303 DECEMBER 19 - Gryffe Advertizer

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December 2019

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Cover Photo taken by Ben Andrew – Copyright rspb-images.com

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pie 00 s Distributed to: • Bishopton • Bridge of Weir • Brookfield • Elderslie • Houston • Howwood• Kilbarchan • Kilmacolm • Langbank• Lochwinnoch • Quarriers

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No.303

21/11/2019 14:33:54

Next deadline -

Wednesday 11th December

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 It’s beginning to look a lot like......... you know the rest. Those wonderful wee elves at Gibb Stuart’s have been busy again. The window displays are a joy to behold and make sitting at the lights just that wee bit better. We’re delighted that we can feature a couple of the photos of the windows in our headers this month, courtesy of local photographer Alan Gilmour. If you are a facebooker, we’ll be adding this year’s images to the displays from previous years on the Gibb Stuart FB page - https://www.facebook.com/GibbStuart/.

The annual Santa Sleigh will be visiting the villages soon, weather permitting! We’ve got the dates on page 8, and will keep you updated on Facebook. Unfortunately, if bad weather causes cancellation of any night, then due to a shortage of volunteers these nights cannot be rescheduled. Local groups get involved in helping out on each night, to raise funds for their cause. Thanks again to all the volunteers who make this happen, and thank you for the generous donations from you all. It’s not too late to get involved and if you can spare some time for a great cause then please get in touch with Santa’s Helpers (aka Bridge of Weir Festival committee).

The Christmas lights are going on in all the villages, many with entertainment and a very special visitor doing the honours! To make them easier to find, we’ve compiled the dates all together on page 8. Apologies if we’ve missed any.

Men’s Sheds are community spaces for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but might include a wood lathe and other equipment. Groups of men get together and help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun. Councillor McLaren is looking for an indication of interest in a Men’s Shed and already has a potential site lined up in Bridge of Weir. This would not be limited to Bridge of Weir residents only though. Please see his article on p18 to find out more and get details to contact him.

There is also an appeal for interested parties to get in touch with the Paisley & Gryffe Transport Forum (PGTF) who are looking for people who are willing to act as a group, to persuade local government to consider planning applications carefully and develop an environmentally friendly and sustainable transport strategy. More details of this on p17.

We will be bringing our January Advertizer issue deadline forward a couple of days to Wednesday 11th December. Our January 2020 issue has to be printed before Christmas, so please send in your news etc in plenty of time. The January issue will be delivered between Boxing Day and Hogmanay.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas!

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December 2019

in this issue

features ......................4-15 Christmas Lights ......... 8 Santa Sleigh routes .... 8 finance & tech ....... 16-17 village news........... 18-30 pet news ........................ 31 what’s on ............. 32-35

sport news ............ 36-38 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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Feature NEws

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One of Gibb Stuart’s Christmas Windows by Alan Gilmour

Sew Kind Two 13 year old, big hearted friends have started their own business to raise money for charities close to their hearts. Anna Watson and Emily Wilson started ‘Sew Kind’ to help fundraise while spending time together sewing. The 2 girls were both inspired by their Grannies to start sewing at a very young age.

Both attended fashion class where they would make and create together and have been going since the age of 8. They now sew whenever they are together, the sewing machines go wherever they go.

Anna, from Lochwinnoch and pupil at St Columba’s in Kilmacolm and Emily, from Quarriers and pupil at Port Glasgow High get together with their sewing machines to make lots of little items to sell at their events. They aim to make gifts that cut back on plastic and are reusable. They have both worked incredibly hard to make as many items as they possible can. They will be selling at their stall at Kilmacolm Primary Spirit of Xmas event and St Columba’s Xmas Fayre.

This year they will be raising money for The Beatson Cancer Charity. Last year Anna’s mum went through chemotherapy and radiotherapy for breast cancer at The Beatson. This is the girls way of thanking the Beatson for making her better. They hope the money will go towards helping other families going through what they did last year.

Glasgow Hospitals’ Christmas Concert - CLIC Sargent Annual Christmas Concert to support Children and Young People with Cancer Enjoy a magical evening of entertainment as the Glasgow Hospitals’ Choir and CLIC Sargent host their annual Christmas concert to raise money for children and young people with cancer.

The Christmas concert takes place at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Friday 6th December, and debuts conductor Alistair Digges, and features tenor Jamie MacDougall, Sally Magnusson, Aitkenhead Primary School Choir from Uddingston, Glasgow Chamber Orchestra and Edward Cohen as accompanist.

Alistair Digges said: “I’m so excited to be conducting this year’s Glasgow Christmas Concert for CLIC Sargent. The Hospitals’ Choir and I are already having great fun rehearsing a fantastic programme of Christmas songs and carols. This year’s concert is full of surprises and will be an evening that all the family can come along to, take part, and enjoy! We have a great line up of guest performers and I’m hoping we can raise lots of money for the wonderful work that CLIC Sargent does. What better way to start the festive season, I can’t wait to hear ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ soaring round Glasgow’s beautiful Royal Concert Hall, with orchestra, choir and hopefully a full audience all singing their hearts out!”

Carol Jones, Fundraising and Engagement Manager at CLIC Sargent, said: “When cancer strikes young lives we fight tirelessly to limit the damage it causes beyond their health. We rely entirely on donations to fund our vital work and so we can’t thank everyone involved in the Glasgow Hospitals Christmas Concert enough for their fantastic efforts over the past 41 years. The annual concert has raised in excess of £1million for the charity, which means we are able to help even more children and young people thrive not just survive after their cancer diagnosis.”

Tickets are available to buy directly from the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on 0141 353 8000 or online at www.glasgowconcerthalls.com with prices ranging from £11 - £23.10.

We look forward to seeing you on 6th December for a truly wonderful evening.

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December 2019

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Wednesday 11th December

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Villages Investment Fund - The Kilbarchan Project

Today’s the Day!

Volunteers are set to renovate the Old Library in Kilbarchan as they aim to maintain its status as a thriving community space if their plans are approved by councillors later this month.

With more than 5000 visitors using the hall every year for activities such as yoga, Pilates, Spanish lessons and amateur dramatics, the hall is key part of village life in Kilbarchan and has been for over 120 years.

Kilbarchan Improvements Project would receive £22,000 to carry out repairs to the roof and top floor windows to help secure its position as heritage asset within the village and would be the first project to receive funding through the Villages Investment Fund. £370,000 has been ringfenced from an overall £1.87million fund specifically for investment in Renfrewshire’s villages and applications must show that they will strengthen the unique identity, heritage and character of village life.

Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “We want to see more and more projects follow Kilbarchan Improvements Project lead by applying to make changes to their community and we’ll support everyone to make their application as strong as possible so please get in touch.”

Four projects have been awarded more than £13,000 under delegated authority from the wider Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund as they look to make physical and environmental improvements to their communities.

Erskine Community Garden have received £4800 install a labyrinth, plant fruit trees and create a sensory area in the garden, while the West End Growing Grounds Association have been granted £2609 to carry out grounds maintenance which allow their popular allotments to continue to flourish.

Elderslie Community Council have been awarded £1200 for dog fouling materials, including dog poo bag dispensers located across the village, and the Darkwood Crew in Ferguslie will use their £4810 award to create a community garden for the area which will be used

by Falcon Day Centre and Darkwood Court Sheltered Housing Complex, subject to a successful planning application.

Each application must show it has consulted the local community to ensure there is a need and desire for the project and that it would improve community life.

The fund is open allyear-round so for more information and to find out how to apply, visit www.renfrewshire.gov. uk/greenspacesfund.

Many people put off making a will. It’s not the sort of thing we like to think about and often it’s easier to put your head in the sand than sort out your estate for when the time comes. However, if you shuffle off this mortal coil before sorting out such matters it can cause confusion and stress for your nearest and dearest.

Macmillan’s campaign, ‘Today’s the Day’, aims to dispel negativities surrounding will-making by offering all UK adults a free will. The charity hopes people signing up for its free will service will also choose to leave a gift in their will to Macmillan, but it’s not a condition of taking up the offer.

“We’ve made making a simple, standard will free, easy and quick for most people by using one of our highly-regarded willwriting partners,” says Craig Fordham, Macmillan’s director of legacies.”

Without a will, the laws of intestacy decide what happens to your money and possessions, including who becomes the guardian of children aged under 18. A will is a way of looking after the people, causes and charities that you care about after you’ve died; it’s the only way to ensure your wishes are carried out.

Macmillan relies on gifts in wills for more than a third of the charity’s income each year and its experience shows that, when asked, people often want to leave a gift in their will to a cause close to their heart.

You can register up for your free on Macmillan’s website, macmillan.org.uk or call their supporter care hub on 0300 1000 200 (lines open Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm).

The website also has helpful information and you can order a free guide to leaving a gift in your will.

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December 2019

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Next deadline -

Wednesday 11th December

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Christmas Lights

Santa Sleigh

FRIDAY 29TH NOVEMBER

Houston

Kilmacolm

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

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

Switch ON 2019 Kilbarchan Christmas Lights

With compere George Bowie, Kilbarchan Pipe Band, junior choir and Annabella Seeth. Santa sleigh and reindeers at Steeple Square. The square will be open between 6pm-6.45pm. No access for vehicles to the square between 5.30pm and 9.30pm.

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

Lochwinnoch Christmas Lights Carol singing with the choir and the Bop Choir at 6.15pm. Switch on with Santa and Lochwinnoch Primary School at 6.30pm.

Xmas Fayre, teas/coffees, mince pies, face painting, mulled wine (courtesy of the Brown Bull) and Santa.

SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER Bishopton Christmas Lights At Bishopton Community Centre at 5.30pm. The carol concert will begin at 5.45pm. The Christmas tree light switch on ceremony will take place outdoors at 6.30pm. Refreshments available. Car park will be closed.

Houston Christmas Lights From 4.30pm in Main Street, Houston.

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

FRIDAY 6TH DECEMBER QUARRIERS Christmas Lights Join us on Main Street at 4pm.

Kilmacolm Christmas Lights Come along to the Cargill Centre from 6pm. Kilmacolm Community Council are having a Christmas Hamper Raffle in aid of maintenance of defibrillator which will be drawn on 6th December at Christmas Lights Switch On event in Kilmacolm Community Centre

December 2019 SUNDAY 1ST

MONDAY 2ND 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

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 Ave, 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

PLEASE NOTE:

Dates FOR THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND SANTA SLEIGH are weather dependent!

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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 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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December 2019

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Renfrewshire Christmas Toy Bank

ScotRocks - A Runaway Success!

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.

Kilmacolm Unofficial Running Club (KURC) are basking in the glow of another ‘runaway’ success. Their fundraising night saw them raise an incredible £2,370 for Compassionate Inverclyde - Ardgowan Hospice. Over the past five years the running club have raised over £12,000 for local charities – an achievement worthy of a medal.

This year they hosted a ScotRocks night at Kidston Hall in Kilmacolm where revellers boogied away to music from well-known Scottish bands, enjoyed a homecooked meal made by KURC members, were treated to a fabulous highland dancing display and took part in a very generous raffle with prizes donated from many local businesses. Members would like to thank the highland dancers, everyone who donated to the raffle and attended the event. If you want to find out more about KURC and maybe join them on a run, do check out their facebook page.

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

Could you to sing in Paisley Abbey?

Thomas Coats Memorial Choral Society invites you to join them to sing with Musical Director Ondrej Soukup for Brahms Requiem.

If you enjoy singing and would like to perform a concert in Paisley Abbey with an orchestra why not join us as we start rehearsals for our 2020 concert when we will be singing Brahms Requiem.

Sing with a great orchestra, a professional conductor and soloists.

All are welcome, no audition, no subscription fee for students.

There will be an open rehearsal on Tuesday 7th January @7.30pm at Holy Trinity St Barnabas Church. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings and some Fridays and our season runs from January to March.

Want to join us? Interested in coming to a concert? Want more information or to join our mailing list? Then phone: 01505 816110 or 07990 97597 or Email: coatschoral@ btinternet.com

Budget consultation begins for Inverclyde Reduced opening hours in libraries, limiting free swimming to school holidays and fewer teachers are all being considered by Inverclyde Council as part of its budget for next year.

The council has launched a budget consultation which lists 35 potential savings and cuts to services which runs until 30 November 2019. The council is expected to set its budget by March 2020.

Inverclyde residents are also being asked for their views on an increase to council tax next year. Inverclyde Council Chief Executive, Aubrey Fawcett, said: It is important that where services could be reduced or changed, that we hear the views of the community and the people who use these services...

“Public finances are continually under pressure and, while the upcoming election and the ongoing Brexit situation continues to throw uncertainty across the country, the council needs to ensure it is ready for any eventuality.”

If you want to find out more about these proposals and put your view across, please log on to the budget simulator and send in your suggestions.

The budget consultation is available online through the council website or by logging on direct to the budget simulator at https:// inverclyde.budgetsimulator.com/ The simulator includes savings totalling more than £4m and encourages users to ‘balance the budget’ by selecting a preferred set of savings totalling £2.5m.

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.

www.facebook.com/coatschoral www.thomascoatschoral.org.uk A CHARITY REGISTERED IN SCOTLAND SC003075

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December 2019

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St. Vincent’s Hospice “Christmas Sparkler” Ladies Lunch

Your car costs over £100 a week on average.

• Join LEAP Car Club from £5 a month.

• Hire by the hour 24/7 • Pay-As-You-Go

Join St. Vincent’s Hospice at the Grand Central Hotel on Sunday 1st December for their always popular “Christmas Sparkler” Ladies Lunch.

The afternoon will begin with a drinks reception and the opportunity to browse and shop at their exclusive selection of pop-up stalls, followed by a delicious three-course lunch.

Senior Fundraiser at St. Vincent’s Hospice, Louise Strachan, said: “The Ladies Lunch is the perfect opportunity for you to make a difference this Christmas. Not only will you enjoy a fabulous afternoon of entertainment, but you will be doing your part to support so many people in your community who need the support of our Hospice.

“Our host for the afternoon will be the wonderfully entertaining Steve McKenna, who will guide us through all the festivities on the day. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes and take to the floor with the amazing ‘Southern Flava’, recently seen on BBC’s ‘All Together Now’.”

Tickets are priced just £55 per person and are almost guaranteed to sell out, so make sure you book to make sure you and your friends can be part of this glamorous event.

For further information or to purchase tickets please call 01505 705635 or email: info@svh.co.uk

Behind the Scenes at Scottish Opera If you want to find out how Scottish Opera regained financial stability and international status, come and hear from its general director, Alex Reedijk.

He will give Paisley & District U3A members an insight into the national company’s transformation on Thursday 5 December at 2pm. The U3A monthly meeting is in the Salvation Army Hall, Mill Street, Paisley, with tea/coffee served from 1.30pm.

U3A chair, Kathleen O’Donnell remarked: “This presentation promises to give us a unique glimpse into one of Scotland’s musical treasures. This year sees Alex Reedijk celebrating 13 years at Scottish Opera. I’m sure he has some fascinating’ behind the scenes’ facts and stories to share with us. We hope people who are semi or fully retired will enjoy this interesting event which is completely free.”

Paisley& District U3A is Scotland’s 50th self-help learning cooperative for semi or fully retired people. It is part of a UK-wide and international educational movement. U3As are led by local volunteers who share fun ways of learning together in later life.

Scotland now has 54 U3As with more expected in 2020.

• 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

Renfrewshire’s Music Medicine Festival Are you ready for some FUN? This festival is one-of-a kind. A magical music experience in a wonderful setting where people from all avenues of life will come together to create music and community. Drumming and percussion will be available. Benefits include building your confidence, making new friends and feeling the joy of making music with others. No experience is required - just a willingness to have fun! When: 26th January, 2020 from 10am-4.30pm at Coats Venue, Paisley. For enquiries or more info please email musicismedicine121@gmail.com

More details at: https://u3asites.org.uk/paisley/welcome

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December 2019

Christmas Gift Ideas

by Sheila Macintyre, Practice Owner at Kilbarchan Dental Practice As we head towards Christmas we thought it would be good to think outside the gift box this year and have come up with some suggestions for presents that might make your dentist happy too!

How about a speciality cheese selection or hamper? Cheese contains lots of calcium as well as coating teeth with this beneficial mineral. There is loads of choice online and in supermarkets and they are usually well sealed so you don’t need to worry about not being able to smell your frankincense and myrrh! You can also buy gift vouchers or monthly subscriptions for any cheese-lovers in your life.

Speciality teas can be a great present too and have a relatively low impact on our teeth as they tend to have minimal sugar content.

The range of gift options is endless and you can even get tea advent calendars!

To help ensure the kids brush their teeth for at least 2 minutes why not add a bit more fun with a tooth-brushing timer. There are plenty of colourful designs in a range of characters and animal shapes and they often double up as toothbrush holders.

Children with wobbly teeth will love a tooth fairy box, bag or pillow.

There is lots of choice online and plenty that can be personalised.

Of course our favourite Christmas gift option is always the electric toothbrush - from high spec bluetooth-connectivity to the fun, child-friendly designs - they offer the mosteffective way to brush teeth. We recommend Oral-B and stock a special selection in the practice that are not all available in supermarkets.

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

Wishing all our patients and friends a Happy Christmas!

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Next deadline -

Wednesday 11th December

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Johnstone Business Join Spend Local Campaign Johnstone residents are being urged to support local traders this Christmas – after members of the local business group signed up to the campaign to Spend Local in Renfrewshire.

Research shows around 65p from every pound spent in the local area stays in the local area – so members of the Johnstone Business Consortium are encouraging residents to help support local jobs and services by doing just that.

Stacey Thomson, owner of the Pet Shop in Houston Court and a member of the Johnstone Business Consortium, said: “Because we are local to you we know what you are looking for you can come in and chat to us. So it’s like shopping with friends – we get to know your names and what you want... Money spent in your local community stays in the local community rather than going abroad to some multinational company instead. It helps everything work the way it should – it keeps money here, it keeps jobs here, and it supports the services you need.”

If you own a business and would like some Spend Local posters or window stickers to display in your own premises, please email hello@Paisley.is

You can do something about climate change by joining the LEAP Board of Trustees We are currently looking to fill three positions on the LEAP (Local Energy Action Plan) Board of Trustees. This is a voluntary role and would be a great opportunity for people looking not only to gain valuable experience and develop a wide range of skills but also give back to their local community and help combat the climate crisis. The existing board members would welcome applications from anyone with enthusiasm, but particularly people with an interest in the environment and sustainability and/or management experience. Please send your initial expression of interest to: contactleap.board@gmail.com.

The board meets about once per month on a mid-week evening.

Trustees should live in or have a strong connection to Renfrewshire and be over 16. The board members have oversight of the project to ensure it acts in a manner which is consistent with its charitable purposes.

LEAP is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) set up in 2010 by members of the community in Lochwinnoch to advance environmental protection and improvement by promoting, empowering and enabling sustainable communities. Over the years LEAP has received funding from the Scottish Government, the third sector and business partnerships to conduct a whole variety of measures to reduce CO2. The LEAP Car Club has been going for some years now and currently has 5 fully electric and hybrid vehicles across three locations in Renfrewshire. The main focus of LEAP is currently low-carbon transport and active travel in Renfrewshire.

We look forward to hearing from you. today!

Don’t delay – email us

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December 2019

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

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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21/11/2019 15:06:00

Next deadline -

Wednesday 11th December

Finance & Tech

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Rotary Club raises over £3000 for End Polio Charity Gryffe Valley Rotary Club enjoyed a very successful Curry Night at Shimla Cottage on Thursday 24th October with 65 members and friends present (see picture above).

Over £1,000 was raised on the night and to this will be added £2,000 from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, so in all the Rotary End-Polio Charity will benefit by more than £3,000! Polio is now confined to just two countries (Pakistan and Afghanistan) and its progress towards its eradication continues.

Gryffe Valley Rotary Club Our most recent speakers included Andy Stark who runs a photographic studio in Bridge of Weir. He is a specialist in family and portrait photography and has a successful Nursery / Schools photography business as well as a Portrait / Commercial photography Studio. Many of his photographs have been published in The Herald and the Evening Times.

Peter Haggarty is the Director of the Construction and Capital Programme at the University of Glasgow where Rotary member Ronnie Mercer is Chair of the Estates Committee. Peter explained that the University was in the midst of transforming its campus by re-developing the site formerly occupied by the Western Infirmary at an estimated cost of £1 billion over the next five years. Peter illustrated his talk with design plans of proposed new buildings, open spaces and walkways and it was clear that this was an ambitious project which will further enhance the already excellent reputation of the University.

Dr Morag Thaw spoke about “Healthy Active Ageing”. She had an impressive array of statistics to prove the benefits, advocating how 3 hours of exercise a week can gain seven years of life expectancy - reducing the likelihood of coronary heart disease, mental health issues, diabetes, hip fracture and bowel cancer.

MEMBERSHIP – time to join?

Recently retired? New to the area? Want the opportunity to give something back? GVRC has members from a wide area of West Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, including Kilmacolm, Quarriers, Bridge of Weir, Houston, Crosslee, Brookfield, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch. A leaflet which gives more detail of our activities has been produced and can be downloaded from the club website www. gryffevalley.rotary1230.org. District 1230 has waived membership fees for the remainder of the Rotary year to encourage potential new members!

Why do you need a Lifestyle Financial Plan?

by Carl Melvin, Affluent Financial Planning Ltd As Christmas approaches, we plan for a special day with our families. We have a plan for how many people will come and at what time, and all the actions that need to be done ahead of time – as well as the amount of food and drink we will need to keep everyone merry. Imagine you didn’t plan Xmas and thought “I’ll just wing it and see how it goes!”

Many people take this approach to their financial planning – they don’t really have a plan on when they will stop working, how much money they will need, what they need to save to get the life they want and what would happen to their family if they were ill or died.

It is unsurprising that those who fail to plan end up not achieving the lifestyle they want.

A little time spent in developing a Lifestyle Financial Plan in concert with a professional financial planner can yield great benefits and help you answer some of life’s big questions such as; • When can I stop working and live the lifestyle I want?

• Can I give my children a cash sum for a house deposit, and still be financially OK in later life?

• Will I have enough money so that I never run out of cash when I am old?

• What do I need to save to get me the life I really want?

Tax and pension rules, as well as lots of variables such as inflation rates, earnings growth and investment returns can make this confusing. Add in some complex maths and it can seem a bit overwhelming. However, a Financial Planner can do the sums and show you in simple terms what your financial future might look like – and importantly, what you can do to improve your prospects for a better financial future – all delivered in simple English so you can see clearly where you are financially and what you may need to do to get the future you want.

Perhaps a new year resolution - get yourself a Lifestyle Financial Plan! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBQYPe_g6JQ. 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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December 2019

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

Paisley & Gryffe Transport Forum

(PGTF)

The last few months have seen yet another attempt to nibble at the infrastructure of our former railway line. This one, a planning application at the site of the old Bridge of Weir railway station, flies against the current accepted trend to promote rail, the most environmentally friendly means of maintaining and improving “connectivity” against the growing threats of climate change, environmental pollution and traffic congestion on our roads.

As long as we do not put a halt to such applications, would-be developers will continue to attack the integrity of this railway solum, and sooner or later they may well succeed, thus destroying this valuable “connectivity artery” for all future generations.

PGTF is looking for like minded people, who are willing to act as a group, to persuade local government to develop an environmentally friendly and sustainable transport strategy. PGTF states that funding is available to tap into. (Read a full report on the Advertizer website at www.advertizer.co.uk.)

If you wish more info on the group please give your name and e-mail address to: PGTF, c/o Ian Beaton, 1 Station Road, Bridge of Weir, PAl1 3LH. We will then contact you.

Brian Turner (Hon. Convener, PGTF)

Rotary and Young Carers Gryffe Valley Rotary Club has arranged, with Renfrewshire Young Carers, four nights out at The Experience, Hillington for eighty deserving Young Carers during the week 27th to 30th January 2020 to coincide with Young Carers Awareness Day on the 30th. This annual event, see https://carers.org/youngcarers-awareness-day-2020, organised by Carers Trust, is to raise awareness of the challenges faced by young carers and to campaign for greater support for them.

A Young Carer is an ordinary young person aged 8-18 years old who helps to look after someone with a mental health problem, physical illness, disability and/or drug/ alcohol/gambling addiction.

Some of the funds to support this project will be raised through the Santa’s Sleigh collections in Brookfield.

Purchase of Goods: Your Rights as a Consumer (Part 2) by Dallas McMillan, Solicitors Last month we explained that a product you buy from a retailer must be (i) “of satisfactory quality”, (ii) “fit for purpose” and (iii) as described to you before purchased. We summarised your remedies against the retailer where product falls short.

What if the retailer cannot/will not co-operate?

1. Trading Standards Complaint Assuming retailer is still trading, the statutory powers of local Trading Standards can help them lever resolution of your dispute.

2. Retail Ombudsman Complaint (www.retailadr.org.uk) A new scheme to help resolve retail sector disputes. Free to consumers, funded by traders. It is voluntary: retailer must be signed-up member of the scheme. Member traders listed on website.

3. Manufacturers’ Guarantee/Warranty Claim Useful if fault in product appears more than 6 months after purchase (when onus on you claiming against retailer to prove fault present at time of purchase). Claim depends on the terms of your

guarantee/warranty contract. They often require to be validated by registration within a set period from purchase. Note Guarantee/ warranty claims (usually against manufacturer) run alongside your remedies against the retailer outlined last month. They cannot restrict your statutory rights against the retailer.

4. Consumer Credit Act 1974 Section 75 Claim If you have paid at least £100 for a product (as part or full payment) using your credit card, then you have the same consumer rights against your credit card company as against the retailer.

Extremely useful if retailer has ceased trading. Use credit card where you are paying in whole or part well before product delivered (eg furniture/sofas). Also useful for purchase of vehicles.

Bank investigating with retailer can assist with such potentially complicated complaints.

5. Take retailer and/or credit card company to court Expensive and normally the last resort. beforehand.

Take legal advice

LITIGATION TEAM OF THE YEAR Law Awards of Scotland 2018

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WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH ■

St. Machar’s Church

Ranfurly

December

B i s h o p t o n

Sunday Clydebank Church

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Gryffe Voices Community Choir (Mondays)

B r i d g e O f

1st: 3pm Citadel Band,

Tickets: £5 (including refreshments), available from Morven Tel: 01505 612286 or on the door subject to availability.

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

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

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

W e i r

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

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

L a n g b a n k

Got NEWS?

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

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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.

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

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Bishopton | Bridge of Weir | Langbank Langbank Christmas Tree Festival Langbank is holding a Christmas Tree Festival on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December from 2pm – 5pm in Langbank Church.

A number of trees will be displayed in the church, decorated by local clubs and organisations, on the theme of a Christmas carol or song.

There will be live musical entertainment both days, and tea, coffee and mince pies will be served in the hall.

The entry fee of £3 for adults, £1 for children or £6 for a family ticket, covers the entertainment and refreshments.

Why not drop in and feel the magic of Christmas!

Bridge of Weir SWI We would like to thank everyone who attended or contributed to our November coffee morning, it was well supported and proved a very enjoyable day.

Our next big event will be our 80th birthday celebration on 5th December at Old Ranfurly Golf Club. We will share a meal with guests from neighbouring institutes, some of our former and retired members and the SWI national president, Linda Retson. It should be a very special evening.

We begin next year on 9th January with an illustrated talk on visits to India by Peter Macfarlane.

Residents at The Haven Kilmacolm have formed two teams and Team Gabbatha and myself are looking for donations of the following items: Sleeping Bags, Blankets, Gloves, Scarfs, Warm Hats, Night clothing, Socks, Toiletries, Flasks, Food Vouchers etc. The items collected will be issued to the homeless people over the winter months. If you can help contact, 01505 872099 or E-mail: info@thehavenkilmacolm.com alternatively I can pass any items on to them.

In the last issue I talked about a security event at Gryffe Wraes Farm but what I forgot to tell you about was the Faraday bag which is used to store your car keys. These bags are a type of Faraday cage made of flexible metallic fabric. Costing only a few pounds, it blocks the devices that thieves use to get the frequency from your car key. The Faraday bags can also work with mobile phones and credit cards, keeping your mind at ease and avoid you losing your car in the night.

Also in the last issue I talked about a site I had found for a men’s shed.

Men’s Sheds are community spaces for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but might include a wood lathe and other equipment. Groups of men get together and help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun. I now need to get an indication of just how many people would like to be a part of this. The site I have been offered is in Bridge of Weir but men from other villages will be welcome. Please get in touch to let me know if you might be interested.

Please note my surgery details: • 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 Please feel free to contact me with any of your concerns, and I am happy to meet with you at a mutually convenient time.

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

December 2019

■ B i s h o p t o n

Bridge of Weir Community Council It was reported at the November meeting of the Community Council that Renfrewshire Council had approved Planning permission for Retirement Flats at the former Bull’s Garage site on Kilmacolm Road. No decision has been made as to the planning application for a residential development at the Coal Yard Station Road.

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We received complaints that bins on Houston Road were not being collected and in some areas set on fire. Our Councillors and Community Police Officers will action these complaints.

B r i d g e

The Police reported that between 1st October and 5th November 13 crimes were recorded and 3 have been detected. There has been an increase in thefts from motor vehicles and residents are reminded to ensure no valuables / tools are left within vehicles overnight, check the vehicle is locked and if possible park in a well lit area to try and deter the thefts.

The Community Council has submitted a funding application to Renfrewshire Council’s Green Space fund to enhance the £5,000 in order to provide additional play equipment at Lintwhite and Ranfurly Parks.

The consultation for the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders for Livery Walk Car Park to key stakeholders (emergency services, local members, CC’s etc.) is scheduled to be issued by the end of November.

Renfrewshire Council plans to get stricter about drivers standing with their vehicles idling. A £20 fine is proposed and likely to be approved at the ILE Board. Pavement parking is due to be banned in the Transport Bill (with some exceptions). This is surely good news for pedestrians but may also cause congestion in our narrow village streets.

The Council have agreed to cut back all the shrubs at the open space site at the corner of Main Street and Lintwhite Crescent, to open up the area and give better access. Unfortunately they are unable to give an exact timescale but hope to have it completed within 15 weeks.

The Community Council’s Christmas Lights switch on is on Thursday the 5th of December Carol Service in Freeland Church at 6.15pm with the switch on celebrations at Livery Walk from 6.45pm and a visit from a very special guest SANTA in the Hope Hall from 7.30pm.

For up to date posts, agenda’s and minutes visit our Facebook Page. The Community Council wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2020.

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 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

O f

Bishopton Christian Aid Hand-delivery of Christmas Cards in Bishopton & Erskine Each year the Bishopton Christian Aid Group organises a Handdelivery of Christmas Cards in Bishopton (including Dargavel) and Erskine. We would like to thank our merry band of volunteers who deliver the cards.

Cards will be specially stamped and delivered for a minimum donation of 25p each.

Cards may be deposited in special boxes at the following locations: The Co-op & KeyStore, Greenock Road, and Sainsbury’s Local Dargavel from Monday 2nd December until 12noon on Sunday 15th December Avalon Hair & Beauty, Station Road from Monday 2nd December until 12noon on Saturday 14th December The Cornerstone, Greenock Road on Saturday 7th & 14th (10am 2pm) and Sunday 8th & 15th (12.30pm - 2pm) After Church Services on Sunday 8th & 15th To ensure speedy delivery, please print clearly the name and FULL ADDRESS.

W e i r

■ L a n g b a n k

Annual Christingle Messy Church Freeland Church on Sunday 8th December from 4pm to 6pm An hour of activity from 4pm including making the Christingles.

We will then take the Christingles into the church for a short candle lit service followed by eating a meal together in the large hall.

Open to everyone of all ages and a lovely way to stop and remember what Christmas is all about. Just turn up at any point during the two hours.

We will be collecting donations of new toys, books and puzzles etc for the Renfrewshire Toybank.

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Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk St Machar’s Ranfurly Church 29th November The Terrace Christmas Community Lunch

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December: 1st Salvation Army Citadel Band concert at 3pm

B i s h o p t o n

The Bridge A Big Thank you for your custom over the past eight years. With your support and our loyal volunteers we manage to run The Bridge with its Post Office as a viable concern. The Community Centre and Shop continue to supplement the annual shortfall of over £10,000 in running our Post Office. Your continued support is therefore vital.

Bishopton Community Centre

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Support The Bridge this Christmas – send one of our individually designed charity Christmas Cards. View local scenes throughout 2020 in the Bridge of Weir calendar. Also in stock are the popular “Greetings from Bridge of Weir” cards, Traidcraft and relation cards, Christmas paper, tags, money wallets and your essential diary for 2020.

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

Post Office - visit the website or call in to check the Christmas postal dates. Christmas stamps and a range of gift cards are now available – Donald, Stuart and Alison will be delighted to ensure you are well supplied.

Within our shop you will find padded and postal bags, boxes, wrapping paper, string and wrapping tape to ensure your gifts reach their destination securely wrapped.

Art Exhibition - In the run up to Christmas please come in and enjoy a coffee whilst viewing the artwork of various local artists.

Bridge: 1pm – 3pm

To all residents of Bridge of Weir we wish you a happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2020.

Yoga: 1.30pm – 2.30pm

Closed 25th & 26th December 2019 and 1st & 2nd January 2020.

Tai Chi: 3pm – 4pm French: 3.30pm – 5.30pm Rainbows: 6pm – 7pm Brownies: 6pm – 7.15pm

W e i r

Guides: 7.30pm – 10pm Trefoil Guild: (1st Monday in month) 7.30 – 10pm

TUESDAY Toddlers: 10am – 11.30am Crochet: 1pm – 3pm

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Brownies: 6.15pm – 7.30pm Singing for Wellbeing: 6pm – 7.15pm Ladies Badminton: 8pm – 10pm

L a n g b a n k

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WEDNESDAY Slimming World: 8am – 11.30am 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

10am

–

French: 2pm – 3pm Clyde Judo: 6pm – 8pm

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

Christmas is nearly upon us and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

It’s been a busy year for me as one of your local Councillors. A lot has been achieved, but I am happy with progress and success in several local matters, such as the completion of the covered walkway at Langbank Primary School, the promising prospect of more peak time rail services serving Bishopton and an improvement to many of the roads in and out of Bridge of Weir. I know that all three of your Councillors in Ward 11 are working hard to improve the communities we live in. Long may this good work continue.

My thoughts increasingly turn to living in a small rural or semi-rural community and what we can all do to help preserve the way of life we all enjoy. A village is only as good as its amenities and it saddens me to see empty shops, particularly in Bridge of Weir. We will only keep our communities as places in which to live and work (as opposed to quiet commuter dormitories with not much else going on) if we all try to shop and spend as locally as possible. I urge us all to use our local shops, services, pubs and restaurants before we lose any more of our local businesses. It might be tempting to go online or jump in the car and nip to the supermarket or retail park, but why fill the pockets of distant shareholders and multinational corporations when we could be helping our communities grow more prosperous? Our villages will only survive and thrive if we put the pounds in our pockets to good use.

In the New Year I will be continuing to lobby the Scottish Government and other bodies to improve our local public transport. Please send me your views on this (and any other matter) to help me to argue for improvements. In the meantime, please do get in touch if you have anything you wish to raise on your behalf.

8th at 3pm Service to remember those who died -a short reflective peaceful service to remember those who have died.

This service is open to anyone, there will be an opportunity to light a candle to remember your loved ones.

Advent Services 1st, 8th & 15th at 10.30am. Theme: ‘what kind of Leader are we hoping for?’

Everyone welcome.

Junior Church will meet on 8th and 15th of December.

Instant Nativity - 22nd at 10.30am.

A nativity service with a difference; everyone can come along dressed up (some clothes and props available in the hall before the service) and join in. There is no acting involved but lots of interaction and fun for all the family. The Christmas story (in its wider context) is retold with beautiful visuals and interspersed well known carols. The theme this year is ‘With love, from God to you’. Everyone is welcome, even if you have never been before, or not in a long time! Free.

Tuesday 24th - Christmas Eve Watchnight Service by candlelight at 11.30pm.

Welcome the Christmas Child with us in this joint watchnight service.

Prayers, readings, carols and candles, a reflective and joyful start to the Christmas feast.

‘The God Question’ series in the Bridge starting 22nd January You are invited to join us for a 6 week course of the God Question series; each night a half hour video will be shown and subsequently discussed.

This is open to atheists, theists and agnosts. The three main themes are the Cosmos, Life and Evolution and the Mind and Consciousness. There will be a participants guide to be purchased for £5 and a voluntary contribution towards the use of the Bridge community centre.

To find out more about the series, check out thegodquestion.tv Dates planned are Wednesday nights, 22nd & 29th Jan, 19th & 26th Feb, 18th & 25th March.

From 7.30pm - 9pm in the Bridge Community Centre, Main Street, Bridge of Weir.

Organised by St Machar’s Ranfurly Church but open to all. For more info contact Hanneke.Marshall@ churchofscotland.org.uk

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 Bishopton Scout Group Christmas Post

December 2019

“Christmas is Coming”

Tick another thing off that Christmas list and let us deliver your local cards (Bishopton & Dargaval only).

Cards and donations can be placed in our post boxes in Woodrow’s, the Co-op, Sainsbury’s and Bishopton Library from Sunday 1st December.

The last posting date will be 12 noon on Saturday 14th December.

Thank you for supporting your local Scout Group.

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

Kilmacolm Dramatic Society November was a very busy week for Kilmacolm Dramatic Society, with four performances of the very popular The Wizard of Oz followed by a very enjoyable Quiz Night at Strathgryffe Tennis Club.

100 Years Young Mrs Evelyn Leitch of Kilmacolm reaching her 100th birthday on 15th December surrounded by her 7 great grandchildren.

Here’s a family picture ages 1 to 100 years old.

Early in January we begin preparations for our Spring production, which will take place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 22nd - 24th April – a change from our usual Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances.

Kilmacolm Scouts Annual Tree Sale Saturday 7th & 14th December from 10am - 2.30pm The Scout Hall, Barrs Brae, PA13 4DE Free Tree Delivery in Kilmacolm Early orders and trees over 9’ tel: 07765 007798

Friends Of Argowan Hospice Say “Thanks Kilmacolm Friends of Ardgowan Hospice thank all who supported their Christmas Fayre and Coffee Morning on Saturday 2nd November 2019.

The excellent total of £2,071 was raised plus £478 for sale of Christmas Cards.

Directors Linda Lyon and Ruth Quigley will be arranging a reading of our chosen play, followed by an audition in early in January, so look out for details of both events, which will be in Kilmacolm New Community Centre.

We’re always delighted to welcome new members, whether they want to act, or help with costumes, make-up, lighting, set design and building, stage management or publicity.

If you’re interested and would like more information, contact President Claire Fraser on claire.fraser@scotech.ltd.uk or Rosie Thirde on rosiethirde33@gmail.com Happy Christmas to everyone!

Bridge of Weir Choral Society Christmas Concert Sunday 15th December at 7pm St Columba Church, Kilmacolm Conductor Christopher Barr and Guest Organist Mark Browne. The Choir will sing a delightful programme of favourite Carols by John Rutter and Carl Jenkins and other arrangements.

Special Guests: Johnstone Band & Angel Voices Tickets £10 (from choir members or pay at door)

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

“A Musing” Autobiography Kilmacolm man Colin McClatchie has just written a hard-hitting, amusing autobiography. A Musing gives a sometimes controversial insight into his life in Northern Ireland during The Troubles and his career in the newspaper industry, where his dealings with Robert Maxwell and Rupert Murdoch were hugely eventful.

He provides a fascinating account of his time, both as Chairman of St Columba’s School and other events in the village. He was also Chairman of Scottish Opera at a time of dramatic change for the organisation.

His book is available in some Kilmacolm shops, or via his website www. colinmcclatchie.com

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 ■ k i l m a c o l m

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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 resumed 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)

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

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Kilmacolm | Quarriers Kilmacolm Church and Scout fundraisers For the 11th year in a row, Kilmacolm Scout Group will again be providing a Christmas Card Postal Service this December.

All you do is post your local Christmas Cards in the Scout post box in either The Kilmacolm Community Centre or The Cross Café. You can post any time between Sunday 1st December and 6pm on Friday 20th December.

A minimum 30p donation is kindly requested for each card.

The cards will be delivered during the weekend of the 21st and 22nd December. We can only deliver to residential Kilmacolm (not farms or rural properties).

St. Fillans Church, Kilmacolm have rearranged their postponed Alternative Burns Night for Friday 24th January 2020 in the church hall, Moss Road, Kilmacolm at 7.30pm.

Tickets available from Mo on 07789 077749 at £10 each which includes a haggis dinner, glass of wine on arrival, a short Scottish quiz and entertainment. Please come along and support us for a fun evening.

The Kilmacolm Scouts have 2 fundraising events coming up to raise money for our international trip next summer. We are hoping to take a group to Norway in July and would like to keep the cost for the young people as low as we can by raising money.

Our Quiz and Curry night will be on Saturday February 1st in the Scout Hall at 7pm. This is always a really enjoyable night. Tickets are £10 including quiz entry and curry with poppadoms and spiced onions. We have a bar and raffle on the night. Call Mo on 07789 077749 for tickets.

We are also planning a night of music with 50s/60s group The Dynaglides which features one of our scout leaders Mo Todd as lead singer. We are still finalising details for this but it will be on Sat 28th March and tickets will be £10. Tickets can be reserved in advance from Mo on 07789 077749.

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

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

Christmas at Mount Zion

‘Outlook’

24th December - Annual Carols by Candlelight service at 7pm. This has proved to be a very popular event; let’s gather to sing the carols and to consider again the true meaning of Christmas, topped off with seasonal refreshments.

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.

Kilmacolm Old Kirk News OUTLOOK is a social community group open to everyone - come along to the Kidston Hall Kilmacolm, twice monthly, and enjoy delicious afternoon teas made by our team of volunteers.

Guest speakers, quizzes, tombola - 2pm - 4pm is an afternoon of friendship together.

Everyone is most welcome.

OUTLOOK Programme for December: 5th December St Columba’s Junior School A visit from the pupils 19th December OUTLOOK Christmas Party with tea, quiz, singalong, plus carols at the piano.

MOVIE NIGHT No Movie night in December as the last Thursday is Boxing Day. Please join us, bring your friends, pick up the programme for 2020 ! Further details - 01505 872393.

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

We would like to invite you to our special Christmas services, 22nd December - Special family Service at 10.30am.

25th December - 10.30am, a lovely way to start Christmas day, worshipping the new-born King.

Everyone is very welcome!

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) is the locum leading the services.

Morning worship: Sundays at 11am. December 1st, first Sunday in Advent, 15th - Family Nativity Service, 22nd - Morning Worship with Holy Communion, 4pm - Reflective Service to remember those we love and miss, 24th - Christmas Eve Watchnight Service 11.15 pm, 25th - United Christmas Day Service in Old Kirk at 11am, 29th - United Service in Old Kirk. Tea and coffee served after every service.

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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December 2019

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 Much to look forward to this month. School Nativities, musical performances, Church services, 9 readings and carols at St Fillan’s, Lights switch on in Port Glasgow on 4th December and Quarriers and Kilmacolm on 6th December. There have been many complaints regarding the stopping of the brown bins with leaves still on the trees. I have asked for a later date for next year.

Kilmacolm Residents’ Association is supporting Inverclyde Foodbank

Last month there were 13 crimes in the villages and 3 reports to the Community Warden Service. Sad to hear that there was shoplifting at the new charity shop. Const. Jamieson warned 6 drivers and booked 4 for speeding on Bridge of Weir Road.

This is a simple idea which will benefit some of the poorest families in Inverclyde.

The new Planning Bill will mean changes in the preparation of our Local Development Plan. There will be no Main Issues Report and Community Councils will have a prominent role. Central Government will take greater control of what will be more of a top – down process.

Our next LDP is not due for 5 years. The current plan’s adoption by the Reporter is being queried by house builders MacTaggart and Meikle and Persimmon. A consultation was conducted in the Cargill with regard to additional long term parking in the village. Officers have narrowed it down to 3 potential sites. I have been perfectly clear that I do not approve of a multi storey car park in the current Lochwinnoch Road main carpark. It would be in a Conservation Area and I am sure Historic Environment Scotland would have something to say regarding the setting. An experienced Town and Country Planner (not IC) expressed the view that “villages do not have multi- storey car parks”. A 4 to 6 month closure for building would also seriously affect our hard pressed traders.

I attended, in my Strathclyde Passenger Transport role, the annual Scottish Bus Conference in St Andrews. The Minister Michael Matheson was enthusiastic about buses and announced a £500m contribution for Bus infrastructure. We are discussing with Councils where these monies can be spent. Bus with subsidy of 30p per head per annum compares unfavourably with rail where the annual subsidy is £8 per head. McGills Buses provide an excellent bus service in Inverclyde.

Glasgow Airport Consultative Committee held its quarterly meeting in the NATS Control Tower where we received a detailed presentation on the work of NATS. We were given an invaluable insight into measures taken by the Airport to negate cyber attacks, of which there are many.

The bonfire and fireworks were successful. Thanks are due to the dedicated helpers. Sam Johnson, James Baxter, Dougie Lyle, the Wilson boys from Craigmarloch, the Police, St Andrews First Aiders, WH Malcolm (wood and lights), Duchal Nursery for the Guy, gate keepers and bonfire patrollers and last but not least Lawrie Campbell and his ordnance team. I am afraid it is becoming more expensive to put on the show and there is increased bureaucracy.

The Fire Service asked me for an evacuation plan. From an 11 acre field!

Remembrance Sunday saw a large parade of youth organisations led by the St Columba’s pipe band march from Birkmyre Park to the Old Kirk. The Rev Iain Ramsden conducted the service and was joined by Revs Armstrong and Gonzales at the War Memorial. BoW Royal British Legion again added the Military aspect. On the 11th I attended the Remembrance Assembly of St Columba’s School. The pupils performed most of the service aided by the Reverend David Gifford. Flowers of the Forest was piped by Jessie Cuthbertson, most atmospheric.

Congratulations to the Advertizer on its 300th edition. It is invaluable for news in the Gryffe Valley.

My surgeries are 2nd December 5.30pm - 6.30pm St Mary’s Episcopal Port Glasgow and 4th December 10am -11am Cargill. I can be contacted on: david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk, tel: 01475 741969, 712975 and 07766 992294.

Christmas can be a time of hardship for some families.

Once again we are inviting people to join Kilmacolm Residents’ Association in a reverse advent calendar initiative.

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It’s easy and very worthwhile.

1. Get an empty box 2. Fill it with one item each day (tins; dry food; toiletries; sweets) 3. On Sunday 22nd December, bring the box to the Kilmacolm Scout Hall between 12 and 3 pm 4. The Elves from KRA will be there to collect the boxes and take them to Inverclyde Foodbank 5. This year there will be a prize for the best decorated box from a little one!

For more information or advice contact KilmacolmResidentsAssociation@gmail.com

It’s as easy as that ? Ho! Ho! Ho!

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St Fillan’s Episcopal Church Christmas Coffee Morning - Saturday 7th December 10am – 12 noon 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)

Community Carol Service - Sunday 22nd December at 7pm With Angel Voices Children’s Choir. All Welcome! Traditional mulled wine and mince pies in hall afterwards!

Crib Service for Children - Christmas Eve at 4pm

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Christmas at the Cross Cafe Are you looking for some inspiration for gifts for your loved ones this year? How about something just a little different and very personalised?

Visit the Cross Cafe, Kilmacolm for your festive sweet treats ...

With lots to choose from in our Christmas display. Tailor made Hampers, any size or price - the perfect gift for the “person who has everything”! And new for this year ... Try our fantastic Chocolate Bouquets. A chocolate delight! We have examples on display for you to see and choose from.

And no need to worry about wrapping, we offer a free gift wrapping service.

We’re open from 9am every day, and open till 5.30pm or even later through the week. We’ll also be open late on Friday 7th December for the Christmas Light switch on. You can even call us and order for collection, on 01505 872502.

Alda, Johanna and all the staff would like to wish all their customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH

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Howwood Council

Community

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

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

Cuppa and a Chat Pop in to Kilbarchan Parish Church hall on the first Monday of the month between 1.30pm and 3pm for a “cuppa” and a chat - all welcome.

Kilbarchan | Howwood | Lochwinnoch | Elderslie Kilbarchan Parish Church in December This is always a busy month with many special services: The normal Sunday service continues at 11am, conducted by Rev Stephen Smith and Mrs Dorothy Wallace, with Junior Church and the crèche meeting from 10.45am in the halls and refreshments and chat after each service. The Gift service is on 15th, with gifts for Renfrewshire Young Carers and Paisley Women’s Refuge. On 22nd, Junior church and the Junior choir will present their Nativity play at 11am and the Senior Choir will lead the service of Nine Lessons and Carols at 6.30pm, followed by refreshments. At this service there will be a retiring offering for St Vincent’s Hospice.

On Christmas Eve, 24th, there will be carol singing from 11pm and the Watchnight service at 11.30pm.

There will be a retiring offering for Adams’ House in Elderslie, run by Crossreach which celebrated its 150th anniversary in November.

On Christmas Day, there will be a short service at 10.30am when the children should bring along one of their presents.

Blythswood Shoebox Appeal and Mary’s Meals. Both of these charities have benefited recently by large donations of money from the Kilbarchan Parish Church family, from the Harvest Appeal and Blythswood Shoebox Appeal.

Christmas Fayre takes place on Saturday 7th from 10am - 12noon in the church halls, off Steeple Square. There will be a large variety of gift stalls and the opportunity for the children to have their photos taken with Santa. Entrance £3 and includes coffee with mince pies and shortbread.

Lochwinnoch Contribution To Lifeboats A net contribution of £4,500 was made to RNLI this year from the Lochwinnoch Ladies RNLI Branch, bringing their contribution over the past five years to nearly £20,000.

For a relatively small rural inland village this was considered to be quite an achievement, and much of the contribution was specifically allocated to West of Scotland lifeboat stations.

The 47th Annual General Meeting of the Branch took place on 16th October at Calderhaugh. Dates and venues for members fund raising events for the coming year were decided, with the main allocation of contributions to go to the Lamlash / Arran inshore lifeboat station.

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Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Mrs Sybil Simpson agreed to continue as Secretary of the Group, and as an interim measure, take on additional role of Chairman. Mr Kerry Mackendrick was re-appointed as Treasurer.

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: 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.

Dementia Friendly Village Two great events coming up.

A Christmas Tea Dance will be held on Friday 6th December at 2pm in Lochwinnoch Golf Club. Contact Ann on 07761 114567 for booking. And on 25th January A fantastic ‘Bring a Cushion’ film show will take place at Calder Church. The previous film show proved a huge hit and attendees enjoyed a cuppa on arrival, then interval ice cream and popcorn! A big thank you to all the Dementia Friendly helpers including William Graham and Ann Arnold.

Kilbarchan Parish Messy Church 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. With stories, songs, crafts and games for everyone.

All children 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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December 2019

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

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Advertisement Feature

Home is where the heart is

k i l b a r c h a n

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. Our CAREGivers love helping people live well in their own home Our Promise • To Match you with your CAREGiver • To spend a minimum of one hour each visit

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0141 280 8210 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 To learn the simple skills that save lives, contact Morag Thow on 07868 752814 to book onto one of our courses in 2020: Tuesday 28th January 7pm - 9pm Lochwinnoch Masonic Lodge Tuesday 25th February 1pm -3pm Lochwinnoch Masonic Lodge Tuesday 17th March 7pm -9pm Lochwinnoch Masonic Lodge 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.

Your Ward 9 Councillors 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

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Lochwinnoch Community Council New Election Required For Lochwinnoch Community Council A Special Meeting had to be called by Renfrewshire Council Officials in place of the November meeting of Lochwinnoch Community Council because the resignation of the Chairman, David Arthur, and three office bearers, left the CC with less than the minimum seven members required.

Ken Graham, as Head of Corporate Government responsible for administration of Community Councils, explained that due to a Procedural Misunderstanding at the Inauguration of the Lochwinnoch Community Council at the start of its new term in October, a late nomination of a new member was allowed, when it should have been proposed and put forward by the CC meeting that followed.

The standard constitution of Community Councils required coopted members to wait six months after appointment of the Council, but in the circumstances of the CC having less than half the allowable members, the late nomination could have been allowed, if endorsed by the CC membership.

It therefore would be necessary to hold new elections, which would be expedited as soon as possible, but due to National Parliamentary elections on December 12th, there might be a delay until the New Year.

The four Renfrewshire Councillors representing Lochwinnoch attended the meeting and supported requests for speedy appointment of a new CC, as there were a number of outstanding locally important issues requiring attention.

Some 20 local residents attended the meeting, and when asked, indicated that at least six persons were willing to put their names forward to become members of the CC, in addition to the six remaining appointed members, which would be sufficient to allow establishment of a new Council.

It was declared that the four officials of the CC who had resigned would be able to re-apply to be members of the new Community Council, and as valued members, it was hoped that they might reconsider their position about resignation.

Kilbarchan, Guide Centre. Tel: 702758.

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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 The Christmas Party is on Monday 16th December at 9.45am in the hall, when the highlight of the morning will be a visit from Santa about 11am.

The club will resume after the holidays on Monday 6th January at 9.15am.

Kilbarchan NWR There is one meeting in December when the theme is; Wear something with “a tale” attached! There is also a Christmas party. For further information, please phone 348627 or visit the website: www.nwr.org.uk

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The Kilbarchan Singers Christmas Concert

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Friday 13th December at 7.30pm in Kilbarchan Parish Church The Kilbarchan Singers invite you to their annual Christmas Carol Concert. Rebecca Murphy will conduct a programme of Christmas music and there will be a guest appearance by Kilbarchan Parish Church Junior Choir. Tickets £10.

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As this is my last Advertizer column of 2019, and as it is customary to reflect on the year gone by, I looked back to the content of my first article of the year in January which noted the national and local issues that were prominent at that time. In doing so I was reminded of the old French proverb - the more things change the more they stay the same.At the beginning of 2019 there was uncertainty and ongoing debate regarding the UK leaving the European Union.

Locally there was concern around the environment ,the introduction of the new arrangements for bin collections and waste recycling, and the low priority given to the gritting of residential roads and pavements in Kilbarchan, Howwood, and Lochwinnoch.

Fast forward 12 months, and as I write Brexit is being debated in the current General Election campaign, a review by Zero Waste Scotland is to take place in regard to ongoing concerns with the Councils assisted bin collections, and general waste collections, and residents in West Renfrewshire villages are asking questions about the preparedness of the council to rapidly respond to bad weather through its winter maintenance programme.

I await with interest the outcome of the review on waste services, and will continue to press Renfrewshire Council to ensure that in the event of bad weather,our area receives the necessary level of service.

Throughout the year I have kept Advertizer readers updated on other significant issues ,such as the progress of the Transport Bill through the Scottish Parliament, that sets out the options for running local bus services.

The plans for additional child care provision, and the need to protect community health and social work services for older people also featured prominently and will continue to do so in 2020.

Against a background of potentially difficult budget decisions these, amongst others will be significant challenges that we will face in the coming year.

Back in January I noted the tremendous contribution the various events, community organisations and support groups make to the life of our villages, that help to meet the challenges arising from ongoing uncertainty elsewhere. Thanks are due to all those volunteers who freely give of their time to promote and maintain the social cohesion of our communities.

I wish them and everyone in Kilbarchan Howwood and Lochwinnoch a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.

I will not be holding advice surgeries in January however please contact me anytime at cllr.derek.bibby@ renfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 0300 300 1274 or 07534 156007.

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

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

Move it or Lose it!

Our pink hats were a big hit in our classes throughout Renfrewshire and Inverclyde during Charity Fundraising week. We raised £360 which will be split between Breast Cancer Now and Alzheimer Scotland.

Lochwinnoch SWI As we do not have a meeting in December we would like to wish all members and friends a Very Happy Christmas and every good wish for the New Year.

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We look forward to welcoming everyone again in January 2020 for the second half of our syllabus.

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December 2019

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The Old Library Centre

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What a great year it has been for the Old Library Centre. We are kept busy and have lots of activities on offer. We are having continued success with our usual activities of Yoga, Pilates, Move It, or Lose It, Bridge Group and Craft Group.

We have a new yoga class on Friday mornings at 10am and a Weight Watchers class on Saturdays at 10am. The 8 week Tai Chi course has finished and we will be running an advanced course starting sometime in February (date to be decided) Of course, thanks to the generous grant from Renfrewshire Council for essential maintenance of the building we will be able to provide our usual services to the village for many years to come. Work will start on this soon. Remember we have rooms to hire (see our website for details) and offer computer hire, photocopying, scanning and faxing.

Congratulations to Fiona Bretherton who runs Move it or Lose it Class on a Thursday afternoon at 2.30pm – 3.30pm on her 2 year anniversary of running the class. This is a very popular class and all who go love going to it.

The Old Library Centre will close on Friday 20th December for Christmas Holidays and re-open on Monday 6th January.

We would like to wish all who attend the centre a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

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 Some of you may have noticed when I have been out and about in the ward lately that I seem to be a bit more hairy of late. Well, during November I have been growing a beard to try and raise funds for the charity, Movember. This is an international charity which tries to raise awareness of, and money for, men suffering from prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health issues such as depression. Last year at the Local Area Committee I spoke up for an increase for funding for the Breast Feeding Network, and one of my first political campaigns thirty one years ago was to stop a Womens Aid refuge from being closed. But men are far behind women now and too many men are suffering in silence.

December is one of the most exciting seasons of the year for Johnstone, Kilbarchan, Howwood, and Lochwinnoch. From early November every weekend to Christmas brings a whirl of Craft Fayres, Coffee Mornings, and of course the annual Xmas Lights openings, which all serve to bring our villages together. Our community volunteers in the ward do so much, and I would like to commend and congratulate all community volunteers in Johnstone, Kilbarchan, Howwood, and Lochwinnoch, for all their work, and in whatever capacity they serve. They serve only because of love of community, and the quality of life would be much the poorer without that crucial contribution.

It is now nearly eight years since I was honoured to have been elected as one of the three Ward Councillors for the former Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, and Lochwinnoch Ward, I have had some successes, and some setbacks, but I have relished and enjoyed every moment of it and hope to serve for many more years. In the new year of 2020 I will continue my long-standing practice of working hard for all constituents, regardless of their political views, and I would like to wish all my constituents and their families, of all faiths and none, a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

I have no advice surgeries during the month of 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

Local Heroes!

Olapip Home - a little luxury in a sustainable way!

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Olapip Home is a new home fragrance business hand crafting a range of luxurious products to fill your home and workplace with elegant scents.

H o w w o o d

Our candles, wax melts and reed diffusers are hand poured locally in Houston using natural soy wax, cotton and linen wicks, premium fragrance oils and an eco-friendly diffuser base.

We offer a beautiful selection of fragrances from citrus, fresh, fruity and floral to woody, masculine, seasonal and festive scents - there really is something for every taste. Presented in stylish white, black and copper packaging, Olapip products look splendid in every home and also make an ideal gift.

Nichola McKay, Founder of Olapip Home said, “As a candle lover I was becoming a little frustrated with spending money on candles that didn’t burn particularly well, either tunnelling with lots of wax left on the side of the candle jar, a black soot residue around the top or drowned wicks where you have to gouge out some wax before attempting to relight…not to mention black marks on my white walls. All of this made me reconsider what I use in our home and drove me to test and produce beautifully fragranced products that burn cleanly. After months of researching, testing and perfecting, Olapip Home was launched in September 2019.”

■ L o c h w i n n o c h

At Olapip our ethos is all about offering a little luxury in a sustainable way.

• Soy wax is a vegetable wax derived from soya beans and is biodegradable - it burns cleanly and produces 90% less soot than paraffin candles.

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• We strive to limit plastics in our packaging - we use glass, tin, card, biodegradable and compostable glassine bags in our product range and tissue paper, shredded boxes and starchbased packing peanuts in our packaging. If you do find any plastic, we are simply re-using what we have received from our suppliers to extend the life of single use plastics.

E l d e r s l i e

• Your empty candle jars can be refilled, recycled or upcycled - return the jar to receive a 10% discount off your next order, or use the jars to plant some low maintenance succulents or store your favourite make-up brushes in them.

Thank you to our customers for all your support so far and we look forward to introducing new customers to the Olapip Home range. To find out more please follow us on Facebook and Instagram @olapiphome, visit www.olapip.co.uk or call Nichola on 07843 447421.

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

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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!

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WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH ■ H o u s t o n

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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 – 8pm. 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.

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Houston | Crosslee | Brookfield Houston & Crosslee SWI We are all looking forward to celebrating our 90th Birthday on Wednesday 11th December.

The party will be held in the J G Fleming Bowling Club. Our first meeting of 2020 on 8th January will be a Quiz Night.

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.

May we wish all our friends a Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year.

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 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 Co-Op Food Bank Christmas Collections Jenny & Margaret will be in the Houston Coop on Saturday 14th December and Sunday 15th December (9am9pm) collecting 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.

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 xx

The New Year is set to bring a series of both changes and challenges for the residents in our communities of Linwood, Houston, Brookfield, and Crosslee. A very welcome change will be the new Houston Nursery which will be bigger and better than the existing one.

An inevitable challenge will be the need for all local Councillors, not to mention our community councils in Linwood, Houston, and Brookfield, to be ever vigilant for the never ending flow of planning applications which threaten to destroy the green belt, and end the nature of our distinctive village communities. Families need new housing and I am all in favour of new housing but in the right place, and that is not at the expense of the greenbelt.

Given the high number of complaints I receive in my civic postbag about declining bus services, particularly between the villages and the main towns in Renfrewshire, I think it is a very positive change that the Scottish Government’s new Transport Bill will give local authorities power to franchise bus services or to run bus services directly. This is an option that deserves serious consideration.

It is now nearly thirteen years since I was honoured to have been elected as one of the four Ward Councillors for the Linwood, Houston, and Crosslee Ward, I have had some successes, and some setbacks, but I have relished and enjoyed every moment of it and hope to serve for many more years. In the new year of 2020 I will continue my long-standing practice of working hard for all constituents, regardless of their political views, and I would like to wish all my constituents and their families, of all faiths and none, a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

I have no advice surgeries during the month of December, 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

Jenny can be contacted – JennyMeadows10@ outlook.com

Churches in Houston HOUSTON AND KILLELLAN KIRK: All Services will be led by the Rev Gary Noonan unless otherwise stated. Sunday 1st December - 9.45am - Early Communion Service, 11am - Christmas Gift Service. Sunday 8th - 11am - Morning Worship, 7.30pm - Carols and lessons. Sunday 15th - 11am - Nativity Service and Young Singers, Sacrament of Baptism, 7.30pm - Quiet Reflective Service.

Sunday 22nd - 11am - Morning Worship. Tuesday 24th - 10.30pm - Mulled wine and mince pies in Killellan Halls, 11pm - Community Singing and Watchnight Service. Wednesday 25th - 11am - Short all age Service. Sunday 29th - 11am - Morning Worship. 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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December 2019

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

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Winter weather and your eyes

by Kerry Taher, New Vision Opticians With the cold weather, most people will be thinking about scarves for the face and neck, gloves for the hands, hats for the head and warm boots for the feet. But what about the eyes?

Cold winter winds and central heating can cause havoc with the eyes, sometimes leaving them very dry, gritty, red and sore. If you’re suffering then you should keep well hydrated, take Omega-3 daily as this can help stimulate tear production, try a room humidifier and use artificial tears. It’s always best to have an eye examination to determine the exact cause of any problems.

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Colds and coughs are very common in cold weather - they can be highly contagious and the germs can very easily transfer from the hands to the eyes causing various eye infections. Make sure to wash your hands (and your children’s hands) regularly to minimise the risk of infection.

Don’t put away your sunglasses yet! Summer is when we traditionally think of wearing sunglasses but they are equally important in winter, protecting our eyes from glare, harmful UV reflections from snow and ice and even acting as a barrier to block the cold air and wind. Snowy conditions reflect much more UV radiation into your eyes, so ensure you have proper UV protection especially when enjoying winter sports such as skiing/snowboarding. Polarised sunglasses are particularly good when driving towards a low sun in wet conditions.

Winter is a good time to have your eyes tested as poor light conditions mean that your eyes have to work harder, making them more likely to feel tired and strained. If you experience any difficulties eg driving in the dark (one of the most common winter complaints) then it’s a good idea to have your eyes checked. There’s almost always something that can be done to help.

Houston Kirk Postie 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.

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

to

Brookfield December News

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As the Festive Season approaches, residents should look out for this year’s village Christmas card which will be delivered shortly and features an image of a snowy Stanley Lane. It also includes details of events in the village during December which are as follows:

SUNDAY 1st: Christmas Tree Light Switch On - from 5.30pm - FREE The perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit! Meet at the Village Hall at 5.30pm and join a candlelight procession to the Millennium Garden where our group of village brass players – the Brookfield Brass Necks – will entertain us with some Christmas music prior to the switch-on of the tree lights. Then it’s back to the Hall for hot chocolate and mulled wine and a viewing of ‘The Snowman’ on a giant screen! Lanterns will be available to borrow if you don’t have one of your own. Once again, we would like to extend a huge thank you to Gowanlea Nursery and Garden Centre for providing a tree for the village.

SUNDAY 15th: Christmas Carol Service - 2pm - FREE A musical celebration of Christmas with the Brookfield Brass Necks leading the carols followed by mince pies and mulled wine.

A collection will be taken in aid of Renfrewshire Food Bank tinned/packet food items and/or cash donations most welcome.

A collection bin will be available in the Village Hall during December for any resident who would like to donate any food items but who is unable to attend the Carol Service. (Items currently required include UHT milk, juice, tinned fruit/vegetables/fish; however, all foodstuff gratefully received.)

B r o o k f i e l d

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SATURDAY 28th: Cheese & Wine - 2pm - FREE This ever-popular annual event is the ideal opportunity for residents, visiting family members, friends and neighbours to get together for a really sociable afternoon between Christmas and New Year.

TUESDAY 31st: Hogmanay Dance - 8.30pm - 1am Dance the night away and see in the New Year with live band, ‘PINNACLE’. Bar/Raffle. Tickets £15 (minimum age 14) from: brookfieldvpa@gmail.com or call/text Mike on 07973 123450.

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

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

Monday to Friday, Gryffe Manor Out of School 01505 615438.

Dance West Scotland, enquires@dancewestscotland.co.uk

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Coffee Shop: - Mon - Fri 9am - 4.30pm Sat 9am - 2.30pm Coffee Shop/Centre 01505 229597

MONDAY

H o u s t o n

Yoga (Weekly): 11am & 1pm Mary Laidlaw 01505 229112 DWS (own room) Diaporama: 7:30pm (9th R2) Sewing Group (Weekly): 10am 12noon (R4) SWI Handiwifes: 7.30pm (9th)

TUESDAY Paint Pot Tots (Weekly): 10am Dawn Campbell 07789 262350 DWS (own room) Yoga (Weekly): 7pm - M/s Lawson 01505 613690 Councillor Surgery: 12noon (17th) - Allison Dowling WRADS: 7.30pm (10th)

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WEDNESDAY Community Council: 7.30pm (18th) Gryffe Camera Club (Weekly): 7.30pm DWS (Weekly) MH: 4pm - 7pm DWS (Weekly) R2: 6pm - 7pm Baby Class (MOO MUSIC) (Weekly): 10am Centre Patrons PLEASE request date or time changes due to Holidays from your Group Leader or Club spokesperson

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THURSDAY Gryffe Quilting Group: 1pm 3pm (5th) Primary Colours (Weekly): 3.30pm - 4.30pm Crafty Friends: 7.30pm (5th & 19th) 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 TBA

FRIDAY Yoga (Weekly): 10.30am - M/s Lawson 01505 613690 Galaxy (Weekly) MH: 3.15pm - 7pm Galaxy (Weekly) R2: 5pm - 7pm 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 (7th) - Jim Sheridan

SUNDAY Baptist Church (Weekly): 11am and 6pm

A Portable Defib Unit is available at the West Halls (Church) on Main Street

B r o o k f i e l d

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 & Killellan Kirk Christmas Services Sunday 1st December - 9.45am - Early Communion Service, 11am Christmas Gift Service. Sunday 8th - 11am - Morning Worship, 7.30pm - Carols and lessons. Sunday 15th - 11am - Nativity Service and Young Singers, Sacrament of Baptism, 7.30pm - Quiet Reflective Service.

Sunday 22nd - 11am - Morning Worship. Tuesday 24th - 10.30pm - Mulled wine and mince pies in Killellan Halls, 11pm - Community Singing and Watchnight Service. Wednesday 25th - 11am - Short all age Service. Sunday 29th - 11am - Morning Worship.

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

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk Houston & Killellan Kirk The Christmas Gift Service this year at Houston & Killellan Kirk is at 11am on Sunday 1st December – but gifts can also be brought to the Early Service at 9.45 am. The gifts are again to be donated to the CrossReach Visitors Support and Advice Centre at Perth Prison.

Here the staff and volunteers offer non-judgemental help, advice and emotional support to visitors, who are the families of prisoners.

There is a great awareness of the impact that prison can have on the children, and this is often overlooked. So the staff at the Centre aim to provide a gift at Christmas to every child with whom they come into contact – through the generosity of donations. When the children of the Kirk learn how little the children of prisoners might receive at Christmas, they are very keen to bring gifts to this Service, resulting in a generous response.

Suggested gifts are items such as 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, Christmas Annuals, gadget puzzles, clothing etc.

It is important that nothing too heavy or bulky is donated, since most families travel by public transport. CrossReach have also asked that the unwrapped gifts are put in open gift bags, with an indication of age, and boy or girl. No doubt the folk at Houston & Killellan Kirk will respond well, as in previous years.

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.

Following staff from Gryffe High School and adults from Houston & Killellan Kirk completing the Big Sleep Out last year, there was significant interest from pupils and youth groups to host our own Wee Sleep Out. So pupils from a range of year groups along with Houston Scouts, 1st Houston Boys’ Brigade and Houston Kirk Youth Club along with staff, Gary Noonan, the Minister and volunteers will be participating in the Wee Sleep Out at Gryffe High School on Saturday 7th December. We will be sleeping outside, braving the elements for a night, to help those who have to do it every night. Please support this initiative if you can via https// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser Foodbank Continuing Needs After the tremendous response to the Harvest Thanksgiving appeal, the generous congregation at Houston & Killellan Kirk are continuing to support Renfrewshire Foodbank www.renfrewshire.foodbank. org.uk every Sunday with “a tin at a time”, but there is also a great need for toiletries. At least every other Monday (sometimes more frequently) a large car load is delivered to Paisley. Those who operate the centre provide regular updates on the greatest needs.

Currently these 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.

The people who operate the centre continually express their gratitude to those attending Houston & Killellan Kirk for their generous support. The supporters are not just those attending Services, but those using the Halls, including the Yoga Classes, who meet in the Killellan Halls on Monday mornings.

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

PET

December 2019

NEws

Name a Guide Dog puppy ‘Habbie’ A name is the first gift that a guide dog puppy receives and is a chance for us to become part of their life changing story. We are hoping to raise £2,500 to name a Guide Dog Puppy ‘Habbie’, and are delighted to announce that we are almost half way there!

West Renfrewshire Supporters Group would like to thank Kilbarchan Veterinary Practice and Bobbins for their support to raise funds for ‘Habbie’. In October KVP with volunteers and friends completed a sponsored litter pick in the village and Bobbins held a very successful afternoon tea. Both raising over £500 each which is phenomenal.

We would like to most sincerely thank everyone who supported these events and anyone who has contributed to make ‘Habbie’ guide dog puppy a reality.

If anyone would like to take part in fundraising or donate, please get in touch Anne 07779976047 www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kilbarchancommunitypuphabbie

0141 882 1688 www.scottishspca.org

Veterinary Physiotherapy What is Veterinary Physiotherapy?

Just like us, dogs can suffer from a wide variety of conditions affecting their musculoskeletal system.

Veterinary physiotherapy is a complementary therapy which is carried out by a qualified veterinary physiotherapist on animals referred by a veterinary surgeon for a wide variety of conditions.

Physiotherapy involves a variety of manual and electrical therapies aimed at relieving muscle tension and spasm, addressing soft tissue injuries and relieving any compensatory effects caused by the condition.

What Is Physiotherapy Used For? Physiotherapy can be used for post-operative rehabilitation, rehabilitation of animals with orthopaedic or neurological conditions, enhancement of quality of life in animals with degenerative conditions such as arthritis, treating soft tissue injuries, aiding wound healing, and enhancing performance in working or competition dogs.

Manual therapies can include: • Sports massage • Stretching • Myofascial release • Trigger point therapy

LOCAL ANIMAL CHARITIES SCOTTISH SPCA

Signs that your pet may benefit from physiotherapy include: • Stiffness • Difficulty getting up and down • Pain • Behavioural changes • Shortened stride • Gait alterations • Uncharacteristic behaviour • Unwilling to be touched/groomed

DOGS TRUST GLASGOW 0141 773 5130 www.dogstrust.org.uk

CATS PROTECTION 0141 779 3341 www.cats.org.uk

JOHNSTONE CAT RESCUE 01505 337321

HESSILHEAD WILDLIFE RESCUE 01505 502415 www.hessilhead.org.uk

THE UNDERHEUGH ARK RESCUE

www.underheugharkrescue.co.uk

GIVE A DOG A BONE

www.giveadogabone.net

HARVEY’S ARMY SCOTLAND harveysarmy.com

EQUINE RESCUE & EDUCATION SCIO

• Reluctance to exercise/play

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

• Showing signs of lameness

LAMONT FARM

• Passive range of movement (PROM)

www.lamontfarm.org.uk

• Neuromuscular techniques Electrical therapies can include: • Pulsed Electromagnetic Field • Phototherapy (red and blue light) • Therapeutic Ultrasound • TENS • NMES (Muscle stim) If you think your pet may benefit from physiotherapy and want to find out more call Petvets on 01505 800366.

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Next deadline -

Wednesday 11th December

What’s on NOVEMBER 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 Movie Night - It’s a Wonderful Life The Old Kirk, 40 High Street, Kilmacolm 7pm for 7.30pm

Gryffe High School Christmas Fayre Gryffe High School, Old Bridge of Weir Road, Houston 6.30pm to 8.30pm Lots of lovely Christmas gift, crafts and activities on offer for all the family. £3 adults / £1 children.

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 6pm 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 Kilbarchan Parish Messy Church Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street 4pm to 6pm Remember to bring an adult to join in the fun.

Brighter Bridge of Weir’s Pop-Up stall event Livery Walk, Bridge of Weir 10am to 1pm On sale will be a range of items, such as seasonal table decorations and candles, h o m e - m a d e c a ke s , c o n f e c t i o n e r y, 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.)

Johnstone Christmas Lights Houston Square, Johnstone Live music, Christmas activities and a fun fair before the town’s Christmas lights are officially switched on in the afternoon.

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Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

One of Gibb Stuart’s Christmas Windows by Alan Gilmour

SAT 30 NOVEMBER St Andrew’s Day Torchlight Parade West End of Glasgow Performances by street theatre artists, such as stilt walkers, glow in the dark juggler, hoola-hooper and fire art. £7 adult torch and £4 child, family ticket for four £20.

Tickets via www.torchlightparade.co.uk or by calling 0333 666 3366.

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

Christmas Lights Switch-on Lochwinnoch Lochwinnoch Primary School, Calder Street, Lochwinnoch 6.15pm Join us for Carol singing with music from the Bop Choir, Lochwinnoch Ukulele Group and the Lochwinnoch Primary School children. Christmas Fayre with Face Painting, teas & coffees, mince pies, mulled wine (courtesy of the Brown Bull) and of course Santa! Please come along - all welcome.

December SUNDAY1ST Christmas Market Fox and Hounds, Main Street, Houston 3pm to 8pm

The Big Sing Sunday 1st December 6.30pm - 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.

The Arkleston Singers’ Winter Concert The Arkleston Singers is a popular Paisley-based chamber choir that has been making music in and around Paisley for 40 years.

Following on from last year’s sell-out winter concert, the choir will present another selection of old favourites from its back catalogue, including pop hits from yesteryear, Scots songs and popular classics. Accompanist Javier Ucendo will also be given the chance to shine.

The proceeds from this fundraising concert will be shared between choir funds and “Finding Your Feet”, a local charity which supports families affected by amputation or limb absence. The charity helps amputees and their families or carers to achieve rehabilitation and independence in hospital, home, education, employment and sport.

In-house counsellors are also available for emotional support.

The concert will be held at 3.30pm on 19th January 2020 in Holy Trinity & St Barnabas Church, St James’ Place, Paisley PA3 2AF. Tickets cost £6 and are available from members, by phone from 0141 580 6292/07398 102607 or at the door.

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!

Houston Christmas Lights Main Street, Houston from 4.30pm Get into the Christmas spirit and join us for a fun event.

St. Vincent’s Hospice “Christmas Sparkler” Ladies Lunch Grand Central Hotel, 99 Gordon Street, Glasgow G1 3SF Drinks reception with an exclusive selection of pop-up stalls, followed by a delicious three-course lunch. Hosted by Steve McKenna. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes and take to the floor with the amazing ‘Southern Flava’, recently seen on BBC’s ‘All Together Now’.” Tickets £55 - book your tickets now to make sure you and your friends can be part of this glamorous event. For further information or to purchase tickets please call 01505 705635 or email: info@svh.co.uk

Musical Director Marcus Kitchen (l) and Accompanist Javier Ucendo (r) with The Arkleston Singers.

Snow White Panto “Mirror Mirror on the Wall, who is the fairest of them all?”

Performed by

Johnstone Phoenix Youth Theatre (written by Criag Inglis and Blair Cruikshank) from 12th - 14th December.

Doors open at 7pm with curtains up at 7.30pm. Tickets are £11 (adults) and £9 (concession) For tickets please email jpyt1@hotmail.com.

Christmas Brass and Voices Christmas Brass and Voices is at Johnstone Town Hall on Tuesday 17th December at 7.30pm.

Featuring Johnstone Band, with Wallace Primary School Choir, Starlight Rock Choir and audience carols.

Join us for an evening of Festive Favourites.

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SUNDAY 1ST A Christmas Concert St Machar’s Church, Kilbarchan Road, Bridge of Weir 3pm You’re invited to A Christmas Concert performed by the Clydebank Citadel Band.

Tickets available from Morven. Tel: 01505 612286. Ticket £5 (include refreshments.)

Bishopton Christmas Lights Bishopton Community Centre 5.30pm Refreshments available, car park closed.

Brookfield Christmas Tree Light Switch On Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside Road, Brookfield 5.30pm

FRIDAY 6TH Practical conservation at Muirshiel Country Park Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Calder Glen Road, Lochwinnoch 11am to 3pm Come and enjoy a big bonfire of sitka spruce brashings. Tools and gloves provided, no under 16’s. Bring a packed lunch, tea/coffee, biscuits provided.

News from the RSPB Lochwinnoch Reserve - an illustrated talk.

McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew 7.30pm With Dan Snowden.

Join a candlelight procession to the Millennium Garden for Christmas music prior to the switch-on of the tree lights.

Followed by hot chocolate, mulled wine and a viewing of ‘The Snowman’ on a giant screen!

Glasgow Hospitals’ Christmas Concert - CLIC Sargent

WEDNESDAY 4TH

Enjoy a magical evening of entertainment as the Glasgow Hospitals’ Choir and CLIC Sargent host their annual Christmas concert. Tickets available from the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on 0141 353 8000 or online at www.glasgowconcerthalls.com with prices ranging from £11 - £23.10. We look forward to seeing you for a truly wonderful evening.

Tinsel Walk - Renfrewshire Walking Network Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch 11am An approx 1 hour walk around Lochwinnoch stopping off at various points to sing Christmas Carols then back to Castle Semple for a cup of tea and cake.

THURSDAY 5TH Bridge of Weir Christmas Lights Carol service and a performance from the Bridge of Weir Primary School Choir at 6.15pm in Freeland Church. Lights switchon 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.

OUTLOOK Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 4pm Visit from St Columba’s Junior School.

FRIDAY 6TH Quarriers Christmas Lights Join us on Main Street at 4pm.

Kilmacolm Christmas Lights Cargill Centre from 6pm Kilmacolm Community Council are having a Christmas Hamper Raffle in aid of maintenance of the defibrillator which will be drawn at the event.

St Anthony’s Primary School Christmas Fayre St Anthony’s Primary School, Hallhill Road Johnstone 1pm It’s a real festive mood maker and we warmly invite one and all to come and join us for some Christmas cheer.

December 2019

Glasgow Concert Hall, Buchanan Galleries, 2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3NY

Santa’s Grotto at RSPB Lochwinnoch RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 4pm to 6pm There will be a very special visit from Santa Claus at RSPB Lochwinnoch. He will be occupying his temporary grotto and ready to great children, hear their Christmas wishes and give them a small gift in return (bookings essential). For bookings and further info email: lochwinnoch@rspb.org. uk Tel: 01505 842 663

Christmas Tea Dance - Dementia Friendly Lochwinnoch Lochwinnoch Golf Club Burnfoot Road, Lochwinnoch PA12 4AN 2pm Enjoy a Christmas Tea Dance with friends - hosted by Dementia Friendly Lochwinnoch.

SATURDAY 7TH Christmas Tree Sale RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm Select your very own tree from our range and take it home there and then. Further info: Email. lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk Tel. 01505 842 663

“Christmas is Coming” Gryffe Voices Community Choir Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir 7pm A charity concert with popular music and seasonal songs Entrance free – all welcome – donations for St Vincent’s Hospice

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SATURDAY 7TH Kilbarchan Community Nursery Christmas Fayre Meadside Avenue, Kilbarchan 10am to 1pm Santa’s Grotto, Home Baking, Face Painting, Christmas Crafts, Tombola, Lucky Dip, Grand Raffle and much more … so please come along, bring your friends and family and support us on the day.

Kilbarchan Parish Church Christmas Fayre Church Hall, Steeple Street 10am to 12noon

MONDAY 9TH - THURSDAY 12 Houston Kirk Postie West Halls Main Street Houston PA6 7EL (next to Carrick Centre and Village Hall)

Join us for a fantastic Christmas Fayre! Visit Santa in his grotto, buy your Christmas tree and gifts, sample an array festive refreshments and listen to the angelic voices of our Junior School Choir - all under one roof! We’ll also have pipers, charity stalls selling cards and gifts for very worthwhile causes and last but not least, lots of Christmas joy! Free entry.

Kilmacolm Scouts Annual Tree Sale Scout Hall, Kilmacolm 10am to 2.30pm Free Tree Delivery in Kilmacolm. Early orders and trees over 9’ tel: 07765 007798.

SATURDAY 7TH - SUNDAY 8TH Langbank Christmas Tree Festival Langbank Parish Church, Main Road, Langbank 2pm to 5pm Trees decorated by local clubs and o rg a n i s a t i o n s , o n t h e t h e m e o f a Christmas carol or song. With live musical entertainment both days, tea, coffee and mince pies will be served in the hall. £3 for adults, £1 for children or £6 for a family ticket, covers the entertainment and refreshments. Why not drop in and feel the magic of Christmas!

SUNDAY 8TH Annual Christingle Messy Church Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir 4pm to 6pm Beginning with making the Christingles, followed by a short candlelit service and a meal together in the large hall. Open to everyone of all ages. We will be collecting donations of new toys, books and puzzles etc for the Renfrewshire Toybank.

Loch Lomond Shores 10am - 3pm Tel: 07977 179 861

Johnstone Town Hall, Johnstone 7.30pm

THURSDAY 12TH - SATURDAY 14TH

Duchal Road, Kilmacolm 12noon to 3pm

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 10am - 2pm

THURSDAY 12TH

Joint Christmas Coffee Morning

St Columba’s Christmas Fayre

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

Christmas Brass and Voices

Sòlas Drop In Bereavement Group

1st Lochwinnoch Boys’ Brigade and 1st Lochwinnoch Girls’ Brigade are holding a joint Christmas Coffee Morning. Please come along and support the boys and girls.

Everyone welcome.

FARMERS MARKETS

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 to 12noon, and again from 7pm to 8pm, every day from 9th to 12th. Delivery is guaranteed not later than 17th December.

A variety of gift stalls and the opportunity for the children to have their photos taken with Santa. Entrance £3 includes coffee with mince pies and shortbread.

Lochwinnoch Parish Church 10am to 12noon

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Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 4pm

Snow White Panto Elderslie Village Hall 7pm Johnstone Phoenix Youth Theatre will be performing. Doors open at 7pm with curtains up at 7.30pm. For tickets please email jpyt1@hotmail.com Tickets: £11/£9.

SATURDAY 14TH Kilmacolm Scouts Annual Tree Sale

Paisley Cross 10am - 2pm Tel: 01655 770217 Kip Marina, Inverkip 11am - 4pm www.kipmarina.co.uk

TUESDAY 17TH Featuring Johnstone Band, with Wallace Primary School Choir, Starlight Rock Choir and audience carols. Join us for an evening of Festive Favourites.

Howwood WI Howwood Village Hall, Howwood, PA9 1BB 7.30pm Christmas Fun Night. Taste and Try plus Santa Bag

THURSDAY 19TH OUTLOOK Christmas Party Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 4pm

SATURDAY 21ST

Scout Hall, Kilmacolm 10am to 2.30pm

Paisley Abbey Recitals

Free Tree Delivery in Kilmacolm. Early orders and trees over 9’ tel: 07765 007798.

Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley 12.30pm

SUNDAY 15TH Brookfield Christmas Carol Service

SATURDAY 28TH Brookfield Cheese & Wine Afternoon Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside Road, Brookfield 2pm This ever-popular annual event is the ideal opportunity for residents, visiting family members, friends and neighbours to get together for a really sociable afternoon between Christmas and New Year. Free.

TUESDAY 31ST Brookfield Hogmanay Dance Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside Road, Brookfield 8.30pm to 1am Dance the night away and see in the New Year with live band, ‘PINNACLE’. Tickets £15 available from: brookfieldvpa@gmail. com or call/text Mike on 07973 123450 (minimum age 14). Bar/Raffle.

Abbey Brass Christmas Concert. Admission £5 payable at the door. Paisley Abbey (Church of Scotland) – Registered Charity No. SC007633

Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside Road, Brookfield 2pm A musical celebration of Christmas with the Brookfield Brass Necks leading the carols followed by mince pies and mulled wine. A collection will be taken in aid of Renfrewshire Food Bank - tinned/packet food items and/or cash donations most welcome. Free entry.

Christmas Wreaths at Greenock Cut The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, Greenock 10.30am-3.30pm Make your own Christmas wreaths from natural materials. Sessions are 10.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 3.30pm. Cost per wreath is £7.50. Places are limited. Details can be found on the Park’s website www. clydemuirshiel.co.uk or by emailing rangers. castlesemple@clydemuirshiel.co.uk £7.50

Bridge of Weir Choral Society Christmas Concert St Columba’s Church, Duchal Road, Kilmacolm 7pm The Choir will sing a delightful programme of favourite Carols by John Rutter and Carl Jenkins and other arrangements. Special Guests: Johnstone Band and Angel Voices.

Tickets £10 available from choir members or pay at door.

MONDAY 16TH St Columba’s Musical Celebration Duchal Road, Kilmacolm 7pm-9pm This wonderful musical event is the perfect showcase for St Columba’s many musicians and it is truly magical way to end the school term. Take some time out from this otherwise frenetic time of year to enjoy choral and orchestra festive favourites.

Single tickets £10 and a family ticket (4 people) is £35. Please call 01505 872238, email marketing@st-columbas.org or see www.st-columbas.org for booking details.

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street 9.45am Visit from Santa about 11am.

Glasgow’s St Andrew’s Day Torchlight Parade The torchlit walk will be open and accessible to all who want to take part, on Saturday 30th November.

Glasgow will host this major event once again and it’s organised by the muchloved West End Festival team and supported Image: Martin Sheild’s Photography by Scotland’s Winter Festivals, Glasgow City Council and Byres Road and Lanes BID. This year, the experience has been widened further and will have more family-orientated activity, including parents and grandparents helping kids to make lanterns to use in the parade (guided), Scottish myths and fairy tale storytelling, and performances by street theatre artists, such as stilt walkers, glow in the dark juggler, hoola-hooper and fire art. Plus, face painting artists will be waiting to paint faces (kids young and old!) in the Kibble Palace prior to the parade forming. All of this activity is included in ticket prices.

Liz Scobie, chairman of the West End Festival, said: “We’re delighted to once again receive funding from Scotland’s Winter Festivals to mark this special day in Scotland.

“We hope to build on the event each year with more people taking part and making memories with family and friends.”

Vouchers for torches are now on sale - £7 adult torch and £4 child, family ticket for four £20.

Tickets via www.torchlightparade.co.uk or call: 0333 666 3366.

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December 2019

Paisley Abbey SUNDAY 26TH JANUARY 2020 COME AND SING HANDEL’S “MESSIAH” with Orchestra directed by Dr George McPhee Rehearsal: 2.30pm (entry from 2pm) Singers: Adult £15

Performance: 6.30pm

Students/school pupils £5

Audience: £5 (at door) All singer applications are welcomed but places are allocated on a first come first served basis, enabling the conductor to achieve as balanced a choir as possible.

Early applications are appreciated NB on this occasion scores will not be provided Application forms can be downloaded at www.paisleyabbey.org. uk Cheques to be made payable to Paisley Abbey Music Society Forms and Payment to be returned to Miss P Routley, Paisley Abbey Choir, Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley PA1 1JG NB Only applications returned with payment will ensure that a place is reserved.

Email enquiries to proutley@talktalk.net All funds raised support the music in Paisley Abbey Paisley Abbey(Church of Scotland) – Registered Charity No. SC007633

Paisley Abbey Saturday Recitals Saturday 21st December from 12.30pm Abbey Brass Christmas Concert Admission £5 payable at the door Paisley Abbey

(Church of Scotland) Registered Charity No. SC007633

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.

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Next deadline Kai Connolly

Wednesday 11th December

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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 2pm 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.

Jennifer Sloan Physiotherapy led Pilates Kilmacolm Community Centre, Wednesdays at 6.15pm - 7.15pm & 7.30pm - 8.30pm

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

On-X, Linwood Mondays & Thursdays at 7pm

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990.

MARTIAL ARTS The Shotokan Karate Club

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

Taekwon-Do

Johnstone Sports Complex PA5 0LD Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6pm Call 07951 365166 for details.

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

Kai trains at On-X pool in Linwood under the careful guidance of his experienced coach Andy Jackson. The first record he broke this year was the District record for the 100m Individual Medley at the District Sprint Championships held at Tollcross International Swimming Centre in September. This was closely followed in October at the Clyde Coast Winter Championships by breaking the record for the 100m freestyle.

A weekend competing at the 2019 Scottish West District Junior Age Group Championships at Tollcross on 26th & 27th October then saw Kai achieve another 2 District Records for the 200m & 400m freestyle. These records had stood since 2008! Significantly however, his time for the 400m freestyle time of 4:37.38 also broke the all-time Scottish record for his age, breaking the current record by nearly 5 seconds.

Kai’s busy year was finished off by gaining a further District record as an 11 year old at the REN96 Open Championships at On-X in early November for the 200m Individual Medley. It’s an impressive list of achievements in a short space of time and just reward for those early morning alarm calls at 4.45am to make swimming training ahead of the start of his school day at Gryffe High!

Gleddoch Prizegiving Lunch 2019

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

The ladies held their Prizegiving at Gleddoch and after a delicious lunch the Lady Captain, Margaret Adams presented the major trophies to the worthy winners.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Hall Tuesdays at 6.30pm - 8.30pm

FOOTBALL 5-a-side Football

Championship Winner Roisin Black, Margaret Adams, Isabell Donnelly and Trixie Brown are shown holding their prizes.

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

Gleddoch were promoted to Division One of the West Renfrewshire Golf League, and the shield is on display with our Captain.

Powerleague Paisley Modays at 6pm

Football Training

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

WALKING Kilmacolm Walkers

Birkmyre Park Pavillion, Kilmacolm Thursdays at 10am

David 01505 874192 kilmacolmwalkers@ talktalk.net

Lochwinnoch Community Walk

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.

Bridge of Weir Walking Group

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Young Houston swimmer Kai Connolly has had a record breaking couple of months in the pool smashing an all-time Scottish age group record for 11 year olds and achieving 5 District age group records!

Bishopton Belles Line Dancing

Fitsteps with Jennifer

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

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ATHLETICS

Kilbarchan Athletic Club

Kai’s Making a Splash!

The Cross, Lochwinnoch Mondays at 10.30am (excl. public holidays) Tuesdays Outside Co-op at 10.30am

1 hour walks. Call Senga on 0141 842 3000.

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December 2019 Scottish Women’s Institutes team up with Netball Scotland Scottish Women’s Institutes and Netball Scotland have teamed up to take Walking Netball to women across Scotland in a new initiative designed to expand pathways to sport.

The partnership will see more than 14,000 women encouraged to participate in the sport, which is set to be played in village halls and school gyms up and down the country.

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club The Gentlemens’ Annual dinner and prize giving took place at the end of October and a great night was had by all. Our very own Alan Gordon was the warm up act for the main speaker Mr Bill Rutherford, a former caddy to Seve Ballesteros, and both kept us royally entertained throughout the night. A sumptuous menu was provided by our new caterer Simon Partridge and his team. Simon has already put Friday Night Dining firmly on the calendar with a most successful Moroccan Night and an equally sold out Steak Night last week. A Spanish Night is coming up at the end of the month!! The Freebooters Cup, played the morning after the night before (only for golfers who attended the dinner the night before), was won by Brian Glover, who had obviously not drunk enough the previous night!

Phase 1 and 2 of the Clubhouse Refurbishment Project has now been completed and the building has been returned to its former glory with a new heating system, new electrics, new fire alarm system and many completely new windows. The outside has been re-rendered, repainted and the roof made watertight in readiness for the winter months which are now upon us! Interior decoration is next on the “to do” list and will be ongoing over the winter period.

The Ladies held their annual dinner on 23rd October with 43 ladies attending. Our new Caterers did a wonderful job and if the volume of chatter was anything to go by, a great time was had by all. The prizes for the year’s many fun competitions were presented to all the winning teams by Captain Jan Macnab.

During the winter season the ladies have a bounce game on Mondays and Wednesdays when all are welcome to turn up for a 9.30am start.

We look forward to seeing as many as possible. Wednesday also has the option of a 1pm start but it would be advisable to contact at least one other member beforehand to be sure of a game.

Picture: SWI members met Netball Scotland’s staff to train at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena.

Walking Netball is a slower version of the game; it is netball, but at a walking pace. The game has been designed so that anyone can play it regardless of age or fitness level.

A number of SWI members have been trained by Netball Scotland’s facilitators and can now pass on their skills and enthusiasm in their local Institutes to encourage participation and activity.

The collaboration will now see members in 663 institutes across Scotland given the opportunity to participate in the gentle activity no matter their experience.

Scottish Women’s Institutes President, Linda Retson, said: “This is an exciting collaboration for us. The Walking Netball programme will join golf, bowls and curling as a key sport for Scottish Women’s Institutes and we are delighted to be working with Netball Scotland and give members a fun, friendly, sociable, safe and very exciting new activity. Getting together to have fun and exercise our bodies and minds fits perfectly with Scottish Women’s Institutes’ outlook and we believe Walking Netball will be a huge hit.”

Geraldine McGuire, Head of Development, Netball Scotland said, “The partnership between Netball Scotland and the SWI celebrates a joint vision to empower women across Scotland. Through the platform of walking netball, we will collaboratively enable women to build vibrant communities across the country where they can learn new skills, share experiences, build friendships and support networks and most importantly have fun.

As a Governing body, Netball Scotland is leading the way in Scotland in the Changing Lives Agenda. This partnership showcases our commitment to extending our reach out with the sporting sector, building networks of expert resource and knowledge which contribute to achieving Active Scotland Outcomes. Together with our partners at Age Scotland and Breathing Space we very much welcome the opportunity to expand our walking netball programme through the SWI membership.”

Ranfurly Castle Ladies were well represented at the recent Renfrewshire County AGM and prize giving held at Haggs Castle.

Jan Macnab had a busy evening being presented with 4 different prizes having had a very successful year. The Challenge Rosebowl was followed by winner of the Spring meeting and the July Medal and finally finishing runner up in the Winter Foursomes with partner Sheila Shaw.

Anne Judge and partner Marion Munro were winners of the Winter Foursomes and Anne was winner of the July Medal. Well done to all.

Can we take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a good golfing New Year.

Picture: Leandra Robertson and Arlene McKay of SWI’s Renfrewshire Federation enjoy the day.

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Next deadline -

Wednesday 11th December

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Kilmacolm Golf Club

Old Course Ranfurly

There was a presentation to Lynsie Bulloch on her last day at the club. Lynsie has been at Kilmacolm Golf Club for the past nine years and has looked after us all very well. She will be deeply missed by the Ladies Committee as she made the transition of running competitions from the Pro Shop much easier. We wish her well in her new job and hope she remembers to come and visit us all soon.

Ladies Section On Friday 1st November the Ladies of Old Ranfurly marked the end of the summer season with their annual prizegiving. Members celebrated the success of fellow golfers at the annual dinner which followed immediately after the presentation of prizes.

Congratulations to all our happy winners and thanks to everyone who contributed to make the event such a huge success.

Juniors The Junior AGM and Prize Giving was held on Sunday 3rd November.

All the Juniors have achieved so much this year but these were our worthy trophy winners: Coombes Trophy: Harry Kellock (best 2 net scores from Spring, Summer and Autumn Meeting)

The John Tannish Shield: Niall Taylor (Newton Shield Player of year)

R.B.S Trophy: Alexander Farmer (best bet boy’s score on Junior Day)

The Junior Club Championship Runner Up: Timmy Erskine The Champion of 2019: Mackenzie Holmes

Junior Prizegiving Over 90 parents and juniors attended the annual prizegiving, marking another hugely successful season with OCRGC Junior Section. We now have 145 junior members. Outgoing Captain Iain Milne handed the baton to Ryan Watson. Ryan will be Junior Captain next year when his father Andy will be Club Captain.

Lewis McIlvar swept the board with phenomenal success and was the Newton Shield Team, player of the year. Junior Club Champion Johnny Greig – finished his term as a junior member with another outstanding season of success too.

Amelie Robert-Rocher also received a prize representing the girls in the section. Well done to all involved.

Prostrate Cancer Donations The generous members at the club have donated over the last 3 years in excess of £1,000 for Prostate Cancer. The Seniors Open competition provides awareness to all competitors about the condition and visitors and club members are always happy to donate to the cause.

Castle Semple Sailing Club

Centenary Trophy: Harry Kellock

(The Keyden Cup)

Charity Pink Lunch In association with Breast Cancer Now, OCRGC hosted a ladies pink lunch. Over 100 ladies enjoyed a fun filled afternoon and raised £6,400. Huge congratulations to all those involved.

PHOTO: Ian Nicholson Salver to our first worthy winner - Struan Brooksbank. A very special moment for Ian too.

Our Summer Medal winners were: Harry Kellock for April, May and June Scott Newman for July.

A huge thank you to all the Junior Newton Shield Players for 2019: Lucy Bliss, Syrian Brooksbank, Romy Erskine, Timmy Erskine, Mackenzie Holmes, Harry Kellock, Murray McLaughlin, Ian McNaught, Scot Newman, Jack Reuben and Niall Taylor.

They have had a good season and hope to do even better next year! Many thanks to Jim Mackie for his time, energy and fun and to Ian Nicholson and David Parlane for all the wonderful coaching.

Four young Juniors have now got their full Congu Handicaps. Well done to Lucie Barclay, Steven Barclay, Scott McGhee and Zoe Sayers.

Blue Course Special Awards Electric over 7 holes: Natalie Sayers Best Putter 2019: Lucie Barclay Overall Winner of 7 holes Medals: Zoe Sayers The Outstanding Players 2019 The Junior Player of the Year: Mackenzie Holmes The Rookie of the Year: Struan Brooksbank Very well done to all our wonderful Juniors. We are so proud of all of you and what you have achieved this years. Keep swinging!!

Many thanks to Lynda Bradley for all her hard work with the Junior section.

Ian Brown Cup 11 boats entered the racing including five cadets sailing Toppers, Laser and Pico - well done to Gracie Gillan for sailing her first race.

In the second race, Angus “the Master” Winchester achieved a triple whammy by managing to break a third mast in yet another boat - three broken masts in three different boats in little over a year must be some sort of a record.

Apparently some of the adult racers were feeling a little “delicate” after having a few drinks on Saturday night - with some retiring at lunch time. This was useful for Angus as he needed another boat and the Club RS Vision was now free - by the time of the end of race 4 only two adult boats were still competing but four of the cadets were still going strong as the results proved. The final results were: 1st: Brian Young and Alan Falconer - RS Vision 2nd: Sarah Bell Topper 3rd: Rebecca Shearer Topper Youngest competitor showing most promise: Emily Shearer Cadet Competitor showing most promise: Yuan Wong Well done to all.

Many thanks to Gillian Shearer and Vivienne Bell acting as Ros and for work in the club house and Alice and Barry for safety boat cover. Thanks to Alice Laurie for the photos.

For more info see www/castlesemplesc.co.uk

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December 2019

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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

Old Course Ranfurly Junior Newton Shield Team

Kilmacolm Playgroup We enjoyed a lovely week on our Halloween topic, lots of fun crafts, making ghosts, spiders and pumpkin patches and hunting for spiders on our tuff table. Fireworks was our next topic, the children made beautiful firework pictures using lots of different tools even making 3d pictures.

A week of the classic story Jack and the Beanstalk with our huge beanstalk on display, lots of water play building Jack his own beanstalk out of lego. Fun crafts saw us making the golden goose, harps, magic beans and beanstalks for Jack to climb.

The lovely Jo James from musicland has joined us for 4 weeks on a Tuesday introducing music and movement programme for our children, all included in the Playgroup fees.

We are getting ready for our January intake at Playgroup, don’t miss out. 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, expectant mums to attend. Each month we have breast feeding co-ordinators and other useful information available. 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.

£3. Bring a mug along for a cuppa.

@GryffeAds @GryffeAds

Howwood Church Hall 9.45am - 11.35am

Kilbarchan Community Nursery We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded £1,000 of grant funding from MacAdam King to spend on garden resources.

We intend to get our outdoor cooking area up and running with the purchase of a Bon-Fire Kit. We also plan to make a start on an orchard area with some fruit trees.

Christmas Fayre - Saturday 7th December Our Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 7th December in the nursery from 10am to 1pm. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we will have; Santa’s Grotto, Home Baking, Face Painting, Christmas Crafts, Tombola, Lucky Dip, Grand Raffle and much more … so please come along, bring your friends and family and support us on the day.

On Friday 13th December the children will be entertained by the Clyde Built Theatre Company, who will perform The Ginger Bread Man’s Christmas, this will also be Christmas jumper day when children can wear their festive Christmas jumpers and a collection will be taken for Save the Children charity.

Rotary Youth Events The Young Writer competition is underway with six schools participating.

The Young Chef competition will take place at Gryffe High School on 5th December, with ten competitors from St Benedict’s, St Columba’s and Gryffe High.

The Youth Speaks competition will be held at St Columba’s on 10th December and the Primary School Quiz at JG Fleming Bowling Club, Houston on Tuesday 10th March.

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Next deadline -

Wednesday 11th December

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

St Fillan’s Primary School

Houston Primary School

World War 2

Amazing Art The pupils in Primary 6 & 7 have been demonstrating their fantastic art skills this term.

Food Bank Donation A huge thank to all of the families who kindly donated to our Harvest appeal for provisions to support those less fortunate. Mrs McPherson delivered the food to the Abercorn food bank where the goods were weighed totalling 170.8kg. The staff were very appreciative and overwhelmed by our generosity.

It’s been an exciting few weeks at St. Fillan’s Primary School. Our Primary 7 class has been learning all about World War 2 and had an exciting time when Home Front Histories came to school. The pupils had a fabulous day with lots of opportunities to interact with wartime artefacts, dress up in military costumes, try out rifles and set off the air raid siren (you may have heard us!)

Surviving Spanish Camp Primary 5 had an adventurous time at Spanish Language Camp at Lapwing Lodge. Working in teams with pupils from St. David’s Primary and Our Lady of Peace they enjoyed learning and using Spanish vocabulary in various team building activities. A Spanish themed lunch was enjoyed by all and some very brave boys and girls successfully made it to the very top of the high ropes. Fant?stico!

Eco Assembly At St. Fillan’s Primary we are super proud of our Eco Committee for flying the green, energy saving flag at Assembly and hosting our special visitors from St. Columba’s. Thanks were given to Mrs Smith and to Mr McDermott who presented our energy saving mission from the point of view of the Local Authority’s targets and recommendations. It was great to see all our young people really wanting to make a difference to their planet.

Learning About...

This term the pupils have been learning a wide range of topics which have been enhanced by trips out to Lunderston Bay, Scotland Street School and the Museum of Rural Life. Senior pupils have also been out and about taking part in swimming lessons at the ON-X and taking part in the Renfrewshire Road Race and fun run at Gryffe High School.

Working in Partnership with GHS Primary 7 Eco Reps met up with GHS Eco Reps to discuss green initiatives. They shared lots of ideas and look forward to working in partnership.

Christmas Light Competition Congratulations to Struan Thompson, who is this year’s winner of the Christmas Light competition. His design will take pride of place in the village display and for many years to come. Switch on event – Sunday 1st December.

Houston Primary Christmas Fayre 6.30pm - 8pm A wide variety of quality stalls will be there to tempt you, so come along and make a start on your Christmas shopping. Santa will also be there!

Halloween Party ‘Spooktacular’ fun was enjoyed by all the pupils at this year’s Parent Council Halloween Party. Their costumes looked great and fun was had by all.

Fundraising At this time of year when online spending is at a peak we would very much appreciate it if you can help us by collecting free donations each time you shop online. Use the link below to register. easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/houstonpsc/

“Children in Need” at Johnstone High School

Primary 1 for August 2020 Infant registration will take place in January 2020 as follows: Wednesday 15th - Surname A-L, Thursday 16th - Surname M-Z, from 1pm - 3pm. Children reaching the age of five between 1st March 2020 – 28th February 2021 inclusive should be registered at this time in their catchment school. Full birth certificate and two proofs of residence must be produced, one of which must be Council Tax.

On 15th November Johnstone High School celebrated “Children in Need” in style. Pupils took part in a dance party hosted by the one and only George Bowie of Clyde 1.

The event was planned and organised by a senior pupil Rebecca Adams, who tweeted Bowie on a whim, hoping he would be willing to contribute. She was surprised and delighted when he agreed and the event went ahead. The afternoon was not only an opportunity for pupils to dance and enjoy themselves with friends, but also an excellent opportunity to raise an incredible £600 for Children in Need.

The school are particularly grateful for Rebecca’s hard work and determination in organising this event. An amazing time was had by all.

Kilmacolm Primary Score Sportscotland Gold Flag Award Kilmacolm Primary School have received a Gold Flag award to show they have achieved the highest standards set by sportscotland, which encourages schools to constantly improve the physical education and sporting opportunities available to pupils.

Simone McCredie, Head Teacher Kilmacolm Primary School, said, “We are absolutely delighted with this award. It recognises all the hard work of Ross Stewart (Active Schools) and the school staff who co-ordinate and run the clubs. Ross has engaged with the children and he has built links with local community sport groups ensuring that there is a range of sporting activities that appeal to everyone from archery to dance to tennis - there is a sporting club for everyone in Kilmacolm Primary School!”

The sportscotland School Sport Award (gold, silver and bronze) is a national, Lottery funded initiative.

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December 2019

St Ninian’s High School Team win Trophy The recent S3 Schools Youth Speech Competition held in St Luke’s High School, Barrhead, saw five teams from East Renfrewshire go head to head. Emerging victorious was St Ninian’s High School. The prestigious competition is organised annually by the Renfrewshire Speakers Club and has grown into a hotly contested local schools competition.

The topic chosen by St Ninian’s team was: Knife crime, especially involving young people, is becoming a major problem. Why does it happen and could young people be part of the solution? The candidates spoke confidently and maturely on this important topic.

Runners up this year were St Luke’s High School. The judges told the teams that each competitor made a great effort and were a credit to their schools and teachers. Each team were presented with a Certificate of Achievement – a useful addition to their future CV. The winning team and the runners up of this heat along with other teams from Renfrewshire and Inverclyde went forward to the Grand Final.

St Columba’s School Get into the Christmas spirit with St Columba’s School’s Christmas events, two of which are open to the public!

Christmas Fayre – 7th December, 12noon - 3pm Join us on the 7th December (12noon - 3pm) for a fantastic Christmas Fayre! Visit Santa in his grotto, buy your Christmas tree and gifts, sample an array festive refreshments and listen to the angelic voices of our Junior School Choir - all under one roof!

We’ll also have pipers, charity stalls selling cards and gifts for very worthwhile causes and last but not least, lots of Christmas joy!

Entry is free.

A Musical Celebration – 16th December, 7pm - 9pm Every two years, we host A Christmas Celebration, a unique event in the school calendar. This wonderful musical event is the perfect showcase for St Columba’s many musicians and it is truly magical way to end the school term. Open to the public, this event is a fabulous way to take some time out from this otherwise frenetic

time of year to enjoy choral and orchestra festive favourites. Single tickets can be purchased for £10 and a family ticket (4 people) is £35. Please call 01505 872238, email marketing@st-columbas.org or see www.st-columbas.org for booking details.

Some other Christmas events we are taking part in over the coming weeks…

The Outlook Group’s mission is to help combat loneliness. The group provides a space for older members of our community to come together, listen to a speaker or watch a performance and chat over a cup of tea. St Columba’s Mrs Annett is taking along her Drama Club on Thursday 5th December where the children will give a short performance of the work they have been doing in their weekly club. This is a lovely opportunity for the generations to mix – if you are a member of the Outlook Group at the Old Kirk, you’re in for a treat!

On Friday 6th December, St Columba’s will again take part in the Wee Sleep Out. Children in Juniors 4 – 6 will spend the night sleeping in school. Why? To raise funds for Social Bite’s movement to end homelessness. We wish our children all the very best in their efforts to raise awareness of the plight of many, and those less fortunate than ourselves. This also ties in well with our Reverse Advent Calendar programme. Instead of opening a little cardboard door (and perhaps taking out a chocolate) of a traditional advent calendar, we ask our children to give a little back by donating foodstuffs for local foodbanks.

Finally, every year we are asked to help children in our local area who would not normally receive Christmas gifts. St Columba’s Junior School is supporting, once again this year, Children in Poverty (CiP) Inverclyde. Last year, parents and children showed the true extent of their generosity and we were thrilled to support CiP by providing many gifts for children aged 2 years and up in the Inverclyde area.

St Columba’s School wishes everyone in our local community and beyond a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

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Next deadline -

Wednesday 11th December

Mike Haines OBE visits Gryffe High School Mike Haines OBE, founder of Global Acts of Unity has given a talk to Gryffe High School as part of a national tour aimed at tackling extremism.

In 2014, footage was released of the brutal execution of his brother, British aid worker David Haines who was working to assist Syrian refugees when he was captured by Daesh terrorists.

Now, defying terrorists’ aims, Mike is sharing his personal journey with schools to spread a message of unity, tolerance and understanding. Harnessing the pain of losing his brother, Mike has chosen to tackle hatred with Global Acts of Unity, giving people tools to challenge hatred and extremism.

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk Gryffe High News Dyslexia Awareness Week To mark Dyslexia Awareness Week Scotland, Miss O’Hara worked with some of our wonderful young people to create a presentation for staff. The aim was to better inform teachers about the condition, and to suggest some more ways to help these learners in the classroom. Our pupils also bravely shared how it feels to have dyslexia, and expressed this through fantastic poetry and artwork.

To top it off Emma and Callum brought in a book about dyslexia in which they both had interviews published!

Mike Haines said: “The devastating loss of my brother had a lifechanging impact on my family. We continue to feel his loss every day. It has not been easy to channel that pain into a powerful, positive force for good. But it has been the right one.

Young people are the peacemakers of the future. I was pleased to speak to the students in Renfrewshire. Through ensuring our young people here, and across the country, know how to stand up to hatred we can together tackle extremism wherever we may find it. By standing together, with acceptance and understanding, we will defeat those who seek to divide us.”

Teacher Mrs Patricia McGeough said: “A large number of pupils were privileged to hear Mike on Friday. Rather than focusing on the negatives, Mike now campaigns for greater compassion, understanding and kindness. Mike is a true inspiration. His story is so powerful and his response is a real challenge to us all to live a better life”.

To find out more about Global Acts of Unity, and access free classroom resources, visit: https://mikehaines.globalactsofunity. com/

Bridge of Weir Primary School It’s been a really busy month, not least with preparations for the Christmas Fair. Thank you to everyone who supported the event.

Our pupils are always enterprising, but they surpassed themselves this year by making and selling their own apple jam (with apples from our own orchard). Others put their science skills to great effect by making bath bombs and chromatography bookmarks.

Our thanks to Mrs McMahon and parent (and science teacher) Mrs McLernon for overseeing the production. The Fair certainly got us all feeling very festive, with performances from the choir, and a visit from Santa.

We’ve also had a visit from the MoneySense team at the Royal Bank of Scotland, as reported by the P5B news team:

Many thanks presentation.

to

all

the

pupils

who

helped

prepare

the

Enjoy their poem –

‘Outside the Box’ by Gryffe Pupils and Miss O’ Hara Before my diagnosis, I was confused Of being too slow, I was accused Overwhelmed, embarrassed, annoyed, angry Sometimes all I can think is ‘why me?’

I used to think everyone’s words were a jumble Now I know it’s dyslexia, but I still struggle On the bright side, my creative brain rocks I’m good at thinking outside of the box I can think more abstractly and quicker than my peers When I’m focussed on an interest, my worries disappear Long paragraphs are my biggest nemesis Short chunks with pictures can help with this My mind can get lost in a lovely daydream I’m not being rude, however it might seem It doesn’t define me or make me lesser It makes my problem solving even better My favourite teacher is the one who gets it They know how to help me with being dyslexic

owed the bank £250,000 – for a non-existent bank loan.

In the last financial challenge, the P6s had to plan a party using only £100 as a budget. They had to use it to hire a hall, buy food, and tackle problems along the way. It certainly put their problemsolving to the test. One of them told us “I like how you can win by the lowest budget” At the end of the visit, everyone received a goodie bag, containing a pencil made from recycled money.

MoneySense is a scheme by RBS which teaches children how to use money, and how to keep it safe. Volunteers from the bank came to the school to run several workshops.

The P1s and P2s discussed the things you need in life, and those you don’t. For example, you need food, clothes, shelter, but you don’t need toys, or electronics like laptops or phones.

P3s and P4s explored the cost of making different smoothies and how much each ingredient would be.

The P5s and P7s had to solve a crime involving a person called ‘Caitlin Bailey’ who’d been a victim of fraud, and discovered she

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December 2019

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 St Anthony’s Primary School It’s always a thrill to win a competition. To win one that gives your staff and pupils the amazing opportunity to be involved in a collaborative project with both The Disney Corporation and also The Royal Scottish Opera, is truly exceptional. Later this month at an initial training evening twenty members of St Anthony’s staff have put themselves forward to take up the tremendous opportunity afforded them by this win. Furthermore our delighted primary 6 & 7 pupils can’t wait to begin their 16-week training and skills development in theatre production. The final production will be showcased at The Theatre Royal and also within St Anthony’s itself next year.

Understandably with such great excitement in the school it was a real blow when we discovered our garden area within the school grounds was vandalised. Plants destroyed, tools stolen and our hut and wooden planters and benches destroyed to burn by youths on bonfire night. The children have worked so hard since August alongside staff to create a lovely area and were devastated when they came to school the following day and saw the destruction.

CCTV footage has been given to the police and they are following their lines of enquiry. We so value our local community and appreciate all the well wishes we have received. Parents are setting up a “Go Fund Me” page to generate finance to help in the rebuilding of the garden area. If you would like to contribute as a member of the community or as a local business please contact the school.

Focusing on more encouraging events, our whole school community are looking forward to our Christmas Fayre at 1pm on 6th December.

It’s a real festive mood maker and we warmly invite one and all to come and join us for some Christmas cheer.

Duchal Nursery School After the excitement and “glitter fest” of Halloween and Bonfire Night we celebrated Diwali making Diwali lamps to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights. The children watched a video explaining the significance of Diwali which is just one of the festivals from other cultures which we celebrate in a small way as part of the Religious and Moral Education part of the curriculum.

Houston Toddlers Everyone enjoyed our Halloween party, we made crafts, cooking for apples and yummy snacks not forgetting our chocolate treat we all were given as we left. We had Heyes Photographers along to capture our happy faces, and we are looking forward to seeing the results. Grateful thanks to all those who donated to Birth, Baby and Beyond, this is a charity that distributes used and clean items to underprivileged families, and they left Houston with a van absolutely full of various items. We are looking forward to Thursday 12th December when Roukenglen Pottery will be visiting and we can make something nice for mummy or daddy. Our Christmas Party is on Thursday 19th December and we are all getting excited hoping we might get a visit from Santa. We meet in the West Halls on Thursday mornings from 9.30am until 11.30am. Everybody welcome please bring your own cup (preferably with lid) and a cup for the children. We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year on Thursday 9th January.

We have also been making a poppy wreath for the Nursery and talking to the children about why we wear poppies at this time of year.

This is all leading us to the end of term and the Festive season!

We can’t wait for our annual trip to the Tron Theatre in Glasgow for much Christmas cheer. There are lots of Christmas decorations busily being made and preparations are well under way for our annual Nativity and Christmas party on 11th December.

Finally a date for your diary – we are holding a Burns Supper on Friday 31st January, please join us to celebrate Scotland’s most famous poet for a night of traditional fayre and entertainment!

If you are looking for a place for 2020 onwards please do get in touch. We are happy for visits to see our facilities and meet the teachers at any time, please contact us on: 01505 874358 to arrange a convenient time. Also visit our website at: www.duchal.com or find us on Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest news.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from all at Duchal Nursery.

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outdoors

Next deadline -

Wednesday 11th December

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Outdoor NEws

Bridge of Weir Hillwalkers on Ben Venue

Bridge of Weir Hillwalkers Outings in October by Bridge of Weir Hillwalkers included an ascent of Ben Venue in the Trossachs (see above) on a marvellous Autumn day, a walk through Fairlie Glen and an exploration of the Ardnish Peninsula with a view to a return trip in 2020. Unfortunately our first trip in November fell victim to a Scottish monsoon where the rain was stotting off the ground and going for a coffee seemed a better idea.

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.)

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!

November also saw our sleep-over in Oban with Beinn Lora on the agenda. Into December and we are at Oran Mor for the panto following a short walk in the Botanics and then our Christmas walk in Arrochar will end up with lunch at the Village Inn. Contact: donwwsmith@gmail.com if interested.

Bridge of Weir Horticultural Society The Society held a “Pumpkinfest” to celebrate the crop grown by Members and Primary School pupils. As this was the culmination of the village’s pumpkingrowing season, the venue was seasonally decorated to give an autumnal and Hallowe’en atmosphere. 10 pumpkins were on display plus 1 giant, round courgette – rejected as N.A.S! Generous prizes, donated by a Member, were won by Bute House (Primary School) for the Heaviest pumpkin, weighing 24lbs/11kgs; The Bridge for their Most Uniform-shaped pumpkin and a Member for the Smallest pumpkin, smaller than a golf ball!

Everyone voted the Smallest and Most Uniform as joint winners of the “People’s Choice”. For future reference, Pumpkin ‘Charmant’ produces large and yellow fruits and Pumpkin ‘Hundredweight’ produces attractive and best shaped fruits. Guests then enjoyed a selection of home-made Autumnal or Hallowe’en-themed goodies, watched a Pumpkin-themed presentation and filled in an autumnal Pumpkin-themed brainteaser.

We next meet on Thursday 12th December at 8pm in The Bridge for our AGM and Review. Members are therefore requested to attend.

After business is concluded, Members can enjoy some seasonal hospitality, look at Members’ photos and reminisce over this year’s gardening season.

If you want to save your Holly berries for Christmas, cut and store stems in a freezer! For winter interest near paths or doorways, try Viburnum x bodnantense “Dawn” with its pink flowers and honey perfume or Sarcococca (Sweet Boxwood) with its subtle white flowers and wafting aroma. Modern Mahonia cultivars have a vanilla perfume and bright yellow flowers but with their height and prickly leaves, best at the back of borders.

Remember bird feeder ‘hygiene’ and rinse mouldy bits out of containers under the outside tap. Birds burn up energy in their search for nutrition and return to food sources, so keep feeders fresh and full.

Season’s Greetings from the Horticultural Society!

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December 2019

Green Corner

Eco Gifting Hacks For Christmas 1. It’s a Wrap! We use 19,000 miles of wrapping paper – that’s enough to wrap Scotland’s coastline 2.5 times.

A lot of wrapping paper cannot be recycled.

Use brown recyclable paper and good old fashioned string.

Decorate your parcels with stencils, fabrics, stamps or maybe a sprig of Christmas tree foliage to make them look pretty.

2. Bag It! A simple technique of wrapping a box or other rectangular object in strong paper such as old or reclaimed wallpaper. Glue or tape it up and seal one end. Then slide the box out and put on twine handles. Check out www.littlegreenways.co.uk for more ideas and images.

3. Go Bamboo! The very first toothbrush you had as a kid is still sitting in landfill somewhere and will do for about another 1,000 years. They are virtually indestructible. Billions of these are thrown away every year. A bamboo toothbrush is the perfect stocking filler for friends and family.

4. Stuff It! Do any of us really need more stuff ? Mostly it’s a no.

Instead of buying new ‘stuff ’ why not spend your time making some jams, pickles, tablet and infused oil and give these as gifts instead. You could get together with a pal and get a production line going. This could also involve mulled wine!

5. #shoplocal. If you do decide to buy new gifts, try to buy from the high street and support our local business owners. Remember, theatre and restaurant vouchers make memorable occasions to share too.

Semple Stories and Lochwinnoch’s Glories Park Management are delighted to welcome Mhairi Donnelly as the ‘Semple Stories and Lochwinnoch Glories’ Development Officer. Her first week began by getting to know the Regional Park and some of its key sites, such as the Collegiate Church, the Peel Tower and the Cascades. Mhairi explained “It’s a thrilling project to be involved in; to discover stories of the past and people’s connection with this heritage and how we relate to it today to make it relevant. We are keen to hear from anyone who has first-hand or family memories and photographs of the areas around Castle Semple and Muirshiel Country Parks’ – the people that worked the land and the buildings which used to stand.”

Along with the support of Countryside Officer, Alan Brown, Mhairi will be bringing the history of Castle Semple and Muirshiel County Parks alive! Semple Stories and Lochwinnoch’s Glories is a successful application from Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park to the Heritage Lottery Fund and Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde LEADER. Each organisation is providing half of the total funding of £37, 242.70.

‘Where is the Castle?’ is a commonly asked question at the Castle Semple visitor centre. This history project will involve schools, youth groups and Additional Support Needs groups to interview local residents about their memories of how things used to be; the buildings, structures and industries which used to exist but are now, largely, ghosts in the landscape.

Did you know that there was a mine near Muirshiel Country Park?

Do you know of anyone who remembers it, worked in it or has photographs of the mine and the miners?

There will be stories to hear, ‘then and now’ photographic displays, interactive materials and guided walks to help you discover this fascinating past.

Details of volunteer opportunities and social media pages will follow shortly.

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Wednesday 11th December

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk December at Lochwinnoch RSPB RSPB Lochwinnoch is a fantastic place to visit for a winter stroll. If you simply wish to have a wander along a peaceful woodland path whilst spotting robins, wrens, blackbirds and other familiar birds then the Aird meadow trail is the one for you. Whilst exploring this route you can also enjoy views of the Aird meadow and Castle Semple lochs, which are home to teal, tufted ducks, great crested grebes and many more.

Our Dubbs trail which also leads to views of the Aird meadow loch provides stunning landscape views over the meadows and open water. Listen out for the distinctive water rail with their high pitched squeal or for a flash of blue of a kingfisher patrolling the channel that runs parallel to the main section of the path.

At this time of year, the Barr Loch can provide fantastic views of large numbers of ducks, geese and swans and is also a great spot to look out for hungry flocks of thrushes including redwings and fieldfares that will be feasting on the abundant berries growing alongside.

Kilbarchan Smile Children from St. Margaret’s Nursery visited the Kilbarchan Gateway Community Garden and took part in gardening and wildlife activities, including planting Spring flowering bulbs and wildflower seeds, feeding the birds and going on a Scavenger Hunt.

Lochwinnoch Community Garden Making Bird and Bat Boxes 26th January 2020 Come along with your hammer on the 26th January 2pm in the community garden. There will be lots of happy birds and bats in Lochwinnoch this spring when the look for cosy nest site!!

Thanks to Lochwinnoch RSPB and who donated a lot of the bird boxes!

RSPB Renfrewshire Local Group Friday 6th December, 7.30pm at McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew PA4 8LX Dan Snowden will be hosting “News from the RSPB Lochwinnoch Reserve - an illustrated talk”.

Reward yourself afterwards with a relaxing cup of hot chocolate, tea or coffee with a slice of cake or sandwich in our visitor centre and marvel at the antics of the smaller birds visiting our feeders including blue tits, goldfinches, reed buntings and the occasional woodpecker whilst mallards search for any spilled treats or splash in our mini duck pond. Images By Ben Andrews, copyright of RSPB.

Santa Grotto - 6th December On 6th of December, between 4pm and 6pm we will have a very special visit from Santa Claus himself, who will be occupying his temporary grotto and ready to great children, hear their Christmas wishes and give them a small gift in return (bookings essential).

Christmas Tree Sale - 7th December We will also be selling Christmas trees on the 7th. If you would like to pop along between 10am and 4pm you can select your very own tree from our range and take it home there and then.

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

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.

A Winning Landscape Paisley Colour Photographic Club has been in existence for 64 years and gained an enviable reputation both in terms of its weekly programme of lectures and its success in national competitions and exhibitions.

At the recent Dingwall Camera National Projected Images Competition Selectors Choice was given to Alison Smart for her “Squally Weather - Seilibost” (see above).

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December 2019

CMRP News The park hosted an international race – Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) at the end of October. Over a thousand people took part on this weekend of racing. Participants started at Kelburn Country Park ran over the hills to Muirshiel on various routes. They camped overnight at Muirshiel then ran back to Kelburn on the following day. The overhead conditions were excellent though many said the going was tough underfoot.

At the start of November volunteers took part in some practical conservation at Muirshiel where the teams enjoyed a good bit of physical exercise by cutting, piling and burning sitka spruce piles.

Also last month, volunteer groups were busy making crafts from fallen timber and recycled pallets for their craft fair held at the end of November.

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.

Events: Wednesday 4th December – Tinsel Walk with Renfrewshire Walking Network An approx 1 hour walk around Lochwinnoch stopping off at various points to sing Christmas Carols then back to Castle Semple for a cup of tea and cake. Meet at Castle Semple for 11am.

Friday 6th Decenber – Practical Conservation at Muirshiel Country Park Come and enjoy a big bonfire of sitka spruce brashings. Tools and gloves provided, no under 16’s. Bring a packed lunch, tea/coffee, biscuits provided. Meet at Muirshiel 11am end at 3pm ish.

Sunday 15th December – Christmas Wreaths at Greenock Cut Make your own Christmas wreaths from natural materials. Sessions are 10.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 3.30pm. Cost per wreath is £7.50. Places are limited.

Details can be found on the Park’s website www.clydemuirshiel. co.uk or by emailing rangers.castlesemple@clydemuirshiel.co.uk

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Wednesday 11th December

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

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.

MISCELLANEOUS

BUSINESS

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

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY

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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 CLOTHES & SHOES Roxy, short brown boots. Fur Cuff.

Laced. Size 7, perfect condition, worn once. Cost £50 new. Sell for £25. Tel: 07864 547488.

Brand New, Smart Ladies Woollen Jacket by ‘Minuet’, Fuchsia Pink, Size 10 (Petite). Bought at House of Fraser, Cost £100, will sell for £45. Never been worn, labels still attached. Tel: 07864 520883.

Ladies Jacket, Tartan effect, Size 10, grey, pink, black, smart, by Oscar B. Hardly worn. Perfect Condition. £25.

Tel: 07864 520883.

Ladies light grey jacket, smart, Size 10, by The Collection. 80% Wool. Excellent Condition. £20. Tel: 07864 520883.

Ladies Italian Full Length Black Boots, Lovely Soft Leather by Roberto Venuti, Milano. Size 7. Worn once. Perfect Condition. Cost £120 New ; sell for £55.

Tel: 07864 547488.

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN Banjo style barometer/thermometer . £15. Tel: 07817 135002.

J S Sakol solid teak, retro tall wall unit. With cupboards, drawers, open shelf, glass display shelf and cocktail cabinet. In good condition, from smoke free house. Splits into two for transportation. Must be uplifted. £60.

Tel: 07751 600703.

Television stand/cabinet. Storage space for dvds or cds. Two glass doors at the front and to smaller cupboards at the side. £30. Tel: 07817 135002 .

Original A.H.MacIntosh design teak dinning table including six chairs. Can extend to easily fit eight people. £150.

Tel: 07817 135002.

Long and low glass topped mahogany coffee table. £15. Tel: 07817 135002.

Nest off three mahogany coffee tables each with glass top. £20. Tel: 078171 35002.

Ikea ‘Flintan’ grey office chair, vgc. £20.

Tel: 01505 874861.

Teaspoons, set of 6 with an additional sugar spoon. EPNS in lovely, hinged, Presentation box. Great for Afternoon Teas. £20. Tel: 07864 520883.

Dessert Forks, set of 6. EPNS. In Cardboard box. Great for cakes at Afternoon Tea. £20. Tel: 07864 520883.

Multicoloured traditional style IKEA rugs - 80cm x 180cms. Unused. £15 each or £25 for two. Tel: 01505 228143.

Hotpoint full size under counter larder freezer in good condition for £10 which comes with under counter full size fridge for free. Tel: 07592 430924.

J S Sakol solid teak retro wardrobe with integral top box. From smoke free house, must be uplifted. £30. Tel: 07751 600703.

Dessert Knives, set of 6. EPNS, with mint green handle. In lovely hinged Presentation box. Perfect for Afternoon Tea. £20. Tel: 07864 520883.

PETS Puppy crate with removable tray. Also some vet fleece and a few blankets. £10. Tel: 07805 170775.

Dog cage and tray for small dog. VGC. £18. Tel: 01475 540313.

SPORTS Gent’s Mountain Bike, excellent condition. £70 ono. Tel: 07881 734273.

Confidence Fitness Vibration Plate assembled. £35. Tel: 01475 540313.

Exercise Bike, never used. £100. Tel: 07881 734273.

TOYS Kidkraft large pastel wooden toy kitchen, good condition. £60 ono. Tel: 07739 998906.

OTHER ITEMS Brand new steel car wheel 6JX15H2 and new Jinyu tyre 185/60 R15. Stored as spare wheel only. £80. Tel: 07736 067169.

Red rollator/walking aid with seat and small shopping bag. Barely used, in very good condition. From smoke free home. £45. Tel: 01505 614373.

Raised toilet seat, brand new in box. With removable arm rests. Easily fitted and removed with one hand tightening screw at front. From a smoke free home. £15. Tel: 01505 614373 .

Tanglewood Indiana Series Acoustic Guitar with bag. £150. Tel: 01505 873405 or 07913 758949.

WANTED ITEMS Local lily grower requires the use of a greenhouse/polytunnel in Kilmacolm area in return for light gardening duties.

Tel: Vince 01505 872082.

Cash paid for Vinyl Records and Music CDs (a few or a lot). Tel: 01505 324683 or 07765 115347.

Old records Wanted 45`s & LP`s CASH Paid. Tel: 07710 777571.

FREE CYCLE Ikea wash stand with sink and taps 90cm length. Also Ikea wash stand for cloakroom with bowl and taps 35cm length. Tel: 07905 950028.

Two old style portable TV’s. One has integral video player. Both have scart sockets. Could be used as monitors for playing games or attaching Freeview box. Tel: 01505 614373.

Milenco wheel clamp. Keep It high security hitch lock. Both items free to pick-up. Tel: 01505 842474.

usefuL NUMBERS

DEFIBRILlATOR SITES

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

HOSPITALS NHS 24 Royal Alexandra Inverclyde Royal Queen Elizabeth Gartnavel

111 0141 887 9111 01475 633777 0141 201 1100 0141 211 3000

COUNCILS Inverclyde

01475 717171 www.inverclyde.gov.uk/ Renfrewshire 0300 300 0300 www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/

POLICE Crimestoppers Police Scotland

0800 555 111 01786 289070

ROADS R.A.L.F Traveline

0800 37 36 35 0871 200 2233

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

BISHOPTON The Cornerstone, Greenock Road Bishopton Community Centre

BROOKFIELD Brookfield Village Hall Main Entrance

BRIDGE OF WEIR Co-Op Old Ranfurly Golf Club Ranfurly Castle Golf Club The Gate House, Bridge of Weir Leather Works

ELDERSLIE Elderslie Golf Club

HOUSTON Outside Church Hall, Main Street Co-Op Strathgryffe Squash & Fitness Club (Reception)

JOHNSTONE Keystore, Spateston Keystore, Corseford Johnstone Town Hall Scottish Fire and Rescue, Thorn Brae

KILMACOLM Kilmacolm Golf Club 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 CONTENT OF THE GRYFFE ADVERTIZER CANNOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT PRIOR CONSENT FROM THE PUBLISHER The Gryffe Advertizer is a magazine published by William Quarriers House at entrance The Gryffe Advertizer Ltd to Faith Avenue Advertising throughout The Gryffe Advertizer: Country View 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.

QUARRIERS

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Wednesday 11th December

Business directory

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

BY CATEGORY ACCOUNTANTS & FINANCIAL Affluent Financial Planning . . 16 CLA Accountancy Services . . . 17 Stewart Independent Financial . . 1

ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7

ART, GIFTS & FLOWERS Olapip Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

BATHROOMS Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5

BEDROOMS Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 15

BLACKSMITH & METALWORK McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 35

BUILDING SERVICES B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 14 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 25 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 28 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 6 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 33 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 33 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 33 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 43

BUSINESS SERVICES The K Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

FIREWOOD & LOGS LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . .

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . .

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . .

47 15 33 45

FUNERAL SERVICES Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 11 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 26

GARAGE DOORS & GATES Garolla Roller Shutter Doors . . 13

GARDEN SERVICE & DESIGN 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 45 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 44 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 47 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 26,45 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 46 Gowanlea Nurseries . . . . . . . . . 15 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2 Lady Grafters Garden Services . . 45 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 R Williams Tree Services . . . 45 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 45 West of Scotland Landscape . . 47

GAS & HEATING SERVICES C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 12 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 15 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 30 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 25 KAL Plumbing Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 15 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 3 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1

GLAZIER 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 Cloudy2Clear Windows . . . . . . . 7 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

A TO Z

HOME SECURITY

RESTAURANT & BARS

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 8

Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 21

JOINERS

RETAIL

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 29 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 28 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 6 JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 35 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 33 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,47 Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 20 The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 13

KILT & DRESS HIRE Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 35

KITCHENS Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 15 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 6

LOCKSMITHS Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

STOVES Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 33

TREE SURGEON

PEST CONTROL

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 33 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 3 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 35 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6,33 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 6

COFFEE SHOPS Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 21 Cross Cafe Kilmacolm . . . . . . . 23

COUNCIL NOTICES Inverclyde Council - Environme . . 5

EDUCATION Renfrewshire Speakers Club . . 17 St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 41

ELECTRICIANS GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 Russell Milne Electrician . . 14

FENCING Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 35

HOME HARDWARE Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,47

HOME IMPROVEMENTS 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 45 Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 7 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 47 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7 Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 10 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Renfrewshire Handyman Hire . . 17 Scotland’s Bath Company . . . . 34

PET SERVICES & TRAINING Kookie Kennels . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Suzanne’s Grooming Pad . . . . . 31 Waggys Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . Bk

PLASTERERS Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 8 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 28 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 33

TV & SATELLITE Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 3 Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 29 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 10

UPHOLSTERY SERVICES Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 3 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 35

PLUMBERS

WINDOW CLEANERS

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 12 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 15 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 30 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 25 JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 KAL Plumbing Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 15 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 3

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 33 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 35 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6,33 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 35

WINDOW, CONSV & REPAIR 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

REFUSE & CLEARANCE Junk-It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

HOME INTERIORS

REMOVALS @ease Removals & Transport . . 12

Pick up a Copy Bishopton:

Kilmacolm:

Bridge of Weir:

Langbank:

Woodrow’s Store, Library, May’s Coffee Shop Gibb Stuart, Bernie’s Cafe, Lochnagar, The Bridge, Library (Cargill Hall)

1st Floor, Neva Place Bridge of Weir, PA11 3PN

Erskine:

01505 613340

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Houston:

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Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 9am - 4pm Friday 9am - 12:30pm

48-51 CLASSIFIED_303 DECEMBER 19.indd 50

Garden Centre, Library, Sports Centre, Swimming pool Co-op, Carrick Centre, Post Office, Newsagent

Howwood:

Village Store, St Vincent’s Hospice

SCAN ME

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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Home Instead Senior Care . . . 25 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 30 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5 Inverclyde Council - Environme . . 5 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 25 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 28 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 6 JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 26 Junk-It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk KAL Plumbing Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 15 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 45 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 10 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13,Bk Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 33 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 Kookie Kennels . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Lady Grafters Garden Services . . 45 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 3 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 35 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 35 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 35 Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 15 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 29 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 21 NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 41 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Olapip Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 33 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 6 R Williams Tree Services . . . 45 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 33 Renfrewshire Handyman Hire . . 17 Renfrewshire Speakers Club . . 17 Russell Milne Electrician . . 14 Scotland’s Bath Company . . . . 34 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 SL Painter & Decorator . . . . . 10 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2 St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 41 St Mary’s Church . . . . . . . . . . 19 Stewart Independent Financial . . 1 Suzanne’s Grooming Pad . . . . . 31 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 33 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 20 The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 13 The K Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 The Osteopaths . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 43 Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Waggys Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . Bk Wellcentred UK . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 West of Scotland Landscape . . 47

PROPERTY, SALES & LET Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 17 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 15 Olapip Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 33 The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 13

Contact us

TRAVEL AGENTS Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 46 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 45 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 R Williams Tree Services . . . 45 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 45

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 33

CLEANING & POWERWASH

TILING Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 35 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

PC, WEB & GRAPHIC DESIGN

HAIRDRESSERS & BARBERS HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS

TAXIS ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 21 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 21 Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 21 Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 5 Clyde Physiotherapy and Pilate . . 37 David Paling Tanning @ Beardy . . 43 Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 43 Gems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13,Bk LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 29 NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 41 The Osteopaths . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Wellcentred UK . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

SPECIAL OCCASIONS ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

PAINTERS & DECORATORS

CARE SERVICES & HOMES CHARITY

SOLICITORS Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 17 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 35 Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 33 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 Frewstons Decor . . . . . . . . . . . 35 GFM Painters & Decorators . . 14 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 SL Painter & Decorator . . . . . 10

Home Instead Senior Care . . . 25 St Mary’s Church . . . . . . . . . . 19

ROOFING Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 25 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 8 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6,33 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 33 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 33 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 43

@ease Removals & Transport . . 12 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 45 A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 35 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 44 ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 Affluent Financial Planning . . 16 Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 7 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 47 Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 21 B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 14 Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 21 Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 5 Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 25 Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 8 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 8 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 15 C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 12 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7 CLA Accountancy Services . . . 17 CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 3 CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Cloudy2Clear Windows . . . . . . . 7 Clyde Physiotherapy and Pilate . . 37 ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 33 Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 26,45 Cross Cafe Kilmacolm . . . . . . . 23 Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 17 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 David Paling Tanning @ Beardy . . 43 Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 29 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 29 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 33 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 3 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 35 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 43 Frewstons Decor . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Garolla Roller Shutter Doors . . 13 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 15 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Gems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 GFM Painters & Decorators . . 14 Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,47 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 46 Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 35 Gowanlea Nurseries . . . . . . . . . 15 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6,33 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 35

Johnstone:

Newsagent, Cross Café, Library, Community Centre

Lochwinnoch:

Castle Semple Centre, Keystore, Library, Dolce Vita

Finlaystone Visitor Centre

LANGBANK BISHOPTON KILMACOLM

QUARRIERS

BROOKFIELD ELDERSLIE JOHNSTONE

KILBARCHAN

Henderson Kilts, Papa Mac’s, Library

Kilbarchan:

Post Office, Campbell’s, Newsagents, Bobbins

HOUSTON

BRIDGE OF WEIR

HOWWOOD LOCHWINNOCH

21/11/2019 13:43:04

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

December 2019

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• LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL BUSINESS www.advertizer.co.uk

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

21/11/2019 14:37:36

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