282 March 2018 - Gryffe Advertizer

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March 2018 No.282

Cold Weather at the Knapps by Mark Hutton

No. 282

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March 2018

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your LOCAL community magazine

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A community magazine delivered FREE to homes in the Gryffe area 01+60 COVER_282 MARCH18.indd 1

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April ‘18 Issue: • Deadline: 16 th MARCH • Delivery: 27 th MARCH

May ‘18 Issue: • Deadline: 13 th APRIL • Delivery: 24 th APRIL

This month The first lambs are in the fields and a wee bit of sunshine breaks through the window as I write this. Thoughts of Spring and not long to go till the warmer days, a part of this is the clocks changing at the end of March (Sunday 25th). “Spring Forward, Fall Back” is how I remember which way to go!

Watching the Winter Olympics, I got very nostalgic to the days of my youth when I played at Greenacres Curling Club.

There was a vibrant and enthusiastic young curlers group who met on Sunday mornings. One of the curlers was none other than Rhona Howie, the Olympic Gold Medal Winner and I played against her on a number of occasions. By tracking down a few posts on the internet, I managed to find some friends from those days, plus some footage of a prizegiving back in the 80s which I have shared to my facebook page. It’s wonderful looking at all the faces (and the fashions) again.

With Spring fast approaching, this is the time of year for cleaning driveways, patios etc., ready for the Summer. If you are thinking of having your driveway cleaned then it is crucial it’s done correctly to prevent problems in future.

If there are a lot of weeds these should be treated before jet-washing and after a high-pressure industrial clean that removes dirt, moss and a little sand, it is critical to re-sand with kiln-dried sand, a Biocidal treatment will then resist future growths. Give us a call for free friendly information on this service or for a free quotation.

Driving out of Kilmacolm towards Bridge of Weir please take care when passing the “Beeches Road” junction at the first Knapps carpark, but even more so at the second Knapps lay-by. My daughter had to brake suddenly last week - she was approaching the second lay-by when she was confronted by someone trying to turn right to go back towards Kilmacolm. On speaking to others this is not an uncommon occurrence and the issue has now been raised with Inverclyde Council. While we await their feedback, if exiting the second lay-by surely it’s more sensible to make a left turn and swing round at the top of the Quarrier’s Road to make your way back to Kilmacolm. Of course, neither option is ideal but the latter offers better sight lines and is therefore safer.

The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland have launched a campaign for all road users – “In Town, Slow Down”. Research has revealed that over a third of people in Scotland rush through town if they’re running late and over half admit to taking risks such as jumping amber lights and travelling over the speed limit, just to be on time. This also applies to the open road, with some drivers taking incredible risks with ill-judged overtaking or pulling out into traffic, all just to save a few minutes (I suppose that leads on from my previous paragraph). And how often have we caught up with these same drivers by the time we get to the next set of lights?

And not restricted to the roads, I followed a debate on facebook last month as a cyclist complained that he was knocked from his bike by an “uncontrolled” dog on the “Cycle-Track”. I put both terms in quotes as the first is possibly subjective, although I’m sure those involved in the incident might disagree, and the second is certainly a misinterpreted colloquial term. The former Railway Line is in fact a “Shared Use Path” with user’s guidance available on various on-route signage, or from Sustrans at www.sustrans.org.uk/what-youcan-do/cycling/cycling-safety-and-rules/advice-using-shared-use-paths Sustrans manage these routes and the name stands for “Sustainable Transport”, i.e. not motorised. Sustrans encourage active travel: walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users, parents with prams/small people on or off bikes, dog walkers, horse riders, etc. For this to work effectively, in simple terms, all users of Shared Paths have responsibilities for the safety of all others they are sharing the space with. Over the years I’ve enjoyed this facility as a parent with little ones, a dog walker with dogs on and off the lead and as a cyclist; on each occasion trying to apply the appropriate level of caution, control and awareness of others, and apologising if I was ever remiss. With all the best intentions accidents still happen and I hope the cyclist, the dog and the owner are all fully recovered and once again enjoying our open spaces.

The sun is still shining through the window, so hopefully by my next column, I’ll be looking out the barbeque and dusting down the garden chairs..... .....or will I be shovelling snow again? Brrrr!

Rona

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Contents

local news............................................................. 4-13 dental blog .............................................................. 13 what’s on ............................................................14-21 finance & tech....................................................22-25 financial blog .......................................................... 22 IT blog. ..................................................................... 22 legal blog ................................................................. 25 local history ............................................................. 24 pet news .............................................................26-27 pet blog.................................................................... 26 outdoors..............................................................28-33 village news........................................................34-45 school news........................................................46-51 optical blog ............................................................. 50 on the road .............................................................. 51 sport news ..........................................................52-55 sporting blog ........................................................... 54 business classified ................................................. 56 sales & wants .......................................................... 57 advertizer directory................................................. 58 deadlines dates....................................................... 58 pick up a copy ......................................................... 58

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-4pm; 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.

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Musical Instrument Amnesty Is there a musical instrument that is lurking in the back of the cupboard or up in the loft, that hasn’t been played since you were at school? Not sure what to do with it? Pass it on!

Pass It On Week runs from 10th-18th March and this year’s theme is musical instruments. LEAP will be collecting old instruments and related equipment (e.g. music stands, microphones, guitar pedals, sheet music), to be reused by others. Items (including damaged instruments) can be dropped off at the LEAP office in Lochwinnoch or Bridge of Weir; a St Vincent’s Hospice Shop; the RAMH Re-use Superstore in Johnstone; or any participating school, including Lochwinnoch Nursery and Kilbarchan Primary (see our Facebook event page for full list).

The instruments will be re-used by the drop off organisation (used for music tuition in schools, or sold on for fundraising in charity shops), or passed to local music groups (e.g. bagpipes and chanters can be rehomed with Kilbarchan Pipe Band) with any excess or damaged instruments being passed on to Music Broth, a new charity in Glasgow, to be refurbished and added to their Musical Instrument Library.

Many people are put off learning a musical instrument due to the expense and re-use makes it more accessible, affordable… and more environmentally friendly! For more information, visit our Facebook page - www.facebook. com/myleapproject - or email susie@myleapproject.org

Join LEAP Car Club NOW and receive £25 worth of free driving LEAP Car Club offers convenient, 24/7, not-for-profit community car hire and can help you cut the costs of driving.

Cars can be hired for as little as an hour or for as long as you want. The Car Club has helped members by allowing them to sell additional cars or to not have to buy one. What our members say: •

“Reliable cars there when I need them.”

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“For someone who does not own a car it is very useful to have access to a car at any time for short periods.”

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“It is so easy to book online. Great value for money too.”

To find out more contact Car Club Coordinator Mike Callaghan T: 01505 842530 E: mike@myleapproject.org

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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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Don’t forget . . .

11th March - Mothering Sunday

Speaker Meetings at The River Inn Wednesday 24th January - David Atkinson, guest of Bob Ross, spoke on “Social Media”. David was born in South Yorkshire. He is the Chairman of the Rotary District 1230 (West of Scotland) committee for marketing, public relations and communications. Through his business - CO2 Design - a graphic design company situated in Paisley adjacent to Paisley Grammar School, which specialises in branding, printed material, websites and e-flyers, David has learned how to use social media for promotion of businesses, charities and clubs. He welcomed the club’s use of Facebook to promote its activities and also encouraged individual members, including several socialmedia sceptics (!) to take advantage of the medium through family groups to keep in touch with distant relatives, and perhaps alleviate loneliness.

Wednesday 31st January - Maisie Hamilton, Beatson Cancer Charity. Ronnie Mercer introduced Maisie who started by describing the wonderful work carried out by the Beatson. It is named after Dr George Beatson (later Sir George) who was an International pioneer in the treatment of breast cancer. The Beatson now serves a population of 2.6 million and the team sees more than 8000 new patients annually as well as administering more than 20,000 courses of chemotherapy and around 6500 courses of Radiotherapy each year. Beatson Cancer Charity is determined to beat cancer and is committed to securing significant funding (currently £2M/year) to support and enhance the treatment, care and wellbeing of current, former and future cancer patients and their families. There are three main functions of the charity: fundraising and communications - patient and family support - funding. After many questions Angus asked members to join him in thanking Maisie for a most interesting presentation on a very worthwhile charity.

Hand-over of Mobility Scooter While many of the club’s Community Service projects support charities or groups, sometimes the opportunity arises to support a deserving family or an individual.

When the club heard that Ross Stirling’s family and friends were seeking to raise money to buy a mobility scooter they rallied round and decided that Rotary would step in using funds raised by the club at various events including the annual Burns Supper and BBQ. The photograph shows Community Service Chair Ronnie Mercer at the hand-over of the scooter, purchased by Rotary, to Ross, who suffered a brain stem stroke in August 2015. Ross’s wife Janice said “We cannot thank Gryffe Valley Rotary Club enough for providing the scooter. It will help Ross with his goal of getting out for walks with me and the dog, raise his level of independence and in so doing lift his spirits.”

EVENT PLANNER The following events have been confirmed: • • • • • •

Monday 12th March 2018: Primary School Quiz will be held on Monday 12th March 2018 at the British Legion Club, Bridge of Weir. Taking part will be Houston, St Fillan’s, Bridge of Weir and St Columba’s Junior School. Parents and friends welcome.

Friday 2nd March 2018: Closing date for Young Writer competition - All the usual primary and secondary schools have been invited to take part. The judges have also been contacted and agreed to assist. The title for the young people is ‘A Different Perspective.’

Wednesday 21st March 2018 - Dinner meeting Nigel Willis – ‘The Darien Scheme’ Sun 15th April 2018: Charity Musical Lunch at St Columba’s School. 12.30 for 13.00. Tickets from Club members.

Sunday 29th April 2018. Annual 10K run. Save the date and spread the word!

Saturday 19th May 2018: Rotary Charity Car Wash at Beaton Bros Funeral Directors

Dinner meetings are held in The River Inn, Crosslee at 7.00pm for 7.30. If you are interested in Rotary and would to like to attend or help at any of these events please contact the club via the “contact” button on the website www.gryffevalley-rotary.org.uk .

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Kilbarchan Bike Swap LEAP’s next Bike Swap will be hosted by the Kilbarchan Boys Brigade, as part of this year’s Pass It On Week. It will be held at the Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall (off Steeple Square), on Saturday 17th March, 11am-1pm.

Swap your old bike (in any condition) for another more suitable one or donate an unused bike so someone else can use it. It’s a great way to clear out old bikes to make space in garden sheds. Bikes needing some TLC will be passed on to Kibbleworks in Paisley to be refurbished.

Want to start cycling but have no bike to swap? Come along near the end to see if we have one that would suit you. For more information, visit our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/myleapproject - or email susie@ myleapproject.org

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the advertizer Wemyss Bay Station by Bill Ham Kilmacolm Camera Club

Local Home-Start: Walking The Walk To Help Vulnerable Families Joining forces for a fun, energetic day out!

Home-Start are rounding up volunteers, staff, trustees and friends and entering The Kiltwalk on Sunday 29th April starting in Glasgow. www. thekiltwalk.co.uk/events/glasgow-2018 Home-Start are calling for as many families and volunteers as possible to join them and raise money for their fantastic charity.

You have the option to join some of the walkers on the ‘Big Stroll’, which is 14 miles, or take the more family friendly approach and do the ‘Wee Wander’ with your kids – there really is something for everyone. The day promises to be upbeat, energetic and exciting for all! Expect to see lots of entertainment on the way round, and finish it all off with a hot meal! What more could you ask for?!

Work Underway on New Footpath Following their announcement in December, work has now begun on a new public footpath to improve access to St. Vincent’s Hospice by connecting Beith Road and Midton Road.

The new path will provide safer and more direct access to the Hospice for individuals relying on public transport and coming from the nearby Corseford School.

Chief Executive of St. Vincent’s Hospice, Kate Lennon, said: “Not only will this improve access to St. Vincent’s Hospice and Corseford School, but this will really help open up the countryside; allowing more people across the community to use the playing fields for recreation, dog walking or horse riding.”

St. Vincent’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for individuals affected by life limiting conditions throughout Renfrewshire, as well as support for families and young people who have been impacted by the loss of a loved one.

The project is currently scheduled for completion in April 2018. There are also plans to add a toucan crossing in the future.

Signing up is easy! You can register online and join the Home-Start Heroes Renfrewshire and Inverclyde team.

Home-Start provides one-to-one practical and emotional support to any parent with one or more children under five with individually tailored weekly home visits by a trained volunteer to the family. Our volunteers were parents themselves and understand how hard it can be! They work alongside parents, in their own homes, to help them cope with the stresses and strains of life and make sure they have the skills, confidence and strength they need to nurture their children.

Much research and Home-Start’s own considerable experience has shown that the first five years of a child’s life are the most important. The impact of family life in these years strongly determines their life chances. Children who are raised in a stable, loving and supportive environment are far more likely to have a positive and healthy future ahead of them but life’s challenges can hinder a parent’s ability to provide this environment We are always looking for more new volunteers and trustees, if you are at all interested please contact us on 0141 889 5272 or 01475 603441 or theteam@home-start-renfrewshire.org.uk.

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Charity raises £72,000 on their 30th Anniversary St. Vincent’s Hospice raised more than £72,000 at their 30th Anniversary Ceilidh Ball, gathering hundreds of guests, supporters and sponsors from across the community on Friday 2nd February.

The event, which took place at the Hilton Glasgow, marked 30 years of St. Vincent’s providing palliative and end of life care for thousands of people and families since they first opened their doors in 1988.

Commenting on the evening, Chief Executive of St. Vincent’s Hospice, Kate Lennon, said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed by the success of our 30th Anniversary Ball, and wanted to say a huge thank you to so many people that made this possible.

“The evening was the culmination of months of work from our Fundraising Team and Volunteer committee who worked tirelessly to make sure the event was a success. Our entertainers on the night were also on top form, from our host, Andy Cameron M.B.E, keeping the evening on track with jokes and entertainment, Natasha Raskin Sharp kept the bids flying at our Grand Auction, to First Class providing an amazing night of pop and traditional Scottish music, who had the entire room on their feet from start to finish.”

As part of the anniversary, Pearl Sponsors came forward from across the community and will be supporting St. Vincent’s throughout 2018. As a small token of thanks, the Hospice wanted to give them something unique to mark the occasion Kate added: “Our Pearl Sponsors have been so generous and we wanted to thank them with something truly special. We contacted renowned artist, John Damari, who is well known for his work with charities and commissioned a unique work: ‘The Many Caring Hearts of St. Vincent’s Hospice.’ We arranged for a very limited number of prints to be made and framed, presenting these to each of our Sponsors as part of our celebrations on the night.”

St. Vincent’s Pearl Sponsors came from multiple sectors in the community, specifically: A&D Logistics, Acre Industrial and Cleaning Services, Barr and Wray, Benston Motor Engineers, Chemtech Consultancy, Intu Braehead, John Roach Funeral Services, MacDuff International, MacAsphalt, Marbill Coaches, NCT Leather and W.J & W. Lang Limited, Peak Scientific, Phoenix Car Company, Spar Scotland, Spectrum Service Solutions and WH Malcolm.

Guests were also presented with a limited edition St. Vincent’s Whisky, provided courtesy of MacDuff International as a keepsake of the evening.

For more information about St. Vincent’s Hospice, and how you can get involved in their 30th Anniversary year, visit: www.SVH.co.uk.

Anniversary Dinner and Quiz 2018 is RAMH’s 40th Anniversary, to celebrate we have organised a celebratory fundraising Dinner and Quiz event on Friday 25th May at the Normandy Hotel.

We are delighted to announce that local broadcaster and writer, Vanessa Collingridge will be the host for the evening. The event is proudly sponsored

by University of the West of Scotland.

Tickets are now on sale! Just £400 for a team of 10 or save £50 on bookings made before 7th March 2018. All proceeds go directly towards mental health services for local people.

To book please contact enquires@ramh.org or phone 0141 847 8900.

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Over a third of Scots rush to work

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New campaign reminds road users In Town, Slow Down New research reveals over a third of people in Scotland (34%) rush through town if they’re running late for work, with more than half (58%) admitting to taking risks when travelling in built-up areas such as jumping amber lights (19%) and travelling over the speed limit (19%) in a bid to be ‘on time.’

One in twenty also admit to travelling on ‘autopilot’ every day and don’t pay full attention to their surroundings or other road users. The findings of the survey by the Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland (part of Transport Scotland) mark the launch of a new campaign with a clear message for all road users; In Town, Slow Down.

A number of organisations including Living Streets Scotland, Cycling Scotland and local authorities have already backed the initiative to unite road users and create a greater sense of shared responsibility to help reduce the number of casualties on Scotland’s roads.

Minister for Transport and the Islands, Humza Yousaf said: “We are committed to achieving safer road travel in Scotland for everyone and it’s important drivers and riders travel at an appropriate speed for the environment and the conditions, especially in built-up areas where there are many vulnerable road users. Whether we drive, ride, cycle or walk, we all share the same road and our actions can have serious consequences.

So don’t risk it - the message is simple, in town, slow down.”

Figures show 96% of accidents involving pedestrians happen in built-up areas, with most casualties occurring between 4-6pm on weekdays and between 1-3pm on weekends. Speed causes accidents. And the harsh reality is that you don’t have to be breaking the limit to be going too fast.

With two-thirds of people walking as a method of travel at least once a week and cycling on the rise, these figures highlight how important it is for all road users to take greater care and consideration when travelling in built-up areas.

For more information log onto dontriskit.info or check out the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and Twitter (@roadsafetyscot) pages.

Gryffe Advertizer - Current & Past Issues

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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.

beauty of natural flooring to your home without the hassle.

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

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

Musical Lunch at St Columba’s School Planning is underway for a Musical Lunch, in aid of 500 miles - a charity set up to help amputees in Malawi and Zambia be fitted with artificial limbs.

This will be held at St Columba’s School, Gryffe Road, Kilmacolm at 12.30pm for 1.00pm on Sunday 15th April 2018. The artistes will be “Angel Voices”, St Columba’s Pipe band and Mark and Daniella Hathaway in “Vocalise”.

Tickets (which include a two course Carvery lunch and a welcome drink) are available at £27.50 from www.gryffevalley.rotary1230.org.

Maid of the Loch Tearoom Opens OPENING DAY Friday 30 March 2018 The Tearoom on board the Maid of the Loch on Loch Lomond will be opening for the season on Good Friday - please come down and say hello! We will be well stocked with homemade soup, tasty fillings for sandwiches, toasties & wraps, fresh home baked scones & cakes, hot & cold drinks and delicious ice cream!

Reminder that Afternoon Tea must be booked in advance so please contact us prior to coming down if you are wanting Afternoon tea.

Dogs are not permitted inside the tearoom but are very welcome on board the Maid of the Loch and we have outside seating available for when its time for a tea break.

For more information call 07921 859776 or visit our facebook.com/Maid-of-the-LochTearoom-395561630894061/. Find us at The Pier, Pier Road, Balloch G83 8QX.

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Dental Blog

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by Sheila Macintyre, Practice Owner, Kilbarchan Dental Practice

The Power of a Smile £2million Parks Improvement Works now complete Works to create a modern, family friendly environment has seen £2million invested in a number of improvements to two main Renfrewshire parks.

Two wheelchair-accessible swings have been installed in Paisley’s Barshaw Park and Renfrew’s Robertson Park to ensure an inclusive setting for young people is available in the popular community spaces.

Brand-new, state-of-the-art playgrounds have also been created in each park with the aim of improving children’s health, learning and social inclusion by providing them with stimulating play equipment. The first castle structure of its kind in the world has been constructed in Robertson Park, with the unique three-tower construction containing a rappelling wall, rung ladder, hand over hand monkey bars, vertical climbing net and two separate styles of rope traverse.

The investment has also seen a number of significant upgrades made to pathways, roads and drainage systems to improve the park’s resistance to inclement weather and provide a safe space for the public to enjoy all year round.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “I’m delighted that the works to these two parks are complete. The new play equipment, including the wheelchair accessible swings, will provide a safe, positive environment for our young people of all ages and abilities to enjoy for years to come.”

In simple terms the work of a dentist is very much about ensuring that our patients all have healthy smiles. Whilst that isn’t very surprising the true power of a smile might be, so we have put together some interesting “smiley snippets”…

Contracting the muscles in your face by smiling is known to trigger the release of endorphins and serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for the feeling of happiness.

Apparently (even if you don’t feel like it) using these muscles to smile can trick your brain into releasing these chemicals so it can be a great way to lift your mood.

A smile is one of the first things that other people will notice about you so don’t forget to smile at job interviews, at work and socially to make a good impression.

Studies have shown that we find each other more attractive when we are smiling - smiles make us more approachable, suggest kindness, enthusiasm and positivity.

Smiles really are contagious and make a positive impact on others. Human beings tend to mimic each other without knowing it so you can very easily lift someone else’s mood with a simple smile.

It is often claimed that it takes far fewer muscles to smile than to frown so it may actually just be easier smile!

Of course, we are far more likely to smile if we have a smile to be proud of which is why it is so important to care for your smile with a good oral health regime (brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste) and regular visits to your dentist. Many modern practices also offer teeth whitening and other aesthetic treatments that can also help improve your smile.

At Kilbarchan Dental Practice we are well known for our friendliness (smiles included) so if you have any queries about any area of dental health please do visit us. Alternatively, you can call us on 01505 704969 or click www.kilbarchandental. co.uk where you’ll find lots more free tips and advice.

A further £250,000 is set to be invested in five neighbourhood parks to enhance the visitor experience and provide a fun, exciting environment for local residents to enjoy. Planning is underway to identify which parks will receive part of the funding, with works expected to take place during 2018.

For further information, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/parksandgardens.

GVRC Community Service Young Carers outings to the Experience On four nights during the week 22nd -25th January 2018 four groups of Young Carers – 64 in all – were given a night out at The Experience at Hillington. Each group enjoyed sessions of Electric Go-Karting and Lasershooting, followed by an American Buffet.

The club members present were delighted to see the young people aged 8 to 18 having a great time. Many were keen to thank Rotary and the club were delighted to show their appreciation to the young people for their caring activities and to the Renfrewshire Young Carers group for their support.

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h c r Ma Fri 2 Feb - Fri 2 March

Fri 2 March

Sat 3 March

Carrick Nights - Alison McNeill & Sacha Savaloni

Carrick Nights - Kentigern Quartet + Maria Wilson and Accompanist

RIPPED UP by ReMode

Carrick Centre, Main St, Houston 8pm 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. Ticket Prices (single concert): Adults £12, Children/ Student £5. Call 01505 229597 or e mail thecarrickcentre@gmail.com

Thu 1 - Thu 15 March Rosemary Beaton Art Exhibition

No. 9, George Square Glasgow G2 1DY 10am to 6pm A large retrospective exhibition. Opening times Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm

Thu 1 March Outlook

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 4pm ‘Music on piano and violin’ with William Kean

St Columba’s School Open Day

St Columba’s Junior School, Knockbuckle Rd, Kilmacolm 9am to 3pm There is no better way to experience the true atmosphere of St Columba’s School than to come and see it for yourself. Open Day provides the perfect opportunity for prospective and current families to see our Early Years, Junior and Senior Schools in action. Please do come along from 9am3pm and let our pupils show you what makes St Columba’s so special. www. st-columbas.org

Fri 2 March Kilbarchan Fairtrade Group Curry Night

Bobbins Cafe, 25 Steeple Street, Kilbarchan 7pm Last minute tickets may still be available at Bobbins.

Local Lepidoptera - Moths and Butterflies of Glasgow McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew 7.30pm Richard Sutcliffe will deliver an illustrated talk entitled “Local Lepidoptera - Some Butterflies and Moths of the Glasgow area”.

All welcome.

Carrick Centre, Main St, Houston 8pm 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. Come along and enjoy a varied selection of music. Ticket Prices (single concert): Adults £12, Children/ Student £5. Call 01505 229597 or email thecarrickcentre@gmail.com

Fri 2 - Sat 3 March SAMA 2018

Paisley - various venues Scottish Alternative Music Awards 2018 Paisley Takeover Friday 2nd March 19.00 – 22.00 Paisley Arts Centre Acts: To Be Announced Saturday 3rd March 13.00 – 14.30 Paisley Arts Centre Music workshop with The Vegan Leather 16.00 – 17.30 Paisley Arts Centre Music Seminars 14.00 – In conversation: Speaker TBA 15.00 – When is the best time to showcase your music to the industry? 16.30 – How do you DIY in 2018?

18.12 – 19.00 Feel The Groove, Record Store SAMA Live Sessions: Acts TBA 19.00 – 22.00 Paisley Arts Centre Acts: To Be Announced Sign up via Eventbrite UK. Evening tickets include a complimentary drink on arrival (over 18s). For more info visit officialsama.co.uk

Fri 2 - Sun 4 March OK Fest

Kilmacolm Old Kirk, High St, Kilmacolm A weekend community event, in association with the Old Kirk, celebrating music and the spoken word. Programme details on Kilmacolm & Quarriers pages. (p36)

Sat 3 - Sun 4 March Binocular & Telescope Open Day

RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th March Come and peruse a range of telescopes and binoculars, with knowledgeable staff on hand to help you find the right one for you! Our optics are competitively priced, with the added bonus that you are helping conservation.

Cost: FREE

Book Fayre Weekend Accord Store, 110 Abercorn St, Paisley PA3 4AY 10am to 4pm Thousands of books and cd’s for sale – all genres. Refreshments will be available.

Saturday 3rd from 10am and Sunday 4th from 12noon

BCU 3 Star Sea Kayak Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Calder Glen Road, Lochwinnoch Take your kayak out on open water, more challenges await.

TnT Bird Ringing Demonstration

MND Coffee Morning

The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, Greenock A chance to see our native woodland birds up close and literally ‘in the hand’ while they get their identification rings. WHERE: Sat 3rd Greenock Cut Visitor Centre Sun 4th Muirshiel Visitor Centre WHEN: Sat 11am – 3pm, Sun 10.30am – 3.30pm MORE INFO: tel 01505 614 791 in office hours

Curry and Quiz Night

Sun 4 March

Sat 3 March Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10am to 12noon 2nd Floor. All welcome. Cost: £3

Scout Hall, Kilmacolm 7.30pm Tickets £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! We always appreciate the support. Money raised goes to help support our local scouts activities. Kilmacolm Scouts.

Doors open at 7pm. £10

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University of the West of Scotland, Student Union, Storie Street, Paisley PA1 2HB 7pm to 9pm A group of Renfrewshire teenagers will be hitting the catwalk this spring with a very different look. The models walking the runway at fashion show Ripped Up by ReMode will all be wearing clothes they’ve re-made from discarded fabric, whether donated or rescued from landfill sites. Tickets at the Eventbrite link: https://tinyurl.com/remode-ripped - £2 suggested donation

Mothers Day Gift and Craft Fayre

Kilbarchan Guide Centre, Barn Green, Kilbarchan 1pm to 4pm Come along and browse our fantastic local crafter stalls. More than 20 to choose from; jewellery, soaps, art work, sweets, cards, books and much more... Something for everyone! We would love to see you there! All funds raised will go towards World Challenge Bolivia. Adults £1.50 Children £0.50

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Sun 4 March

Sun 11 March

Paisley Abbey Concert

Wildlife Photography Workshop: Beginners

Paisley Abbey, Abbey close, Paisley 7.30pm Paisley Abbey Choir featuring Pamela Hay - Mezzo Soprano, Colin Murray - Baritone, Ewan Robertson - Bass Flute and Conductor George McPhee perform Three Donne Lyrics

by Edward McGuire, Mass for Double Choir by Frank Martin and Requiem Op9 by Maurice Durufle. Tickets available from Abbey shop or call 0141 889 7654 £15

Wed 7 March 2018 Kilmacolm Civic Trust AGM and Public Talk

Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm Kilmacolm Civic Trust Members’ AGM, followed at 7.45pm by an illustrated talk, open to all residents - “The end of the beginning” on the resurgence of shipbuilding at Port Glasgow by Mr John Morgan, Director of Business Development at Ferguson Marine.

Refreshments will be served, entry free, donations welcome.

Solas Bereavement Group Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 4pm Solas Bereavement Group

Thu 8 - Sun 25 March Glasgow International Comedy Festival

Glasgow - various venues Whyte & Mackay Glasgow International Comedy Festival 8th – 25th March 2018

Sat 10 March Kilmacolm Girl Guiding Spring Fayre

St Columba Church Hall. Kilmacolm 10am to 12.30pm Come along and support our local Rainbows, Brownies and Guides at the Girl Guiding Daffodil Spring Fayre. Crafts, Tombola, Easter Eggs, Home baking, Mother Day’s Gifts, Bacon rolls and more.. Adults £2.50/Children £1.50 - refreshments included.

Paisley Friends of ACCORD Coffee Morning Lylesland Church, 123 Rowan St, Paisley Come along and sample some fabulous baking and have a coffee with friends

Sat 10 March Kilbarchan Singers Coffee Morning

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street 10am to 12noon Entry includes coffee/tea & cakes. And have the chance to win a prize in the tombola. £2.50

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RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 1pm to 4.30pm Learn how to take great outdoor and wildlife photographs with your own camera. Led

by David Palmer, who has over 30 years experience and is a volunteer photographer with the RSPB. For more info: rspb.org.uk/ lochwinnoch. £25, RSPB members £20

Angel Voices and Voices + St Fillans Church, Kilmacolm 6pm A Musical Celebration for Mothering Sunday.

For more information please contact organiser: Maureen Russell land line: 01505872905 / mobile 07905950028. email: maureenmrussell@hotmail.com

Spring Walk/Mother’s Day Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 1pm to 3pm Join the Rangers for a gentle stroll through the forest with moderate slopes. Bring boots and coats. Bring Mum for a garden stroll followed by a cream tea in the Tea Room.

Mon 12 March Stargazing Evening

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch 7pm to 9pm A evening of galactic exploration! MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 or book online

Tue 13 March Kilbarchan Beekeepers

Kilbarchan Steeple Hall, Steeple Square, Kilbarchan 7.30pm to 10pm Microscopy, Ian Craig & Peter Stromberg: You can come along and find out more about Honeybee husbandry and related topics.

Wed 14 March Gateway Garden Free Drop In Session

Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan from 2pm Gateway Garden, All welcome to visit for a relaxing time, with the option to join in easy gardening and bird feeding activities and to bring your gardening questions to our experts.

For more information, contact 07952169341 or hello@kilbarchansmile.co.uk or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook.

Thu 15 March Outlook

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 4pm ‘Holidays 2018 with Charlotte’ from Travel Actually.

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Sun 18 March

Wed 21 March

Astronomy Evening

Gateway Garden Free Drop In Session

Embroiderers’ Guild Bridge of Weir Branch

RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 7.30pm to 9pm D i s c ove r n i g h t s k y wo n d e r s w i t h a presentation from the Astronomical Society of Glasgow. Outdoors stargazing if weather permits. (Members discount available.)

Adults £6, Children £4.80 (RSPB members: £4.80/£3.80)

Sat 17 March

Pollokshaws Ceilidh

Kilbarchan Messy Church

A Ceilidh will be held on Saturday 17th March 2018.

Bishopton Art Group Spring Art and Craft Fair

The venue is Pollokshaws Burgh Hall, 2025 Pollokshaws Road, G43 1NE, and will take place from 7pm – Midnight (includes one free entry to raffle).

Entry Donation £8 and under 16s free, Drinks £3. You can pay online at www.hdscotland.org or by calling Linda on 0141 848 0308.

Funds raised will help to improve quality of life to people impacted by a complex neurological condition (HD).

Book & Music Fayre Weekend Sat 3rd & Sun 4th March 2018 The ACCORD Store in Paisley will be hosting a book and music fayre selling a whole range of items over the weekend! Opening times are Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday Midday-4pm, at the Accord Store, 110 Abercorn Street, Paisley, PA3 4AY. This is a free event with a whole range of items over the weekend. Bargains Galore! Selling best sellers, children’s books, biographies and much more!

Refreshments available.

Comedy with John Archer Friday 20th April 2018 River Inn, Houston PA6 7AW Open to everyone! Freeland Church Men’s Fellowship Group brings us a night of Comedy, Fun, Laughter, Food with John Archer.

Comedy, Magic and more...

Check him out... www.john-archer. com. Tickets available from 15th February. Tables of 10 - Group bookings - Individual tickets John Archer will give a short testimony after his performance.

Tickets from: Robin Livingstone 07765 938909, robinlivingstone@ googlemail.com or Hamish Walker 07748 106322

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street 4pm to 6pm All accompanied children welcome.

Bishopton Community Centre, Gledstane Road, Bishopton 10am to 3pm A variety of products for sale from local amateur artists and crafts people - an ideal gift for that someone special. Tea, Coffee and delicious home baking will be available.

5-minute walk from Bishopton railway station with ample free car parking. Free

Paisley Abbey Recital Paisley Abbey, Abbey close, Paisley 12.30pm Peter Wilson - tenor, accompanied by George McPhee. Cloister Cafe will be open from 10am with baking. .£5 at the door

Houston and Killellan Kirk Houston & Killellan Kirk, Main Street, Houston 7pm Coming to Houston for one Night Only - ZUGLO CHURCH CHOIR FROM BUDAPEST. No tickets required. Donations to Kirk Funds. Please support this unique event in our village. Tell you friends and neighbours. Free

Ceilidh

Pollokshaw Burgh Hall, Glasgow 7pm to midnight A Ceilidh in aid of Scottish Huntington’s Association. At Pollokshaws Burgh Hall, Glasgow from 7pm till midnight. Includes one free entry to the raffle. Entry donation £8 and under 16s free. Drinks £3. Tickets online at www.hdscotland.org or by calling Linda on 0141 848 0308. £8

Lochwinnoch Explorer Group: Birdsong!

RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 10am to 12noon Birdsong is one of nature’s simple wonders that many of us enjoy, but it is anything but simple. Have you ever wondered if birds have “accents”? Did you know some birds take up to 30 breaths a second to keep up their melody? Did you know some birds have a record collection of up to 200 songs!? March is a great time of the year to spend a Saturday morning at Lochwinnoch studying the birds and learning about their calls. So come and learn about birdsong and appreciate it in a new way. 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)

Sat 17 Mar - Wed 18 April RYA Powerboat Level 2

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch 9am to 4pm A comprehensive course to enable you to gain your powerboat licence. Practical on the water activities with overnight homework!

COST: £150 for more info look online and book ASAP.

Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan from 2pm Gateway Garden, All welcome to visit for a relaxing time, with the option to join in easy gardening and bird feeding activities and to bring your gardening questions to our experts. Also planned for the day - a Kilbarchan Community Spring Clearing and Hedge Trimming session. Come and help to spruce up the village! Get involved to make a difference to areas you would like to improve the or sign up for a litter pick kit. For more information, contact 07952169341 or hello@kilbarchansmile.co.uk or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook.

Kilmacolm Christian Aid Committee Bread & Cheese Lunch Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 12.30pm Everyone is most welcome, we ask only for a small donation in lieu of your Sunday lunch, and in appreciation of delicious homemade soups, tasty bread with a variety of cheeses. and shortbread with tea/coffee. For further information please telephone Jill Russell on 01505 872393.

Junior Cross Country Championships Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 1pm to 3pm Join the Rangers for a gentle stroll through the forest with Try our Finlaystone 1k kid’s cross country. Age 4-6, 7-9, 10 and over. Prize in each category for best time.

Scone-noisseur Of The World Contest Comes To Lochwinnoch

The Cakery, 5 High St Lochwinnoch PA12 4DB The inaugural ‘world championship’ of scone making is coming to Lochwinnoch - 45 minutes to bake the perfect plain scone Entry costs just £10 and forms are available from: loch. bain@btinternet.com or at local shops in the village. The Cakery No 5, which has generously offered its support, and under the supervision of Lochwinnoch SWI.

Thomas Coats Memorial Choral Society Concert Paisley Abbey, Abbey close, Paisley 7.30pm (doors open 6.45pm) Ticket£12/£5 students/ accompanied children free. Tickets available at the door or from Choir members phone: 01505 816110 or 01505 612874 Email: coatschoral@btintern.com

Mon 19 March Home Safety & First Aid Workshop

St Columba’s School, Duchal Rd, Kilmacolm 7pm to 8.30pm Barratt/David Wilson Homes will be holding a number of Home Safety workshops in the area and on Monday 19th March they will be coming to St Columba’s Junior School. The workshops will cover tips and strategies on keeping younger children safe from the dangers that can lurk in the home, together with advice from St Andrews First Aid. There will be two workshops; the first will start at 7pm and the second at 7.45pm. The workshops are open to the community and there are spaces for ten parents at each session; the workshops are free of charge. Spaces are limited so please email marketing@st-columbas.org as soon as possible.

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Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir 2pm “Tell me a story”. A talk by Margaret Dundas, a talented craftswoman, musician and writer, who better to take us on an adventure?

Visitors are very welcome, whatever your textile fascination! For more information contact egallaher@btinternet.com

Fri 23 - Sat 24 March Kilmacolm Art Class Annual Exhibition

Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10am Over 100 pictures on display in a pleasant environment with the opportunity to buy an original painting by talented artists at a reasonable price. You may even be inspired to consider joining the class, details available at the exhibition. Friday from 10am to 5.30pm and Saturday from 10am until 4pm. £1, children free

Sat 24 March Duchal Nursery FREE Easter Egg Hunt

Duchal Nursery School - Kilmacolm 10am to 12noon For all under 5’s! All welcome, come along for a morning of Easter fun – crafts and egg hunt. FREE

Former Pupils & School Hockey/Rugby Matches

St Columba’s School, Duchal Rd, Kilmacolm 9.15am to 12.30pm Astroturf, Gryffe Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4BA Birkmyre Park, Knockbuckle Road, PA13 4HX The hockey match begins at 9:15am at the Astroturf. Two rugby matches are played: one between two School teams and the second between two former pupil teams. The rugby begins at 10:30am at Birkmyre Park. Please join us for what is sure to be a fun-filled morning.

Spring/Easter Window Competition Kilmacolm Library, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm Kilmacolm Community Council - ‘Best Dressed Shop Window” competition - with a Spring or Easter theme. Included in the display there will be some hidden treasure for children to find!

St Columba’s Pipe Band and Angel Voices who will provide entertainment on the plaza outside the library. Please come along and support our village and local businesses.

Paisley Abbey Concert Paisley Abbey, Abbey close, Paisley 12.30pm to 2.30pm Guitar Recital by Sacha Salvoni and Marco Ramelli. Tickets available at the door or in advance from Abbey shop. £5

ACCORD Hospice Grand Ball Glasgow Marriott Hotel, 500 Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8RR Three course Harry Potter themed meal, bubbly reception, hosted by Steve McKenna, with entertainment for the MacDonald Brothers. £80

YOUR TICKET TO LOCAL EVENTS

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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

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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

Freeland Church, Bridge of Weir 8pm to 9.45pm

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

Contact gryffevoices@gmail.com

every Tuesday

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

Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir 7pm - 8pm

For a healthier, slimmer, more energetic you!

every Thursday

Weekly Volunteer Group

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

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

Gateway Garden Drop In Sessions Gateway Garden, Kilbarchan from 1pm

Open Days with gardening and wildlife activities on offer. For more information contact 07952169341 or hello@kilbarchansmile.co.uk or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook.

2nd Thursday monthly Sòlas Bereavement Support Group Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm. 2pm - 4pm.

3rd Friday monthly Hearing Aid Clinic The Bridge, Bridge of Weir 1 - 2pm

Hearing aid batteries and hearing aid checks.

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

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

last Friday monthly TheTerrace St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Hall

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

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

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

Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 12.30pm - 3.30pm

Conser vation Volunteers - adult group.

Newcomers always welcome.

every

every

Friday

Saturday

Weekly Volunteer Group

Greenock Cut Visitor Centre 10.30am - 2.30pm

Conservation Volunteers, adult group. Newcomers always welcome.

every

Sunday

Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 10am - 12noon

Youth Volunteer Group - age 14 - 18 years.

Newcomers always welcome.

Houston Litter Crew

Co-op Car Park 10am – 11.45am

Step Up for St. Vincent’s Hospice

Maid of the Loch Tearoom Opens

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch 11am Step Up for St. Vincent’s Hospice sponsored walk will return for its second year. All proceeds from the event will go towards providing care and support for individuals and families throughout the community who are affected by life limiting conditions. No minimum sponsorship amount. 10K or 5K. (5K is wheelchair and buggy accessible) Sign up online: http://www.svh.co.uk/forms/step-upapply-online £10 adults/ Under 16s Free

Loch Thom Bimble

The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, Greenock 10am to 12.30pm Get outside with our Countryside Rangers for a 9km free guided walk around Loch Thom. MORE INFO: tel 01475 521 458 or book online

Den Building

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 1pm to 3pm Join our Rangers in an afternoon of building your very own Den, pick up some bush craft skills too

Mon 26 March Lochwinnoch RSPB Open Day RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 11am to 3pm Try out pond dipping, go for a walk, play in the natural play area, listen to some stories, watch some wildlife or do the treasure hunt. For more info: rspb.org.uk/lochwinnoch. FREE

Wed 28 March

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

Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan Wed 28 March from 2pm All welcome to visit for a relaxing time, with the option to join in easy gardening and bird feeding activities and to bring your gardening questions to our experts. For more information contact 07952169341 or hello@kilbarchansmile. co.uk or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook.

Loch Lomond The Tearoom on board the Maid of the Loch on Loch Lomond will be opening for the season on Good Friday - please come down and say hello!

We will be well stocked with homemade soup, tasty fillings for sandwiches, toasties & wraps, fresh home baked scones & cakes, hot & cold drinks and delicious ice cream!

Good Friday Service Kilmacolm Guide Hut 7.30pm We warmly invite you and your family to a Good Friday Service - you will be made very welcome. For more details please contact: gracechurchkilmacolm@gmail.com

Summer’s Here!

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 5pm Summer hours begin, enjoy the fresh air, stop for a coffee and or appreciate the beautiful countryside. WHERE: All Visitor Centres until the end of September WHEN: Castle Semple 10am – 5pm daily Muirshiel and Greenock Cut 11am – 4pm at weekends & public holidays

Sat 31 March Habitat Boxes

The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, Greenock 1pm to 3pm Build your own bird house to take home.

MORE INFO: Details and bookings online or call: 01457 521 458

Easter Bunny Hunt Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 1pm to 3pm Take part in our special Easter Bunny Hunt. A small prize for completing this event.

Sat 31 Mar - Sun 1 April Easter Entertainment

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch 1.30pm to 3.30pm Easter egg painting at Muirshiel Country Park and a drop in quiz along the Castle Semple lochshore. WHERE: Castle Semple and Muirshiel WHEN: 1.30 – 3.30pm MORE INFO: Details & bookings online or t 01505 842 882

Thu 29 March Spring Craft Fayre

Gryffe Manor Nursery, The Butts, Houston Rd, Houston 7pm (formerly known as Woodlands Day Nursery, Houston). All welcome and there’s even a fabulous raffle taking place alongside all of the other fruitful stalls!

01505

Weekly Volunteer Group

Fri 30 March

Gateway Garden Free Drop In Session

Singing for Wellbeing

Bishopton Community Centre 2pm - 3.15pm A fun, no pressure choir singing feel good songs.

Sun 25 March

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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

Come and sing with Gryffe Voices Community Choir Monday nights at 8pm (term time only). All welcome.

More male voices needed!

At Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir

Paisley Takeover Friday 2nd March 19.00 – 22.00 Paisley Arts Centre Acts: To Be Announced Saturday 3rd March

18.12 – 19.00 Feel The Groove, Record Store SAMA Live Sessions: Acts TBA

13.00 – 14.30 Paisley Arts Centre Music workshop with The Vegan 19.00 – 22.00 Paisley Arts Centre Sign up via Eventbrite UK. Evening tickets include complimentary Acts: ToaBe Announced drink on arrival Leather

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16.00 – 17.30 Paisley Arts Centre Music Seminars 14.00 – In conversation: Speaker TBA 15.00 – When is the best time to showcase your music to the industry?

16.30 – How do you DIY in 2018?

(over 18s). For more info visit officialsama.co.uk

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Accord Grand Ball

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The Magic Begins on Saturday 24th March 2018 at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel.

ACCORD Hospice will be will be delving into the wizarding world of Harry Potter & The ACCORD Grand Ball and we can’t wait to entertain our supporters.

This fascinating turn will whisk our guests through the magical world of Hogwarts to enjoy a glittering black-tie ball in the luxurious surroundings of the Marriot Hotel in Glasgow.

We will welcome you in to our drinks reception courtesy of The Marriot Hotel; games and Harry Potter themed entertainment in the lobby and during the course of your feast, with our fabulous compare Mr Steve McKenna hosting and the wnderful MacDonald Brothers also performing on the evening!

All witches and wizards are encouraged to attend in their finest dress robes (formal attire) and enjoy a fabulous evening supporting ACCORD Hospice.

Three course wizard’s meal, bubbly on arrival and lots of entertainment!

If you book by the end of the 10th month for the early owl offer of £800 table of 10 or £80 per ticket.

Muggles are of course welcome! We await your reply by owl should you wish to join us. For further information please contact: David McFadden – Senior Fundraiser - 0141 581 2000, david.mcfadden@accord.org.uk “Warner Bros. Entertainment and J.K. Rowling are not responsible for this event but, subject to conditions, they have kindly granted us permission to use the HARRY POTTER trade mark and other materials”

St James Orchestra Spring Concert St James orchestra are delighted to present their spring concert, full of musical favourites and an exciting debut performance.

In honour of the centenary of Leonard Bernstein’s birth the orchestra will begin with the overture from Candide.

Dvorák’s much loved 9th symphony, Op. 95 ‘From the New World’ will follow along with Malcolm Arnold’s Four Scottish Dances, Op. 59. The orchestra will also be giving the debut performance of Summer Bummer from the Tartan Terrors – Three Orchestral Dances on the Highland Midge, Op. 23, a witty and playful piece by the orchestra’s very own Kester Clark.

Conducted by Leon Reimer and led by Fiona Butcher, the orchestra will perform at Johnstone Town hall on Saturday 21st April at 7.30. Tickets will be available at Johnstone Town Hall, Paisley Arts Centre and at the door. For more information please visit www.stjamesorchestra.org.uk or email us at info@stjamesorchestra.org.uk

Thomas Coats Memorial Concert Mozart Mass in C minor Handel The King Shall Rejoice and Zadok the Priest Haydn Symphony 70 Held on Sunday 18th March 2018 at 7.30pm (doors open 6.45pm) in Paisley Abbey.

By the Thomas Coats Memorial Choral Society, with Musical Director/ Conductor Andrew Nunn with Catrin Woodruff: Soprano, Alexander Bevan: Tenor, Laura Margaret Smith: Mezzo Soprano, Colin Murray: Baritone and The Symphony Orchestra of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Tickets £12.00/ £5.00 students/ accompanied children free available at the door, or from Choir members, phone: 01505 816110 or 01505 612874 or email: coatschoral@btinternet.com www.thomascoatschoral.org.uk A charity registered in Scotland SC003075

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Carrick Nights

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 01475 522043 or Archie Adams 01475 649008.

All concerts will take place in the Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston commencing at 8.00pm.

‘

Pre Festival Sunday 11th:

March 13th - 25th

Get Your Dancing Shoes On

Monday 19th:

Come & Try Lindy Hopping Bowling Club, 1 to 3pm £5, book in advance

Festival starts Tuesday 13th:

Badger the Mystical Mutt Author Event Lochwinnoch Primary School Accordion Orchestra & Gospel Choir McKillop Hall, 7.30pm £4/£5.50

Tuesday 20th:

Small Fezzes Concert ‘ANNIE’S SONG’ McKillop Hall (bar), 7.30pm Free Donations to Corseford School

Wednesday 14th: Official Opening Lochwinnoch Library (invitation only), 7pm Free, Charity St Vincent’s Hospice

Thursday 15th: Christopher Brookmyre McKillop Hall, 7.30pm £4/£5.50

Friday 16th: A Buddy Good Laugh McKillop Hall 7.30pm £10/£8 Bar and raffle Photography Exhibition Opening 23 Main St (invitation only), 7pm to 9pm Free entry, donations to St Vincent’s Billy Hampson Corner Bar 9pm Pub night

Saturday 17th: Photography Exhibition 23 & 37 Main Street, 10am to 5pm, Free entry, donations to St Vincent’s Craft Fair McKillop Hall1 to 4pm Free entry Susie Lamont’s Pupil Concert Lochwinnoch Parish Church 4pm - 6pm Free entry, donations to the Red Cross Laura McDonald & Rose Room McKillop Hall, 7.30pm £10/£8 Bar and Raffle Sean’s Session Corner Bar, 9pm, Pub night

Witches’ Brew McKillop Hall, 11am Free entry Rock Choir & Witches’ Brew Lochwinnoch Parish Church, 7.30pm £4/£5.50

Wednesday 21st: Glasgow Theatre Guilds Musicality Lochwinnoch Parish Church, 7.30pm £4/£5.50

Thursday 22nd: Calder Drama Society McKillop Hall 7.30pm £4/£6 bar Jammin’ at The Junction £20.95 and £24.95

Friday 23rd: Calder Drama Society McKillop Hall, 7.30pm £4/£6 bar Jammin’ at The Junction £20.95 and £24.95 Southpaw Three Churches, 9pm

Saturday 24th: Corinne Hutton McKillop Hall, 10.30am £4/£5.50 Craft Fair McKillop Hall, 1 to 4pm, Free entry, tea &coffee Krafty Kids McKillop, 1 to 4pm £3 Drop in Rock Night ‘Howlin’ Radio’ & Willie Gamble McKillop Hall, 7.30pm £4/£6 Bar and raffle Graham McIver Brown Bull, 9pm Pub night

Sunday 25th:

Sunday 18th: Photography Exhibition 23 & 37 Main Street, 1pm - 4pm, Free entry, donations to St Vincent’s Sing for St Vincent’s LCS Lochwinnoch Parish Church, 2pm - 4pm, Donations, Everyone welcome Come & Try Samba Drumming Percussion Calder Church, 2pm & 3pm £5 adult £3 children RSNO Brass Quintet Matthew McAllister Lochwinnoch Parish Church, 7.30pm, £4/£5.50

Come & Try Pottery McKillop, 10am to 4pm £5 book in advance Come & Try Felting McKillop, 10.30am - 12.30pm £5 book in advance Mixed instrument Workshop McKillop, 10.30am - 12.30pm £5 book in advance Ukulele Workshop McKillop, 1pm 3pm £5 book in advance Arts Festival Finale Concert Lochwinnoch Parish Church, 7.30pm £4/£6

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.

The Landmark Snail and Bottle Legal Case.

The faded black and white photograph shows a beaming woman proudly bearing a baby girl in each arm. But far from being just a doting grandmother, May Donoghue earned a place in legal history as the claimant in the world renowned the ‘snail and the bottle’ legal case.

Now Paisley-based artist Mandy McIntosh will use the precious family photo - the sole surviving picture of May - as the inspiration for a bronze statue.

Mandy, who says she was keen to take on the project as there is such a dearth of female statues in Scotland, said: “...There are more statues of dogs in Edinburgh than there are of women so it’s very fitting that Mays’ legacy is celebrated in this way.

May was a single mum living in poverty in Glasgow’s East End who had lost three children and had one surviving son. She successfully sued the ginger beer manufacturer Stevensons after falling ill when she found a dead snail in a bottle in Paisley’s Wellmeadow café in 1928. Her actions changed the laws on negligence, not only in her native Scotland, but across the globe.

Mandy added: “The statue shows May holding her twin granddaughters Elizabeth and May on their christening day in 1952, which is like the scales of justice, her holding these two equal weights.

“May was ridiculed in the press at the time by people saying she was only pursuing the legal case for the money, but she kept going and won the case...

But although she came up out of poverty, she managed to change history.”

It’s expected the statue will be installed – very fittingly – on 1 May at The Tannahill Centre in Paisley’s Ferguslie Park.

May’s granddaughter Maggie Houston-Tomlin, the younger sister of the twins, who are 65 and now live in Oban and Bournemouth, says she and her siblings are delighted that her grandmother will be honoured and she plans to be at the unveiling.

To book places or more information via the website or by telephone – 07868 752814 for Junction Jammin … call 01505 842225. www.lochwinnochartsfestival.co.uk “I’m so sorry not to be able to join the festival celebrations this year. I hear nothing but the most wonderful things about Lochwinnoch and wish everyone at this year’s festival the most fantastic time!”

Nicola Benedetti

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Renfrewshire unveils dates for 2018 events programme Renfrewshire 2018 Major Events!

Paisley and Renfrewshire are in line for another bumper year of major events Selected highlights of the 2018 events programme include: What: Paisley Food Festival When: 27th - 28th April What: CAMRA’s Paisley Beer

Festival When: 25th - 28th April

Thursday 22nd and 23rd March Calder Drama Society Comedy ‘Lady Loversley’s Charter’ by our own Felix Lando (John Dolan)! McKillop Hall 7.30pm £4/£6 bar/raffle Sponsored by Miller Biofuels

It is the year 1878. Constance‘s honeymoon to Lord Clifford ends abruptly when they return home prematurely to Murkleston Hall. Immediately on their return Clifford receives orders to join his military unit which is destined to fight in South Africa. Clifford’s closest friend Dr. Henry Livingstone is in love with Constance, but since her marriage she has spurned his advances.

One day she is down by the river and falls in, fortunately being rescued by Mellors, the new gamekeeper and is immediately attracted to him. Shortly after this, there is an investigation which could lead to fraud charges being brought against her. Repair work on the Murkleston House which seems to have been going on interminably uncovers an age old parchment which pertains to a Charter which could solve Constance’s financial problems.

There is also a priceless pendant which has gone missing and only Aunt Matilda knows of its whereabouts but unfortunately she cannot tell because she is slightly dead. Enter a Medium, who is asked to locate the missing pendant which all builds up to a thrilling and surprise ending.

Gryffe Advertizer - Current & Past Issues

www.advertizer.co.uk/issues

What: The British Pipe Band

Championships When: 19th May What: Sma’ Shot Day When: 7th - 8th July What: Pagliacci by Scottish Opera

(at Seedhill Playing fields) When: 26th - 29th July What: Doors Open Day

Renfrewshire When: 15th - 16th September What: The Spree Arts Festival When: 12th - 21st October What: When:

Paisley Halloween Festival 26th - 27th October

What: Paisley Fireworks When: 3rd November

“With bigger events in the 2018 programme it is shaping up to be the best year yet.”

(Iain Nicolson Renfrewshire Council Leader)

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Advice on reducing Home Energy Usage Why not book you free Home Energy Check with LEAP and get free and impartial advice on the practical measures you could take to help reduce the amount of energy you use at home – at the same time you can discuss and plan the simple, inexpensive actions that would improve your home comfort.

LEAP Home Energy checks are a free service to all local residents of Lochwinnoch, Bridge of Weir, Kilbarchan, Houston, Crosslee, Brookfield, and Renfrewshire wide. Home owners, tenants, landlords and private let tenants can all request a home energy check for FREE.

Sponsors wanted

To Book your Home Energy Check in March, call LEAP on 01505 612034/842530, email energy@myleapproject.org or pop into your nearest LEAP Office at either Advance Place, Bridge of Weir, or 22 Church Street, Lochwinnoch.

The search is on for sponsors for the Gryffe Valley 10K run on 29th April 2018! Sponsorship is the main method for generating proceeds for the chosen charity – which this year will be the Glasgow-based charity Funding Neuro (www.fundingneuro.com) which is researching novel possibilities for treating neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Motor Neurone Disease, MS and brain tumours (DIPG and Glioblastoma).

Financial Blog

Members are seeking sponsorship for the event, for individual runners and for teams of runners from clubs, organisations, schools, and streets. There will be a prize for the team which generates most sponsorship for Funding Neuro.

More details from www.gryffevalley.rotary1230.org.

Bill Mitchell - GVRC

There was an excellent turn-out from the club members for the funeral of Bill Mitchell (1938-2018). Bill was a very well-liked former Bridge of Weir Round Tabler and one of 24 founder members of Gryffe Valley Rotary Club in 1995. He was born and bred in Paisley and married Marjorie at St Marks Church, Ralston.

He had been an apprentice at Albion and had an early passion for cars and went on to work for Scot JCB where he was Regional Sales Director. He enjoyed golf and was a member, and a former Greens convenor, of Ranfurly Castle Golf Club.

In 2014 when he was sadly already showing signs of Alzheimer’s, he enjoyed a visit with Rotary to the Malcolm’s Heritage Centre at Linwood where he was pictured with one of the first JCB’s to be sold in Scotland.

by Carl Melvin, Affluent Financial Planning Ltd

End of Tax Year Planning The tax year runs from 6th April to the following 5th April and the current tax year will end on 05/04/2018. The time that remains to the end of this tax year offers an opportunity to undertake some tax planning.

Consider the following measures to ensure a more tax efficient future Make use of your tax-free investment allowance – Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) allow you to tax shelter money in cash or investments. The allowance is £20,000 per person and if you don’t use your ISA allowance, you cannot carry it forward to the next year – you lose it!

Consider making a pension contribution – you can achieve income tax relief at your highest rate paid (up to 45%) on the contributions you make. Even those under 75 who don’t pay income tax can save into a pension plan and get £720 tax relief from the Government. The taxman boosts your pension by £1 for every £4 pounds you save (more if you pay higher rates of tax) Get more than pension tax relief – if you make a pension contribution you could restore some or all of your tax free personal allowance or avoid a tapered annual allowance tax charge on the pension contributions you make, if you are a higher earner.

Carry forward unused pension allowances – If you can pay a large pension contribution, you may be able to make use of any unused pension allowance from the past 3 years to boost your retirement funds and secure valuable income tax relief.

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

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LOCAL

history Bridge of Weir in the Great War 100 years ago this month – March 1918

Renfrewshire Tile Works In the 18th century, the most obvious improvement to farmland was the enclosure of fields. Less noticeable, but equally important, was underground drainage.

From the 1750s, huge increases in quantity and quality of crops, resulted from the drainage of flat fields and bogs. The digging of ditches and filling them with rubble was common practice on any forward-looking Renfrewshire estate. Further improvements could be made by lining the bottom of the ditch with flat stones, to form underground drainage channels.

From the 1830s, interest grew in an even better solution: the laying of manufactured clay pipes, known as ‘tiles’. Initially the tiles were u-shaped, not circular, as they were easier to make. Clay was pressed flat and cut into rectangles, then folded by hand over rods, to form each tile. They were then dried and fired in kilns. Laid open-side down, the tiles often included a separate flat clay ‘sole’. They were known as drainage ‘tiles’, probably because they resembled the curving red roof tiles imported from Holland.

In the 1830s and 40s the ministers of Erskine and Renfrew described tile draining as the ‘greatest improvement to agriculture in recent years, which is going forward in nearly all the farms in this parish’. The drainage had particular benefits in the growing of potatoes.

Most large estates sought a supply of clay to set up their own tile works.

The landowner usually provided the tiles, with his tenants carrying out the heavy work of digging and laying the tiles at regular intervals across their fields. Apart from improving drainage, the old ridges and furrows were no longer required, and were flattened out.

The best fireclays were found around the north and west of Paisley at Walkinshaw, Ferguslie, Caledonia and Inkerman. These quality fireclays were valuable enough to be mined from the same shaft as coal, which was used to fuel the tile kilns. Although these big works usually produced drain tiles, their high quality clays were suitable for a whole catalogue of sanitary ware. Most tiles for draining fields were produced at smaller rural ‘Brick and Tile Works’ which will be discussed in next month’s Advertizer. © 2018, Stuart Nisbet, Renfrewshire Local History forum The Forum’s next archaeology lecture will take place in the Shawl Gallery in Paisley Museum at 7.30pm on Thursday, 8th March. Our speaker is Alan Blair of GUARD Archaeology. His topic is. Bronze Age Roundhouse and a Late Bronze Age Hoard at Carnoustie. Visitors are most welcome to attend our archaeology lectures.

Captain Alex Cameron, 6th, attached 8th Argylls Corporal Charles Morgan, 8th Argylls In 1917, the Bolshevik Revolution had led to an uneasy peace between Russia and Germany, allowing Germany to move manpower to the Western Front. The USA had joined the war in April 1917 but by March 1918 still only had four raw Divisions (about 70,000 men) in France.

Ludendorff saw a window of opportunity to win the war with Germany’s greater numbers in its most important theatre, before the continuing US build-up tipped the balance.

The day he chose to launch his Spring Offensive, or “Kaiserschlacht” (Kaiser’s Battle) was 21st March 1918, the main thrust directed near Saint Quentin, where the French and British Armies met. He hoped to drive a wedge between them, rolling up the flank of the British Armies from the south, and pushing them towards the Channel coast.

It wasn’t unexpected. German preparations for battle had been observed but Haig’s pleas for more men to strengthen the outnumbered sectors of the front were resisted by Lloyd George.

On the first morning of the Kaiserschlacht, Ludendorff launched the biggest artillery bombardment of the war, over 1,100,000 shells in five hours, against the British Fifth and Third Armies. Directly facing that terrifying onslaught were the 8th Argylls, then in the 61st Division, which held the line north west of St Quentin. Amongst them were two men from Bridge of Weir.

Captain Alex Cameron, the son of a schoolteacher from Johnstone, was a successful businessman, a partner of Thomas Wiseman and Son, foreign merchants, and had married Gertrude Cowan in 1910, settling in Watt Road. He was a keen golfer and tennis player but as a Territorial he had been on active service since August 1914, initially training recruits in England. He was posted to France in December 1917, and attached to 8th Argylls on 1st January 1918. On 21st March they were in reserve huts at Marteville, but by mid-morning the Germans had overwhelmed the front line and the 8th Argylls were in action, managing to hold their positions. The battalion casualties that day were however: “Officers: 1 Killed; 4 Wounded; 2 Missing: Other Ranks: 14 Killed; 102 Wounded; 142 Missing.”

Alex Cameron was the officer killed.

Corporal Charlie Morgan had trained in the family bakery and confectionary business in Ranfurly and won prizes at Glasgow Technical College. He had been captain of the Kilmacolm football team, and married Ruby Boyle in April 1917. He was a full cousin of Tommy Morgan, later to become one of Glasgow’s best-known comedians. Charlie was one of the 8th Argyll’s 142 missing on the 21st March, but it wasn’t until January 1919 that any hopes of him having been captured were dashed and the family received official intimation that he was presumed dead that day. He probably never saw his daughter Agnes who was born on 1st February 1918.

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

Gordon Masterton

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by Isabella McKerrow, Affinity Family Law

The Cost Of Divorce A major concern when a person is contemplating raising divorce proceedings or defending divorce proceedings is how much they will have to pay their solicitor for legal fees. Legal fees in divorce can be extremely expensive as the chef Marco Pierre White and his wife found out when, after a highly contested divorce action which had been litigated in court for eight years, they had to abandon it due to the astronomical legal expenses they had each incurred. Where a divorce is likely to be contested, a solicitor is unable to advise you at the outset of how much your legal expenses will be as much is dependent on the length of time it will take parties to reach an agreement, or where no agreement is reached, for the court to decide the issue. In such a case the solicitor is likely to take the case on “a time and line basis” whereby they will provide you with a quote for their hourly rate and charges are incurred for the time spent working on your case and drafting letters and making telephone calls etc. While they will not be able to provide an estimate of the full costs due to the contested nature of the case, they will be able to advise

you at each stage of the case the legal expenses and outlays that have been incurred. In cases where the divorce is unlikely to be contested a solicitor may be willing to take your case on a fixed fee basis, whereby they will advise you at the outset of the exact fee they will charge and what the outlays will be. Essentially the cost of legal fees in divorce is dependent on the particular circumstances of the case and the type of court procedure it falls under.

Kilbarchan March 1918 New Memorial to World War One Heroes Inverclyde Council has created a new memorial to a group of Port Glasgow men killed in the First World War. The original bronze plaque bearing the names of the 29 Toll Boys is to be moved from the wall of the building at 5 Glasgow Road - where the old Toll House stood - to allow for the regeneration of the local area.

Environment & Regeneration Convener Councillor Michael McCormick said: “I am delighted the new memorial has been completed in plenty of time to mark the centenary of the end of World War One. So many lives were lost, not just here in Port Glasgow and Inverclyde, that we owe it to the sacrifice and selflessness of all who served to pay our respects in the best way we can.”

Depute Provost Councillor David Wilson said: “Every year the Toll Boys feature prominently in our local Remembrance Day programme and we want to continue with that tradition whilst of course honouring their memory and sacrifice. The Council has come up with a sympathetic design which creates a new local focal point for the town and serves as a lasting and fitting tribute to the Toll Boys.”

The Toll Boys were all local unemployed men who spent their days repairing furniture at the Toll House to help others in the local community.

Ronald Wilson is Chair of the Kindred Clubs of Port Glasgow who asked for Council support for the new memorial. He said “It is fitting that we honour the memory of not only these young lads, but also those local men and women who have laid down their lives in subsequent conflicts.”

A re-dedication ceremony for the monument will be held later this year.

Private William Gray Telford served in the 24th Battalion of the Machine Gun Corps (MGC) then was posted to the 8th Battalion MGC on 21st January 1918. In the 1911 census he lived with his mother and four brothers at 11 Low Barholm. All the boys had been born in the village. In 1911 William was a postman. He married Catherine McLarty and they lived at 30 New Street. On 21st March 1918 the Germans launched 'Operation Michael', a major offensive which put the Allies on the back foot for some time. The attack was preceded by a massive bombardment with the German guns firing far into the Allies’ defences. William Telford (31) was killed on 21st March and has no known grave. He is remembered on Panel 90-93 on the Pozieres memorial.

Private Alexander Rictchie, 7th Gordons, 152nd Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division enlisted in October 1915 and was initially in the Cameron Highlanders before being transferred to the Gordons. The family lived at 20 New Street at the time of his death. Before the war he had worked in the Johnstone Labour Exchange (Job Centre). Like William Telford he was a victim of the German March Offensive. His battalion was in reserve on the 21st, but the German assault was rapid and he was killed on 22nd March 1918. He was slightly wounded by shrapnel and as he made his way to a dressing station he was fatally wounded. He has no known grave and is commemorated on Bay 8 and 9 on the Arras Memorial.

Corporal John Meikle, Military Arras Memorial Medal, 7th Argylls, 154th Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division. John was killed on 23rd March 1918, the third day of the German offensive. He had won his M.M. in the autumn of 1917. He had joined the army in Paisley in December 1915.

He worked as a plumber in his father’s business which was at 3 The Cross, with the home at 25 New Street. In the retreat in the face of the German advance his company had been ordered to defend a position. A Seaforth major ahead of the Argylls was hit and Corporal Meikle crawled fifty yards to bind the officer’s wound: as he made his way back a sniper shot him in the head. He was unmarried and thirty years old. He has no known grave and is remembered on Bay 9 of the Arras Memorial.

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Pet Blog

by PetVets

Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) connects the back of the femur (the bone above the knee) with the front of the tibia (the bone below the knee). It is responsible for keeping the tibia in place beneath the femur and stabilizing the knee joint.

Damage to the CCL causes lameness. This may be a gradual lameness, intermittent at first that gradually progresses until the ligament finally ruptures. In other dogs there is no slow build up and the first sign is an acute lameness when the ligament ruptures.

CCL injuries in dogs are one of the most commonly seen orthopaedic problems.

About 50% of dogs that rupture the CCL on one leg will develop the condition in the opposite leg.

Predisposing factors include: • Breed: including Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundlands, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Golden Retrievers.

• Activity level: occasional strenuous exercise (eg Increased at weekends only) • Obesity Diagnosis of CCL injury is based on the clinical history, examination of the joint and x-rays.

If left untreated the bones of the knee joint rub against one another, leading to the development of bone spurs, pain, arthritis, and a decreased range of motion.

Treatment: In dogs less than 10kg: Conservative, non-surgical treatment.

This includes strict rest and antiinflammatory medication for 6-8 weeks, followed by a gentle program of exercise. If obesity is present weight loss is very important.

In dogs greater than 10kg: Surgery to provide stability to the joint. Exercise is usually restricted for up to 8 weeks to allow for adequate healing. If obesity is present weight loss is very important.

Without surgery, the knee joint will be subject to degenerative changes causing chronic pain.

Although the resting period can be a difficult time for you and your dog, strict adherence to this will provide the best outcome and will be the quickest way to get your best friend back on all fours.

Glasgow’s animals need blankets

As of Monday 26th February Suzanne’s Grooming Pad will be open 7 days a week!

We are also super excited to announce the start of our new Spa Treatments to pamper your dog even more - these will cater for all sizes, all breeds, all coat lengths... everyone!

Treatments include: Puppy Pamper, Birthday Beauty, Deshedding Mud Bath and many more.

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.

As there are never more than 2 dogs in the salon at a time it is ideal for a complete pamper session.

Call the salon for more details on 01505 705330. Also have a look at our Facebook page, ‘Suzanne’s Grooming Pad’ - don’t forget to ‘LIKE’ our page to receive regular updates.’

Visit the Scottish Outdoor Access Code website If you’re a member of the public wanting to enjoy some fresh air in a local park, or a dog walker, hill walker, mountain biker, horse rider or kayaker, there is information for you and much more. https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/

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

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

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

Tom – 4 y/o male domestic short-hair Tom is a shy, nervous boy who will take some time to come out of his shell so he’s looking for a quiet home with no children.

It’s unknown how he would feel about other Tom pets so it’s probably best that he doesn’t live with dogs.

He’s used to being outside so he will need a garden, not near a busy road, so that he can go out once he’s fully settled which will likely take a few months or more.

Sheba – 10 y/o female domestic short-hair

SSPCA at the Falkirk Wheel

Sheba can be quite shy to start with and is fairly independent. She’s used to a quiet home so she would like somewhere with no children and no other pets as she especially doesn’t like other cats. Sheba Sheba loves being outside so she need a garden, not near a busy road.

Get involved with fellow animal lovers and abseil 100ft down Scotland’s iconic boat lift, the Falkirk Wheel on Saturday 21 April 2018 to raise funds for Scotland’s animal welfare charity. A team of highly skilled instructors will ensure you are equipped with all you need to make your abseil as safe and enjoyable as possible.

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

On the day, you can control the speed of your descent. Either slowly sliding down the rope and taking in the stunning view or whooshing down commando fashion to the cheers of the crowd! Participants must be aged 16 years or over. Parental consent is required for persons aged 16 or 17 years wishing to abseil.

Flynn & Fergus – Finches Flynn & Fergus are looking for a new home after their owner could no longer care for them.

They are adorable little birds who are a joy to watch. Like most zebra finches they are not hand tame.

Flynn &

Finches can be housed either in a cage or a secure Fergus aviary. If a cage is used they require them to have more length than height and plenty of perches as they enjoy hopping from perch to perch.

They will need plenty of toys to keep them entertained and time out of their cage for exercise in a secure room.

Participants are asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £150, which includes a £26 non-refundable deposit. Please register for this event by visiting the following link to pay your deposit: https://www.scottishspca. org/shop/events/falkirk-wheel-abseil/ Alternatively you can pay your deposit by calling 03000 999 999 (option 4). Your space will be confirmed as soon as we receive your deposit.

Please note that spaces are given on a first come first served basis so I would advise getting your form in as soon as you can to avoid disappointment. www.facebook.com/events/1394939063948696/

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

Logan – 2 to 5 y/o male Patterdale Terrier

Logan

Logan is energetic and full of character and is looking for someone just as active to keep up with him. He needs plenty of mental stimulation.

Logan can be worried by other dogs so we are looking for a home where there are quiet areas to walk without too many other dogs around. He loves to play when he is out and ball games are his favourite. When in the house he loves having company but also likes his own space so we are looking for owners that can give him the space he needs. He can be left for a few hours at a time and is housetrained.

Logan can live with children of 16 years and over and has to be the only pet in the household. We are looking for an experienced home for him.

Zara – 2 to 5 y/o female Siberian Husky Zara is looking for a special home where she can spend her day with the ones she loves as she does not cope well on her own. An active home would be best for her.

Zara loves spending time with her human companions, she can live with a doggy companion. She cannot live with cats. She would benefit from having a garden to play Zara in and burn off some energy, this will need to be secured with a 6ft fence. She can live with children over the age of 10 years old.

Zara will need to be kept on lead when in public places. A home where things like bins and food can be kept out of reach would be best.

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

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Membership: You can buy your 2018 memberships now from our Visitor Centre.

Annual memberships will be active from 1st March 2018 till 31st March 2019.

Woodland

Spring has Sprung! March is the month to enjoy Daffodils in our woodlands and on the lawn of the Mansion House as you drive in. As you walk through the woodlands, enjoy the spring call of our resident birds, blackbirds, robins and wrens, and the carpet of bluebells, especially down Paradise Path. Our Snowdrops should still be a joy to behold too, come along and see for yourself.

Garden March is always a month when

the garden starts to wake up from its long winter sleep and the daffodils are fast on their heels.

Walking through the garden this month you will see some of the many types of Rhododendron. Blackcurrants, apples, and later flowering deciduous shrubs should be pruned by the end of the month.

Volunteering Would you like to help us in the woodlands or the garden as a group or individual?

SPECIAL OFFER! Family/ Grandparent memberships are entitled to 2 vouchers for a free tea/coffee from the Tea Room.

GIFT OF MEMBERSHIP Are you looking for a special gift for a loved one? We are now offering a chance to buy a Gift of Membership. Please note dates of validation to make the most of your gift.

Membership will provide unlimited access from dusk till dawn onto the estate to enjoy 10 acres of beautiful gardens and 140 acres of woodland.

Prices are Family £72, Grandparents/grandchildren £66, Single £35, Concession £32.

Practical Conservation with the Ranger Team: • Installing and repairing gates, fencing, stiles, foot-bridges and steps • Clearing footpaths and vegetation • Installing signposts and way markers • Other environmental and conservation work • Events assistance .

In the Garden with David: • Weeding, raking, pruning, strimming, sowing • Fruit picking in black currant and apple times

Charity Bulbs and Plant Sale Charity bulbs and plants for sale in support of the roof fund at St Mary’s.

What could be nicer than a splash of early spring colour on your doorstep? Bring your own container and come and plant it up with us choosing from a wide range of flowering plants and colourful spring bulbs suitable for indoor and outdoor use, window boxes and rockeries: Alternatively pick out your favourites and take them away to plant at home. A variety of odds pots will also be available, as will some pots already planted up.

All the plants and bulbs supplied will flower during March and April and filled containers will make ideal presents for Mothering Sunday (March 11th) and Easter (April 1st). The plants will be available from February 24th.

Contact Viola McGrowbag 07756935923 to book a day and a time to visit to suit you and to get directions, as there is limited parking.

Minimum charge of £3.00 with all money going to the St Mary’s Port Glasgow Roof Fund.

Coffee, tea and biscuits available.

If you’re interested, do get in touch.

School and Group Bookings We have launched a few new Ranger Led activities! Check out our website for details. If you’d like to book with us, you can do so online. Or if you have any questions you can call or email us, we’re happy to help.

We work with Nursery, Primary, and recently with Secondary Schools helping them to meet their current curricular subjects.

We can also offer your Club/Group e.g. Scouts, Brownies, Community and Church Groups a variety of Ranger Led Activities to suit your needs along with outdoor facilities such as a BBQ site or indoor facility for shelter. We also offer a space for overnight stays in the woods or shelter in the Old Laundry Building.

Are you a business looking for a team building day, volunteer day or family day? We can offer you Ranger Led Activities such as team building, various volunteer projects and a fun family day.

For more details, just get in touch.

Tea Room The Tea Room is open every weekend, public and school holidays 11am till 4pm. They offer homemade cakes, soups, light lunches, hot & cold drinks and ice cream. Catering for onsite parties & functions is also available and if you need to discuss any catering requirements 01475540284 For more information on any of the points above you can contact us on 01475540505 or email infor@finlaystone.co.uk

Barns Friends or relatives planning to visit & nowhere to stay!

Why not try our holiday flats? Full details can be found on their own website www.finlaystonecottages.co.uk.

Weddings Are you getting married soon? If so, have you considered Finlaystone as a potential venue for the ceremony, reception or photographs? If not, further details are on the House web site: www.finlaystonehouse.com We hope to see you soon.

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Tamar, Head Ranger

16th March - You don’t want to miss it!!

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march 2018

t: 01505 613340

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society The Kilmacolm Horticultural Society invite you to the March Winter Lecture, to be held on Wednesday 21st March at 7.30p.m. in the New Community Centre, Kilmacolm. Our special guest is the ever popular Louise Bustard, senior curator at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Her lecture will feature her recent visit to Rome and surrounding countryside. Combining stunning pictures and exciting stories means the evening promises to be of interest to all. Following the lecture, the Spring Bulb Competition will be judged, and the Jimmy Whittet Trophy will be awarded to the best exhibit in daffodils, tulips or spring bulbs - excepting amaryllis which are not strictly termed as ‘spring bulbs’, but you are most welcome to bring along any amaryllis exhibits for the group to admire. Refreshments and chat end the evening. Everyone is most welcome.

Lochwinnoch Community Garden Update The polytunnel is up and running just a few wee tweaks to have it ready for spring. We were kindly gifted tables from Robert and Janis from the Lochwinnoch annex - a big thank you to them! We had a planning meeting on Sunday 25th February at 1pm, and we tidied up the hanging baskets too!!

Early Birds Easter’s really early this year, but we should still have a decent show of traditional daffodils by then. We haven’t been out around the village much since early January but we have been busy, planning for the coming growing season.

Snowdrops were out though, and crocuses, too.

And once the weather warms up, things will really start to come on.

Until then, we’ll be working away behind the scenes, sharpening hoes and secateurs and generally keeping a low profile. Remember that you can follow us on Facebook and our website, www.brighterbridgeofweir. org. Have a Happy Easter.

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Kilbarchan Smile Springs into Action As Spring springs, the activities of Kilbarchan Smile are leaping back into action too.

The Gateway Garden team will return to the garden with drop-in sessions taking place on Wednesdays 14th and 28th and Sunday 18th March (spring clear up and hedge trimming also planned).

Do you have plants, seeds or bulbs to share? Bring them along and we will find a space for them to grow. Come down to the Gateway Garden and spot the Spring growth, take part in bird feeding and provide nesting materials. Come and enjoy the space in the Gateway Garden and the cultivated plots around the village. You can also help prepare for seed sowing, plant summer flowering bulbs, plant early potatoes and bring your own ideas for the garden and / or the village.

Get involved in Kilbarchan Smile yourself and help enhance the public spaces in the village (you may notice the efforts of Smilers that have improved the flowerbed outside Bobbins and the flowerbed opposite the Weavers Cottage on Shuttle Street). Why not start looking after an area outside your home? How about doing your own weekly litter-pick? It only takes a few minutes and if everyone just does little bit it will make a big impact.

We can provide litter picking kits for anyone interested.

We would also like to remind everyone where the defibrillator units in the village are situated - at the Bowling Club and Scout Hall. A huge thanks must go to Gail Scoular (founder and former chair of Kilbarchan Smile) for her efforts to raise the funds for these units and to all the businesses in the village who donated towards the cost.

Want to do your bit to reduce plastic waste - Rainbow Turtle is a Fairtrade shop across the road from the Piazza in Paisley and offers to refill “Ecover” containers for most household cleaning liquids.

Kilbarchan Smile still needs more active volunteers who can offer help in the garden, with village improvements or even with admin, PR, digital and social media. Some companies fund their employees to take part in community work which also forms a key part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards volunteering section.

To find out more, contact 07952169341, email hello@kilbarchansmile. co.uk or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook.

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Welcome to Scotland’s largest Regional Park Easter Activities: Fun Days out for 8-15yr olds. Junior Multi-Activity Weeks at Easter are booking fast! 5 full days is £160, 5 half days, either am or pm is £98. Also 2 day Junior Sailing (£85) and Paddlesport courses (£84). Book online today!

Pedal the Park Night Rider: The first reliability of its kind at the Park, it’s a 66km ride leaving from Castle Semple at 8pm. Just £5 entry with a broom wagon support. Riders will be required to have bright lights (that will last for 4 hours riding time) and high vis clothing. Castle Semple café will be open before and after for your caffeine fuel! Check out http:// clydemuirshiel.co.uk/event/pedal-the-park-night-rider/ for more route, info and entry.

Walking Festival Save the Date: On 26-28th May is our first ever Clyde Muirshiel Walking Festival! There are easy, moderate and longer walks planned for each day. Details will be on clydemuirshiel.co.uk soon!

Pedal the Park! It’s now just over 7 weeks to go until Pedal the Park 2018. It’s on Sunday 22nd April and your £20 entry fee includes a goodie bag and a third of the price going to our charity partner CLIC Sargent in Scotland.

Conservation Volunteers: The volunteers have an active programme of tasks for over the winter period including Rhododendron clearance in Parkhill Wood.

Greenock Cut’s group meet 10.30am – 2.30pm every Saturday and Castle Semple on Thursdays 12.30 – 3.30pm with the odd full day session.

Conservation Bioblitz @ Greenock Cut: The new project’s next event, hosted by Greenock Cut Rangers and Conservation Volunteers, is building your own habitat box from 1-3pm. Book a space online today!

Ride 63 Community Cycle Club: Occasional weekend rides through the winter, see facebook group page for info or post if you have some free time and would like a ride. Contact the club by emailing the secretary ridesixtythree@gmail.com for a membership form and ride info.

TAG-N-TRACK PROJECT UPDATE Signs of spring are starting to appear around the Park. The Black-headed gulls at Castle Semple are changing into their breeding plumage, the blue tits and great tits are singing and the leaves are starting to appear on the trees. We’ve also had our first sighting of a Lesser Black-backed Gull in Glasgow. Unfortunately it isn’t one of our tagged birds and so far they seem to have chosen to stay put in their wintering grounds. Considering the weather here lately, who can blame them! The race will soon be on to get back to their nesting sites and it will be interesting to see who comes back first. Will it be the birds that were last to leave the UK and are currently in France, Stephen, Jonathan and Archie? Or will it be the ones who were first to leave and are currently in Africa, like Flyback and Clyde? We are particularly

excited about the gulls which are currently in Africa as we haven’t heard from them since the mobile network went down in November. As soon as they head back into Europe we should get the data sent to our computers and ready for us to begin analysing...

GULP! In the last month, the team have been delivering talks to the SWRI, Scottish Wildlife Trust and to students at both SRUC Ayr and the University of Glasgow.

We are continuing to increase our public engagement activities and events so if you would like us to come and talk to your group then please get in touch.

Gull adoptions: Looking for that something different or are you interested in supporting our gull project?

We are offering gull adoption packs where 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.

Event News: See our native woodland birds up close and meet the TnT Team at Greenock Cut on Saturday 3rd and at Muirshiel on Sunday 4th March for a weekend of Bird Ring Demonstrations. Drop in anytime time between 10.30am – 3.30pm.

Volunteer with TnT: One of the projects aims is to train volunteers in the use of our camera traps. The joys of camera trapping are that you never know what you might capture. We are looking for volunteers to use and monitor our camera traps for 3 month periods.

All training will be provided and it is something that only requires a couple of hours a week to collect and go through the footage. If you would like to find out more then contact us.

Connect with TnT: 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 now has its own Facebook page which can be found at www. facebook.com/TagnTrack/ Talks to groups can be arranged if you are interested in finding out more about the project and its findings as the project progresses.

TnT is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde LEADER and Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. Update compiled by Tag-n-Track Officer, Hannah Riley.

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.

Brown bin collections are recommencing Householders are requested to present their brown bin beside their blue bin by 7am on their regular recycling collection day during week commencing 19 March or 26 March. Recycling Helpline 01475 715901 www.inverclyde.gov.uk/recycling

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16th March - You don’t want to miss it!!

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march 2018

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Gryffe Camera Club

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If you are interested in joining a friendly Camera Club, just pop along to one of our Club Nights. We meet every Wednesday Night at The Carrick Centre, Houston between 7.30pm and 10.00pm. See our website – www. gryffecameraclub.co.uk We are also on Facebook www.facebook.com/ Gryffe-Camera-Club Last months Guest Speakers included Ian McCrorie who gave us the history of Caledonian MacBrayne and Neil Macgregor with Bits & Pieces.

Both equally enjoyed, especially the former who was well-known to several of our members

PCPC Paisley Colour’s 2nd Bimonthly Competition Results Paisley Colour Photographic Club were very pleased to welcome back Eddie Telford from Ayr Photographic Society to judge the second of this sessions three bimonthly competition at the McMaster Centre in Renfrew.

Club members submitted up to three digital images. There were three categories - introductory, intermediate and advanced.

In the introductory section third place went to Kathy Giddings for “Red Roof Cottage”. Second place was awarded to Leonard Esakowitz for his spectacular “Biplane After Stall”. The top image in this section was given to Fiona McFetridge’s “Look Santa Has Beamed Down!!”.

Third place in the intermediate section went to Ross Samson’s “FreeRange Sculpture”, runner up in this section was was Carol Cracie’s “Winter’s Morning”. Eddie judged Frank McCollum’s close-up image “Sitting Pretty” as the winning image in the section.

Sitting Pretty

The winners of Club Competition 4 as judged by the members were: A Prints

B Prints

1st - Andy Stark

1st – Christine Kyle

2nd - Bill Crookston

2nd – Chris Kyle

3rd - Kate Cummins

3rd – Chris Kyle

Mono Prints

Digital A

1st – Kate Cummins

1st – Andy Stark

=2nd - Andy Stark

2nd – Malcolm Martin

=2nd - Matt Johnson

3rd – Andy Stark

Digital B 1st place – Rhona Miller 2nd place – Ronnie Logan 3rd place – Chris Arthur Upcoming Guest Speakers are Mark McColl returns on 28 February with his stunning Aurora and Astro photos; Ann-Marie Westwood on 14 March and David Walker with the Hidden Gems of Glasgow on 28th March.

Look Santa Has Beamed Down

In the advanced section Jim Caldwell’s “Yellowbilled Stork with Fish” was judged the third top image. In second place was t“Female Kingfisher with Minnow” by Mike Cruise. The top image in this second bimonthly competition was by Robert Fulton with wonderfully atmostpheric “Cloud Inversion at Daybreak”.

Club meetings on Thursday evenings continue at the McMaster Centre in Renfrew throughout spring months and include further competitions as well as a range of photography lectures to which visitors are always welcome. For further details about PCPC and updated members galleries please view: www.paisleycolour.co.uk Winter’s Morning

Female Kingfisher with Minnow

Cloud Inversion at Daybreak

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Langbank Camera Club The February print competition, Silhouette, was won by Phil O’Brien for her beautiful image, “Dunes”, of a camel and rider at sunset. The photograph was taken at the Camel Festival in Pushkar, a tiny desert town in India’s state of Rajasthan where approximately 30,000 camels converge to take part in the festival. We had joint second place winners, Alastair McKenzie for his silhouette of the Duke of Wellington, with cone, outside the Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow and John O’Brien for his photograph taken at Tanah Lot, one of the most popular sites in Bali for sunsets.

Kilmacolm Camera Club Because of a cancellation, four of our members stepped into the breach at short notice and provided a cornucopia of photographic goodies.

Billy Blair gave us a masterclass in natural history photography. Bill Ham entertained us with images of Edinburgh Fringe performers, hang gliders and planes. David Walker showed us some Venice views and Duchal Wood snow scenes, and David Addison concluded our box of varieties with a flight to Barra.

In the annual Simpson inter-club competition, we came a respectable third (and, yes, there were more than three clubs competing!).

Our latest in-house league competition was based on the intriguing topic “Triangles.” This was judged by Stephen Phillips, of Milngavie and Bearsden Camera Club. The winning Print was by Bill Ham, with “Beach Huts” and the top Digital image was by Jane Robertson, with “Cheese and Biscuits Anyone?” A selection of leading images is shown here.

We finished our tutorial topic of stitching photographs , single row and multi-row, to create magnificently detailed panorama photographs.

This topic has generated a lot of interest and will be concluded with an evening in May where members will exhibit their images using the tools and techniques discussed during the tutorials.

Visitors are always welcome. Meetings held on the second and fourth Mondays of the month throughout current session. Membership is only £10 for the first year so please come along. For more information please contact Derrick McPherson at langbankcc1@gmail.com.

Diaporama Hugh and Gerry gave us an enjoyable evening’s entertainment with eleven shows, nine of which were an advert for Scottish scenery and culture.

We held another portrait session with the Fashion Group that meets in KNCC. This proved to be a fun evening again. Thanks to all of our models.

Intrigued by the variety on offer each evening? Come along and see for yourself.

Venue: Kilmacolm New Community Centre, Room 1.01; Tuesday evening, time 7.30 (October to March) Contacts: Billy Blair, Tel: 873383; Janice Stevenson, Tel 873595.

Website: clikpic.com/kilcamclub/

Instead of just music accompanying the stills, we had one with no music at all, some with written information included and several with voiceovers and appropriate audio clips.

Gerry’s were all based in Scotland. ‘The Port Town’ and ‘Views from the Port’ were of Port Glasgow, which was formed as the port for Glasgow in 1668, and looked at some of its buildings, parks and former shipyards where the Comet, Glenlee, and Falls of Clyde were built. The views from Lyle Hill showed the Clyde at its best. ‘Boys Toys’ was a real delight for Classic Car enthusiasts. A show at The Palace of Holyrood of sports and racing cars from the end of WW11 including the Tyrrell’s of Jackie Stewart and the Lotus’ of Jim Clark. This combined well with the ‘Scottish Museum of Flight’ and its fantastic collection of military and civil aircraft including Concorde. His final show was of Arran and included a visit to Holy Island.

Hugh continued with the Scottish theme combined with his love of kayaking. ‘Mull’ was a tour of the surrounding islands including Gometra, Ulva, Staff, and Iona. ‘The Clyde Now and Then’ took us on a kayaker’s view from Erskine to the Squinty Bridge showing the Clyde as it is now followed by a nostalgic look back at the Clyde and its long gone docks and shipyards. ‘Whisky’ was an ode to the ‘cratur’ and a look at its progress from fields of barley through to the finished product. ‘Tam o’ Shanter’ was recited beautifully by Hugh accompanied by appropriate pictures. His next two shows took us further afield. ‘Raft’ was a high octane white-water trip down the River Kaituna in New Zealand, definitely not for the faint hearted! This was followed by ‘Singapore’ and a history of its incredible makeover from the invasion by the Japanese in 1942 until the present day.

Our next meeting is a week earlier on Monday 5th of May in the Carrick Centre Houston.

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16th March - You don’t want to miss it!!

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only sources of nectar available early in the season.

If you are to come and visit us at RSPB Lochwinnoch throughout February and March, you will definitely see the carpets of snowdrops in our woodland. Snowdrops are one of the earliest signs of spring approaching, and is one of the first meals for emerging bees! Nature is so clever, because the petals of a snowdrop don’t open until temperatures reach 10°c, this is also the perfect temperature for bumble bees to come out of hibernation! The green stripes inside of the snowdrops act like landing lights, guiding pollinators to one of the

There are lots of myths and legends about snowdrops: it seems they have captured our imagination for a long time! Although they symbolise hope and purity, there was also a belief you should never bring a single snowdrop into your home as it was unlucky, and could even cause a death. This myth might have some truth to it: the bulbs of snowdrops are actually poisonous to humans, although you’d have to eat a lot to become ill!

Interestingly, in modern medicine, a substance which occurs naturally in snowdrops - galantamine - is used to help treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

If you are looking for a spring day out, to see snowdrops and lots of other signs of spring, come along to our Open Day on the 25th of March! From 11am to 3pm you will be able to sample all that the reserve has to offer- explore the trails, play in the natural play area or do a treasure hunt- and it’s all for free!

Events Lochwinnoch RSPB has lots of exciting events coming up. Here are some highlights...

Wildlife Photography Workshop: Beginners - Learn how to take great outdoor and wildlife photographs with your own camera, then see your results on screen! Led by David Palmer, who has over 30 years experience and is a volunteer photographer with the RSPB. This is an excellent opportunity for beginners to learn the basics.

When: Sunday 11th March from 1pm - 4.30pm. Price: £25, RSPB members £20 Booking essential.

What Astronomy Evening - Find out about the wonders of the night sky with a presentation from the Astronomical Society of Glasgow.

If the weather permits, we will then head outside for some stargazing! When: Friday 16th March from 7.30 - 9pm. Price: Adults £6; Children £4.80 (RSPB Members £4.80/£3.80) For more information about the reserve or any of our events, please call 01505 842 663 or email lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk.

Lochwinnoch Open Day - Come along and try out some pond dipping, go for a walk, play in the natural play area, listen to some stories, watch some wildlife or do the treasure hunt. When: 26th March, 11am - 3pm. Price: Free Find us at: RSPB Lochwinnoch, Largs Road, PA12 4JF. For more information about any of these events go to rspb.org.uk/lochwinnoch

BoW Horticultural Society As our guest speaker was unwell, Donald Hepburn stepped in and gave a presentation of a year in his nearby garden. Donald keeps a visual record of established plants plus new ones added in the preceding year. In this way, he hopes to avoid digging up anything dormant or forgotten! He also notes when plants come into flower. Snowdrops are usually in flower before the White Heather but this year it’s the other way around.

One of the first to flower is Iris Reticulata but so far, no sign yet of this cheerful little number. After the array of Snowdrops, the Daffodils and Narcissi will be in bloom along with Snake’s Head Fritillary, multicoloured Crocuses, yellow Forsythia and red Chaenomeles japonica (flowering Quince). Spring is coming when the Hepburn Cherry begins to flower and the Hellebores, in many shades of pink and purple, open up. In the autumn, the Hepburns take a trip to Greenbank Gardens, Newton Mearns to pick up bargains in the bulb sale. Here various bulbs are on offer at reasonable prices, ready to go into other local gardens for a Spring display.

Beth Hepburn describes her garden as a cottage garden where they work with an array of growing conditions.

Theirs is a walled garden on a north-facing slope.

They are growing a Hydrangea petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea) along the southern wall which, once established, will romp away covering a tricky part of the garden where many plants will struggle. Camellias and Rhododendrons herald late spring and these are under-planted with Bluebells, Himalayan Poppies, Alliums, followed by Irises, Perennial Geraniums, Aquilegias, Day Lilies and Canterbury Bells, to name just a few. Shrubs, grown for effect, are a Weigela, with variegated leaves and crimson flowers, and towards autumn, a Sambucus and Cotinus (Smoke Bush) with crimson or wine coloured leaves and stems, along with multi-coloured Fuchsias or Cosmos and rich, velvety Helleniums. By the time we reached Autumn we had a list of well over 40 plants growing in the Hepburn

garden and thus over 40 suggestions to mull over for our own gardening ventures. We ran out of time before Donald ran out of plants! It was an inspiring evening which lifted the spirits of members and guests on another wintry night.

Our interest was also stirred by the arrival of a large, leek-like mystery houseplant. This was in bloom with large white flowers and a gorgeous perfume. As our Secretary, Anne, brought it, we knew it had to be special and it was – Pamianthe peruviana . This is an epiphyte (which grows on the surface of a host plant) and produces pods which take 15 months to ripen. It is feared that this plant is now extinct in the wild.

The next meeting will be a “Gardeners’ Question Time” with a panel of renowned experts ready to take your questions.

Members and guests should remember to wrap up well any “samples” to avoid contamination. We will meet at 8p.m. on Thursday 8th March at The British Legion.

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bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

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the advertizer Auchenbothie by Douglas Forrest

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

The latest meeting of Bridge of Weir TARA was well attended, and our thanks go to our three local Councillors, the Police and the Renfrewshire Wardens Service for their attendance.

Bridge of Weir Community Council has reached its quorum of co-opted members and as others have shown an interest in joining, we, now under Renfrewshire Council rules announce an interim election for new members.

The Police report for the last month showed that there were a total of five recorded crimes committed within the confines of the village. These were, a burglary at business premises, a robbery and three road traffic offences. Three of the crimes have been detected.

The process will involve formally intimating an announcement of an Interim Election to fill vacant places at the Community Council meeting in March. This will be followed by nominations from 19th March until 30th March.

The Wardens Service report that there had been four reports for dog fouling in various areas of the village and that there were also two reports of fly tipping. One of the fly tipping incidents concerns the charity bin at the bottom end of Livery Walk car park, which we are informed by a member of TARA is there without permission and will be removed shortly.

It is anticipated that numbers nominated will be fewer than the maximum number allocated for Bridge of Weir as no Community Council elections have occurred in Renfrewshire since 2001, however if the numbers nominated exceed the maximum then election will be called and administered by Renfrewshire Council Officials. Posters and nomination forms will be placed at various locations in the village and can also be had from our Chair who can be contacted at sandyclark01@ live.co.uk you can also follow Bridge of Weir Community Council on our Facebook Page for any up to date information. If you want to help provide a better Bridge of Weir now is the time to volunteer.

Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents Association

The main talking point of the evening however was the decision by McGills Buses to withdraw both the No 19 and No 8 buses as from the 24th March. The fact that residents of Bridge of Weir haven’t been given more than five weeks notice of the withdrawal of these services, and that no consultation had been forth coming prior to their decision is shocking. While the SPT are looking at alternatives and once more putting the routes out to tender, there is the real possibility that no one will take these routes on because they are not deemed commercially viable. This will leave the village having no direct route public access to Paisley, the centre of local Government, and the commercial hub of Renfrewshire. And what of the people from Bridge of Weir who work in Johnstone, Paisley and Inchinnan who rely on the No 19 for transport? Some of them could be facing a three bus journey to and from work.

We hope there will be some kind of resolution to preserve these public transport links.

There have been a number of issues regarding gritting coverage this winter and the misuse of grit bins for litter and dog waste. There has also been a lot of blocked drains which have caused flooding across many roads. If you have a problem with either, please contact your local Councillors, or why not come along to a TARA meeting and air your views.

The next meeting of Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents Association will be on Tuesday 20th March at 7.30pm in the Pirie Centre, Freeland Church.

Bridge of Weir Community Council

At the February meeting there was a large turnout of visitors attending and many of their concerns referred to roads issues that included what is the long term programme for road maintenance, the supervision of contractors carrying out road and pavement works, gritting in the village or rather the lack of. Places of concern, Livery Walk Car Park and Shopping Centre, and Main Street pavements.

Issue was raised to the number of potholes appearing especially after previous maintenance and the method of repair carried out during wet weather fill in’s.

The poor condition of pavements on Kilbarchan and Prieston Roads was also reported. Due to the number of complaints received the Community Council will invite The Head of Roads to a meeting soon.

The Police in attendance informed the meeting that if you suspect a vehicle has been abandoned call 101 however due to the process it may take some time before removal.

The Planning Convener reported that the Bull’s garage site planning application was progressing slowly.

A clothing bin has appeared at Livery Walk car park which once again is causing inconsiderate people to dump rubbish in the surrounding area. We were asked if we had any involvement in the bin being in place, as we do not, we will contact Renfrewshire Council to see if they have given permission for the bin to be there and if not will demand its removal.

Our Renfrewshire Councillors reported on a number of matters, Kilbarchan Road is to be resurfaced in the next programme of capital works, looking into problems with street lighting on Hazelwood Road, Riverside View street lighting adopted by Renfrewshire Council and chasing up repairs to the traffic calming Safety Island on Kilmacolm Road.

Two Community Councillors agreed to attend the Flight Path drop in session in Johnstone Town Hall, they will report back to the next meeting prior to us making a submission to the consultation.

The next meeting of the Community Council will take place on Tuesday 6th March at 7pm in the Cargill Hall.

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

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Let's hear from our Councillors Cllr Natalie Don

We are drawing ever closer to the day of the budget and I must say, I am very excited that finally, the SNP administration will be able to make our mark on Renfrewshire Council. Although I am unable to comment on any specifics at the time of writing, I am extremely positive that the SNP will present a budget which appeals to residents across Renfrewshire. From the correspondence I have with constituents, the state of the roads and the cleanliness of our streets are two of the main complaints and I am very positive that the SNP group will make these issues a priority. I look forward to reporting back on this next month.

Cllr Colin McCulloch It was with great alarm and consternation that I heard of the plans to cancel the ‘19’ bus service that acts as a vital link for Bridge of Weir to Paisley, Johnstone and Inchinnan Industrial Estate. Many local residents rely upon this service to go to work, to go to their place of study or to simply do a bit of shopping and socialising. We risk becoming a rural island and I will be doing everything possible to have McGill’s reverse this appalling decision.

As bus services were deregulated in the 1980s, the government and local authorities have little or no say in what services private bus companies can and cannot deliver, so I will also be pushing the Scottish Government to introduce immediate legislation that allows local authorities to regulate local bus services, bringing them into public hands wherever necessary to ensure a quality service is offered to all.

Cllr James McLaren This seems to be a particularly harsh winter and it has had a bad impact on the roads, which seem to be breaking up badly. This is partly due to the salt being spread on the roads, which causes repaired potholes to breakup. Council is now getting round to repairing potholes and some roads are now being resurfaced.

A revised Section 75 is being drawn up to give some benefits to the Bishopton community for all the house building in Dargavel. It is not as good as the original Section 75 of 2006 but still has a number of benefits to the village. There is some progress being made for a new health centre, although the design and build still needs the approval of the Health Board themselves. The existing health centre is not far off capacity. The design for a new primary school has been approved, though whether it will be large enough is very questionable. Two new housebuilders, Avant Homes and Bellway Homes will be on site soon. All the development on this brownfield site should be taking some of the pressure of the greenbelt. More of this can be found in the BAE newsletter that should have dropped through your door recently.

One Sunday evening recently, I was told that cars were getting stuck in the Bridge of Weir car park because of snow and ice, as I wasn’t far away, I grabbed my snow shovel and started spreading the grit from the bin there. It seemed to help drivers get out the car park and it was pleasing to receive a number of cheery thank yous. It reminded me of just how many people we have in our villages that go out of their way to help the community. Please remember to thank them, when you can. It is appreciated.

Check out my Facebook page for more information and articles www.facebook. com/councillormaclaren. Please feel free to contact me with any of your concerns, and I am happy to meet with you at a mutually convenient time.

The Council will vote on its budget on 1st March 2018 and I will be absolutely crystal clear that I will not be voting for a budget that doesn’t protect local services, local jobs and doesn’t invest substantial sums into our local roads and pavements. Renfrewshire’s roads and pavements are in a shocking state (mainly due to government cuts to local authority budgets) and I hope that the burden of austerity will finally ease so we can bring our surroundings back up to standard.

Elsewhere, I have been working with the Council to seek improvements to the annexe of Langbank Primary School (I will update further at Langbank Community Council) and have been busy seeking out road repairs in Bishopton, in particular at Newton Road and Cawdor Crescent, both of which have seen considerable neglect. I have also been liaising with BAE, developers and the Council regarding road traffic concerns raised by residents of Millbank Drive in Bishopton and hope that solutions will be forthcoming very soon to alleviate concerns there.

In the meantime, please get in touch if you have issues of your own that you wish to raise.

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

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Langbank SWI

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Most of you will now be aware of the announcement by McGill’s to discontinue the No. 19 bus service, which runs from Paisley to Johnstone, via Inchinnan, Houston and Bridge of Weir. McGill’s have stated that the service will end on the 26th March. McGill’s have blamed a drop in passenger numbers for this announcement, claiming that it is not financially viable to continue the service. This is terrible news for Bridge of Weir and Houston and I am extremely angry that McGill’s have taken this decision. The number 19 bus has been a staple in our villages for as long as I can remember and is used regularly by the local community. To announce this decision with such short notice and without any consultation shows a lack of respect for the local people who rely on this service. At the time of writing, I do have a meeting with McGill’s organised to discuss further their decision to pull the service and any alternative solutions that they would be willing to explore.

I would be happy to keep any constituents updated who contact me directly.

Our February evening was a huge success. Our local family history expert, Margaret White, gave an excellent insight into researching a family tree, and the audience loved it. Her own experience was very entertaining. We all now know where to start looking, and leaflets and websites were issued so we can all get started.

Our March speaker is from Branching Out Charity based at Parklea Garden Centre in Port Glasgow. Join us on Thursday 15th March at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Competition categories are, a sugar craft flower, a flower arrangement in a kitchen utensil, and a handwritten gardening tip. All welcome to come along.

churches in Bishopton, Langbank & Bridge of Weir.......................

Langbank Parish Church: Sunday Services 10am with Sunday School, Crèche and young people’s group, the Welcomers. Tea/coffee after the service. Church service starts at 10am. Come along and meet in the Hall from 9.50am. Charity No. SC015085.

Freeland Church: Rev KN Gray BA BD. Morning Service 10.30am. Crèche, Sunday School, Lynx and Cornerstone. Evening Service 7pm www.freeland.org.uk Holy Week Services: Monday 26th March 7.30pm - Gathering Storm. Tuesday 27th March 7.30pm - Finest Hour. Wednesday 28th March 7.30pm - Darkest Hour. Friday 30th March 2pm - The Final Hour. Sunday 1st April 10.30am - Easter Sunday Family Service St Mary’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: Holy Week Services: Thursday 29th March 7.30pm - Communion.

Friday 30th March 7.30pm - Good Friday Service. Sunday 1st April 10.30am - Easter Sunday Family Service. Everyone welcome Hope Hall: Sun 1pm Sunday School, 4.30pm Gospel Service; Mon 6.30pm Investigators for Kids, 8pm Bible Study and Prayer.

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Saturday 17th March between 10am and 3pm Bishopton Community Centre, Gledstane Road, Bishopton

Spring is upon us, already in The Bridge, we are planning for Christmas 2018! Alison Bannerman is drawing our much acclaimed Christmas card and members of the Paisley Colour Photographic Club are taking photographs for the 2019 Calendar.

Bishopton Art Group Spring Art and Craft Fair Bishopton Art Group will host their annual Spring Art and Craft Fair. Local amateur artists and crafts people will offer for sale a variety of products that will make ideal gifts for that someone special. Visitors can vote for their favourite painting and win a gift voucher.

Jack Watson, organiser of Bishopton Art Group’s Spring Art and Craft Fair said, “The annual Spring Art and Craft Fair offers a great selection of art and craftwork at affordable prices. Admission, as always is free. Tea, coffee and home baking are also available. We are very grateful for the support we receive each year from the community.”

“There is good access for all to Bishopton Community Centre and free parking.

The Centre is only 5 minutes walk from the railway station.” bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Bridge of Weir Elderly Forum At our meeting on Tuesday 13th February it was decided that our Summer Outing would go to Dunbar on Wednesday 23rd May. There will be more details at our next meeting on 13th March. We are hoping to have a councillor at our meeting on 10th April. Our Annual General meeting will be on Tuesday 15th May at 3 pm in the RBLS Hall, Bridge of Weir. All welcome.

The Bridge

Mother’s Day is celebrated on the 11th March. Show how much your Mum means to you by sending a card from our selection.

Easter Sunday is celebrated on 1st April. Brighten up someone’s day by sending an Easter Greetings card from our colourful display.

Art Exhibition - during March, Richie Fisken, a local artist, will be showcasing his paintings. A donation from sales will be made to Marie Curie Nurses.

Post Office: The usual postal services are provided during opening hours.

For that trip abroad - buy your Euros from our Euros on Demand service.

Volunteers: Do you have a spare 4 hours once a month? If so, please consider becoming a volunteer in The Bridge. Do not worry about lack of experience as another friendly volunteer will be only too happy to assist.

Trustees Annual Report: the Trustees Report & Accounts for the sixth year of The Bridge were approved by the trustees on 24th January. Please view a copy at The Bridge.

We look forward to meeting up with you in The Bridge – Your Community Centre, Shop and Post Office.

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Bridge of Weir SWI Our Next meeting will be held on Thursday 1st March. We will be learning more about the Clyde Muirshiel Park and its Tag-n-Track scheme for locating wildlife. This should be a fascinating evening enabling us to appreciate the natural life on our doorstep.

We meet at the British Legion at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start and we welcome visitors and hope our meetings provide a chance to make new friends .

On April 5th we will have our AGM and mini show, with exhibits covering a wide range of interests.

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

Senior Citizens Club We meet at Cargill Hall every 2nd and 4th Wednesday 7pm - 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

Singing for Wellbeing

kilmacolm & quarriers

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.

The Masqueraders...

Back By Popular Demand!

Prepare to be amazed by their outstanding talents in song and rhyme! After the show, why not join us for a chat over a cuppa and goodies? This year our chosen charity is Robin House Children’s Hospice, which is situated in Balloch.

The hospice is a haven for children, and their families, who have lifeshortening illnesses.

Tickets priced £5. To order yours call Norma Hancock on 01505 614943 or ask any other member of the group. Event takes place on Saturday 21st April in St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Hall at 7pm. Don’t miss it!

kilmacolm & quarriers

kilmacolm & quarriers

Coffee Morning Saturday 3rd March 10am - 12 noon Tickets £3 2nd Floor New Community Centre Kilmacolm

Kilmacolm Girl Guiding Spring Fayre Saturday 10th March 10am - 12:30pm.

St Columba’s Church Hall, Kilmacolm.

Come along and support our local Rainbows, Brownies and Guides at the Girl Guiding Daffodil Spring Fayre.

Crafts, Tombola, Easter Eggs, Home baking, Mother Day’s Gifts, Bacon rolls and more. Adults £2.50. Children £1.50 - refreshments included.

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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. kilmacolm & quarriers

2018 Kilmacolm Civic Trust AGM and Public Talk

It’s been a particularly busy year for the Kilmacolm Civic Trust, and this is your chance to hear how the Executive Committee have been dealing with a variety of challenging issues. The Trust’s profile has been boosted by working in collaboration with the Kilmacolm Residents Association as part of the umbrella group “Kilmacolm Greenbelt Alliance”. A working party from that group, “Kilmacolm Action Group” has been providing practical support and helping to co-ordinate responses to the Consultations and Planning Applications submitted for Greenbelt sites at Knapps, North Denniston and West Quarry Drive. That process continues. In recent days, a public consultation for house-building at Carsemeadow in Quarriers has also been announced by Gladman Associates, reinforcing the impression that our villages appear to be under siege from developers.

Strengthening the Civic Trust The developers’ proposals have provoked a strong response from residents, with over 1100 comments submitted to Inverclyde Council about the applications for Knapps and North Denniston. Many people have subscribed to the database we constructed with the Greenbelt Alliance, and we will be writing to them, encouraging them engage more fully in the protection of our village, by joining the Civic Trust. Although we have tried to ensure there are no duplications, please accept our apologies if you receive that communication too.

kilmacolm & quarriers

Kilmacolm Old Kirk OK Fest 2nd – 4th March A weekend community event, in association with the Old Kirk, celebrating music and the spoken word.

Outlook Outlook is a social community group in Kilmacolm that was created to welcome everyone, young and old, to come to share friendship and fellowship together.

It is led by the Community Issues team of Kilmacolm Old Kirk. The group meets in Kidston Hall on the 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoons monthly, from 2pm - 4pm. The programme includes invited speakers, afternoon tea, items of community issues for discussion, plus entertaining activities.

Programme for March: 1st March - A very special guest, William Kean, talented musician on piano and violin, will play a selection of music including some Scottish favourites.

Also a renowned photographer, he will show photographs taken travelling through some Scottish islands.

15th March – We are delighted to welcome back Charlotte from Kilmacolm travel agent firm, Travel …… Actually. Charlotte will bring along the latest news and offers in the travel world.

kilmacolm & quarriers

Kilmacolm Civic Trust will hold their AGM and Public Talk on Wednesday 7th March at 7pm for the AGM, followed by our Public Talk at 7.45pm in the Kilmacolm Community Centre.

We are also planning a separate fund-raising campaign for a ‘war chest’ to meet the expenses of challenging developers’ applications and appeals against planning decisions, whether these are held by Scottish Government Reporters or Public Enquiries. If you wish to support this ‘fighting fund’, please don’t hesitate to contact us by email to secretary@kilmacolmcivictrust.org

It’s not just about planning!

After Annual General Meeting for our membership, we are delighted to welcome all residents to a topical, illustrated talk, starting at 7.45pm.

We are delighted to announce our Guest Speaker, Mr John Morgan, who is the Director of Business Development at Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow.

Shipbuilding was an industry in long-term decline, leaving only a handful of yards along the Clyde. The dramatic rescue of Ferguson by Clyde Blowers in 2014 has transformed the business, evidenced by the launch of MV Glen Sannox in November last year.

Mr Morgan will set out the story of the yard’s resurgence, and its place in Clyde ship-building, bringing us up to date and into the future.

We hope you can join us! Refreshments will be served. Entrance is free, donations are welcome. 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

“Tales of Kilmacolm” A sequel to “Village Memories” by Deborah Winters, telling tales of the village in the 20th century, will be on sale by the end of March. Look out for posters around the village shops showing details of book launch / singings.

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Let's hear from our Councillors Cllr Stephen McCabe Thank you to those of you who participated in the Council’s Budget consultation. We had nearly 1,400 responses, which is very encouraging.

The full Council will meet on 15th March to set the budget. We still have a significant funding gap to close.

At our meeting on 22nd February we agreed to increase Council Tax by 3% next year. The majority of people responding to our consultation supported an increase in Council Tax. This decision will help avoid £860,000 worth of cuts to local services. You will have seen from news media that it looks like most, if not all, Councils in Scotland will increase Council Tax by the Scottish Government’s limit of 3%. If we were to increase it above 3% our local MSP Derek Mackay, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, has said to would reduce our Government grant.

The Council’s Environment and Regeneration Committee will consider the proposed Inverclyde Local Development Plan on 8th March. One of the proposals in the plan is to release land at West of Quarry Drive for a 75 unit housing development. If approved, the proposed plan will be published on 30th March for consultation for two months. As a member of the Committee I would be keen to hear from constituents on any concerns they have prior to the meeting 8th March. A copy of the proposed plan will be available in the Committee section of the Council’s website:www.inverclyde.gov.uk.

I have one surgery this month in Boglestone Community Centre, Port Glasgow from 9.30am to 10.30am on Saturday 17th March. You can contact me directly to discuss any matters that are of concern to you by telephone on 01475 712020 (during office hours) or by email: Stephen.McCabe@ inverclyde.gov.uk. Alternatively you can write to me at 10 Victoria Gardens, Kilmacolm PA13 4HL. You can keep up to date with my work as a Councillor by visiting my blog: http://councillorstephenmccabe.blogspot.com/ and follow me on Twitter @ CllrSMcCabe.

Cllr David Wilson Scottish Power intend replacing the Steel Lattice overhead electricity lines with a wooden pole construction between Erskine and the Devol Moor substation. The height difference is between 20m and 15m. This will make a small difference but still welcome. The real destruction of the landscape and the visual intrusion will happen when the 110m tall giant wind turbines are erected for the Greenock Windfarm. This application was agreed after the developer appealed the refusal by Inverclyde Council to the Scottish Government.

Inverclyde Music Festival again was well supported by talent from PGHS, KPS and both St Columbas. The standard and numbers of entries increases every year and compliments are due to the committee who manage the event and the school staff who prepare the contestants.

The salmon ladder on the Gottar Water in Quarriers Village is now proceeding at a pace. Sepa now have the monies agreed and the thought of some 9km of new spawning ground is causing great excitement within the BoW Angling Club. I am sure that in a few years time youngsters will be captivated by the progress of these magnificent fish. The partial removal of the weir can only help the flooding further up in the village and will also negate a need to conduct a stream diversion .

The Gladman Exhibition with regard to their site at Carsemeadow was well attended. I met many constituents from Quarriers.

There has been controversy in Scotland regarding the flying of flags.

The Kilmacolm Flagpole sits on the tower of the Old Kirk and the person responsible for duty is quite clear when an occasion is exclusively Scottish or Great Britain.

kilmacolm & quarriers

Kilmacolm Community Council During February all the arrangements were made for the procurement and installation of a community access defibrillator to be sited in the vicinity of the Kilmacolm Library. This was only made possible thanks to the generosity of an anonymous local donor and of the Board of the KNCC. The Kilmacolm Community Council also allocated funds from their reserves to this worthwhile community ’project’ which they have managed and co-ordinated.

At the January meeting of the Kilmacolm Community Council the Chair reported on a meeting he had attended to discuss the proposed transfer of the Kilmacolm Library to a community group. This was one of the proposals contained in the Inverclyde Council list of proposed budget cuts that were submitted for public consultation. It was the intention - if the proposal went ahead - that the Kilmacolm Community Council would be a candidate to take over the running of the Kilmacolm Library. It was agreed that the Kilmacolm Community Council, and possibly no other community group, would have the resources, skills and knowledge to successfully manage this essential community service and could not, therefore, take on the responsibility. This response has been conveyed to Inverclyde Council by letter.

The Kilmacolm Community Council requested Quarriers to clarify the situation in regard to any plans they have for making properties in Quarriers Village available to the Kibble organisation who are a specialist provider of services for young people at risk. This possibility is causing concern amongst Quarriers Village residents and home owners.

The Kilmacolm Community Council were instrumental in the formation of the Kilmacolm Twinning Society and have been asked to help in an appeal for members of the community to support the Society and make themselves available to serve on their committee.

Spring/Easter Window Competition Saturday 24th March To support our local shops, Kilmacolm Community Council are running a ‘Best Dressed Shop Window” competition on Saturday 24th March. All shops have been asked to decorate their window with a Spring or Easter theme. Included in the display there will be some hidden treasure for children to find! Forms to enter this free competition are available from Friday 23rd March, until 12.30pm on Saturday 24th March, from the Community Centre. A sweet treat will be given for all completed entry forms. Three prize draws will take place with a lucky winner from each age range winning a gift voucher.

We are very grateful to St Columba’s Pipe Band and Angel Voices who will provide entertainment on the plaza outside the library. Please come along on Saturday 24th and support our village and local businesses. kilmacolm & quarriers

Kilmacolm Christian Aid Committee A Bread and Cheese Lunch to support the work of Christian Aid will be held in Kidston Hall on Sunday 18th March at 12.30pm. Everyone is most welcome, we ask only for a small donation in lieu of your Sunday lunch, and in appreciation of delicious homemade soups, tasty bread with a variety of cheeses. and shortbread with tea/coffee.

The Christian Aid Appeal for Lent and Easter asks you to ‘Count Your Blessings’. the daily reflections are steps along the path to Good Friday and the joy of Easter Sunday. Copies of the Appeal are available at each of the churches in Kilmacolm, and at the New Community Centre, Kilmacolm. For further information please telephone Jill Russell on 01505 872393.

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

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Angel Voices and Voices + at the Inverclyde Music Festival The Choir sang at the Music Festival for the 5th year in a row. The Judge commended them for their ‘entertaining’ performance! For a number of the younger choir members, it was their first time on the stage.

The Choir are now rehearsing for a Musical Celebration for Mothering Sunday on 11th March at 6pm in St Fillan’s Church, Moss Road, Kilmacolm.

The Choir Team invite all children from around the area who like to sing to come for a taster session on Friday evenings during term time: for more information please contact organiser: Maureen Russell land line: 01505872905 / mobile 07905950028. email: maureenmrussell@hotmail.com kilmacolm & quarriers

Curry & Quiz Night Saturday 3rd March The Annual Kilmacolm Scout Curry and Quiz Night will be on Saturday 3rd March. Tickets are £10 which includes your curry. 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. 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.

Do You Want To Improve Your Bridge?

Mount Zion Notices Website We are pleased to announce a new website where you can keep up to date with the ministry and special events here in the Church: mountzionquarriers.org.

Easter is the most important time in the Church Calendar, as we spend time in Holy Week thinking of the central theme of our faith: the death and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Why not come and join us?

- Maundy Thursday Holy Communion Service - 7pm, 29th March.

- Good Friday Meditation around the cross - 2.30pm, 30th March.

- Easter Sunday Family service - 10.30am, 1st April.

Personal Prayer Ministry: Like many other Christians, we believe in the power of God to heal and help people. We have witnessed numerous examples of God helping people spiritually, emotionally and physically through prayer ministry over the years.

As the Pastor of Mount Zion Church, Quarriers Village, I would like to invite anyone who feels in need of prayer to contact me through the website. We will make an arrangement to spend time with you, free of charge.

The Gatherin’: held at Mount Zion Church, Quarriers Village on the 4th Sunday of the month. It is a meeting for people from the area to come together for worship and fellowship. Our focus is to receive clear biblical preaching from guest speakers. Both the congregation and leadership team come from different churches and denominations. Everyone is welcome.

The next Gatherin’ is on Sunday 24th March 2018 at 7pm. kilmacolm & quarriers

Church Events World Day of Prayer - Friday 2nd March St. Columba Church Hall, Bridge of Weir, Kilmacolm at 1.30pm. Everyone welcome. For further information contact Maureen Russell on 872905 or 07905 950028.

Good Friday Service - Friday 30th March Grace Church (Kilmacolm Guide Hut), Kilmacolm at 7.30pm. Everyone welcome. For further information contact gracechurchkilmacolm@gmail.com

Tuesday evenings in Kilmacolm Community Centre 7pm - 9pm.

There will be a lesson on a specific topic each evening followed by discussion and play for the rest of the time. A detailed list of lessons is displayed in the Centre Notice Board. Further information call 01505 872345. kilmacolm & quarriers

Kilmacolm Art Class Exhibition Are holding their Annual Exhibition in the Community Centre on Friday 23rd March from 10am to 5.30pm and Saturday 24th March, from 10am until 4pm. There will be over 100 pictures on display in a pleasant environment.

You will have the opportunity to buy an original painting by talented artists at a reasonable price. You may even be inspired to consider joining the class, details available at the exhibition.

kilmacolm & quarriers

kilmacolm & quarriers

kilmacolm & quarriers

Fionn Loch Sutherland by B Orr

Entry is £1 - accompanied children are free.

churches in Kilmacolm & Quarriers.................................................

Kilmacolm Old Kirk: Church of Scotland (Charity no. SC009291). www.kilmacolmoldkirk.org.uk.

Minister Rev. Dr. Peter McEnhill (01505 873174). Morning Worship - Sundays 11am. All Welcome.

Tea/coffee served after service. Sunday School and Crèche. Solas Bereavement Group 2nd Thursday each month at 2pm in Kidston Hall. 18th March at 12.30pm - Christian Aid Lunch. Kidston Hall.

Bread and cheese lunch to support the work of Christian Aid. Holy Week Services - Monday 26th to Friday 30th March, nightly at 7.30pm. Easter Sunday 1st April – Communion at Knapps Loch at 9.30am. Easter Worship with Communion in the Old Kirk at 11am.

St Columba Church of Scotland: (charity no. SC007992) Morning Worship Sundays at 11am. All welcome. Coffee/tea served in the hall after the service.

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

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 11am. Rosary Tuesdays 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.

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

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! www.heartlandsec.org/KLM/index.html Contacts: Revd. Heller G.P 01505 872961 / Maureen Russell (Pastoral Assistant) 01505 872905.

Mount Zion Church: Rev. Andy Lunn BSc, (01475 791282) Mount Zion Church, Law View Road, Quarriers Village, PA11 3FD. Sunday Worship: 10.30am, Bible Study and Prayer Meetings: Wednesday at 7pm and Friday at 10 am. “Mozzy” Youth Club Thursdays at 6.30pm for young people of high school age. Half night of prayer: 7pm – midnight, 4th Friday of each month. ‘The Gatherin’ is at 7pm on the fourth Sunday of each month. Maundy Thursday Holy Communion Service - 7pm, 29th March. Good Friday Meditation around the cross - 2.30pm, 30th March. Easter Sunday Family service - 10.30am, 1st April. Please come and invite others: all welcome!

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houston, crosslee & brookfield

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Let's hear from our Councillors Cllr Audrey Doig I am supporting community campaigners in the Magnus Road area of Houston who are concerned about the placing of a large Vodafone mast which many feel is intrusive and too large for a residential area. When the planning application went through Renfrewshire Council immediate neighbours in the Magnus Road area were informed due to the Council’s near neighbour notification policy, and I have to say that very few people were really concerned about the mast. In fact, many people were supportive as it was felt it would boost connectivity in an area where mobile reception is poor.

I have already spoken to members of Houston Community Council who are now backing the campaign as well. I think the campaigners should consider approaching Vodafone to see if they could provide two or three smaller less intrusive masts instead of one large mast, so we can all go forward together in a spirit of local unity. I would also like to let Houston residents know that if they wish to either sign the petition or join the campaign they can do this through the Houston Community Council website.

I am also always available to constituents who can call me on 07768 130935, or e-mail: cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

Cllrs Alison Dowling and Jim Sheridan Magnus Road Phone Mast: The Houston community has been shocked by the appearance of a monster mobile mast eyesore that has been erected near residential family homes. The Vodafone mast is 20 metres in height and looms over nearby houses. It has caused an outcry amongst locals and has sparked a campaign to have it moved with a petition, supported by Houston Community Council, gathering over 500 signatures. Worryingly, due to recent changes in Scottish Planning legislation, telecommunication companies can now erect masts under 25 metres without planning permission. The Magnus Road mast sets a dangerous precedent and flies in the face of local democracy. The link to the online petition is https://you.38degrees.org.uk/ petitions/relocate-mobile-mast-away-from-magnus-road-houston.

Metal Bridge at Ardgryffe Crescent, Houston: The bridge is an integral part of Houston’s walking routes to all three schools, shops, community events etc., and with the upgrading of Ardgryffe play park this year, the bridge will be utilised by residents even further. Unfortunately, the bridge has been in a poor state of repair for years. Negotiations are ongoing with Taylor Wimpey, the bridge owner, to undertake much needed repairs, and we will continue to press TW to deliver on their obligations.

Potholes: As Councillor’s we have been swamped with complaints about potholes. Problem areas include North Street, the roundabout near St Fillan’s Primary, Kilmacolm Road and throughout Brookfield and Linwood. The more rural areas have been particularly hard hit. Weather issues have played a key role in deteriorating road conditions but, if you look across Renfrewshire in its entirety, the number of potholes is now at an unacceptably high level.

Under the previous administration, Labour’s investment in this year’s roads budget was £6.716 million, the biggest ever single year allocation. With the council budget for the next year coming up, it’s critical that the current SNP administration make a commitment to getting the pothole problem under control.

RAH Children’s Ward Closure: At a special meeting of Renfrewshire Council, a motion against the closure of the Royal Alexandra Hospital’s Ward 15 was won by 21 Labour, Conservative and Independent votes to 18 SNP votes.

The motion called on SNP health secretary Shona Robison to reverse her recent decision to close the children’s ward and transfer services to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC) in Glasgow. The closure has come as a bitter blow for families and campaigners who have fought for the children’s ward for 6 years. Evidence points to budget cuts for the closure, despite claims that it has been led by clinical need, which have been met with derision locally. The campaign to protect local health services goes on, especially for the RAH neo-natal unit and maternity ward following the disgraceful closure of the children’s ward.

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

Monday to Friday Woodlands Out of School 01505 615438 Coffee Shop Mon - Fri 9am - 4.30pm Sat 9am - 4pm MONDAY Yoga (Weekly) @ 1pm - Mary Laidlaw 01505 229112 | Diaporama (12th) @ 7.30pm | Young Farmers AGM (12th) @ 7.30pm | Sewing Group (Weekly) @ 10am - 12noon TUESDAY Paint Pot Tots (Weekly) @ 10am - Dawn Campbell 07789 262350 | Galaxy Dance (Weekly) @ 4pm - 7pm | Yoga (Weekly) @ 7pm - M/s Lawson 01505 613690 | Councillor Surgery @ 6.45pm – 7.30pm WEDNESDAY Big Kids Little Learners @ 10am – 11am - Janine Neil 07870 697010 | Gryffe Melody Makers @ 7pm | Community Council (21st) @ 7.30pm | Gryffe Camera Club (Weekly) @ 7.30pm THURSDAY Gryffe Quilting Group @ 1.15pm - 3.15pm (15th- 10am) | Primary Colours (Weekly) @ 3.30pm – 4.30pm | Crafty Friends @ 7.30pm | Folk Club (weekly) @ 8pm iaintdawson@gmail.com 07786 078952 | Galaxy (Weekly) @ 3.30pm - 7pm FRIDAY Yoga (Weekly) @ 10.30am M/s Lawson 01505 613690 | Big Kids Little Learners (Weekly) @ 1pm – 2pm Janine Neil 07870 697010 | Galaxy Dancing (Weekly) @ 3.30pm - 7pm | M.P. Surgery Gavin Newlands @ 12.30pm – 1.30pm | Carrick Nights (2nd) @ 8pm SATURDAY Galaxy Dancing (Weekly) @ 9.30am - 5pm (3rd 11.30 finish) | Councillors Surgery (rm5) @ 11.30pm – 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

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 & brookfield

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

School Meals Price Increases: It is hugely disappointing that in the first year of their new administration the SNP are immediately putting the price of school meals up. School meal price increases will hit Renfrewshire families who are just over the income threshold for free school meals, and prove a strain on families with more than one child to feed. The Scottish Government’s funding cuts for councils continue to force hard choices to be made locally, but the decision to pass this burden on to the cost of the school day is unfair, and should be reversed.

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

deadline date for our april issue - Friday 34-45 NEW VILLAGE_282 MARCH18.indd 40

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t: 01505 613340

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Protest at Vodafone mast At the beginning of February, residents attended a demonstration at the huge 20 metre (67 ft) high Vodafone mast in Magnus Road, Houston. They want Vodafone to move the mast away from residential housing and to consider alternative locations/solutions. They are hoping a solution can be found whereby the community is offered a better signal without the distress this mast creates.

They are complaining about the lack of any meaningful consultation with residents and the lack of democracy in the siting of this mast. It also starts a worrying trend where Telecom companies can erect these 4G masts, which can be up to 25 metres (83 ft) in height, next to pavements and houses with no screening and no planning permission required (just a prior approval application). Since these masts have an operating radius of only half a mile it is likely that we will be seeing more of them dotted throughout our villages.

The de-regulation of planning controls for Telecom companies introduced by the Scottish government in July 2017 was devolved from UK law and the Scottish parliament did not vote on it – it was passed by a committee. This is a major change in planning legislation and it is likely to affect us all. We feel it is important that the appearance of our villages is considered and residents consulted when Telecom companies are siting these masts.

HCC Chair John McEvoy stated “This petition has the full support of Houston Community Council. There was no significant public consultation with the local residents and the recent change in the law to the effect that telecommunication companies can now erect masts wherever they like and without planning permission flies in the face of democracy.

It is also at odds with the recent Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act” The petition also has cross party political support.

If you agree please sign our petition which aims to persuade Vodafone to move the mast to a location away from residential housing. Our aim is also to have the deregulation of planning controls for Telecom companies reviewed by the Scottish government. https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/relocate-mobilemast-away-from-magnus-road-houston

houston, crosslee & brookfield

New Sewing Class 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.

houston, crosslee & brookfield

105 Years Young!

Dr. Iain Findlay, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, presenting Mrs. Marion Dawson with her 105th Birthday Card from her Majesty the Queen. She celebrated this special occasion with her family and friends at the River Inn, Crosslee.

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Houston & Crosslee SWI We continue our interesting syllabus with a talk about the Paisley Thread Museum on Wednesday 14th March. Our penultimate meeting on Wednesday 11th April will be our AGM and Mini Show 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. houston, crosslee & brookfield

Houston and Killellan Kirk

Coming to Houston for one Night Only.

ZUGLO CHURCH CHOIR FROM BUDAPEST

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Houston and Killellan Agricultural Society Annual Show The Annual Show will be held on Saturday 2nd June 2018. Schedules for the Craft and Baking will available in March and can be got from the Post Office, the Paper Shop, Houston, or by contacting Isabelle Stuart contact: issistuart@ gmail.com or 01505 613479.

Appearing at Houston and Killellan Kirk Saturday 17th March at 7pm No tickets required.

Free entry.

Donations to Kirk Funds Please support this unique event in our village.

Tell you friends and neighbours. houston, crosslee & brookfield

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Who, Why, How? 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 & Killellan Kirk World Day of Prayer This year the World Day of Prayer will be held in Houston and Killellan Kirk on Friday 2nd March at 7.30pm.

Everybody will be made most welcome.

churches in Houston................................

Houston and Killellan: All Services will be led by Rev. Ian Bell unless stated otherwise.

Friday 2nd March 7.30pm World Day of Prayer.

Sunday 4th March 11am, 2pm & 6.45pm The Sacrament of Holy Communion. Sunday 11th March 11am Morning Worship. Sunday 18th March 11am Morning Worship; The Annual General Meeting follows this Service. Sunday 25th March 11am Morning Worship.

26th - 30th March Holy Week.

Monday 26th Houston and Killellan Kirk.

Tuesday 27th Joint Service with Linwood Parish at Houston and Killellan Kirk.

Wednesday 28th Joint Service with Linwood Parish at Linwood.

Maundy Thursday 29th Houston and Killellan Kirk the Sacrament of the Last Supper.

Friday 30th Good Friday Houston and Killellan Kirk.

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 10am - 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

houston, crosslee & brookfield

Sign the petition at the following link:

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk

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Houston & Killellan Kirk Carnival THE BLUE PLANET Saturday 12th May 12.30 pm at the Church West Halls.

This year the theme is hoping to encourage local awareness to environmental issues. We need to be thinking about how we can teach and learn about recycling, litter, avoiding waste of any kind and looking after our environment for ourselves and the wildlife in our areas.

We will have many of our usual stalls, although we are not having a book stall, soft goods or jewellery stall they are going to be replaced with a nearly new clothes stall for under fives. Another new stall will be a Home Produce ,preserves in glass jars etc., and Church Stall for information on Church activities and organizations.

Three will be a performance area in front of the Carrick Centre where you will be entertained by local artistes.

One of the most important parts of the Carnival is the parade and we would like to see more groups becoming part of this. This is a fantastic way of encouraging people to get involved in the community, get whatever organization you are in dressed up and join in this once a year event. This is an opportunity to show how you can help save the planet.

We are always looking for volunteers, home baking, home produce and your support. Next months issue will give contact numbers for uplifting goods.

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Lilias Day 2018!

To mark the 50th anniversary of the revival of Lilias Day we are going all out to make this a year to remember.

We have a fantastic line up of entertainment and as always we need your involvement. You can help us by: • Getting in touch with us if you were a previous Miss Lilias.

• Joining the parade - costume fitting on Sunday 11th March, 3pm - 5pm (change to previously advertised time), Old Library Centre, Kilbarchan.

• Taking a stall - booking night on Tuesday 13th March, 7pm - 9pm, Old Library Centre.

• Decorating your house - 50th anniversary themes welcome!

• Having a float - this a fantastic way for local organisations to be centre stage for the day.

• Buying a raffle ticket (or 10!) for your chance to win £1,000 on the day.

• Volunteering to help us on the day. Lilias Day is a really big event that requires lots of manpower to make sure it runs smoothly. If you could spare a couple of hours to help on the gates or steward the parade, please get in touch.

For any if the above contact us on info@liliasday.co.uk or message us on Facebook. kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Kilbarchan Fairtrade Group On Friday 2nd March there will be a Fairtrade Curry Night in Bobbins, starting at 7pm. Last minute tickets may still be available at Bobbins.

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

The Old Library Centre There are busy times ahead at the Old Library Centre with events so get your diaries out and make note of the following dates.

FLORAL ART DEMONSTRATION by Dawn Stevenson Tuesday 27th March - 10am to 12noon Tickets for this will be £3.50 which includes the cost of tea/coffee and a biscuit at the interval. There will be a raffle for the displays created at the end. Dawn is kindly donating her time to raise funds for the centre so do come along and support this.

AULD HATS NEW HEIDS CONCERT

On Sunday 11th March, from noon until 1pm there will be a Fairtrade stall in Kilbarchan Parish Church hall, to which all are welcome.

At its February meeting the group met a request from Kilbarchan Primary School Fairtrade Committee for funding to enable it to stock its Fairtrade stall. kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Gryffe Scottish Country Dance Club Kilbarchan Guide Centre, Barn Green, Kilbarchan Our club will be holding it’s Easter fundraising dance once again on Wednesday 4th April with music provided by Marian Anderson. Tickets are £7 including a raffle and the usual excellent supper.

PSYCHIC SALLY BUXTON

Programme:- Miss Allie Anderson. Westminster Reel. Silver Tassie. Pelorus Jack.

Bratach Bana. Byron Strathspey. Follow me Home. Summer Assembly. Blooms of Bon Accord. Braes of Tulliemet. Good Hearted Glasgow. Butterscotch and Honey. Miss Johnstone of Ardrossan. Quarrie’s Jig. Miss Gibson’s Strathspey.

Highland Rambler.

Thursday 26th April at 8pm

Contact Les Lambert on 01505 704398 or email leslambert08@gmail.com

Saturday 7th April They played a very entertaining gig last year to a sell out audience. Tickets are £12 each, phone, email or come into the centre to book your tickets.

The ever popular psychic joins us for an interesting evening. People will know that this sells out quickly and we usually have a waiting list for tickets. Tickets will be £10 each.

JIMMY LIVINGSTON in CONCERT Friday 11th May Tickets £12 each. Jimmy last played here in October 2014 and was very warmly received.

Please contact the Old Library Centre, details below, for more information or to book any of these events.

INTERMEDIATE YOGA Classes take place at the Old Library Centre on Monday nights from 7.30pm – 9pm. It is for those with a regular practice who wish to challenge themselves. Arm balances, headstands, handstands, lots of fun poses – why not give it a try. Contact Marian on 07585 006537 The Old Library Centre is a registered Scottish Charity and is ran by volunteers. For more details please phone 01505 706070, email kipcokil@hotmail.com or visit our website www.kipcokil.com kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Do you enjoy a cuppa?

The Kilbarchan Singers are holding a coffee morning on Saturday 10th March from 10am - 12noon. It is being held in Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Square, Kilbarchan.

Entry is £2.50 which includes coffee/tea & cakes. And have the chance to win a prize in the tombola.

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 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 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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Scone-noisseur of the World comes to Lochwinnoch Have you got what it takes to be a baking world beater? Are you a budding scone-noisseur with the skills to match?

The inaugural ‘world championship’ of scone making is coming to the Renfrewshire village of Lochwinnoch on Sunday 18 March 2018. Twenty-four contestants will have 45 minutes to bake the perfect plain scone – which will then be judged by some of the county’s most eager scone-scoffers, including head adjudicator, author, historian and broadcaster Vanessa Collingridge.

In addition to the prestigious and unique ‘Scone-Noisseur of the world’ title the winner will also scoop a bespoke trophy from world-renowned ceramics professional and Lochwinnoch resident Wendy Kershaw.

The concept is the brainchild of Lochwinnoch Community Councillor David Bain: ‘Lochwinnoch is a small village in Renfrewshire where we pride ourselves on our culture and heritage. A very successful arts and literary festival has been running for several years, and from these and other past events we know that Lochwinnoch has some sensational bakers. Now is the chance for locals, and non-locals alike, to pick up their rolling pins, dust off their flour and compete for the title of Scone-noisseur of the world. Scotland already hosts both the unofficial world porridge making championships and the stoneskimming contest. Now, given the mania for bake-off, we want to give a global gloss to Lochwinnoch scones.’

Head judge Vanessa Collingridge, who also lives in Lochwinnoch, is well known on television and radio and has written two biographies, one of the 18th century explorer James Cook and another on Celtic warrior queen Boudica. But could judging the Scone-noisseur of the world contest be her toughest challenge yet? She said, ‘This is a brilliant idea and a great way to put Lochwinnoch on the map. I am hugely looking forward to seeing what scones will be produced in this, the world’s inaugural scone making contest!’

Howwood News

Howwood Community Council is organising a Senior Citizens Scottish Evening on Saturday 3rd March in Howwood Village Hall at 6pm for 6.30pm start. This event is open to all Howwood Residents who are Senior Citizens. Tickets are £4 each and are available from Linda Smith, Millar Leon, Bill David and CC members.

Howwood Annual Village Cleanup VOLUNTEERS WANTED Saturday 17th March and Sunday 18th have been set as dates for the Annual Village Cleanup. If you can spare a couple of hours to help clean up your Village we will be at Village Hall from 10am till 12noon then 2pm till 4pm each day. All children to be accompanied by an adult, we will provide bags, tabards etc. kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Howwood W.I.

Tuesday 20th March Flower Demonstration By Dawn Stevenson Competition: Floral Ornament; Hostesses: Margaret Jamieson & Cath Love ; Vote of Thanks: Irene MacTaggart New members will be made very welcome. For further information please contact Irene MacTaggart on 01505 704800.

Kilbarchan

During the month of March, the group has 2 meetings. The first is an illustrated talk from a Milliner and then a discussion about 70 years of the NHS in Scotland. 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

kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Knitting Bee

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.

Bagging the chance to bake could not be easier. Entry costs just £10 and forms are available from loch.bain@btinternet.com or at local shops in the village. Those judged second and third will be presented with specially made plates from Wendy Kershaw, and every one of the 24 entrants will receive a special Lochwinnoch tea-towel.

The baking will all take place at Lochwinnoch cake shop The Cakery No 5, which has generously offered its support, and under the supervision of Lochwinnoch SWI. For further details please contact: loch.bain@btinternet.com or call 07795 645048

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kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Cllr Andy Doig

college and university to Paisley and Glasgow, or elsewhere, should not face increased costs by having to purchase adult day or weekly tickets. I have supported calls to have the decision reversed, and commend the members of the Scottish Youth Parliament for their role in leading the campaign.

As Convener of the A737 Partnership Group I recently convened a meeting with other Councillors from Johnstone and the Villages, and with Neil Bibby MSP and Tom Arthur MSP, to discuss with the Parliamentarians how best they felt they could advance our campaign to upgrade the A737. This is particularly important for the residents of Howwood with the notorious Howwood junction onto the A737 and the MSP’s gave us wise counsel as to how best to proceed.

From Saturday 3rd March I will be holding my Johnstone surgery in Johnstone Town Hall at 12.30 pm and subsequently on the first Saturday of every month except January and July. My surgeries in the villages remain unchanged: 9am in the McKillop Institute, 10am in the Village Hall Howwood, and 11am in the Steeple Hall Kilbarchan. Meantime please contact me at cllr.derek.bibby@ renfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 0300 300 1274 or 07534156007

At a recent meeting of the Council’s Planning and Property Board I moved against the expansion of Braehead Shopping Centre on the basis that it was in opposition to the five town centre strategy plans, which are official council policy, and in which we state that we wish to prioritise economic development in and around our town centres rather than in out of town shopping malls. I was pleased to get the support of other Councillors and the application was rejected by 9 votes to 4 votes.

Cllr Bill Binks

Let's hear from our Councillors

At the last meeting of Kilbarchan Community Council, following a discussion about the respective remits of local Cllrs and MSP’s in planning applications, I have sent a briefing from Council Officers about this matter onto all local community councils in my ward for their information. At the request of Lochwinnoch Community Council I have been investigating the possibility with Council Officers of installing lighting at Lochwinnoch War Memorial, so successful has the installation of lighting at Houston War Memorial been.

I am always available to constituents who can call me on 07534 148224, tweet me on CllrAndy4Ward8, e-mail me at cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk, or facebook me on Facebook.com/@Ward9JohnstoneAndVillages.

Cllr Derek Bibby A special meeting of Renfrewshire Council took place on the 8th February in the wake of the announcement by the Scottish Governments Health Secretary that the Children’s Ward at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Paisley is to close.

This decision will have significant consequences for families with sick children in Kilbarchan, Howwod, and Lochwinnoch, not the least of which will be the additional distance and travelling time to the Glasgow hospital, and there is a concern over capacity issues at the new hospital and its ability to meet local need and demand.

At the council meeting there was reference to one Renfrewshire mother who recently had to travel with her child in the snow to Edinburgh, due to there being no bed in the new Glasgow hospital. We need to protect our local services and I am pleased that the motion from all opposition councillors to call on the health secretary to reverse this decision was passed despite administration councillors voting against the motion.

The council will now write to the Scottish Government confirming the democratic will of its members and demanding that the decision is overturned.

The cold winter weather continues to bite, and there have been ongoing problems with the lack of gritting salt. In Howwood in particular, I have received reports of empty grit bins, with local residents willing but unable to grit their roads and pavements.

Following several mild winters, this year has been something of a wake up call and a challenging one for council services. A review of the current winter maintenance plan is clearly needed to find out where improvements need to be made, and how our villages can receive at least a fair share of attention and resources. I will press for this to take place.

I am pleased that McGills buses are reconsidering their recent decision to withdraw the student day ticket. Students who travel from our villages to

Education and Children’s Services Policy Board The Scottish Government has designated 2018 as the Year of Young People (YoYP). Renfrewshire Youth Services will be working with a range of youth groups to promote YoYP. If you are interested to know more then please contact Renfrewshire Youth Service direct.

Consultation on Education (Scotland) Bill. The idea is to ensure that head teachers, local authorities and the new Regional Improvements Collaboratives (RIC) are able to work closely together in order to improve outcomes for children and young people. The Head Teachers’ Charter will give decision making powers to head teachers in four key areas – Curriculum, Improvement, Staffing and Funding. The proposed changes will have a significant financial implication for the local authority. A portion of education funding from local authorities will be taken and devolved directly to schools. Head Teachers salaries are based on a national job sizing scheme so changes in their duties may have implications for grading and salaries of these staff.

Bin Lorry Action Plan As a result of the Glasgow bin lorry tragedy, Renfrewshire Council has produced a bin lorry action plan. Enhanced medical examinations have been undertaken for all PSV and LGV drivers. A two yearly eyesight examination has been embedded with the medical checks. All vehicles will be fitted with immobility emergency equipment in the case of a driver falling ill etc.

Beith Road – Fixed Camera Report In September 2017 the Scottish Safety Camera Programme introduced a fixed speed camera to Beith Road Johnstone close to Johnstone High School.

Prior to the camera installation, 72.7% of vehicles travelling this road were over the speed limit. The most recent survey shows the percentage has been dramatically reduced to 11.5%. Additionally, average speeds have reduced from 33mph to 28mph. This report makes a case for the villages of Howwood, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch having speed cameras at their black spots.

Planning (Scotland) Bill 2017

by Cllr Bill Binks

The Planning Bill was introduced at the end of last year and is just starting its journey through the parliamentary process. Some of the current 35 Sections of this Bill raise a number of issues that will affect Councils, elected Members and Community Councils. In brief, the proposal is to end the need for supplementary guidance in connection with local plans, introduce local place plans prepared by community bodies – which a planning authority must have regard to when preparing the local development plan - It does not say what would happen if a council does not like the local place plan. It proposes a requirement for all members of planning authorities to complete training and pass an exam before taking part in planning functions. It will allow Scottish Ministers to transfer the functions of a planning authority which fails to comply with the training requirements to another planning authority or Scottish Ministers. The Government wants the appeal system to stay as it is with only applicants being able to appeal to and with Ministers having the ultimate say.

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

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Bubbling Up in Lochwinnoch

In Lochwinnoch, a residential development is likely to happen at the old Struthers Lemonade Factory in Church Street. However, it seems that the developers are not planning to retain the borehole on the site which currently yields over 400,000 litres of fresh, clean water every day – a small part of which is sold to Eden Springs Bottling Company. The Struthers Water Action Group (SWAG) is looking at the possibility of taking over the source as a community asset which could provide an income of several tens of thousands of pounds a year.

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Lochwinnoch SWI The March meeting of Lochwinnoch SWI will take place on Wednesday 21st March at 7.30pm in the McKillop Hall.

There will be a talk on the “Hidden treasures of Glasgow” - this should be an interesting and informative evening.

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Lochwinnoch Arts Festival 2018 supporting St Vincent’s 30 years of care and support

In tribute to St Vincent Hospice, - an organization that has cared for and supported many people in and around Lochwinnoch for the past 30 years - the Festival is hosting a number of fundraising events. One not to miss is "Everyone should come to Sing for St Vincent’s" (No talent or experience required!).

Sing for St Vincent’s with Lochwinnoch Choral Society Sunday 18th March Parish Church 2pm to 4pm Everyone welcome let’s make this a huge event!!

We invite you to help fill the Parish church, to join with the Lochwinnoch Choral Society and really raise the roof! We'd love the whole community to join together and sing for St. Vincent's and help this fantastic charity celebrate 30 years of service to our community. kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

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

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

Mothers Day Gift and Craft Fayre Sunday 4th March

Kilbarchan Guide Centre, High Barholm, Kilbarchan from 1pm to 4pm.

Come along and browse our fantastic local crafter stalls. More than 20 to choose from; jewellery, soaps, art work, sweets, cards, books and much more...... Something for everyone!

Entry: Adults £1.50 Children £0.50 We would love to see you there!

All funds raised will go towards World Challenge Bolivia.

We look forward to welcoming members, friends and visitors. Further info from Elma Richmond 01505 843193 or richmond32@tiscali.co.uk kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Lochwinnoch Dementia Friendly Village ...

The Third Lochwinnoch Golf Club Tea Dance The third free Tea Dance in support of Lochwinnoch Dementia Friendly Village will be on Friday 2nd March 2pm till 4.30pm. Come and dance, sing and have fun with the fantastic ‘Music Box’ and enjoy a lovely afternoon tea from Janice and her team!

Donations at the event!!

For more info contact Morag on 07868 752814.

The official launch of Lochwinnoch Dementia Friendly Village Project on Friday 27th April in the Calder church 7.30pm more information to follow.

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Kilbarchan Parish Church Messy Church Our next Messy Church takes place on Saturday 17th March in the Church Halls from 4pm – 6pm.

Our theme will be “The Lost Sheep” and all our volunteers are looking forward to thinking up crafts etc. to cover this theme. All young people will be made most welcome and I’m sure that the adults you bring along with you will also enjoy joining in. We close by sitting down to eat together and catch up with friends old and new. kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie

Kilbarchan Parish Church Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club. The club takes place on Mondays from 9.15am - 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 term finishes on Monday 26th March and resumes on Monday 16th April.

Kilbarchan Parish Church Drama Group Rehearsals are now underway for the next production “The Vicar of Dibley”, a series of scenes adapted into a 2 act comedy to be performed on Thursday - Saturday 26th - 28th April at 7.30pm in the church hall. Tickets, £9, £5 for school-age, will be available from midMarch from Bobbins, by phoning 704048 or any Sunday in the hall after the service.

churches in Kilbarchan, Howwood, Lochwinnoch & Elderslie............................

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

On Sunday 25th after the service, the Stated Annual General Meeting will take place at 12noon in the church.

Easter in Kilbarchan Parish Church: The Maundy Thursday service on 29th March is at 7pm, led by the choir singing excerpts from the lovely Faure’s Requiem, The Sacrament of Holy Communion will take place during the service. On Good Friday, 30th, the service is at 7pm. On Easter Sunday, 1st April, the early service outside the Weavers’ Cottage is at 8.30am, followed by refreshments in the church hall. The main service continues at 11am. We continue to support the Paisley Food Bank each Sunday. Sunday School and the Crèche meet in the hall from 10.45am each week. The Midweek Fellowship continues on Wednesday mornings with coffee at 10.30am and a short service of worship at 11am in the small hall. ALL WELCOME TO ANY OF OUR SERVICES. For further information about the church and all the many organisations, please visit Kilbarchan Kirk online: www.kilbarchan-kirk.btck.co.uk Howwood Parish Church: Minister Rev May Bell. Sunday Service and Sunday School. 10am each Sunday. Prayer meeting held at 3 Bowfield Way, Howwood, 7.30pm on Tuesdays.

Lochwinnoch Parish Church: Mary Jane Bird. Sunday 11am: Morning Worship and Sunday School. All welcome.

kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie

The abstraction point will need to re-located outwith the site, either in the recreation ground or a site in Lochhead Avenue, and we are currently looking at the technical feasibility and costs of doing this before working on a business plan.

If anyone is interested in helping the group, they can contact us at lochwinnoch.swag@gmail.com or phone 01505 842380. We are particularly interested in help in preparing a business plan and funding bids, but any help would be welcome.

t: 01505 613340

Calder United Free Church: (Church Street, Lochwinnoch) Sunday: 11am Morning worship with Sunday School and Crèche. 6.30pm Evening Fellowship group, 7.30pm ABC’s Teen group. Wed 6.30pm - 7.30pm.

Spiritualist Church, Lochlip Rd. All services commence 7.30pm.

Elderslie Kirk: Sunday service every week at 11am. Minister - Rev. Robin Allison. All welcome. Weekly meetings:- Monday Club every week from 12noon - 2.30pm. Light lunch and a varied activity programme. Midweek Fellowship will meet every Wed from 10.30am for Tea/Coffee followed by a short Service of Worship at 11am.

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Houston Primary School Charity Fundraising: Primary 5 have been learning about charities this term and were fortunate to have two Primary 5 parents, Mrs Connelly and Mrs Wilson to come in and speak about the work they do for charity.

Following their visit, the children were inspired and wanted to do something to support some local charities themselves. They decided to have a sponsored Pyjama Dance & Sing afternoon and raised a fantastic £1117.64. They split the money between Share Scotland and RAH Diabetes Endowment Fund in support of Ben, one of their classmates who was recently diagnosed with diabetes. This month the whole school will learn more about diabetes and how it is treated from a Primary 1 parent and a representative from Diabetes UK. Eco News: The Big Battery Hunt is on! We’ve almost filled our first battery bin already so keep bringing in your unused batteries (AA, AAA C and D) so we can make sure they are disposed of safely. The challenge is on until the end of term. Clear Out Your Closet We’re looking for donations of clothes in wearable condition, pairs of shoes, handbags and belts for our next Rag bag collection. All funds raised go towards supporting Eco projects.

Soup Making: The Gardening Club learned how to make leek and potato soup using their very own fresh produce.

There was enough for a tub each to take home and enjoy. Delicious!

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

Pop along and see us from 9.30am - 11.30am

Kilmacolm Playgroup

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

Howwood Playgroup

Abbey Nursery

Howwood Church Hall, 9.45am - 11.35am

every

Wednesday

Kilmacolm Toddlers

To celebrate World Book Day alongside our newly refurbished Library within the nursery and the children’s increased interest in the story corner, we are exploring Children’s authors in the Grasshopper room over the next few months. The Pre-school Groups will be delving into the magical world of Roald Dahl (The Witches and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to name a few) and Nick Butterworth (Percy the Park Keeper, Tiger in the Snow and The School Trip). The younger children have opted for Julia Donaldson (Squash and a Squeeze, Charlie Cooks Favourite Book and The Gruffalo). By spending time looking at a range of books from one author we hope the children will get a better understanding of how they can use their own imagination to create new stories.

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

We have lots of other activities underway. Sports Coaching every Wednesday; French Lessons on Tuesday; Music Land on Thursdays and Forest Schools Monday and Tuesday – leaving no time for your little ones to be bored!

Meanwhile our Little Ladybirds and Busy Bunny rooms have adopted a fun approach to planning this year and set themselves a challenge by taking part in 105 OddBall Holidays for activities and learning experiences.

January started with Popcorn day when the playroom smelt wonderful each day and the children enjoyed painting, touching and modelling with popcorn – the occasional bit getting into their mouths! February lead the way with Compliments Day giving staff, parents and children the opportunity to pay each other a compliment throughout the day and led into Love Your Pet Day on February 20th which was a chance for all children to have stories, make strange noises and bring in a photo of their pet or favourite animal and tell us all about them.

All these amusing days fit nicely with the focus on providing open ended learning opportunities for all children and ‘Loose Parts’ are being used in lots of interesting and creative ways in the 2-3 room to challenge the children.

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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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Lochwinnoch Primary School Lochwinnoch Primary School held their annual Burns competition and hugely popular Scottish afternoon on January 26th. The turn-out for the afternoon was amazing and we cannot thank everyone enough for showing their support. Guests were treated to a variety of singing and poetry, as well as homemade shortbread at our tea room. We even had special visitors from Moss Wood Care Home in Linwood and from ROAR and the Reminiscence Group which supports local people with dementia.

Our nursery has also undergone a wonderful makeover. The children have enjoyed lots of indoor and outdoor play opportunities and we are excited to see what the future holds for our little learners.

On February 3rd, 22 lucky Primary 5, 6 and 7’s got the opportunity to go to a Manchester United game. It involved a VERY early start and a long drive down to Manchester but everyone was super excited. The children got the chance to play a game of football at Wigan’s training ground and they then watched Manchester United play against Huddersfield, which resulted in a superb 2 - 0 win for the home team.

Outdoor Learning has been a high priority for Lochwinnoch Primary School this year and we have taken part in many activities out and about lately. Primary 3/2 all the way up to Primary 7 took part in bird watching. Children had to count the number of different birds that they could spot at specific intervals and we had great fun getting our wellies on to see what we could see.

We also carried out a bug hotel refurbishment. We replaced and fixed any broken bits on our existing bug hotels which are situated up next to the annexe building. We hope that these changes make them much more welcoming and appealing to the local wildlife.

Most recently we worked alongside EADHA as part of the Riparian Woodland Project to plant aspen trees which will help the local riverbanks. It was a freezing day when we went out but we loved getting to use the tools to plant all of the trees down at the aspen grove.

We were also rewarded with hot chocolate when we got back to school which was an added bonus!

Gaelic Learners Day University of the West of Scotland Sunday 17th March, 10am – 4pm Language Classes as 4 levels: Beginner, Lower/Upper Intermediate, Advanced. Cost £15 (ClannGaidhlig members £12) Places must be booked in advance. For an enrolment form contact us by email at fios@clanngaidhlig.org or telephone 07805 918509

Kilmacolm Primary School Kilmacolm Primary saw many talented pupils taking to the stage to perform in the 2018 Inverclyde Music Festival. To celebrate the wide variety of talents, the school hosted a music showcase where festival entrants entertained their fellow pupils and parents. Kicking off the afternoon was Primary 5 pupil Stella MacEachran, Stella received a 1st in Class for her rendition of Fear A’ Bhata’ in the Gaelic vocal solo category. Stella also received 2nd in class places for her Violin String performance of Minuet No 3 and her vocal solo performances of So Long, Farewell and Sing a Rainbow, what an achievement, Stella.

There were truly exciting performances in the Inventive Storytelling category from Primary 5 pupils Benjamin Ross, 2nd in category winner and Adam Nish 1st in category winner, who had everyone gripped with their imaginative tales. Primary 6 pupil James Kelly had the audience enthralled with his adventurous story which saw James receiving 2nd in category. Primary 6 pupils Wesley Wilson and Cara McMinn received 2nd and 1st in class respectively for their Verse Sight reading whilst Primary 4 pupil Kerr Wright received 1st in class for his Verse Sight reading and Skye O’Neill received 2nd in class.

Primary 7 pupil Christopher Todd sang Aiken Drum for which he received 1st in class whilst Primary 3 pupil Emily Gentles performed Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star beautifully on her violin. Michal Zawadski of Primary 5 performed The Cat on the piano. A huge ‘Well Done!’ to all the children who performed. What talented individuals you are!

This month in KPS saw the start of an exciting new after school club - Film Club with Mrs McCredie! Some very lucky Primary 5 pupils are becoming movie makers and have been busy creating their own movie trailers. They have been using ipads to create their films and some have been starring in their movies too. Next step... Hollywood!

Aye Write! Is back from 15th - 25th March with an amazing line-up and more venues than ever before.

Among the authors appearing at Aye Write! This year are a pre-festivals return to Glasgow for Ruby Wax before Sir Chris Bonington, Peggy Seeger, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Robert Peston, Maggie O’ Farrell, Val McDermid, Brett Anderson, Professor A.C. Grayling, Evan Davis, Shami Chakrabarti, Graeme Obree, Jo Swinson all discuss their latest work and Neil MacGregor, formerly director of the British Museum gives the Tannahill Lecture.

Composer Sir James MacMillan, Lawyer Aamer Anwar, Scotland’s Makar Jackie Kay and Dr Adele Patrick all discuss “The books that made me”. Also returning are Aye Tunes, Aye Con and Aye Write! Introduces.

In total, well over 200 authors will be taking part in Aye Write! 2018.

Wee Write! Family Days will be held on 3rd and 4th March for the young book worms in your life!

Aye Write! Venues include The Mitchell Library, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, the Centre for Contemporary Arts, the Glasgow Film Theatre, City Halls, Glasgow University and Tramway.

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Kilmacolm Playgroup This month was chock full of fun. A visit from our local firestation caused much excitement among both young and old! We’ve also enjoyed singing, and tasting shortbread as part of our Burns celebrations. There has been plenty of beautiful Valentines artwork made for our lovely parents too. Sensory play has become a firm favourite at playgroup.

Who doesn’t love to go a bit crazy with shaving foam?! Next month we’re exploring animals, numbers and lots, lots more!

Playgroup runs on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

For more information contact Iona on: playgroupmembership@ googlemail.com Our Toddlers group is on Wednesday mornings from 10 11.30am and gives 0-3 year olds a chance to play, make friends, and share a snack, while the grownups catch up over a cup of tea.

Drop in to find out more, or contact Fiona on kilmacolmtoddlers@ outlook.com Our website: https:// kilmacolmplaygroupandtoddlers.jimdo.com/ or follow us on Facebook!

Houston Toddlers Group

Langbank Playgroup What an amazing and fun filled place to be! At playgroup, children are offered the opportunity to develop their social skills, independence, creativity, numeracy and literacy skills. To add to this extensive list, the children also have the opportunity to develop their physical skills while participating in the Mini Kicks programme with Morton Football!

What’s not to like, when all of this can be done through play?!

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 AVAILABLE 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.

St. Fillan’s Primary School What a busy term we have had already in St. Fillan’s Primary School!

There was a lot of love at toddlers recently with lots of little ones making valentine cards and pictures to be sent to the special people in their lives.

As we are a very inclusive and welcoming school, we have been involved in lots of community events over the last few weeks and we would like to share a few of them with you.

Dates for March crafts are 22nd for Mothers day and 29th for Easter crafting fun. Come along to showcase your artistic talent.

Fairtrade Coffee Morning - Having gained the prestigious status of being a ‘Fairtrade School,’ we take our responsibilities seriously in promoting the need for a more fair and just world.

We invited our families and members of the community along to our Coffee Morning on Friday 2nd February and we were delighted by the support given from everyone who provided donations and who joined in the fun on the day. We are proud to announce that we raised £55 from the raffle for a Fairtrade hamper and a further £52.55 for MND Scotland. This charity was selected by the members of the Fairtrade Committee.

Also we have a child free drink organised on Friday 23rd March, join us for a well deserved night off and some chat in the pub.

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 9.30am 11.30am so come along when you are ready to the West Hall, Main street Houston PA67EL (next to the Carrick centre). We look forward to meeting you all.

Eco Warriors - Pupils in Primary 3/2 participated in a community litter pick with members of the Houston Community Litter Crew.

Our litter busting heroes took to the streets armed with gloves, litter pickers, plastic bags and determination! The weather was kind and our pupils collected two bags of litter in an afternoon which was a great achievement. This initiative was part of the ‘Eco Spotlights’ that classes have been taking part in to raise the awareness of Eco issues. We hope to retain our Green Flag Status in a few weeks time.

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St Columba’s School It was a very successful couple of weeks for St Columba’s pupils and parents at Inverclyde Music Festival. From our Pipe Band, piano duets, string duets, woodwind solos and poetry readings, it is fair to say that once again St Columba’s pupils have shown that they have exceptional talent stretching beyond the classroom. Continuing with our musical talent, families enjoyed renditions of Scottish poetry and songs at our Junior and Senior School Burns Suppers. We would also like to congratulate the pupils who have successfully auditioned for the National Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Choir of Scotland.

On the sporting front our Transitus girls won the Inverclyde Primary Netball Spring Cup, playing 7 matches, winning 6 and drawing 1. Matthew Downie, Senior I, successfully passed the 1st Dan Black Belt Grading, making him the youngest Tei Karate student to achieve his black belt in Scotland. Our Senior School rugby and hockey teams sported Stonewall’s rainbow laces at a recent match to show their support for LGBT History Month. Junior and Senior School Swimming Galas took place at ON-X in Linwood and proved to be a lot of fun - full gala results can be viewed at www.st-columbas. org/news.

Our Former Pupils’ and School rugby and hockey matches take place on Saturday 24th March. Please come along to support the teams at this annual event, it’s always good fun and well attended by the entire community. Hockey begins at 9.15am at the Astroturf and the rugby matches kick-off at 10.30am at Birkmyre Park.

Home Safety & First Aid Workshops: Barratt/David Wilson Homes will be holding a number of Home Safety workshops in the area and on Monday 19th March they will be coming to St Columba’s Junior School. The workshops will cover tips and strategies on keeping younger children safe from the dangers that can lurk in the home, together with advice from St Andrews First Aid regarding administering CPR to children and dealing with choking incidents. There will be a workshop for parents at 7pm and 7.45pm, each lasting approximately 30 minutes, with time afterwards for questions. The workshops, which are free of charge, are open to the community and there are spaces for ten parents at each session. Spaces are limited so parents should email marketing@st-columbas.org to register their interest and whether they wish to attend from 7pm–7.45pm or 7.45pm - 8.30pm.

Open Day and Evening: Ranked fourth in the Sunday Times league table of top Scottish Independent Secondary Schools in 2017, St Columba’s School is renowned for its first class education and academic excellence. With representation on the Scottish Hockey team, the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and the Scottish Debating Team, St Columba’s leads the way both in the classroom and on the field. It is with dedicated teaching, mentoring and pastoral care that every pupil can aspire to greatness. Our size is also our strength. With around 700 pupils aged 3-18, each child is known by name and recognised as an individual.

Our Open Events provide the perfect opportunity for families to experience the true atmosphere of St Columba’s and to see what makes our School so special. Please make an appointment to visit Open Day on Thursday 1st March from 9am - 3pm or Open Evening on Wednesday 25th April from 6 - 9pm. www.st-columbas.org

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Duchal Nursery School

Gryffe High School

There have been lots of noodles and chopsticks in Duchal recently, both proving a great hit with the children while celebrating Chinese New Year. We’ve made Chinese Dragons and dogs – for the Year of the Dog and have been listening to Chinese music and learning some Chinese dances! We’ve been making the most of our wonderful garden with it’s new all weather surface, so no more mud and mess for us, despite the Scottish weather.

S2 Drama Workshop: All S2 pupils had the opportunity to experience, through a range of presentations and workshops, the skills used in Drama which could further benefit them in their chosen careers. From drama games and theatrical makeup to a presentation from our own star (of BBC show Shetland), Erin Armstrong. Erin is a formal pupil of Gryffe and has been very supportive of the school, speaking to pupils and telling them all about her life as an actress and how she has juggled it with university and working. Erin also gave pupils an insight into a very diverse range of other film / TV / Drama related careers. A stimulating and enjoyable time was had by all!

We are holding a FREE Easter Egg Hunt for all under 5’s Saturday 24th March 10am – 12 noon! All welcome, come along for a morning of Easter fun – crafts and egg hunt at Duchal Nursery, Birkmyre Park!

New Entries to Duchal: We are now offering places for the intake in August 2018. If your child will be of nursery age after the summer and you are looking at your pre school options, please do get in touch to have an informal look around. With our extended hours we are open daily 8.15am - 3.30pm, offering greater flexibility of care for parents. Duchal Nursery has been established in Kilmacolm for 50 years and is a fantastic place to begin your child’s pre-school education. As an independent nursery our children move on to various schools in Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Glasgow. Please visit our website for more information – www.duchal.com and find us on Facebook. If you would like to come and visit the Nursery please get in 01505 874358 or email info@duchal.com

S3 REHIS Awards: Well done to S3 HFT pupils on passing their Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) course! We were delighted to welcome Mrs Joyce Beaton, a former lecturer in the Hospitality industry to the school to present the certificates for Elementary Food Hygiene.

Through completion of this, the pupils have gained knowledge about how to handle food safely and used this in many practical activities undertaken so far in their HFT class. This nationally recognised qualification is much valued by employers

Optical Blog

by Kerry Taher, New Vision Opticians

The optician will see you now!

If you’re feeling a bit under the weather, your doctor is usually the first person you’ll get in touch with for a consultation. However, with the current burden on local GP services, we’re encouraged to seek help from other health care professionals when appropriate.

So when is a good time to consult your optician?

Opticians provide a wide variety of eye-care services. In general, people think they only need to visit an optician if they feel they might need glasses to help with reading or driving - but that’s only one aspect to the range of care offered. Your optician can also help with the detection and even prevention of a wide variety of eye conditions.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition such as diabetes or if you’re experiencing headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes or are having difficulty watching your favourite TV programmes, you should book a consultation with your optician as soon as possible.

Most opticians will have experienced staff to provide the following services: • • • • •

Eye health checks Eyesight tests Eye examinations for safe driving Contact lens fit and supply Visual stress exams to help with certain conditions (e.g. Dyslexia) • Optical coherence tomography - a type of X-ray of the eye that can detect serious conditions such as glaucoma

• • • •

Home visits Prescription sunglasses Paediatric eyesight tests Wide selection of spectacle frames • Repair broken frames and lenses • Referral to your local ophthalmologist (eye doctor) if your optician is not able to help you in their practice

Eye tests are currently offered free of charge in Scotland, so don’t delay, book an appointment with your optician today!

For more information, please contact us at the practice on 01505 614700.

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t: 01505 613340

e: info@advertizer.co.uk SEE A POTHOLE? REPORT IT!

Call 01475 717171 Report online at https://myaccount.inverclyde.g ov.uk/site/inverclydewss/home /Pothole You can also write to: Inverclyde Council Municipal Buildings Clyde Square GREENOCK PA15 1LY

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Call 0300 3000 300 Online fault report at https://selfservice.renfrewshir e.gov.uk/Ef3/General.jsp?for m=SS_RoadAndLightFault&p age=pg_locatestreet You can also write to: Community Resources Renfrewshire House Cotton Street Paisley, PA1 1BR

Diesel Car Crackdown

Roads Investment Paying Off

From May this year a stricter MOT assessment of diesels fitted with particulate filters will be put in place. As part of this change, three new defect categories will be added; ‘Minor,’ ‘Major,’ and ‘Dangerous.’

If your car is marked with either ‘Major,’ such as a diesel particulate filter (DPF) issue, or ‘Dangerous’ then it will result in an automatic test failure.

‘Minor’ will still allow a pass and be marked down alongside any other advisory notices by the assessor and will need to be checked again if the vehicle is retested.

But what is a diesel particulate filter and how do I maintain one?

A diesel particulate filter (also known as a DPF) is a device that captures and stores harmful exhaust particle matter to stop it from being released into the air we breathe.

Due to a finite capacity, the trapped emissions have to be emptied or rac.com burned off periodically to regenerate the DPF. This can be done by ensuring that a diesel car gets a prolonged motorway speed run regularly.

This removes the excess emissions soot that clogs up the filter, reducing the harmful exhaust emission, and helps to prevent the black smoke usually seen in diesel vehicles particularly when accelerating hard.

There are two methods of maintaining a DPF – passive and active.

Passive regeneration occurs when the car is running at motorway speeds for half an hour or longer to push the exhaust temperature higher so it can start the process of burning off the excess clogged soot.

Active regeneration means extra fuel is injected automatically, as part of the vehicle’s ECU (engine control unit), when a filter reaches a predetermined limit (normally about 45%) to raise the temperature of the exhaust and burn off the stored soot.

Along with a tighter assessment of DPFs, there will be new assessments of reversing lights and greater inspection of brake discs, including signs of wear, oil contamination and the attachment to the wheel hub.

From April any car older than 40 years will no longer have to pass an MOT to remain on the road, however, the owners can still submit them for tests if they want to ensure safety standards.

Inverclyde Council is carrying out all urgent pothole repairs within 24 hours thanks to its £29million five year investment.

The Environment & Regeneration Committee has been told there have also been significant improvements in tackling Category 2 potholes with 97% repaired within a week.

Convener Councillor Michael McCormick said: “We are finding significantly fewer potholes generally thanks to the ongoing investment we are making in our roads. The weather and heavy traffic will always take their toll but thanks to our planned approach to resurfacing across Inverclyde the number of short-term fixes required have been significantly reduced and we are able to target repair resources where and when they are needed.”

The committee was also told all planned carriageway and footpath resurfacing works for this financial year have been completed allowing a number of reserve projects to be brought forward.

Councillor McCormick added: “The additional investment in roads resurfacing and pothole repairs is delivering the expected improvement in performance.

“We are committed to solving some of the major problems suffered by motorists and other roads users and despite the financial pressures facing all of Scotland’s local authorities we will continue to allocate significant sums of money to improving the road network.”

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Bridge of Weir United

Castle Semple Sailing Club

Bridge of Weir 2008 Team Presentation Event took place at Old Ranfurly Golf Course on 28th December. Following an exciting season where the players stepped up to their first year of 7-a-side fixtures, the children celebrated their success and effort in style with a two-course meal, entertainment and the presentation of awards.

It would be fair to say that the sailing season during this winter has been disappointing. Out of a possible 15 weeks of racing only 9 were held, the wind being either non-existent or gale force, or the loch was frozen!

Hopefully conditions will improve shortly.

A few special awards were presented by the team coaches Jamie McDonald, Gary Smith, Scott Fulton and Frankie O’Neill. Players’ Player of the Year trophy, selected by his team mates, was awarded to Luca Smith. Coaches Player of the Year trophy went to Louis Byrne and Most Improved Player trophy was received by Matthew Wilson. Another merit trophy went to Marcus McDonald.

Bridge of Weir Utd is open to boys and girls of all ages. The new season starts in March, but new players are welcome to join any time. Like any voluntary organisation, we desperately need adult helpers. In particular we need coaches, which does require a regular commitment of a couple of hours a week during the season, but it is incredibly rewarding as you see the children develop. We need help in many other areas too, so please get in touch if you would like to know more. We hold bi-monthly meetings in Amaretto, at which parents are welcome to attend any time.

Many thanks to Amaretto for hosting us.

Please contact Joe Gibson on 07514 671904 or Ronnie Palin on 07584 275743. Our twitter account @BridgeofWeirUtd - this account is in its infancy - yet another thing we need help with!

Apologies for the low-res photo, no other available

The cold snowy weather didn’t deter the competitors for the final races of the TPWDS on 11 February. A racers were : Angus Winchester (Vortex), Brian Young and Heather Evans (RS Vision), Doug McQuilken (Vareo), Tony FitzGerald (RS600) and Mark Simmonds and Steve Cochrane in the Hobie.

After setting sail into the loch, drama quickly began to unfold. Doug had fallen someway behind, whilst Angus battled it out with Brian and Heather, who had been helped by a timely gust. The results were as follows: first - Doug (and Team Pam and Tony) (Enterprise, Vareo and Laser), second - Angus (Vortex), third - Brian and Heather (RS Vision).

During lunch the snow arrived and Brian decided he wasn’t playing any more. However the skies cleared, Jon Hasler rigged his Vago and off they went, in slightly stronger winds than the morning.

Despite a pre race capsize, Jon started well, but approaching buoy 8 he was caught off guard and several capsizes followed. At end of the hour the snow descended again. All boats made it back to the pontoon in time apart from Jon, who accepted a tow back. It’s been claimed that had Jon stayed upright he would have won Series B maybe next time! Series B winners were: first - Doug (and Team Pam and Tony) (Enterprise, Vareo and Laser), second - Angus (Vortex), third - Jon (Vago).

Biking Belles

Howwood Curling Club

Not been on the bike all winter (or slightly longer...), well this ride on Sunday 4th March will be the perfect way to reconnect with the saddle.

Come & Try on 7th March

Join us at 10.30am where we will set off from the Battery Park Pavilion along the cycle path to the Kip Marina. The whole ride is flat and 99% on path - the 50m that is on road can be avoided by simply walking the bike on the pavement for a few minutes if you don’t want to go on the road at all. And we will wait for everyone regardless if you walk this section or cycle it.

The ride is 14 miles in total, 7 each way and it will take just over 2 hours.

We will also stop for a good rest and a coffee/ cake (optional but too tempting to not partake if you ask me).

Please bring a pump, water and a refreshment, money (for a coffee and cake) and spare inner tube/ puncture repair kit if you have them.

Appropriate clothing for the weather on the day is always sensible too.

Please note, this is not a ride for absolute beginners nor speedy cyclists, we will keep a steady relaxed pace so we can have a chat as we go.

As always, please let us know if you will be joining us https://www. facebook.com/events/179654279477492/

Howwood Curling Club are always looking for new members to join our friendly curling club which meets at Greenacres, near Howwood. It is a great way to keep fit and socialise with people in a friendly atmosphere.

Current club members come from Renfrewshire, Glasgow and North Ayrshire. We are now looking for new players to play for the 2018/19 season.

We have organised a Come & Try session on Wednesday 7th March at 8.30pm at Greenacres Curling Club. Anyone who is interested is welcome to come along and try out curling. No experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome, whatever your age or ability. We will provide a qualified coach to give you the tuition you need to try out curling. You will also meet with our club members and get to play. We will invite you to our closing bonspiel for the 2017/18 season on the 28th March if you continue to be interested following the Come & Try. All the equipment you need will be provided. The cost on the night for ice is £6.

Please contact Lachie Carmichael (see below) if you wish to attend lachiedcarmichael@hotmail.com 01294 823643

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Strathgryffe Tennis Strathgryffe’s Liam & Carla qualify for top UK Events 11-year-old Liam O’Brien took home the winners medal by beating Cumbria’s Finn Logue at Virgin Active Hamilton back in January. He was competing against 16 of the top 12 & u players from both Scotland & England at the Scottish Grade 3.

Liam now qualifies for entry into the GB National Event at the University of Bath in Avon on 16th/17th February.

10 year old Carla Ward has qualified for the Nike Invitational National 10u Grade 1 Event. This will be held at the National Training Centre in Roehampton on 11th/12th March where the top 16 girls on the National Tour points list in UK are invited to battle it out over 2 days. Carla qualified a very comfortable 8th despite only playing two out of three of the qualifying events (Grade 2s) Superb achievements by both Liam & Carla and we wish them every success!

Success at Nationals for Squash Juniors On the weekend of 3rd/4th February, five Strathgryffe juniors, John Meehan, Ruadhri McDougall, Beth Moglia, Findlay McDougall and Orla McDougall headed north to Aberdeen to compete in the Scottish National Junior Squash Championships.

Orla finished third in the Girls Under 13 event, In the Boys U15, Findlay finished a very creditable 12th. As Findlay is only 13 years old, he will be eligible to compete in the same event next year and hopes to bring the title home! 14-year-old Beth entered both the Girls U15 and U17 events and came 2nd in both.

In the Boys U17 Strathgryffe had 2nd and 3rd placed boys with John losing a hard fought final against the strong pre-tournament favourite and Ruadhri also losing to the eventual winner in the semifinal.

Congratulations to all the juniors on their performances and also a mention to Martin Woods & Jason Lang the coaches for all the work they have done to help the juniors achieve these great results.

Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash Club would like to offer any nonmember adults the opportunity to attend a FREE come & try coaching session for tennis & squash being held on Thursday 8th March. For more information on this event or coaching for juniors please email susan@strathgryffe.net

Free Kids’ Fun Looking for free, fun activities for 8-18 year-olds?

Street Stuff has released its new timetable for February and March 2018, incorporating football, dance and sessions in the popular Youth Buses which have ipads, MacBooks and DJ decks onboard. Schools, community centres and parks across Renfrewshire host the activities on Monday to Saturday evenings, and snacks are provided at some sessions.

Street Stuff is a diversionary project run in partnership between Renfrewshire Council, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Engage Renfrewshire and St Mirren Football Club. The new timetable is available on the Council website at: http://www.renfrewshire. gov.uk/streetstufftimetable

e: info@advertizer.co.uk

Step Up for St. Vincent’s Hospice

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On Sunday 25th March, the hugely popular Step Up for St. Vincent’s Hospice sponsored walk will return for its second year, taking place at Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch, at 11am.

All proceeds from the event will go directly towards providing care and support for individuals and families around throughout the community who are affected by life limiting conditions.

It costs just £10 to sign up and is free for under 16s and there is no minimum sponsorship amount, but participants are encouraged to set a personal target.

Fundraiser at St. Vincent’s, Laura McDade, said: “A small step is a great way to start to make a difference, so why not make it a fun day out and bring along family, friends and colleagues to take part in this 10k walk? You can also take part in our shorter 5k walk, which is family friendly, buggy and wheelchair accessible. You can even bring the dog to join in the fun!”

For more information, or to sign up to take part, please complete the application form at: http://www.svh.co.uk/forms/step-up-apply-online

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club On Saturday 27th January the Captain’s Badge of Office was handed over to Alastair Frood by Callum Campbell, the outgoing Captain. Callum wished Alastair well for his year ahead and took the opportunity to thank the many people who had helped to make his Captaincy a successful one.

Quite a number of both Ladies and Gents had gathered to watch the new Captains ‘Drive In’ and the rain stayed off long enough for this to take place. Alastair’s drive was followed by Lady Captain, Marion Munro, and then by Junior Captain, Gregor Rawson. All three drives were chased up the 1st fairway by two Rawson brothers, who were rewarded for their efforts with a bar of chocolate! Hot bacon rolls and coffee were enjoyed by everyone after the event .

Friday 2nd February was the Clubs Burns Supper with 77 attending.

Everyone enjoyed the evening with a full programme of entertainment. Past Captain, Alan Gordon, addressed the haggis and gave a wonderful rendition of Tam O’Shanter while the Immortal Memory was delivered by guest speaker Roy Scott. Roy is very well respected in the medical world, holding Hon. Lecturer posts at both Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities as well as Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire. Iain Findlay Toasted the Lassies and, lady member, Anne Gordon replied in a very entertaining rhyme! The evening was interspersed with musical interludes provided by a talented variety of singers and instrumentalists.

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Gryffe Valley 10K Run Sunday 29th April 2018 at 1.00pm

Route on country lanes between Houston, Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm, star�ng from Houston Public Park, for all abili�es from serious runners to novices/joggers Proceeds for a Glasgow - based charity which supports research into new treatments for many of the most serious neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, MS, MND and brain tumours Medal, Official Time, and Goodie bag for all runners.

Trophies for best males (1,2,3), best females (1,2,3), best under 18s (1,2,3), best over 60, highest sponsored individual and highest sponsored team (eg school, pub, club, company or family) for Funding Neuro.

Home baking for runners and spectators!

Register, meet and change at West Church Halls, Houston PA6 7EL from 11.00am.

NOW is the time to make your plans:

Sustrans Big Pedal 2018 Sustrans Big Pedal is the UK’s largest inter-school cycling and scooting challenge inspiring pupils, staff and parents to choose two wheels for their journey to school.

Sustrans Big Pedal will run for 10 days from 23rd April to 4th May and is open to individual classes as well as whole schools.

What is the challenge?

On each day, schools compete to see who can record to get as many of their pupils, staff and parents cycling or scooting to school. Your school’s best five days will determine your final position, but you can log journeys on all ten days if you wish.

For schools unable to take part in the main event we have a one-day challenge, which can include cycling and scooting activities in the school day as well as on the journey to school.

Fundraising superhero day To celebrate the finale of the challenge there is also the option to join our superhero fundraiser day. All money raised will help us to enable thousands of children to walk, cycle or scoot every day – making the school run safer and healthier.

Register now: bigpedal.org.uk

Start/ step up training, organise your team, seek sponsorship!

Entry fees: £12.50 if paid in advance, £15 on the day. £5 for runners 16-17 years

Follow us on Facebook - Gryffe Valley Rotary 10K Run Download Registration Form / Sponsorship Form from our website www.gryffevalley.rotary1230.org

every

Monday

Adult Jazz Class

Bridge of Weir, 10am

Sporting Blog

by Lesley Handley

Small steps to get you there Changing how you eat isn’t about making sudden sweeping changes to your lifestyle and attempting to overhaul it. It is about changing one habit at a time and repeating it often enough that it becomes easy, intuitive and effortless. Think about how you automatically brush your teeth; even if you’re half asleep you still do it. Why? ... Because it’s a habit. What if everything you needed to do to lose weight were equally automatic; not require willpower, restraint or loads of obsessive thinking and cravings.

You wouldn’t worry about how long you had to keep something up, what you’re allowed to eat, or stressing if you had a holiday coming up. Like brushing your teeth, you just do them.

The most common mistake people make when trying to change habits during weight loss is by thinking they can undo the habits they have had for the last 5/10/15/20 years in a couple of weeks. It isn’t going to happen. If you’ve always had a biscuit with your tea for as long as you can remember, just stopping that isn’t going to be easy. Don’t get me wrong, some people can go cold turkey and succeed, but statistics are against you. Don’t try and fine-tune the details before the big important habits are addressed. Don’t try and cut out that Rich Tea biscuit with your tea if you go out every Friday and Saturday night. Don’t try to drink nothing but water if you are used to having 4 cups of tea a day and 2 cans of coke.

It is better to take smaller steps that you are confident in doing. Consider how difficult it would be for you to change something and what feels doable for you, then scale them as needed to provide a level of challenge that you feel you can consistently practice. Make a concrete plan and shrink the change, or think about what barriers you can remove or work around. Positive reinforcement hastens the formation of a habit.

Lesley

Call 07951 365166 for details.

Wednesday

every

Zumba Light

Greenock Hockey Club

St Fillan’s Church, Kilmacolm, 10am.

Tel: 07505 126416 For More Information.

Adult Beginners Ballet Class Bridge of Weir, 11.30am

Tel: 01505 690757 for further information.

Kilbarchan Athletic Club On-X, Linwood, 7pm

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990.

Inverclyde Academy, Greenock, 6.30 - 8pm Contact Liz Baldwin, mobile 07944 607005.

Callanetics

Brookfield Village Hall, 5.15, 6.15 & 7.30pm

Hatha Yoga

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

5-a-side Football

every Thursday

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

On-X, Linwood, 7pm

Powerleague Paisley, 6pm

Old Skool Step Class

Freelands Church (Opposite Amaretto), 6.30pm.

Tel: 07505 126416 For More Information.

Bridge of Weir Ladies Badminton

Kilbarchan Athletic Club All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990.

Kilmacolm Walkers

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

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, 7.30pm

Callanetics

Brookfield Village Hall, 7.15pm

The Shotokan Karate Club

Callanetics

Brookfield Village Hall, 9.15am & 10.30am

Strathgryffe Motorcycle Club

Woodlands PS, Linwood, 7pm & 8pm

The Trust Inn, Kilbarchan, 9pm - 10.30pm Visit www.strathgryffe.org for details.

The Shotokan Karate Club

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

Hatha Yoga

Tweedie Halls, Linwood, 10 - 11am Classes available to all levels. Tel: 07968 207272.

Pilates classes

www.linwoodkarate.co.uk

Football Training

Johnstone High School, 6pm - 9pm Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details

Taekwon-Do

Johnstone Sports Complex PA5 0LD, 6pm Call 07951 365166 for details

Baby Ballet

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

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

Tel Yvonne 07786 224367 or yvonne@ clydephysiotherapy.co.uk

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.

Friday

Boxercise

every

£4 booking reqd Tel: 07983 557832 www.sifitness.co.uk

Callanetics

Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm, 6pm - 7pm

every Tuesday

Bridge of Weir Walking Group

Brookfield Village Hall, 9.15am & 10.30am

Adult Tap Lessons

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

Sunday

1 hour walks. Call Senga on 0141 842 3000.

every

Gryffe Badminton

Birkmyre Rugby Club, Kilmacolm

Football Training

www.pitchero.com/clubs/birkmyre

Strathgryffe Tennis Club, 8pm

Youth Rugby Section, 11am - 1pm

Johnstone High School, 6pm - 9pm Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details.

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Johnstone Sports Complex PA5 0LD, 6pm

Tel: 01505 690757 for further information.

Outside the Co-op, BoW, 10.30am

For more information or advice on personal training contact me on 0773 627 4925 or e-mail lesley@ fitsmartfitness.co.uk. Or visit www. fitsmartfitness.co.uk to find out about my online training system.

Taekwon-Do

info@advertizer.co.uk

n

01505 613340

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Membership Opportunity at Kilmacolm Golf Club As the new golfing season approaches, Kilmacolm Golf Club are attracting new Members with a fantastic offer for 2018.

For just £775* you can join until the end of 2018 and enjoy the course that is voted the best in the region by top100golfcourses.com.

In addition to this, each new member will be given a £100 reduction off their subscription fees for 2018, 2019 and 2020!

That means that the subscription amount for joining this season is actually only £675**

Kilmacolm Golf Club has undergone some major changes throughout the winter months and are set to have a busy 2018 with a packed golfing schedule, a thriving social scene and fantastic cuisine.

General Manager, David Muir, said “We have been busy throughout the winter months and have implemented significant changes that will benefit our Members and visitors this year. The Clubhouse has seen some major renovations that enhances our already great reputation for being a welcoming, friendly and professional Club. Our big news is the appointment of not one new chef, but a whole new catering team. Our award-winning team have transformed the menu and the food is truly first class.” *Terms and conditions apply.

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“Kilmacolm Golf Club prides itself on having a magnificent course that is perfect for golfers of all levels and facilities that few Clubs can match including their full-sized driving range. Add to that the great new menus, the discounts on offer and there really is no better time to join.”

“We would love to hear from anyone who is thinking about joining us for 2018 and I am always available to chat through our membership options. We have incredible plans for the year ahead and we look forward to welcoming new Members to come and take part.”

Contact David Muir at Kilmacolm Golf Club for more details on 01505 872139 or email gm@kilmacolmgolfclub.com

**Joining fee, bar levy and Scottish Golf levy not included

Kilmacolm Unofficial Running Club

Kilmacolm Golf Club - Ladies

KURC Member Makes A Century!

We had 18 Tables for Bridge with 72 ladies playing, followed by a delicious afternoon tea, raffle and prize giving. Our bridge ladies said it was the “best afternoon tea they had tasted at Kilmacolm”; well done and thanks to our wonderful kitchen staff.

On 27th January, Neil T h o m s o n of Bridge of Weir wowed the crowds at Greenock Esplanade, when he finished his 100th Parkrun just days after his 70th birthday. The Kilmacolm Unofficial Running Club, of which he is a member, were there in droves waving banners and balloons! Neil has completed 78 parkruns at Greenock, with the other 22 taking place at Linwood, Pollock, Inverness, Bideford and Leamington. He completed 32 parkruns this year alone, almost always getting first in his age category.

Neil is proof that fitness goals can be achieved no matter what age you are! So get out there, folks and give it a go.

On 6th February, the Annual Charity Bridge Afternoon in aid of Erskine Hospital raised an amazing £815.

Lesley Davidson won first prize (along with a lot of raffle prizes!), followed by Alison Scott in second, Alison Livingston in third and Elaine Hardie was in fourth place; very well done Ladies. This successful fundraiser has been in our social calendar for nearly 50 years and long may it continue.

Many thanks for everyone’s support again and of course to the Ladies Committee w h o successfully ran the day.

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PROPERTY Trades and Services Property to let

TUITION Business

SITUATIOns Vacant

MISCELLANEOUS

HEALTHCARE/ BEAUTY

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.

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TRADES & SERVICES - CARS FOR SALE PROPERTY & HOLIDAY HOMES Black & White ads only Lineage: up to 20 words £13.00* Boxed ad: £7.50* per column cm Photo: add £7.50* (colour) *all prices subject to VAT

16th March - You don’t want to miss it!!

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let

march 2018

t: 01505 613340

Electrical & Gas

Items For Sale

Men’s brand new original Penguin casual trousers (label still attached) 38ins Baby Monitors - Tomy waist. £20. Tel: 01505 walkabout classic baby 672175. monitors, as new. £10. Men’s 3/4 length sleeve Tel: 01505 690426.

WEST Beach t-shirt in Silver Cross baby snug foot khaki and white. Size muff in grey. Excellent XXL. As new. £10. Tel: condition, smoke free 01505 672175. home. £15. Tel: 01505 Men’s brand new West 672175.

Beach t-shirt. Size XL. Phillips AVENT microwave £10. Tel: 01505 672175. b o t t l e s t e r i l i s e r . Brand new men’s Ralph Excellent condition, with Lauren navy v-neck instructions. Smoke free, jumper. Size XL. £40. pet free home. £4. Tel: Tel: 01505 672175.

01505 672175.

Nearly new men’s Fred Phillips AVENT combined Perry v-neck jumper. Size baby food steamer and XL. £20. Tel: 01505 blender with instructions 672175. and recipe booklet. Good T h e W h i t e C o m p a n y condition. Smoke free, pyjamas, lilac with lace pet free home. £24. Tel: trim, camisole style top.

01505 672175.

Size medium. Unworn.

Car seat - Maxi - Cosi Priory Cost £65 new, will sell for iso-fix for 9 months to 4 £25. Tel: 01505 672175. years. Black/grey. Used Suzanne Neville Beaujolais only as back-up seat for wedding dress in ivory silk. grandparents. £30. Tel: Size 10. Professionally 07528 362930. dry cleaned, good Clothes & Shoes condition. £270. Tel: Diadora teamracer Carbon 01505 672175.

MTB shoes size EUR 40. Household & Garden Brand new in box with Kitchen Food Vacuum tags. £50 ono. Tel: 07972 Sealer Packing Bag 899121.

Machine (Salton 1101), New Converse Trainers, u se d b u t in w o rki n g black leather, size 7. £25. condition. Roll of bags Tel: 07884 162280. incl. £10. Tel: 07730 Trespass girls outdoor 541977. j a c k e t , w a t e r p r o o f / Small Pine Chest with 3 windproof, two-tone pink, Drawers (H) 22” x (L) 31”. brand new, never worn, V.G.C. £15. Tel: 01505 labels attached. Age 7-8 842558.

(122-128 cm). Ski jacket Dining table, IKEA Grimle, style £15. Tel: 07730 no chairs. White, oval 541977. & good condition, stable Dinner suit, gents, BHS, structure, no scratches worn once, jacket 46” on top, one small scuff chest regular, trousers on the side, H:adjustable, 38” waist, 31” inside leg. max 90cm, W:1m, Perfect condition, no L:1.8m. Legs have been marks, £100 new, sell for dismantled, seats up to £50. Tel: 07711 223165.

8. Can deliver. £35. Tel: Men’s full length Dannimac 07711 223165. r a i n c o a t i n g r e y . Lawnmower & Strimmer.

Removable lining. Size £30 ono. Tel: 07940 large. Good condition.

127136. £14. Tel: 01505 672175. Brocade Cream Curtains Men’s M&S waxed casual Lined: Drop 82.1/2” x coat in dark green. Size Width 106”. £40. Tel: large. As new. £40. Tel: 01505 614503.

01505 672175.

3 x high back Breakfast Bar Marks and Spencer men’s Chairs - £60 for 3. Tel: charcoal suit. Chest 07719 480333.

48ins, waist 38ins, inside Limed Oak Corner Cabinet, leg 31ins. Wool rich Rennie Mackintosh style. blend, excellent condition. £30 ono. Tel: 07940 £18. Tel: 01505 672175.

127136.

Men’s Dehavilland black Limed Oak Hi-Fi Unit, coat. Wool/cashmere mix, Rennie Mackintosh Style. hardly worn, excellent £20 ono. Tel: 07940 condition. Chest 48ins.

127136. £45. Tel: 01505 672175. 2 & 3 brown leather sofa, Women’s Nine West heeled good condition. £150 or boots brown, size 5. any offer considered. Tel: Good condition. £20.

07940 127136.

Tel: 01505 672175.

4 old pine chairs. View M e n ’s X L l i g h t w e i g h t locally, pick up only. £100 waterproof golf jacket Tel: 07766 566716. with half zip in black Set of 3 metal plant pots in and charcoal. Excellent galvanised steel, 36cm condition as unworn. high, 11cm diameter at Smoke free home. £25. base. £15. Tel: 01505 Tel: 01505 672175.

672175.

Baby Equipment

57

e: info@advertizer.co.uk

Sewing Machine - Brother VX1100 electric sewing machine. Very good condition. £50. Tel: 01505 690426.

Micro HiFi system - Hitachi Top quality Rise and Recline AX-M69. Amplifier armchair by HSL. In “as Tuner/CD/MP3 player. new” condition. Waltham 2 bookshelf speakers.

Single Rise and Recline Complete with manual armchair in Thyme boucle and remote control. Good material (soft green). condition. £50. Tel: Includes matching 01505 690426 a r m c a p p r o t e c t o r s . Bryan audio sound book Used for 6 months only.

X3 Wi-Fi speaker/ Smoke free home. Cost receiver. BNIB, portable £1386 now £395 ono. wireless stereo speaker.

All original paperwork Rich detailed audio, available. Photographs 25w output, bluetooth can be emailed or texted.

V4.0, integrated FM, Local delivery negotiable. more details and spec Tel: 01505 690751 or available. £100 new, will 07768 682611. accept £75 ono. Tel: Cabin bed, silver metal, 07711 223165. ideal space “provider” Dancing Flame Electric for kids to keep stuff Fire, 2 heat settings 900w under the bed! Standard & 1800w, wall mounted, single mattress size (not remote control, 7 colour incl). Cost new £100, will LED lights, as new. £60. accept. £30. Tel: 07730 Tel: 07719 480333.

541977.

Bose sound wave 3 - CD/ Hedge Trimmer - Garden AM/FM/AUX IN, front slot Groom midi, with model. Usual excellent volume collection bag sound quality giving to save time clearing superb room-filling sound, up. Lightweight safety in perfect order. AUX hedge trimmer that cuts, IN, headphone socket, shreds and collects little used (white), remote cuttings. Good condition. control incl. £500 new, £40. Tel: 01505 690426. will accept £200. Tel: House of Fraser extendable 07711 223165.

Dark solid wood dining B o s e s o u n d w a v e 3 table complete with 6 - CD/AM/FM/AUX IN, brown leather chairs. top load model. Usual Chairs cost £400 each excellent sound quality new. Good condition. giving superb room-filling All for £250. Tel: 07769 sound, in perfect order.

219510 or 01505 AUX IN, headphone 328981. socket, little used (white), Mexican queen size remote control incl. Will hammock (suitable for accept £150. Tel: 07711 two adults) in green and 223165. red. Cotton body, nylon Pets ends. Excellent condition Bunny hutch & 5 foot run as it has never been used. good condition. £50 ono.

With full instructions. £25.

Tel: 07940 127136.

Tel: 01505 672175.

Sports Portable Foolscap filing cabinet/case in tough blue Dinesse large Matt black ski/snowboard helmet. plastic, with 10 folders Good condition £20. Tel: inside. Good condition.

01505 672175. £5. Tel: 01505 672175.

Retro style oak and veneer Dutch Bicycle 23” frame 28” wheels hub brakes “sit coffee table from the up and Beg”. £100. Tel: House by John Lewis 07791 688240. Email: range. Handy shelves slaksurf@gmail.com and drawers for storage.

Approx H38cm x W110cm Classic bmx bike 20inch wheels, chrome frame. x D60cm. Excellent £40. Tel or text: 07810 condition, smoke free 523742. home. £170. Tel: 01505 Old mountain bike, perfectly 672175. usable, 26 inch wheels.

Pair of tall cream fabric£35. Tel or text: 07810 covered cylindrical 523742. lamps, approx 115cm(h) x 15cm(d). Ideal for Boys Raleigh GI bike suitable for 3-7 year old! bedside. Good condition, In nice condition with smoke free home. £25 for stabilisers included. £20. pair. Tel: 01505 672175.

Tel: 01475 540066.

Antique oak dining table.

View locally, pick up Little Tikes 4-in-1 trike in brown and turquoise. only. £150. Tel: 07766 Ages 9 months to 3 years.

566716.

Great condition. £30. Tel: Antique pine church pew.

01505 672175.

View locally, pick up only. £150. Tel: 07766 Chillafish Bunzi balance bike in blue and white 566716. (ages 1 to 3). Easily Obelisk plant support in converts from three black, 120cm high. £6. wheels to two without Tel: 01505 672175. tools. Used but good condition. £14. Tel: 01505 672175.

Powakaddy Hill & Billy ‘Terrain’ battery powered golf trolley with new battery and automatic battery charger. Also Push/ Pull golf trolley.

All for £250. Tel: 01505 842727 (Message facility available) Technical & Games

Samsung Galaxy S8 excellent condition with leather case charger and original box perfect protected screen £360.

Tel: 07791 688240 Email: slaksurf@gmail.com Television Bang & Olafson 28” AVANT on special revolving stand that moves round automatically. £25.

Tel: 07791 688240 Email: slaksurf@gmail.com Television 44” brilliant picture made by Panasonic. £75. Tel: 07791 688240 Email: slaksurf@gmail.com Logitech QuickCam E3500 desktop computer camera with instructions.

Excellent condition. £5.

Tel: 01505 672175.

Hama camera tripod, extends to 1 metre high, folds away to around 35cm long so very compact. As new. £15.

Tel: 01505 672175.

Samsung tablet GT -P5110 android 4.2.2 jdq39.p5110xxdnh2 with charger perfect working order. £60. Tel: 07791 688240 Email: slaksurf@ gmail.com Other Items

Crazy Fit Massage vibrating plate exercise machine, excellent condition – hardly used £99 ono.

Tel: 07715 089810.

Wireless audio video digital TV send/receive kit. Send TV or other source (DVD, SKY etc) to another room without cables. All parts included – trans & receive unit “magic eye” etc. Little used, perfect condition £20. Tel: 07711 223165.

Caravan kitchen mixer tap (chrome), swan neck, brand new, bought but not needed. Paid £75, sell for £40ono. Tel: 07711 223165.

Quality Berg Go-Cart, strong and robust X-farm park model. 5ft (L) x 32” (W) x 3ft (H). £50. Tel: 01505 321350.

Homebrew equipment: 20 litre pressurised hd plastic keg and gas cylinder, 20 litre brewing bucket. £30. Tel or text: 07810 523742.

Caravan awning curtains 8 (4 pairs), fresh spring green colour with pattern.

Pole fitting, 32” x 58” drop. £20. Tel: 07730 541977.

Space saver wheel new, suit A3 125/70. R16. £70 to benefit RNLI Uplift Brookfield. Tel: 07968 121750.

Tyres - good tread. VW Mk 5 195/65 R15. Other 205/55 R16. Offers. Tel: 01505 337675.

Samsung WB210 Camera - Wo r l d ’s 1 s t 2 1 m m Super Wide angle compact zoom camera with 14.0 megapixels, 12 x optical zoom, 3.5” super bright smart touch screen, smart filter and HD movie. Excellent condition. £50. Tel: 01505 690426.

Modern upright piano, £100.

Tel: 07954 364125.

Bowls - Set of Henselite Size 3 Med. Set of Henselite Super grip Size 3. £30 each set with bags. Tel: 01505 337675.

Portable Yamaha PSR80 Electronic Keyboard.

Many extras and music.

V.G.C. - great bargain. £30. Tel: 01505 842558.

Accessories for Nissan X Trail 2016 T32 for sale: Rubberised boot tray and bumper protector £25, Rear boot floor c o v e r ( A S S Y- L U G 849B8 4CE5A) £20.

Rear boot retractable load cover (cream) £70.

All very good condition.

Tel: 07715 089810.

Prism mercury electric mobility 4 wheel scooter, excellent working order £390 ono. Tel: 07715 089810.

Sonos 3 speaker white, like new, wireless, in packaging, £200. Tel: 07856 610671.

Bosch professional cordless impact drill/driver GSB18V-60C brand new in packaging. £210 price negotiable. Tel: 07856 610671.

Brand new steel car wheel 6JX15H2 and new Jinyu tyre 185/60 R15. Stored as spare wheel only. £80.

Tel: 07736 067169.

Wanted Items

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

Do you have an old Motorcycle, Moped or Scooter lying in your garage or shed? Also looking for old leathers/ helmets/biking ephemera.

Will collect. Cash paid.

Call/text 07766 951759.

Cash paid for Music CDs (a few or a lot). Tel: 0141 882 5594 or 07765 115347.

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

Westclox Big Ben alarm clock.

Call 07756 981917.

Free

Cy c l e

Children’s garden chairs.

3 plastic (2 red and 1 yellow). Free to good home. Suit ages from 3 to 7. Contact 07730 541977.

@GryffeAds www.advertizer.co.uk 56-59 NEW CLASSIFIED_282 MARCH18.indd 57

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58

the advertizer Advertizers - A to Z

by category Accountants & Financial

Driving Instructors

Home Improvements

Property, Sales & Let

Affluent Financial Planning . . 22 CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 15 Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 15 Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk

AL Stewart - Driving School . . 15

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 29 Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 5 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 28 Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 12

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Architectural Services Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Automotive Services ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 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 . . 8

Building Services A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 44 BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 4 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 12 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 KC Building & Roofing . . . . . . 4,59 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 6 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 11 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 15 Plaster Master . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 14 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 46 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 47

Education St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 49

Electricians Delta Electrical Services . . 10 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 Russell Milne Electrician . . 22

Fencing Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 8

Firewood & Logs LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 17 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 15 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Funeral Services Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 21 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 12

Garage Doors & Gates Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Garden Service & Design 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 29 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 29 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 28 Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 33 Crawford Landscapes . . . . . . . . 29 DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 33 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 28 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 30 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 30 W & S Garden Services . . . . . . 29 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 33 West of Scotland Landscape . . 31

Gas & Heating Services

Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 10

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 13 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 12 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 25 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1

Catering

Glazier

Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 15

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 Cloudy2Clear Windows . . 5 JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 48 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Business Services Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 25

Care Services & Homes

Cleaning & PowerWash CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 15 Eclipse deep clean . . . . . . . . . 14 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 4,6 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 KC Building & Roofing . . . . . . 4,59 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5

Coffee Shops Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 14

Computer, IT & Web ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 25

Council Notices The Media Shop Scotland Ltd . . 9

Driveways A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Home Interiors Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 5 Highland Style Living . . . . . . 17 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 15

Home Security Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 4

Joiners A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 43 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 12 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 14 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 46 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 6

Kilt & Dress Hire Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 50

Kitchens Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 5 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 46

Leisure & Recreation Kilmacolm Golf Club . . . . . . . . 55

Locksmiths Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Painters & Decorators A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 15 Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 13 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Pest Control RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 17

Hairdressers & Barbers

Pet Services & Training

Adele Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 37 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 38

Dog Vacation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 27 Suzanne’s Grooming Pad . . . . . 26 Walkies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Health, Beauty & Fitness Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 37 Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 7 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 48 FitSmart Fitness . . . . . . . . . . 54 Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 43 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13,Bk LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Linda Stewart - Slimming World . . 14 New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 50 NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 48 Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 39

Home Hardware Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,15,17

Plasterers Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 8 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 12 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 6 Plaster Master . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Plumbers C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 13 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 12 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 25 JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Removals @ease Removals & Transport . . 37 The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Restaurant & Bars Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 14

Retail Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,15,17 Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 36

Roofing Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 4 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 8 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 KC Building & Roofing . . . . . . 4,59 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 6 MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 11 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 14 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 47

Solicitors Affinity Family Law Experts . . 25 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1

Special Occasions ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Sports Clubs & Events Kilmacolm Golf Club . . . . . . . . 55

Stoves Iron House Stoves Limited . . 7 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 15

Taxis & Minicoach hire ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 51 Kilmacolm Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Tiling Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 15 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Travel Agents Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Tree Surgeon Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 28 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 32 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 33

TV & Satellite Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 11 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3

Upholstery Services Eclipse deep clean . . . . . . . . . 14 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 4,6 Highland Style Living . . . . . . 17 P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 5

Window Cleaners DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 15 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 4,6 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 17

Window, Consv & Repair 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 48 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

@ease Removals & Transport . . 37 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 29 A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 15 A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 29 A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Adele Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Affinity Family Law Experts . . 25 Affluent Financial Planning . . 22 Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 AL Stewart - Driving School . . 15 Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 5 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 28 ARC Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . Bk Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 37 B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 44 Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11 Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 14 Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 7 Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 4 Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 4 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 8 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 5 C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 13 Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 15 CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 10 CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 Cloudy2Clear Windows . . 5 ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 13 Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 10 Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 33 Crawford Landscapes . . . . . . . . 29 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 Delta Electrical Services . . 10 Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 11 DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 43 DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 33 Dog Vacation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 15 Eclipse deep clean . . . . . . . . . 14 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 4,6 Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 48 Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 15 FitSmart Fitness . . . . . . . . . . 54 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 33 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,15,17 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 28 Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 15 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 51 Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 50 Highland Style Living . . . . . . 17 I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 12 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17 Iron House Stoves Limited . . 7 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 25 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 12 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 48 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 12 Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 51 Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 15 KC Building & Roofing . . . . . . 4,59 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 32 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 43 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13,Bk Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 6 Kilmacolm Golf Club . . . . . . . . 55 Kilmacolm Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 25 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Linda Stewart - Slimming World . . 14 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 30 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 17 MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 11 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 8 Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 17 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 50 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 38 NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 48 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 15 Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 12 P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 5 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 Plaster Master . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 30 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 17 Russell Milne Electrician . . 22 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 27 SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 39 St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 49 Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk Suzanne’s Grooming Pad . . . . . 26 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 14 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 46 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 36 The Media Shop Scotland Ltd . . 9 The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 47 Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 W & S Garden Services . . . . . . 29 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Walkies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 West of Scotland Landscape . . 31 Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 6

Pick up a Copy

April ‘18 Issue: • Deadline: 16 th March • Delivery: 27 th March

May ‘18 Issue: • Deadline: 13 th April • Delivery: 24 th April

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

deadline date for our april issue - Friday 56-59 NEW CLASSIFIED_282 MARCH18.indd 58

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

16th March - You don’t want to miss it!!

22/02/2018 15:53:25

march 2018

t: 01505 613340

e: info@advertizer.co.uk

59

@GryffeAds www.advertizer.co.uk 56-59 NEW CLASSIFIED_282 MARCH18.indd 59

22/02/2018 15:53:28

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t: 01505 613340

e: info@advertizer.co.uk

Distributed to: • Bishopton • Bridge of Weir • Brookfield • Elderslie • Houston • Howwood • Kilbarchan • Kilmacolm • Langbank • Lochwinnoch • Quarriers

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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01+60 COVER_282 MARCH18.indd 60

21/02/2018 17:09:38