505 874103. good clean condition. £450 T: 01505 872650.

Record CL2 Lathe plus accessories - £250.

Exercise Bike. Davina Can deliver. Tel: 07763 McCall, white with lilac 466490. flash. New and unused. £45. Tel: 0752 8362930.

Navnam Sat Nav - £10. Tel: 07763 466490.

Taxi roof sign - £25. Tel: 07763 466490.

Renfrewshire pupils are on song at Paisley Abbey

late news

Items For Sale

the advertizer

The sound of music flowed through Paisley Abbey as pupils from across Renfrewshire performed in the annual schools Christmas concert.

Aspiring musicians from a variety of Renfrewshire schools utilised the stunning acoustics of the historic venue to showcase their talents and musicianship to the local community.

Wanted Items

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.

Westclox Big Ben alarm clock. Call 07756 981917

The performance began with the violins and cellos of the Renfrewshire Schools String Ensemble’s as they performed ‘The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba’.

This was followed by a moving performance of Africca and Tron Legacy by the assorted battery of the Schools Percussion Ensemble, which incorporated an array of instruments including timpani, drums, marimba, tubular bells and more.

The Senior Concert band then played a range of Gershwin Classics, as well as music from Shrek, leaving the Abbey reverberating with the sounds of trumpets, saxophones and flutes.

Culture and tradition then enveloped the Abbey as the Feis Phaislig Choir opened the second half with a selection of Gaelic songs.

The Senior Ceilidh Band had the audience tapping along as they concluded the concert with a fantastic rendition of ‘Let Ramensky Go’, featuring Sorcha Alcorn Stewart on vocals.

Councillor Jim Paterson, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, said: “We have a wealth of aspiring musicians in Renfrewshire and it’s fantastic to see our pupils bring their talents together to put on such an extraordinary performance.

“It is vital that we encourage our young people to express themselves musically which is why we committed to offering free music tuition to our school pupils, allowing them the opportunity to find their talent from an early age. We want our pupils to aim high and achieve their dreams and what better inspiration than performing in the same venue as our home-grown success story Paolo Nutini did so recently.”

t: 01505 613340 56-59 NEW CLASSIFIED_280 JANUARY18.indd 58

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january 2018 Advertizers - A to Z

by category Accountants & Financial

Electricians

Affluent Financial Planning . . 22 CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 15 Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 17 GMH Chartered Accountants . . 27 Martin Aitken & Co Ltd . . . . . 26 Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk

Delta Electrical Services . . 11 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 Russell Milne Electrician . . 6

Architectural Services

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 11

Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Automotive Services AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 ARC Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . Bk Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 51

Bathrooms Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17

Bedrooms Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 5

Blacksmith & Metalwork McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 11

Building Services A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 5 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 10 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 KC Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 17 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 12 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 16 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 17 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 4 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 47

Business Services Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 25

Care Services & Homes Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 9

Cleaning & PowerWash CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 14 Eclipse deep clean . . . . . . . . . 14 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 15 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 KC Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5

Coffee Shops Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 14

Computer, IT & Web Carness Consulting Ltd . . . . . 25 ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 25

Driveways A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Driving Instructors AL Stewart - Driving Instruct . . 15

Education St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 49

Fencing Firewood & Logs LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34,35 Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 19 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 16 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Funeral Services Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 19 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 40

Garage Doors & Gates Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Garden Service & Design 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 31 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 35 Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 35 DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 32 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 33 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 31 M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 32 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 34 SP Groundcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 32 West of Scotland Landscape . . 30

Gas & Heating Services C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 8 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 27 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 6 O’Neil Gas Services . . . . . . . . 13 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1

Glazier 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 Cloudy2Clear Windows Glasgow . 5 JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 8 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Hairdressers & Barbers Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 39 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 39

Health, Beauty & Fitness Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 39 Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 9 Clyde Physiotherapy and Pilate . . 55 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 8 FitSmart Fitness . . . . . . . . . . 54 Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 41 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Linda Stewart - Slimming World . . 14 New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 8 Scott Isaksen Fitness . . . . . . 55

Home Interiors

Restaurant & Bars

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 5 Highland Style Living . . . . . . 15 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 16

Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 14

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 12

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . 14,15,17,20,21 Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 36

Joiners

Roofing

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 41 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 10 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 17 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 4 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 15

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 8 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 KC Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 17 MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 12 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 17 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 47

Home Security

Kilt & Dress Hire Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 11

Kitchens Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 5 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 4

Leisure & Recreation Ranfurly Castle Golf Club . . 53 Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash . . 53

Locksmiths Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Painters & Decorators A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 17 Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 10 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Pest Control RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 4

Pet Services & Training Barking Mad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Bridge of Weir Dog Walking . . 28 Pawz and Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 29 Suzanne’s Grooming Pad . . . . . 28

Plasterers Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 8 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 10 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 17

Plumbers C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 8 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 27 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 6 JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . 14,15,17,20,21

Home Improvements

Removals

Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 5 Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 24

Solicitors Affinity Family Law Experts . . 25 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1

Special Occasions ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Sports Clubs & Events Ranfurly Castle Golf Club . . 53

Stoves Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 16

Taxis & Minicoach hire ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 51

Tiling Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 15 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Travel Agents Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Tree Surgeon Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 33 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34,35 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 32

TV & Satellite Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 12 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3

Upholstery Services Eclipse deep clean . . . . . . . . . 14 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 15 Highland Style Living . . . . . . 15 P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 27

Window Cleaners DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 14 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 15 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 15

Window, Consv & Repair 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 8 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Property, Sales & Let Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Home Hardware

Retail

@ease Removals & Transport . . 4 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 31 A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 17 A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 35 A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Affinity Family Law Experts . . 25 Affluent Financial Planning . . 22 Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 AL Stewart - Driving Instruct . . 15 Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 5 ARC Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . Bk Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 39 B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 5 Barking Mad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11 Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 14 Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 9 Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Bridge of Weir Dog Walking . . 28 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 12 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 8 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 5 C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 8 Carness Consulting Ltd . . . . . 25 Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 15 CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 12 CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 Cloudy2Clear Windows Glasgow . . 5 Clyde Physiotherapy and Pilate . . 55 ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 10 Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 9 Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 35 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 Delta Electrical Services . . 11 Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 12 DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 41 DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 32 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 14 Eclipse deep clean . . . . . . . . . 14 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 15 Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 8 Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 17 FitSmart Fitness . . . . . . . . . . 54 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 34 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . 14,15,17,20,21 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 33 GMH Chartered Accountants . . 27 Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 15 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 51 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 11 Highland Style Living . . . . . . 15

59

I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 27 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 6 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 10 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 8 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 40 Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 51 KC Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 31 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 41 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 17 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 25 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Linda Stewart - Slimming World . . 14 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34,35 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 32 Martin Aitken & Co Ltd . . . . . 26 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 15 MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 12 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 11 Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 19 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 39 NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 8 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 16 O’Neil Gas Services . . . . . . . . 13 Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 24 P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 27 Pawz and Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 34 Ranfurly Castle Golf Club . . 53 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 4 Russell Milne Electrician . . 6 Scott Isaksen Fitness . . . . . . 55 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 29 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 SP Groundcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 49 Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash . . 53 Suzanne’s Grooming Pad . . . . . 28 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 17 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 4 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 36 The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 47 Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 32 West of Scotland Landscape . . 30 Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 15

@ease Removals & Transport . . 4 The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Pick up a Copy

February ‘18 Issue: • Deadline: 19 January • Delivery: 31 January

March ‘18 Issue: • Deadline: 16 February • Delivery: 27 February

Bishopton: Woodrow’s Store, Library Bridge of Weir: Gibb Stuart, Bernie’s Cafe, Lochnagar, The Bridge, Library (Cargill Hall) Erskine: Garden Centre, Library, Sports Centre, Swimming pool

Houston: Co-op, Carrick Centre, Post Office, Newsagent Howwood: Village Store, St Vincent’s Hospice Johnstone: Henderson Kilts, Papa Mac’s, Library Kilbarchan: Sheridan’s Store, Post Office, Campbell’s, Newsagents, Bobbins, Old Library Centre

Langbank: Finlaystone Visitor Centre Kilmacolm: Newsagent, Cross Café, Gibb Stuart, Library, Community Centre Lochwinnoch: Keystore, Library, Dolce Vita, Castle Semple Centre Quarriers: Three Sisters Bake

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Pick up a Copy Bishopton: Woodrow’s Store, Library Bridge of Weir: Gibb Stuart, Bernie’s Cafe, Lochnagar, The Bridge, Library (Cargill Hall)

Erskine: Garden Centre, Library, Sports Centre, Swimming pool Houston: Co-op, Carrick Centre, Post Office, Newsagent Howwood: Village Store, St Vincent’s Hospice

Johnstone: Henderson Kilts, Papa Mac’s, Library Kilbarchan: Sheridan’s Store, Post Office, Campbell’s, Newsagents, Bobbins, Old Library Centre Langbank: Finlaystone Visitor Centre

Kilmacolm: Newsagent, Cross Café, Gibb Stuart, Library, Community Centre Lochwinnoch: Keystore, Library, Dolce Vita, Castle Semple Centre Quarriers: Three Sisters Bake

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