302 NOVEMBER 19 - Gryffe Advertizer

November 2019 PCPC Best Leg Forward

by Guy Phillips

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Distributed to: • Bishopton • Bridge of Weir • Brookfield • Elderslie • Houston • Howwood• Kilbarchan • Kilmacolm • Langbank• Lochwinnoch • Quarriers

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No.302

24/10/2019 12:24:22

Next deadline - Friday

15th November

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Advertising Feature

What’s growing in your gutter?

Are they clear and ready for winter downpours? We can remove moss, plants, silt, twigs etc., that can block the gutter and stop the water from flowing down the spout where it should go, causing them to overflow and potentially causing damage to the outside of your home.

We use a state of the art carbon fibre gutter vacuum system which is safer for your gutters and safer for us giving a more efficient & effective clean than old fashioned methods whilst potentially saving you money. Call now for a free quote on 01505 863 863.

this month Bonfires & Fireworks It’s all going off with events starting on Saturday 2nd November.

Our list of fireworks events is in our diary and also on p6.

In Remembrance Armistice Day is on 11th November and is also known as Remembrance Day. Every year the nation unites to make sure that no-one is forgotten and to remember and honour those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom. There will be a number of services taking place on Sunday 10th throughout our villages. Please check your village and church pages for details.

Theatre Treats We have some great music and drama events this month, and it’s panto season at last! All these groups absolutely love performing, and it is an excellent chance to see some brilliant performances, all in the local area. Please go along if you can - with the costs of hiring venues and performing licences creeping up, your support is much appreciated - and it provides some great entertainment.

Santa Sleigh The annual Santa Sleigh will be going round the villages in December. Each evening, Santa is joined by a local charity group who help him go around spreading good cheer. Your donations help these groups with their fundraising. We’ve got the dates listed on page 7. Please remember though, in the event of adverse weather conditions, some dates may be cancelled.

Feeling Festive We have a list of festive light switch-ons on page 6. Some were not confirmed before we went to print so we’ll have these next month.

St. Vincent’s Hospice invites you to celebrate the life of a loved one by joining them for their annual Light Up a Life dedication service on Sunday 24th November at 4.30pm.

Christmas isn’t always a time of comfort and joy for some families.

We have details of those who are trying to make Christmas a little bit better for others, including a collection of new pyjamas for the women and children staying at the Renfrewshire Women’s Aid refuge and a request for toy donations by Renfrewshire Christmas Toy Bank - donation points around the area.

Keep it Local!

There is so much available online now that some people seldom need to leave the comfort of home for their purchases. However, they are really missing a trick by doing this.

With brightly decorated shop windows, our local shops are a source of great ideas and unusual gifts. You can also order ahead for your Festive Food requirements, and you’ll be able to enjoy the banter with the shopkeepers.

Around 65p from every pound spent locally stays local - so by picking up that coffee, stopping off for lunch or buying that gift you can do your bit to support the local community and its businesses.

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Keep it local!

R on a

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November 2019

in this issue

features ......................4-15 local history..................14 finance & tech ....... 16-17 village news........... 18-30 pet news ........................ 31 what’s on ............. 32-35 sport news ............ 36-38

Contact us

school news ......... 39-43 outdoors ................44-47 business classified ....48 sales & wants ..............49 advertizer directory .50 pick up a copy............50

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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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Next deadline - Friday

15th November

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Feature NEws Johnstone’s Christmas Market

Local Heroes

Saturday 16th Nov 10am to 3.30pm

Do you know of an unsung hero, or heroes, in Renfrewshire? This is your chance to help them shine as the Provost’s Community Awards open for 2020. Anyone who lives or works in Renfrewshire is invited to nominate in any of the following six categories:

Houston Square, Johnstone This will be our 6th annual Christmas market!

The success of this market keeps growing every year. It started off as a few humble stalls in our first year and has expanded to fill an 18m x 12m marquee selling beautiful handmade wooden crafts, sweets, mugs, jewellery, hair accessories, books, candles, ceramics, jams and chutneys, to name but a few.

This year we will be having a children’s activities craft marquee where children can make Christmas cards and decorations for free and take them home to display proudly on their tree.

As well as the crafts, we have a tombola to help fundraise for Every Family Deserves a Christmas Dinner appeal. This appeal is to raise money to supply families who are in crisis with a Christmas dinner food hamper. It seems unfair that some people will sit down on Christmas day to beans on toast, whilst being bombarded with images on TV of tables full of food of every kind. We have this romantic image of Christmas day with hordes of toys round the tree for the children, and an abundance of food. The sad and harsh reality for some families couldn’t be further from the truth.

This year is our 4th year for the Every Child Deserves a Gift at Christmas appeal. Due to the generosity of people in Johnstone and surrounding areas, children will wake up on Christmas morning to toys from Santa. The toys are kindly distributed to families who really need help by a local organisation. Toy collection takes place in Houston square on Sat 7th December 11am to 1pm.

If you would like to donate to Every Family Deserves a Christmas Dinner Appeal, there are collection cans in varies shops in Johnstone.

An update of how to donate will be on Johnstone our Town FB. Thank you to everyone for caring every year; we are astounded and humbled by people’s generosity.

Thank you from Johnstone Business Consortium

• Community Volunteer (sponsored by Glasgow Airport Ltd) • Community Group (sponsored by City Gate Construction) • Sporting Achievement (sponsored by ACRE Industrial) • Employee of the Year (sponsored by UNISON Renfrewshire) • Carers Award (sponsored by former Provost Nancy Allison) • Arts and Culture Award (sponsored by Renfrewshire Council) Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “It’s an honour to host the Community Awards again and take the opportunity to pay tribute to our local unsung heroes.

“In my role as Provost, I meet many people who really go the extra mile without looking for any reward or recognition. These awards come from the community themselves, demonstrating that the hard work these groups and individuals do is not going unnoticed.”

The deadline for entries to all categories is Friday 6 December.

The Provost will be joined by the award sponsors and other local elected members to choose the winners who will be invited, along with their nominator, to the awards ceremony on Friday 13 March 2020 at the Normandy Hotel in Renfrew.

For more information, and to submit your nomination, visit http://www.renfrewshire.gov. uk/provostawards2020, email provostawards@renfrewshire. gov.uk or call 0141 618 7102.

Volunteers Needed: Talk It Over Group Paisley Volunteer crèche workers needed for small peer support group based at Paisley Abbey.

We offer a crèche enabling mums to take some time to meet with other mums affected by anxiety, loneliness and post natal depression.

Term time only, Tuesdays from 10am 12.15pm.

Kind, compassionate and friendly volunteers needed; need to be able to set up room and create a welcoming environment and be keen to support new mums by caring for babies and toddlers Full training offered. Commitment - once a month or fortnightly or more.

Please contact Janette for further information e: janette.a.mckenna@gmail.com Talk It Over Group Room, within Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley, PA1 1JG.

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November 2019

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15th November

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Christmas Lights Switch ON 2019 SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER

FRIDAY 29TH NOVEMBER

Paisley Christmas Lights

Kilbarchan Christmas Lights

Christmas Choir concerts, Santa’s Grotto and the chance to meet Santa’s reindeer.

Street artists, fantastic performances on the live stage and even a festive roller disco.

Reindeer Parade starts at 12.30pm. Check out Paisley Is website for more info.

George Bowie is back, along with a sleigh and reindeers; Annabelle will be along to entertain us, and we hope to have some of our regular entertainment.

SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER Renfrew Christmas Lights Entertainment on in and around Renfrew Town Hall before the sky is lit up with the festive lights switch on. Midday till 5pm. Visit Whats On Renfrewshire website for more info.

SATURDAY 30TH NOVEMBER Johnstone Christmas Lights Family entertainment throughout afternoon in Houston Square, with music, Christmas activities and a fun before the town’s Christmas lights officially switched on. Visit Whats Renfrewshire website for more info.

the live fair are On

SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER Bishopton Christmas Lights Check Bishopton Community Centre facebook page for more info.

Houston Christmas Lights Starts Main Street at 4pm.

Brookfield Christmas Lights Meet at the Village Hall at 5.30pm and join a candlelight procession to the Millennium Garden, then back to the Village Hall for hot chocolate/mulled wine and ‘The Snowman’ on a giant screen!

THURSDAY 5TH DECEMBER Bridge of Weir Christmas Lights Carol service and a performance from the Bridge of Weir Primary School Choir at 6.15pm in Freeland Church. Billy Cullen will introduce the Stedfast Silver Band, Greenock at 6.45pm. Lights switch-on Livery Walk at 7.15pm, Santa’s Grotto at the Hope Hall from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, and Christmas Stalls/Photo Booth from 6.30pm

SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER Light Up Linwood From 3pm onwards. Lots of exciting new additions to this year’s Light Up Linwood event, as well as a new location: we are holding the event at the Mossedge Village this year. Check out the LIght Up Linwood facebook page for more info.

Fireworks 2019 SATURDAY 2ND NOVEMBER Paisley Fireworks Paisley Town Centre - Free Gus from Pulse FM will welcome the crowds with 90s music and chat from 6.30pm; display gets underway at 7pm. for approx 20 minutes

Inverclyde Fireworks Battery Park - Free The fireworks will go off with a ‘Big Bang’ at 7pm at Battery Park. Begins 5.30pm. No sparklers or other fireworks allowed onto the park.

kilmacolm Fireworks The Knapps - £5/£3 Gates open at 4.30pm, bonfire lit 6pm. Police request that people do not stand on the pavement opposite and in the lane up this side of the field.

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Bishopton Fireworks Barrangary Road, Bishopton 7pm-9pm. The usual tent with hot drinks, hot dogs etc. Tickets sold in the village in the week leading up to the event; can also be purchased on the night at the gate.

FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER Kilbarchan Fireworks Kilbarchan Park, Park View - Free Join us at 7.30pm for the annual fireworks display at the Public Park off New Street, Kilbarchan.

Entry free but donations most welcome.

Dates are weather dependent 24/10/2019 14:56:55

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Santa Sleigh December 2019

Houston

Kilmacolm

South Mound, Glenartney, St Fillans Dr, Four Windings, South St, North St, Fleming Rd, Fleming Way, Burnlea Cres, Houstonfield Quad, Houstonfield Rd, Kirk Rd, Kilmacolm Rd, Fields Lane, Cricketfield Lane, Old School House Lane, Barochan Rd

Upper Kilmacolm - Barrs Brae (Scout Hut), High St, West Glen Rd, Lodge Grove, Lodge Pk, Lodge Cre, Overton Grove, Overton Gardens, West Glen Rd, The Avenue, Langbank Drive, Langbank Rise, Finlaystone Rd, Oldhall Drive, Finlaystone Rd, Finlaystone Place, Leperstone Rd, Leperstone Ave, Quarry Dr, Wateryetts Dr, Yetts Ave, Springwood Dr, Hillside Ave, Wateryetts Dr, Port Glasgow Rd, Woodrow Ave

SUNDAY 1ST

MONDAY 2ND Crosslee Pk, Dunnet Dr, Whirlie Rd, Back o’Hill, Strawberry Fields, Whirlie Dr, Pine Gro, Mill Brae, Crosslee Gdns, Brierie Hills Cres, Brierie Hills Rd, Brierie Lane, Brierie Gdns, Goldenlee View, Brierie Hill Gro, Earlsgate, Brierie Ave

TUESDAY 3RD Crosslee Cres, Leeburn Ave, Craigholme, Woodside, The Beeches, Birch Gro, Riverside, Broomfield, The Meadows, Brackendene, Crossways, Neuk Cres, Neuk Ave, Hallcraigs Cres, Glebe Gdns, Manse Cres, Hagart Rd, Speirs Rd

WEDNESDAY 4TH Locher Cres, Locher Gdns, Locher Avew, Locher Way, Locher Gait, Gryfebank Ave, Gryfewood Cres, Gryfewood Way, Gryfebank Clo, Gryfebank Way, Gryfebank Clo, Cunningham Gdns, Crawford Rd

THURSDAY 5TH Netherburn Ave, Netherburn Gdns, Craigburn Ave, Craigburn Pl, Locherburn Pl, Locherburn Ave, Locherburn Gro, Craigburn Cres, Woodburn Pl, Hillside, Hillfoot, Fulton Gdns, Beatrice Gdns

FRIDAY 6TH Leman Dr, Leman Gr, Alwyn Ave, Bream Pl, Viking Cres, Cormorant Ave, Forties Rd, Claymore Dr, Piper Rd, Piper Ave, Ninian Ave, Brent Cres, Murchison Rd, Hutton Ave, Hewett Cres, Dunlin Cres, Berl Ave

Brookfield SUNDAY 8TH

Brookfield - All

Quarriers SUNDAY 15TH

Quarriers - All

November 2019

SATURDAY 7TH

MONDAY 9TH Lower Kilmacolm - Churchill Rd (Primary School), Myreton Ave, Glenclune Ct, Belmont Rd, Beauly Cr, Roslin Ct, Belmont Rd (to end), Cargill Ave, Rannoch Rd, Kenmore Road, Hatfield Court, Whitelea Rd, Willow Dr, Whitelyea Cre, Whitelea Ave, Whitelea Ct, Carruth Dr to Orchard Gr, Broomknowe Rd, Victoria Gds, Nursery Lane, Nursery Grove, Castlehill Road

Bridge of Weir TUEDAY 10TH

Clevans Rd, Donaldfield Rd, Thornwood Dr, Southbrae Ave, Rosemount Lane, St Andrews Dr, Dalmahoy Cres, Bellisle Cres, Sunningdale Dr, Prieston Rd, Gryffe Rd

WEDNESDAY 11TH Eldin Pl, Hazelwood Rd, The Grove, Shillingworth Pl, Earl Pl, Ranfurly Rd, Steadings, Bonar Cres, Watt Lane, Montrose Ter, Kilgraston Rd, Watt Rd, Ranfurly Pl, Bankend Rd, Kilbarchan Rd

THURSDAY 12TH Elm Rd, Loch Rd, Loch Pl, Mill o’Gryffe Rd, Mimosa Rd, Lintwhite Crt, Lintwhite Cres, Moss Rd, Broom Pl, Gryffe Gate, Gorse Cres, St Machars Rd, Hillview Rd, Church Rd

FRIDAY 13TH Torr Rd, Horsewood Rd, Fetlar Rd, Kennbank Cres, Kennbank Rd, Thriplee Rd, Lomond Cres, Barrcraig Rd, Carruth Rd, Lawmarnock Rd, Lawmarnock Cres, Glen Brae, Troon Dr, Glendentan Rd, Turnberry Dr, Barassie Dr

SATURDAY 14TH

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Glengowan Rd, Strathgryffe Cres, Kilmacolm Rd, Kilallan Ave, Woodside Ave, Warlock Rd, Beech Ave, Castle Rd, Park Rd, Southview Cres, Freeland Dr, Warlock Dr, Houston Rd

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15th November

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

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November 2019

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Next deadline - Friday

15th November

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Renfrewshire Christmas Toy Bank

Light Up a Life this Christmas

WHO ARE WE? Renfrewshire Christmas Toy Bank is a charity working with Social Work, Health Visitors, Family Nurse Partnership, the Star Project, Families First, Barnardo’s Threads, the Renfrewshire Foodbank and Who Cares Scotland, to provide Christmas gifts for children aged 0-18 in Renfrewshire. We have a number of donation points (see below). All donations must be new and not contain slime or chemicals, e.g. science kits.

We also take cash donations to buy gift cards for teenagers and specialised toys for children with additional support needs. There is a Paypal donate link on our Facebook page.

New toys help ensure a safety standard. We also work closely with Trading Standards at Renfrewshire Council to help assist with this.

The well-being of our clients and volunteers is paramount.

Gift packages are given out on a referral basis. We aim to have all gift packages out a week before Christmas so that those receiving the gifts have peace of mind that the gifts are there. This also allows time for the organisations to distribute gifts. Last year we gave out close to 1000 gifts to children and young people in Renfrewshire.

St. Vincent’s Hospice are inviting you to celebrate the life of a loved one by making a donation and dedicating a light on their Christmas tree, before joining them for their annual Light Up a Life dedication service on Sunday 24 November at 4.30pm.

TO DONATE If you would like to donate toys, please message the facebook page and we can arrange a pick up or drop off. We also have our paypal donate button which helps us buy gift cards for teenagers and specialised toys for children with disabilities.

You can also drop off toys at any of the following: All Renfrewshire Libraries Houston The Village Paper Shop Paisley The Old Swan, Gantry, Paisley, Comicrazy Coffee Bar, Brew, Paisley, C Allan & Son Accountancy Services Ltd, Mhairi Black MP office

Johnstone Big Kids Little Learners, Tom Arthur MSP office Linwood Tesco Superstore, Tesco Linwood in the Community Renfrew intu Braehead, Davidson’s Bar, Gavin Newlands MP office

We already have referrals in, and plan on receiving over 1,200. With your donations, that could be 1,200 children and young people in your local community who can enjoy the magic of Christmas, and who otherwise may have gone without. Referrals come from reliable sources, so you always know your donations are going to the right place.

Please help us spread the word. We’re on facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/renfrewshirechristmastoybank/ or email us on rctb2018@hotmail.com

Local Heroes!

Is there someone in your community who goes above and beyond?

If you’ve heard about any local heroes who need a shout out please let us know. We’d love to hear about them!

The annual campaign runs all through the holiday season, giving people the chance to come together, share stories, remember those who have been lost and give the gift of specialist, compassionate care to patients and families who need it most.

Commenting on Light Up a Life, Spiritual Care Co-ordinator for St. Vincent’s Hospice, Catherine McGrath said, “Christmas is a time of celebration and sharing, but we know it can also be difficult, especially if you have lost a loved one. Light Up a Life is a way to celebrate their life, by dedicating one of the hundreds of lights on our tree to them, before coming together at the Hospice for an evening of carols, readings, mince pies and hot drinks. “... For some, it brings a sense of peace and joy to be surrounded by others who understand what you are going through. For others, it provides an opportunity to take a moment to reflect on those they have lost. For all, it’s a great way to kick off the Christmas season and help a good cause!”

To make a dedication and donation to St. Vincent’s, you can visit their new Light Up a Life Website by visiting: https://events.svh. co.uk/e/18 This year, for the first time, a few moments after you have made your dedication, you will be able to view it and share it with your family and loved ones on our beautiful Night Sky dedication page.

You can view, and search all dedications made this year by visiting: https://events.svh.co.uk/dedications/18 Catherine added: “Our dedication event will begin at 4.30pm at the Corseford School, with a candlelit procession along our footpath, ending in the Hospice Courtyard. So wrap up warm and join us as hundreds of lights are lit to shine out this Christmas in memory of those being honoured and remembered.”

Please be aware, that due to the large numbers in attendance, only disabled parking is available at the Hospice. Additional parking will be available at Capability Scotland’s Corseford School, with a shuttle bus service available for those who may require it. For more information contact Events@svh.co.uk.

Creative Cafe Paisley Art’s Centre are delighted to welcome Kairos Women’s Space to POP SPACE, where they will be hosting their Creative Cafe sessions on Tuesday afternoons from 12 - 2.30pm, running weekly until 10th December. Join them for lunch, laughter and creative fun.

All women and non-binary folk welcome to pop in! At POP Space Paisley in the Piazza.

Please send your news in to info@advertizer.co.uk.

Pictures are welcome but we do ask that they be at least 1MB in size, .jpg files, and no smaller than 5cm in width or height.

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November 2019

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Next deadline - Friday

15th November

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KURC ScotRocks Charity Disco!

Boogie the night away to music from your favourite Scottish rock stars and bands, from The Proclaimers to Primal Scream and everything in-between!

The event, hosted by Kilmacolm Unofficial Running Club, will take place on 9th November at the Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm. BYO drinks. Tickets cost £10 – this includes a delicious hot buffet. Tickets can be bought from any KURC member or The Cross Cafe in Kilmacolm. There are many fantastic prizes to be won, including a £300 voucher for teeth whitening from En Visage Dental Surgery, Kilmacolm and specially selected items from McNeil’s Jewellers, Greenock. This year, all profits will go to Compassionate Inverclyde.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to spread some festive love and have a great night out into the bargain!

Paisley & District U3A Meetings This self help education organisation for older people meets on the first Thursday of the month in the Salvation Army Hall, Mill Street, Paisley. Tea and coffee served from 1.30pm with presentations beginning at 2.15pm.

Some dates for your diary: 7th November, our AGM and a magic show by ‘Magic Ian’. Plus we will announce the winners of Paisley & District U3A’s first photography competition 5th December Alex Reedijk General Director of Scottish Opera “My first 13 years at Scottish Opera” Come along and enjoy learning new things for the sheer fun of it.

For more details visit our website: https://u3asites.org.uk/paisley/ welcome

Your car cost over £100 a week on average.

• Join LEAP Car Club from £5 a month.

• Hire by the hour 24/7 • Pay-As-You-Go • Cut your car costs.

Womens Aid - New Pyjamas for Christmas We are collecting in new pyjamas for Christmas Eve for the women and children staying in the Renfrewshire Womens Aid refuge. If you would like to donate a new pair of pyjamas, then they can be handed to a member of staff in the CO-OP stores in Houston, Bridge of Weir and Kilbarchan.

We would love the following sizes – Girls Age 0-12 Teenage Girls Womens Sizes S,M,L,XL Boys Age 0-12 Teenage Boys They will be collected from the CO-OP by Jenny Cowan who runs the Renfrewshire Food Bank Donation Bins in the above CO-OP stores. Last date for donations – Saturday 30th November Jenny can be contacted – JennyMeadows10@outlook.com *Please ensure that the purchase tags remain on the pyjamas* Thank you for supporting the women and children staying safe with the help and support of Renfrewshire Womens Aid. A very Merry Christmas when it comes – Jenny x

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November 2019

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Mouth Cancer Action Month As part of our support for Mouth Cancer Action Month, a charity campaign which aims to raise awareness of mouth cancer each November, we have highlighted some of the key facts, figures and advice: • Around 6,800 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer each year in the UK • Mouth cancer causes more deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or melanomas.

• Tobacco use is still considered the main cause of mouth cancer.

According to the World Health Organisation, up to half of current smokers will die of a tobacco-related illness – including mouth cancer.

• Drinking to excess can increase the risk of mouth cancer by four times. Those who smoke and drink are up to 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer.

• Mouth cancer is twice more common in men than in women, though an increasing number of women are being diagnosed with the disease.

• Most cases of mouth cancer occur in older adults aged 50 to 74.

Only one in eight (12.5%) cases affect people younger than 50.

• Poor diet is linked to a third of all cancer cases.

• Experts suggest the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), transmitted through oral sex, could overtake tobacco and alcohol as the main risk factor within the coming decade.

Mouth cancer can affect anyone so make sure you visit your dentist for regular check-ups so they can pick up any early warning signs. Visit www.kilbarchandental.co.uk where you can find out more about prevention and symptoms, come and speak to us at Kilbarchan Dental Practice or call 01505 704969.

GasFit Plumbing & Heating Limited

is a newly established company covering all local areas as well as Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

GasFit was founded by coowners Stewart Martin of Kilbarchan and Ian Rankin of Bridge Of Weir and have 25 year’s experience between them.

Both engineers are fully qualified, insured and registered with Gas Safe and are advanced installers of Vaillant and Glowworm Boilers. Specialising in boiler installation, repairs and servicing, GasFit cover all aspects of plumbing works, offering a complete domestic package for private customers and landlords.

For all your plumbing and heating needs, look no further than GasFit.

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15th November

Walk of Hope for Scottish Huntington’s Association Margaret Moncrieff and friends from Inchinnan and Erskine did a sponsored walk on 14th September along the banks of the Clyde in Erskine. It was in aid of Scottish Huntington’s Association, which is the only charity in Scotland providing support and advice to families, especially children, affected

by Huntington’s disease. The walkers have raised £1,500.

The funds raised will go to SHA to enable them to continue to provide a comprehensive support and advisory service to families in Scotland who are affected by HD. We would like to thank everyone for their tremendous support for our fundraising.

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

I Am Me - Scotland I Am Me Scotland is a community charity that raises awareness of and tackles disability hate crime, bullying and exclusion.

The charity has two key initiatives; The “I Am Me” training resources and Keep Safe.

The training programme, developed with children, young people, disabled people and disability organisations is used in High Schools, by the Scottish Prison Service and in the training of new police recruits.

Our #MakeaDifferenceScotland primary school programme has been designed for children from primary one through to primary seven and arranged into interactive lessons. This is an innovative and engaging range of resources which aims to educate young people and the wider community about disabilities, bullying, exclusion and hate crime.

The lessons are normally delivered on the charity’s Cinebus, a mobile cinema and education unit which visits schools and disability groups to talk about I Am Me and Keep Safe.

Keep Safe is a national network which creates Keep Safe places for anyone who feels lost, scared or vulnerable when out in the community. We have over 750 Keep Safe places in Scotland—find them all on our Keep Safe App! If you would like the I Am Me Team to visit your school or if you are a local business and would like more information about becoming a Keep Safe place please get in touch! For more info: www. iammescotland.co.uk

Got NEWS?

Got any local news? Please send your news in to info@advertizer. co.uk.

Pictures are welcome but we do ask that they be at least 1MB in size, .jpg files, and no smaller than 5cm in width or height.

If you have group images we like them to be even bigger so that faces are visible! This is all to ensure that pictures are printed clearly and not blurry or pixelated!

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LOCAL history

Renfrewshire’s Slave Legacy Renfrewshire Local History Forum In past issues, we have seen how some of Renfrewshire’s leading landowners were awarded large sums in 1834 for the loss of Africans on their sugar plantations. This was the result of a series of connections dating back to the 1640s, when ships from the lower Clyde sailed to Nevis and St Kitts. From the 1660s, pioneers such as William Colhoun had become sugar planters.

Their influence brought out young men such as William McDowall and James Milliken as overseers. These men became successful planters and came home from the Caribbean in the 1720s and purchased Renfrewshire estates. They became ‘fixers’, among fellow landowners, demonstrating the vast wealth possible from owning sugar plantations. They arranged lucrative marriages and positions for sons and daughters on sugar plantations.

Other leading Renfrewshire families who received slave compensation in 1834 included the Stewarts of Blackhall and Ardgowan. The Stewarts owned large tracts of the county from Inverkip to Mearns. Through the influence of established planters such as the McDowalls, by the 1740s the Stewarts had acquired the ‘Roxburgh’ sugar plantation on Tobago. Most of the slave-owning families were linked through marriage. In 1786 the Stewart heir, married Fanny Colhoun, the widow of Sir James Maxwell of Nether Pollok, daughter of the McDowall’s slave overseer. Later, Sir Michael (Shaw-)Stewart married the daughter of Robert Farquhar, heir of the Harvey of Castle Semple sugar fortune.

Sugar success spread quickly across Renfrewshire. In Cathcart Parish, the ‘Sugar Campbells’, the seventh largest plantation owners in Britain, purchased what became Linn Park from the McDowalls.

In 1843 they were awarded compensation for the loss of 1,062 Africans. In Neilston Parish, John Wallace of Kelly & Neilstonside was a planter in Jamaica. In Kilmacolm, the Porterfields of Duchal shared in the sugar plantations of the Cunninghams of Craigends.

In Inchinnan Parish, William Alexander of Southbar had plantations on Antigua, Grenada and St. Vincent. In 1834 he was awarded £21,181 for the loss of 850 Africans. In Mearns, apart from the Stewarts of Blackhall, the Allasons of Greenbank engaged in slave trading and the Hutchesons of Southfield were awarded compensation for the loss of Africans on their Jamaican plantation.

Overall, despite the popular association of Liverpool and Bristol, with slavery, the Glasgow area received more compensation for losing slaves than Liverpool. Because many planters purchased estates around Glasgow, this had a very large effect on Renfrewshire. The leading Renfrewshire landowners covered in this series owned thousands of Africans. Most owned plantations for generations. Due to over-work, violence, disease and replacement, the number of Africans passing through their hands amounted to several times this number.

In conclusion, there are few parts of Renfrewshire where the farmland wasn’t improved through the labour of enslaved Africans, who were personally owned by the landed elite. (Readers can search the slave compensation records for themselves at www.ucl.as.uk.)

Photo: Linn Bridge

© 2019 Stuart Nisbet, Renfrewshire Local History Forum Renfrewshire Local History Forum holds its next Archaeology meeting in Room D137/139, McLean Building, UWS, Paisley (entrance in Storie Street, beside the Hugh Smiley Building) at 7.30pm on Thursday 14th November. Our speaker is Heather James, Calluna Archaeology. Her topic is The Clan MacFarlane Arrocher Project: Three Rare Late Medieval Buildings on Loch Lomond.

November 2019 Why Simple Mirror Wills Can be Risky Many couples make mirror wills which leave everything to each other, assuming their estate will benefit their partner for life and then pass to their children or grandchildren after that.

Sadly, that’s not always what happens. Mirror Wills are simply identical Wills which couples make, leaving everything to each other.

But what many don’t anticipate is that, if the survivor needs care in later life, the Local Authority is likely to take most of the assets they have worked hard to build up together.

The Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002, gives Local Authorities the power to use people’s finances and assets towards the cost of their social care.

If a person’s total assets (including the value of their home) amount to more than £28,000 in Scotland, the Local Authority will expect them to pay care fees in full.

On average, it costs £614 a week for a care home and £775 for nursing care, so their life savings can quickly deplete.

Once assets fall to the £28,000 limit, the Local Authority will contribute part of the cost of care, but people will be expected to continue paying until their assets are reduced to £17,000. At this point, the Local Authority will take over the payments.

If you leave all your estate to your partner, both your and their share of the assets can be used for care fees. And most people are also shocked to hear that, rather than their children or grandchildren inheriting, their estate could go to their child’s exspouse, debt collectors or somebody else’s grandchildren.

There is a simple solution — not to leave everything to each other in the first place but to leave half of your property to your children on the first death, using a Protective Property Trust Will.

This means a surviving spouse or partner can stay in the family home until their death, after which your children, grandchildren or whoever you choose will inherit your share of the property.

This half-share is safe and will pass on to your choice of beneficiaries, regardless of whether your partner remarries or goes into care after your death.

It requires that you hold your home equally between you rather than jointly with survivorship. This will mean you each own 50% of the property, and can leave your share to whoever you choose. By specifying that your share will go to your children and/or grandchildren on your partner’s death, your partner can remain in the property until they die but will not actually own that share. It cannot therefore be taken by the Local Authority for their care fees or be passed on to someone other than who you have chosen. Couples should consider holding property as “common property” and updating their Wills to include this type of planning.

Johnstone History Society Next meeting: November 13th - 7.30pm, Masonic Hall, Collier Street.

Our speaker this month is Liz McIntyre Allan her subject being “Love Letters from a Desert Rat “. This talk will be very interesting as Liz will be talking about a member of her own family taken from 300 letters stored at the back of a wardrobe. We hope to have a good attendance of members and any visitors will be made most welcome. The October meeting was fairly well attended considering it was a very wet night. Bruce Keith was a very knowledgeable and entertaining speaker and the evening was enjoyed by all.

The Museum is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 4pm.

If you have never been in please pay us a visit and have a browse or if you have been before come back as our displays do change from time to time. We also have on sale many books and publications which can also be purchased online at johnstonehistory.org any purchases can be paid for via PayPal.

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Next deadline - Friday

15th November

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Finance & Tech Gryffe Valley Rotary - Speakers Gryffe Valley Rotary enjoys a number of interesting speakers at their meetings. Members are looking forward to talks on Photography, the Glasgow University renewal project at the site of the Western Infirmary, and, on 13th November, Morag Thow on “Active Ageing”.

All speaker/dinner meetings are at the River Inn, Crosslee at 7pm for 7.30pm.

Guests who are interested in finding out more about Rotary or the specific topic are very welcome. Prior booking is necessary by email to gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com

PREVIOUS SPEAKERS: Wednesday 18th September – Angus Mathieson introduced Fred Hallsworth to speak on the topic “A Corporate Disaster”.

Fred, originally from Paisley, joined Arthur Andersen LLP in 1978, where he remained for 25 years, rising to Managing Partner (Scotland) and holds Non-Executive Directorships with several companies.

Fred explained the disastrous case of Fred Hallsworth Enron, for whom Arthur Andersen were Auditors. Between 1985 and 2000, Enron grew from a relatively small company to a massive conglomerate, fifth in size after Walmart, however, the business model was flawed. This together with fraudulent executives who manipulated share prices – these, Fred advised at the time, looked ridiculously high – led to Enron’s huge crash. It was to be known as the largest bankruptcy filing in American history. It also led to the demise of Arthur Andersen LLT. While the Enron Chairman, CEO and CFO were jailed for 45, 24 and 10 years respectively, there were a large number of others implicated. A hugely interesting talk and discussion led by Fred.

Wednesday 25th September – John Melrose introduced his friend Dr Alan Bennie a retired GP whose talk was entitled “Renewing Rwanda”. Alan has visited the country several times to assist with training of young medical students. He explained how this beautiful country struggled to rebuilt itself after the genocide of 1994.

Donations were made to help his cause.

Peter Gifford

by Carl Melvin, Affluent Financial Planning Ltd Adverts for guaranteed over 50’s life assurance plans always seem to be on TV, inviting us to avoid leaving our loved ones with expensive funeral costs. The key selling point is that it’s easy to apply with no medical questions asked. You’ll often receive a gift when you take out a policy. However, do such plans offer good value? Consider the following; Do you need a plan that doesn’t require you to disclose health issues? If you don’t have significant health issues you don’t need to pay for a plan that has no medical checks – if the provider doesn’t medically underwrite applicants, you can bet the premiums will be significantly higher than if they did Costly – such plans are expensive when compared to a conventional life assurance policy that is based on your health.

No payment if you die too soon – plans normally exclude paying out benefits if you die within the first 12 months (they refund the premiums you have paid), whereas conventional life assurance pays out on death whenever it occurs within the term of the plan.

Wednesday 25th Dr Alan Bennie – Dan September Mungin introduced Peter Gifford, secretary of the Firth of Clyde branch of the World Ship Society. Peter’s talk was entitled “My last Calmac Rover ticket”. For many years CalMac offered an 8-day Rover ticket which permitted unlimited ferry journeys on their network.

In 2014, Peter recorded one such trip with excellent photographs and presented this to us the form of a travelogue.

Wednesday 16th September – Rebecca Shaw, of Rebecca Shaw Archaeological Services, was introduced by Mike Pepper. We greatly enjoyed her description of an excavation at Ardardan Estate at Cardross. Here the surprise was finding the remains of an Iron Age enclosure dating between 700BC and 500AD, which the owners originally thought was just an old drain!

Guaranteed Over 50’s Life Assurance Plans

Low level of cover – the level of cover offered is low, often limited to an upper limit of around £18,000 sum assured. If you need higher cover, consider a conventional term plan.

No inflation proofing – cover is level and over time inflation will reduce the spending power of the life cover you have.

Use of Trusts – such plans wont normally be placed in trust, resulting in possible exposure to Inheritance tax if you have a large estate.

TV adverts are not cheap – the cost of these come from the premiums charged on the policy.

Profitable – such plans are designed to be very profitable for the company offering them. You are paying a lot for the cover you are getting.

Look at alternatives before buying – consider taking professional advice on conventional policies before you opt for an over 50’s plan – you may get a better deal.

Rebecca Shaw

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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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340

Spend Local £300 for Young Carers Young carers in Scotland aged 16, 17 or 18 can now apply for a new yearly payment of £300 if they are caring for someone, on a disability benefit, for an average of 16 hours most weeks.

Young Carer Grant is a new benefit delivered by Social Security Scotland and is now open for applications. Young people can apply if they are at school, in further education or training, employment or unemployed.

Social Security Scotland Chief Executive, David Wallace said: “With more responsibilities and less free time, many young carers don’t get the same opportunities as their friends, and this new payment is for them to spend as they choose. Many young carers don’t identify as a carer– they just do what they do because it’s their family or someone they care for who needs regular support. As with all our benefits, we want to ensure that everyone who is entitled to a payment is encouraged to apply. We will work with partners to ensure we reach as many of these young carers as possible.”

Visit mygov.scot/benefits/young-carer or call 0800 182 2222

This area is home to many fantastic businesses of all sizes and kinds. So we’re encouraging everyone to Spend Local, to do their bit for the local economy by supporting the many great businesses on their doorstep.

Around 65p from every pound spent locally stays local - so by picking up that coffee, stopping off for lunch or buying that gift you can do your bit to support the local community and its businesses.

Certainly, in the villages that The Advertizer delivers to, we have a number of excellent shops to choose from. And often you’ll find a gift just that little bit more unusual than the choice in the large outlets.

If you already shop locally you’ll be aware of what’s out there. But if you are an online shopper, then why not pop in over the next few weeks and have a look and see what you can get in your local shops. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Purchase of Goods: Your Rights as a Consumer by Dallas McMillan, Solicitors Any product purchased from a retailer must be:-

2) Between 30 days and 6 months of purchase.

(a) of “satisfactory quality” when you receive it.

You cannot reject the product before first giving the retailer one chance to repair or replace it.

Standard required: what a reasonable person considers satisfactory. Required standard varies (eg between new/secondhand purchases).

• Retailer will have final say on decision to repair or replace product.

(b) “fit for purpose”: ie purpose product normally bought for, and for specific purpose stated to retailer before purchase.

• Fault presumed to have existed at time of purchase, unless retailer can prove otherwise.

(c) as described to you before product purchased.

• If retailer’s attempt to repair/replace is unsuccessful, you can then reject and claim full refund (or choose to retain product and claim partial refund instead). If rejected, retailer must refund fully (except with cars, where deduction can be made for fair use after first 30 days of ownership).

The retailer cannot restrict these statutory rights.

If product fails on any of the above three counts, you have these remedies against the retailer (not the manufacturer):1) Within 30 days of purchase.

You can reject product and obtain a full refund.

• 30 days starts from later of date of purchase/date of delivery.

• No right of rejection of digital content downloaded.

3) After 6 months from purchase.

• Onus instead on you to prove fault existed at purchase (often difficult).

• You are entitled to refund of costs of returning rejected product.

• Retailer given chance to repair/replace product before rejection allowed.

• The purchase receipt/invoice will likely help, but is not essential.

• On later refund, retailer can deduct for fair use.

Our next blog will discuss alternative remedies (if retailer cannot/will not help) and additional consumer rights.

LITIGATION TEAM OF THE YEAR Law Awards of Scotland 2018

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Bridge of Weir SWI We are looking forward to welcoming Rosie Eliot as our speaker on 7th November.

Rosie has recently retired from the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra where she was principal flute player. She will be speaking about her life as a musician which has taken her to many parts of the world, and she will share some musical highlights. We will meet at 7.15pm at Old Ranfurly Golf Club, and members and visitors will all be welcome for what should be an entertaining evening.

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Bishopton | Bridge of Weir | Langbank Coffee Mornings/Sales 2nd BOW Guides Christmas Craft and Coffee Morning Saturday 2nd November 10am 12.30pm St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Hall, Kilbarchan Road, BoW.

Coffee Morning with the Bridge of Weir Choral Society

November

(in aid of choir funds) on the 9th November at the Kidston Hall, Old Kirk, Kilmacolm from 10am to 12midday.

Tickets £2 - available from members or on the door.

Come along for coffee and cakes, tombola, raffle, chat and a chance to get your Christmas Concert tickets early!

Saturday 2nd: Guide Coffee Morning, Church Hall

Bridge of Weir SWI Coffee Morning

Monday 4th: 7.30pm - The Guild - Companions, Church Hall

Saturday 16th November 10am 12 in the Pirie, Freeland Church, £3 for tea, coffee and cakes.

Please come along and enjoy home baking and a friendly welcome at this pre Christmas event.

St. Machar’s Church

Ranfurly

Monday 18th: 7.30pm - The Guild Guest Night, Church Hall Thursday 21st: 7.30 pm - Kirk Session Meeting, Session Room Friday 29th: 12noon Terrace Community Church Hall

- The Lunch,

December

Got NEWS?

1st: 3pm Citadel Band,

Got any local news? Please send your news in to info@advertizer. co.uk.

Sunday 8th: 3pm - Service in Remembrance of those who have died, Church

Pictures are welcome but we do ask that they be at least 1MB in size, .jpg files, and no smaller than 5cm in width or height.

Sunday Clydebank Church

Bridge of Weir Lace Group Fortnightly Tuesday mornings (10am - 12noon). Further details phone (01505) 613967.

Gryffe Voices Community Choir (Mondays) Freeland Church, BoW 8pm to 9.45pm. Sing pop, rock, folk, show tunes, gospel. Contact gryffevoices@gmail.com

Bridge of Weir Society (Tuesdays)

Choral

Small Hall, St. Columba Church, Kilmacolm 7.30pm - 9.30pm.

All welcome.

BoW Senior Citizens Club 2nd & 4th Wednesday Cargill Hall 7pm - 9.15pm Tea, biscuits & a raffle each meeting along with entertainment.

Hearing Aid Clinic 3rd Friday each month The Bridge, BoW. 1pm - 2pm Hearing aid batteries and hearing aid checks.

This is all to ensure that pictures are printed clearly and not blurry or pixelated!

Bridge of Weir Choral Society Christmas Concert Sunday 15th December, in St. Columba Church, Kilmacolm, at 7pm. This year the choir will be joined by Angel Voices children’s community choir and Johnstone Band. We do hope that you can join us for some Yuletide celebration.

The Royal British Legion Scotland Bridge of Weir and District Branch The Royal British Legion Scotland Bridge of Weir and District Branch.

Poppy Appeal The Royal British Legion Scotland’s Bridge of Weir and District Branch members have placed collection tins in various premises throughout the Village for the Annual Poppy Scotland Appeal. Memorial Crosses are available from Beaton Bros., 1 Station Road, Bridge of Weir.

Poppy Scotland provides and funds a variety of services believing that those who serve in the Armed Forces, and their families, deserve special recognition and support.

They aim to help as many people in the Armed Forces community as possible, supporting people of all ages, whether difficulties have arisen during time in the Armed Forces or many years later. They also help the families of ex-Servicemen and women, including partners, widows, widowers and children.

Please give generously to the Appeal. Our ex-Service community deserve all our support for everything they have given up for us Remembrance Sunday The Annual Remembrance day Parade in Bridge of Weir is on Sunday the 10th of November.

The Parade will assembly on the Village Car Park at 2.30pm.

The Pipes and Drums of Kilbarchan Pipe Band will lead the March to the War Memorial. The Parade will include Standard Bearers, Veterans, Local Dignitaries, Clergy, Members of the Royal British Legion Scotland and Youth Groups.

Everyone is welcome at the War Memorial at 3pm to attend the service of dedication to remember our fallen lead by Local Clergy.

Together we remember them.

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. Come along and meet in the Hall from 9.50am.

FREELAND CHURCH - For details please check website: www.freelandchurch.org.uk ST MARY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Johnstone Rd, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3EE. Sunday Service 10am. Contact: Rev. Heller G. 01505 872961 www.heartlandsec.org/BoW ST MACHAR’S RANFURLY CHURCH: Regular Sunday morning services at 10.30am, for more info check out our website: stmacharsranfurlychurch.org.uk and Facebook.

HOPE HALL: Sun 1.15pm Sunday School, 4.30pm Gospel Service; Mon 6pm Investigators for Kids, 7.30pm Bible Study and Prayer. www.bridgeofweirchurch.co.uk BISHOPTON PARISH CHURCH: Sunday Services: 9.45am Early Bird Service @ The Cornerstone. 11.30am Morning Worship at The Church (Erskine Ferry Road). Please see our website Bishoptonkirk.org.uk or Facebook for further details as we have Family Services at the beginning of each month which alternate between Church and Cornerstone.

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November 2019

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340

Cllr Natalie Don I was pleased to see the improvements that have now been carried out in Bridge of Weir at the Prieston/ Kilbarchan/Bridge of Weir Road junction in a bid to increase safety for pedestrians. Readers will remember that I arranged a site visit for this area after concerns were raised with Derek Mackay MSP and I, at a street surgery in the village. New raised islands, reflective bollards and rumble strips have been installed in a bid to increase awareness of what has been deemed, a dangerous junction.

Coupled with the newly extended 30mph zone past St. Mary’s I hope this will make a big difference in terms of the speed of cars in the area and ultimately, pedestrian safety.

I have recently been in talks with various residents from across different areas in Bishopton about upgrading the local parks.

Renfrewshire Council made this a priority back in 2017 when funds were established specifically for this aim, with a £1.5 million Play Parks and Green Spaces fund and a separate Village Investment Fund. These were set up with the aim of improving our park network while also giving local people the chance to be involved and have a say on what improvements are made.

We have already seen some of this funding awarded to various community groups across Renfrewshire and it will be great to see this progress. However I would really like Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank to receive some of this funding, because I know how passionate local people are about improving their area. Any constituted voluntary or community group can apply for funding to upgrade one of their local parks or green spaces and I am more than happy to offer any support or information that I can, whether that is helping set up a group or advice on the application. Do not delay – if you have an idea for a local park or green space near you, please get in touch.

We recently saw the Transport Bill passed at the Scottish Parliament, aspects of which could make a big difference to local people’s everyday lives. Among other things, the Bill sets out some clear strategies to improve public transport by giving more power to councils and regional transport networks to run their own services, which after the problems we have faced with service cuts here in Renfrewshire, is welcome news. The Bill also brings forward an outright ban on pavement and double parking, subject to exemptions, which is something that I receive many complaints about locally. It is still very early days in but now that the Bill has passed, I am looking forward to more details being announced on how this can progress and you can be sure that I will keep you updated on the progress with this.

Cllr Natalie Don (SNP) cllr.natalie.don@renfrewshire.gov.uk 07976 239705 www.facebook.com/CllrNatalieDon/

Clydebank Citadel Band Christmas Concert St Machar’s Ranfurly Church on Sunday 1st December at 3pm Tickets: £5 (including refreshments), available from Morven Tel: 01505 612286 or on the door subject to availability.

Your Ward 11 Councillors James MacLaren, Natalie Don, Colin McCulloch | Advice Surgeries: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/councillors

Community Council Visitors welcome at monthly meetings BISHOPTON: Primary School: 1st Thursday at 7.30pm www.bishoptoncouncil.com

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Located in Bridge of Weir, Bernie’s Cafe is a real find, serving fabulous food and drinks in a relaxed, family-friendly space.

From super brekkies to luxury sandwiches, homemade meals and mouthwatering ice-creams and home-bakes, there is something for everyone, whatever the time of day.

A take away service is also available. Pre-order for collection.

Have a special occasion coming up?

Bernie’s offer FREE private function hire; they are fully licensed and offer a selection of menus to cater for all your needs.

Why not pop along to one of our Bistro Nights – Friday 6th and Saturday 7th December with live acoustic duo. £24.95 per person and includes a glass of Prosecco on arrival This year the hugely popular “Breakfast with Santa” is back at Bernie’s on the 21st 22nd December.

Tickets £6. Book now to avoid disappointment.

Finalist for Scottish Cafe Award Cafe Food & Barista of the Year 2019

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The Bridge Happy Birthday!!! we are pleased to announce that come mid November The Bridge will celebrate its Eighth birthday.

Your Support – we are well into the Christmas season and, due to strong customer demand, we have increased our stocks of Christmas Goods. Please make sure you visit The Bridge for your packs of Christmas cards, individual cards, wrapping paper, Christmas bags and tags and money gift wallets. Our very popular locally produced Calendar for 2020, showcasing Bridge of Weir scenes, is on sale as is a selection of Diaries for the coming year.

Community Centre - please use the expertise provided within The Bridge. The Hearing Clinic takes place on the third Friday afternoon of each month. Please visit to obtain free hearing aid batteries. Our MSP, Derek Mackay, and MP, Gavin Newlands, each hold monthly surgeries.

The Garden - a few months ago Brighter Bridge of Weir tended our front garden. Last month they cleared, planted and transformed our side garden which now looks amazing. We would like to thank them for their skill and hard work.

Post Office – Thinking of buying Christmas gifts - why not send a Gift Card. These can be exchanged in many well known stores.

Please ask Donald, Stuart and Alison for details.

Please remember the overseas posting deadlines!!! Please see our website for details.

And finally, as we approach our eighth anniversary, a very big ‘Thank You’ to the residents of Bridge of Weir and to our loyal volunteers who continue to support us.

W e i r

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BRIDGE OF WEIR: 1st Tuesday, Cargill Hall: 7pm www.bridgeofweir.org LANGBANK: Church Hall: 2nd Wed at 7.30pm

Community Halls to Let Bridge of Weir: Freeland Church. Tel: 612245

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The Terrace Last Friday in the month St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Hall Soups, sandwiches, tea/coffee, biscuits. £4.

Langbank W I

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Meeting on 21st November at 7.30pm in Langbank Village Hall.

We are hosting a representative from Clyde Muirshiel Park.

Subject Tag & Track. Please come along and join us for an interesting evening with a light supper.

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Bishopton Community Centre Gledstane Road, Bishopton PA7 5AU. Tel: 01505 863354 For full information and contact details please check out: www. bishoptoncommunitycentre.com

MONDAY Ladies Badminton: 10am – 12noon Bridge: 1pm – 3pm Yoga: 1.30pm – 2.30pm Tai Chi: 3pm – 4pm Rainbows: 6pm – 7pm Brownies: 6pm – 7.15pm Guides: 7.30pm – 10pm Trefoil Guild: (1st Monday in month) 7.30 – 10pm

TUESDAY Toddlers: 10am – 11.30am Crochet: 1pm – 3pm Brownies: 6.15pm – 7.30pm Singing for Wellbeing: 6pm – 7.15pm Ladies Badminton: 8pm – 10pm

WEDNESDAY

L a n g b a n k

Slimming World: 8am – 11.30am

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French: 2pm – 3pm

Toddlers: 1.15pm – 2.45pm Karate: 6.30pm – 7.30pm Bridge Club: 7pm – 10pm Yoga: 8pm – 9pm

THURSDAY Toddlers: 10am – 11.30am Dancing: 3.30pm – 9pm

FRIDAY Friday Funtime: 11.30am

THURSDAY 5TH DECEMBER, 6.15pm - 8.30pm, with Party People Video DJS – Billy Cullen Join us at 6.15pm for the Carol Service at Freeland Church where the Bridge of Weir Primary School Choir will perform. Billy Cullen will be introducing Stedfast Silver Band, Greenock at 6.45pm, followed by the lights switch-on at Livery Walk at 7.15pm. Then you’re invited to Santa’s Grotto at the Hope Hall from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Also Christmas Stalls/Photo Booth from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Bernie’s Cafe, Ice Mania, Shimla Cottage, Co-op and more....

Please note, times are approximate and may be subject to change depending on weather..

Cllr James MacLaren Don’t the dark evenings come suddenly!

If you are accustomed to going out for a walk in the early evening, please remember to wear bright clothing and carry a torch to be seen by as much as to see with. For dogs, you can get flashing collars and this is a useful device particularly on the cycle tracks after dark to warn approaching cyclists of the danger. Please take care out there.

French: 3.30pm – 5.30pm

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Bridge of Weir Christmas Lights

It’s the time of year for the leaves to fall from the trees and no sooner has the road sweeper gone by on our leafy streets than it looks like they haven’t been for months. Pity the council does not concentrate road sweeping in these areas just now.

When was the last time you saw your gully being emptied? Many of them are full of silt. This is bad news for many villages as flooding is a big issue in many places. Council does not appear to be making any extra effort at known flood risk spots.

Fly-tipping is a real scourge on our landscape and the Council really need to get tougher on those that commit these offences. It is unacceptable that individuals and businesses have to clean up this amount of rubbish and litter themselves every week. The Council need to ensure that working CCTV is used at known dumping sites as a matter of urgency in order to deter would be fly-tippers.

Our countryside should not be a dumping ground for waste and I am calling for officials will take action on this immediately.

Many of you will know that I have been searching for a suitable site for a men’s shed in Bridge of Weir.

I have now reached agreement with Ian Beaton that a building could be situated within his coal yard.

The plans would be subject to planning permission and of course will depend on a planning application for housing here, but I welcome Ian Beaton’s commitment and shows there is a real desire for a men’s shed to be a reality in Bridge of Weir. A men’s shed is a fantastic way of bringing men together socially and boosting their confidence.

I recently attended an event at Gryffe Wraes Farm to learn more about how farms can protect themselves from being the victims of crime. Concerns around scamming, protecting livestock, fly-tipping and hazardous waste were all discussed. I am sure our farmers who went along will have learned about measures they can take to protect themselves from being the victims of crime such as scamming and theft of livestock.

Please note my surgery details:

10am

–

Clyde Judo: 6pm – 8pm

SUNDAY Karate: 10.30am – 11.30am Kettlebells: 12noon – 1pm Model Bus Federation Meeting: (Once a month) 1pm – 4pm

• Langbank Parish Church Hall - 1st Monday of month (6.30pm) • Bridge of Weir Cargill Hall - 2nd Monday of month (6.30pm) • Bishopton Community Library - 3rd Monday of month (6.30pm) For further information on any of the above, please contact me by phone on 0300-300-1291 or by email to cllr.james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk . Check out my Facebook page for more information and copies of my community council reports etc. www. facebook.com/councillormaclaren

Bridge of Weir Community Council Bridge of Weir Community Council Welcomes New Chair The first section of the inaugural meeting of the new Community Council was chaired by the Renfrewshire Councils Community Council Liaison Officer Anne Mc Naughton.

Anne opened the meeting with a general introduction and announcement of the results of the Election only 10 nomination papers were submitted therefore all 10 were duly elected unopposed.

Anne called for nominations for Office Bearers Community Councillors were delighted local village activist Gordon Anderson accepted the role of Chair after long time Chair Sandy Clark had intimated he wished to stand down. With Gordon’s enthusiasm at the top of the helm the Community Council will continue with its goals to provide a better village environment for everyone.

Sandra Liddell continues with her role as Secretary as does Treasurer Neil Ferguson, Sharon Russell has been elevated to the position of Minute Secretary.

Overall the election was a poor result for the Community Council losing seven members, mainly retirees and gaining only two.

As well as Gordon joining, we welcome wellknown local business man Ian Beaton to our ranks.

The meeting heard from Councillor MacLaren that traffic calming measures will shortly be upgraded at the Kilmacolm entrance to the village and a new method of reporting non collected household waste bins to be introduced going digital.

The Community Council has called for a site visit with Ken Gray StreetScene Manager at Renfrewshire Council to view the open space site on the corner of the Lintwhite / Main Street junction, to identify what can be done to improve the appearance.

Community Councillors are to meet soon to finalise proposals for the Christmas Lights switch on. The date this year is Thursday the 5th of December.

An application to Renfrewshire Councils Green Space fund has been submitted to upgrade play equipment at Lintwhite and Ranfurly Parks.

The Community Council are to review its subcommittee’s and membership.

The membership of the Community Council for the new four year term is Gordon Anderson Chair, Sandra Liddell Secretary, Neil Ferguson Treasurer, Sharon Russell Minute Secretary and members Ian Beaton, Sandy Clark, Andrew Curley, Maureen McClements, Alannah Penney and Neil Thomson.

The new traffic calming measures on Kilmacolm Road are now in place including large 30mph signage giving drivers no excuse to break the law by speeding.

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November 2019

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340

Bishopton Art Group’s Christmas Art and Crafts Fair Saturday 16th November between 10am and 3pm at Bishopton Community Centre, Gledstane Road, Bishopton, Bishopton Art Group will host their annual Christmas Art and Crafts Fair. Local amateur artists and crafts people will offer a variety of products for sale that will make ideal Christmas presents. The venue has free parking and is a 5-minute walk from Bishopton railway station.

Admission to the Christmas Art and Craft fair is free. Tea, coffee and some great home baking will also be available during the event.

Bishopton Annual Fireworks Bishopton Scout Group will be holding their annual fireworks display on Saturday 2nd November on Barrangary Road, in the Dargavel Development site.

Tenants and Residents Association Bridge of Weir October’s meeting of Bridge of Weir TARA was very busy with a number of issues discussed. We’d like to thank Councillors Colin McCulloch and James MacLaren, P.C.s Eilidh O’Hanlon and Steven Reid, housing officer Barry Scott and Renfrewshire wardens Kevin Price and Peter Hogan for their attendance.

The police report showed that there were eight offences committed within the village over the previous month. With the dark nights now creeping in, the police have ask that people make sure that sheds, garages, etc. are well secured, as thefts from outbuildings invariably rise at this time of year.

The wardens have been busy around the village with seven incidents reported, four of which concerned the excessive use of garden log burners.

TARA are delighted with the new play equipment at Houston Road Park. All the equipment is designed to be inclusive so that children with mobility problems can now play with their family and friends. TARA have been in talks with the Council regarding the installation of this type of equipment for over two years, and with the help of Councillor Natalie Don we finally got it in place. The pathways in Houston Road park have also been re-laid to allow easier access for wheelchairs, prams, etc..

TARA are also delighted to see the new traffic calming measures around the village especially the 30mph limit being extended out to St. Mary’s Church. The new road markings, signage, rumble strips and pedestrian island at Prieston Road/Main Street junction are also a very welcome addition.

Finally in conjunction with Environmental Services, TARA will be endeavouring to clear away fly-tipped items in Moss Road Park in mid-November. Once we have a date for this we will be publicised.

Anyone wishing to volunteer to help would be most welcome.

The next meeting of Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents Association will be on Tuesday 19th November at 7.30pm in the Pirie Centre at Freeland Church.

Gates will be open from 7pm onwards and the event will be finished by 9pm. There will be the usual tent with hot drinks and hot dogs etc.

Tickets will be sold around the village in the week or so leading up to the event, and can also be purchased on the night at the gate.

Spend Local Renfrewshire and Inverclyde are home to many fantastic businesses - of all sizes and kinds...and we can all support them by Spending Local. So we’re encouraging everyone to Spend Local - to help people who live and work here do their bit for the Renfrewshire economy by supporting the many great businesses on their doorstep.

Around 65p from every pound spent locally stays local - so by picking up that coffee, stopping off for lunch or buying that gift you can do your bit to support the local community and its businesses.

Certainly, in the villages that The Advertizer delivers to, we have a number of excellent shops to choose from. And often you’ll find a gift just that little bit more unusual than the choice in the large outlets.

If you already shop locally you’ll be aware of what’s out there. But if you are an online shopper, then why not pop in over the next few weeks and have a look and see what you can get in your local shops.

Colette Cardosi, chair of Paisley First, is backing the campaign: She says: “Research on spending by local authorities does indeed show more money spent locally stays in the local economy. It is also an ethical choice. When you shop at local butchers, bakers, and greengrocers or farmers’ market, the produce likely had a short field-to-fork journey, reducing carbon footprint.

“Independent shops often stock locally-made items not available elsewhere - and along with artisan markets support entrepreneurs and foster the talents of the next generation. Shopping locally also helps build communities. Bookshops, cafes and craft shops drum up custom by hosting book groups, knitting clubs, children’s events and more. If businesses are not supported, local groups tend to disappear.

“Most importantly, the only way a town centre can thrive is with the community, business owners and council united and working together. Coming into your town centre to spend locally increases engagement with each other - and participating in the different events, visiting our beautiful buildings and embracing our rich heritage ultimately help us collectively regenerate the area and make it prosper once again.”

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Monday Bridge Club Cargill Community Centre 7pm.

For information contact the Club Secretary, Sheena Clayton, on 01505 873802.

Bridge Lessons Classes resume in Kilmacolm Community Centre on Wednesday 6th November for 6 weeks, class meets from 7pm - 9pm. These are stand alone lessons and it is possible to attend on a weekly basis All welcome except complete beginners, look forward to seeing you.

For further information tel : 01505 872345

Local Police Surgeries 4th Monday the local neighbourhood officer surgery in the Community Centre 10.30am - 11.30am.

Tuesday Crafty Play Café Quarriers Village Café, Faith Avenue 10am-12noon; 12noon -2pm; 2pm - 4pm. £2 for kids craft materials (optional)

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Kilmacolm | Quarriers Coffee Mornings/Sales

Cllr David Wilson

Friends of Ardgowan Hospice Kilmacolm Christmas Coffee Morning

I was accompanied by an executive from SPT for my visit to Outlook. My subject was “Highs and Lows of a Councillor” and my colleague spoke about MyBus and bus services in the village. The last no1 from Johnstone Station is 4.23pm and we were asked if this could leave an hour later? Unfortunately there was no scope to add a later service. Most enjoyable couple of hours.

Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm Saturday 2nd November 10am - 12noon Fancy goods/baking/raffle.

Entry is £3 donation If you can help on the day please contact Sandra on 873126 or Agnes 874913

MND Christmas Card Sale Tuesday 5th November from 10am - 1pm in the Kilmacolm New Community Centre, Kilmacolm.

Christmas Coffee Morning Saturday 7th December 10am – 12 noon, St. Fillan’s Episcopal Church, Moss Road, Kilmacolm From the Brunch & Browse Team….

Home-baking, jams and chutneys, Christmas cards, gifts and raffle. Tickets £3 including tea/coffee; scones and cakes (pay at door)

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

Babies, Bumps and Boobs St. Columba’s Church Lesser Hall, Duchal Road (termtime).

1st Wednesday in the month.

Contact playgroupmembership@gmail. com

Inverclyde Carers Outreach Cargill Centre, 11am - 2pm. 2nd Wednesday in the month.

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

Knapps Annual Fireworks The Bonfire and Fireworks will take place at Knapps on Saturday 2nd November. Gates open 4.30pm, bonfire lit sharp 6pm. Great traditional village event adults £5 youngsters £2.

Non profit making. Enquiries to Cllr David Wilson.

‘Outlook’ Kidston Hall, 2pm - 4pm. 1st & 3rd Thursday in the month.

Guest speakers, afternoon tea, local issues. All welcome.

Sòlas Bereavement Support Group Kidston Hall, 2pm - 4pm. 2nd Thursday in the month.

Movie Night Old Kirk, 7pm for 7.30pm. Last Thursday in the month.

Saturday Volunteer Group Greenock Cut Visitor Centre 10.30am - 2.30pm Conservation Volunteers, adult group.

Newcomers always welcome.

Guide Hut to Hire Main hall, kitchen facilities and outdoor area. Perfect for children’s parties, weekly classes and one off special occasions. Contact Julie: 07967 371595 or e: guidehutbooking@ gmail.com.

Churches in Kilmacolm &

Quarriers

KILMACOLM OLD KIRK: Church of Scotland (Charity no. SC009291). www.kilmacolmoldkirk.org.uk. Interim Moderator Revd Gary Noonan, Houston and Killellan Church, 01505 612569. Rev Iain Ramsden(0141 316 1906) has been appointed locum and with be taking the services from Nov 4th. Morning worship: Sundays at 11am. Except Remembrance Sunday 10th November 10.45 am. Uniform youth services will be in attendance.

The clock on the Old Kirk Tower has been misbehaving but the council is in the process of fixing it. The clock and the flag pole are considered to be of public significance and although owned by the Parish are maintained by the council. The main village Remembrance Service on 10th November will be at 10.45am in the Old Kirk followed by a short service at the War Memorial at 12.30pm.

Elphinstone Court residents approached me with several complaints. I have written to the Renfrewshire Valuation Board on their behalf because their community charge is more than much older and larger houses. Parking on the dropped kerbs nearby also came up and this should not happen. We do have a shortage of parking places and the council has made three suggestions. I am very much against a multi storey car park behind the outstanding Cargill community centre which is now in a conservation area. The Cargill has proved to be a resounding success with the community centre, library, surgery and piazza (beautifully decorated by Colourful Kilmacolm).

Bollards have been installed at the junction of Gryffe and Houston roads to protect a manhole cover, various white lining will be done including the junction of Pacemuir and Broomknowe, Cloak Road has been damaged by the extra traffic due to Scottish Water, trees need cut back at the Barrs Brae Car Park. The second weed killing treatment has been completed on the Pacemuir Estate. Due to subsidence above the drains the pitches at Birkmyre will now not be ready for use until the summer. The contractor will fix. The Scottish Water sewage works have been a trial in the village for residents, transport and visitors. They were polite enough but took too long.

Council officers are in the process of producing plans to alleviate flooding around the School House in Quarriers. The various main road drainage problems have been improved by CCTV and pipe jetting.

The green belt in the Village is under attack by developers. In my 13 years as chair of planning we have never known such a number of major planning applications. Officers will robustly defend our Local Development Plan, but this Plan has been challenged by Mactaggart and Mickel and others on the basis of housing land release.

The Port Glasgow Community Fire Station was 50 years old on the 1st October. This Station and its appliances are vital to both our villages. They laid on an impressive demonstration and a fine purvey. Long may they thrive.

The Bonfire and Fireworks will take place at Knapps, courtesy of Lord Mclay on Saturday 2nd November. Doors open 4.30pm, bonfire lit sharp 6pm. Great traditional village event adults £5 youngsters £2. Non profit making. Enquiries to myself.

My surgeries are 16th November 10am - 11am Cargill , 2nd December 5.30pm to 6.30pm St Mary’s Episcopal Port Glasgow. I can be contacted at: david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk 07766 992294 01475 741969 and 712875

ST COLUMBA CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: (Charity no. SC007992) Morning Worship Sundays at 11am. All welcome.

GRACE CHURCH KILMACOLM: in association with Downavale Free Church of Scotland. Sunday Service at 10.30am in Kilmacolm Guide Hut, Woodrow Avenue, PA13 4QF. ST COLM’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Smithy Brae Kilmacolm. Rev. Vincent Byrne. Family mass Sundays 10am with children’s liturgy.

Eucharistic service Thursdays 11am. Rosary Tuesdays 6.30pm. Prayer group meets Thursdays 7.30pm. Further information and contact details www.stcolmsparish.co.uk BUDDHIST MEETINGS: Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. Call Margaret on 01505 871343.

ST FILLAN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Moss Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4DL. Service of Eucharist on Sundays at 11.30am except the first Sunday of the month at 11.30am is the Service of Matins: Wednesday 10.30am Holy Communion: On last Sunday of the month 6pm (Said) Evensong: Clergy: The Revd Heller Gonzalez (01505-2961); Pastoral Assistant Maureen Russell (01505872905). Find us on www.heartlandsec/org/KLM/index.html 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 10am.

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November 2019

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340

Kilmacolm Dramatic Society Wizard of Oz Since its first showing in 1939, the Wizard of Oz has gone on to be a truly perennial favourite. And has the accolade of being the most watched film in cinema history. Now Kilmacolm Dramatic Society brings the colour and magic of the Emerald city to the stage.

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Written by James Barry and directed

by Heather Morrison, the stage version has all our familiar, well loved characters. Dorothy and Toto her dog trying to get back to Kansas; Scarecrow looking for a brain; Tin Man a heart and Lion some courage. Witches of the North and West fight the battle of good against evil. We all know who wins in the end. But with several and hilarious mishaps on the way.

A large cast, and the energetic support of local children as Munchkins and Monkeys ensure this will be a lively and exciting show. Full of songs, dances and lots of opportunities for audience participation, this family friendly production is sure to engage young and old.

So for the perfect preparation for the Festive Season, follow the Yellow Brick Road to Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm from Thursday 21st to Saturday 23rd November. See www.kilmacolmdramaticsociety. co.uk for further details and tickets.

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Old Kirk News The Old Kirk elders and congregation held a leaving lunch on 22nd September to say goodbye to Rev Dr. Peter McEnhill and his wife Linda. A small group from the church travelled to Rome to support Peter at his Induction to St. Andrews Church of Scotland, Rome on 27th September.

Peter and Linda in Rome with the gift they received from the children of the Old Kirk Junior Church.

OUTLOOK is a social community group, formulated for friendship and fellowship. It is led by the Community Issues team of Kilmacolm Old Kirk. The group meets In Kidston Hall, 2pm - 4pm. Everyone is most welcome.

OUTLOOK Programme for November: 7th November

Mr. David Walker - My Kind of Photography

21st November

Mr. Jack Hastie – Storyteller.

- From Abu Simbel to Akureyri

28th November

Gryffe Voices Christmas Concert “Christmas is Coming” A charity concert by Gryffe Voices (BoW’s community choir) popular music and seasonal songs Saturday 7th December at 7pm, Freeland Church Hall, Main Street, Bridge of Weir. Admission free - all welcome. Donations for St Vincent’s Hospice.

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MOVIE NIGHT - It’s a Wonderful Life. 7pm for 7.30pm at The Old Kirk

Community Carol Service of 9 Lessons

Free entry and the offer of a glass of wine.

Donation if desired to support the creation of a Pilgrim Pathway in Kilmacolm.

Sunday 22nd December at 7pm St. Fillan’s Episcopal Church, Moss Road, Kilmacolm With Angel Voices Children’s Choir. All Welcome! Traditional mulled wine and mince pies in hall afterwards!

SOCIAL MEDIA In addition to the website - kilmacolmoldkirk.org.uk you can follow the Old Kirk on Facebook at Kilmacolm Old Kirk@ kilmacolmold, and Twitter and Instagram @kilmacolmold

Your Ward 1 Councillors David Wilson, Stephen McCabe, Christopher Curley | Advice Surgeries: http://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/meetings/councillors/

Late Autumn Songs of Praise Sunday 24th November at 6pm, St. Fillan’s Episcopal Church, Moss Road, Kilmacolm Come and sing favourite hymns Old and new. Maureen Todd is our soloist. Enjoy wine and savouries in the hall afterwards.

Community Council Visitors welcome at monthly meetings Last Tuesday at 7.30pm, Kilmacolm Cargill Centre www.kilmacolmcc.co.uk

Community Halls to Let Kilmacolm, Cargill Centre. Tel: 873994 Kilmacolm, Brownie/Guide Hut. Contact Julie on 07967 371595 or e: guidehutbooking@gmail.com.

Kilmacolm, Masonic Hall. Tel: 873059

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WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH Howwood Council

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Kilbarchan | Howwood | Lochwinnoch | Elderslie

Community

Coffee Mornings/Sales

Second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in Howwood Village Hall. All welcome.

Early Bird Christmas Craft and Gift Fayre

Community Coffee Shop First Friday monthly - Howwood Parish Church from 10am 12noon. Adults £2 | Children free. All welcome.

Monday Strathgryffe Motorcycle Club The Trust Inn, Kilbarchan, 9pm - 10.30pm. Visit www. strathgryffe.org for details.

Thursday Volunteer Group Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 12.30pm - 3.30pm Conservation Volunteers - adult group. Newcomers welcome.

Thursday Memory Café Active Communities Hub, 16 Quarry Street, Johnstone, 1pm - 3pm. For people living with Alzheimer’s, or any type of dementia, their families, friends & carers.

Sunday Volunteer Group Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 10am - 12noon. Youth Volunteer Group - age 14 - 18 years.

Newcomers welcome.

Knitting Bee Fortnightly on Tuesdays 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.

Kilbarchan Class Move it or Lose it! Class We recently celebrated two years of fun and friendship at the Kilbarchan class. If you would like to join us we have classes throughout Renfrewshire and Inverclyde please contact Fiona 07811 766672 We would love to meet you!

Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust A new borehole for Lochwinnoch?

Members of Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust (Lochwinnoch CDT) voted at the group’s AGM to start the first stage of fundraising to take the project forward.

At the well attended meeting on October 9, members also heard from Pauline Hinchion from Scottish Community Finance (SCF) about different methods and ways of raising funding for Community Projects.

The next fundraising stage aims to raise the £ 30,000 required to sink a test borehole. If successful, it would be followed in further fundraising stages for the following steps: purchasing the long unused site at Lochhead Avenue, behind the Parish Church in Lochwinnoch; construction of associated facilities required for storage; and collection of the water by tankers.

The meeting, attended by 27 members, was told that the Community Development Trust had applied to acquire the Lochhead Avenue site from Renfrewshire Council, under an Asset Transfer process that was expected to be reviewed in November or early next year, although a full decision from Renfrewshire Council might not be realised for up to six months.

The presentation was followed by the AGM and election of officers of Lochwinnoch CDT. Two members of the board had decided to step down, and four members of the Board were re-elected. Martin Mansell as Chairman, Bill Wright, Paul Harris and Sheila Briggs. Two new members were appointed - Michael Hopcroft and Aran Eales. Sub groups for communication with village residents, fundraising, and construction of the abstraction facility were continued.

Officials from the Trust will be meeting with officials from Renfrewshire Council to discuss the project and ongoing plans will be circulated in further newsletters.

Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust is a member and has support and assistance of the Development Trust Association of Scotland.

From more information please visit https://lochwinnochtrust. org.uk/ or join our Facebook group https://www.facebook. com/LochwinnochCDT/

Churches in Kilbarchan, Howwood, Lochwinnoch & Elderslie KILBARCHAN PARISH CHURCH: We are pleased to welcome Mrs Dorothy Wallace for 15 months as a probationer in training for the Ministry. Services, conducted by Rev Stephen Smith, continue at 11am each Sunday with Junior Church and the crèche meeting in the halls from 10.45am. All welcome.

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.

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.

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ELDERSLIE KIRK: Sunday service every week at 11am. Reverend G. Gray Fletcher is now with us. 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.

Kilbarchan Guide Centre Sunday 3rd November 1pm - 4pm Over 20 stalls filled with gorgeous gifts for all the family. We welcome back some of our favourites including, Bumblebuttonz, All Things Nice and Braw Bricht Jewellery to name a few. Come along and bring a friend to browse our stalls and have a chat over a cup of tea or coffee. Can’t wait to see you there! Entry £2/ u12 go free.

Cuppa and a Chat Pop in to Kilbarchan Parish Church hall on Monday 4th November between 1.30pm and 3pm for a “cuppa” and a chat - all welcome.

Pre-Christmas Craft Fair Saturday 9th November 12am to 4pm, McKillop Hall Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Outreach will hold a craft fair with over 30 Local Crafters include Knitting, Felting, Prints, Jewellery, Cards, Pottery, Glass work, Textiles, Plaques etc. Free entry, tea and coffee

Calder Church Christmas Fayre Saturday 16th November McKillop Hall Lochwinnoch from 10am 12noon.

Stalls include:Home Baking, Christmas Stall (cards, paper & gifts), Jewellery & accessories, Books, DVDs, CDs, Toys, Bottle Stall (non alcoholic), Bric-a-Brac, Hamper, Lucky Dip and lots more. Adult £2.50 Child FREE includes tea, coffee, juice and Christmas goodies.

All Welcome.

Johnstone High Christmas Gift and Craft Fayre Johnstone High School Wednesday 27th November 6pm - 8pm Jump right into the Christmas spirit at our annual Christmas Gift and Craft Fayre. Plenty to choose from with over 30 stalls, gifts for all the family.

We welcome back Handmade by Me, Kilbarchan Soaps, Threepwood Fayre, Sparkly Ever After and many more...

Get lucky on the raffle and tombola and join in with a sing-song with our school choir.

Joint Christmas Coffee Morning 1st Lochwinnoch Boys’ Brigade and 1st Lochwinnoch Girls’ Brigade are holding a joint Christmas Coffee Morning on Saturday 7th December 2019 from 10am - 12 noon in Lochwinnoch Parish Church Halls.

Please come along and support the boys and girls. Everyone welcome.

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November 2019

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340

Kilbarchan Parish Church Shoebox Sunday Filled shoeboxes for the annual Blythswood Appeal will be returned and dedicated prior to despatch to Eastern Europe, India and Pakistan. The church in Kilbarchan has been involved with this appeal 20 years and it is a well deserved popular charity to support.

Remembrance Sunday, 10th November, starts in Kilbarchan at 10am with a short service at the Cenotaph, followed by the uniformed organisations parading to the Parish Church at 10.45am for the annual service of Remembrance.

Would you know what to do in an emergency? ♥ 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: ♥ CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) ♥ Heart Attack ♥ Recovery position ♥ Choking ♥ Serious bleeding

Enjoy living at home At Home Instead Senior Care, we work with you to provide flexible, personalised home care based on your specific requirements, We’ll help you to stay in your community and live under your own roof, surrounded by your own things, continuing to live by your own rules. Our home care services span home help, companionship and personal care; with a focus on the many forms of dementia.

Our Promise To Match you with your CAREGiver

If you have a group in the Lochwinnoch/Howwood area that would like a Heart Start Course, Liz and Morag are pleased to come to your group to deliver the course.

Annual Fall Ball Charity Ceilidh Saturday 9th November in McKillop Hall Lochwinnoch at 8pm Featuring Alastair McCulloch, the Coila Band has developed into one of the leading traditional groups in Scotland and is in constant demand at home and abroad. From performances at international music festivals such as Celtic Connections and The Shetland Folk Festival to Hollywood film premières.

Entry by ticket only £8.50. Bar, Buffet & Raffle Tickets @ Now and Then and Café Cucina Minucci at the Junction.

Proceeds Students International Aid.

World

Challenge

and

Lochwinnoch

To spend a minimum of one hour each visit

0141 280 8210 Bridge of Weir, Kilbarchan, Houston, Bishopton, Renfrew, Johnstone, Paisley https://www. homeinstead.co.uk/ renfrewshirebarrhead Registered with Care Inspectorate

Andy Doig, Derek Bibby, Bill Binks, Emma Rodden | Advice Surgeries: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/councillors

Community Council Visitors welcome at monthly meetings Howwood: Village Hall: 2nd Tues at 7.30pm. | www.howwood.com/ community-council.php Kilbarchan: Steeple Hall: monthly at 7.30pm. | www.kilbarchan. info/community_council.html Lochwinnoch: Bowling Club: 1st Tues at 7.30pm

Community Halls to Let Kilbarchan, Guide Centre. Tel: 702758.

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Each Home Instead Senior Care® franchise office is independently owned and operated

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Cllr Andy Doig At the last full meeting of Renfrewshire Council I tabled a motion which called for a “comprehensive review” of the new recycling waste disposal strategy which the Council introduced in December 2018. I stressed that I am not against the new strategy which has a more focussed approach to recycling, but in relation to rural collections, and the vexed question of assisted uplifts we need to do much better. One Kilbarchan constituent of mine only got his bin collected as an assisted uplift because I had to intervene on a regular basis.

Residents in Kilbarchan, Howwood, and Lochwinnoch pay a high rate of council tax and I am delighted that the motion was passed by 22 votes to 19 as we need to do better as a local authority.

At the last meeting of the Leadership Board I went into battle yet again to try and secure cultural funding for the very successful Lochwinnoch Arts Festival, which is in its 19th year and pulls in around 4,000 visitors to the village every year.

Morag Thow and her intrepid LAF team had submitted an application but for the third time in the last year, they were refused while other applicants had gained vital funding. I moved that the Lochwinnoch Arts Festival should get their funding but my amendment failed by seven votes to six. It’s high time the villages got their fair share of cultural monies.

Your Ward 9 Councillors

k i l b a r c h a n

To see the same CAREGiver every time

To learn the simple skills that save lives, contact Morag Thow on 07868 752814 to book onto one of our courses in 2019: Wednesday 27th November 7pm - 9pm Lochwinnoch Masonic Lodge Dates for 2020 will be announced in December issue.

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At the same meeting of the Leadership Board I moved an amendment to the recommendations of the item on the Renfrewshire Economic Strategy 2020/2030, that the Scottish Government upgrade and dual the A737 between Dalry and Kilbarchan.

My advice surgery in Kilbarchan is on the 2nd Wednesday of the month in the Steeple Hall at 7.30pm, and my advice surgery in Howwood is on the 4th Wednesday of the month in Howwood Village Hall at 6:30pm, then at Lochwinnoch also on the 4th Wednesday of the month in the McKillop at 7.30pm, excluding July and December. But I am also always available to constituents who can call me on 07534 148224, tweet me on CllrAndy4Ward8, facebook me on Independent Voice/Ward9JohnstoneAndVillages, or e-mail me at cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk

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Kilbarchan, Old Library Centre. Tel: 706070

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Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk Gryffe Club

Scottish

Dancing

Thursdays from 8pm to 10pm, Kilbarchan Guide Centre Come along and have fun whilst enjoying good company, music and exercise. Whether experienced or a new dancer, all welcome Tuition is given for beginners, but we don’t go overboard and it is a very relaxed atmosphere.

For further information just phone Les Lambert at 01505 704398.

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club Continues each Monday from 9.15am - 11.30am in the hall.

Please note that there will be no club on Monday 18th November because of the drama group’s production.

Howwood WI Tuesday 19th November at 7.30pm in Howwood Village Hall.

Visiting Peru by Mary Turner.

Fun Competition - Something beginning with:- Nov H. Anyone wanting to come along to join our meetings is very welcome.

Kilbarchan NWR 3 meetings in November, firstly a Murder/ Mystery evening reading a play composed by a member in England to raise money for charity, then the annual Telephone Quiz and finally a speaker on the topic “Ecclesiastical Embroidery”.

If you are interested in any of these meetings, please phone 348627 for more information or visit the website: www.nwr.org. uk

Lochwinnoch SWI Our November meeting will be on 20th in The McKillop Hall at 7.30pm. This month Vivian McDonald will tell us all about her Travels on “The Silk Road”.

So an evening of escapism to brighten a November evening.

There will also be a “Bring and Buy” stall, so any donations of suitable items such as baking, sweets, sundries and Christmas items ( please no books!) will be gratefully received and you will be able to start your Christmas shopping and contribute to the funds Further info from Elma at: richmond32@tiscali.co.uk or 843193.

Kilbarchan Community Council

Cllr Derek Bibby

Our AGM will be held on Wednesday 30th October with our November meeting being held on Wednesday 27th. Both meetings will be held in the Steeple Hall at 7.30pm.

Having long advocated for the car park at the rear of Ewing Street in Kilbarchan to be resurfaced, I am pleased to report that this has now been done. Early signs are that usage has increased, and it is hoped that the improvement will discourage the practice of parking on the adjacent grass verges at Barn Green.

Our Christmas light switch on will be held on Friday 29th November. In Steeple square we will have reindeer and sleigh. Santa will make an appearance and we will have a variety of music and entertainment throughout.

We are delighted that George Bowie will compere the evening between 7pm and 8pm. Switch on will be at approx 7.30pm.

I was pleased to help at the Kilbarchan village clean up undertaken by Kilbarchan Smile volunteers and residents. The rain held off and it was a productive afternoon.

Cllr Bill Binks

In Howwood I arranged a site visit to George Street with council officers and residents to look at the possibility of undertaking improvement works in the street. There is an ongoing issue with identifying ownership of the road however it is clear that it is need of repair and resurfacing work.

Non-collection of household waste bins on specified dates has been an ongoing problem within Ward 9. It seems however that general public litter bins have the same ‘malady’ in that they are not being emptied on a regular basis.

Congratulations to all the new members that have put their names forward and have been duly elected to their local Community Councils. Namely, Howwood, Johnstone, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch. A big thank you must be given to the outgoing members for their unstinting loyalty and hard work over the past years.

The towns and villages would not be same without the dedication of these individuals.

In conjunction with the Tannahill Centre, Linstone Housing are looking to see if there is interest and demand for a Community Transport Scheme to service the Renfrewshire area. The community Transport Scheme can be used by any group on a self-drive or driver provided basis, and groups can come from any demographics as they believe it will make them more mobile, able to expand services and provision, and allow group members to access activities, services etc, that would normally be out of reach. For more details you may contact me or go direct to:- Eddie Cusick (Community Engager), Linstone 20/20 Initiative, Linstone Housing Association Ltd, 17 Bridge Street, Linwood, PA3 3DB. Mob:07904063577. This is a unique opportunity for any community groups to take advantage of arranging transport as and when required at very low rates.

After a recent ‘walkabout’ in Johnstone with the Chair Person and Secretary of Johnstone Community Council namely, Thomas Wallace and Iain Mcmillan, it is apparent that the Town Centre is in need of a complete makeover. Houston Square bandstand is in a critical state with long cracks running down the supporting pillars, seats within the square badly needing renovation etc., nearby walls near to collapse, pavements almost unwalkable except by the youngest and fittest people, a huge number of persistent eyesore buildings (or lack of) and many side streets requiring extensive roadworks. Iain has now written twice to the Council for money to be spent in carrying out these renovations for the town and Thomas Shanks Park, but has had no response.

Email: cllr.bill.binks@renfrewshire.gov.uk 300 1423

Annual Fireworks Friday 8th November at Kilbarchan Park, Park View, Kilbarchan, 7.30pm Join us for the annual fireworks display at the Public Park off New Street, Kilbarchan.

Entry free but donations most welcome.

Tel: 0300

Week 1 Tuesday Lochwinnoch McKillop institute 6pm/7pm.

Week 2 Tuesday Howwood Village Hall 6pm/7pm.

Week 3 Wednesday Johnstone Sandyflats CH 6pm/7pm. (Please note that I will be using Sandyflats Community Hub, 28 Longmeadow, Johnstone, PA5 8PU for all Johnstone future advice surgeries from now on.)

Week 4 Wednesday 6pm/7pm.

Kilbarchan

Steeple

Hall

The council officers have noted the concerns of residents and have promised to look at capital investment in regard to the necessary improvements At the most recent meeting of Renfrewshire Council two issues of environmental concern featured prominently. The council policy of leaving certain areas to natural growth was discussed, as many of these in front of residential areas are now unsightly and overgrown. There was a call for these areas to be listed, made public, and restored to the full grass cutting and landscaping programme.

On a related theme, the assisted grass and hedge cutting programme has not been working well for a number of residents in Kilbarchan, Howwood, and Lochwinnoch, the explanation from the council being recruitment problems and wet weather issues.

Following discussion at the council meeting, the new system of waste collection introduced last December is to be reviewed.

Recycling rates have improved, but the reliability of bin collections in some areas in ward 9 has been completely unsatisfactory, with problems persisting on an almost weekly basis. The review must identify why this is the case and a solution found.

Following reports of recent congestion in Lochwinnoch at the traffic lights, I have asked that the worn road markings at Lochbar Services be repainted. The council has indicated that this will be done by the end of November at the latest.

Finally during October I have attended the AGMs and the inaugural meetings of the newly formed village Community Councils. I want to thank all those members who served on the previous community councils for their hard work, commitment and achievements over the last 4 years, and look forward to working in partnership with the newly constituted councils.

My advice surgeries are on the first Saturday of every month at 9am in the McKillop Institute Lochwinnoch, 10am in Howwood Village Hall, 11am in the Steeple Hall Kilbarchan, and 12.30pm in Johnstone Town Hall.

Meantime please contact me at anytime at cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 0300 300 1274 or 07534 156007.

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November 2019

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340

Lochwinnoch Community Council

The Old Library Centre

New Community Council Inaugurated At the Inaugural Annual General Meeting of the new Lochwinnoch Community Council on 1st October eight members of the previous Council were re-appointment, with two new members.

Six members did not seek re-appointment including Yvonne Ross, Secretary, and Jane Owen. Treasurer.

The new members are Anne Capuano, Karen Malcolm. David Arthur was re-elected Chairman, Sybil Simpson was appointed Secretary, and David Bain Treasurer. Annual accounts showed a balance of £228 in Savings Account and £ 3,927 in Current Account.

Morag Throw was voted Deputy Chairman and organiser for future production of the Community Council Newsletter.

Councillor Rodden reported that Renfrewshire Council had decided to submit the Local Development Plan ( 2019 ) for approval as published to the Scottish Government, despite 883 objections from local residents to new122 house development on the Greenfield site at Burnfoot Road.

However, she said it should not be assumed that the Burnfoot Development was a “ Done Deal “. Approval was still dependent on the actual Planning Application which had yet to be submitted.

All objections and comments would be considered, and it was important that these would be re-submitted.

Date of next meeting will be Tuesday 3th November at 7.30 pm in Lochwinnoch Bowling Club. Calderghaugh Lane. Members of the public and representatives of local organisations are welcome to attend.

Subsequent to the inaugural meeting of the new Community Council David Arthur sent a letter to Renfrewshire Council resigning as Chairman due to addition of a late applicant for membership of the CC, contrary to the new constitution of the CC that he had been required to sign. The three other office holders Sybil Simpson, Morag Thow and David Bain have also sent a letter of resignation in support of David Arthur.

We are having a BOOK SALE here at the Old Library Centre. Come in and grab yourself a bargain 5 books for £1. We are open Monday to Friday 10am – 12noon and 2pm – 4pm. Pop in any time we are open.

We also have a wide range of books to borrow, come in and have a browse and maybe stop and have a coffee in our Reading Room, you will be most welcome.

All our activities are running as usual : Monday

10am

Pilates

2pm

Spanish Conversation (U3A)

7.30pm Intermediate Yoga Tuesday

2pm

Thursday

9.45am Pilates 10am

Yoga

2pm

Bridge

The Yoga classes on a Wednesday morning and Wednesday evening are currently full and we have a waiting list.

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

“Agatha Crusty and the Murder/ Mystery Dinner”

A Taste of Africa

Kilbarchan Parish Church Drama Group presents “Agatha Crusty and the Murder/Mystery Dinner, a comedy by Derek Webb in the hall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 21st - 23rd November at 7.30pm. Tickets, price £8, school age £5, can be bought in Bobbins.

This is suitable for all the family and will ensure a hilarious evening’s entertainment.

Lochwinnoch International Aid, in collaboration with Lochwinnoch Arts festival presents ‘A Taste of Africa’. Get set for a wonderfully eclectic evening of music from the band ‘HESU’ and a taste of African food.

Christmas Tea Dance - Dementia Friendly Lochwinnoch

HESU, the first resident band of Pan African Arts Scotland, play a flexible repertoire of fusion music comprising a rich blend of traditional and contemporary African, Scottish and Irish music with a hint of jazz and calypso.

Saturday 16th November at 7.30pm for 8pm in the Lochwinnoch Bowling Club. Admission £8/£5. Bookings & queries to: Lesley@ scottkhan.net; 01505 842589. Tickets also available in The Junction and Now and Then.

k i l b a r c h a n

Craft Group (every 2nd week)

2.30pm “Move it or Lose it” – exercise class for over 60’s Friday

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Enjoy a Christmas Tea Dance on Friday 6th December from 2pm at Lochwinnoch Golf Club. Contact Ann 07761114567 for booking.

Kilbarchan Parish Messy Church On Saturday 30th November our theme will be ‘Christmas.’ Come along and join us in finding out the Christian message of ‘Christmas’ and why it is an important time in our Christian calendar. There will be stories, songs, crafts and games for everyone. All children will be made most welcome, just remember to bring an adult with you.

The adults are an important part of this day and by joining in with the children are a big help in having a successful day.

We start at 4pm and finish around 6pm with all of us having sat down together for a meal.

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Houston and Killellan Agricultural Society Annual Quiz Friday 29th November at 7.30pm in J.G.Fleming Bowling Club, Houston.

Tickets £5 include a light supper. For more information contact Isabelle Stuart issistuart@gmail.com

Kirk Young Singers Group Primary / Secondary children, meeting in the Kirk on Thursdays (except school holidays) 7pm – 8pm - no prior booking required.

Follow the Kirk’s Facebook for updates.

Wednesday Conversation

French

Fox and Hounds, Houston at 9.30am till 12noon and alternate Tuesday from 2pm - 4pm. Details phone/text 07463 570464 or email avril.forbes2015@outlook. com

Crafty Friends Chat with sewing/knitting/ cross stitch or anything you like.

First and third Thursday in the month. Contact Lorna Cairns 01505 612844. Shirley White 01505 610721

Table Top Sale

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Linwood Parish Church, Blackwood Ave 11am - 1pm. Last Saturday in the month. Call 01505 328802 for details.

Sunday Crew

Houston

Litter

Co-op Car Park 10am – 11.45am All volunteers welcome and all equipment supplied.

Bearsden Fiddlers The ever popular Fiddlers are returning to Houston!

Saturday 30th November in the West Halls, Main Street, Houston at 7pm. Tickets (£5). Contact: Kate on 01505 613676 or email: grannykate284@gmail.com.

Houston & Crosslee SWI At our meeting on Wednesday 13th November we welcome Margaret Linnie who will talk to us about Quarriers. There will also be “ A Bring and Buy” table at this meeting. We celebrate our 90th Birthday on December 11th with a dinner.

Please come and join us, everyone will be made very welcome. We meet in the Compass Centre, South Street, Houston on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm. If you wish further information please contact, Arlene MacKay on 07932 459994.

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Houston | Crosslee | Brookfield Houston and Killellan Kirk News This year’s Remembrance Day Service will be held at Houston & Killellan Kirk on Sunday 10th November commencing at 10.45 am. A retiring collection will be taken at this Service, to be divided evenly between Erskine Home and SSAFA. Warm Clothes for The Homeless - Outreach Project: We are seeking donations of new warm underwear, t-shirts, waterproof jackets and trousers, joggers, jumpers, woolly hats, scarves, gloves and socks to keep vulnerable men and women warm through winter. Please donate on either 3rd, 17th or 24th November services. To arrange collection contact bob.ross7@gmail.com Foodbank: We support Renfrewshire Foodbank.

Items needed are: tinned potatoes, tinned tomatoes, tins of meat, tins of fish e.g. Tuna or pilchards, tins of fruit, tinned rice/custard, diluting juice, cartons of long-life juice (not chilled), shampoo, bars of soap, toilet paper (ideally in packs of two or four), shower gel, deodorant, shaving gel, razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes.

There is a particular urgent need for men’s toiletries. We greatly appreciate all donations.

Christmas Gift Service: Donations will go to CrossReach Visitors Support and Advice Centre at Perth Prison. Donations to be made Sunday 1st December at the Christmas Gift Service.

Suggested gifts: Play Doh, craft/building kits, pen/pencil sets, pencil cases, Disney figures, action hero figures, toy cars/trucks, Lego sets, jigsaws, board games, jewellery sets, selection boxes etc. The gifts are to be put in open gift bags with indication of age and gender.

Kirk Carnival: Early news about the Kirk Carnival 2020. Its all about Carnival of the Animals .Wild and wonderful, domestic, farm, exotic the choice is yours .We expect to see a great selection of animals roaming Houston on Saturday 9th May. More details in the future Kirk Records.

Two Fun Events?

Folk from Houston & Killellan Kirk and others will be involved in two events in the first few days of December, one of which could be fun, but the other perhaps not too much fun! The Houston Village Lights Switch-on on Sunday 1st December should be a lot of fun and the Kirk will have a presence at this – giving those attending the opportunity to learn what is happening at the

Kirk during the Festive Season, and perhaps a chance for the kids to sample the free juice and sweets.

The other event on Saturday 7th December, in conjunction with Global Homeless Day, maybe not so much fun. The Minister, Rev’d Gary Noonan along with Deputy Head of Gryffe High School, Mrs Brown, are organising a “Wee Sleep” outside the High School. They will be joined by S6 pupils and Kirk & community youth groups Perhaps it will be fun – who knows? The opportunity to sponsor the participants will be announced on Facebook & the web in due course.

Houston & Killellan Kirk Guild Victorian Christmas Market Saturday 23rd November from 10.30am – 1pm in the West Halls, Main Street, Houston Christmas Shopping All Done?

We have the answer!

No?

Come along to our Victorian Christmas Market where you’re sure to find all the little gifts you are looking for with lots of gifts for children to buy for parents, grandparents, family and friends too.

For the children, we couldn’t miss Santa, so he will be here to meet you too and listen to your Christmas wishes.

Our stalls include - Baking, Preserves, Toiletries, Children’s gifts, many Under £1, Knitting, lucky bags/boxes, gift mugs, 2 Luxury Hampers in our Prize draw, Raffles, Competitions, Book Stall, Crafts Stall, and many more for you to browse.

You will love our FREE mulled wine, so enjoy! We have hot rolls to tempt you and of course our Tea Room will be ready to serve you with tea or coffee, juice for the children and delicious hot mince pies, all getting you in the mood for Christmas.

This is an event you cannot afford to miss!

Come and join our fun day and listen to music and relax away from the hustle and bustle of High Street shopping.

Churches in Houston HOUSTON AND KILLELLAN KIRK: All Services will be led by the Rev.Gary Noonan unless otherwise stated. Sunday 3rd November.

Early Communion Service - 9.45am, Morning Worship - 11am. Sunday 10th - Remembrance Service - 10.45am. Sunday 17th & 24th - Morning Worship - 11am. You can find out more about us at www.houstonkillellankirk.org 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. Paul Brady. Assistant Priest:- Rev. Chima Kingsley Opara. Pastoral Assistant: Sr. Mary Frances Collett, RNDM (Tel 01505 613514). Address: ‘Abbotsfield’, St. Fillan’s, Main St, Houston, PA6 7EL. T. 01505 612046. E. StFillan@ rcdop.org.uk www.stfillan.org.uk HOUSTON BAPTIST CHURCH: Carrick Centre: 11am Family services with SS for children 5 - 12; Crèche provided; 6pm service; Midweek Home Bible Study; For more information contact; Rev. D. Snelson 01505 612722.

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE: Village Hall, Main Street, Houston PA6 7EL. Rev Geoff Austin (Interim Pastor) Family Service at 10.30am, Creche available. Communion service first Sunday of the month. Tel 01505 610862. www.houston.nazarene.org.uk

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Cllr Audrey Doig I was very inspired at the last meeting of the Houston Community Council to see three sixth year pupils from Gryffe High School who attended to outline their plans to improve the litter situation in and around the school, which inevitably happens as a result of lunchtime traffic to local shops. I was impressed by the idea of the older pupils also focussing on younger pupils at the school to try and educate them not to litter. In light of the great concern which young people across the globe have about climate challenge I am very proud that young people in my ward are also taking the lead on keeping our area clean and green.

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We are fast approaching the Christmas period and although my own son is long past the excitement of Christmas I love to see the fun which families and their children get at all the various community Christmas Lights Switch On Events locally. I am looking forward in particular to the Houston Christmas Lights Switch On which is on Sunday 1st December which starts in Houston Main St at 4pm. I look forward to seeing all constituents there.

By this month all Community Councils in Renfrewshire will have had their annual general meetings, and I wish all new members and office bearers in the Linwood, Houston, and Brookfield Community Councils a very productive term in office. I also want to extend particular thanks to those who have completed terms of service on their local community council, and want to step down. All of us should remember that community councils are a vital cog in the wheel of local democracy.

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My advice surgery in Brookfield is on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6.30pm in Brookfield Village Hall, and my advice surgery in Houston is on the 4th Thursday of the month in the Carrick Centre, Houston, at 7.15pm, excluding July and Christmas. But I am also always available to constituents who can call me on 07768 130935, or e-mail me at cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

Brookfield News Brookfield Village Trust AGM - Monday 4th November: The Annual General Meeting of Brookfield Village Trust will be held in the Village Hall at 8pm. In March 2018, the acquisition of the Merchiston Field by the Trust was completed and the title is still in the course of registration. There has been activity in the Field since the last AGM and at the meeting, the Board will provide a full report of what has happened since the acquisition. Members and Nonmembers are welcome to attend but it should be noted that Nonmembers will not be entitled to vote on any decisions which may be taken. Membership is open to all adults residing in the Village and you can join at the AGM or contact Helen (01505 321187) or Marjory (01505 320497).

Quiz Night - Saturday 23rd November: Before the Christmas rush, why not get together with your brainiest friends/neighbours/family members and come along to the Quiz Night in the Village Hall on Saturday 23rd November. Doors/Bar from 7pm with the Quiz starting at 7.30pm. Admission £3 per person. Max 6 per team. If you’re planning to attend, just let us know by emailing: brookfieldvpa@gmail.com.

Christmas Tree Lights Switch-On - Sunday 1st December: Meet at the Village Hall at 5.30pm and join a candlelight procession to the Millennium Garden then back to the Village Hall for hot chocolate/mulled wine and ‘The Snowman’ on a giant screen!

Hogmanay Dance - Tuesday 31st December: 8.30pm - 1am.

See in the New Year in the company of live band ‘Pinnacle’. Bar/ Raffle. Tickets £15.00 - now available by emailing: brookfieldvpa@ gmail.com or call/text Mike on 07973 123450. Min age - 14 years.

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

Houston Kirk Postie

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A service for the whole community, raising funds for ‘Renfrewshire Home Start’ (Supporting families with young children) For a donation of only 25p a card the Houston Kirk Postie will deliver anywhere in Houston, Crosslee or Brookfield. The Sorting Office, in the West Church Halls, will be open from 10am 12noon, and again from 7pm to 8pm, every day from 9th to 12th December.

to

(Cards may also be taken to the Church on Sunday 8th December). Delivery is guaranteed not later than 17th December.

Bearsden Fiddlers The ever popular Fiddlers are returning to Houston!

Saturday 30th November in the West Halls, Main Street, Houston at 7pm. Tickets (£5) will be available from Sunday 27th October.

Contact: Kate on 01505 613676/email: grannykate284@gmail.com

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Public Consultation Meeting A newly formed community group in Houston is fundraising for improvements to play equipment in the South Mound (helicopter) park. A second public consultation meeting is on Wednesday 6th November at the Compass Centre at 7pm. Please come along.

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Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

H.O.S.T. THE CARRICK CENTRE (HOUSTON OLD SCHOOL TRUST)

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Monday to Friday, Gryffe Manor Out of School 01505 615438, DWS enquries@dancewestscotland.co.uk Coffee Shop: - Mon - Fri 9am - 4.30pm Sat, 9am - 4pm Coffee Shop/Centre 01505 229597

MONDAY

Yoga (Weekly): 1pm - Mary Laidlaw 01505 229112 Yoga (Weekly): 11am - Mary Laidlaw 01505 229112 DWS (own room) Diaporama: 7.30pm (11th R2) Sewing Group (Weekly): 10am 12noon (R4) SWI Handiwifes: 7:30pm (18th) WRYF: 7:30pm (25th)

TUESDAY Paint Pot Tots (Weekly): 10am Dawn Campbell 07789 262350 DWS (own room) Yoga (Weekly): 7pm - M/s Lawson 01505 613690 Councillor Surgery: 12noon (19th) - Allison Dowling Cricketfield Res: 7pm 26th Houston Show: 7.30pm 5th Elizabeth Benzie: 10am 12th WRADS: 7.30pm 12th

WEDNESDAY Gryffe Melody Makers: 7pm 6th/20th Community Council: 7.30pm 20th Gryffe Camera Club (Weekly): 7.30pm DWS (Weekly) MH: 4pm - 7pm Baby Class (MOO MUSIC) Weekly: 10am WRYF (PROVISIONAL)

THURSDAY Gryffe Quilting Group: 1pm 3pm (21th - 10am) Primary Colours (Weekly): 3.30pm – 4.30pm Crafty Friends: 7.30pm 7th / 21st Folk Club (Weekly): 8am – 11am davegmellor@gmail.com 07523 129122 Move It Or Lose It (Weekly): 10.30am – 11.30am Councillor Surgery: 7.15pm Audrey Doig 28th

FRIDAY Yoga (Weekly): 10.30am M/s Lawson 01505 613690 DWS (Weekly): 3.15 pm Gavin Newlands M.P. Surgery: 12.30pm – 1.30pm 12th

SATURDAY DWS (Weekly) MH: 9.45am 5pm DWS (Weekly) R2: 9am - 1.30pm Councillors Surgery: 11.30am – 12noon 2nd Jim Sheridan Louise Hunter B/P: 7.30pm

SUNDAY Baptist Church (Weekly): 11am and 6pm Hayes Images: 9am 3rd

CARRICK NIGHTS Friday 22nd November at 8pm - ARIA in Concert Sonia, Paula, Louise, Claire, Jennifer, Lynne, Joanne and Jim make up Aria! Formed in 2005, they were childhood friends who were members of the Glasgow Youth Choir. Regional winners 2017 of BBC’s ‘Choir of the Year’ and also winners of the Glasgow Orpheus Trophy!

Also performing is classical accordionist, Ryan Corbett a child prodigy and a student at the Conservatoire.

Booking Essential. Single Concert Tickets: £12 (Adult) £5 (Child / Student) To request more information and tickets please call 01505 229 597 or email: thecarrickcentre@gmail.com Grateful thanks to Enterprise Music Scotland for financial assistance

A Portable Defib Unit is available at the West Halls (Church) on Main Street Booking enquiries to: Bill Haddow 01505 690693 Stewart Scally 01505 674277 Barry Walker 01505 614039 thecarrickcentre@gmail.com or hostbookings@outlook.com or The Coffee Shop

Houston Co-op - Renfrewshire Food Bank Christmas Collection Saturday 14th & Sunday 15 December 9am – 9pm both days Jenny & Margaret will be in the Houston Co-op on the above dates collecting in your kind donations of tinned, packets and jars of food, toiletries and toilet roll. We’ll also be collecting in cash donations!

Every penny raised and every donated food item, toiletry and toilet roll goes directly to children and their families struggling to make ends meet right here in Renfrewshire.

We’ll see you all in the Houston Co-op!

Thank you to everyone in Houston who donates so generously throughout the year to the Renfrewshire Food Bank donation bin in the Houston Co-op – without your support there would be no Food Bank to help those less fortunate – Jenny & Margaret Jenny can be contacted – JennyMeadows10@outlook.com

Kirk Young Singers Group The young folk in Houston & Killellan Kirk have the exciting opportunity to develop their singing skills under the leadership of the talented Laura McKee. They don’t need to have the X Factor initially, but who knows where it will lead. This is open to all Primary and Secondary school children, meeting in the Kirk on Thursdays (except school holidays) 7pm - 8 pm.

There are no fees – so kids, why not come and give it a try? No prior booking required – so just turn up! Follow the Kirk’s Facebook for updates.

Your Ward 10 Councillors Audrey Doig, Scott Kerr, Alison Jean Dowling, James Sheridan Advice Surgeries: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/councillors

Community Council Visitors welcome at monthly meetings BROOKFIELD: Brookfield Village Hall: 2nd Thursday 7.30pm February, April, June, August, October and December.

HOUSTON: Carrick Centre: 3rd Wednesday at 7.30pm | houstoncommcouncil@yahoo.co.uk

Community Halls to Let Brookfield, Village Hall. Tel: 335562 Houston, Carrick Centre. Tel: 690693 / 614039 / 674277 Houston, Compass Centre. Tel: Gillian Peters - 07879 407574 or 01505 613759.

Linwood Masonic Hall. Tel: 07825 222944

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November 2019

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MISSING PETS? We can put a post out on Facebook for you! info@advertizer.co.uk

PET

news

LOCAL ANIMAL CHARITIES SCOTTISH SPCA

0141 882 1688 www.scottishspca.org

DOGS TRUST GLASGOW

01505 337321

HESSILHEAD WILDLIFE RESCUE

www.giveadogabone.net

HARVEY’S ARMY SCOTLAND harveysarmy.com

EQUINE RESCUE AND EDUCATION SCIO

www.equinerescueandeducation.co.uk facebook.com/eraescio

LAMONT FARM

www.lamontfarm.org.uk

info@advertizer.co.uk 01505 613340

It works through the nervous system. The needles block the pain messages and encourage the brain and central nervous system to produce more of the body’s natural painkillers.

In conditions that are not painful, acupuncture may help to reset the body’s normal functioning.

JOHNSTONE CAT RESCUE

GIVE A DOG A BONE

We can help!

How does acupuncture work?

0141 779 3341 www.cats.org.uk

www.underheugharkrescue.co.uk

Want to get the word out about fundraising or appeals?

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the practise of inserting fine, solid needles into the body for pain relief or, in some cases, to help the body deal with other diseases.

CATS PROTECTION

THE UNDERHEUGH ARK RESCUE

FUNDRAISING?

Acupuncture for your pet

0141 773 5130 www.dogstrust.org.uk

01505 502415 www.hessilhead.org.uk

01505 613340

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is very safe, in the right hands. Legally it must be performed by a veterinary surgeon.

There have been no official reports of problems in animals, but there are some in humans and these can usually be avoided with care and a good knowledge of anatomy. There are a very few cases in which we would have to be very cautious about using acupuncture, but your veterinary acupuncturist can advise you of these.

What kinds of conditions are treated with acupuncture?

Pain is the most common indication for acupuncture. Usually this means pain associated with arthritis, but it can also be useful for muscle strains, pain secondary to disc disease and bony changes of the spine. Other kinds of pain may also respond.

Functional conditions such as constipation, idiopathic cystitis in cats and irritable bowel type problems in dogs may also respond.

Acupuncture is now available at PetVets. To find out more or to arrange an appointment give us a call on 01505 800366.

REMEMBRANCE DAY: Poppies for Pets With Remembrance Day just around the corner, people will be showing their support for the Armed Forces community by wearing poppies as a symbol of hope and remembrance. This year, pet owners will also have the chance to get their cats and dogs involved.

After raising over £180,000 last year for The Royal British Legion, Pets at Home has teamed up with the charity for a second year to launch a very special, limited-edition collaboration of poppy accessories for pets From glittery poppy collar charms to poppy paca-macs, pet owners will be able to showcase their support whatever their pooches’ style, with 100% of the product range’s profits* donated to the UK’s largest Armed Forces Charity - The Royal British Legion.

How to help pets during fireworks • Walk dogs during daylight • Put on some music or tv • Create a quiet/hiding places • Keep your cats indoors • Make sure pets are microchiped and that the details are correct • Partly cover outside cages and pens with blankets

• Provide bedding small animals can burrow in • Close windows and curtains • Consider bringing them indoors • Where possible - tell the organisers of firework displays that horses are nearby and ask them to set off their fireworks in the opposite direction

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15th November

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What’s on October TUESDAY 1ST - THURSDAY 31ST Make a Will Month St Vincent’s Hospice, Midton Road, Howwood Making a Will is one of the most important things you can ever do. A Will gives you a voice, allowing you to care for everyone you love and say what you want to happen to your money and personal possessions.

During October, you can make your Will completely free of charge thanks to the support of a group of local, trusted solicitors. For more information please visit the St. Vincent’s Hospice website http:// www.svh.co.uk or phone 01505 705635.

SATURDAY 19TH OCT SUNDAY 3RD NOV Treasure Hunts – Halloween Pumpkin Hunt!

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm Explore our woodland trail and search for the hidden wooden pumpkins! Answer a few questions along the way and collect the hidden letters to reveal the special word before returning to the visitor centre to claim your reward! Cost: £3 per child / RSPB members £1.50 [Normal trail fees apply for adults]

WEDNESDAY 30TH Kilbarchan Smile Items Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan 2pm to 4pm Come to visit the garden and our new social hut if you want to relax, have a cup of tea, explore the site, join in light gardening and wildlife activities or pick up some bulbs for Spring flowering. All ages welcome. To visit at other times or for info. Contact hello@kilbarchansmile.co.uk or 07952 169341.

THURSDAY 31ST Movie Night The Old Kirk, 40 High Street, Kilmacolm 7pm Jersey Boys. 7pm for 7.30pm

November FRIDAY 1ST The Making of a Nature Reserve - Paul Tarling, RSPB McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew 7.30pm An illustrated talk about the making of The Crook of Baldoon Nature reserve by Paul Tarling - hosted by the Renfrewshire RSPB Local Group. All welcome.

SATURDAY 2ND Kilmacolm Bonfire & Fireworks Knapps Loch, Bridge of Weir Road, Kilmacolm 6pm Gates open at 4.30pm, bonfire lit 6pm.

Police request that people do not stand on the pavement opposite and in the lane up the side of the field. Entry is only £5 (adults) £2 (youngsters). Please note, we do not need any wood apart from what we organise ourselves.

Paisley Fireworks & Lights On Paisley Town Centre 6.30pm Paisley town centre - Free entry. Gus from Pulse FM will be welcoming the crowds with music and chat from 6.30pm before the annual display gets underway at 7pm. The display will end at approximately 7.20pm – hope to see you there!

Inverclyde Fireworks The Battery Park Eldon Street Greenock PA16 7QG 7pm Inverclyde’s annual fireworks display will celebrate the year of James Watt commemorations with a science theme.

Fairground open from 5.30pm. Fireworks begin at 7pm. Please note: no sparklers or other fireworks allowed onto the park.

2nd BOW Guides Christmas Craft Coffee Morning St Machar’s Church, Kilbarchan Road, Bridge of Weir 10am to 12.30pm Come along and start your Christmas shopping early and reward yourself with a coffee at the end.

Bishopton Scout Group Fireworks Display Bishopton Village 7pm to 9pm Bishopton Scout Group Fireworks display at Barrangary Road, Bishopton. Gates will be open from 7pm onwards and the event will be finished by 9pm. There will be the usual tent with hot drinks and hot dogs etc. Tickets will be sold around the village in the week or so leading up to the event, and can also be purchased on the night at the gate.

Friends of Ardgowan Kilmacolm Hospice Christmas Coffee Morning Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 10am to 12noon Fancy goods/baking/raffle. Entry is a £3 donation. If you can help on the day please contact Sandra on 01505 873126 or Agnes 01505 874913.

The Big Sing Sunday 1st December 6.30-9.30pm Sanctuary of Orchardhill Parish Church, Giffnock Rock Choir, Falkirk Junior Gaelic Choir, and Giffnock Primary School Choir are all set to perform at this fantastic event.

Prepare to be wonderfully entertained with a variety of music from all choirs, including a finale. Tea/coffee and home baking will be served at the interval.

To pay online, please contact Linda on 0141 848 0308 or by visiting www.hdscotland.org All proceeds go towards supporting adults and children affected by Huntington’s disease.

ACCORD Hospice Firewalk Saturday 9th November ACCORD Hospice, 7 Morton Avenue, Paisley, PA2 7BW Brave the heat, bare your soles and raise money for ACCORD Hospice by taking part in our fire walk for the patients and families of Renfrewshire who need our care.

This adrenaline fuelled event will push your boundaries, challenge your perceptions and make for an unforgettable evening. There will be hot soup on the night and entertainment for everyone too!

A Few Rules: Minimum Age of participants - 16. Registration Fee – £20, Minimum Fundraising – £100 Participants must attend a 90 minute workshop prior to the firewalk (otherwise how do you know what to do?!)

Spectators can’t sit in on the workshop.

For enquiries please contact: fundraising@accord.org.uk

Rock Meets Country Friday 15th November, 7.30pm start Paisley Methodist Hall Another amazing night of music is in store for you all when we delve into the world of Country Music.

The amazing ROCK Choir will be joined by our lovely new friends The Cowboys! We are once again looking forward to a great show.

Tickets are £10; this includes refreshments during the break. A big thanks to the bands for sharing their talents to support The Hospice, and to our lovely volunteers who are setting up another wonderful event.

Planning an event?

Do you have an event coming up? We’d love to hear from you.

Please send your event details in to info@advertizer.co.uk.

You can also submit events online.

Visit www.advertizer.co.uk/events and scroll down to the bottom of the page to find our event submission form.

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SATURDAY 2ND - SUNDAY 3RD

WEDNESDAY 6TH

Binocular & Telescope Open Day

(In)VISIBLE Women Event

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm

Johnstone Town Hall, Johnstone 6.30pm

Are you looking to purchase your first pair of binoculars; maybe you are looking to upgrade, or simply just wanting to buy as a gift? Our friendly and impartial team will be demonstrating and offering assistance on a wide range of competitively priced binoculars and telescopes. We stock a massive range of RSPB binoculars along with some well-known names such as Swarovski, Zeiss, Leica and Nikon. For bookings and further info: Email. lochwinnoch@rspb.org. uk Tel. 01505 842 663. Free entry.

Bringing together people across Renfrewshire and beyond to celebrate and recognise the invisible work of women and non-binary people in Scotland. Children welcome. Talks, performances, workshops.

All donations from the tickets will go towards our event costs.

SUNDAY 3RD Winter Craft Fair Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch 11am to 3pm Come and pick up your Christmas presents from local crafters.

Early Bird Christmas Craft and Gift Fayre Kilbarchan Guide Centre, Barn Green, Kilbarchan 1pm to 4pm Over 20 stalls filled with gorgeous gifts for all the family. We welcome back some of our favourites including Bumblebuttonz, All Things Nice and Braw Bricht Jewellery to name a few. Tickets £2 (u12 free).

SUNDAY 3RD - TUESDAY 5TH Nae Fireworks Night Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre, Moor Road, Eaglesham, G76 0QQ 5pm Join the Whitelee Rangers at their firework free zone this bonfire weekend and walk your dog in peace! Visitor centre re-opens 5 - 10pm (café closes 9pm). There will be a Ranger-led walk from 7pm on Tues 5th. *Bring your torch. These nights are dropin events, and you can stay for as long as you feel you need to. https://www. eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/whitelee-events

MONDAY 4TH Cuppa and a Chat Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street 1.30pm to 3pm All welcome to come along for a “cuppa” and a chat.

Brookfield Village Trust AGM Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside Road, Brookfield 8pm

November 2019

THURSDAY 7TH OUTLOOK Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 4pm Photography with David Walker

FRIDAY 8TH Kilbarchan Fireworks Display Kilbarchan Park, Park View, Kilbarchan 7.30pm Join us for the annual fireworks display at the Public Park off New Street, Kilbarchan.

Starts at 7.30pm. Entry free but donations would be most welcome.

SATURDAY 9TH Pre-Christmas Craft Fair McKillop Hall, Main Street, Lochwinnoch 12noon to 4pm Held by Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Outreach.

Over 30 local crafters. Crafts include Knitting, Felting, Prints, Jewellery, Cards, Pottery, Glass work, Textiles, Plaques etc. Free entry.

Annual Fall Ball Charity Ceilidh McKillop Hall, Main Street, Lochwinnoch 8pm Featuring Alastair McCulloch, the Coila Band has developed into one of the leading traditional groups in Scotland and is in constant demand at home and abroad. Entry by ticket only £8.50. Bar, Buffet & Raffle. Tickets at Now and Then and Café Cucina Minucci at the Junction.

Proceeds Students World Challenge and Lochwinnoch International Aid.

Coffee With The Choral Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 10am to 12noon Come along for coffee and cakes, tombola, raffle, chat and a chance to get your Christmas Concert tickets early (in aid of choir funds). Tickets £2 - available from members or on the door.

St Fillan’s Houston Walking Group The River Inn, Houston Rd, Houston Celebrate 25 years!! If you walk with the group or ever have done, please join us at the River Inn, Crosslee on 9th November for a hot buffet, drinks chat and reminiscences.

Price of evening is £20. If you would like to join us, please contact molly.mcgavigan@ btinternet.com (07711 540299) or Geraldine on 01505 614299.

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SATURDAY 9TH KURC Annual Charity Night ScotRocks!

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 7pm to Midnight

15th November SATURDAY 16TH

A Taste of Africa Lochwinnoch Bowling Club, Calderhaugh Lane, Lochwinnoch PA12 4AL 7.30pm

Don’t miss Kilmacolm Unofficial Running Club’s charity SCOTROCKS night! Come on and shake your thang to music from some of Scotland’s most iconic bands such as Simple Minds, Deacon Blue, Wet Wet Wet, Paulo Nutini and more! This year all donations will go to Compassionate Inverclyde. Ticket are £10 each - available from The Cross Cafe and all KURC members from the beginning of October.

An evening of music with band HESU and a taste of African food - hosted

by Lochwinnoch International Aid, in collaboration with Lochwinnoch Arts festival. Bookings & queries to: Lesley@ scottkhan.net; 01505 842589. Tickets also available in The Junction and Now and Then.

Practical Conservation – Fire!

Bishopton Community Centre, Gledstane Rd, Bishopton 10am to 3pm

Muirshiel Visitor Centre, Calder Glen Road near Lochwinnoch PA12 4LB 11am to 3pm Come and help the Rangers burn brashing piles so we can get ready for future tree planting. Not suitable for children. Drop in at anytime.

Gaelic Singing Workshop Church of the Holy Trinity and St. Barnabas, Back Sneddon Street, Paisley PA3 2AB 9.30am to 1pm This Workshop is suitable for all, no prior knowledge of Gaelic is required. Cost £10 (includes tea and biscuits). Places MUST be booked in advance. To enrol, or for more information, contact fios@clanngaidhlig. org or telephone 0780 591 8509.

SUNDAY 10TH Remembrance Day Various events in villages See village news for details

THURSDAY 14TH Sòlas Drop In Bereavement Group Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 4pm

FRIDAY 15TH Astronomy Evening RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 7.30pm to 9pm Come and hear about the stars and galaxies up in the night sky! If the weather is kind to us, we’ll go outside and see some of these wonders for ourselves. Speakers from the Astronomical Society of Glasgow. Please book limited places, please pay at time of booking. Cost: Adults: £6; Children: £4.80 (RSPB members: £4.80/£3.80). For bookings and further info: Email. lochwinnoch@rspb. org.uk Tel. 01505 842 663

SATURDAY 16TH Christmas Tree Tagging Finlaystone Country Estate Langbank Saturday 16th November onwards daily. A great family day out bagging your tree for the festive season! £10 for any tree and free entry onto the estate.

Calder Church Christmas Fayre McKillop Hall, Main Street, Lochwinnoch 10am to 12noon Stalls include:- Home Baking, Christmas Stall (cards, paper & gifts), Jewellery & accessories, Books, DVDs, CDs, Toys, Bottle Stall (non alcoholic), Bric-a-Brac, Hamper, Lucky Dip and lots more. Adult £2.50 Child FREE includes tea, coffee, juice and Christmas goodies. All Welcome.

Bridge of Weir SWI Coffee Morning Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir 10am to 12noon In the Pirie, £3 for tea, coffee and cakes.

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Bishopton Art Group’s Christmas Art and Crafts Fair

Looking for that perfect Christmas present?

With a variety of products for sale, from local amateur artists and crafts people.

Tea, coffee and great home baking also available. Free parking (5-minute walk from Bishopton railway station). Free entry.

TUESDAY 19TH Howwood WI Howwood Village Hall, Howwood, PA9 1BB 7.30pm Visiting Peru, by Mary Turner

WEDNESDAY 20TH Kilmacolm Horticultural Society November Lecture Kilmacolm Community Centre, 7.30pm Sara Packham, director of Ardardan Estate will tell the story of development of ‘Ardardan’ - Nursery, Farm shop, Tearooms - which was inspired by her parents Rob and May Montgomery following their move from the Brown Egg Farm at Houston. See our website: www.kilmacolmhorticultural.com

THURSDAY 21ST OUTLOOK Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 4pm Storytelling

THURSDAY 21ST - SATURDAY 23RD Agatha Crusty and the Murder/Mystery Dinner Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street 7.30pm Kilbarchan Parish Church Drama Group presents a comedy by Derek Webb suitable for all the family - a hilarious evening’s entertainment. Tickets £8, school age £5, on sale in Bobbins. This is suitable for all the family and will ensure a hilarious evening’s entertainment.

KDS The Wizard of Oz Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 7pm, Sat matinee 2pm KDS have a large cast, and the energetic support of local children as Munchkins and Monkeys, which will ensure this will be a lively and exciting show. Full of songs, dances and lots of opportunities for audience participation, this family friendly production is sure to engage young and old. So for the perfect preparation for the Festive Season, follow the Yellow Brick Road to Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm! See www. kilmacolmdramaticsociety.co.uk for further details and tickets.

(In)VISIBLE Women Event Join us on Wednesday 6th November at Johnstone Town Hall, starting at 6pm for drinks, 6.30pm - 8pm for performances, talks and workshops, and time to chat and mingle from 8pm - 8.30pm.

Our (in)VISIBLE Women Event brings together people across Renfrewshire and beyond to celebrate and recognise the invisible work of women and non-binary people in Scotland!

Women do much more of the housework, childcare, caring for older adults and volunteering here in Scotland. Our Equalities Collective campaigning group have been hearing from women across Scotland about their experiences. Come along and celebrate with a relaxing evening connecting with others and sharing experiences: As well as the launch of the (in)VISIBLE Women Report, there will be music, comedy, drama, talks, a raffle and colouring and games for the kids. **Exciting speakers and performers to be announced!

The whole community are welcome. All donations from the tickets will go towards our event costs. See you there!

Get Your Dancing Shoes On 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.

FRIDAY 22ND Carrick Nights Winter Concert Series Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 8pm Sonia, Paula, Louise, Claire, Jennifer, Lynne, Joanne and Jim make up Aria! Also performing is classical accordionist, Ryan Corbett. Tickets: £12 (Adult) £5 (Child / Student) To request more information and tickets please call 01505 229 597 or email: thecarrickcentre@gmail.com

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SATURDAY 23RD Houston & Killellan Kirk Guild Victorian Christmas Market West Halls, Main Street, Houston PA6 7EL (next to Carrick Centre and Village Hall) 10.30am to 1pm Come along to our Victorian Christmas Market. Stalls include baking, preserves, toiletries, children’s gifts - many under £1 - knitting, lucky bags/boxes, gift mugs, 2 luxury hampers in the prize draw, raffles, competitions, book stall, crafts stall, and many more for you to browse, and of course ,a visit from Santa.

SUNDAY 24TH Light Up a Life this Christmas Corseford School, Howwood Road, Howwood 4.30pm Our dedication event will begin at 4.30pm at the Corseford School, with a candlelit procession along our footpath, ending in the Hospice Courtyard. So wrap up warm and join us as hundreds of lights are lit to shine out this Christmas in memory of those being honoured.

Family Volunteering RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 1pm to 3.30pm Who says that volunteering is only for grownups! Kids, bring the grownup in your life to our reserve. Come and do a days practical volunteering at our beautiful reserve, and help us to give nature a home. Please book as places are limited.

For bookings and further info: Email. lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk Tel. 01505 842 663. Free entry.

Walk With A Ranger – Dunrod Circular The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, Greenock 11am to 1pm Come for a walk in the hills behind the centre and get marvellous views over the Clyde and Greenock.

WEDNESDAY 27TH Johnstone High Christmas Gift and Craft Fayre Johnstone High School, Beith Road, Johnstone PA5 0JN 6pm to 8pm Jump right into the Christmas spirit at our annual Christmas Gift and Craft fayre.

Plenty to choose from with over 30 stalls; gifts for all the family.

THURSDAY 28TH

FRIDAY 29TH Annual Quiz Fleming Road, Houston The Houston and Killellan Agricultural Society Annual Quiz. Tickets £5 to include a light supper. For more information contact Isabelle Stuart issistuart@gmail.com

Kilbarchan Christmas Light Switch On Steeple Square, Kilbarchan 7pm With a reindeer and sleigh, Santa will make an appearance, with a variety of music and entertainment throughout. George Bowie will compere the evening between 7pm and 8pm. Switch on will be at approx 7.30pm.

SATURDAY 30TH Bearsden Fiddlers West Halls, Main Street, Houston PA6 7EL (next to Carrick Centre and Village Hall) 7pm The ever popular Fiddlers are returning to Houston! Tickets (£5). Contact: Kate on 01505 613676 or email: grannykate284@gmail.com

Volunteer Craft Fair Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch 11am to 3pm Come and buy eco friendly gifts made from natural materials. Details can be found on the Park’s website www.clydemuirshiel. co.uk or by emailing rangers.castlesemple@ clydemuirshiel.co.uk

Brighter Bridge of Weir’s Pop-Up Stall Event Livery Walk, Bridge of Weir 10am to 1pm With a range of other items, such as seasonal table decorations and candles, home-made cakes, confectionary, marmalade and jams and, of course, the nearly-famous Rustic Reindeer! This year, they are available to pre-order. Just call Neil on 01505 613043, or 07969 642487. (Don’t forget you can keep up to date with Brighter Bridge of Weir on Facebook.)

December SATURDAY 30TH Kilbarchan Parish Messy Church Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street 4pm to 6pm Remember to bring an adult to join in the fun!

SUNDAY 1ST

Movie Night - It’s a Wonderful Life

Houston Christmas Lights

The Old Kirk, High Street, Kilmacolm 7pm for 7.30pm

Join us for the Christmas Light switch on Main Street, Houston from 4pm.

Houston Village 4pm

Please note: There will be no Movie Night in December.

Christmas Market

Christmas Fayre

Fox and Hounds, Main Street, Houston 3pm to 8pm

Gryffe High School, Old Bridge of Weir Road, Houston 6.30pm to 8.30pm Don’t miss Gryffe High School’s Christmas Fayre. Lots of lovely Christmas gift, crafts and activities on offer for all the family.

Tickets £3 adults / £1 children.

November 2019

Join us at the Fox and Hounds Christmas Market which ties in with the Christmas Light switch on. Outdoor marquee hosting 50 Christmas themed stalls!!! Music, Santa parade, choir, and more!

A Christmas Concert St Machar’s Church, Kilbarchan Road, Bridge of Weir 3pm You are invited to a Christmas Concert performed by the Clydebank Citadel Band. Tickets £5 (includes refreshments) available from Morven. Tel: 01505 612286.

FARMERS MARKETS

1st SAT 1st & 3rd SUN 2nd SAT & last SAT 2nd SUN

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 10am - 2pm Loch Lomond Shores 10am - 3pm Tel: 07977 179 861 Paisley Cross 10am - 2pm Tel: 01655 770217 Kip Marina, Inverkip 11am - 4pm www.kipmarina.co.uk

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Next deadline - Friday

15th November

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Sport NEws REGULAR meets KEEP FIT

Move it or Lose it!

Old Gourock and Ashton Church, Mondays at 1.30pm Bridge of Weir, Tuesdays at 10.30am Greenock, Tuesdays at 2pm Houston, Thursdays at 10.30am Kilbarchan, Thursdays at 2.30pm More than just a fitness class for the over 60s. Anyone wishing to join any of the classes should contact Fiona 07811 766672 to book their place.

Zumba Light

St Fillan’s Church, Kilmacolm Mondays at 10am

All the fun and energy of Zumba but at a lighter pace! Fabulous music, full of fun - a fantastic class for for all levels.

Contact Mo 07505 126416.

Step

Freeland’s Church Hall Tuesdays at 6.45pm

A brilliant new Reebok Step class.

Lots of fun, fab music and a fantastic workout. Why not come along and give it a go? Contact Mo 07505 126416.

Zumba

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm Tuesdays at 7.45pm

Entry level class suitable for all fitness levels. Come dance yourself fit at Zumba, no experience necessary!

Contact Diane 07943 862775.

Boogie Effect with Jen

Kilmacolm Guide Hut, Woodrow Ave Saturdays at 9.10am - 10am A unique dance based fitness class, bringing together the heart-pumping fun of boogie with the strength and conditioning effects of dance techniqes to create long, lean, strong and healthy bodies that aren’t just the privilege of the pros! All welcome.

Call Jennifer 07709 340675 or f: @ boogieeffectwithjen

Pilates classes

St Machars Church Hall, Bridge of Weir - Mondays at 9.30am & 10.40am Kilmacolm Community Centre Mondays at 6.30pm Tel: Yvonne 07786 224367 or yvonne@ clydephysiotherapy.co.uk

Kilellan Halls Houston, Monday Evenings at 6pm - 7pm/ 7.20pm - 8.20pm/ 8.30pm - 9.30pm

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

Kilmacolm Community Centre, Wednesdays at 6.15pm - 7.15pm & 7.30pm - 8.30pm

For more information or to book a class call Jennifer Sloan 07731 303709 or email jennifer-mcghee@hotmail.co.uk

Fitsteps with Jennifer

Kilmacolm Guide Hut, Woodrow Ave Mondays at 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Strictly inspired dance/fitness class that allows you to learn the basics of ballroom and latin style in a fun environment. All welcome. Call Jennifer 07709 340675 or f: @fitstepswithjennifer.

ATHLETICS

Kilbarchan Athletic Club On-X, Linwood Mondays & Thursdays at 7pm

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990.

MARTIAL ARTS

Strathgryffe Gents Dominate in the Nationals Strathgryffe gents have recently won the division 1 title of the Scottish National League tennis competition.

Taekwon-Do

The team consisting of Robbie, Lee & Daniel Wishart, Scott Docherty, Steven Leighton, and Sam Goulding all played in the competition.

The team played 4 tough opponents in Prestwick, St Serfs, Kinnoull and Cults Tennis Clubs, winning all four matches in the process.

Call 07951 365166 for details.

Kilmacolm Golf Club, Ladies

The Shotokan Karate Club

Woodlands Primary, Linwood Mondays & Thursdays at 7pm-8pm/ 8pm - 9pm www.linwoodkarate.co.uk

Johnstone Sports Complex PA5 0LD Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6pm

Clyde Judo Club

Park Mains High, Tuesdays at 7pm - 9pm Bishopton Community Centre, Fridays at 6pm - 8pm Children and young adults from the age of 6 -18 are welcome. (www.clydejudo.org.uk)

SPORTS Bridge of Weir Ladies Badminton

BoW Primary School, Warlock Road Modays at 7.30pm - 9.30pm

Gryffe Badminton

Strathgryffe Tennis Club Tuesdays at 8pm

Greenock Hockey Club

Inverclyde Academy, Greenock Wednesdays at 6.30pm - 8pm

Contact Liz Baldwin 07944 607005

Birkmyre Rugby Club

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

DANCE Bishopton Belles Line Dancing Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Hall Tuesdays at 6.30pm - 8.30pm

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

FOOTBALL 5-a-side Football

Powerleague Paisley Modays at 6pm Tel: Jim on 01505 874215; or jimbretherton@aol.com

Football Training

Johnstone High School Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6pm - 9pm Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details.

WALKING

On 24th September our annual ladies outing was to Auchterarder Golf Course. A fabulous day was enjoyed by all.

The winning team were Sandra Macdougal, Diane Cunning and Fiona Malcolm with an amazing 47 points. Very well played ladies!

The Ladies Committee enjoyed a chilly and windy day at West Kilbride on the 26th September.

The winning couple were Marion Stewart and Lynsie Bulloch. A great day was had by all.

On Thursday 3rd October 24 Ladies played in Our Fun Final Swing.

This was flag competition and enjoyed by all. Irene Hicks was the worthy winner with Alison Watson as runner up.

We had our annual Macmillan coffee morning on the 27th September kindly organised by Lynda Bradley. The final figure raised was £835. Special thanks to our amazing bakers who provided such a delicious spread and to Netta, Carolyn, Elspeth and Alison our hostesses on the day. The winner of the “dunk the biscuit” was Sandra Macdougal - well done Sandra obviously well practices on this art!! A huge thank you everyone who supported this incredible cause.

Brookfield Bowling Club The picture shows Brookfield Bowling Club Presentation of Prizes for 2019. President Dennis Taylor is accompanied by Club Champions David Dobson and Marion Stromberg and all the other competition winners during the year.

Kilmacolm Walkers

Birkmyre Park Pavillion, Kilmacolm Thursdays at 10am

David 01505 874192 kilmacolmwalkers@ talktalk.net

Lochwinnoch Community Walk The Cross, Lochwinnoch Mondays at 10.30am (excl. public holidays)

Bridge of Weir Walking Group Tuesdays Outside Co-op at 10.30am

1 hour walks. Call Senga on 0141 842 3000.

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November 2019

Kilmacolm Tennis Club A stunning day for the Kilmacolm Tennis Club Championships saw some very competitive matches played in front of the club’s biggest ever crowd.

First up was the Gents Doubles with our youngest ever finalists Zander Davies, 15, and Ben Wilson, 18, up against the holders - Ali Robertson and Graham Marr. Zander and Ben put up a decent fight, before succumbing in two sets.

Ali Robertson was the holder of the Gents’ Singles title as well, and the final was a repeat of last year’s epic against Roy Fraser. During a thrilling match, when a tie break seemed inevitable, Ali managed to win it 7-5 and maintaining the same high intensity and quality of tennis, he took the second set as well.

The Ladies Doubles final pitted Freda Robertson and club secretary Sian Nicol against a pair of former champions from the ladies 1st team. An “A. Murray” coming back from injury to win a title, is the stuff of Scottish tennis dreams. In fact both Ann Murray and Liz Moisin were returning to competition this year after long lay-offs. The match ended in a two set victory for Liz and Ann. In the Super Senior Ladies Doubles competition, Sian Nicol and Rosemary Nott beat Pauline Macklin and Heather Wylie in two sets. The Ladies singles Championship was awarded to its youngest ever winner – the talented 13-year-old Eleanor Cochran.

There was a fitting finale to the day. Outgoing captain, Marion Wardell was paired with men’s captain Roy Fraser. Up against them, Ali Robertson was paired with his significant other, Kirsten Begg. In the end youth triumphed and after a cracking final set, Kirsten and Ali were crowned Mixed Doubles Champions.

Congratulations are due to all the finalists – and their families! New members are invited to take advantage of the reduced rate winter memberships available at £10 per month from now till the end of March. Photo (l to r) Roy Fraser, Marian Wardell, Kirsten Begg and Ali Robertson

Got NEWS?

Got any sports news? Please send your news in to info@advertizer. co.uk.

Pictures are welcome but we do ask that they be at least 1MB in size, .jpg files, and no smaller than 5cm in width or height.

If you have group images we like them to be even bigger so that faces are visible!

This is all to ensure that pictures are printed clearly and not blurry or pixelated!

Kilmacolm Golf Club Ladies

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Next deadline - Friday

15th November

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Dry Eyes

by Kerry Taher, New Vision Opticians Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common conditions worldwide, and certainly one which we deal with on a daily basis. Typically both eyes are affected, often bloodshot, sometimes a bit sticky on waking up. There can also be intermittent blurring of vision which clears just after blinking. Other symptoms include gritty, itchy, burning, filmy, and even watery eyes. The severity of symptoms is hugely variable but usually mild. The two basic categories are when not enough tears are produced, or when tears evaporate too quickly (much more common).

Causes of dry eyes can be increasing age, dehydration, hormonal changes, certain medications, previous eye surgery or underlying eye or health conditions. Environmental factors such as airconditioning and using computers can also cause dry eyes. One study showed that for every 7 hours of computer use, the average user will have lost out on 4,000 blinks due to a reduced blink rate!

There are various treatments available for the mild dry eye sufferer; simple lubricants 2-4 times a day and eyelid hygiene is all that is usually required. There are watery drops which don’t affect vision but only provide short-term relief. Gels will relieve symptoms for longer with only a slight initial blurring of vision for 1-2 minutes.

For maximum relief, ointments are best, usually lasting for hours but with noticeable blurring of vision for several minutes – typically these are used just before bed.

For the more severe sufferer, drops will be needed more often, and in certain cases antibiotics or anti-inflammatories may also be necessary. Extra treatments are also available if required, such as punctal plugging where tiny plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to restrict the drainage of the tears. For more information, please call 01505 614700.

First Ever Community Fitness Week Community Fitness Week is a brand new initiative coming to Inverclyde as part of a national campaign to raise the awareness of fitness in community venues across the UK. Community fitness instructors from all regions of the UK are signing up to the week, with the campaign for this year named #fitnessforfood. Fitness instructors will run their regular classes with every class participant, new or regular, being asked to bring a non-perishable item of food to their class, which the instructor will deliver to their local food bank.

The #fitnessforfood drive is set to make a huge positive impact on local communities with 1,000 instructors expected to sign up.

Local dance fitness instructor Jennifer Lang is an ambassador for the Community Fitness Network, the driving force behind the campaign. Jennifer says “I am excited to be part of this initiative raising the profile of community fitness as well gathering valuable donations for the Inverclyde Food Bank, which everyone knows is a vital resource for so many families. For me, being a dance fitness instructor is not just about fitness. It’s about bringing people together, allowing them to grow their social circles, and enabling them to experience the mental health benefits of exercise as well as the physical benefits.”

Jennifer runs two classes in Kilmacolm Guide Hut and details can be found in the regular meets section.

If any other local instructors are interested in getting involved in the campaign please go to www.communityfitnessweek.co.uk to sign up.

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November 2019

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340

School NEws REGULAR GROUPS EVERY MONDAY

EVERY THURSDAY

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers

Houston Toddlers

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

Kilmacolm Playgroup

McKillop Hall 9.45am - 11.30am

Kilmacolm Playgroup

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm 9.30am - 11.30am

Howwood Baby & Toddler Group Howwood Parish Church 10am - 12noon

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

EVERY TUESDAY

Church Hall, Main Street, Houston 9.30am - 11.30am St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm 9.30am - 11.30am

Howwood Playgroup Howwood Church Hall 9.45am - 11.35am

EVERY FRIDAY Langbank Playgroup Langbank Village Hall 9.45am - 11.45am

For 2.5 - 5yr olds. Contact: Lisa McFadden 07940 313094.

Langbank Under 3’s

Kilbarchan Scout Hall 10am-12noon

Church Hall, Langbank 10am - 11.45am

£2 contribution. Tea, coffee & biscuits.

For children from birth to 3 years

Bridge of Weir Toddlers

Baby and Toddler Group

Kilmacolm Playgroup

£2 includes children’s snack and tea/ coffee. Lots of different toys to play with. All welcome.

Kilbarchan Tots

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, BoW 9.30am - 11.30am St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm 9.30am - 11.30am

Howwood Playgroup

Howwood Church Hall 9.45am 11.35am

EVERY WEDNESDAY Kilmacolm Toddlers

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm 10am - 11.30am For children from birth to 3 years.

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers McKillop Hall 9.45am - 11.30am

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

Howwood Playgroup

Elderslie Kirk, Main Rd, Elderslie 9.30am - 11.30am

Community Bookbug Sessions St Columba’s Junior School, Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm 9.30 - 10am

1ST & 3RD FRIDAY Renfrewshire Inverclyde Twins Club McKillop Hall, Lochwinnoch 1pm -2.30pm

£3. Bring a mug along for a cuppa.

@GryffeAds @GryffeAds

Howwood Church Hall 9.45am - 11.35am

Bridge of Weir Primary Outdoor Learning by the P5 News Team This month we have been very busy.

Even the Nursery has been working hard with their new outdoor area.

The new den is at the back of the nursery playground and has an outdoor kitchen, small chairs, and a canopy. Unfortunately, there is a problem with vandalism. We are looking for support to help prevent it, if anyone can help? Sometimes people may wish to enter to get out of the rain, but please do not remove any items or cause any damage.

Thank you. On a positive note, the nursery love outdoor learning and go in-and-out in all weathers using their puddle suits.

The P2s have been enjoying a new activity called All Weather Wednesdays. This is when pupils go outside on Wednesdays no matter the weather (unless it’s a blizzard or a thunderstorm!) They do science, den building, art, building bird feeders – even sticks and leaf hunting – they love exploring The Secret Forest. The P2s are really enjoying going outside.

Primary 6 have also been exploring the outdoors through the STEM project called Flying Fish. This involved an all day visit to the river in their wellies and waterproofs. One of the things they had to do was kick over stones to find vertebrates and invertebrates inside the rocks. They then looked at what they found under a microscope, so they felt like proper scientists.

They learned about fly-fishing and electro fishing. The health of the river was also tested. The good news is that the Gryffe is healthy because of the fish and invertebrates living there, but perhaps not so healthy because of all the invasive plants.

The P6 pupils told our reporters it was great to learn about science through our local environment. Parents got involved too, and we appreciated their help.

And a date for your diary. The school Christmas Fair is on Thursday 21st November.

Duchal Nursery Many thanks to the lovely volunteers from Colourful Kilmacolm, who recently visited Duchal and guided the children in the art of bulb planting. When Spring arrives our pots and borders will certainly make this corner of Kilmacolm more colourful. The children really enjoyed learning some gardening skills and meeting some of our resident bugs, worms and beetles that were hiding in the garden!

Our latest topic of opposites has caused much hilarity and the latest of “sweet and sour” certainly caused some strange reactions during our taste test!!! With darker evenings after the clock change our next opposite will be “dark and light”.

We are currently taking registrations for August 2020, Duchal is an independent nursery with our children moving on to various local schools in Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and Glasgow, if you would like to find out more, please come and visit the Nursery to meet the teachers and see our facilities. Contact us on 01505 874358 or email: info@duchal.com Visit our website www.duchal.com and our Facebook page for further information.

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15th November

St. Fillan’s Primary School Fairtrade Coffee Morning We were delighted to welcome along our parents, families, members of the community and Parishioners from St. Fillan’s and Killelan Parish Church to our first ‘Fairtrade Coffee Morning’ of this school session. The children in the Fairtrade Committee organised the event and were on hand to welcome guests, serve tea, coffee and cakes and they facilitated the highlight of the morning - the Fairtrade raffle.

The children’s efforts were rewarded as they managed to raise £80 for Fairtrade and £83.57 for their chosen charity, which was St. Vincent’s Hospice.

We would like to thank everyone who came along to support the children, our school, and this worthwhile event.

Team Clean Up Our whole school took part in Renfrewshire Council’s ‘Team Clean Up’ event which is an initiative designed to encourage everyone to play their part in helping to keep local areas free from litter.

The children helped to clean up the school playground, Houston Park and the area surrounding the Co-op. They managed to fill eight large sacks of rubbish and were very pleased with their efforts.

It was lovely to see our older children support the younger ones whilst doing something worthwhile to help their local community.

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Kilmacolm Playgroup Its been an exciting few weeks at Playgroup. Our children looked at the topic of Road safety and transport, and we had our very own Zebra crossing in the hall. Each child had the opportunity to be a lollipop person, an excellent lesson in role play helping them to understand the importance of all aspects of road safety. The classic story of The Very hungry Caterpillar was our next topic, and the children enjoyed reading the book and the fun crafts that went with it.

Once again we had visitors in the shape of dinosaurs, lots of fun with breaking dinosaurs out of ice, and looking for dinosaur bones in sand. Lots of roaring dinosaurs in Playgroup, and a fun time had by all.

Playgroup is open to all children from 2 years 4months and operates on a Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9.30am - 11.30am.

Spaces available, please email playgroupmembership@gmail.com for further information.

Are you a new parent, or new to our village or surrounding villages?

Our baby & toddler group is open as a drop in session every Wednesday morning from 10am - 11.30am. Pop in for a hot drink and cake while your child enjoys a play; a healthy snack is also provided for children. A great chance to meet new friends and find out all about our fabulous group. Open to all parents, carers and grandparents.

The first Wednesday of every month within the toddler group is our brand new BBB (babies, bumps and boobs) group. This is a group for all new parents and expectant mums. Each month we have breast feeding co-ordinators and other useful information available.

Cameo Club The children in Primary seven were invited to attend the ‘Cameo Club’s’ social afternoon at the Houston Church Hall. The children entertained the guests with some singing, and Lewis played some tunes on his clarinet.

The children were duly thanked by the ladies and gents with cups of tea, cakes and an opportunity to play board games together.

It was a great experience for everyone and encouraging to see the nurturing of intergenerational partnerships!

St Anthony’s Primary School St. Anthony’s Room 4 pupils thoroughly enjoyed their time at the Maths Week Scotland Event. There were several events and activities planned throughout Scotland to celebrate the importance of maths in our everyday lives. Our children were thrilled to participate, and were among those who won a prize a £50 voucher to buy resources for their class. Congratulations to them and Mrs Henderson for all their hard work.

We are also pleased that our primary six and seven pupils, together with Fordbank Primary, have had the opportunity to be involved in a collaboration with local artist Lauren Anderson. They are to create and design a theme to decorate the Fordbank Underpass.

The local Tenants & Residents Association are delighted that the much needed upgrade will take place soon and that its local school children who will be involved in painting the murals.

There is also excitement as we look forward to our Halloween Disco on the 30th October. A night to “eat drink and be scary” and of course our teachers and helpers will “keep calm and carry a wand”!!

A “spooktacular” night with wonderful imaginative costumes.

There will be a prize for the best costume but it truly gets harder to judge every year!

As the nights are drawing in so fast now, it really won’t be long till our Christmas Fayre, which this year is on Friday 6th December and will be hosted by our fabulous teaching staff. A warm welcome is extended to one and all.

For more information on any of our groups have a look at our new website on www.kilmacolm-playgroup.com or find us on our Facebook for latest information.

Howwood Primary School We have had a wonderful start to the year at Howwood Primary School. Our new values have been chosen and we are working hard to ‘Create Good Citizens’. To support our kindness value, all pupils will lead a charity event this year.

Primary 7 kicked this off with their Macmillan C o f f e e Morning.

They baked an enormous amount of delicious cakes and invited parents, carers and family along to their community coffee morning. They raised the amazing amount of £520. Primary 6/5 are busy planning a Swinging Sixties afternoon to raise money for St. Vincent’s Hospice, and P1 and P2 are collecting for the shoe box appeal.

P6 pupils had a sporty start to the year by taking part in swimming lessons, the Renfrewshire Road Race and their Bikeability training (despite the weather). The have all passed their Level 1 Bikeability course Maths Week was full of mathematical challenges, outdoor learning, family maths, learning about maths at work and working with money. Primary 1 went down to the local shop to spend their pennies, and P7 headed to Johnstone High for a cluster challenge.

Learning has been enhanced throughout the school with World War 2 being brought to life in the P7 classroom, P2 making bread for their Harvest topic, and a visit from the Zoolab for P3’s Rainforest topic.

We are really looking forward to the winter term.

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November 2019

St Columba’s, Kilmacolm Sporting Superstars Flourish at St Columba’s

St Columba’s sporting stars have been in top form this term claiming a myriad of medals across a number of sports.

Charlie B (Trans E) participated in the Scottish Tetrathlon Championships which took place at Dollar Academy earlier this month. Tetrathlon is a multi-discipline competition comprising of pistol shooting, cross country running, swimming and finally horse riding and jumping. We are delighted that Charlie won the U13’s boys section. He won both the shooting and swimming phases for his section and achieved maximum points for his ride. He was also awarded the trophy for achieving the highest score at the competition.

On the court, the S1 and S2 netball teams kicked off their Scottish School’s Cup campaigns against Trinity High School. Both S1 and S2 put up strong performances and won their matches convincingly. Well done to all the players who represented the school exceptionally well both on and off the court.

Our Rugby and Hockey players have also been taking their game international. Both rugby and hockey teams are currently on a tour of Canada, combining sightseeing with challenging themselves against some of Canada’s finest players.

And finally, - Kirsty M (SVI) secured a gold medal at the Scottish National Trampoline, DMT (Double Mini Trampoline) & Tumbling championships in Perth.

Christmas is coming at St Columba’s!

As we catch our breath from a busy first term, we look forward to what’s in store over the winter months. On Saturday 7th December join us for lots of family fun at our annual Christmas Fayre. We will have stalls selling a range of gifts, real Christmas trees, Christmas baking, Santa’s Grotto, live musical performances and much more!

Then on Monday 16th December, live from Greenock Town Hall, we have our Musical Celebration, where you can enjoy an evening of the best music St Columba’s has to offer. A fitting way to get into the full of the spirit of Christmas!

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15th November

Gryffe High News

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Langbank Primary School

ADHD Awareness Week Gryffe pupils teach the staff about ADHD. After school, pupils Ben, Jack and Nathan - gave a presentation to over 20 staff on how ADHD affects them, along with Duncan who is Ben’s S6 Buddy.

They provided strategies that staff could use to help them in class.

Ben and Duncan created a handout for staff, with support from Miss O’Hara, and made a small video clip to help raise awareness of ADHD. You can view the video on the school Facebook Page.

Activ8 ...

Activ8 celebrated its 10 year anniversary this session with the annual spread of activities on offer aimed at keeping active bodies and active minds for the 8 weeks of our first term.

Doodle and Destress and Drama Club were busy activities, with all other activities happening in our PE facilities and Badminton, Basketball, Dance, Dodgeball, Football, Gymnastics, Rounders and Running all on offer across the programme.

High numbers of S1 pupils participated each week, with a massive increase in our senior pupil leaders helping at each of the sessions along with our teaching staff.

Although Activ8 finishes now until August 2020, there are various extended curricular opportunities around the school on offer on different days of the week with some new clubs set to begin on Wednesdays after school as a follow on from Activ8.

Mr. G O’Hare – FH Health and Wellbeing

In May 2019 a team of HMIe inspectors visited Langbank Primary School and conducted a very thorough and detailed inspection based around the “Short Inspection Model”.

In August of 2019 the inspection findings were published.

The school achieved a “Very Good” for “Raising Attainment and Achievement” and a “Good” with elements of very good for “Learning and Teaching”.

The inspection report highlighted several key areas including: “The effective leadership of the Head teacher in taking forward improvements in the work of the school …. Along with staff he has developed robust approaches to monitoring children’s progress in their learning” “A nurturing school community where children are polite and well behaved. They are very proud of their unique environment… they engage well in learning tasks and activities and show empathy and respect to one another and their teachers” “ Highly motivated staff across the school who have worked in a focused way to bring about key changes and improvements” Quote from Head Teacher Simon Cundy: “We were delighted with the inspection findings. Over the last 4 years we have worked very hard as a community to take forward many significant changes. We have redeveloped our outdoor learning spaces including the construction of two trim trails, an outdoor classroom and a new school garden. We have also developed the curriculum to ensure that it is challenging and this has been enhanced by the introduction of new pedagogical approaches. As a school, we have set very high expectations for all of our children and this has been reinforced by our school values, which has resulted in a significant improvement in attainment. This is evidenced through national standardised assessments in which a disproportionate number of our children score “very high”.

These changes have taken place as a result of the hard work and professionalism of all of our staff at every level. The positive changes have also been facilitated by the positive links we have with the parents and local community. Above all the increased attainment has been achieved by the efforts of our wonderful children!”

Gryffe High Christmas Fayre 28th November, 6.30pm-8.30pm Don’t miss Gryffe High School’s Christmas Fayre!

Lots of lovely Christmas gift, crafts and activities on offer for all the family.

The big raffle prize draw will be held at 8.15pm.

Prizes to be won include a luxury hamper, Christmas gifts and many generous vouchers.

Tickets £3 for adults and £1 for children, includes a mince pie, mulled wine or tea/coffee or juice.

Got NEWS?

Got any school news? Please send your news in to info@advertizer. co.uk.

Pictures are welcome but we do ask that they be at least 1MB in size, .jpg files, and no smaller than 5cm in width or height.

If you have group images we like them to be even bigger so that faces are visible!

This is all to ensure that pictures are printed clearly and not blurry or pixelated!

Gryffe Valley Rotary - Youth Events Plans are being made for Gryffe Valley Rotary to run several competitions for young people, including Young Chef, Youth Speaks, Young Writer, and the Primary School Quiz. Local schools are being invited to take part. Entries will be through each of the schools.

Planning is also well advanced for nights out at The Experience for deserving Young Carers during Young Carers Awareness Week 27th to 30th January 2020.

For more information visit www.gryffevalley.rotary1230.org

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November 2019

Houston Primary School

Pupils from the school Gardening Club went to plant spring bulbs and fill planters at a supported living complex in Johnstone, in partnership with Quarriers and B & Q. The residents will be able to enjoy spending time in their sensory garden all year round. The pupils had a great time and even got a special thank you treat from the residents.

Renfrewshire Road Race Pupils from Primary 6 & 7 took part in Renfrewshire’s inter-school road race. Primary 7 pupil, Zara Redmond outclassed all other competitors, crossing the finish line well ahead of any other pupil.

An outstanding athlete, with a great future ahead. Well done Zara!

Primary 7 boys and Primary 6 girls gained an overall second place in their categories. Thank you to the staff and parents who went along to support our athletes.

Maths Week Our pupils worked extremely hard during Maths Week, creating mathematical stories, posters and taking part in the national Sumdog competition, with Mrs Sime’s P7 pupils gaining 29th place and Mrs Ellis’ P4/5 pupils gaining 83rd place out of 6427 classes, demonstrating their excellent attainment levels.

Aidan Smith from P7 demonstrated his amazing mathematical ability by coming 49th out of approximately 200,000 pupils.

To ‘sum’ it up, Maths Week was a great success!

CAMEO Club Pupils from the Gardening Club, shared their gardening knowledge and expertise with members of Houston’s CAMEO Club. They gave a very clear and informative presentation on all the fruit and vegetables they had successfully grown from seed to the harvest stage. The members were very impressed, especially Mrs Dawson.

Afterwards the pupils engaged in gardening word searches and crossword puzzles with the members of the club.

The pupils received a lovely thank you gift for their efforts.

St Benedict’s High School St Benedict’s High School, Linwood recently celebrated the successes of their young people at their annual awards ceremony.

Michelle McManus made a very special guest appearance to help pupils celebrate and enjoy a fantastic night.

Amongst the many awards of the evening, pupils received awards for Academic Achievement, Creativity, Sporting Achievements, Volunteering and a Literature reward dedicated to the late Jan Merrick, who was a highly respected member of the English department. Josh Kerrigan and Lucy Kyle received the Dux awards after achieving fantastic results in their SQA exams, Lucy Parducci was awarded the Jan Merrick Award, Daniel Okungbowa received the Benedictine award and Calum Orr and Nikki Lavery received awards for the charity work they have been actively involved in.

A fantastic night was had by all – congratulations to all pupils and staff involved!

Houston Toddlers We have been having a great time at toddlers with our new toys and soft play. It has been a busy time for us at Halloween, and we are now looking forward to our Christmas activities.

On the 12th December we are having Rouken Glen Pottery; payment for this will be taken on 12th December, and items delivered the following week.

Thursday 19th December is a very special day at toddlers as we are hoping we will have a very welcome visitor at our Christmas party... Please come along and join us on Thursday mornings in the West Halls ,from 9.30am until 11.30am. We would appreciate if you would bring your own cup (preferably with a lid) and a cup for the children.

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Next deadline - Friday

15th November

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Outdoor NEws Colourful Kilmacolm

Bridge Of Weir Horticultural Society

In our last article we commented on the mixed blessing that rainy weather represented for gardeners. However sometimes the weather gets it absolutely spot on, and that was certainly the case for the St Columba’s School Summer Fete, as our picture shows, where Colourful Kilmacolm had a stall with information about ourselves, a competition for youngsters, plants for sale and, of course, the opportunity to become a member or just give a donation. It was a very successful day, resulting in quite a few new members and, as importantly, more awareness in the village of what we do.

This month Paul Matthews, retired Curator of Glasgow Botanic Gardens, will talk about pruning and the care of gardening tools, secateurs etc. We meet on November 14th at 8pm in The Bridge.

Non-members are always welcome.

Late October signals for us the end of the summer floral displays. You may have seen our volunteer gardeners removing plants, however reluctantly, and planting bulbs for next spring. If you would like to be involved, either actively or by donating, visit www. colourfulkilmacolm. org.uk or phone Peter (01505 872448) or Liz (07963 973031) for more information.

Any remaining bulbs should be planted 2.5 times deeper than bulb size. The flatter part is the base; the pointed end the top but if unsure, plant bulbs on their sides. If in pots, cover with grit to protect bulbs from the rain and this will also prevent splatter when foliage appears. Plants too should be dug in but not if the soil is frosted – cold, damp soil will shock the plant and delay rooting.

Bare-rooted plants should be given a short, wake-up drink in water but potted plants can go straight in after watering. Dust the roots with Mycorhyzzal powder, making sure the powder makes contact with the roots. A traditional Blood, Bone & Fish top dressing will provide slow-releasing nutrients and work organically with the soil through the winter. Top dress Spring flowering shrubs with compost and spread ‘spent’ compost from pots over borders. Collect fallen leaves and place around hard, woody shrubs as a winter mulch and scoop leaves out of ponds. Keep leaves away from soft-stemmed shrubs and off winter flowering plants or bulbs.

November is a good time to catch up with garden chores. Coloured and neutral coloured pots can go into plastics recycling: look for the polypropylene PP5 symbol underneath. Most scanners cannot “see” black pots so put these into general recycling. Symbols PET1, HDPE2, V3, LDPE4, PS6 and Other 7 also relate to recyclable plastics.

Congratulations to Cup Winners at our recent Show: Ewen Brown, Lorna Carruth, Jim Crawford, Lucy Daly, Houston Primary School, Anya Kandyba, Skye Kandyba, Gordon Kyle, Joy McLeod, J J McCann, Elizabeth Manson and Pamela Wilson.

KHS Lecture Wednesday 20th November 7.30pm Kilmacolm Community Centre Kilmacolm Horticultural Society look forward to welcoming you to the November lecture when we are delighted to have with us Sara Packham, director of Ardardan Estate. Sara will tell the story of development of ‘Ardardan’ - Nursery, Farm shop, Tearooms - which was inspired by her parents Rob and May Montgomery following their move from the Brown Egg Farm at Houston.

This will be followed by a brief Annual General Meeting.

Refreshments will be served. Membership of the Society remains at £5, due 1st September annually. See our website: www. kilmacolmhorticultural.com

Kilbarchan Smile Litter Pick Volunteers turned out on the 6th October to join in the Kilbarchan Smile Community Autumn Clear Up, in association with Renfrewshire Council’s ‘Team Up to Clean Up’ campaign. 30 sacks were filled, with additional clearing carried out by our team of ‘ doorstep litter pickers’, who work regularly on problem areas. Thanks go to everyone who took part, everyone who avoids dropping litter in the first place and to Habbies and the Co-op for providing well earned refreshments.

BANNER PHOTOS!

We are always on the lookout for cover photos on the front of each issue and banners in each section of our magazine!

Full-length banners: Half-page banners: Front cover: • .jpg file

• .jpg file

• .jpg file

• at least 5MB

• at least 3MB

• at least 3MB

• h:10cm x w:25cm • h:15cm x w:25cm • h:10cm x w:11cm Please send your images in to info@advertizer.co.uk along with an image caption and your name if you would like printed credit.

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November 2019

Green Corner

What to do about ... Foil From roasting tins to packing our sandwiches, a lot of us use aluminium foil for many things – but should we? Aluminium is a finite resource. As a mineral that is mined from the earth, it is a non renewable resource and it is worth bearing in mind that, similarly to its kitchen partner (in eco-crime) ‘cling film’, each stage of its extraction and processing has an environmental impact. Therefore, it may be an idea to investigate other eco-friendly alternatives.

(Go ahead and Google these: 1. The ‘Wrap-N-Mat’, 2. If You Care Non-Stick Parchment Roasting Bags, DIY Beeswax Wraps and the classic 70s style ‘Brick for Chicken’). There are many more great ideas to be had if you start researching Zero Waste Household.

However many of us may still continue to use foil, but in order to lessen the ‘green guilt’ it is important that we do recycle this resource. First, give it a dunk in your washing water (rather than running the tap) to remove crumbs and food residue. You can only recycle foil if there is a large enough amount of it for the processing machines to identify and separate it. So, secondly, save your foil and when you have a ball the size of a tennis ball or bigger, then put it in the recycling. As well as foil you can usually recycle these other aluminium items too – drinks cans, wine screw tops, takeaway containers and roasting trays. For more info on recycling in your area check out www.recyclenow.com.

It is easy to become a bit despondent when trying to keep up with the many, often conflicting, opinions on best ways to reduce our carbon footprint, and at times eco-remorse can be a bit overwhelming, but the impact on our environment cannot now be ignored. With big businesses unwilling to make significant changes, the change must come from us as consumers to move as much as we can towards zero waste in our households.

Community Garden Receives ‘Outstanding’ Grade This year, Lochwinnoch Community Garden received an ‘outstanding’ grade from ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ and ‘Keep Scotland Beautiful’ campaigns. A fantastic achievement.

The assessor concluded, “This clearly focused group have created a truly sustainable garden in the grounds of Lochwinnoch Parish Church as well as being an educational resource for the local primary school. The group also are the local ‘Bloom’ organisers with numerous planters throughout the village and horticultural input into features such as the War Memorial’.

If you would like to help in the garden get in touch with Morag on 07868 752814 or Liz on 07966 167025.

Tips for Bonfire Night Always make your bonfire a good distance from the house, on soil rather than grass and away from any overgrown area of the garden.

If your garden is small then best attend an organised bonfire. Keep the fire well clear of fences and trees and always keep a bucket of water handy just in case.

Never use accelerants on your fire. Adding fuel to the fire can take it out of control far quicker than you may imagine. Don’t throw anything in the fire other than wood or paper products.

And above all, PLEASE check that there is no wildlife making a wee winter nest in amongst the wood and leaves!

Be safe and enjoy!

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Next deadline - Friday

15th November

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

RSPB Lochwinnoch Reserve What’s on this November?

As we head deeper in to autumn, the trees are now mostly bare of their leaves, and other plants have also reduced their foliage.

The shedding of leaves from the woodland canopy and lessening of foliage on the woodland floor makes this a great time of year for wildlife watching as visibility is at its best. Many birds such as woodpeckers, tree creepers or nuthatches that are normally elusive become much more visible for those partaking in a gentle woodland stroll.

Lots of other birds such as robins, chaffinches, goldfinches and blue tits are also more visible, especially around our feeding stations that can be viewed either as part of a walk or simply by sitting in our visitor centre with a hot drinks and tasty snack.

Photo by Dylan Glynn

Clyde Muirshiel The ranger team at Muirshiel have just completed another ‘Branching Out’ programme of woodland based outdoor activities for people with mental health issues. Working with RAMH the group have been coming to Muirshiel over a 12 week period taking part in photography, green woodworking, bushcraft and practical conservation and by doing so have gained their John Muir Discovery Award.

Autumn is always busy for volunteer groups in the park. In the past few weeks they have been burning sitka spruce piles, clearing ponds, repairing boardwalks and removing vegetation along pathways, as well as collecting wildflower seeds and young scots pine seedlings for germination in spring. If your workplace would like a day out volunteering to help us with practical conservation tasks then get in touch with the Muirshiel rangers on 01505 843271 or Greenock Cut rangers on 01475 529543.

Finally, we say goodbye to Hayley Douglas who is leaving the park to take up a position as the ranger on Tiree. Hayley has been in the park since 2010 – she kept The Advertizer up-to-date with all things gull-related through her position as Tag n’ Track Officer. We wish her all the best for the future.

Bridge of Weir Hillwalkers

Autumn is also the time of year that numbers of waterfowl increase, adding to the variety of wildlife that can be observed around the trails and viewpoints. Whooper swans that arrive each autumn from Iceland can often be found gracefully swimming around the lochs and can be distinguished from our resident mute swans by their yellow bill and typically straighter necks.

Hen harriers can often be spotted gently drifting above the sedges and reeds that form large parts of the Aird meadow as they try to surprise unsuspecting smaller birds. Male hen harriers with their distinctive silvery grey bodies and wings tipped black at the ends make them an easy bird, even for the most novice of wildlife watchers, to spot and as equally a joy for the most experienced.

As the days grow shorter and the air that little crisper, November is a great time to observe the night sky. Many stars and constellations are visible at this time of year, and on 15th November we will be hosting the Astronomical Society of Glasgow who will be running an astronomy evening with short talks and, weather permitting, opportunities to look through their powerful telescopes to see what distant marvels can be seen as well, as our own moon which will be in full glow.

Astronomy Evening RSPB Lochwinnoch Friday 15th November 7.30pm – 9pm Come and hear about the stars and galaxies up in the night sky! If the weather is kind to us, we’ll go outside and see some of these wonders for ourselves. The speakers will be from the Astronomical Society of Glasgow. Please pay when booking as places are limited (refunds available if cancelled over 48hrs before) Cost: Adults: £6; Children: £4.80 (RSPB members: £4.80/£3.80) Please telephone 01505 842 663 to book your places.

The Making of Nature Reserve - An Illustrated Talk

The Lonely Gate

Our last outing was to the Ochils on a fine if windy day with the main party climbing the highest top, Ben Cleuch. Unfortunately our trip to the Pentlands fell foul of the weather.

November will see us out on a “Roman” stretch of the Forth & Clyde canal, followed by our birthday weekend in Oban and an ascent of Meikle Bin in the Carron Valley. Anyone who has not booked up for Oban could join us for a day outing if they wish.

This photo is from the Ochils trip which afforded great views over the Forth to Edinburgh, the Pentlands and the bridges. The lonely gate had survived the total loss of the former fencing. “Please shut the gate!” Want to join in? Email donwwsmith@gmail.com

Photo by Chris Newman

The Crook of Baldoon is a coastal reserve of 196 hectares lying within Wigtown Bay. Since buying the reserve, the RSPB has restored farmland and a willow crop to wet grassland. This provides a breeding habitat for lapwing and redshank, as well as increasing the richness of other wildlife. Join Paul Tarling on Friday 1st November for an illustrated talk on the ‘making’ of this impressive natural habitat. This event is hosted by Renfrewshire RSPB Local Group and will be held at 7.30pm at McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew, PA4 8LX. All welcome. For more information on this event and any others that we have coming up please check out our events listings. For bookings and further info email: lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk or tel: 01505 842 663.

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November 2019

Brighter Bridge of Weir’s Pop-Up Stall Saturday 30th November 10am - 1pm Livery Walk, Bridge of Weir The event was launched to replace the Group’s annual Fun Casino fund-raiser, which ended on the closure of the Legion Club. It’s been very successful, featuring crafts and confections made by the Group’s own volunteers or received as donations.

Especially popular have been the ‘rustic reindeer’, made from offcuts of fallen trees, twigs and branches. They range in size from about 300mm to 450mm high (about 18” - 36”) and are available from £12, depending on the size. They always sell very quickly and were so much in demand last year that the Group had to take orders and keep making them right up until Christmas. This year, they are available to pre-order. Just call Neil on 01505 613043, or 07969 642487.

Also available on the day will be a range of other items, such as seasonal table decorations and candles, homemade cakes, co n fe c t i o n e r y, marmalade and jams. And, as ever, all the money raised will be used by Brighter Bridge of Weir to make a brighter village all year long.

(Don’t forget you can keep up to date with Brighter Bridge of Weir on Facebook.)

Interested in Photography?

Our local camera clubs continually supply us with stunning shots which we use throughout the magazine, sometimes as banners or even front pages. If you’ve been inspired, why not join them and maybe see some of your photographs in print!

Here’s a list of local meetings:

Gryffe Camera Club : Wednesday nights The Carrick Centre, Houston between 7.30pm & 10pm Paisley Colour Photographic Club : Thursday evenings The McMaster Centre, Renfrew. www.paisleycolour.co.uk Diaporama Meeting : 2nd Monday in the month 7.30pm in the Carrick Centre, Houston.

For further information contact Hugh Kerr at 01505 612687 or hughkerr14@gmail. com Langbank Camera Club : 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month For more information please contact Derrick McPherson at langbankcc1@ gmail.com.

man

IMAGE: Dandelion Delight by Kate Cummings, Gryffe Camera Club

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Next deadline - Friday

15th November

Business classified

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

SITUATIONS VACANT

ADVERTISING RATES

TRADES/ SERVICES/ PROPERTY/ VEHICLES BOXED AD £8.00* per column cm PHOTO £8.00* (vehicle/property sales only) * Prices subject to VAT The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 - the Law requires that Advertisers selling goods in the course of a business MUST include the word Trader, Dealer, Agent, Breeder or appropriate wording in the Advertisement to distinguish from private advertisers.

TRADES AND SERVICES

PROPERTY TO LET

TUITION

LINEAGE ADVERT

£16.79 (INC. VAT) FOR 20 WORDS

RUN OF 4 - £53.68

(INC VAT) & 20% DISCOUNT

MISCELLANEOUS

BUSINESS

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY

CHILDCARE Kilmacolm/Quarriers area registered childminders.

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

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

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November 2019

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340

Sales & Wants ADVERTISING RATES

PRIVATE SALES ONLY (MAXIMUM 40 words) UP TO £500 FREE £501 to £1000 £5.00 OVER £1000 Call for details Email your items to: info@advertizer.co.uk or fill in our online form at: www.advertizer.co.uk/adverts/

ITEMS FOR SALE BABY EQUIPMENT Red kite Travel cot - £10. Joie Juva black baby car seat 0-13kgs 3pt. Seat belt £15. Both only used at grannies house.

Tel. 01505 613779.

Maxi-Cosy Mura Plus 3 Travel System.

Pushchair with sunshade, rain-cover, & cosy-toes. Collapsible carrycot. Car seat adaptors included. All in excellent condition. £100 . Tel:07765 550180.

CLOTHES & SHOES Waterproof walking jacket (Protex Vango) bright yellow / size Large in VGC. £15 . Tel: 07990 776288.

Green Gents Kilt Jacket with bone buttons. Size 44” regular. Non smoking home. £40. Tel: 07938 843390.

Burberry Ladies Size 16/18 navy rain/ trench coat. Immaculate. Smoke free home. £80.00 ONO. Tel: 07717 190180 1 pair Gilly Brogue Gents Shoes. Size 7.

Non smoking home. £15. Tel: 07938 843390.

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN 2 seater Bed Settee, never used. £100 ono. Tel: 01505 506385.

Antique Stick Table lamps 22” tall plus Black shades 11” tall. 2 at £20. Tel: 01505 614503.

Ronseal ‘ one coat ‘ Fence Life 12 litre tub, Dark Oak, new and unopened, wrong colour purchased. £6. Tel: 01505 322854.

Hand painted Fire Screen (House of Bath). £15. Tel: 07763 665496.

Lawn scarifier cassette, 14”, to fit Atco, Qualcast, Allett, Webb etc mowers.

Used only twice, but laid up in shed for 2 years - cosmetic blemishes on bright metal parts. Tines all in place and unworn. £45. Tel: 01505 612769 .

1 pair of fully lined striped curtains 108” drop. Still in original packaging. £200 ono.

1 pair of fully lined abstract curtains - 80” drop approximately. Still in original packaging. £50 ono. Tel: 01505 506385 Large hand painted Screen / Room Divider (House of Bath). £35. Tel: 07763 665496.

Beko under counter fridge. Silver. Good condition £30. Tel: 07815 434108 .

Large silky Shag Pile Rug, gold tones.

95” x 60”. Perfect condition. £45. Tel: 07784 256016 Upright Freezer 7 cu.ft. Beko model TZDA524F. Frost free. Dimensions 1455mm high, 545mm wide, 595mm deep. £80. Tel: 01505 614943.

Larder Fridge 5 cu.ft. Currys Essentials model CUL55W12. Dimensions 845mm high, 553mm wide, 574mm deep. £40.

Tel: 01505 614943.

Microwave Oven. Kenwood model K25MSS11 - 900W, 25 litre. Stainless Steel/Black. Dimensions 513mm wide, 430mm deep, 305mm high. £25. Tel: 01505 614943.

2 Le Creuset cast-iron casseroles with lids. Circular 18cm diameter, ultra violet (purple) - £30. Oval 25cm / 3.2litre, volcanic (orange) - £50. Tel: 01505 614943.

SPORTS Golf Clubs - 4 practice Clubs, including Putter & Golf Umbrella. £20. Tel: 01505 326262.

Set of 4 Thomas Taylor Black Lawn Bowls. Size 5. Bag, shoes + extras. £35. Te: 01505 326262.

Golf Clubs - Lynx Matched Set Irons, Cobra Woods - Bags, Caddy Car + Extras. £190. Tel: 01505 326262 Used mountain bike, 26 inch wheels, Shimano 15 gear system in full working order with 2 lever controls from the handle bar, bell, front and rear reflectors and wheel reflectors. Good working order, but there are signs of surface rust on some parts which do affect the bike’s integrity nor its performance. £40. Tel: 07887 773196, email: hmktemp@icloud.com

TECHNICAL & GAMES Cameras. Bagful - 4 x 35mm SLR, 3 x digital compact, lenses and bits. SLR: Olympus OM1, OM10, OM40, Voigtlander Vito B. Compact: Canon Powershot A610, Olympus 6-310, Fuji Finepix F500 (not working). For sale as lot. £60 .

Tel: 01505 612769.

TOYS Toddlers Toys All in very good condition.

Photos on request.

Big Steps Play My little farm with animals and little tractor - £12. Weebles tractor and farmer - £8. ELC Singing animal keyboard - £6. Hamleys wooden xylophone in pastel colours - £6. Melissa and Doug Safari chunky puzzle - £4. Melissa and Doug Around the house sounds puzzle - £5. Tel: 07548 987051.

Large wooden Dolls House with furniture. £40. Tel: 07763 665496.

Childs electric Go Kart , very good condition , in good working order, rarely used, complete with charger and Helmet, suit 3 to 7 year old, along with Childs Black and Decker Workstation. £30 for lot. Tel: 01505 322854 or 07867 548973.

OTHER ITEMS Brand new steel car wheel 6JX15H2 and new Jinyu tyre 185/60 R15. Stored as spare wheel only. £80. Tel: 07736 067169.

Set of 4 winter tyres. 185/55R16. Lightly used but very good tread depth remaining. £30. Tel: 01505 872615.

Singer Treadle Sewing Machine, circa 1920. Oak cabinet. Must be uplifted. £50. Tel: 07543 165835 Various lengths of “Liberty” fabric.

Prices available on request. Tel: 01505 506385.

usefuL NUMBERS EMERGENCY SERVICES

Police/Fire/Ambulance 999 or 101 (non-emergency) Gas Emergency 0800 111 999 Scottish Water 0800 077 8778 SEPA 0300 99 66 99 Floodline 0345 988 1188 Pollution Hotline 0800 80 70 60 Flytipping 0845 2 30 40 90 111 0141 887 9111 01475 633777 0141 201 1100 0141 211 3000

COUNCILS 01475 717171 www.inverclyde.gov.uk/ Renfrewshire 0300 300 0300 www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/

BROOKFIELD Brookfield Village Hall Main Entrance

BRIDGE OF WEIR Co-Op Old Ranfurly Golf Club The Gate House, Bridge of Weir Leather Works

ELDERSLIE Elderslie Golf Club

HOUSTON Co-Op Strathgryffe Squash & Fitness Club (Reception)

JOHNSTONE Keystore, Spateston

POLICE 0800 555 111 01786 289070

Keystore, Corseford

0800 37 36 35 0871 200 2233

Kilmacolm Golf Club

ROADS R.A.L.F Traveline

Bishopton Community Centre

Outside Church Hall, Main Street

Inverclyde

Crimestoppers Police Scotland

BISHOPTON

The Cornerstone, Greenock Road

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club

HOSPITALS NHS 24 Royal Alexandra Inverclyde Royal Queen Elizabeth Gartnavel

DEFIBRILlATOR SITES

HELPLINES Alcoholics Anon 0800 9177 650 Childline 0800 1111 Citizens Advice 0808 800 1007 Consumer Direct 0808 800 9060 Financial Conduct Authority 0800 111 6768 Missing People 116 000 ParentLine 0800 028 2233 Renfrewshire Care 24 0141 314 7148 or 0141 314 7147 Samaritans 116 123 Trading Standards 03454 04 05 06 Victim Support 0800 160 1985

Johnstone Town Hall

KILMACOLM St Columba’s Senior School Gym, Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm Kilmacolm Library (rear of New Surgery)

KILBARCHAN Scout Hall Kilbarchan Bowling Club

LINWOOD Onyx Leisure Centre Spar, Clippens Road Asda

PAISLEY Asda Russell Institute

QUARRIERS

William Quarriers House at entrance CONTENT OF THE GRYFFE ADVERTIZER to Faith Avenue CANNOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT PRIOR CONSENT FROM THE PUBLISHER Country View The Gryffe Advertizer is a magazine published by The Gryffe Advertizer Ltd Advertising throughout The Gryffe Advertizer: Definitions: “Standards” means the British Code of Advertising Practice and the provisions of any law applicable to advertising including, but not limited to, the Trade Descriptions Act, 1968, the Consumer Credit Act 1974, the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988, the Financial Services Act 1986, the Business Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977 and all amendments and replacements.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Editorial throughout The Gryffe Advertizer: The opinions of the Contributors to this Publication are not necessarily the official views of the Publisher.

The Publisher reserves the right to edit or refuse any material submitted for publication.

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

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

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

Tel: Vince 01505 872082.

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Next deadline - Friday

15th November

Business directory

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

BY CATEGORY ACCOUNTANTS & FINANCIAL Affluent Financial Planning . . 16 CLA Accountancy Services . . . 17 Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Innovative Estate Planning Ltd . . 15 Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk

ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES

CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

BATHROOMS

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5

BEDROOMS

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 29

BLACKSMITH & METALWORK

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 33

BUILDING SERVICES

B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 29 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 12 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 37 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 10 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 12 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 33 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 43

CARE SERVICES & HOMES

Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 11 Home Instead Senior Care . . . 25

CATERING

Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 33

CLASSIFIED

Diane Henderson . . . . . . . . . . . 39

CLEANING & POWERWASH

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 34 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 3 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 34 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 10 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 27

COFFEE SHOPS

Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 19

EDUCATION

Renfrewshire Speakers Club . . 35 St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 41

ELECTRICIANS

Delta Electrical Services . . 12 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 Russell Milne Electrician . . 30

FENCING

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 33

A TO Z

FIREWOOD & LOGS LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . .

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

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . .

FUNERAL SERVICES

45 13 12 47

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 14 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 7

GARAGE DOORS & GATES

Garolla Roller Shutter Doors . . 11

GARDEN SERVICE & DESIGN

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 45 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 45 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 47 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 45 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 47 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2 Lady Grafters Garden Services . . 47 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 R Williams Tree Services . . . 47 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 47 West of Scotland Landscape . . 45

GAS & HEATING SERVICES

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 12 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 13 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 27 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 38 KAL Plumbing Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 10 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 33 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1

JOINERS

ROOFING

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 24 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 12 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 37 JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 33 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 33 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 37 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 10 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 33 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 43

KILT & DRESS HIRE

Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 35

KITCHENS

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 29 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 37

LOCKSMITHS

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

PAINTERS & DECORATORS

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 35 Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 6 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 Frewstons Decor . . . . . . . . . . . 4 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 30 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 SL Painter & Decorator . . . . . 29

PC, WEB & GRAPHIC DESIGN

GLAZIER

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 Cloudy2Clear Windows . . . . . . . 5 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 12

HAIRDRESSERS & BARBERS

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 23 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 23

HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 23 Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 5 Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 37 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13,Bk LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 38 NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 37 The Osteopaths . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Wellcentred UK . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

HOME HARDWARE

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,9

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 45 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 47 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7 Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 13 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Renfrewshire Handyman Hire . . 33 Scotland’s Bath Company . . . . 33

HOME INTERIORS

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 29 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 12 The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 35

HOME SECURITY

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 37

Contact us

PEST CONTROL

PET SERVICES & TRAINING

Kookie Kennels . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Suzanne’s Grooming Pad . . . . . 31 Waggys Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . Bk

PLASTERERS

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 37 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 12 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3

PLUMBERS

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 12 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 27 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 38 JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 KAL Plumbing Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 10 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 33

SOLICITORS

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 17 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

STOVES

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 12

TAXIS

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

TILING

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 33 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

TRAVEL AGENTS

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3

TREE SURGEON

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 47 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 45 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 R Williams Tree Services . . . 47 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 47

TV & SATELLITE

Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 3 Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 37 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 13

UPHOLSTERY SERVICES

Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 3 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 34

WINDOW CLEANERS

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 34 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 34 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 34

WINDOW, CONSV & REPAIR

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

@ease Removals & Transport . . 21 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 45 A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 35 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 45 ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 Affluent Financial Planning . . 16 Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 47 Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 23 B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 29 Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 19 Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 5 Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 37 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 37 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 29 C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 12 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7 CLA Accountancy Services . . . 17 CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 3 CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Cloudy2Clear Windows . . . . . . . 5 ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 6 Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 11 Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 45 Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 17 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Delta Electrical Services . . 12 Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 37 Diane Henderson . . . . . . . . . . . 39 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 24 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 34 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 3 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 34 Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 37 Frewstons Decor . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Garolla Roller Shutter Doors . . 11 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 13 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,9 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 47 Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 33

PROPERTY, SALES & LET

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 17 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

REFUSE & CLEARANCE

Junk-It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

REMOVALS

@ease Removals & Transport . . 21

RESTAURANT & BARS

Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 19

RETAIL

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,9 The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 19 The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 35

1st Floor, Neva Place Bridge of Weir, PA11 3PN

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Pick up a Copy Bishopton: Woodrow’s Store, Library, May’s Coffee Shop 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: Post Office, Campbell’s, Newsagents, Bobbins Kilmacolm: Newsagent, Cross Café, Library, Community Centre Langbank: Finlaystone Visitor Centre Lochwinnoch: Keystore, Library, Dolce Vita, Castle Semple Centre

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 35 Home Instead Senior Care . . . 25 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 27 Innovative Estate Planning Ltd . . 15 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 38 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 12 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 37 JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 30 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 7 Junk-It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk KAL Plumbing Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 10 Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 33 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 10 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 45 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 13 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13,Bk Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 Kookie Kennels . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Lady Grafters Garden Services . . 47 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 33 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 34 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 33 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 33 Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 13 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 38 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 23 NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 37 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 12 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 27 R Williams Tree Services . . . 47 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 12 Renfrewshire Handyman Hire . . 33 Renfrewshire Speakers Club . . 35 Russell Milne Electrician . . 30 Scotland’s Bath Company . . . . 33 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 SL Painter & Decorator . . . . . 29 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2 St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 41 Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk Suzanne’s Grooming Pad . . . . . 31 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 33 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 19 The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 35 The Osteopaths . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 43 Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Waggys Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . Bk Wellcentred UK . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 West of Scotland Landscape . . 45

LANGBANK BISHOPTON KILMACOLM

QUARRIERS

HOUSTON

BRIDGE OF WEIR BROOKFIELD ELDERSLIE JOHNSTONE

KILBARCHAN

HOWWOOD LOCHWINNOCH

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340

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