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No.306

MARCH 2020

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Bee-Eater approaching nest burrow, Ken Dow, Paisley Colour Photographic Club

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Inside this issue

p15

This month, we catch up with Christine Bovill whose show ‘Christine Bovill’s Piaf’ garnered a swathe of five star reviews. In 2017 she picked up ‘The Spirit of the Fringe Award’ for her next show, ‘Christine Bovill’s Paris’ and it is this one that she will bring to the Lochwinnoch Arts Festival this March.

Christine Bovill

The Lochwinnoch Festival is in its 19th year. The brainchild of Lochwinnoch residents, Morag Thow and Rowena Murray, it has grown from being an afternoon book festival involving a few local authors to a three-week, multi-art event that is well-known throughout Renfrewshire. We chat about how it all began with Morag.

“OK Fest”, Kilmacolm’s 4th Annual Festival of Sound, takes place from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th March, in the Kidston Hall and Old Kirk, Kilmacolm. Events throughout the weekend.

There’s also an additional event on Saturday 28th March with the Riverside Youth Band. Full details on page 46.

We’re getting ready for Lilias Day with information on page 44. If you would like to get involved, please contact info@ liliasday.co.uk or find out more at www.liliasday.co.uk

p14 Morag Thow

p44 Lilias Day

Spring Forward!

Clocks go forward 1 hr @ 1 am

Don’t forget the clocks change at the end of March. If you struggle to remember which direction time travels, there is an old saying, “Spring forward, Fall back” to help you.

29th

March

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Contents...

features ...................................4-15 finance & tech .................... 16-17 village news ......................18-29 sport news ..........................30-32 Traffic news ............................. 33 school news ...................... 34-37

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pet news .......................................38 outdoors .............................. 40-43 what’s on ........................... 44-47 business classified ................48 sales & wants ..........................49 advertizer directory .......... 50

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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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James Alexander Wood 26TH October 1931 - 22ND December 2019

Born in East Kilbride, and working in places as far apart as Kinross to Lake Tanganyika before finally settling in Kilmacolm, Jim Wood was known to many, and was a popular and well known gentleman of the village. So it was very sad news to hear that he had passed away just before Christmas 2019.

Jim had a long and interesting life, with a career spanning from his National Service in the Royal Corps of Signals, moving into accountancy and management consultancy, and latterly finding his talent as an artist and community stalwart. He had a large and loving family around him, being the grandfather of twelve grandchildren!

Jim was known to many in Kilmacolm. He was a great character, with a friendly face and always had something interesting to tell you. As an artist, he won great acclaim and held a number of art exhibitions; he even published a book of his paintings entitled “James Alexander Wood Scottish Impressionist”. His paintings were also made into Christmas cards and postcards for the village.

His main legacy for our village however, was the setting up of the Kilmacolm Village Centre Forum in 2002. Jim recognised that the Kilmacolm community buildings had suffered from lack of investment for many years. Although there were a number of small halls in the village, the main buildings were in a poor state of repair and there was nowhere as a central hub for the people of Kilmacolm to use for a range of community activities. Jim, along with a number of village businessmen, set up the Forum to look at how to secure the best solution to reducing the isolation of the disabled, infirm and the elderly, to developing life skills, particularly of young people, to promoting social responsibility and community pride and encouraging everyone to participate in community affairs. Jim also called upon the expertise of his son, Kingsley Wood, whose legal firm in the village provided an essential administrative support and advice during the formative period of the project and beyond.

public in 2011, and has become a wonderful asset to the village.

Of course, we owe a debt of gratitude to all the locals who were involved throughout the project, some still an active part of the management board.

However, that wasn’t the end of his involvement. Jim’s final contribution was to set up an impressive Heritage Centre which involved a great deal of research. The Heritage Gallery utilises the foyer and stairwells of the Cargill Centre, showcasing a wealth of information on the history of Kilmacolm with storyboards depicting people and events around the village.

Jim will be sadly missed by many of us.

By June 2003 the Forum had evolved into a formal company called Kilmacolm New Community Centre Co Ltd (KNCC) with the aim of centralising all community activities in the refurbished Victorian two-storey school building in the centre of the village, with a new library linked to it, to provide enhanced facilities for the community. KNCC, as well as significant fundraising in the Community, secured £1M funding for the project from the Cargill Trust, which was matched by Inverclyde Council.

Jim continued as the Chairman of the Board of KNCC from the fundraising and conceptual phase through to the design phase, only stepping down as the construction phase commenced.

The Cargill Centre was finally completed and opened to the ©Thomas Nugent wiki/cc

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March 2020

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john stevenson - obituary On 6th February Erskine Curling Club were greatly saddened to learn of the death of one of its Honorary Life Members John Stevenson at the age of 91. Known around the world for his commitment and support for the sport of curling, John joined Erskine Curling Club in 1950 serving as President on several occasions and remained an active and popular member of the club despite recent ill health.

John is probably best known for creating the Greenacres Curling Rink above Howwood in 1979 as a home for many local curling clubs and regularly hosting international and Scottish curling championships. When not playing with Erskine, John was an enthusiastic supporter and coach to many players with a particular enthusiasm to help younger players including most notably Rhona Howie who went on to become Olympic champion in 2002.

In addition to his curling, John was an award winning beef farmer and committed family man supported by his wife, Helen, who died four years ago, and his children Matthew and Elizabeth.

He will be sadly missed by many across the curling world but will be fondly remembered for his passion and commitment for the sport he loved and leaves a lasting legacy in terms of both the Greenacres facility and the many curlers who benefitted from his support and friendship.

Campbell McLundie, President, Erskine Curling Club

How to take care of your eyes

by Kerry Taher, New Vision Opticians “You can eat with false teeth but you can’t see with false eyes” highlights just how important our eyes are. As a population, we are living longer than ever before so we need to keep ourselves in the best condition possible, including our eyes.

Of course, some things we can’t do much about eg inherited genes, but we can make things better or worse depending on how we live our lives.

By doing the things we all know we should be doing (healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, regular exercise), we will be delaying or preventing some of the serious eye conditions related to high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. Simple things such as wearing UV-protecting sunglasses will also reduce the damage done to the eyes such as cataracts, eyelid disease and macular degeneration.

Protecting the eyes makes sense regarding DIY & gardening tasks, but should also be considered for sports. Cycling, to protect from loose stones or insects hitting the eyes.

Squash, rugby, football etc to prevent direct impact (eg a squash ball is just small enough to fit between the protective bones surrounding the eye and can cause particularly serious injuries).

Helping the eyes when there is visual stress eg dyslexia – precision tinted overlays can make a huge difference to someone’s life.

When glasses don’t help: options include prescription swimming goggles, contact lenses for gymnastics or golfing in the rain, or taking supplements to help those with dry macular degeneration.

Having regular eye tests is therefore essential. Not just to discuss the best options, but also to test for any potentially sight-threatening diseases – a lot of them don’t affect your sight until it’s too late. As always, prevention is better than cure.

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

Paisley & District U3A Monthly Meetings This self help education organisation for older people meets on the first Thursday of the month in the Salvation Army Hall, Mill Street, Paisley. Tea and coffee served from 1.30pm with presentations beginning at 2.15pm. Some dates for your diary: 5th March: Bob Will - The Big Dig at Paisley Abbey Drain 2019 ..... The story so far 2nd April: Mary Moran : The Charity Mary’s Meals 7th May: Philip Caine, Author “Barrow to Baghdad & back again.”

4th June: Joyce Bunton: The Body as Energy. Healing Body, Mind and Spirit 2nd July: Emma Louise Livingstone (and “Serge” the dog) Dog Trust Talk For more details visit our website: https://u3asites.org.uk/paisley/welcome

School Age Payment Eligible families are being encouraged to apply for the School Age Payment before applications close on 29th February.

The one-off £250 Payment is currently open for families with a child born between 1st March 2014 and 28th February 2015. It can be used for anything from educational toys to travel, or after school activities.

Parents who have deferred their child’s entry to school from August 2019 to August 2020, or those home schooling, should still apply before the closing date on 29th February. If an application is made after this time it will be too late.

Visit mygov.scot or call 0800 182 2222 to find out more or apply.

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Do You Have a Contaminated Bin? A campaign is set to get underway to tackle contaminated recycling bins as part of a drive to further improve the quality of recycling in Renfrewshire.

From 17th February, collection teams will be checking blue recycling bins for anything that isn’t paper, card or cardboard in a bid to reduce the cost of processing and to improve the environment.

If bins are found to be heavily contaminated, then a red tag will be placed on the bin outlining that it will not be collected until the contaminating items are removed.

Residents will then have two days to contact the council, in line with the missed bin process, to advise it has been cleared and it will be collected from outside their home within the following five days.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said; “By ensuring you only place paper, card and cardboard in your blue bin, you will be making a real difference to our local environment as well as lowering the cost to process recycling and allowing us to reinvest this money in our key public services.

“More and more, people are recognising the importance of recycling and we’re here to support you with whatever you need to recycle effectively.”

The campaign to tackle contamination is just one of a number of ways that Renfrewshire is improving its environment and tackling climate change, with the Clyde Valley Waste Project ensuring that at least 90% of Renfrewshire’s non-recyclable waste is turned into energy and diverted from landfill.

For more information on recycling in Renfrewshire, and an indicative list of what should and should not go into the blue bin, visit www. renfrewshire.gov.uk/mybins or contact the team via mybins@ renfrewshire.go.uk

Early evening legal advice sessions St. Vincent’s Hospice, Howwood PA9 1AF On Wednesday 4th March, St. Vincent’s Hospice will be providing legal advice sessions in the early evening for the first time thanks to the voluntary support of trusted local solicitors. Appointments are available between 5pm until 6.30pm to discuss Wills and Powers of Attorney completely free of charge for any adult in Renfrewshire.

This service gives an introduction to confidential professional advice and information to help you plan for your future without commitment or obligation, but donations are welcomed to support the work of the Hospice. To book your appointment, please contact June Burgess, Legacy Officer at St. Vincent’s Hospice on 01505 705 635 or email: june.burgess@svh.co.uk

Scottish Huntington’s Association Family Ceilidh Saturday 14th March from 7.30pm - 11.30pm Pollokshaws Burgh Hall Trust, 2025 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow G43 1NE A night of Ceilidh Dancing … Bringing cultures from around the world together through music and dance. Come along and have a good old knees up with music from Andy Gordon Ceilidh Band.

Children welcome.

Any questions. Please contact Linda on 0141 848 0308 or by emailing linda.winters@hdscotland.org

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March 2020

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Gryffe Valley Rotary – Young Carers Evenings Out The club arranged, with support from Renfrewshire Young Carers, four nights out at The Experience, Hillington for 76 deserving Young Carers during the week 27th to 30th January 2020. The young folk enjoyed Electric Go-Karting, an American Buffet Supper, and Laser-Tag. The Rotary Club sees this as a chance to thank the Young Carers for the work they do at home. Many members regard this annual project (every year since 2006) as one of our most rewarding and are happy to raise the money necessary to support it (approaching £2,000 each year).

The 2020 event coincided with Young Carers Awareness Day on the 30th January.

This annual event, see https://carers.org/young-carers-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.

Paisley Colour Photographic Club Scottish Photographic Federation’s Club Print Championship Sunday 16th February, Stirling Court Hotel.

The two monochrome entries are by long standing club member Charles Hamilton who specialises in street portraiture. His image of ‘Shannon, Trongate’ (bottom right) gained a gold medal in the monochrome prints section.

The colour image, ‘Towards Luskentyre’ (top right) is by Douglas Forrest and was one of the four highest scoring images in the colour print section. This is a notable success for Douglas, who has only recently joined us at PCPC. Other colour images gaining high marks were Sandstorm Dead Vlei

by Alison Smart, Curious Red Squirrel by Mike Cruise, Gallop Among The Pines by Ken Dow and Clearing Mist by Robert Fulton.

Who Cares? Scotland Who Cares? Scotland is a national charity that campaigns for a lifetime of equality, respect and love for Care Experienced people. I was drawn to volunteer there because of the amazing work they do. I volunteer as a Youth Worker and as a Community Schools worker, it is amazing.

I am a Community Schools Volunteer which involves helping to deliver presentations and talks in Renfrewshire schools to raise awareness of what school can be like for young people in care.

This work is important to increase understanding and banish the stigma and barriers that young people from all different types of care can face. It also helps to ensure that Care Experienced young people feel understood, can own and be proud of their care identity.

Volunteering in this role, I have been able to gain confidence and it has helped with my own education path and career. It has helped me to grow personally and feel like I am achieving something important and really making a difference. I am proud to be able to give my time to such important work.

I also volunteer at one of the youth groups that Who Cares? run, where I try to be a positive role model and use my own personal experience to help the young people.

I would recommend anyone to volunteer at Who Cares? Scotland because it is an amazing experience and you really are making a difference for Care Experience people.

If you are interested in giving your time to support this project in Renfrewshire schools, please contact us at volunteering@whocaresscotland. org or www.whocaresscotland.org/get-involved/ volunteer/ Adele McGuire

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history

John Cuninghame, Laird of Craigends (1759-1822) John Cuninghame, 13th Laird of Craigends, inherited Craigends estate in 1792. In 1800 he married his second wife, Margaret, the daughter of Sir William Cuninghme-Fairlie of Robertland. John and Margaret had five sons and six daughters.

His memorial stone in the entrance tower of Kilbarchan old Parish Church extols his kindness, wisdom, sincerity and his trust in God. It also makes mention of a protracted and painful illness which he bore with fortitude.

Despite suffering from frequent debilitating bouts of gout and arthritis John led an active life. His diary, written from 1814 to December 1815, provides a detailed account of his life.

John was responsible for the running of Craigends estate. This involved the organisation of haymaking, harvest-time, sheep shearing, tree cutting and pruning vines, engaging the molecatcher, attending cattle fairs in Johnstone. In the winter of 1814, when the dam at Locher Mill burst its banks, he contracted William White to inspect the dam and make repairs. He held a regular Rent Court where he collected rent from his estate tenants. He also had a substantial income from Granville Estate in Jamaica and lodged his West-India income in a bank in Paisley.

John was a Justice of the Peace and a Commissioner of Supply for the County. In this latter capacity he was responsible for ensuring local roads and tolls were in good order. He had also a keen interest in a surveying and new building. He visited the site for Napier’s new house on Milliken Estate and took his eldest son, Willie, to see George MacFarlane’s plans for his proposed new house at Clippens.

Religion was important to John, and the family regularly attended services in both Kilbarchan Church and Houston and Killellan Church. Margaret was especially friendly with Ann Monteith, the wife of the Houston minister.

John’s and Margaret’s social circle included the Napiers of Milliken, the Porterfields of Duchal, the Alexanders of Southbar, the Flemings of Barochan, the Napiers of Blackstoun and the Maxwells of Pollock.

These family friends dined together, travelling from house to house by horse and chaise. On the 28th of November, 1815, soon after the marriage of William Milliken Napier to Elizabeth Stirling of Kippendavie, John was invited to meet the new bride. He found her “very agreeable tho’ not such a beauty as I had been led to believe she was”. The men enjoyed salmon fishing, shooting partridges and hunting with hounds. John hunted with his friends at Skiff in Johnstone, Kilmacolm, Barochan Mill, and Formakin Mill.

John had a close involvement in the home life of his children. He showed great concern when the children had chickenpox and promptly sent for doctor Pinkerton. He noted in his diary that Johnnie, aged ten, fell through the ceiling of the coal house, but thankfully was not badly hurt, and that Lillie fell off a chair and bruised her eye and cheek. On a visit to Paisley he took his daughter, Fanny, for a haircut. He also recorded each of the children’s birthdays and arranged a holiday for them in Largs. His elder boys were tutored by Mr. Robert Smith, until the 2nd of March, 1815 when he was ordained as minister of Lochwinnoch Parish Church.

Entries in this unique personal diary ended on 26th December 1815.

John died in 1822 and his eldest son, William, at the age of twentyone, became the next laird. © 2020, Helen Calcluth, Renfrewshire Local History Forum Our next lecture “The Govan Stones” by Stephen T. Driscoll, Professor of Historical Archaeology, University of Glasgow, will be held in the McLean Building, Room D137/9, University of the West of Scotland, on 12th March at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome.

The Last Two Hand Loom Weavers Sometimes we get really fascinating correspondence here at the Gryffe Advertizer. A 95-year-old lady by the name of Maisie Belle, resident of Essex Gardens, South Shields got in touch to tell us about her Grandfather – Willie Chirrey, the last hand loom weaver in Bannockburn.

Maisie decided to write to us because she was aware of the area’s connection to weaving, in particular, Willie Meikle’s cottage (otherwise known as Weaver’s Cottage) in Kilbarchan.

She described how in 1938 at aged 15, along with her Grandfather, she visited the Empire Exhibition in Bellahoustan Park.

The Exhibition was a unique event. It was an attempt, perhaps, after the destruction and calamities of the First World War to bring a sense of cohesion and national pride back to Britain. The Exhibition featured 100 pavilions, representing the countries of the Commonwealth of Nations to advance the interests of the British Empire.

There she and her grandfather met Willie Meikle at the “Home Pavilion” where Willie was weaving tartan. Her Grandfather not at all amused because his loom was more “...cumbersome and larger.” So Willie Chirrey and Willie Meikle, two of the last hand loom weavers of Scotland, were together at the Empire Exhibition and Maisy was able to retell this wonderful memory to us 82 years later.

Maisy wrote a poem in memory of her Grandfather which is also held by a Students’ Information Centre in Edinburgh for the Hand Loom Trade: At five o’clock his day began.

Of course he was a wonderful man.

A cup of tea and a buttered bat; A puff of his pipe, while he sat Then off to work before the lark.

Out of the house, and into the dark.

The only light came from the gas But his step was firm as we heard him pass.

He wove tartan for troops in the castle; Lengths of Black Watch without any hassle.

Then he wove blankets as soft as snow For this is how the weaving should go.

Back then for dinner, at his own pace I think you can guess it wasn’t a race.

Down the hill and back to the loom, As one o’clock struck in the afternoon.

A friend wove the spinning as he wove the tweed In agreeable silence, but both paying heed As the afternoon light began to fade.

Then they would stop and talk of their trade.

You would find him nightly working the loom But once on a wintry, cold afternoon This old man became silent. All became still.

Now when I’m looking up in the clouds I fancy I’m seeing him there with the crowds Weaving great patterns up in the sky Perhaps I will join him, yes, bye and bye.

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March 2020

What does your mouth say about you?

Did you know that your mouth serves as a window to the rest of the body and provides an important indicator to your general well-being? Your body is incredibly complex and interconnected and, as such, your mouth can give clues to issues elsewhere.

For example, people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, which often shows up as swollen, sore, and bleeding gums. Cold sores and dry mouth are also common signs as is oral thrush as a result of a weakened immune system associated with the condition.

The mouth is full of bacteria which is why a good oral health regime is so important to keep your teeth and gums clean. If bacteria spread to other parts of the body, it can cause a range of health issues – some of which can be extremely serious.

Studies have shown that cardiovascular health can be greatly affected as bacteria in the bloodstream can lead to increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Again, inflamed gums and loose teeth can signal issues in this area. There have also been links between poor oral health and dementia with experts speculating that this is because bacteria from gum disease might also travel through the bloodstream to the brain.

A range of other health issues including vitamin deficiencies (red or sore tongue), night-time reflux (enamel erosion) and anaemia (loss of gum colour) can be picked up during oral examinations which highlights why regular visits to your dentist are so important.

If you would like any more oral health advice 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.

Johnstone History Society Our meeting in March takes place on the 10th in the Masonic Hall Collier Street at 7.30pm. The speaker in March is Kenneth P Colville and his subject is “The Kaiser’s Pirate “this should be a very interesting evening as it will tell us some interesting facts about what the German navy got up to in the First World War. We look forward to a good attendance of members and friends, this month we have our bi monthly raffle and any donations of consumable goods would be appreciated. Everyone will be made welcome and can stay and enjoy a tea or coffee with biscuits.

Our February meeting was very well attended considering the weather on the night. However everyone who attended enjoyed a very interesting talk and a picture tour of the 1938 Empire Exhibition in Bellahouston Park.

The Museum will be open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 4pm as normal. We have had a change in some of the displays so do come in and have a look.

There is a selection of books and maps on sale and at the moment we have two books which have been reduced in price “Doon Valley Tales “and “Come on Down, The Low Commotion “both down from £10 to £5. These can all be purchased online at johnstonehistory. org and any purchases can be paid for via PayPal.

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Lochwinnoch Ar Morag Thow Co-Founder

6TH - 13TH MARCH Photography Exhibition Library. Free

FRIDAY 13TH Fusioneers Bowling club 7.30pm £8/£6

Songs and Stories

I caught up with Morag to ask her about the festival, how it started, her favourite moments and other village projects.

in the Shop with Kirstin Innes and Outi Smith ReMode, 39 High Street £8/£6 BYOB

SATURDAY 14TH Laura Telford Exhibition Golf Club 12 to 5pm free

The Lochwinnoch Festival is in its 19th year. The brainchild of Lochwinnoch residents, Morag Thow and Rowena Murray, it has grown from being an afternoon book festival involving a few local authors to a three-week, multi-art event that is well-known throughout Renfrewshire. We discuss beginnings...

“tellin’ old stories” and “singing songs!”

“Well, it started 19 years ago as a small afternoon book event in the village hall because there were quite a few authors in the village....It grew to be a weekend, then a long weekend... Then two weekends, then we joined the bit in the middle!”

We’re apt to kinda adopt people!

The village certainly has more than its fair share of artistic residents. From much celebrated local poet, Betty McKellar to Edinburgh Festival star, Alan Bisset and award-winning writer, Kirsten Innis and many more besides - there’s a thriving creative scene.

Q. What makes the festival different from other small art festivals?

We are more ‘multi-arts’ than a lot of other festivals in the area. We’re probably the only arts festival in the area that covers everything from visual art, performance, music and so on. And we really try to be as inclusive as possible.

Q. Why is it Important?

We have an absolutely shambolic public transport system. We’ve one tiny wee bus that takes people to Johnstone Train Station and that is it. But disadvantaged people, OAPs, low income people, they can’t get to Paisley, or to Glasgow – even the last train means you’d have to miss half your show.

We run it because it allows people here to have a bit of a binge of lots of different kinds of art. We keep the prices as low as we can, so people can go to multiple events.

The Festival tagline is “The Friendly Festival” and this certainly bears out. They treat the performers as part of the village. They’re taken for tea or invited out to the pub and made to feel part of the community. Morag says: And this friendliness breeds loyalty from the performers, many of whom keep returning.

You get the feeling that making connections and linking up people and communities is what makes Morag tick. In 2018 Lochwinnoch became a Dementia Friendly Village – a partnership scheme which aims to include people with dementia in village life and also support carers – a direct result of The Lochwinnoch Arts Festival.

In 2017 the festival committee selected Alzheimer’s Scotland as the beneficiary charity of the festival. Morag decided they could go one step further. Her hometown of Prestwick had recently been given the title of Dementia Friendly Town. Using her connections she set Lochwinnoch on the same path.

It is interesting you are involved in linking up so many community projects...

Ach, I taught in university and that was just part of our job – organising things! And the festival has a wonderful committee. All of them artistic in their own way.

Q. Do you have any top tips for the festival?

But I suppose a lot of it is linked to my interest in mental and social health. This is true of the arts festival too. We like having acts on in the pubs too – free of charge – which, again, is about the community feeling connected with one another.

Christine Bovill is coming back – she’s lovely and such a phenomenal performer. Also The Rose Room, who have been with us five years in a row - a fantastic act. Melanie Read is with us too - a wonderful writer. She had a horse riding accident a few years ago, leaving her paralysed, and now writes the ‘Spinal Column’ for The Times. She has become a real advocate for people with disabilities.

Such a brave, inspiring girl.

Morag’s academic background is in cardiac rehabilitation. In addition to the festival and Dementia Friendly Village, she, along with her colleague Liz, run the local HeartStart program, which aims to teach emergency life saving skills to the local community. They have signed up over 800 people so far and are aiming for 1,000 (see page 18). This is a woman with many strings to her bow.

Q. Do you have a stand out moment from any of the festivals so far?

With over 40 acts to choose from, The Lochwinnoch Arts Festival has gone from strength to strength. They now attract acts and artists from all over Scotland. Talent abounds, but there can be little doubt, after my discussion with Morag Thow, that a lot of the talent also resides behind the scenes!

Yes, Dougie Mclean about two years ago. Och it was hilarious. He was just back from Australia playing, would you believe, at the Sydney Opera House in Australia. And I introduced him saying “Here he is, Dougie Mclean! He’s come all the way from Sydney Opera House to Lochwinnoch Village Hall.

Morag told me that Dougie had parked his motor home in the village car park so after the gig they all traversed to the Three Churches (pub) for more

The festival runs from 6th - 29th March in various venues throughout the village. www.lochwinnochartsfestival.com.uk

Hesu and Zuba Golf Club 7.30pm £8/£6

Ragin’ Twilight Three Churches 9pm free

WEDNESDAY 18TH Opening of Art Exhibition Library 7pm By invitation

THURSDAY 19TH Christine Bovill Paris Show McKillop 7.30pm £10/£8

FRIDAY 20TH - FRIDAY 27TH Art Exhibition Library hours free

FRIDAY 20TH Moira Monologues McKillop 7.30pm £10/£8

Calder Church Production Calder Church Donation

Billy Hampson Corner Bar 9pm free

John Hinshelwood Band Brown Bull 9pm free

SATURDAY 21ST All day Craft Fair McKillop 11am to 4pm free

Travelling Gallery McKillop 10am to 4pm free

Rose Room & John Goldie McKillop 7.30pm £10/£8

Sean Middleton Corner Bar 9pm free

SUNDAY 22ND LargsGaelicChoir,Lochwinnoch Bop Choir and Renfrewshire Community Gospel Choir Parish Church £8/£6

Call For Artists!

Lochwinnoch Arts Festival 2020 Art Exhibition will run from Wednesday 18th March to Saturday 28th March.

They are on the look out for artists to exhibit.

Optional theme this year is Coasts and Water.

Submission forms and information for exhibitors can be downloaded from the web site and forms must be returned by 28th February.

Contact Gill Bell: 07761 172726.

Image credit top left: Di Finn

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ch Arts Festival MONDAY 23RD Local Writers and Brian Whittingham the Tannahill Makar of Renfrewshire

March 2020

christine bovill

Library 2.15pm Donation

Sing for St Vincents Calder Church 7.30pm Donation

TUESDAY 24TH Gilbert & Sullivan and Operetta Night Parish Church 7.30pm £8/£6

WEDNESDAY 25TH

Christine answers the phone with a wonderfully husky voice. One that would not be out of place, you’d imagine, in the jazz music halls of 1920s Paris. An era to which she is inexorably drawn...

Glasgow Theatre Guild Parish Church 7.30pm £8/£6

THURSDAY 26TH Witches’ Brew at ROAR McKillop 1pm free

Drama The West Island Way McKillop 7.30pm £7/£5

FRIDAY 27TH Village Live Night Lochbarr 7.30pm free

Drama The West Island Way McKillop 7.30pm £7/£5

SATURDAY 28TH All day Authors

Diarmid MacArthur McKillop 10.30am 11.30am £6/£4 Corinne Hutton, Peter Aitchison, Louise Turner, Rowena Murray, Vanessa Collingridge, George Walker, Jack Hastie, McNicol and Jackson & Betty McKellar A chance to meet our local authors at this event.

McKillop 11.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 2.30pm free Melanie Reid McKillop 12.30pm - 1.30pm £6/£4 Rock and Roll McKillop 7.30pm £10/£8

SUNDAY 29TH Scone Day

McKillop 11am to 5pm WorldSconeMaking@gmail.com

Come and Try Pottery McKillop 10am to 4pm £5

Fiddle Workshop McKillop 10am to 12noon £5

Accordion Workshop McKillop 1.30pm - 3.30pm £5

Janey Godley McKillop 7.30pm £15

Her show ‘Christine Bovill’s Piaf’ garnered a swathe of five star reviews. In 2017 she picked up ‘The Spirit of the Fringe Award’ for her next show, ‘Christine Bovill’s Paris’ and it is this one that she will bring to the Lochwinnoch Arts Festival this March. We caught up with Christine this month for a quick chat...

Q. You seem very drawn musically to this era. What is it about this time and place that inspires you?

It was an old family friend, knowing of my love for old music, who suggested I listen to a record. I was 14 and the record was Edith Piaf.

This was where it all began. I started to listen to more and more. I loved the Paris scene; I just fell in love with the music. But I HATED French.

I loathed it at school! This story is actually a huge part of the Piaf show.

It wasn’t just the music, you see, I became obsessed with the language and culture. This album just opened a whole world to me; the world of Paris that I wanted to inhabit. It made me obsessively try to understand the occasional word or phrase and then kind of in spite of myself, I just started working harder and harder at French at school and I ended up doing a degree in French... and I err became a French teacher! [Que more wonderful laughing] You might be forgiven for thinking that Christine Bovill’s Piaf is some sort of impersonation, but as Christine explains: It makes it tricky sometimes, people think I’m gonnae don a wig and little black dress and go on as Piaf, but it’s not that at all! I pay homage to her, but it’s my story really.

Her Piaf show evolved out of a mistake. Every night she brought musicography notes on stage, however, one night when she went

to grab them she realised what she had in fact brought along were the driving directions to the gig. She says triumphantly, From that moment on, it kinda steered with its own soul.

People who are Piaf fans know her life story, you see. What is more interesting is what she means to me and how a girl from Glasgow is up there doing a show in French. So I just decided to tell my story that night and it took off from there.

The Paris show that we’re doing in Lochwinnoch is similar. We’re talking about the era and about these icons. Jacques Brel, Charles Trenet, Piaf and others. I deliberately choose songs that were big hits in both English and French.

Q. Do you see any similarities between teaching and your current career as a performer and songwriter?

You give all your creative energy away when you’re teaching, so juggling the two meant I had nothing left to channel into my singing. But there is a huge part of ‘performing’ when you are dealing with ‘spirited’ kids high school aged kids in Glasgow. They don’t want to speak to you in English nevermind French!

Having watched many youtube clips of Christine now, I can fully assert that knowing French is not a prerequisite for these shows. Just as she was moved emotionally as a 14-year-old, listing to her icon, Piaf, you cannot fail to be moved when watching Christine. She has the ability to communicate with the audience through her incredible voice which somehow transcends language to the very heart of a song. Not to be missed.

Christine Bovill’s Paris is on at the McKillop Centre on Thursday 19th March.

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Wednesday 11th March

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Finance & Tech

Gryffe Valley Rotary Club

End of Tax Year Planning

Burns Supper 2020 The Annual Burns Supper was held in the River Inn on Saturday 18th January 2020, chaired by President Hamid Khatib. Nearly 200 people enjoyed a superb meal, including a Beggar’s Purse of Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, and traditional

The Tax Year end is upon us and this presents opportunities to make the most of tax breaks and allowances. Generally, if you don’t use allowances they are lost. So, what things should you consider before the 5th April 2020?

entertainment by members and guests. With the benefit of a well-supported raffle £3,500 was raised for local Rotary charitable causes!

Speakers Meetings Wednesday 29th January – James Friend “The Story of Tobacco” Dr James Friend qualified in Medicine at Cambridge & Edinburgh Universities before a distinguished Consultant’s career in respiratory medicine in Aberdeen. James explained The History of Tobacco” from its first cultivation in 5000BC in Peru/Ecuador, through 1492 when Columbus’ crew were the first Europeans to try it, to 1559 when Jean Nicot (origin of nicotine) travelled from France to Lisbon with tobacco cuttings. By the 1700s there was extensive tobacco use throughout the world and Glasgow became the main UK tobacco port, hence the Tobacco Lords who feature in Glasgow street names. The Slave Trade built up over 400 years but was abolished in 1807.

James went on to outline the worrying health issues that emerged and studies of lung cancer and vascular disease. An excellent and hugely interesting talk.

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

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

Are you recently retired? New to the area? Want the opportunity to give something back in the new decade?

Gryffe Valley Rotary 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. Individuals who are interested in furthering the excellent work of Rotary, whilst enjoying getting together with like-minded folk, should email gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com to arrange a chat. District 1230 has waived membership fees for the remainder of the Rotary year to encourage potential new members!

Tax Free Investing - The ISA allowance is £20,000 (£4,368 for Junior ISA) for each person this tax year, so a couple could invest over £40,000 tax free in cash or investments. You can repeat this after 06/04/2020 to double up your tax-free investments Capital Gains - An individual can make a capital gain on the sale of an asset and keep the first £12,000 tax free – so up to £24,000 tax free for a couple.

Reduce your Income Tax - If your income is above 50Kpa or above £100K consider making pension contributions to reduce your tax bill and restore allowances – but take care not to break the rules!

Pension Funding – Government is reducing how much high earners can put into pension. Use Carry forward of unused pension allowances to boost your retirement funds and reduce your income tax. Your 2017/18 pension allowance will be lost if you don’t use it.

Non-earners can contribute to a pension – even if you don’t work or you are retired you may still be able to invest up to £2,880 in a pension plan and get £720 free from the Taxman!

Don’t leave planning to the last minute - Why not use your allowances/take action at the start of the new tax year and avoid the panic of last-minute planning at the end of each tax year?

Make Charitable donations – to reduce your taxable income.

Inheritance Tax – make a gift of £3,000 per person free from Inheritance Tax Make larger gifts for Inheritance tax purposes – if you are affected by this tax.

Take professional advice – consider speaking with an Independent Financial Adviser to check you are making the most of your money.

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

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

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March 2020

COVER & BANNER PHOTOS WANTED - please email your hi-res images to info@advertizer.co.uk

Renting A Commercial Property: Points To Consider by Dallas McMillan, Solicitors There are many issues to consider when renting a commercial property for your business including:-

• Consider obtaining a survey, particularly of an older property, and including the roof of a tenement if applicable.

• The precise location of the property and the length of the lease.

These are crucial. For flexibility, seek a “break option” giving you the right to terminate the lease early.

• If property is not in good condition, insist on a Schedule of Conditions being drawn up. This will restrict your obligation at termination of the lease to leave the property (only) in the same condition as it was recorded in the Schedule at the outset.

• Rent payable. Ask the landlord for a rent-free period or other incentive. Note the timing of any rent-review clause and the possible effect on your business. Note: you need to register your business for VAT to recover VAT on the rent paid.

• Find out the level of business rates payable. There may be a small rates exemption available.

• If property is part of a tenement or set of industrial units, find out from the factors the level of recent service charges and if substantial future repairs are anticipated. Find out the cost of insuring the property and remember that you will also be paying for electricity, gas and water.

• Ensure the title deeds permit your proposed commercial use of the property and that all necessary certificates exist (eg Energy Performance Certificate, Electrical Compliance Certificate, Fire Risk Assessment).

• If you plan to carry out alterations to the premises, consider drawing up early plans for approval at the outset by the landlords.

There are many other factors to consider when renting a commercial property. Before proceeding, it is recommended that you seek early advice from experienced solicitors.

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■ L o c h w i n n o c h

■ E l d e r s l i e

Wednesday 11th March

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH

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Howwood Community Council

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

We meet at Morrisons alternative Tuesday evening form 7pm to 9pm. Contact Pamela on 07743 156738 or email bknitting@hotmail.co.uk for further details.

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.

Gryffe Scottish Dancing Club

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 given for beginners, we don’t go overboard and it’s a very relaxed atmosphere.

For further information just phone Les Lambert at 01505 704398.

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Kilbarchan | Howwood | Lochwinnoch | Elderslie

Kilbarchan NWR There are 2 meetings in March - “The Lesser Known Other Half” of a famous person and a review of the book Picnic at Hanging Rock.

The group would be happy to welcome new members - we meet in each others’ homes every second Wednesday from September - June and discuss a variety of issues and occasionally invite a speaker.

For further information, phone 01505 348627 or visit the website: www.nwr.org.uk

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club The club continues on Mondays from 9.15am - 11.30am in the church hall, the cost is £1 per adult. There is a wide variety of toys for the tots and plenty of chat for the adults.

Kilbarchan Messy Church Our next Messy Church is on Saturday 21st March from 4pm – 6pm in the Church Halls. Our theme this month is ‘Easter/ Springtime.’’

Come along and join in the fun with games, crafts, stories & song. All young people will be made very welcome, just remember to bring an adult along with you.

Cuppa at the Kirk Monday 2nd March in Kilbarchan Parish Church small hall from 1.30pm - 3pm. All welcome for coffee and a chat.

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 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.

Kilbarchan Habbies’ Art Group PostChristmas Lunch This year we broke with tradition. Instead of our usual December Christmas lunch we decided to organise a buffet mid-January in the Kilbarchan Guide Centre where our classes are held. In December a small group checked out one of the best known sources of fine foods and wines, and compiled a list of tempting items for our menu. The group duly returned in January only to find several items discontinued. This entailed scouring local shops to make up the shortfall. Thankfully, the Prosecco had been purchased well in advance. We had to think of priorities !

The big day dawned and our group of enthusiastic helpers turned up, suitably attired and equipped, ready for action. Everyone worked hard to produce a wonderful selection of truly tempting dishes - so much for the January diet ! After the meal the raffle prizes were handed out to lucky winners, and everyone voted a very big thank you to our Chairperson, Irene, who put so much time and work into organising the lunch. Also helpers and friends were thanked for their efforts to make the day a success.

Knitting Bee We meet at the Lynnhurst Hotel on Thursdays from 2pm to 4pm.

For more information contact Fay: 07780 748430.

Lochwinnoch SWI The March meeting is on Wednesday, 19th of March at 7.30pm in the McKillop Hall. As spring is on the horizon we are concentrating on all things gardening. Brian Young from Holmes Farm Nursery is coming to whet out appetite on ideas for this season’s planting.

We look forward to welcoming members and friends to join us for this evening and also for cup of tea/ coffee and cake. Please remember to bring a mug. For any further info contact Elma at 843193 or email: richmond32@tiscali.co.uk

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the Kilbarchan Habbies art group !!

We are all now back happily painting away, working towards our next exhibition - hopefully, in September/ October.

In the meantime we can look forward to our annual trip.

This year we are heading to Edinburgh’s Botanic Gardens and, possibly, on towards Musselburgh if the day is wet. The fun never stops ! Not just an art group -

Chairperson, Irene (centre), with helpers, Irene, Nan and Joseph. Class member, Stephen (extreme left) is checking the wine !

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March 2020

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 Lochwinnoch Parish Church To Close Fight Goes On A special meeting of Lochwinnoch Church of Scotland Parish Church congregation was told after their Sunday Service on 19th January that Presbytery Plan Review Committee had decided to dissolve the 212 year old Parish Church as a working church from next Easter Sunday 12th April.

Notice regarding Lochwinnoch Parish Church It is with profound regret that the Kirk Session of Lochwinnoch Parish Church inform the Lochwinnoch community that, following a process of consultation with the Session and congregation, the Presbytery of Greenock and Paisley has decided that the congregation shall be dissolved on 12th April 2020. The last service of worship will be on Easter Sunday at 11am led by Very Rev Dr Lorna Hood, former moderator of the General Assembly.

The dwindling numbers of members and office bearers; the required substantial repairs and improvements needed to the buildings; and the national picture of a shortage of ministers in the Church of Scotland all contributed to this decision.

As a result of this the buildings i.e. Church and halls will not be available for lets following the 12th of April. The General Trustees of the Church of Scotland will handle the sale of the manse and the disposal of the church and halls. For enquiries in this regard please contact gentrustees@churchofscotland.org.uk .

For enquiries regarding church membership please contact the Session Clerk, Ms Mary Barr, marybarr44@btinternet.com .

For enquiries regarding church membership after the 12th of April please contact Greenock and Paisley Presbytery Office, 01505 615033.

Douglas Valance from the Presbytery presiding over the meeting, said that the decision was taken with much regret and reluctance as part of a wide review considering that the future of the church was not sustainable, due to the falling number in the regular congregation, and difficulties the Church of Scotland was having in recruiting new ministers. The Paisley District was 18 -19 ministers short of the number wanted to fill vacancies.

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k i l b a r c h a n

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■ L o c h w i n n o c h

About 40 communicant members of the church attended to vote on the dissolution and were told that the church Heritable property, church, manse, and church hall would be sold with proceeds going to the General Trustees of the Presbytery of Greenock and Paisley, and the Moveable Property, cash, funds, and marketable securities would be disposed of in consultation with Parish Church trustees.

The Parish of Lochwinnoch would be incorporated within the Parish of Kilbarchan.

Several church elders and members of the congregation disagreed with decision to close the Church and asked for the vote on the dissolution to be delayed due to the absence of information in an Appendix, still to be drawn up, on Moveable Property and Assets, and absence of specific information relating to ownership of the church property by the Presbytery, or if it was historically invested in the Parish of Lochwinnoch. This had been found to be the case several years ago when Renfrewshire Council had proposed sale of the village library building.

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Mr Valance and the Rev Hanneke Marshall explained that the decision of the Presbytery was final, and the church would be closed in April, but arrangements had been made for the Boys Brigade and Girls Brigade to be able to continue to use the Church Hall until the end of May, to allow time for alternative meeting places to be arranged.

E l d e r s l i e

The result of the vote of registered participating communicant members was 19 in favour of dissolving the church and 17 against.

The closure of the Church of Scotland Parish Church is a devastating blow to the community of Lochwinnoch, coming after the closure and demolition of the Catholic Chapel in Lochwinnoch last year. The Parish Church is a major venue for activities of community groups, the Village Arts Festival, Public Concerts, and has been used by the congregation of the former Catholic Chapel for regular services since their chapel was closed.

The McKillop Village Hall, which is the other major public meeting place, heavily used by community groups, the Childrens Nursery and Out of School groups, is also due to close for an extended period for renovation, so the combined effect, and timing, on the village could hardly be worse.

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Wednesday 11th March

Lochwinnoch International Aid

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Following our AGM, we have over £800 in our account and are ready to start making donations again. There are six charities, with connections to Lochwinnoch, to which we regularly give moneyl.

This includes Mary’s Meals which many local people also support directly. A million children are given breakfast everyday through this charity, to encourage them into school and learning.

We also make one-off donations, particularly where we can help small communities to develop their skills and resources to make themselves more sustainable. This is particularly necessary in light of increasing problems caused by political instability and the threat of climate change. The developing world is already being affected by the climate emergency and these countries will continue to bear the brunt of this increasing threat.

Practical Action is a charity that focuses on helping rural communities to improve their skills, particularly in agriculture but also in local health and transport. We are sending £100 to Practical Action for their work in Sudan, Zimbabwe and Darfur where the emphasis is on dealing with climate change. For every pound that the public contribute to Practical Action, the government will double it. This offer ends on 9th March but other charities will get their turn [long may it last!]. We urge anyone who wants to take advantage of the offer to check which charities will benefit during the next year.

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Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust The Board have been meeting regularly in our efforts to further the acquisition of the Lochhead Avenue site, where we plan to sink a new water borehole. Renfrewshire Council would like evidence that the site is suitable for water abstraction, which means we need a trial borehole. We have now asked a market research firm to investigate if there is a viable market for this water. It would make little sense to invest in a project if there was no market, so we must wait and see. Having this report will either support fundraising for a borehole or suggest we should think again. The project is perhaps taking more time than anticipated, but we want to be thorough in our approach. Meantime, we have made links with the newly re-established Community Council, with Director Sheila Briggs joining the council, which is headed up by previous chair of LochwinnochCDT, Dave Mellor. There are also several other interesting ideas, but none have progressed beyond the ‘interesting idea’ phase at the moment! The Board are willing to look at other projects which might arise from and benefit the community of Lochwinnoch and, as a formally constituted body, we could possibly assist in providing a structure for grant applications and other activities. However, we are all volunteers, and any project will require the support of the interested parties to bring it forward.

Anyone who feels they could provide active support by joining the Board or one of our working groups looking at Communications and Fundraising, please get in touch.

We will be meeting up with other Development Trusts at a conference organised by DTAS (Development Trust Association Scotland) in Beith at end of February. This will be an opportunity to share experiences and develop links, which can often be very productive.

Ladies Lifeboat Guild SOS Lunch

■ Our other plans include a Fairtrade cheese and wine tasting evening in early March, participation at Lochwinnoch Gala day, and some more musical events. All these will be advertised locally and, we hope, will raise more money for our chosen causes.

L o c h w i n n o c h

Contact us via lochintaid@gmail.com or tel: 07523 129122 to join us.

Howwood Youth Club have received 2 donations of funding from the Youth Scotland Rural Action Fund, a fund administered by Youth Scotland using funding from The Robertson Trust and The Gannochy Trust.

The first donation of funding was for £500 to cover the cost of a bus to and from Flip Out for the Youth Club Christmas Outing in December, and to purchase new equipment. The new equipment purchased includes 2 freestanding netball posts, an 18 inch magnetic dart board set, a jumbo Giant Connect 4 game, and a 6ft snooker table.

The second donation of funding was for £750, which shall pay for the rental of Howwood Village Hall where the Youth Club is held on Thursday evenings, for the foreseeable future.

We wish to give our thanks to the Youth Scotland Rural Action Fund for providing financial support to Howwood Youth Club.

E l d e r s l i e

The event on January 22nd was held at the Lochbarr Leisure Centre attended by more than 50 members and friends.

The sum raised was the highest by a single event in the history of the group and adds to the £20,000 that the group have raised for the RNLI in the past five years.

Howwood Youth Club

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The Lochwinnoch Ladies Lifeboat Guild raised £ 1,010 for the RNLI at their annual SOS Haggis and Neeps lunch to coincide with the Robert Burns anniversary.

Name A Guide Dog Puppy (West Renfrewshire Fundraising Group) A name is the first gift that a guide dog puppy receives, and Kilbarchan village has chosen the name HABBIE and become part of one lucky puppy’s life changing story.

We are hoping you can help support our appeal. To succeed, we’ve set an ambitious target of raising £2,500 by October 2020.

We are already three quarters of the way there having raised £1,750 with the help of volunteers and local businesses.

Could you, your friends or organisation/workplace find a way to help raise part of the final £800 by October? You would be helping to transform the lives of people living with sight loss.

If you can hold a fundraising event to support this appeal please get in touch. Anne Ferguson, anneferguson_1953@hotmail.com or 07779 976047.

Your Ward 9 Councillors Andy Doig, Derek Bibby, Bill Binks, Emma Rodden Surgeries: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/councillors

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Advice

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

Community Halls to Let

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Kilbarchan, Guide Centre. Tel: 702758.

Kilbarchan, Old Library Centre. Tel: 706070

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March 2020

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Lochwinnoch Green Belt Fight Goes On

Subsequent submission of a formal Planning Application has required a new campaign for objections, including use of local social media. This resulted in distribution of nearly 2,000 leaflets

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summarizing objections inserted in Chatterbox, in collection boxes at the main public gathering, places, and house to house distribution throughout the village, inviting further objections.

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The submission of planning application by Stewart Milne housebuilders for 122 homes on Green-belt land on the perimeter of the village in November, has motivated Lochwinnoch residents to renew their campaign with extra intensity to oppose this development.

The campaign against the proposal in the 13 week consultation on the Renfrewshire Council’s Local Development Plan (2019) to a change the site from previous Green Belt status to a site intended for new housing, resulted in 883 objections. The Council declined to change the Plan, before submission to Scottish Government, but noted the objections and referred the decision to Scottish Government.

Renfrewshire Council have agreed to extend the deadline for objections until the end of March awaiting decision the Local Development Plan.

H o w w o o d

Objections to the Planning Application sent to Renfrewshire Council, together with objections sent direct by E-mail, already exceed 500.

The new appointed Community Council being inaugurated on 4th February will now also have the opportunity of making an official objection, adding to the response from the Community.

Lochwinnoch is being targeted for large scale new house development after multiple applications have been unsuccessful in the past two years on other Green-belt areas around Bridge of Weir, Brookfield and Kilbarchan.

While initial outline plans for the Burnfoot Road site and supporting investigations and surveys claim to show that the development of the site in isolation is effective and deliverable, the village objection campaign is based on its detrimental effects on the wider village infrastructure, local flooding issues outside the site itself, and additional risk to public health and recreational use of Castle Semple Loch.

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The type of housing proposed with 80% four five and six bedrooms is judged to be “ The Wrong Type in the Wrong Place” extending Urban Sprawl to Conservation Village of Lochwinnoch, while there are several alternative brown-field sites and vacant land within the village.

Friends Of Howwood Park ‘Friends of Howwood Park’ now has a Facebook page. To follow us, please find and like the page, and you will be kept up to date with what’s going on at Howwood Park.

At the moment, posts will mainly be in relation to the installation of new equipment and physical upgrading works at the park.

However, in the future, we hope to post details of classes and events which will be on at the park.

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The park is being upgraded. To date, new play equipment, football goals and a new perimeter path have been installed, existing paths have been upgraded, fencing has been renewed, drainage has been improved and new picnic tables have been installed.

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The next phase of work will include the installation of 2 skateboard/ scooter ramps - namely a Quarter Pipe (image below) and a Fun Box (image below) - and the installation of an outdoor gym. We anticipate these will be installed around the end of March. This work is being funded by Renfrewshire Councils Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas Fund, and LEADER Renfrewshire.

Howwood Women’s Institute Tuesday 17th March in Howwood Village Hall at 7.30pm Meal Out - Details later

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Anyone wanting to come along to join our meetings is very welcome.

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Next deadline -

Wednesday 11th March

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk I write this months column in the immediate aftermath of Storm Ciara. The villages of West Renfrewshire escaped the worst impact of the torrential rain and severe gales. Nonetheless there were episodes of flooding in Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch and Johnstone.

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Sunday 29th March McKillop Hall, Main Street, Lochwinnoch Have you got what it takes to be a world champion?

Why not enter the third Scone-noisseur of the World Contest?

Prizes for best home, professional and under 16 bakers and best presentation. Entry £10; £5 for students and under 16s. For more information and an entry form please contact: David Bain, worldsconemaking@gmail.com for details

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In collaboration with members of Lochwinnoch SWI

Mothers Day & Easter Gift and Craft Fayre

H o w w o o d

Sunday 15th March, Kilbarchan Guide Centre, High Barholm, Kilbarchan: 1pm to 4pm.

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

We would love to see you there!

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Entry: Adults £2 Children go free (Tea and coffee included).

All funds raised will go towards World Challenge.

L o c h w i n n o c h

Since 2017 I have had the honour to represent Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch and Howwood as your Independent Voice, unfettered by the constraints of party politics, and always being able to put people before politics. This I again intend to do in the forthcoming annual Budget meeting of Renfrewshire Council which will be in early March. The Council is currently a Council of Minorities, with 19 SNP, 13 Labour, 8 Conservatives, 1 Liberal Democrat, and 2 Independents, of which I am one.

My budget demands for Kilbarchan are, the upgrade and cleaning of the War Memorial, more investment for Kilbarchan Cemetery, and road resurfacing for Taylor Avenue, Station Road, Cunningham Gardens, Craigends Drive, and Fulton Crescent. My demands for Lochwinnoch are, an upgrade of Lochwinnoch Primary School playground and investment in IT, and my demands for Howwood are, the resurfacing and upgrade of Bowfield Road and the internal renovation of Howwood Village Hall.

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Contact Details for Cllr Andy Doig & Advice Surgeries – Kilbarchan - 2nd Wednesday of Month, 7.30pm, Steeple Hall Howwood – 4th Wednesday of Month, 6.30pm, Howwood Village Hall

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Lochwinnoch – 4th Wednesday of Month, 7.30pm, McKillop Institute.

I can always be contacted on: e-mail – cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire. gov.uk phone – 07534 148224 facebook - Independent Voice/ Ward9JohnstoneAndVillages twitter - CllrAndy4Ward8

There is little doubt that the considerable number of blocked drains and gullies across ward 9 was a major contributory factor to the problems that did arise. Many predict that such storms and similar weather events will increase, and therefore a review of the frequency of the gully cleaning programme needs to be undertaken by the Council to ensure it is fully prepared for these future events I have been contacted by constituents in Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch who have had unannounced visits from individuals offering to undertake emergency roof repairs that they claim are required. I have also been made aware of flyers offering to do work arising from the need for householders to take action on fire safety, in order to comply with new safety standards legislation set out by the Scottish Government in February 2019, which requires smoke and heat alarms to be fitted in living rooms and kitchens, alarms which must be integrated.

Before taking any action, anyone who is affected or is unhappy about these approaches, should seek advice by contacting Renfrewshire Councils Trading Standards Section on 0300 300 0380 or by e mail at ts.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk Additionally in regard to fire safety, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service offers a free home fire safety visit which can be arranged by phoning 0800 731999.

In last month’s Advertizer I mentioned that the Transport Bill having received Royal Assent gives the opportunity for local councils to run bus services. The matter was raised at the last meeting of Renfrewshire Councils Audit Risk and Scrutiny Board and a report was presented with information provided by Lothian Buses the and the Unite Trade Union.

Lothian Buses is the only municipal bus operator in Scotland, 91% owned by Edinburgh City Council with the other 9% owned by neighbouring councils. The submission by Lothian buses which outlines the models of local franchising and statutory bus partnerships can be found online attached to the Audit Risk and Scrutiny Board meeting of the 20th January. This will now be the subject of a further report to the next meeting of the board that will set out recommendations on the way forward. This should be based on the recognition that the provision of a municipal public transport system meets the needs of local communities, is green and environmentally friendly, and encourages walking and cycling.

There are a number of challenges not the least of which is how people can be encouraged to use their cars less, and how bus services are to be paid for.

Finally the deadline for funding applications to the Villages Local Partnership is the 9th March. There are many valued new, and longstanding village organisations in Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch that benefit from this funding and it is important that this continues. Further information guidance and application forms can be found at http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ localpartnershipfunding My surgeries are on the first Saturday of each month at 9am in the McKillop Institute, 10am in Howwood Village Hall, 11am in the Steeple Hall Kilbarchan and 12.30pm in Johnstone Town Hall. Meantime please contact me anytime at cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 0300 300 1274 or 07534 156007.

Churches in Kilbarchan, Howwood, Lochwinnoch & Elderslie KILBARCHAN PARISH CHURCH: Services continue each Sunday at 11am, conducted

by Rev. Stephen Smith and Mrs Dorothy Wallace. The crèche and Junior church meet from 10.45am in the halls. All welcome. Members continue to support the Paisley food bank every week.

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.

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.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH

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. 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.

Wednesday French Conversation

Fox and Hounds, Houston at 9.30am till 12noon and alternate Tuesday from 2pm - 4pm.

Details: 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 Houston Litter Crew

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

Acoustic Night

First Sunday of the month, 8pm - 10pm, Upstairs bar, River Inn, Houston. If you’re interested in playing at future nights contact Rab on 07415 119754.

March 2020

Houston | Crosslee | Brookfield

I have to say that one of the most enjoyable aspects of being a Councillor is being able to attend the numerous craft fayres, coffee mornings, church and school events, and every season has its own flavour. January and February are always the season for Burns Suppers which my husband and I both enjoy. And the first Gryffe High Burns Supper organised by the Parent Council, staff and the senior pupils, which I attended was a fantastic new local addition to the Burns Supper calendar. The quality of the food was only matched by the quality of the contributions by the senior pupils, in particular, the toast to the lassies by the young men, and the resultant response from the lassies, was extremely good. The whole event was a credit to the Head teacher, Mr Johnson, to the parents of the pupils, and to the pupils themselves, not to mention great value for money at only £10 per ticket.

Widespread concern about the climate challenge has prompted many concerned constituents to contact me and ask what Renfrewshire Council is doing. Well, I am pleased to report that the last meeting of the Environment and Infrastructure Board reported that recycling percentages have gone up across Renfrewshire in the last year. This may seem like a very minor thing but as my granny used to say, from small acorns great oaks grow.

April/May will see the next meeting of the Villages Local Area Partnership for 2020, and many worthy groups from Brookfield, Crosslee, and Houston have received frequent grants in the past, however, grant funding is always less than the number of applications received. Please ensure that if you intend to submit a grant application to the LAP then please go onto the Renfrewshire Council website to download and send back an application as soon as possible.

Fairtrade Chocolicous Morning Tuesday 3rd March, 10.15am 11.45am, Houston Primary School

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Indulge yourself in our Fairtrade event Fairtrade chocolate in many disguises.

Extensive Fairtrade Hot Chocolate Menu – coconut, spiced, orange, peppermint, hazelnut, mocha, maple syrup and more made with Fairtrade chocolate stirrers of Fairtrade chocolate powder.

Fairtrade Tea or coffee if you must!

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Chocolate cake and other chocolate goodies Willy Wonka would be jealous of what we have planned

C r o s s l e e

Come along and join us. Find out what Fairtrade products are available in our local shop and share some stories of the people who grow the cocoa beans and how Fairtrade helps them. Look forward to seeing you!

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Contact Details: Brookfield Advice Surgery – 2nd Thurs of the month at Brookfield Village Hall, 6.30pm Houston Advice Surgery – 4th Wed of the month at the Carrick Centre at 7.15pm, but I can always be contacted on e-mail - cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk phone- 07768 130935.

Houston & Crosslee SWI We continue our 90th year with an outing on 11th March to the Stain Glass Company to see how the designs are made.

Our AGM and Spring Show will be on 15th April a week later than usual.

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Acoustic Nights River Inn Acoustic music evening with local musicians Scowlin’ Wolf Sunday 1st March 8pm - 10pm Special guest Paisley singer/guitarist Jim Rough

Please come and join us, everyone will be made very welcome.

We meet in the

These acoustic nights are on the first Sunday of every month until June.

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.

If you are interested in playing contact Rab on 07415 119754 or at: 1robertwilson@gmail.com

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Churches in Houston HOUSTON AND KILLELLAN KIRK: All Services will be led by the Rev Gary Noonan unless otherwise stated. 1st March - 11am, 2pm & 6.45pm, Communion Services: 6th March 7.30pm at St Fillan’s R.C. Church, World Day Of Prayer. 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th March 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:- Adoration of Most Blessed Sacrament Mon & Wed 9.10am - 9.30am. Confessions: Thurs 8pm 8.30pm, Sat 10am and after Vigil Mass or on request. Baptism - by arrangement. Parish Priest: Monsignor Andrew McFadden. 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; Mid-week 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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Wednesday 11th March

Houston Community Council

Houston Helicopter Park Project

Meeting held on the 15th January 2020

Attention all bakers, cooks and foodies!

Policing: The attending Community Police Officers reported a total of 12 recorded crimes for the period. The crimes included 1 account of theft, 1 account of theft by housebreaking, 1 account of robbery, 1 account of common assault, 2 accounts of anti-social behaviour, 2 accounts of fraud and 2 road traffic offences.

The Houston Playpark Improvement Group is creating a community cookbook of favourite family recipes we would like to see ‘preserved’ for the future.

Main Street Crossing: A local resident attended the meeting to request support from the Community Council, for a crossing to be implemented on Main Street, and ask advice on how to proceed given that Renfrewshire Council had refused the request after a traffic review. Suggestions included reducing request from a lollipop man to zebra crossing and, painted ‘slow’ signs on road. Both HCC and councillors confirmed their support for this ongoing campaign.

South Street Play Park Committee: A representative updated those present that the fundraising group was formally established having taken over from the former Houston Playpark Improvement Group. The group had lots of fundraising ideas and were looking for available grants to support their initiative. The two primary schools and Gryffe High School voted on the name, ‘Helicopter Park’, for fundraising purposes. A community cookbook to raise funds is underway. Access issues is one of the main concerns of the development

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Connecting Houston: The project to connect Houston to the National Cycle Network has been awarded £5,000 to develop the first stage of the project plan – Connecting Houston. This will be done through community engagement (social media and drop-in event), further research by the sub-group, and is to be completed by the end of May. There were discussions on how best to do this and a draft summary statement on the proposals will be shared with residents in due course. Other potential stakeholders include schools and Johnstone Jets Cycling Club.

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Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Renfrewshire Council - Consultation on Admissions to Schools and Placing Request Policy: From 27th January – 31st March, Renfrewshire Council is consulting with communities, interested groups and parents on the proposals below.

Change to primary 1 registration dates;

2. Revise primary 1 registration allocation of catchment places; 3. Revise transfer from primary to secondary allocation of catchment secondary places; and 4. Revise allocation of placing request places.

Have you inherited a superb soup or a fantastic flan from a gran?

Maybe created an original dish and want to see your tasty pastry published for posterity?

We have started compiling these culinary gems and will be publishing them later this year in a book to raise funds for improving the playpark in Houston’s Helicopter Park. Email them by March 1st to houstonplaypark@gmail.com and please include a picture or drawing of your finished dish if you have one.

For more information on any of our events: https://m.facebook. com/Houstonplaypark We have also created a crowd-funding page at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/houstonplayparkgroup DON’T FORGET - Our Easter Egg hunt in the newly-named Helicopter Park by the Compass Centre on South Street on Sunday April 12th from 11.30am. Please come along and support us.

Houston & Killellan Kirk 40 for 40 Lent Challenge Trussell Trust, who run the major Foodbanks including the one in Paisley, are encouraging supporters to donate 40p for each of the 40 fasting days of Lent – as an alternative to giving up chocolate, wine or whatever. Perhaps the generous congregation of Houston & Killellan Kirk, rather than donating the money, may put a slightly different slant on this. They have been asked to consider setting aside an item per day of about 40 pence value – either a toiletry or food item. It is recognised that 40 pence does not purchase much, as we and certainly those who need support from the Foodbank can testify. So it could be an 80 pence item every two days or £1.20 value over three days. Perhaps it is unfair to make greater demands on these wonderful Foodbank supporters, but they will certainly be up for the challenge, and those organising the Renfrewshire Foodbank will continue to be amazed!

The board report outlining the proposals can be accessed via this link: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/haveyoursay The online consultation response questionnaire can be accessed via this link: https://arcg.is/15y4eC

Brookfield Art Club Art Show

Golden Fields by Joan Smith

Houston and Killellan Kirk Carnival

Sunday 26th April

CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS

12noon - 4.30pm

This years Carnival will be held on Saturday 2nd May with some new additions to the side shows and this year will be first for a different type of food available. It is widely rumoured that a Street Food stall will available and having been at the tasting session of the foods that will be for sale I can thoroughly recommend you visit it. All the old favourites will still be there beef burgers, hot dogs and vegetarian hot dogs. A visit to The Tearoom will not disappoint as tea/coffee and homebaking will welcome you. Tearoom tickets will be available in due course but you can always pay at the door. Remember the parade where you can join all the other animals being led by the 1st Houston Boys and Girls Brigade Pipe Band.

Brookfield Village Hall

The carnival is a successful annual event which generates funds for the church and wider community and it relies on the support of volunteers. We are seeking volunteers to assist with the set up, running of the event and clear up afterwards. If you’re able to offer any assistance, even if only half an hour of your time, we would be most grateful. Please contact us via the Facebook page or at: houstonkillellancarnival@gmail.com

Tea Room with Home Baking Admission £1

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

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

HOUSTON: Carrick Centre: 3rd houstoncommcouncil@yahoo.co.uk

Wednesday

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7.30pm

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Community Halls to Let

World Day of Prayer in Houston

Brookfield, Village Hall. Tel: 335562

World Day of Prayer prepared by the Christian Women of Zimbabwe at St. Fillan’s, Houston, Friday 6th March at 7.30pm. Everyone most Welcome. Tea and cakes after the service.

Houston, Compass Centre. Tel: Gillian Peters - 07879 407574 or 01505 613759.

Houston, Carrick Centre. Tel: 690693 / 614039 / 674277

Linwood Masonic Hall. Tel: 07825 222944

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March 2020

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H.O.S.T. THE CARRICK CENTRE

Brookfield News

(HOUSTON OLD SCHOOL TRUST)

ARTVENTURERS: Starting Wednesday 11 March

Monday to Friday Gryffe Manor Out of School 01505 615438.

Dance West Scotland enquiries@dancewestscotland.co.uk Coffee Shop: - Mon/Wed 9am - 4pm, Thurs 9am - 4.30pm, Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am -3.30pm. Last hot food orders 1 hour before closing time. Coffee Shop/Centre 01505 229597.

MONDAY

Crafty Friends: 7.30pm - 6th

Yoga (Weekly): 1pm - Mary Laidlaw 01505 229112

TUESDAY Paint Pot Tots (Weekly): 10am - Dawn Campbell 07789 262 350 Yoga (Weekly): 7pm - M/s Lawson 01505 613690

Folk Club (Weekly): 8pm iaintdawson@gmail.com 07786 078952 Move It Or Lose It (Weekly): 10.30am – 11.30am Councillor Surgery: (27th) - Audrey Doig

7.15pm

FRIDAY

Councillor Surgery: 12noon (18th) - Allison Dowling

Yoga (Weekly): 10.30am - M/s Lawson 01505 613690

WEDNESDAY

Dance West Scotland (Weekly) MH: 3.15pm -7pm

Gryffe Melody Makers: 7pm 12th /26th Community Council: 7.30pm 19th Dance West Scotland (Weekly): MH – 4pm - 7pm enquires@ d a n c ewe s t s c o t l a n d .c o. u k (26th 5/7) Dance West Scotland(Weekly): R2 – 6pm - 7pm Baby Class (MOO (Weekly): 10am

MUSIC)

THURSDAY Gryffe Quilting Group: 1pm 3pm (20th - 10am) Primary Colours 3.30pm – 4.30pm

(Weekly):

Dance West Scotland (Weekly) R2: 5pm - 7pm Gavin Newlands M.P. Surgery: 12.30pm – 1.30pm (14th)

SATURDAY Dance West Scotland (Weekly) MH: 9.45am - 5pm (22nd 12noon) Dance West Scotland (Weekly) R2: 9am – 1.30pm Councillors Surgery: 11:30am – 12noon (1st) Jim Sheridan

SUNDAY

Squidge, Squish, Paint, Explore, Sing, Dance! Award winning colourful, creative (often messy!) art, craft and creative play sessions for babies, toddlers and children. The aim of all of the ARTventurers sessions is to nurture and develop a child’s creativity by providing them with the opportunities, guidance, inspiration and materials to explore, experiment and express themselves through a range of colourful art, creative and sensory activities PLUS all the activities and sessions for pre-school age children are carefully planned to support the Early Learning goals and in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Session times: Wednesday 9.30am - 10.20am: Baby ARTventurers (6 to 18 months) and their grown ups will get involved with paint, do some early mark making and create precious first masterpieces.

Wednesday 11.30am - 12.30pm: Little ARTventurers (18 months to 4 years) are encouraged to further develop their skills and learning through lots of different creative and art based activities.

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All classes include lots of fun singing & dancing and getting stuck in to sensory activities too! Rewards include developing skills & confidence, creating fabulous masterpieces and making new friends!

ARTventurers have scooped a number of major national awards including being name Best Preschool Activity 2017 & 2018 and Most Loved Academic/Creative Activity 2019 in What’s On 4 Kids Awards.

C r o s s l e e

Please contact Sarah on 07511 029830 or email: sarah@artventurers. co.uk for further details or to book a class (classes must be booked in advance - places are limited) ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Annual General Meeting of Brookfield Village Council will be held on Friday 27th March at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall. This will be an opportunity to hear an update on the Village Council’s activities over the last year. Following the meeting please join us for a glass of wine.

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

Baptist Church (Weekly): 11am and 6pm

B r o o k f i e l d

A Portable Defib Unit is available at the West Halls (Church) on Main Street Centre Patrons PLEASE ADVISE date or time changes due to Holidays to Centre Management Booking enquiries: Bill Haddow 01505 690693, Stewart Scally 01505 674277, Barry Walker 01505 614039 Email : thecarrickcentre@gmail.com or hostbookings@outlook.com

CARRICK NIGHTS Spring Concerts in 2020

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Saturday 28th March at 8pm Scottish soprano Alison McNeill and Iranian-Scottish classical guitarist Sasha Savaloni Alison and Sasha have established themselves as the foremost voice and guitar duo in Scotland.

2 course meal (table service) available before the concert in our Café. 2 courses £15 a third course is available at extra cost (BYOB) BOOKING ESSENTIAL Tickets: Single Concert: £12 (Adult) £5 (Child/Student) To request more information and tickets please call 01505 229597 or email: thecarrickcentre@gmail.com

Local Heroes!

Is there someone in your community who goes above and beyond? If you’ve heard about any local heroes who need a shout out please let us know. We’d love to hear about them! 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!

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Wednesday 11th March

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH

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Bridge of Weir Lace Group

Fortnightly Tuesday mornings (10am - 12noon). If you’d like to try lacemaking we can provide materials & tuition. For further details phone (01505) 613967.

B B ii ss h h o o p p tt o o n n

Gryffe Voices Community Choir (Mondays)

Freeland Church, BoW 8pm to 9.45pm. Sing pop, rock, folk, show tunes, gospel. Contact gryffevoices@gmail.com

Bridge of Weir Society (Tuesdays)

Choral

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

All welcome.

BoW Senior Citizens Club

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

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Hearing Aid Clinic

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.

O O ff W W ee ii r r

Freeland Focus on : The Vine Trust Saturday 7th March at 7pm Speaker Lois Sproat (Volunteer at The Vine Trust) with music from Freeland Praise Band. Meal served at 7pm - All welcome. www.freelandchurch.org.uk

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Bridge of Weir SWI Our next meeting on Thursday 5th March will be a presentation on Holistic Therapies. We meet at 7.15 for 7.30pm at Old Ranfurly Golf Club. Guests and members made very welcome.

Got NEWS?

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

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Bishopton | Bridge of Weir | Langbank

Bridge of Weir Community Council February 2020 Re-occurrences of the overflowing sewer behind Main Street on route to Ranfurly (The Glen) Play Park has initiated Scottish Water to list this as one of 200 investment options. Due to the location and the pollution left behind the Community Council has written to our MSP demanding this be given a high priority for upgrade.

The Community Council received complaints that trees in the grounds of Gryffe Castle covered by TPO’s, Tree Preservation Order’s were felled without planning consent the Community Council has contacted Planning Officers for an explanation.

Comprehensive proposals to expand Scotland’s Rail network have been produced by the influential think tank Railfuture Scotland and recommended to the Scottish Government. Proposals included the re-opening of the Kilmacolm line. The Community Council will contact our MSP’s asking them to give full consideration to the report.

The Police reported to the Community Council incidents of Wheelie Bins being taken from premises and set alight at nearby locations we were informed youths as young as 12 are responsible for these occurrences and the Police are keeping a close watch in the areas affected.

The Police issued warnings to be aware of bogus building maintenance workmen who are exploiting residents in Bridge of Weir and neighbouring villages. They advised never give over cash in advance.

Community Councillors informed the Police that the new speed limit restrictions introduced on Johnstone Road were not being adhered to by drivers, the Police said they will look into this matter.

The garden planted by BBOW at the Prieston Road junction has once again been hit by a vehicle, the traffic calming sub-committee will ask if more signage can be put in place. At the same location we have been informed that the bus shelter will be replaced as the contractor who damaged the previous one has admitted liability. Renfrewshire Council are currently unable to give a date for replacement works.

At this early stage in the year we are currently working on obtaining funding for the Village Christmas Light’s Switch on event. We would be delighted if a sponsor for the event or part of the evening would come forward.

The Community Council next meets on Tuesday the 3rd of March in the Cargill Hall.

Keep up to date with us by visiting on our Facebook page Bridge of Weir Community Council.

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 - Morning service at 10.30am and Evening service at 7pm. 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, everyone welcome. Junior Church meets 1st, 8th and 29th of March. Link seated service: Friday 13th March at 2pm in the Session Room. All Age service Sunday 15th of March 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.

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

MONDAY Ladies Badminton: 10am – 12noon Bridge: 1pm – 3pm Yoga: 1.30pm – 2.30pm Tai Chi: 3pm – 4pm French: 3.30pm – 5.30pm Rainbows: 6pm – 7pm Brownies: 6pm – 7.15pm Guides: 7.30pm – 10pm Trefoil Guild: (1st Monday in month) 7.30 – 10pm

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

WEDNESDAY 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: 10am – 11.30am 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

St Machar’s Ranfurly Church The Terrace Lunch Friday 28th of February and Friday 27th March at 12noon The Guild meets Monday 2nd of March at 7.30pm and Rev Hanneke Marshall will speak about her journey from the Netherlands to ministry in Scotland with some detours on the way… On the 16th of March a young person comes to speak about the Church of Scotland Youth Assembly and the AGM is held. Also at 7.30pm in the church hall.

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March 2020

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 The Bridge Spring is upon us and already at The Bridge, plans are coming together for Christmas 2020! Alison Bannerman has designed our much acclaimed Christmas card and members of the Paisley Colour Photographic Club are taking photographs for the 2020 Calendar.

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Mother’s Day is celebrated on 22nd March. Send a card from our selection to delight your Mum and show how much you care. Easter Sunday is celebrated on 12th April. Brighten up someone’s day by sending an Easter Greetings card from our colourful display.

Art Exhibition: From Monday 2nd March, running for 5 weeks, there will be an exhibition of the work of Gary McIlkenny. Gary’s work features oil paintings with a mainly urban theme inspired by local scenes and his travels in France and the USA. Whilst visiting The Bridge please take the opportunity to view his paintings.

Post Office: The Post Office team at The Bridge, Donald, Stuart and Alison are always happy to assist.

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

Trustees Annual Report: The Trustees Report & Accounts for the eighth year of The Bridge were approved by the trustees on 15th January. Please view a copy at the Bridge.

We look forward to seeing you at The Bridge - Your Community Centre, Shop and Post office.

B i s h o p t o n

Bridge of Weir Royal British Legion Scotland The Bridge of Weir and District Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland recently held their annual general meeting. The bulk of the Office bearers were returned unopposed President David Adam, Chairman Norman MacDonald, Secretary Leslie MacDonald, Treasurer Emily Reid and Membership Secretary Sandy Clark the branch welcomed a new addition to the executive Gordon Cameron to the position of Vice Chair.

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The Branch has made a generous financial donation to Brighter Bridge of Weir contributing to their exciting Memorial Garden Project.

The 2019 Scottish Poppy Appeal collection tins in Bridge of Weir raised a superb £932.61 this will assist Poppyscotland support their increasingly demanding welfare provision across Scotland. Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the appeal.

The next branch meeting will be on Tuesday the 10th of March at 7.15pm in the Pirie Centre.

The Masqueraders Back again by popular demand Saturday 25th April at 7pm in St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Hall The group is rehearsing very hard and you will again experience an evening filled with amazing talent to entertain you. Not content with amazing entertainment you will also be refreshed with tea/ coffee and home baking after the show.

The chosen charity this year is “Rays of Hope” a Cancer Support Group based in Elderslie. It was established in 2015 in order to provide a safe, confidential environment for cancer sufferers and their families during and after treatment. They have many regular activities; exercise classes, craft activities, a walking group, creative writing, knitting and crochet to name but a few. They also have a choir for both ladies and gentlemen.

With the success of the last show, tickets are sure to be in high demand. Numbers are limited due to the size of the hall so get in early to avoid disappointment. Tickets, priced £5, will be on sale from the beginning of April from any of the group. In order not to miss out on tickets for this highly entertaining evening. Phone 614943 to book.

O f

Bishopton Art Group Annual Spring Art and Craft Fair

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Saturday 21st March from 10am and 3pm at Bishopton Community Centre, Gledstane Road, Bishopton Local amateur artists and crafts people showcase a great selection of art and craftwork at affordable prices that will make ideal gifts for that someone special. Visitors can vote for their favourite painting and win a gift voucher.

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Admission to the Art and Craft fair is free. Tea, Coffee and delicious home baking will be available. The venue is a 5-minute walk from Bishopton railway station with ample free car parking.

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

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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

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Wednesday 11th March

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH

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Monday Bridge Club

Cargill Community Centre 7pm.

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

Local Police Surgeries

4th Monday 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 (term-time).

1st Wednesday in the month.

Contact playgroup membership@gmail.com

Inverclyde Carers Outreach

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

Email: enquiries@inverclyde carerscentre.org.uk or call: 01475 735180.

‘Outlook’

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

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

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

Movie Night

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

Saturday Volunteer Group

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

Newcomers always welcome.

Guide Hut to Hire

Main hall, kitchen facilities and outdoor area. Perfect for children’s parties, weekly classes and one off special occasions.

Contact Julie: 07967 371595 or e: guidehutbookings@gmail. com.

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Kilmacolm | Quarriers

The farm roads around Kilmacolm are almost completed with carriageway resurfacing. It has been many years since they were properly laid with tarmacadam and to have these less used but important roads in good condition is vital. Milton Road will be dealt with in April. Craigends Road in Quarriers has had culvert work and flooding has been alleviated. Finlaystone Place has had the mulch from leaves removed. The Police have visited the caravan parked in Churchill Road and feel that it is not an obstruction. The bus shelter at the foot of Wateryetts Drive towards Port Glasgow, will be replaced (April) using next year’s budget.

There has been no movement on major planning applications with Carsemeadow, North Dennistoun and our Local Development Plan under appeal, all of which we are robustly opposing. The Planetreeyetts Application Hearing looks like being held in the village towards the end of April.

The lack of completion of the Institute development is causing concern and officers are making contact with the developers to try and gee matters along, although we legally can do little once a project has started.

Speeding in the village, particularly by commercial vehicles, is of great concern to many. I have requested a study to ascertain what, if any, measures could be used to increase road safety. Our delightful lollipop lady tells me the difficulties she experiences in Lochwinnoch Road and residents of Woodrow and Glebe Courts have observed vehicles simply travelling too fast and making road crossing stressful. There have been 10 accidents in the past 2 years near the cemetery on Port Glasgow Road due to speeding.

There has been concern that the Old Kirk clock chimes are rather muted since the clock was serviced. Too loud and nearby residents complain, too muted and you lose the village aspect. If you see me standing at the Cross with my hands cupped to my ears you can be sure a noise test is being conducted.

Many have commented favourably regarding my comments last month about Jim Wood the visionary behind the Cargill Centre. It has been suggested that we name something in his memory. I shall raise this at the next Cargill Centre board meeting. I did ex Councillor Tom Fyfe a disservice in my piece, as it was during his reign as Regeneration Committee convenor that the £1m contribution from the Council was passed.

The Airdrie-Bathgate and Borders railways have been reinstated some 50 years after the Beeching cuts. Railfuture Scotland have produced a Rail Map of Scotland showing disused lines that could be brought back into use. The line that contains Elderslie, Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm is on the map. Discuss.

Lots of Village winners at the Inverclyde Music Festival. Wonderful talents that I regularly witness at my 4 secondary’s and 5 primaries.

The OKFest 2020 is a Festival of Sound with something for all, at the Old Kirk and the Kidston hall on the 6th, 7th and 8th March.

I can be contacted at: david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk 992294 01475 741969 and 712975.

07766

Kilmacolm Litter Pickers We are a bunch of local folk determined to clear-up the countryside and roadside verges surrounding Kilmacolm.

We meet every fortnight on a Sunday at Gryffe Road, Kilmacolm (the Bridge of Weir Road end). If you would like to lend a hand, then all you need is a litter pick, Hi-Viz vest and your enthusiasm to help fight back against the tide of litter that is damaging Scotland – both aesthetically and environmentally.

Inverclyde Council provide us with refuse bags and collect the bags from the agreed location outside Kilmacolm Library.

Dates and times for March – Sunday 1st at 9.30am, Sunday 15th at 1.30pm, Sunday 29th at 9.30am If you know of any areas of countryside or woodland or grot-spots in general that you would like to see clearedup, then please contact me JennyMeadows10@outlook. com We also post on the Kilmacolm Wanderers Facebook page.

The community Facebook page for Kilmacolm.

Over the coming months, we hope you notice a big reduction in the amount of litter disfiguring our beautiful wee bit of Scotland.. Jenny x

MND Coffee Morning Saturday 7th March 10am 12noon.

2nd Floor New Community Centre, Kilmacolm.

Tickets £3.

Churches in Kilmacolm & Quarriers KILMACOLM OLD KIRK: Church of Scotland (Charity no. SC009291). www.kilmacolmoldkirk.org.uk. Morning worship: Sundays at 11am. Sòlas Drop-in Bereavement Group is held in Kidston Hall on the 2nd Thursday each month at 2pm. Outlook on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 2pm. 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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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 Old Kirk News ‘OUTLOOK’ is a social community group, formulated for friendship and fellowship. It is led by the Community Issues team of Kilmacolm Old Kirk. The group meets In Kidston Hall, 2pm - 4pm. Everyone is most welcome.

Programme for March 5th March

Gentle Keep Fit - Grace

19th March

The Archie Gardner Trio - Two accordions and Drums

MOVIE NIGHT 26th March

TBA - 7pm for 7.30pm. The Old Kirk Free entry and the offer of a glass of wine. Donation if desired to support the creation of a Pilgrim Pathway in Kilmacolm.

OK FEST - Friday 6th - Sunday 8th March Friday 6th

The McHart Ceilidh Band – Kidston Hall – 7.30 pm

Saturday 7th Handbell performance & workshop – 11am -12noon Poetry and Literature Readings – 2pm – 4 pm Choral Festival (Glasgow youth Choir and Westerton Male Voice Choir) - 7pm – 9pm Sunday 8th

Local young singing duo performing soft rock and country and western songs Plus and ‘Open Mike’ session from 3.30pm

Saturday 28th Riverside Youth Band in concert For full details of the programme see the full-page notice and also in flyers posted around the village.

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

Village Art Class, Kilmacolm On what we hope will be a busy morning, Saturday 7th March, the popular VILLAGE ART CLASS will hold a Mini Art Show in foyer of Village Centre. It will be a fairly small affair but quality art work by our enthusiastic members. Modestly priced so do come and have a look, you might just see something you like. It’s Farmers Market Day and also the Coffee Morning in aid of Motor Neuron Disease, being held upstairs in Village Centre, so as I say - hopefully a busy morning. All very worth while events. Let’s hope we’re lucky with the weather.

World Day of Prayer Local Service Friday 6th March at 1.30pm St. Columba Church Hall, Bridge of Weir Road, Kilmacolm Service written by the Christian Women of ZIMBABWE

Kilmacolm Civic Trust AGM plus Illustrated Talk Please join the KCT for their AGM on 5th March at 7pm-7.45pm.

Following this, from 7.45pm 8.30pm there will be an illustrated talk - A Passion For Fashion hosted by costume designer, Graham Hunter. Graham specialises in period costumes for TV, films and theatre.

Recent projects include “Rise of the Clans”, “Blood of the Clans” and “Pandemic 1918” for the BBC. He was as Assistant Designer for the set up of “Outlander” helping to establish the ‘Scottish Look’.

He has worked extensively in the UK and abroad. This evening is open to all residents of Kilmacolm, Quarriers and the surrounding countryside.

k i l m a c o l m

Kilmacolm Community Clean Up

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Few of us understand the non-caring actions of a mindless minority of people who are responsible for littering the countryside and leaving it to others to clear up. The Kilmacolm Community Council invite those community minded others to join in the 2020 Kilmacolm Community Council CleanUp for an hour or two on Saturday 28th March meeting in the Carriages car park at 10am to clear the litter from the verges of the roads and pathways in and out of the village.

This Kilmacolm event is registered with the Keep Britain Tidy Great British Spring Clean 2020

Kilmacolm Girl Guides would love you to save the date for their Daffodil Spring Fayre on Saturday the 21st March. It will take place at St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm from 2pm - 4pm. There will be crafts, tombola, Easter eggs, home baking, Mother’s Day gifts and much more. Afternoon tea is included in the price. Adults £3 and children £1.50.

Art Sale 2020 Friday 20th - Saturday 21st March (Fri 10am - 5.30pm Sat 10am - 4pm)

We are delighted that the children from Kilmacolm Primary School are coming again to sing for us. Refreshments after the Service.

‘The Kilmacolm Class’ group of artists (with additional new members) are delighted to be hosting the art show in the open gallery of the community centre, Kilmacolm.

Everyone welcome! If you want to know more about the event, please give me a call. Maureen Russell, Convenor (telephone 872905; mob. 07905-950028)

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.

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Daffodil Spring Fayre

The WDP group of representatives from the local Churches warmly invite you to share worship and fellowship with people around the world for the World Day of Prayer.

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

q u a r r i e r s

You will be formed into teams and allocated a section of road or pathway to clear the offending litter. Dress for the weather and terrain and bring a pair of gardening gloves. Litter pickers, garbage bags and high viz vests will be provided. It is hoped that the verges will remain litter free for long enough for those participating on the day to be able to reflect on a job well done.

‘Rise, Take up your Mat and Walk!’

Your Ward 1 Councillors

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As always there is a warm welcome with a colourful selection of painting in all mediums. Paintings are available for sale to pick up on the Saturday with prices to suit most budgets.

Gouache paintings by Susan Murphy are one of its longest established artists.

A lovely way to spend a morning, browse around the art show with coffee shop on the doorstep and pick up a bargain.

Adults £1. Children over 5 - 50p.

Kilmacolm, Masonic Hall. Tel: 873059

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Stella McCardie ©Gary Thomson

Next deadline -

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Sport NEws The Scottish Golf Show returns for 2020 Friday 27th - Sunday 29th March @ the SEC, Glasgow Bringing together the biggest brands in golf, over 100 exhibitors, a range of interactive golf challenges and thousands of golf enthusiasts from across Scotland and the UK. The Scottish Golf Show has something for golfers of all abilities and provides a great platform for both the experienced player to sharpen up their game with hints and tips from the Pros and some of the most recognisable names among the golf equipment manufacturers.

For those new to golf, youth tickets for Under 16’s are FREE with a host of fun activities, including the show’s Kids Zone, to give those budding Rory McIlroy’s and Michelle Wie’s hints and tips on how to improve your game.

So whether you want to try out the latest golf clubs from the biggest names in the sport, test your short game skills, get a free lesson with a PGA pro or simply take advantage of some amazing deals, this is the golf show not to be missed.

Tickets are available now! For full ticketing information visit www.thescottishgolfshow.co.uk

Scottish Schools Swimming Success Congratulations go to Stella McCardie of Houston (pictured above), who won gold and became Scottish Schools champion at 200m Butterfly at the end of January.

Stella, who attends St Columba’s in Kilmacolm, won the Girls 13-14 title at the Brodies Scottish Schools Championships at Tollcross in Glasgow in a time of 2.31.47, the fastest in the country this year in her age group. Stella also took silver in the 100m Butterfly at the championships.

Stella is the reigning National champion at both distances, and swims with City of Glasgow Swim Team. It’s a great start to the year and Stella is delighted to have the chance to swim in her school colours.

Howwood Curling Club

BoW United THE young stars of Bridge of Weir United celebrated a fantastic season with a fun-filled awards bash in January.

The 2009 team has gone from strength to strength, and has welcomed a host of new players over the previous year.

The annual awards evening, at Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club in the village, saw the player of the season award shared between Scott Palin and Rory Cox. Most improved player award went to Cormac Lowry, while the entire team was congratulated on their efforts on what has been a wonderful season for the side, which is sponsored by Time to Shine and Devonshire Dental.

The boys and girls were joined by their parents and other relatives as they were entertained by magician Stephen Grimes while enjoying the wonderful catering by the staff at the golf club.

Club coach Ronnie Palin said: “What a fantastic night to celebrate what has been a great year for the team and the club. Everyone involved has done amazingly well and congratulations to all.”

New players are always welcome. The team trains on Thursday evenings at Gryffe High School and play matches on Saturday morning.

“Get Inspired” - Come & Try curling on 4th March You’ve seen it being played at on the TV. You can now Come & Try it yourself. Howwood Curling Club are always looking for new members to join our friendly curling club which meets at Greenacres, near Howwood. It is a great way to keep fit and socialise with people in a friendly atmosphere. Current club members come from Renfrewshire, Glasgow and North Ayrshire. We are now looking for new players to play for the 2020/21 season.

We have organised a Come & Try session on Wednesday 4th March at 8.30pm at Greenacres Curling Club. Anyone who is interested is welcome to come along and try out curling. No experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome, whatever your age or ability. We will provide a qualified coach to give you the tuition you need to try out curling. You will also meet with our club members and get to play. If you continue to be interested following the Come & Try, we will invite you to our closing bonspiel for the 2019/20 season on the 1st April.

All the equipment you need will be provided. The cost on the night for ice is £6pp.

Please contact Lachie Carmichael if you wish to attend: Email: lachiedcarmichael@hotmail.com or phone: 01294 823643

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 Ranfurly Castle Golf Club Saturday 18th January saw the Ladies section hold their 90th AGM in the club dining room, where there was a very good turnout. Lady Captain Jan Macnab welcomed everyone before conducting the business of the day. She introduced Gillian Donaghy as her ViceCaptain for the coming golfing year and thanked all the Committee members, as well as the many volunteers, for their help over the previous year. Jan was delighted to inform the members that Past Captain Ronnie MacLaren has reached the amazing age of 100 and that she had sent our very good wishes to her. The meeting finished with the Trophies from last season being presented to all the worthy winners. A huge congratulations to everyone.

A full house greeted members and guests at the annual Burns Supper on Saturday 8th February. Ross McLelland from Paisley Burns Club delivered The Immortal Memory and a wonderful insight into the life and loves of Robert Burns. Guest Ian McCosh recited Holly Willies prayer while also bursting into song with plenty of audience participation. Our next guest, Simon Houston, gave a very entertaining Toast To The Lassies and Captain, Eunice Muir, more than ably replied on behalf of the Lassies. This was not the last of Eunice’s talents as she sang beautifully, accompanied by Geraldine Houston on the ukulele. Tam O’Shanter was the highlight of the evening with our very own Alan Gordon’s performance. Jack Snell, as Chairman, made sure that the evening ran smoothly and Vice Captain Brian McLaughlin delivered the vote of thanks.

Great food and drink, along with much laughter, made sure the evening was a huge success.

Move it or Lose it!

What better way to banish the winter blues than a bowl of soup and a blether. This is exactly what some of the Bridge of Weir class did as we celebrated two years of Fitness, fun and friendship. We are more than just a fitness class. Come and join the fun. We would love to meet you!

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club appoints the First Lady Captain of the Club in its history Eunice E Muir MBA FCMI Eunice has been a member at Ranfurly Castle Golf Club since 1983, a Board Member 2002-2008 and thought that ‘she had done her bit’ until past Captain David Stewart corralled her into becoming his Vice Captain last year!!

She considers it an honour and a very real privilege to take on the role of Captain at a time when Golf is becoming more flexible to modern lifestyles and can be promoted as a sport for life which can be played and enjoyed by people of all ages, backgrounds and levels of ability.

Eunice has had a 40 year NHS career as a Nurse and Midwife, latterly as an Executive Nurse Director and the Scottish Government Clinical Lead for Digital Health.

As a midwife working in the Royal Alexandra Hospital for 18 years she delivered a significant number of the local Renfrewshire babies and has had the pleasure of seeing some of these babies become elite golfers!

Eunice is also Chairman of St Vincent’s Hospice and is looking forward to continuing to raise funds for this local charity during her Captaincy year at Ranfurly Castle Golf Club.

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Wednesday 11th March

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 1.30pm Houston - Thursdays at 10.30am Kilbarchan - Thursdays at 2pm

More than just a fitness class for the over 60s. Contact Fiona 07811 766672 to book

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

Rebok Step Class

Freeland’s Church Hall, Bridge of Weir Tuesdays at 10am - all levels Tuesday at 6.45pm - all levels

A brilliant new Reebok Step class.

Lots of fun, fab music and a fantastic workout. Why not come along and give it a go? Booking essential. 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

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

Trigger Point Pilates

Elderslie Scout Hall, PA5 9AZ Tuesdays at 10am - 11am (Ladies only) Thursdays at 5.30pm - 6.15pm (Everyone welcome)

Relax and release your body while gently strengthening your core muscles. Trigger Point Pilates uses prickly balls and foam rollers combined with Pilates exercises to help improve joint mobility and ease tight muscles. Come and experience it for yourself. £5 per class, contact Train with Alexis on FB: @TrainwithAlexis Email: trainwithalexis@virginmedia.com or Text: 07729 914631

ATHLETICS

Kilbarchan Athletic Club

On-X, Linwood Mondays & Thursdays at 7pm

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990

DANCE

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

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

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

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 Mondays 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

FOOTBALL

5-a-side Football

Powerleague Paisley, Mondays at 6pm

Te l : J i m o n 0 1 5 0 5 8 74 2 1 5 ; o r jimbretherton@aol.com

Football Training

Our annual charity bridge afternoon saw 60 ladies play to raise a fantastic £700 for Erskine Charity. Thank you to everyone who supported this event, and to those who kindly donated raffle prizes.

Last year, the ladies section raised £2,776 for a number of charities and this year they aim to hit £3,000 so look out for a variety of charity events throughout the year and please show your support.

Members and staff celebrated 20 years of service and said farewell to our longstanding professional, Iain Nicholson. Iain has helped immensely to improve our game over the years and everyone at the club wishes him well for the future.

Spring is in the air and with that comes new beginnings as we welcome new professional Stuart Roberts, who joins us this month.

So if you would like to accelerate the start to your season, why not book some lessons with him.

If you are looking for a new beginning too, we have lots of joining offers available to suit everyone, including no joining fee, free range balls and reciprocal arrangements to play other clubs. We’re a friendly club and new members are made to feel very welcome, and there’s lots of opportunity for both competitive and social golf.

Get in touch for more information.

Our season opener will take place on Saturday 28th March and will be a fun mixed competition for gents, ladies and juniors, followed by a Race Night where you can catch up with friends. So dust off your clubs and sign up as spaces are sure to fill up quickly.

To kick off the competition season, two teams will be representing the club at the Daily Mail Foursomes national competition. Good luck to the ladies’ team, Nicky Stirrup and Lucy Woods, and to father and son team, Scott and Ryan Archdeacon.

WALKING

In addition to the golf, we’ll also be showing Scotland’s six nations rugby matches on the big screen with complimentary Blackwood’s meat pies: Scotland vs France on March 8th at 3pm and Wales vs Scotland on March 14th at 2.15pm, so come along with a member and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Birkmyre Park Pavillion, Kilmacolm Thursdays at 10am

Keep up to speed with the latest news and events - follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/KilmacolmGolf/

Johnstone High School Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6pm - 9pm

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details.

Kilmacolm Walkers

David 01505 874192 kilmacolmwalkers@ talktalk.net

Lochwinnoch Community Walk

Kilmacolm Bowling Club

Bridge of Weir Walking Group

The forms for the annual fees and competition entries are now available to be picked up from the club. Many thanks, Club Secretary

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

YOGA

Energise with Laura

Brookfield Village Hall, Mondays at 5.50pm – 6.50pm Freeland Church, Bridge of Weir, Wednesdays at 10am – 11am The Carrick Centre, Houston, Thursdays at 7pm – 8pm

Come and join us for a new type of Yoga.

Workout stretches and strengthens every muscle in your body, improving flexibility, durability and overall energy. First class £5. All abilities welcome.

To book contact: energisewithlaura@ gmail.com, Tel: 07474 443505, facebook@ energisewithlaura or instagram

Squash Success at Junior Nationals Junior players at Strathgryffe Tennis, Squash and Fitness Club achieved 4 podium finishes and 8 top 8 finishes in last weekend’s at the recent Scottish Junior National Squash Championships held in Aberdeen.

Pride of place goes to Elisa Gibson who performed fantastically well to win Under 11 Girls championship, Elisa also finished 6th in the U13 event.

Other notable performances came from Beth Moglia who was runner up in the Under 19 Girls event, whilst John Meehan and Ruadhri McDougall finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Under 19 Boys event after an epic 5 set match in their semi final. There were other strong performances from Findlay and Orla McDougall, James Newman and Aran Gibson. Congratulations to all who participated.

Strathgryffe offers weekly coaching and playing opportunities all ages and playing standards. For further information, contact John Meehan on: johnmeehan@gmail.com or 07702 305773.

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

March 2020

TRAFFIC NEws Be a nosy parker: tips from IAM RoadSmart With the dark mornings and evenings still hanging around, it means our cars are still at risk of being a victim of theft. IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman, suggests a few top tips.

See how you can protect your vehicle on a day to day basis, whether you’re out and about or in the comfort of your home.

•

As we exit the supermarket with a trolley full of shopping, we’re eager to unlock the car as soon as possible to avoid the hassle of finding our keys when we get to the car. But unlocking your car before you reach it gives thieves a longer period of time to access valuables and make a run for it, especially if your boot opens automatically. Be sure to only unlock your car when you get to it to prevent any risk of theft

•

Don’t leave your keys lying around. This can apply to any situation, whether you’re out for dinner and leave your keys on the table or if you’re at a friend’s house, as you may not know everyone around you. Making your keys visible can mean a greater risk of them being taken. Be security conscious about code grabbing from your keyless entry, are you being watched?

•

Hide any valuables. Before you leave your car, make sure you secure any valuables and keep them out of sight.

Putting them in your glove compartment or in the boot of your car will avoid them being seen

•

Don’t fall into the habit of hanging up your keys next to doors or windows. Thieves use a ‘fishing’ method where they insert a hook through a letter box or window and search for keys. This can even be done when you’re at home and you may not even notice until you look for your keys and find that you’ve “lost” them. Make sure you put your keys somewhere safe and secure, and far away from windows and doors

•

Choose your parking neighbours wisely. In a busy car park, we normally go for the first space we can find. But have you thought about your neighbours beside you? For example, parking next to a flatbed truck filled with rubbish may not be as good a choice as parking next to a pristine, well-kept vehicle. The potential of damage is greater if the vehicle you park beside is already full of dents and scrapes

•

Is your parking space secluded? If you will be returning to the car late or alone make sure you stay alert and park it in an area which is well lit

Richard said: “We often just pop in somewhere and then get distracted, so it’s crucial you never leave your car running whilst going back indoors to pick something up. It will only take an opportunist a few seconds to drive away.

Roads - planned roadworks CURRENT ROADWORKS DUE TO END: B788 Auchmountain Road, Auchenfoil Road, Greenock – Speed restriction • The speed restrictions on this road are due to end on Thursday 12th March 2020 at 6pm.

Dellingburn Street, Greenock – Road closure • The works and diversions are due to end on Monday 23rd March 2020 at 6pm.

BRIDGE OF WEIR: Road Closure to allow for carriageway patching works to take place. Emergency access will be maintained.

• Hazelwood Road, from Earl Place to Shillingworth Place, from Monday 16th to Wednesday 18th March. Diversion: Eldin Place, Ranfurly Road, Kilgraston Road or vice versa.

• Hazelwood Road, from Kilgraston Road to Earl Place, from Wednesday 18th March to Friday 20th March. Diversion: Kilgraston Road, Ranfurly Road or vice versa.

• Hazelwood Road, from Prieston Road to Hazelwood Lane, from Monday 23rd March to Wednesday 25th March. Diversion: Prieston Road, Ranfurly Place, Montrose Terrace or vice versa.

ROADWORKS UPDATES Visit the following sites for regular updates of upcoming roadworks: • http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/2331/Roadworks-andclosures • https://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/environment/roads-lighting/ road-works • https://www.roadworksscotland.org/ • https://trafficscotland.org/roadworks/

“Try to park your pride and joy away from shopping trolleys and flying doors, although we all know the empty part of a car park will fill up as soon as you leave your pristine motor in a space.

And remember to always consider your safety, as a car park looks different in the night than it does during the day.”

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit the new website www.iamroadsmart.com To find out the name of your own local IAM RoadSmart group please visit: https://wwwiamroadsmart.com/local-groups

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Next deadline -

Wednesday 11th March

School NEws

Gryffe High School REHIS Awards

REGULAR GROUPS EVERY MONDAY

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers McKillop Hall 9.45am - 11.30am

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

Kilmacolm Playgroup

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm 9.30am - 11.30am

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

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall 9.15am - 11.30am

EVERY TUESDAY

Kilbarchan Tots

Kilbarchan Scout Hall 10am-12noon £2 contribution. biscuits.

Tea, coffee &

Bridge of Weir Toddlers

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, BoW 9.30am - 11.30am

Kilmacolm Playgroup

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 incl tea & children’s snacks.

Howwood Playgroup Howwood Church Hall 9.45am - 11.35am

St Anthony’s Primary School

EVERY THURSDAY

Houston Toddlers

Church Hall, Main Street, Houston 9.30am - 11.30am

Kilmacolm Playgroup

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 Church Hall, Langbank 10am - 11.45am

For children from birth to 3 years

Baby and Toddler Group

Elderslie Kirk, Main Rd, Elderslie 9.30am - 11.30am £2 includes children’s snack and tea/ coffee. Lots of different toys to play with. All welcome.

Community Bookbug Sessions

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

1ST & 3RD FRIDAY

Renfrewshire Inverclyde Twins Club McKillop Hall, Lochwinnoch 1pm -2.30pm

£3. Bring a mug along for a cuppa.

@GryffeAds

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

@GryffeAds

The time is just flying in and already here at St Anthony’s our Burns Night has come and gone our Valentine’s Disco too. Our involvement with the RSO & Disney Organisation is well under way.

Down the corridors the sounds of wildly excited voices singing out the Lion King songs can be heard and that’s just from the staff room! The school is all of a buzz with a variety of activities as our children and staff enjoy the benefits of working with The Disney Team in this theatre production.

In the midst of grey skies and wild wet wintery days we are preparing the plans for our sensory garden that will be fully realised once the better weather is upon us. Materials have been purchased and labour is being organised and it is with great anticipation we await the outworking of those plans which will brighten up our playground for our pupils and staff alike for many years to come.

We are delighted to announce that our Race Night will be off and running at 7pm on March the 13th at the Lily Bank Bowling Club, Brewery Street, Johnstone. This is the second time we have planned this event. It proved to be such an entertaining night and was so well received last year that we didn’t hesitate to plan another one.

The admission is £5 and there is a bar and for that reason it is an over 18 night. A buffet is prepared and we hope to create a fabulous fun atmosphere for family, friends and community to relax and enjoy a night of racing, games, and ultimately raise funds for the children of St Anthonys. Tickets for the evening can be obtained from the school or purchased at the door on the night.

Houston Primary ELCC Construction The contractors arrived on site on the 6th January and quickly got to work preparing the ground for the construction of our brand new Early Learning and Childcare establishment, which is due to open to our youngest learners in August 2020. Please visit Houston Primary School Facebook page to see regular pictorial updates and drone footage.

Battery Recycling The Big Battery Hunt is on! We’ve almost filled our second battery bin already so keep bringing in your used batteries (AA, AAA, C and D) so we can make sure they are disposed of safely. The challenge continues!

Clear Out Your Closet We’re looking for donations of clothes in wearable condition, pairs of shoes, handbags and belts for our next Rag Bag collection. All funds raised go towards supporting Eco projects.

Crisp Packet Blanket Former pupil, Caitlin Fraser contacted Mrs McPherson to share her idea of making blankets from foil crisp packets to keep homeless people warm on cold winter nights. Our pupils happily collected two large bin bags full of empty crisp packets and Caitlin quickly got to work. What a superb recycling idea!

Let’s Get Cooking!

The Gardening Club learned how to make leek and potato soup using their very own fresh produce. With the help of Mrs Morrison and her team of volunteers, the pupils prepared the vegetables and added them to the pot. There was enough for a tub each to take home and enjoy. They also cooked Brussels sprouts with bacon.

Delicious!

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March 2020

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 Gryffe Manor Nursery & Out of School Club We are currently hosting an Usborne Books Sponsored Listen, where we have enjoyed guest storytellers within the nursery, and have encouraged some quality listening time for families, with prizes for the most “Sponsored Listener”. By encouraging literacy within the nursery and at home we can offer the children an array of new books (of their choosing) to be added to our library. The books are for sale in the foyer of the nursery also, for families to purchase should they wish to continue the literacy journey at home!

Kilbarchan Primary News Already this year our school has been very busy with our different topics. Primary 3a are focusing on their topic about Ancient Egypt.

Aimee in Primary 3a said that “We went around the classroom learning about pharaohs, it was a lot of fun.”

Our wonderful outdoor area has been fabulous in the stormy weather, offering a warm shelter from the sleet and snow. The children enjoyed getting all wrapped up in their waterproofs and chasing the falling snowflakes. Having gained our Gold award from the Woodland Trust by encouraging the children to respect their outdoor environment, we are well on the way to gaining our Platinum award by introducing the story “The Man Who Planted Trees” to our activities, encouraging growth as we head towards Spring….just watch this space!

Meanwhile Primary 3b are learning about Arctic animals and how they survive in the cold temperatures. P1 and P2/1 are learning about different types of dinosaurs. They created Venn diagrams and charts to group the different dinosaurs.

The Primary 7 pupils are working alongside the Primary 1 pupils to create play based learning stations based on books that the younger pupils are enjoying.

Thanks to Golphin, Primary 3 to 7 are learning golf skills while also improving their numeracy and literacy skills during these sessions.

We definitely have some great golfers in our school.

Our Out of School Club has reinstated our Pupil Council and are busy recruiting Parents to help them discuss any ideas or concerns within the Club. The children enjoy making their voices heard and gain a sense of ownership over the daily decisions made for their Out of School Club environment.

Primary 7 visited Pizza Express to learn how to make pizza and we even made our own pizzas. In class, we also created some healthy snacks for other class members e.g. watermelon fries with a spicy dip, mango and raspberry smoothies, watermelon salsa and fruit kebabs.

In the coming months the whole of Gryffe Manor will be looking forward to Spring time and all of the lovely events to look forward to, such as, our Daffodil Tea and Easter celebrations.

The whole school loved the Baldy Bane performance in January called ‘Wyliecoat the Wizard’.

Village School Consultation Opens

St Columba’s Appoints a New Rector

A statutory consultation has been launched to get views on proposals to change the admissions and pupil placement policy for Inverclyde’s village schools.

Mrs Reilly is appointed Rector of St Columba’s School St Columba’s School in Kilmacolm has appointed Mrs Victoria Reilly as its new Rector. Mrs Reilly, who has been Senior Depute Rector at St Columba’s since 2016, becomes only the tenth Rector in the School’s 123-year history.

Mrs Reilly was brought up in Yorkshire and graduated from the University of Edinburgh with an MA (Hons) in French and Spanish.

After working in business, she studied for her postgraduate certificate in education at the University of Sheffield. Mrs Reilly first joined St Columba’s in 1992. She was appointed Depute Rector in 2012 and Senior Depute Rector in 2016. Mrs Reilly has been an Associate Assessor with Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Schools since 2015.

Mrs Reilly said: “It is an honour and privilege to have been asked to lead St Columba’s School. We will continue to focus on academic rigour and extracurricular excellence, and on providing an inclusive, safe and vibrant learning environment in which all our pupils are encouraged to fulfil their potential.”

Mr Calum Paterson, Chairman of the Board of Governors, said: “We are delighted that Vicky Reilly is to be our new Rector. Mrs Reilly has served St Columba’s with great distinction over many years and her values are at one with the School’s. She will be leading a high calibre and dedicated team of teaching and non-teaching staff and we look forward to continued success under her headship.”

St Columba’s School is a non-denominational, independent day school, based in Kilmacolm, Inverclyde. It is one of Scotland’s highest achieving schools nationally.

The consultation, which runs until Wednesday 25th March, proposes two changes that would affect the three village schools – Inverkip, Kilmacolm and Wemyss Bay. Inverclyde Council’s education convener, Councillor Jim Clocherty, said: “The consultation proposes two changes to the policy on admissions affecting our village schools. It is important that we hear the views of anyone with an interest in this including parents and carers, pupils and anyone connected with the schools affected.

I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in this important consultation.”

The council is consulting on changes to the ‘policy on admission and pupil placement in mainstream schools’ for the transition from village primary schools to secondary schools.

The statutory consultation document is available at all early years establishments in Inverclyde (including those working in partnership with the council), all primary schools associated with Inverclyde Academy, St. Columba’s High School, Port Glasgow High School and St. Stephen’s High School, the council’s education services office in Wallace Place, Greenock and customer service centre in Clyde Square, Greenock and in all council libraries.

The detailed proposal is available online at the council’s consultation hub where people can also complete the survey and have their say online at: https://inverclyde.citizenspace.com/schools/villageschools There will be three public meetings held at: 25th February (6pm) - Inverclyde Academy 26th February (6pm) - St. Columba’s High School 27th February (6pm) – Port Glasgow Community Campus

By Sofia and James P7

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20/02/2020 09:34:11

Next deadline -

Wednesday 11th March

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk Gryffe High School News

Duchal Nursery

Gryffe High PTA News - Burns Supper & Ceilidh Friday 24th January saw Gryffe High school host the inaugural Burns Supper and Ceilidh, with over 60 family and friends tucking into traditional Scottish fare whilst being thoroughly entertained by pupils and teachers.

The evening started with a welcome from school captains, Lewis and Lauren followed by the ‘Selkirk Grace’ delivered by Aaron. The haggis was then piped in by Matthew, Ben and Jenna and toasted

by Esme and Sarah.

We have had lots of fun with Chinese themed activities celebrating the New Chinese Year of the Rat and have learned the number words for 1 - 5 (phonetically spelt here as Eee, Ar, San, Se and Wo). We ventured out in the garden to do a Chinese treasure hunt for little red packets containing a gold coin. These are called Hong Bao and are a fun part of the New Year celebrations.

This year Chinese New Year coincided with Burns Night, so to commemorate both we read Julia Donaldson’s book “The Highway Rat” in its Scots version (The Reiver Rat). Both children (and teachers!) were a bit baffled by some of the words - ettercap (spider), eemock (ant), heelstergowdie (head over heels) to name a few, but the story is well enough known to the children for us to get the gist and we didn’t find the process of translation too scunnersome !

With spring nearly here we are delighted with the gorgeous flash of colour outside the nursery as the snowdrops and daffodils poke their heads out. Thank you so much to Colourful Kilmacolm who donated the bulbs and assisted the children with planting them. The children have been fascinated watching them steadily grow. The children are loving spending a bit more time out in our garden with the occasional spring like day. Being creative in the mud kitchen, imaginative play on our Duchal plane and collecting precious treasures from around and about!

Please visit our website for more information www.duchal.com and find us on Facebook. If you would like to come and visit the Nursery please get in 01505 874358 or email: info@duchal.com

A Scottish feast then followed including soup, haggis, neeps and tatties followed by delicious trifle, all carefully prepared and served by staff and pupils of the HFT department.

Throughout the evening poems were read, songs sung and games played all celebrating the life of Robert Burns. After a short break for tea, coffee and shortbread the evening finished with some energetic ceilidh dancing.

The PTA would like to thank all staff and pupils who contributed to the evening and to the family and friends who came along for making the night the fun filled success it was.

We would also like to thank Holmes Butcher Bridge of Weir for the haggis, McHarg Bakers for rolls and shortbread and Brian Steele for providing Irn Bru and water for the evening.

Personally, I would also like to thank the PTA members who worked very hard to make this event happen.

A total of £550 was raised for school funds ….well done everyone!!

Houston Toddlers

Watch out for the date of the Ceilidh next year…..I think it will be a sell out.

We have been very busy at Toddlers. Jackie from Little Down Dogs Yoga came along and showed us some yoga movements that we all enjoyed and had good fun doing them. Making Valentine crafts kept us very busy with some outstanding results hopefully the recipients liked our efforts. On the sporty side two coaches came along from Strathgryffe Tennis and Squash Club and taught us some ball skills that will hopefully help us reach Wimbledon. We had a Music Class from Hartbeeps which we all loved. Every Thursday we have great fun at Toddlers held in the West Halls from 9.30am until 11am, there are plenty activities and also tasty snacks. Please come along and join us you will be made very welcome. Please bring a cup (preferably with a lid ) and a cup for the children.

Sheila McHarg - PTA Chairperson Our thanks to Gordon McHarg and Mrs Thomson for photos.

REHIS Awards for 52 S3 Pupils Well done to fifty two S3 Health, Food and Technology pupils who were presented with their ‘Elementary Food Hygiene’ certificates after successfully completing and passing the course!

To achieve this award, which is an external exam, pupils study areas in • kitchen and personal hygiene • keeping food premises and equipment clean and disinfected • the importance of reporting possible food safety hazards • food storage temperatures • food poisoning sources and symptoms • food allergies The pupils use this knowledge gained in the many practical activities undertaken in HFT. This nationally recognised qualification from The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland was emphasised to be a worthwhile certificate to have and one that is highly valued by employers.

A great achievement S3!

Mrs R Thomson and Miss C Marshall – Teachers of Health and Food Technology

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20/02/2020 09:34:13

March 2020

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 Bridge of Weir Primary

It’s all about celebrations this month. The Parent Teacher Council invites parents to a dinner dance (disco) to celebrate 50 years of Bridge of Weir Primary on Saturday 14th March at 7pm at Old Ranfurly Golf Club. The tickets are £40 per person, and include a glass of fizz on arrival, a 3-course meal with 1/2 bottle of wine per person, a raffle with amazing prizes, and the all-important DJ. All money raised will go towards outdoor learning facilities at the school. There are a limited number of tickets, and they’re selling well, so please buy yours soon on Parent Pay to avoid disappointment.

Parents are the only ones who’ll be eating, singing, and dancing, as Anna Carruth and Tristan Mills report: Primary 7 Burns Supper At the end of January, P7 had their annual Burns Supper, chaired

by Anna Carruth. Everyone was served haggis, neeps and tatties, washed down with Irn Bru. The food was prepared by the school’s wonderful cooking team. The P7 teachers joined the supper including Mrs Nugent, Mr Barrett and Mr Duffy. Everyone enjoyed some fabulous entertainment ranging from guitar and piano, to some humorous stand-up comedy.

P7 also enjoyed the company of the Depute Head Teachers, Mrs Grant and Miss Davies, at the top table. Katie Anderson performed a toast about Robert Burns’ life, while Sophie James read out a harsh “Toast to the School”. Ross Clark and Ruby Watson battled it out as they read aloud “The Toast to the Lassies” and “The Lassies’ Reply”.

After the Haggis was brought out by Andrea Coyle, it was Ethan Boggie’s turn to address the haggis and slice open the puddin’ while we bowed our heads as Kirsty Crosbie read “The Selkirk Grace.”

In between the entertainment, everyone joined together to sing Highland Cathedral - Mrs Grant’s favourite - and as the supper drew to a close, there was also a rendition of Auld Lang Syne. During the song, everybody joined hands, and sang with true passion.

Once finished, Mrs Grant and Miss Davies gave a speech of thanks for the wonderful Burns’ Supper.

Gryffe Valley Rotary Club Young Photographers

Young Entrepreneurs Raise Money For Charity

Primary Schools Photography Competition with Robert Chalmers At a recent Speakers Meeting in January, John King introduced Robert Chambers, from Gryffe Camera Club, to reveal the results of this year’s Young Photographer Competition.

Robert noted that although the number of entries was slightly lower than previous years, the quality of each submission remained exceptionally high. The winners of the competition were Houston Primary, followed

by Kilmacolm, Bridge of Weir and St Fillans.

Two 13 year old, big hearted friends started their own business in 2019 to raise money for charities close to their hearts. Their first cheque for £1,288.40 was handed over to the Beatson last week!!

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 7.

Anna, from Lochwinnoch, pupil at St Columba’s in Kilmacolm and Emily, from Quarriers, pupil at Port Glasgow High get together with their sewing machines to make lots of items to sell at their events. They aim to make gifts that cut back on plastic and are reusable too. They have both worked incredibly hard to make as many items as they possibly can for all of their craft fairs.

At the end of last year they raised money for The Beatson Cancer Charity. They chose this as their first charity because in 2018 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 this money will go towards helping other families going through what they did.

Lots of new plans for Sew Kind for 2020 to raise more money for other charities including more craft fairs and kids workshops.

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Wednesday 11th March

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

PET

NEws Raving about Rabbits

Avian Pox on the Rise – Clean Your Bird Feeders

Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK. There are three main points to consider to ensure your rabbit leads a healthy, happy life: 1. Rabbits are sociable Wild rabbits naturally live in large social groups. Pet rabbits should therefore be kept in pairs or groups.

This provides companionship and allows rabbits to carry out normal behaviours such as mutual grooming. Rabbits that are kept alone suffer from loneliness, increased stress levels and increased health problems. The ideal pairing to avoid potential aggression between rabbits is housing a neutered male with a neutered female.

2. Rabbits are active Wild rabbits cover an area equivalent to six football pitches every day. This means your pet rabbit needs plenty of space to exercise, a hutch or cage is not enough. Ideally rabbits should have free access to a run or enclosed area in the garden (or house if an indoor rabbit).

As a general rule a hutch or cage should be large enough for a rabbit to take three hops and tall enough for a rabbit to stand upright in. A run should be a minimum of eight feet long (approximately four rabbit hops!).

It is also useful to provide tunnels and toys within the run for your rabbit to keep them active and entertained.

3. Rabbits eat grass Rabbits are designed to eat grass for several hours every day. Rabbits have continuously growing teeth and a complex gastrointestinal system designed for this high fibre diet. The wrong diet can lead to severe dental and gastrointestinal problems in pet rabbits.

The ideal diet for your pet rabbit is composed of approximately 80% good quality hay, 15% fresh leafy vegetables and 5% good quality commercial rabbit food, in a uniform pellet mix.

Starting out with these three basic rabbit facts can make a big difference to the health and welfare of pet rabbits.

What is it?

Avian Pox is a viral infection affecting varieties of British Garden Birds.

According to the British Trust for Ornithology, previously birds such as Wood Pigeon and Dunnock have been affected; however, recently there have been increasing numbers of cases involving smaller birds such as Great Tits. This illness does not seem to effect humans or other mammals What Does It Look Like?

And, how does it spread? Birds with the disease present with tumour-like growths on the head (around eyes of beak) wings or legs. Experts believe it is spread by biting insects, birdto-bird contact (direct and indirect) through contaminated bird feeders and water baths. Growths are usually grey, red, pink or yellow.

What can you do?

Clean and disinfect feeders regularly.

A weak solution of domestic bleach or disinfecting solutions (diluted) can be used. Clean out bird baths on a daily basis, and refill with fresh water.

Microchip Details Its always worthwhile to take a minute to check your pet’s details so your furry friend can always be returned safely should they wander away..

If you have changed any of your contact details such as your phone number or you have moved house, don’t forget to update your pets microchip details.

It could be what helps reunite you with them if they are lost or stolen.

MISSING PET? We can post on Facebook for you!

Send details to: info@advertizer.co.uk 01505 613340

Indentibase Petidentity UK Petlog Pet Protect Pettrac Smarttrac

0190 448 7600 0800 975 1960 0129 633 6579 0800 077 8558 0800 652 9977 0844 542 0999

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March 2020

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Wednesday 11th March

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

outdoors Inverclyde Council Garden Waste Permits

Kerrera by Bridge of Weir Hillwalkers

Green Corner

Top Five Spring Gardening Tips Spring is one of the busiest times in the gardener’s calendar.

If you get it right now, you’ll be ready for a spectacular summer garden. Here are our top five tips.

Householders wishing to recycle garden waste in an Inverclyde Council brown bin need to buy a seasonal garden waste permit.

Inverclyde Council’s annual charge for collecting garden waste from the kerbside in 2020 is £30 per bin. A permit is required for each brown bin presented containing garden waste and can only be purchased online.

1. Refresh Your Perennials This is the season to revitalise your soil and plants with some mulch. There is also still time to work through the border and divide up your perennials.

Lift them, divide the crown and re-place the plant in a smaller group or elsewhere, discarding the central part of the crown.

On receipt of payment, the householder will receive a permit which should be attached to the back of the bin to indicate to collection crews to uplift the bin. If bins are presented containing garden waste without a valid permit they will not be emptied.

The £30 charge applies regardless of at what point in the year the permit is issued, all permits issued will expire on your last recycling collection day in November 2020.

Please visit the website below to register and pay for your permit. https://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/environment/recycling-and-wasteservices/garden-waste-permits

Stormy Weather followed by a “Brighter” Outlook After day one of storm Ciara last month, Brighter Bridge of Weir’s Damage Assessment Team* risked a quick look around the village. They were pleasantly surprised to report that there was little evidence of anything amiss.

In fact, many of the plants looked amazingly healthy for the time of year. At the time of writing, storm Dennis is forecast for the next weekend and, although it’s not thought to be as severe as Ciara, there will still be crossed fingers among the team.

The Group met up at the beginning of the month to discuss this summer’s planting for throughout the village, and some of them later went along to our supplier with our order for this year’s plants.

It’s not always an easy task to decide what to choose. We like to make things a bit different every year, and ask ourselves what did well in previous years and what wasn’t so successful. The trouble is that it’s often difficult to tell whether certain plants didn’t like the soil conditions, or if it was the weather to blame. Still, we’re always optimistic for a good display. *PS: No, we don’t actually have a Damage Assessment Team, but it does sound quite impressive don’t you think?

2. Grass, Grass, Grass!

Spring is when you should give your lawn its first cut of the season. First, however, it’s worth servicing your lawn mower to ensure its sharp and working well.

If the blades are sharp when you first start cutting, the grass will keep in better condition. Another good tip is to keep your mower set at a high level for the first few cuts which should encourage the grass to become stronger. Also, don’t overcut. This only helps weed seeds to penetrate. Longer grass catches these seeds which then will be destroyed by the next mowing.

3. Plant One On Me! If you’re quick, you can still plant bare rooted plants like soft fruit, top fruit, roses, trees or shrubs – although aim to get this done by St Patrick’s Day (17th March).

4. Pay Attention to Spring Bulbs Now is a good time to lift and divide bulbs which have finished flowering. Take off faded flowers and seed-heads and tease out the bulbs and leaves then replant them individually about 60 cm apart.

5. Don’t Forget Your Veggies If you are choosing to raise crops from seed you should now start them in a warm area or heated propagator if the ground is still to cold. But as soon as the shoot arrives, lift them to a cooler, well-lit area or they will become weak. Keep turning your seedlings to avoid them developing on one side only.

Bridge of Weir Horticultural Society Will March come in like a lion and go out like a lamb, or will it be more of the wild weather experienced in February? The only thing gardeners can predict is that in March we should be out there preparing our gardens for the season ahead.

On Thursday 12th March we will meet at 8pm at The Bridge to pick up tips on ‘Getting To Know Your Soil’. Some we will know but doubtless there will be new ideas as well. If you want to make the most of what you’ve got – come along and if you’re new to

gardening or thinking it’s time to refresh your ideas – definitely come along.

By then we will also be more knowledgeable about poisonous plants as Louise Bustard, a regular guest, will talk on this subject in February. In April we will have a creative, Easter-themed meeting and in May we will have a Gardeners’ Question Time evening, just in time for our Plant Sale later in the month. More on these topics next month.

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March 2020

Semple Stories, Lochwinnoch’s Glories Semple Stories, Lochwinnoch Glories is Limbering up for a Walk I would like to say thanks to all the individuals and organisations whom I have had the pleasure of talking to in the past few months.

There are so many stories to tell that the trouble is going to be whittling it down to two or three!

There have been two meetings of volunteers so far who are conducting historical research to link in with two Guided Walks of Lochwinnoch. These walks will be taking places as part of the CMRP ‘Walking Festival’, now in its 3rd year, on Saturday 23rd May and Sunday 24th May. I am really keen that this project be a community led one and to that end, I am looking to recruit further volunteers for different aspects of the project.

Have you ever fancied looking through the ‘Cairn of Lochwinnoch’ to read Andrew Crawfurd’s views on village life, or are you a keen ‘birder’ who could check an old bird list against current sightings around Airds Meadow, Barr and Castle Semple Lochs? Do you have old family photographs, household object, audio or video recordings which we could copy or photograph? Is there someone you know who has interesting/funny stories that you think need to be captured?

I have a hand-held recording device which you can borrow!

Nobody knows your Village as well as you do, so if you would like to share your knowledge of Lochwinnoch’s Glories then, please get in touch – 01505 842 882, email – semplestories@gmail.com. You can also follow us on Facebook – Lochwinnoch Glories and Instagram – lochwinnochglories Semple Stories, Lochwinnoch’s Glories is a project equally funded by the Greater Renfrew and Inverclyde LEADER and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

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Wednesday 11th March Finlaystone Events

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk RSPB Lochwinnoch

March is here and that means springtime! At this time of year the Daffodils are coming into flower, patching the estate with pockets of vivid yellow.

Has spring sprung or do we still need to wait?

Is that a willow warbler or a chiffchaff that’s arrived? Is it too early to be seeing caterpillars out and about?

Sunday 8th 1pm - 3pm, Ranger Hike

With climate change these days it’s even harder for us to decide when spring has finally arrived. Often that sunny week in early March is closely followed by hard frosts and even snow, which can catch many of us out as well as the wildlife.

Join us for a hike and learn about Finlaystone’s past, natural history and some wonderful Clydeside views.

Sunday 15th 1pm - 3pm, Spring Scavenger Hunt Spring is here! Find some of nature’s seasonal treasures inside our woodlands.

Sunday 22nd 1pm - 3pm, Den Build Do you know your lean-on from your tripod and Y-pole? Learn all about den-building and make your own, with some fire-lighting tutorials thrown in!

Sunday 29th 1pm - 3pm, Mother’s Day Walk A gentle stroll through the forest with moderate slopes, followed by a cream tea in our garden’s tearoom. Sturdy footwear and warm layers required.

All Month Snowdrop Bulbs ‘In the Green’ Available as singles or doubles, please phone us up on 01475 540505 to make your booking and payment and we’ll reserve the bulbs for you, ready to be planted for 2021!

The tearoom will be open at weekends and bank holidays from 10am- approx 4pm. Any woodland/garden volunteers are always welcome and are a valuable help year-round! Soft and hard firewood log bags available too, with discounts for bags of 4 and superb value for money.

As always, feel free to follow us on our social media: Facebook – Finlaystone Country Estate Twitter - @finlaystonepark Instagram - @finlaystonecountryestate

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.

RSPB Local Group An illustrated talk by James Silvey “The RSPB’s work on toads, bumblebees and beetles” Friday 6th March @ 7.30pm in the McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew PA4 8LX All welcome.

Spring has two ‘official’ dates – meteorological spring, which is the first day of March, or astrological spring, which falls on the equinox, March 20th. For many though, spring is not defined by a date but an event; the arrival of the first swallow, the sighting of your first butterfly or when certain flowers start to appear. The start of spring can simply be a feeling, when we feel the days have finally gotten longer, when we can safely leave off a layer or too and turn our minds to warmer times or, when we can finally switch off the central heating and save a bob or too!

If you have never visited our reserve, or it’s been a while, then spring is a great time to come and pay us a visit. As the sun’s rays warm the soil, many wildflowers start to appear and birds begin their frantic courting and competing for territories by singing their hearts out or displaying for the attention of females.

Our open day on Sunday March 22nd is the perfect chance to come and experience what is on offer.

You can walk our trails for free and experience the wildlife for yourself. Kids can take part in our free treasure hunt, play in the natural play area and OranceTip courtesy Ben Andrews explore the fairy trail. They, rspb-images.com, RSPBLochwinnoch and adults alike, can have a go at pond dipping or try their luck at our tombola.

Other events we have in March include our ‘Little Explorer’s Scavenger Hunt’ throughout the month, an ‘Astronomy Evening’ on Friday 20th, our ‘Wildlife Photography for Beginners Workshop’ on Sunday 29th and our monthly ‘Family Volunteering’ afternoon on Saturday 21st.

For more information about the reserve or any of our events, please call 01505 842 663, email lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk, or simply pop in for a visit where we can help you discover this gem on your very own doorstep.

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, from 7.30pm. www.paisleycolour.com 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.

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March 2020

Clyde Muirshiel Practical Conservation Days: At Muirshiel Country Park we have started planting 4000 native trees to replace the felled sitka spruce. As part of International Forest day we are holding a public tree planting event on Saturday 21st March 10.30am – 3pm.

For more details look on the parks facebook page or contact the Ranger on 01505 843271.

Stargazing Evenings: The last Stargazing event at Castle Semple this winter session is on Monday 9th March. Book your place online today, its only £5 (children 10-16 yrs are £2.50) and look forward to an evening of stars, planets and other astronomical features.

Pedal the Park 2020: Is taking place on Sunday 3rd May, online entry is open for this popular 100km sportive, sign up, get cycling or save the date and donate to the home baking efforts for the food stop at the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre. Entry is £20 with a £7.50 CLIC Sargent donation included via the British Cycling website.

Active Adventurous: 2020 course dates are online! Book via our website for sailing and paddlesport courses for adults including 2 hour evening tasters, 1/2 day long tuition and recognised powerboating qualifications. For the kids there are our school holiday (hugely popular!) Junior Multi Activity Weeks or days in Spring, Summer and Autumn. There are also child specific paddlesport and sailing 2 day courses. If current dates don’t suit get your friends together and contact us asap to book your own activity session or course.

Clyde Muirshiel Conservation Volunteers: Greenock Cut Volunteers are every Saturday 10.30 - 2.30pm; Duke of Edinburgh Volunteers are on Sunday morning 10am - 12noon. Castle Semple Volunteers run on Thursday afternoons 12.30pm – 3.30pm and can be either at Castle Semple or Muirshiel, we occasionally run full day sessions.

Look online for full programmes.

Dates for the Diary: On Sunday 5th April the Modified Autos on the Water in aid of St Vincent’s will be taking place for the first time at Castle Semple, look on their facebook page for further details. The 3rd Clyde Muirshiel Walking Festival will take place on Saturday 23rd until Monday 25th May and Classic Car Show on Sunday 18th October.

Ride 63 Community Cycle Club: DIY weekend runs are taken place and Tuesday night club rides will be starting in late March look on the club facebook for further details. Contact the club by emailing the secretary ridesixtythree@gmail.com for a membership form.

CMRP Online: Keep up to speed with events and activities taking place facebook.com/ClydeMuirshielRegionalPark, @Clydemuirshiel Twitter and Instagram pages.

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society Kilmacolm Horticultural Society invite you to their March lecture on Wednesday 18th March at 7.30pm in the New Community Centre, Kilmacolm. Our guest speaker is the highly popular Louise Bustard, senior curator at Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Her presentation will feature ‘The Gardens of the Italian Lakes’. Everyone is most welcome, please join us for refreshments which follow the lecture.

Please bring along your exhibits for the Spring Bulb Competition, judged by Louise Bustard, with the award of the prestigious Jimmy Whittet trophy.

Annual membership of the Society is £5 - the best value in town! Date for your diary - the KHS Coffee Morning and Plant Sale on Saturday 16th May in the Community Centre, Kilmacolm 10am - 12noon.

Plants supplied by Parklea Nurseries, Tombola, entertainment with the Archie Gardner Ceilidh Trio - back by popular request!

We are keen to welcome new members, and new exhibitors to the Kilmacolm Flower Show. Don’t let us fade away, keep the Society alive by supporting us with your membership and attendance. Use us or Lose us!

More information can be found on our website: www. kilmacolmhorticultural.com, or contact Jill Russell, secretary to KHS on 01505 872393.

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Wednesday 11th March

What’s on february RUNS UNTIL SATURDAY 29TH Paisley Book Festival Various For its inaugural year, Paisley Book Festival’s theme of Radical Voices and Rebel Stories celebrates the area’s rebellious history. A bold, exciting and vibrant festival is planned.

Highlights include John Byrne, Caro Ramsay, Kirsty Wark, The Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers featuring Christopher Brookmyre and Val McDermid paisleybookfestival.com for more info.

WEDNESDAY 26TH Circular Walk Beside Inverkip Railway Station, Inverkip, Greenock PA16 0BB 11am A 13km circular walk, taking in Ardgowan Estate and Lunderston Bay. For more information contact Renfrewshire Walking Network.

THURSDAY 27TH Movie Night - Mama Mia – Here I Go Again The Old Kirk, 40 High Street, Kilmacolm 7pm for 7.30pm Free entry and the offer of a glass of wine.

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

FRIDAY 28TH St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Terrace Lunch St Machar’s Church, Kilbarchan Road, Bridge of Weir 12noon Open to all, come along for some nice food and a chat. Home made soup, rolls, sandwiches, tea/coffee and biscuit. Carers and tots welcome too, high chairs available.

Little ones go free. £4.

Eilidh Grant and Band Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 8pm The Carrick Night Spring concerts continue!

Eilidh is also one third of the Glasgow based, all Scottish folk girl band, The Celtic Quines, along with the fantastic tenor banjo and fiddle player Celine Donoghue and the wonderful flute and whistle player Katherine MacLeod. Tickets: Single Concert: £12 (Adult) £5 (Child/Student).

For more information and tickets please call 01505 229597 or email: thecarrickcentre@ gmail.com

FRIDAY 28TH - SATURDAY 29TH The Lovers Kilbarchan Performing Arts Centre, 8 Steeple Square, Kilbarchan The Carrick Players next performance will be Lovers by Brian Friel. You will laugh and cry as we explore the varieties of love in two short complementary plays set in rural Ireland. Tickets available from thecarrickplayers.eventbrite.co.uk

March SUNDAY 1ST Acoustic Nights - River Inn The River Inn, Houston Road, Houston 8pm to 10pm With local musicians Scowlin’ Wolf with special guest Paisley singer/guitarist Jim Rough. If you are interested in playing contact Rab on 07415 119754 or at: 1robertwilson@gmail.com

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Lilias Day 2020 Get involved in Lilias Day 2020 Plans are well underway for Lilias Day 2020! This years event will be held on Saturday 6th June and include another brilliant line-up of entertainment including our well established parade, charity stalls, arena entertainment, medieval village, food village, music tent, craft village, kids entertainment tent, zorbing, scarecrow competition and much much more.

And if Lilias Day itself couldn’t get any better we now have Lilifest to extend the fun in lead up to Lilias Day! It’s easy to get involved: Book a stall to raise funds for your local charity / organisation or take a pitch in our new craft village (local crafters only).

With over 3,000 people attending the event, it is a great way to raise funds. Come along to the stall holders booking evening on Tuesday 17th March, 7pm - 9pm, Old Library Centre, Kilbarchan.

Advertise in our brochure. The Lilias Day brochure is delivered free to over 1,500 households in Kilbarchan and posted on our Facebook page with over 2,000 followers. If you wish to advertise in our brochure please email us at the email address below.

Take part in the Historic Parade. Costume fitting Saturday 21st March 12noon - 3pm, Old Library Centre, Kilbarchan.

Decorate a float and join one of the best parades in Scotland!

Email us if you haven’t booked yours yet. Numbers limited.

Nominate Miss Lilias 2020. If you, or someone you know would make an ideal Miss Lilias let us know before 20th March.

Give the village a makeover by decorating your house or creating a scarecrow. We had some amazing entries last year so looking forward to seeing this years creations.

And Let us know if you have an event in the village planned for the week before or after Lilias Day it can be included in the Lilifest line up.

Contact us at: info@liliasday.co.uk liliasday.co.uk

Find us on Facebook www.

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March 2020

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 MONDAY 2ND MARCH - MONDAY 6TH APRIL The Bridge Art Exhibition The Bridge, Main Street, Bridge of Weir Exhibiting the work of Gary McIlkenny featuring oil paintings with a mainly urban theme inspired by local scenes and his travels in France and the USA.

TUESDAY 3RD Fairtrade Chocolicous Morning Houston Primary School, Crosslee Road, Houston 10.15am to 11.45am Indulge yourself in our Fairtrade event.

Extensive Fairtrade Hot Chocolate Menu, Chocolate cake and other chocolate goodies. Willy Wonka would be jealous of what we have planned. Come along and join us.

WEDNESDAY 4TH Free Early evening legal advice sessions St Vincent’s Hospice, Midton Road, Howwood 5pm to 6.30pm Appointments are available to discuss Wills and Powers of Attorney from voluntary trusted local solicitors. Confidential professional advice and information to help you plan for your future without commitment or obligation, donations welcome to support the work of the Hospice. To book your appointment, please contact June Burgess, Legacy Officer at St. Vincent’s Hospice on 01505 705 635 or email: june.burgess@svh.co.uk

Howwood Curling Club Come & Try Curling Bowfield Road, Howwood, PA9 1DE 8.30pm No experience necessary. All welcome, whatever your age or ability, with a qualified coach to give you the tuition.

Come along and meet our club members and get to play. All equipment provided.

If you wish to attend please contact Lachie Carmichael: lachiedcarmichael@hotmail. com or 01294 823643. £6 per person.

THURSDAY 5TH Outlook Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 4pm Gentle Keep Fit with Grace.

Kilmacolm Civic Trust Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 7pm to 8.30pm AGM from 7pm - 7.45pm, followed by an Illustrated Talk titled “A Passion for Fashion” by Graham Hunter, Costume designer for TV, Film and Theatre. Open to all residents of Kilmacolm, Quarriers and the surrounding Countryside.

FRIDAY 6TH RSPB Local Group McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew 7.30pm

FRIDAY 6TH World Day of Prayer Local Service St Columba’s Church, Duchal Road, Kilmacolm 1.30pm ‘Rise, Take up your Mat and Walk!’ Share worship and fellowship with people around the world for the World Day of Prayer.

Children from Kilmacolm Primary School will be singing for us. Refreshments after the Service. Everyone welcome! If you want to know more about the event, please call.

Maureen Russell, Convenor (telephone 872905; mob. 07905 950028)

FRIDAY 6TH - SUNDAY 8TH OKFest 2020 - Kilmacolm’s 4th annual Festival of Sound Kilmacolm Old Kirk & Kidston Hall Kilmacolm Something for all ages and tastes! Events all weekend, With McHart Ceilidh Band, Handbell performances and workshops, Poetry and Literature, Choral Festival, Riverside Youth Band, Local singing duo + an ‘Open Mike’ session. More details at www.kilmacolmoldkirk.org.uk or Facebook: Kilmacolm Old Kirk. Free Entry.

FRIDAY 6TH - SUNDAY 29TH Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Lochwinnoch Cross Come along and listen to some fantastic music - from choirs to opera, exhibitions, authors, come and try classes and many more. We have something for everyone!!

Tickets available from The Junction Café and Now and Then. Online tickets only for Christine Bovill, The Rose Room, Alan Bissett, Rock Night and Janey Godley online www.lochwinnochartsfestival.co.uk or online Box office Paisley Art Centre 0300 300 1210 Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm.

SATURDAY 7TH Kilbarchan Singers Coffee Morning Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street 10am to 12noon Cakes! Cakes! Cakes! Come on down to support your local singing group. All welcome! £3

Village Art Class, Kilmacolm Mini Art Show

Renfrew Fire Station, Paisley Road, Renfrew PA4 8LJ Every year hundreds of fire stations across the UK compete against each other to wash as many cars as possible and raise as much money as possible for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Come get your car washed, meet the fire fighters and see the fire engine all to raise money for a great cause.

Craft Fair Saturday 21st March from 11am to 2pm With various stands, home baking, gifts, arts and more!

Free entry | Cafe open. Tables available at £10, for details contact: 0141 883 1918 Paisley Salvation Army, Mill Street, Paisley PA1 1ND www.facebook.com/paisleycorps

Thomas Coats Memorial Choral Society 40th Anniversary Concert Sunday 15th March @ 7.30pm (doors open 6.45 pm), Paisley Abbey Brahms Requiem - Ravel Le Tombeau de Couperin Ondrej Soukup : Conductor Catrin Woodruff: Soprano Colin Murray: Baritone Orchestra from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Tickets £12/ £5 students/ accompanied children free: Tickets available at the door, online: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/ book/event?eid=8431 or Tel: 01505 816110 or 01505 612874, Email: coatschoral@btinternet.com or from Choir members

The Carrick Players : The Lovers Performances on the 28th & 29th February at Kilbarchan Performing Arts Centre What does it mean to win in love? Lovers: Winners & Losers by Brian Friel tells the story of two relationships; a tragic young romance and a jaded mid-life courtship. You will laugh and cry as we explore the varieties of love in two short complementary plays set in rural Ireland. Performances on the 28th & 29th February at The Wynd Centre, Paisley. Tickets available from thecarrickplayers. eventbrite.co.uk

Come along and peruse some quality art work by our enthusiastic members which is very modestly priced - you might just see something you like. It’s Farmers Market Day and also the Coffee Morning in aid of Motor Neuron Disease.

MND Coffee Morning 2nd Floor, Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10am to 12noon Why not pop along for a cuppa, a chat and some fabulous home baking. £3

Freeland Focus on : The Vine Trust Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir 7pm Speaker Lois Sproat (Volunteer at The Vine Trust) with music from Freeland Praise Band. Meal served at 7pm - All welcome. www.freelandchurch.org.uk

World Day of Prayer in Houston

Firefighters Charity Car Wash

World Day of Prayer prepared by the Christian Women of Zimbabwe. Everyone most Welcome. Tea & cakes after the service.

Saturday 7th March from 11am to 3pm

Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm

An illustrated talk by James Silvey “The RSPB’s work on toads, bumblebees and beetles”. All welcome.

St Fillan’s Catholic Church, Main St, Houston, Johnstone PA6 7EL 7.30pm

Firefighters Charity Car Wash

Renfrew Fire Station, Paisley Road, Renfrew PA4 8LJ 11am to 3pm Come get your car washed, meet the fire fighters and see the fire engines and help raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity - a great cause.

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20/02/2020 09:32:55

Next deadline -

Wednesday 11th March

SUNDAY 8TH Rangers Hike Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 1pm to 3pm Join us for a hike and learn about Finlaystone’s past, natural history and some wonderful Clydeside views.

MONDAY 9TH Stargazing Evening Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch 7pm to 9pm Join a local astronomer to learn about our night sky. Indoor presentation if weather poor. For more information tel: 01505 842882 or to book go to the parks website www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 11TH Lochwinnoch - Glengarnock Circular (10mls/16.6km) Lochwinnoch Railway Station, Lochwinnoch PA12 4JF 10.30am A walk along the cycle path and back roads. For more information contact: Renfrewshire Walking Network or Rangers 01505 843271.

THURSDAY 12TH Bridge Of Weir Horticultural Society Talk The Bridge, Main Street, Bridge of Weir 8pm Pick up some tips on ‘Getting To Know Your Soil’. If you want to make the most of what you’ve got – come along and if you’re new to gardening or thinking it’s time to refresh your ideas – definitely come along.

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

FRIDAY 13TH St Anthonys Primary School Race Night Lillybank Bowling Club,36 Brewery Street Johnstone, PA5 8BQ 7pm A fabulous fun night for family, friends and community to relax and enjoy racing, games, and ultimately raise funds for the children of St Anthony’s. Tickets from the school or purchased at the door on the night. 18+ night. Buffet included. £5.

SATURDAY 14TH Scottish Huntington’s Association Family Ceilidh Pollokshaw Burgh Hall, Glasgow 7.30pm to 11.30pm A night of Ceilidh Dance … Bringing cultures from around the world together through music and dance. Come along and have a good old knees up with music from Andy Gordon Ceilidh Band. Children welcome.

Any questions, please contact Linda on 0141 848 0308 or by emailing linda. winters@hdscotland.org

SUNDAY 15TH Mothers Day & Easter Gift and Craft Fayre Kilbarchan Guide Centre, Barn Green, Kilbarchan 1pm to 4pm Come along and browse our fantastic local crafter stalls. More than 20 to choose from; jewellery, bags n broaches, soaps, art work, sweets, cards, books and much more......

Something for everyone! We would love to see you there! Children go free (Tea and coffee included). All funds raised will go towards World Challenge. £2.

Spring Scavenger Hunt Finlaystone Country Estate Langbank 1pm to 3pm Spring is here! Find some of nature’s seasonal treasures inside our woodlands.

SUNDAY 15TH Thomas Coats Memorial Choral Society Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close 7.30pm 40th Anniversary Concert Brahms Requiem Ravel Le Tombeau de Couperin (doors open 6.45 pm). Tickets £12/ £5 students/ accompanied children free: available at the door, online: https://www.trybooking. com/uk/book/event?eid=8431 phone: 01505 816110 or 01505 612874, Email: coatschoral@btinternet.com or from Choir members.

WEDNESDAY 18TH Kilmacolm Horticultural Society March Lecture Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm Our guest speaker is the highly popular Louise Bustard, senior curator at Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Her presentation will feature ‘The Gardens of the Italian Lakes’.

Everyone welcome. Please bring along your exhibits for the Spring Bulb Competition, judged by Louise Bustard, with the award of the prestigious Jimmy Whittet trophy.

THURSDAY 19TH Outlook Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 4pm The Archie Gardner Trio.

FRIDAY 20TH - SATURDAY 21ST Fox-tot!

Beacon Arts Centre, Custom House Quay, Greenock 10am - 11.30am (Fri) 10am (Sat) Set in a woodland world where anything can happen, this engaging mix of music and puppetry is an interactive opera experience for kids and adults to enjoy together – a magical journey of discovery for those taking their first small steps into the big wide world.

Art Sale 2020 Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10am - 5.30pm (Fri) 10am - 4pm (Sat) ‘The Kilmacolm Class’ group of artists host their art show in the open gallery. A warm welcome awaits with a colourful selection of painting in all mediums. Paintings available for sale with prices to suit most budgets.

Gouache paintings by Susan Murphy one of its longest established artists. A lovely way to spend a morning, browse around the show with coffee shop on the doorstep.

Adults £1. Children over 5 - 50p.

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

OK FEST 2020

Kilmacolm’s 4th annual Festival of Sound Friday 6th - Sunday 8th March 2020 Kilmacolm Old Kirk & Kidston Hall Free Entry. Donations welcome to help cover costs.

Something for all ages and tastes! Events all weekend!

FRIDAY 6TH MARCH The McHart Ceilidh Band Kidston Hall 7.30pm BYOB

SATURDAY 7TH Handbell performance and workshop 11am to 12noon Poetry and Readings 2pm to 4pm

Literature

SUNDAY 8TH Local young singing duo performing soft rock and country and western songs.

Plus an ‘Open Mike’ session from 3.30pm

ADDITIONAL DATE! SATURDAY 28TH Riverside Youth Band in Concert

Choral Festival (Glasgow Youth Choir & Westerton Male Voice Choir) 7pm to 9pm More details at: www.kilmacolmoldkirk.org.uk or Facebook: Kilmacolm Old Kirk

Sunday Continental New for 2020! Sunday Continental is a new monthly live music event starting this month on the 16th February at Paisley Arts Centre Workshop from 11am - 1pm. A laid back daytime event with live music and refreshments. Listen, chat, dance, read, play. Enjoy.

For everyone: age 0 – 100+.

Upcoming Dates: 15th March, 19th April, 17th May For more details, visit https://renfrewshireboxoffice.ticketsolve. com/shows/1173600567

Paisley Abbey Sunday 22nd March, 7.30pm

J.S. Bach - B Minor Mass

SATURDAY 21ST

Mhairi Lawson (soprano)

Gaelic Learners Day

Beth Margaret Taylor (alto)

Wallneuk North Church, Abercorn Street, Paisley PA3 4AG 10am to 4pm

Laurens Macklon (baritone)

Classes at 4 levels, Recent Beginners, Lower Intermediate, Upper Intermediate and Advanced. Includes sandwich lunch.

Places MUST be booked in advance.

Contact fios@clanngaidhlig.org or 07854 061793. £15 (£12 members).

Tree Planting Muirshiel Visitor Centre, Calder Glen Road nr Lochwinnoch PA12 4LB 10.30am to 3pm Come and help plant 4,000 native trees. All tools and equipment provided. If coming for the full day bring a packed lunch (drop in anytime). Phone beforehand to get the work location. For more information tel: 01505 843271.

Kilbarchan Messy Church Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street 4pm to 6pm Our theme this month is ‘Easter/Springtime.’’

Come along and join in the fun with games, crafts, stories & song. All young people will be made very welcome, just remember to bring an adult along with you.

David Lee (tenor) Colin Murray (bass) Paisley Abbey Choir George McPhee conductor With an orchestra of leading Baroque musicians drawn from across the UK Tickets £20, available via The Abbey Shop, or tel: 0141 889 7654 or bminor.eventbrite.co.uk Paisley Abbey (Church of Scotland) Registered Charity No. SC007633 www.paisleyabbey.org.uk

FARMERS MARKETS

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

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

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March 2020

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 SATURDAY 21ST Bishopton Art Group Annual Spring Art and Craft Fair Bishopton Community Centre, Gledstane Road, 10am to 3pm Showcasing a great selection of art and craftwork at affordable prices that will make ideal gifts for that someone special.

Visitors can vote for their favourite painting and win a gift voucher. Tea, Coffee and delicious home baking available. 5-minute walk from railway station, free car parking.

Free event.

Kilmacolm Girl Guides Daffodil Spring Fayre St Columba’s School, Duchal Road, Kilmacolm 2pm to 4pm With crafts, tombola, Easter eggs, home baking, Mother’s Day gifts and much more.

Entry is £3 for adults and £1.50 for children.

Afternoon tea is included. £3/£1.50.

Craft Fair Paisley Salvation Army, Mill Street, Paisley PA1 1ND 11am to 2pm With various stands, home baking, gifts, arts and more! Free entry | Cafe open Tables available at £10, for details contact: 0141 883 1918. www.facebook.com/ paisleycorps

SUNDAY 22ND Paisley Abbey Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley 7.30pm J.S. Bach B Minor Mass with Mhairi Lawson soprano, Beth Margaret Taylor alto, David Lee tenor, Laurens Macklon baritone, Colin Murray bass, Paisley Abbey Choir, George McPhee conductor. With an orchestra of leading Baroque musicians drawn from across the UK. Tickets available via The Abbey Shop, or telephone: 0141 889 7654 bminor.eventbrite.co.uk £20.

Den Build Finlaystone Country Estate Langbank 1pm to 3pm Do you know your lean-on from your tripod and Y-pole? Learn all about den-building and make your own, with some fire-lighting tutorials thrown in!

WEDNESDAY 25TH Inverkip – Wemyss Bay walk linear (8.3mls/13kms) Inverkip Railway Station, Inverkip, Greenock PA16 0BB 11am A walk from Inverkip via the Leapmoor forest to Wemyss Bay. Hopefully we will see lovely views over the Clyde Estuary.

For more information contact: Renfrewshire Walking Network or Rangers 01505 843271.

THURSDAY 26TH Movie Night The Old Kirk, 40 High Street, Kilmacolm 7pm for 7.30pm Free entry and the offer of a glass of wine.

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

FRIDAY 27TH - SUNDAY 29TH Scottish Golf Show 2020 SEC, Exhibition Way, Glasgow Bringing together the biggest brands in golf, over 100 exhibitors, a range of interactive golf challenges and thousands of golf enthusiasts from across Scotland and the UK.

SATURDAY 28TH 1st Bridge of Weir Scout Group Fundraising Race Night Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Crescent, Bridge of Weir 7.30pm Tickets includes Buffet. Prizes to be won.

Spaces are limited. Please contact your Section Leader or Teresa McQuarrie on 07444 886 154 for tickets/sponsor. £5.

Alison McNeill and Sasha Savaloni Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 8pm The Carrick Night Spring concerts continue!

Alison and Sasha have established themselves as the foremost voice and guitar duo in Scotland. 2 course meal (table service) available before the concert in our Café. 2 courses £15 a third course is available at extra cost (BYOB) Tickets: Single Concert: £12 (Adult) £5 (Child/ Student). For more information and tickets please call 01505 229597 or email: thecarrickcentre@gmail.com

A Cèilidh, with Fèis Phàislig and Caolas Wynd Theatre, 6 School Wynd, Paisley, PA1 2DB 7.15pm Traditional music and song from the students and tutors of Fèis Phàislig. They will be joined by the group Caolas, senior students at Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu.

Places MUST be booked in advance.

Contact fios@clanngaidhlig.org or phone 07854 061793. £5 (U16 - Free).

Kilmacolm Community Clean Up Carriages Car Park 10am Join in the Kilmacolm Community Clean Up, help clear the litter from the verges of the roads and pathways in and out of the village. Dress for the weather and terrain and bring a pair of gardening gloves. Litter pickers, garbage bags and high viz vests will be provided.

SUNDAY 29TH Can you bake the perfect fruit scone?

McKillop Hall, Main Street, Lochwinnoch Why not enter the third Scone-noisseur of the World Contest? Prizes for best home, professional and under 16 bakers and best presentation. For more information and an entry form please contact: David Bain, worldsconemaking@gmail.com for details

Fundraising Race Night 1st Bridge Of Weir Scout Group Saturday 28th March from 7.30pm, Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Crescent, Bridge of Weir. Tickets - £5 Inc. Buffet. You are welcome to sponsor (in advance): Race for £25 | Horse or Jockey for £5 Prizes to be won. Spaces are limited. Please contact your Section Leader or Teresa McQuarrie on 07444 886 154 for tickets/sponsor.

Galic Learners Day and Ceilidh Gaelic Learners’ Day. 21st March, 10am- 4pm Wallneuk North Church Halls, Abercorn Street, Paisley, PA3 4AB. Classes at 4 levels, Recent Beginners, Lower Intermediate, Upper Intermediate and Advanced.

Cost £15 (£12 ClannGàidhlig members) includes sandwich lunch.

Places MUST be booked in advance.

Contact fios@clanngaidhlig.org or phone 07854 061793 A Cèilidh, with Fèis Phàislig and Caolas 28th March, 7:15 pm Wynd Centre, 6 School Wynd, Paisley, PA1 2DB. Traditional music and song from the students and tutors of Fèis Phàislig.

This year they will be joined by the group Caolas, senior students at Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu, who performed at the Barrowland with Trail West at last year’s National Mòd.

Cost £5 (under-16s FREE).

To book tickets, contact fios@clanngaidhlig.org or phone 0780 591 8509

Mother’s Day Walk Finlaystone Country Estate Langbank 1pm to 3pm A gentle stroll through the forest with moderate slopes, followed by a cream tea in our garden’s tearoom. Sturdy footwear and warm layers required.

Janey Godley ‘Soup Pot’ Tour Comes to Lochwinnoch 2020 Lochwinnoch Arts Festival are delighted to announce that Janey Godley will be performing the final show of the festival this year on Sunday 29th March.

Described by The List as Glasgow’s Comedy Queen.

Not to be missed! www.lochwinnochartsfestival.co.uk

Fox-tot!

20th March - 10am - 11.30am & 21st March - 10am Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock. For 18-24 month olds A little fox is sent on an adventure to explore the world and learn to see through the eyes of other creatures. Set in a woodland world where anything can happen, this engaging mix of music and puppetry is an interactive opera experience for kids and adults to enjoy together – a magical journey of discovery for those taking their first small steps into the big wide world. Running time approx. 45 mins.

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20/02/2020 09:32:57

Next deadline -

Wednesday 11th March

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

£18.00 (INC. VAT) FOR 20 WORDS

RUN OF 4 - £57.60 (INC VAT) & 20% DISCOUNT

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

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY

BUSINESS

48 48-51 CLASSIFIED_306 MARCH 2020.indd 48

K i l m a co l m /Q u a r r i e r s 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

CONTENT OF THE GRYFFE ADVERTIZER CANNOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT PRIOR CONSENT FROM THE PUBLISHER The Gryffe Advertizer is a magazine published by The Gryffe Advertizer Ltd Advertising throughout The Gryffe Advertizer: Definitions: “Standards” means the British Code of Advertising Practice and the provisions of any law applicable to advertising including, but not limited to, the Trade Descriptions Act, 1968, the Consumer Credit Act 1974, the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988, the Financial Services Act 1986, the Business Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977 and all amendments and replacements.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 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.

20/02/2020 12:17:16

March 2020

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

Sales & Wants

ADVERTISING RATES PRIVATE SALES ONLY (MAXIMUM 40 words) UP TO £500 £501 to £1000 OVER £1000 Email your items to: or fill in our online form at:

FREE £5.00 Call for details info@advertizer.co.uk www.advertizer.co.uk/adverts/

ITEMS FOR SALE BABY EQUIPMENT Maxi-Cosy Mura Plus 3 Travel System.

Pushchair with sunshade, rain-cover, & cosy-toes. Collapsible carrycot.

Car seat adaptors included. All in excellent condition. £100. Tel: 07765 550180.

Munchkin Baby Travel Booster Seat!

Great Condition (kept at Grans House) Can be used to sit at table and also light and easy to take anywhere with you. Folds into a bag with handle, very neat. Pick up Langbank. £10. Tel: 01475 540306.

CLOTHES & SHOES Ladies Coach handbag black new 15”x11”. Quick sale £35. Tel: 01505 614503.

Ladies Boots, size 6 (new, still in box). £50. Tel: 07480 560821.

Ladies Long Coats, Cardigans & Skirts, sizes 14 - 18. Prices available on request. Tel: 07480 560821.

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN Double Z Bed - £75. Single Z Bed £35. Tel: 07480 560821.

Sauté and Soup Maker, Morphy Richards nearly new. Very Good Co n d i t i o n . £ 2 0. Te l : 078 6 4 520883.

Stonehill Furniture Sunburst Teak Coffee Table, mid 1970s. Striking teak veneer sunburst grain. Circular, 34inch diameter, 4 teak legs, 16inches high. Attractive retro piece of furniture in very good condition.

Minor signs of wear only. £100. Tel. 07528 362930.

Mahogany standard lamp with cream shade with fringes. £25. Tel: 01475 540799.

Set of 6, E.P.N.S. Dessert Knives, with mint green handle - In lovely hinged presentation box. £15. Set of 6, E.P.N.S. Dessert Forks - In cardboard box. £15. Set of 6, E.P.N.S. Teaspoons, with an additional sugar spoon - In a lovely, hinged presentation box. £15. Ideal for Afternoon Tea. Tel: 07864 520883.

Garden shredder corded Bosch AXT2000 HP – Excellent condition. £125. Tel: 01505 612266 .

Log Multi Fuel Stove (ten kilowatt).

Two years old. Buyer must uplift. £150 ono. Tel: 01505 326462 or 07910 941179.

SOFA , three seater, Marks & Spencer, as new, reversible cushions, cost £1200, sell £129. Tel: 07986 812483.

Brown Leathaire foot stool with storage. Very good condition. 60 x 60 cms square. £40. Tel: 07850 252898.

Le Creuset brand stovetop whistling kettle in shaded cream – good match for cream AGA. Cost £80 new, less than 3 years old, £20. Tel: 01505 874887.

AGA brand stainless steel casserole, 16cm. Cost £83 new, Less than 3 years old, rarely used, good condition. £25. Tel: 01505 874887.

AGA brand toaster. Cost £25 new, less than 3 years old, good condition,

£10. Tel: 01505 874887.

Laura Ashley armchair - “Denbigh”, brown leather. Cost £1200 sell for £425 ono. Tel: 01505 673248.

Looking for any unwanted Car Manuals, any make, especially Ford Jaguar Vauxhall, any age. Tel: 07939 810653.

FREE CYCLE

Wooden framed Sofa + 1 Chair, with loose green cushions. Tel: 01505 613566.

White faux marble fireplace with gas unit. Free for uplift. Tel: 07341 259905.

Medela Swing double sided breast pump. Bought in 2015 and never really used much. Tel: 07341 259905.

Travel cot, free for uplift. Tel: 07341 259905.

SPORTS P.G.A. Collection, set of Junior Golf Clubs. Graphite Shafts. Used Condition. Additional Kings Power, Junior Whale, Special Alloy Pitch/ Sand wedge. Suit beginner. £10. Tel: 07864 520883.

Boot Bike (folds into car). £100. Tel: 07480 560821.

OTHER ITEMS Brand new steel car wheel 6JX15H2 and new Jinyu tyre 185/60 R15.

Stored as spare wheel only. £80.

Tel: 07736 067169.

Yokohama tyre c wheel. 25/65 R 17.

101H. NR G9IA. FS 130 Tubeless.

Unused spare. £70 ono. Tel: 01505 335728.

PAIR of Continental Contisport Contact 5 235/50/R18 SUV Extra Load tyres. 15,000 miles only on rear of Ford Kuga. Top quality tyres with plenty of tread and no damage/ repairs. £55. Tel: 07528 362930.

Various Bottles of Miniature Whisky Bottles for Sale Lovely to Decorate a Home Bar! Prices upwards of £3 each. Come and have a look, can be sold Separately or as a job lot. Pick up Langbank. Tel: 01475 540306 .

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

Local lily grower requires the use of a greenhouse/polytunnel in Kilmacolm area in return for light gardening duties. Tel: Vince 01505 872082.

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

Looking for somewhere to store 3 or 4 cars, not to work at, just storage yard, garage, shed or piece of land.

Tel: 07939 810653.

Cash paid for old clocks, repair service provided. Tel: 07540 603019.

Collector wants any model trains, any age / any condition. Also Corgi Matchbox Dinky Cars, etc. Not a dealer. Tel: 07939 810653.

Looking for any old VHS Videos and unwanted DVDs. Tel: 07939 810653.

Bishopton Community Centre

BROOKFIELD Brookfield Village Hall Main Entrance

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

usefuL NUMBERS EMERGENCY SERVICES

Police/Fire/Ambulance 999 or 101 (non-emergency) Gas Emergency 0800 111 999 Scottish Water 0800 077 8778 SEPA 0300 99 66 99 Floodline 0345 988 1188 Pollution Hotline 0800 80 70 60 Flytipping 0845 2 30 40 90

HOSPITALS NHS 24 Royal Alexandra Inverclyde Royal Queen Elizabeth Gartnavel

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

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

ELDERSLIE Elderslie Golf Club

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

HOWWOOD Howwood Hall, Station Road Christ the King Church, Bowfield Road

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

KILMACOLM

Inverclyde

Crimestoppers Police Scotland

0800 555 111 01786 289070

ROADS R.A.L.F Traveline

Kilmacolm Golf Club St Columba’s Senior School Gym, Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm Kilmacolm Library (rear of New Surgery)

POLICE

FISH POND

Anyone interested in constructing a garden fish pond? I am giving up on mine this spring and wish to sell the fish.

Coy carp, ranging from 10/12ins. to 24ins. long. Offering the fish together with all the water pumps, filters, air pumps, heater, pondvac, ultraviolet filter, and all the other bits and pieces.

Offered as a package or as individual i te m s . Co n t a c t J i m o n 078 3 1 503500.

BISHOPTON

The Cornerstone, Greenock Road

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club

ELECTRICAL & GAS Aiwa CD Player, Radio & Cassette. £30. Tel: 07480 560821.

Local Public DEFIBRILlATOR SITES

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

KILBARCHAN Scout Hall Kilbarchan Bowling Club

LINWOOD Onyx Leisure Centre Spar, Clippens Road Asda

PAISLEY Asda Russell Institute

QUARRIERS William Quarriers House at entrance to Faith Avenue Country View

Some of these may have limited access Please check with venue for full details

49 48-51 CLASSIFIED_306 MARCH 2020.indd 49

20/02/2020 12:17:37

Next deadline -

Wednesday 11th March

Business directory

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

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Affluent Financial Planning . . 16 Brewin Dolphin Glasgow . . . . . 17 CLA Accountancy Services . . . 16 Innovative Estate Planning Ltd . . 17 Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk

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

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

BATHROOMS Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 15 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5

BEDROOMS Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 11

BLACKSMITH & METALWORK McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 47

BUILDING SERVICES B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 21 Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 21 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 8 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 37 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 6 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 21 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 8 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 23 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 25 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 35

CARE SERVICES & HOMES Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 5 Driving Miss Daisy . . . . . . . . . 11 Home Instead Senior Care . . . 19

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FENCING Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 47

FIREWOOD & LOGS LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 8 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 43

FUNERAL SERVICES Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 7 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 25

GARAGE DOORS & GATES Garolla Roller Shutter Doors . . 9

GARDEN SERVICE & DESIGN 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 41 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 43 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 43 Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 41 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 43 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2 Lady Grafters Garden Services . . 43 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 R Williams Tree Services . . . 41 Scotlawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 43 West of Scotland Landscape . . 42

GAS & HEATING SERVICES C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 37 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 9 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 17 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 9 KAL Plumbing Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 11 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 23 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1

GLAZIER 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 Cloudy2Clear Windows . . . . . . . 5 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 44

HAIRDRESSERS & BARBERS

CLEANING & POWERWASH

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 28 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 19

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 3 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 3 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 44 Gryffe Carpet Cleaning . . . . . 19 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 9

HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 28 Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 9 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 36 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13,Bk LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 13 NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 31

COFFEE SHOPS

HOME HARDWARE

Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 27

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

ELECTRICIANS

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 Russell Milne Electrician . . 31

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 41 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 43 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7 Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5

Contact us!

01505 613340 info@advertizer.co.uk

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 45 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2

A TO Z

KAL Plumbing Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 11 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 23

HOME INTERIORS

PROPERTY, SALES & LET

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 11 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 8

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 17 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

HOME SECURITY Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 4

JOINERS CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 8 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 37 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 6 JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 21 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 23 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 25 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

KITCHENS Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 11 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 15 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 6 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 25

LEISURE & RECREATION Ranfurly Castle Golf Club . . 31

LOCKSMITHS Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

PAINTERS & DECORATORS A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 25 Andrew Hay Painter & Decorator . . 9 Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 45 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 47 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

PC, WEB & GRAPHIC DESIGN ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

REMOVALS @ease Removals & Transport . . 37

RESTAURANT & BARS Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 27

RETAIL Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 27

ROOFING Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 21 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 7 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 8 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 21 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 23 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 35

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

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

SPORTS CLUBS & EVENTS Ranfurly Castle Golf Club . . 31

STOVES Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 8

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

TILING Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 21 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

PEST CONTROL

TRAVEL AGENTS

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 11

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3

PET SERVICES & TRAINING

TREE SURGEON

Integrated Animal Therapy Vets . . 38 Kookie Kennels . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Waggys Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . Bk

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 43 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 41 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 R Williams Tree Services . . . 41 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 43

PLASTERERS Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 7 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 37 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 21

PLUMBERS C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 37 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 15 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 9 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 17 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 9 JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1

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

TV & SATELLITE Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 3 Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 13 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 45

UPHOLSTERY SERVICES Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 3 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 44

WINDOW CLEANERS DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 3 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 44 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 19

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

@ease Removals & Transport . . 37 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 41 A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 25 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 43 ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 Affluent Financial Planning . . 16 Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 Andrew Hay Painter & Decorator . . 9 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 43 Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 28 B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 21 Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 27 Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 9 Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Brewin Dolphin Glasgow . . . . . 17 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 21 Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 4 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 7 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 11 C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 37 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7 CLA Accountancy Services . . . 16 Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 3 CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 8 Cloudy2Clear Windows . . . . . . . 5 ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 45 Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 5 Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 41 Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 17 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 13 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Driving Miss Daisy . . . . . . . . . 11 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 3 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 3 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 44 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 36 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 15 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Garolla Roller Shutter Doors . . 9 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 9 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 43 Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 21 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Gryffe Carpet Cleaning . . . . . 19 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6

Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Home Instead Senior Care . . . 19 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 17 Innovative Estate Planning Ltd . . 17 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5 Integrated Animal Therapy Vets . . 38 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 9 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 37 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 6 JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 47 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 25 KAL Plumbing Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 11 Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 44 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 41 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 45 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13,Bk Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 21 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 Kookie Kennels . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Lady Grafters Garden Services . . 43 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 23 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 19 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 21 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 47 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 13 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 19 NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 31 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 8 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 9 R Williams Tree Services . . . 41 Ranfurly Castle Golf Club . . 31 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 11 Russell Milne Electrician . . 31 Scotlawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2 Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 23 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 25 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 27 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 35 Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Waggys Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . Bk West of Scotland Landscape . . 42

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