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No.307

April 2020

Read our new Insight Insert inside! Kilmacolm Misty Morning by Bill Crookston

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Inside this issue Legendary artist and playwright John Byrne is in line to receive his hometown’s highest honour – the Freedom of Renfrewshire. More details inside!

John Byrne

Kirsty Wilson

p22

Leo Harris Downes

p48

Don’t miss our new INSIGHT Inside section which starts on p15 - all your favourite articles from INSIGHT magazine, now included in your monthly Advertizer. In this issue, Beechgrove Garden’s Kirsty Wilson gives us her gardening tips for the spring season. Jumping with joy, local sportsman, Leo Harris Downes has won the gold medal at the NDP qualifying round for double mini trampoline in Perth. As we ran up to our print date, the news was updating almost by the minute with the current Covid-19 outbreak. Sadly, some of the events we have in this issue may be postponed or cancelled. We’ll try to keep you updated on Facebook, but best to check with the venue ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

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All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. The Gryffe Advertizer cannot be held responsible for unsolicited materials. The views and opinions by contributors in this magazine may not represent the views of the publishers. The Gryffe Advertizer takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisements in this publication.

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INSIGHT inside

Contents...

all your favourite articles from Insight Magazine now included in your monthly advertizer

FULL INDEX

find our full list of advertisers on p58, listed by category and in an A to Z list

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features ............................. 4-13 History ......................................14 Insight ................................ 15-23 whatâ€™s on ...................... 24-29 village news ................ 30-41 pet news ..................................42 outdoors..........................43-47 sport news ....................48-50 school news ...................51-55 business classified ...........56 sales & wants .....................57 advertizer directory .....58

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JOHN BYRNE

in line for honorary Title Legendary artist and playwright John Byrne is in line to receive his hometown’s highest honour – the Freedom of Renfrewshire. The Freedom of Renfrewshire is an honorary title and is the highest civic honour that can be bestowed upon an individual or group. It has only been awarded five times previously. John Byrne was born in Ferguslie Park in Paisley in 1940 and is best known for writing The Slab Boys Trilogy – a set of plays telling the story of young-working class Scots in Paisley and inspired by his own experiences working in Stoddard’s Carpet Factory in Elderslie. Alongside being an accomplished writer of stage and screen, John Byrne is known for his distinctive painting style and continues to paint and exhibit new work regularly. John returned to Paisley on Saturday 22 February to celebrate his 80th year as part of the inaugural Paisley Book Festival. The soldout event in Paisley Arts Centre featured readings from his plays and live music. He will also bring his new musical play, Underwood Lane, to Paisley Arts Centre from 25-28 June for its world premiere, in partnership with Renfrewshire Leisure and Tron Theatre. The play tells the tale of a young skiffle band trying to make it and is written in memory of John’s Paisley buddy, Gerry Rafferty, who was born and brought up on the street. Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “John is a celebrated playwriter, painter, printmaker and theatre designer and has put Paisley on the map. He continues to be committed to our local community and is treasured by citizens of Ferguslie Park, past and present, as well as the wider Renfrewshire community and its civic leaders. I’m delighted to offer him this honour and thank him for the contribution he has made to Renfrewshire.” If approved, the Freedom of Renfrewshire will officially be awarded to John Byrne later this year. Find out more about the Freedom of Renfrewshire at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/freedomofrenfrewshire

Coronavirus (COVID-19) We would like to take this opportunity to advise our clients and readers as to our short-term approach to the current Coronavirus outbreak. The Gryffe Advertizer is a small business with a staff of only 5, all part time employees. Our delivery is carried out by a team of individuals from each village in our distribution area. We have been following Government and Public Health Department advice with regard to the continued service we offer. We are also reliant on a supply chain and changing circumstances mean we may need to reconsider our publication and distribution. In the meantime, we hope to continue to bring you your local news and events (yes, some are still going ahead) over the coming months. As most of our clients are aware, we can be contacted over email and by telephone and you can also contact us through social media. All our contact details can be found on our website and on p2 of this magazine. Our office is currently open and will remain so for the foreseeable future, unless we are either forced to close by the Government or one of our staff becomes ill with the virus. www.advertizer.co.uk www.facebook.com/GryffeAds twitter.com/gryffeads

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April 2020

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Christian Aid For one week every May we see the posters & bunting, and a red donations envelope drops though our letterbox to be picked up later in the week by a volunteer collector. But what is Christian Aid? Why does it exist? What does it do? At outset it is perhaps worth clarifying what it is not. It is not “aid for Christians”! Christian Aid is committed to supporting poor and marginalised people, whatever their beliefs, sexuality, gender and ethnicity. It is a signatory to the international Code of Conduct which sets ethical standards for aid work and, among other things, promises that aid will not be used to further a particular political or religious standpoint. These days it is not even limited to “aid from Christians”. Because of its excellent record in tackling poverty and the causes of poverty, Christian Aid is now funded by generous donations from a wide variety of people with diverse religious beliefs. But there is a core belief running through everything that Christian Aid does. Christian Aid believes that everyone is equal in the sight of God. Poverty is an outrage against humanity. It robs people of their dignity and lets injustice thrive. But together we have the power to transform lives.

Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley WEEKLY MEETINGS Since its formation, in 1995, Gryffe Valley Rotary Club has met weekly on Wednesday evenings. All speaker/dinner meetings are at the River Inn, Crosslee starting at 7pm with dinner at 7.30pm and usually a speaker at 8.30pm and a final toast to Rotary at before 9.30pm. There is no longer a strict obligation on attendance and whilst some members enjoy attending every week others are there less frequently. Most of the business of organising fund raising and Community Service and Youth Service events is done by committees that meet as necessary 6pm to 7pm and approximately once a month the committees report on their plans and seek approval from the club. 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

Started 75 years ago as a response by Christian churches in the UK to the desperate needs of refugees in Europe after the Second World War, Christian Aid now operates in nearly 40 countries promoting sustainable development, striving for social justice and pursuing a vision of a world without poverty. It works with local partner organisations which not only have first-hand knowledge of the practical needs of the poor in their area, but are also able to ensure the sustainability of initiatives to lift communities out of poverty.

Bridge of Weir Hillwalkers

Christian Aid is also prepared to challenge governments and systems on the underlying causes of poverty. It played a leading role in securing international Government agreement to cancel the debt burden which was crippling some of the poorest countries in the world. In many countries, Christian Aid has been able to champion the status of women and unleash the huge contribution they can make to lifting their communities out of poverty. Today Christian Aid is not only addressing the very real and immediate impact of climate change on some of the poorest communities in the world but also challenging governments on their response to the climate crisis.

After the sodden winter, we can only hope that things get better as we hit Spring.

February was literally a washout for the BoWHWers as three walks were cancelled by various storms and monsoons. We did manage to start March on a better foot with a walk along the Forth & Clyde canal to lead us on to the Antonine Wall and a walk back in time to the Roman Empire’s outermost defence line. The day stayed (Mainly) dry and coffees were back at the Boat House at Auchinstarry Marina. The rest of March will see two hill walks in Argyll and by April we will be heading for three walks in Perthshire. Details: donwwsmith@gmail.com

More information about this year’s Christian Aid Week in next month’s issue – and get ready for that red envelope! For more information visit: www.christianaid. org.uk

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April 2020

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Stock market falls…putting things in perspective by Carl Melvin, Affluent Financial Planning Ltd The Corona Virus pandemic is all over the newspapers and TV news. Reports of individuals panic buying hand sanitiser and toilet rolls is surely evidence of people acting irrationally. The world won’t end, but investors are very concerned about how their investments and pension funds are being impacted by current events. What do you do when the stock market is falling sharply? 1. Why are world stock markets falling? Stock markets rise and fall in line with 3 things – economic news (companies make profits or losses), world events like war, pandemics, etc and finally, Investor sentiment – how people react to what is happening. If people are optimistic then stock markets rise and if fearful then stock markets decline. 2. Stock markets are resilient – they can handle good news or bad news, but uncertainty is what causes stock markets to fall sharply. The lack of certainty causes people to be fearful and this is magnified until a degree of calm returns. 3. Stock markets recover - it may take time for markets to recover from a heavy fall but recover they will – and the long-term investor will be rewarded for her patience. 4. History teaches us a lesson – previous falls are often followed by a strong recovery within the following 12 – 18 months, so selling out in the heat of a big fall in share prices is a folly. 5. Think of this as an opportunity – if the prices in the supermarket were lower than last month, you would call this a sale – the stock market is currently on sale with prices lower than before, so for those seeking to invest it offers an opportunity to buy at a discount.

8. Diversify – one should not have all one’s eggs in a single basket – a highly diversified global portfolio offers less risk and the scope for long term growth. A portfolio should be rebalanced at least annually to capture investment gains.

6. For every seller there is a buyer – if you sell your investments out of fear, then remember that there must be someone willing to buy your investment – unless you bought a poor-quality investment or illiquid asset in the first place.

9. The falls are temporary – and the rise of stock markets is permanent over the longer term – history tells us this. Think long term, not short term.

7. Buy low and sell high – is the key to investment success. This means when prices are lower (as they are now) then you should invest more, and when prices are high you should take your profits.

10.It’s too late to react – the falls have already occurred, and markets may fall further before they recover. Now is not the time to change your investment strategy or try to second guess the market movements. Sit on your hands and let the market recover in time – rash decisions now could cost you dear in the future.

This information is not financial advice. If you require advice you should consult a professional adviser. The first meeting is normally free and there is no obligation. Call us for a FREE financial review on 01505 59 50 60 or email: info@affluentfp.co.uk Alternatively, pop into the Affluent office opposite Amaretto restaurant on Main Street, Bridge of Weir. www.affluentfp.co.uk The value of an investment and the income from it could go down as well as up. The return at the end of the investment period is not guaranteed and you may get back less than you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

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April 2020

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Better access to justice for victims of accidents by Dallas McMillan, Solicitors Incoming Scottish legislation will greatly improve access to justice in 2020 for victims of accidents seeking compensation for their injuries and losses. At present when injured claimants raise a court action against the party believed to be responsible, they face being liable for the legal expenses of the defending party if they ultimately lose their case. This liability for legal expenses can be very considerable, and whilst sometimes this risk can be covered by insurance, insurance policies are not always available, carry various exclusion clauses, and can be expensive. Under the incoming legislation (exact date of commencement awaited) personal injury claimants will benefit from Qualified Oneway Costs Shifting (“QOCS”). Under QOCS, a successful Defender will not normally be able to recover any legal expenses from the claimant even if the claimant loses the case at trial. Instead, the claimant will only be liable to a successful Defender:-

(b) Where claimant has behaved in a manifestly unreasonable manner, or (c) Where claimant’s conduct amounts to an abuse of process. These tests are expected to be difficult for Defenders to establish. The imminent introduction of QOCS is expected substantially to improve access to justice for claimants. Currently, many deserving claims are rejected by wealthy employers and/or insurers, and are then abandoned by claimants fearful of the risks of proceeding with litigation. With the new legislation, QOCS and the reduced risks for claimants, however, solicitors will have greater scope to advise claimants to press on into litigation to secure justice and compensation due for their injuries and losses. Anyone injured in an accident (whether at work, in a road accident or in a public/private place) are advised to instruct specialist personal injury claim solicitors as soon as possible.

(a) Where fraudulent conduct by the claimant,

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Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley Youth Competitions The Regional Finals for Young Chef and Youth Speaks were held in Stirling on Saturday 7th March. With winners and runners up in the District Finals, the Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley was represented in both events.

YOUNG CHEF In Young Chef we were represented by Ellie Shaw of Gryffe High; she had to cook a three- course meal for two in two hours within a budget of £20. We are grateful to Gibb Stuart Home Hardware who sponsored our initial Club Competition at the start of the process and to Jason Andrews of The River Inn who sponsored Ellie’s “whites” for the later stages.

YOUTH SPEAKS In Youth Speaks we were represented in both Intermediate and Senior age categories by teams from St Columba’s. Each Youth Speaks team is comprised of a Chairperson, Proposer and Opposer who argue opposing views of their chosen topic. The Intermediate team of Kierandeep Nijjer, Emma Ventham and Orla O’Rourke discussed “Make do and Mend” while the Senior team of Mark Morgan Clelland, Elliot Nixon and Bronte Marritt debated “We are too Sensitive”. All the young people performed well but only the winners of the Regional Finals go forward to the National Finals ….so very special congratulations to the Senior Team from St Columba’s who won their final with a very creditable performance and head to Birmingham for the National Finals in May.

The St Columba’s Senior Team, winners of the Regional Final and going forward to the National Final

How Often Should We Have Our Eyes Checked? Ellie Shaw, in her “whites”, sponsored by The River Inn

by Kerry Taher, New Vision Opticians Many people ask at what age should children start having their eyes examined. There is in fact no specific age. Babies have their eyes checked at birth, then 6 weeks later by the Health Visitor. This is followed by a large 3-4 year gap before the preschool check at around 4 years of age. Children tend to complain about their sight only when they are really struggling, so many smaller but important problems can easily go undetected in these 3-4 years. Routine eye tests can start from about 6 months of age, but if there are any concerns then babies/children can be seen at any age. Most of the crucial development of our visual system occurs before the age of 7, so any treatment must be started as early as possible. Even if you have no concerns, we recommend an eye examination before starting school.

The St Columba’s Intermediate Team

Under normal circumstances annual checks are typical up to 16 years of age, after which it becomes every 2 years. However, in some cases annual checks may still be required – for example, over 40’s with a family history/risk of Glaucoma, all patients with Diabetes, certain types of macular changes etc. If you have an eye infection, a GP or pharmacist will give good advice. However, with the specialised equipment we have in practice, an optician should be your first port of call. If you have any concerns at all about your eyes, you should contact your optician regardless of when you last had them checked. If you are unable to attend your local practice due to mobility or health issues, many opticians will come to your home. The NHS pay for all practice and home eye examinations for everyone who is eligible. For further information, please call: 01505 614 700.

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April 2020

11 17/03/2020 16:33:03

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Packed U3A for Paisley tunnel talk Over 100 curious people packed Paisley & District’s U3A March meeting to learn how Paisley came to have Scotland’s finest and best preserved medieval tunnel. Guest speaker and excavation leader Bob Will of Guard-Archaeology answered questions from a large audience on future plans to allow more visitors to the Big Dig site. U3A Chair Kathleen O’Donnell said: “This has been a fascinating and inspiring talk. The different relics discovered beside Paisley Abbey each tell their own story about life lived from the 14th century onwards. Many people here today would love to visit the tunnel. We’d support any plans to enable this to happen. Just now there is a public ballot for Doors Open Day in September. Perhaps in the future, Paisley will develop an all year round visitors site.” Mary’s Meals representative, Mary Moran will give a presentation on the international charity’s schools feeding programme and other vital work at Paisley & District U3A’s next monthly meeting. This free event is on Thursday 2nd April, at 2pm in the Salvation Army Hall, Mill Street, Paisley, PA1 1ND. More details at: https://u3asites.org.uk/paisley/welcome Photo 2: Paisley tunnel underground, courtesy of Paisley.org.uk

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Renfrewshire recognises inspiring local heroes

Coronavirus Helpline for Scottish Businesses

Renfrewshire has honoured local groups and volunteers for their work in the community at the Provost’s Community Awards. Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron was joined by comperè Libby McArthur to help celebrate the achievements of devoted community members who go above and beyond to make Renfrewshire a better place to live and work. The award winners were invited to a special ceremony at the Normandy Hotel in Renfrew after being chosen from more than 50 outstanding nominations submitted by their peers in the local community.

A new helpline has been launched to supply Scottish businesses with tailored advice on coronavirus. It will be open Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:30, based at Scottish Enterprise’s call centre in Clydebank.

Renfrewshire Schools Clarsach Group provided music as guests arrived at the ceremony. Preceding the presentation of the awards, guests were entertained by Starlight Youth Music Theatre Group who performed a selection of Motown Classics. The recipients of this year’s awards were:

Call handlers will answer questions from businesses related to Covid-19 as well as relaying the challenges faced by businesses to the Scottish government.

•

Arts and Culture (sponsored by Renfrewshire Council) – Catherine Craig

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Carer’s Award (sponsored by former Provost Nancy Allison) – Linda Clark

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Community Group (sponsored by City Gate Construction) – Rays of Hope

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Community Volunteer (sponsored by Glasgow Airport Ltd) – David Love

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Employee of the Year (sponsored by UNISON Renfrewshire) – Pamela McKechan

•

Sporting Achievement (sponsored by Acre Industrial Services Ltd) – Harrison Lovett

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “The Community Awards recognises those who really go the extra mile to make Renfrewshire a better place without looking for reward or recognition. “These winners were all nominated by their own communities and I’m honoured to be able to reward them for their dedication and commitment.

It comes as the UK enters the second phase of virus management.

“Congratulations to all our winners, your hard work does not go unnoticed.” The Provost’s Community Awards were first established in 1997 by former Provost Nancy Allison, who continues to sponsor the Carers Award today.

The helpline number is 0300 303 0660

The awards have been continued by each subsequent Provost and have recognised more than 100 deserving community members for their commitment and devotion. For more information on the Provost’s Community Awards, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/provostawards.

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April 2020

Water Flossing by Sheila Macintyre, Practice Owner at Kilbarchan Dental Practice Whilst there has been some debate in the dental community around whether it is better to floss or use inter-dental brushes the reality is that no matter how well you brush small particles of food do get stuck between your teeth and gums. This can lead to the development of plaque and a build-up of tartar, tooth decay and gum disease. It is important, therefore, that inter-dental cleaning is built into your dental health regime one way or another and it is often down to the individual as to what works for them - for instance if teeth are very close together it may be more difficult to use an interdental brush. We often find that patients find it hard to stick to string flossing or using inter-dental brushes as it can be tricky and time consuming. If this is the case for you it may be worth considering an alternative such as water-flossing which uses a high-pressure jet of water to clean in between your teeth. There are certainly a number of studies that support their effectiveness and, personally, I have been impressed with some of the results I have seen so far. There are a wide variety of water-flossing machines available these days as they have become more popular. Countertop machines with water reservoirs are bigger but depend on an electrical supply close to a sink which isn’t always available. Cordless battery-powered units are also available and are great for travel or where you don’t have a mains supply but may not be as powerful. If either option gets you doing something rather than nothing it is certainly a step in the right direction. If you would like any more advice visit us at Kilbarchan Dental Practice, call 01505 704969 or click www. kilbarchandental.co.uk where you’ll find lots more free tips.

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Local

history

Semple Stories

William Cuninghame, 8th Laird of Craigends

Lochwinnoch’s Glories is Searching for The Past.

Over one hundred years before John Cuninghame, 13th Laird of Craigends kept a diary (see March issue), William the 8th Laird, too, kept a diary. Unlike the 13th Laird’s very personal diary, William Cuninghame’s diary was mainly in the form of an account book of his household expenses, but it still gives an interesting insight into his life and activities.

It is extraordinary just how much hidden history there is within the community and long may it last and be treasured. I was contacted on Facebook by a man who found a Struthers American cream soda bottle while exploring underneath his house. Resplendent with an image of a Native American Chief in full-feathered headdress and tunic, the bottle, stopper and label were in near perfect condition. I reposted the images on the project Facebook page – Lochwinnoch Glories – and other people began sharing their family heirlooms. Other designs of Struthers bottles, glass milk bottles for Lochwinnoch produced milk, curling stones handed down through the family, furniture, rugs and even a Struthers bright orange crate for holding half-a-dozen bottles. All of this, the evidence of a wee village’s big industrial past. It was like a regular Antiques Roadshow! People have so generously opened their homes and lives, to share memories of people, events and family treasures and I am very grateful for this contribution to the project. Semple Stories, Lochwinnoch’s Glories is a project funded by the Renfrewshire and Inverclyde LEADER and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Johnstone History Society We now move onto our April meeting which will be held on the 11th of the month in the Masonic Hall in Collier Street at 7.30pm.The speaker on this occasion will be Graham Fulton and his subject is “The Paisley Civil War”. Graham Fulton is a poet from Paisley and he has had several books published .At our meeting he will be telling how the American Civil War impinged on Paisley .A good attendance is hoped for by members and visitors. All will be made welcome and may stay and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee..

The Museum continues to open Wednesday Friday and Saturday from 10.30am to 4pm .We have a wide selection of books pamphlets and maps on sale ,these can also be purchased online from our website at johnstonehistory. org and an be paid for via PayPal. If you have not been in recently you will find we may have had display changes so another visit may be interesting.

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At the time of writing, William was heir to his father, Alexander, and was known as Master of Craigends. He married his first wife, Anne, daughter of Lord Ruthven, in April 1673. William and Anne lived in the old Craigends House with Laird Alexander and his wife. Although the couple had no children, William was trustee to Anne’s son, William, from her previous marriage to Cuninghgame of Cuninghamehead. William’s diary is complete from November 1673 until December1680. Every item of William’s household expenditure is meticulously itemised and dated. He regularly paid his father the cost of boarding in the household. Boarding expenses ‘for horses and all’ amounted to over five hundred pounds sterling each year. William also gave money to his wife, ‘the lady’, for her expenses, and paid his own personal servants. William and Anne made regular visits to Anne’s family at Freeland in Perthshire and William, on occasion, travelled to Edinburgh to attend to legal matters on behalf of Anne’s son. The expenses incurred on these ‘voyages’ are recorded in detail, including board and lodgings, cost of servants on the journey, stabling and feed for his horses and gratuities given to servants at inns. At home, William frequently gave money to beggars and to ‘poor men at the gate’. William was a frequent visitor in Kilbarchan village. In 1675 he appointed James King, to erect a ‘leaping-on-stone’ (used to assist in mounting a horse) close to the Parish Church. He gave regularly to the Parish Church, paid for repairs, and contributed to the parish schoolmaster’s salary. As staunch Presbyterians, the Cuninghames were opposed to the imposition of Episcopacy on the Church of Scotland. William’s diary entries include financial support given to Presbyterian ‘outed’, ministers expelled from the church for their beliefs. Like all country lairds, William went hunting. This pursuit entailed expense for saddles, bridles and shoeing horses. His other leisure pursuits included bowling, curling, tennis and the ancient game of bullets. With the exception of tennis, which was played in Paisley, he appears to have engaged in these sports with his servants or tenants. His main expense was the money he lost in wagers, including twelve shillings ‘lost in tennice with Rossyth, in September 1675. William dressed well and made numerous payments to tailors and shoemakers. His wardrobe included, a coat and breeches of purple cloth, fixed with ties made from fifteen ells of purple ribbon; suits adorned and fastened with silver buckles and buttons, and silver-buckled shoes. He wore a periwig and used bone and timber combs, a little pocket brush and a supply of sweet hair powder for his hair. His sword and scabbard were held in place by a belt. William became the Laird on the death of his father in 1690. He married his second wife, Christian, the daughter of John Colquhoun of Luss, and had five children, including a daughter Lilias (b 1791). Lilias, is still celebrated in the village today in the annual historic pageant known as Lilias Day. William died in 1727 and was succeeded by his eldest son Alexander. © Helen Calcluth, Renfrewshire Local History Forum

Our next lecture “Clyde Defenses and Clyde Burials” by Tam Ward, North Clyde Archaeological Society, will be held in the McLean Building, Room D137/9, University of the West of Scotland, on 9th April at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome.

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April 2020

INSIGHT Lifestyle & culture in your area

culture • lifestyle • arts • family Emma Davis: british contemporary art award Local artist Emma S Davis has won the British Contemporary Art Award 2020 with her painting ‘Moonlit Moorings Crinan’ Early in January Emma was shortlisted in the final with another 9 British artists for the award, the voting then went to the public. It was announced at the end of February that Emma had won the award. Emma has been painting full time since she graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 1998. She works from her studio in Quarriers and exhibits in galleries throughout the UK and her work is in many private collections worldwide. This award is a great accolade and means she will be represented by the British Contemporary Art Gallery for the next year. Well done, Emma!

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Q&A with LORNA MARTIN: writer of ‘Rose’ Lorna Martin is an Edinburgh based playwright, award-winning journalist, former Scotland editor of The Observer, mother and author of critically acclaimed comic memoir ‘Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown’. She spoke with Rona Simpson about her play ‘Rose’ which will be part of the Oran Mor: A Play, a Pie and a Pint series.

1. Who is Rose Reilly and what makes her story remarkable? Rose Reilly is arguably Scotland’s most successful footballer and the only Scot ever to have scored in a World Cup final. Despite this, Rose’s isn’t as widely known as she should be. Her story is remarkable and inspiring because she faced non-stop obstacles; barriers that would have floored most of us. But with superhuman passion and determination, she pushed expectations, judgement, discrimination, and disappointment aside and battled on. Nothing would stop her pursuing her dream of being a girl who wanted to play football. This was when the prevailing attitude in Scotland was that football simply wasn’t a game for girls. Rose Reilly was having none of that.

2. You seem drawn to stories that are based on real events. Your comic memoir ‘Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown’ was drawn from your own experiences in psychotherapy. How different was it to be exploring another person’s life and personal experiences and did you feel that there were any events or areas of Rose’s life that you decided to leave alone? When I was younger I wrote quite a lot about my car crash romantic life, but as I’ve got older, and hopefully a little wiser, that part of my life is now too boring to write about. Also, as a journalist (I previously worked for the Herald and the Observer) I always loved interviewing people and writing about other people’s lives and stories, which were always much more interesting and fascinating than my own! With Rose, and the wider world of women’s football in Scotland in the 70s and 80s, it has been a real joy to delve into. Nothing was out of bounds.

3. What is your favourite scene in the play? I like the sad bits! But there’s also a lovely scene which takes place in Greenock. In 1972, for the first official Scotland versus England women’s international, the SFA refused to allow the match to be played on any of their official pitches. Instead, it was played at Ravenscraig Park, in November, in a snow storm.

4. Why should people come and see Rose? People should come and see Rose because it’s a funny and at times poignant story about a young girl from Ayrshire who became an accidental feminist and transgressor, who refused to play by society’s rules and who was eventually named the greatest female footballer in the world. It’s the most empowering and inspiring story I’ve ever had the privilege and pleasure of telling. A Play, A Pie & A Pint: Rose by Lorna Martin was due to take place at the Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock in April. Currently the Beacon Arts Centre is suspending all activities until further notice, to support measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.

WATT a Result: refurbished greenock museum shorlisted for Scottish architectural prize

The Kelly Street building, incorporating the McLean Museum & Art Gallery, Watt Library and Watt Hall, is in the running for a prestigious honour from The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS). It is one of 18 buildings from across the country in the running for an award having been selected from 80 entries. Councillor Jim Clocherty, Inverclyde Council’s Convener of Education & Communities, said: “To be shortlisted for such a prestigious honour from The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland is testament to the hard work of everyone involved, from our designers at Collective Architecture to council staff across a variety of departments. “The Council has invested a lot of time and money in not only preserving but greatly improving the Watt Institution to ensure future generations can continue to learn about the area’s rich history. The Watt Institution is a great opportunity to discover Inverclyde’s history and heritage and just a fortnight ago we welcomed visitors from Norway, who were impressed with the building and displays during a tour.” The Greenock arts facility was rebranded the Watt Institution – its original and legal name, which has been brought back into everyday use – to coincide with the bicentenary of the death of James Watt in 2019 following a £2.1m refurbishment of the interior and exterior by Inverclyde Council. The museum reopened in October last year following completion of the renovation.

GREENOCK’S Watt Institution has been shortlisted for a national architectural award following a major £2.1 million refurbishment.

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Inverclyde Council funded the majority of the work with Historic Environment Scotland contributing £300,000. Judging for the RIAS Awards 2020 is due to take place at the end of March, with Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Edinburgh on May 28. These dates may be due to change.

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April 2020

MISSING TEETH? No-one needs to know Missing teeth or loose dentures affects people from every background, often resulting in embarrassment or difficulty eating. Fortunately, there is a local practice that may have the perfect solution. Dr Philip Byrne, Implant Dentist and owner of Erskine Dental Care- Dental Implant Centre understands that every patient’s situation is unique and aims to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs. Philip first became involved with Dental implants in 2007 and thousands of patients have benefited from his expertise. He is one of a handful of Scottish Dentists with a Postgraduate Qualification in Dental Implants and is an expert in helping his patients achieve a natural smile. Dental Implants allow patients to have anything from a single missing tooth to a full set of teeth to be replaced. Philip was shortlisted for the ‘Clinician of the Year’ award in Scotland in 2019, giving you peace of mind that your care will be provided by an experienced and highly qualified implant dentist. At Erskine Dental Care, we use advanced dental implants to achieve fantastic results. We have invested in the facilities required to provide comprehensive patient care including a CT scanner, 3D Printing and 3D Digital Scanners allowing your care to be planned and delivered with precision. We are the only practice in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde equipped with a CT Scanner. We also offer a free consultation and the option of payment plans. Mrs AB, said: “Just a small appreciation for the kindness and professionalism I received during my recent implant. I couldn’t have asked for better! A special thanks to Philip and Stacey for all their kindness.” If you think you might benefit from dental implant treatment or would like more information, you can call our friendly reception on 0141 812 8420 and arrange your free consultation.

Dental Implants can be used to help patients suffering from a variety of conditions. If you are affected by any of the following conditions, dental implants may be the answer: • Missing teeth or gaps • Failing crowns or bridges • Loose dentures or teeth • Worries about having dentures or jawbone loss • Dislike of denture adhesive • Difficulty chewing • Gum disease • Mouth infections

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17/03/2020 16:19:55

Easter Egg rolling at Dunrod Hill by Rona Simpson Start/Finish: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre OS Map: Landranger 63 Grid Reference: NS 227 738 Grade: Strenuous Distance: 5km, 3 miles Time: 1.5 hours Route Overview: A short steep grassy climb or decent for hilltop vistas over the Firth of Clyde. Route uses old reservoir gravel tracks over open moorland. Potentially boggy in places! Easter picnics were a staple in the Simpson household when I was growing up. Each year we’d be given our boiled eggs to decorate in the morning then be wrapped up in our hat and scarves (standard Scotland in spring attire) and frog marched up to a precipice on the Campsie Fells - clinging on to boulders to avoid being blown off the side of the hill - to roll said eggs back down. And, I bloomin’ LOVED it. It was great fun! My partner is from the south of England. Picnics down there are pretty Enid Blyton-esque affairs. She was not ready for the endurance test of picnicking in Scotland at Easter and has never really got into the swing of this tradition, preferring sandwiches being consumed by burbling brooks under endless blue skies at temperatures that won’t give you frostbite. I can’t think why. Anyway, if you are looking for a good hill to climb with the sprogs armed with eggs this month, give this one a go.

route The Route: Start at the top left corner of Clyde Muirshiel visitor car park and go over the stile; follow the informal trail up the hill. There is the option to go straight up or follow the zig zag trail to the right. At the top of the slope turn right to reach the summit cairn of ‘Hillside Hill’ (297m). From this carin head ‘west’ to the gate in the fence line before heading up to the trig point of ‘Dunrod Hill’ (298m). Now a Site of Special Scientific Interest at it is part of the Clyde Plateau Lavas*. From the trig point head north east downhill to the metal field gate to join a wee path, then jump the burn to follow the reservoir track. At the junction, go straight on to the telephone mast at Scroggy Bank. Keep the mast on your left. At the lay-by there are great views of all the big named reservoirs in the area. Follow the track downhill, taking a sharp right onto the loose gravel of the ‘Overton Track’. Loch Thom will be on your left and the Visitor Centre straight ahead. Enjoy!

Special Scientific Interest Dunrod Hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is nationally important because it contains outcrops of volcanic rocks that belong to a sequence of lavas. A volcano erupted during the early part of the Carboniferous Period, about 340 million years and the lava rock remains. These are known as the Clyde Plateau Lavas.

CRAFTY easter egg IDEAS How to ‘Dye’ Your Eggs: • Fill a container with a cup of water, one teaspoon of white vinegar, and about twenty drops of any food colour. You will know that you’ve used enough liquid if the egg completely submerges in the water. • Fill several containers if you will be using diﬀerent colours. • You can dye the egg two colours by dipping only one section of the egg in at a time. Hold one half of the egg so that only half of it is submerged in the dye. After about five minutes, submerge the other half of the egg in another colour. Other ideas: • Acrylic paint is ideal for eggs because it covers them well and adheres nicely. You can use any brand and colour of acrylic paint that you’d like. Use a paintbrush to create fun designs – ladybirds, pigs, spiders – the list is endless! • Painting eggs with glue solution and dipping and rolling in glitter then leaving to dry creates a snazzy sparkly egg!

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April 2020

Review: gleddoch Hotel, spa & Golf Gleddoch Hotel, Spa & Golf â€“ one of the most prestigious, luxury hotels in the Glasgow area. Featuring a top-quality golf course and an award-winning Imperia Spa, Gleddoch is so much more than just a hotel. Thanks to excellent amenities, outstanding golf and spa facilities, not to mention the convenient location just 10minutes from Glasgow Airport, Gleddoch offers the whole package for those looking to relax and get away from it all. The championship 18-hole golf course is second to none in the Glasgow region. Guests can enjoy a few rounds out on the course before heading over to the award-winning spa for ELEMIS & ishga treatments, making use of a full range of leisure facilities to relax and unwind, including a new outdoor spa pool, which is coming this Spring. Finish off the day in style at VISTA restaurant, The Nineteenth bar or Dram whisky and gin bar, before heading up to one of 70 luxurious en-suite rooms for the perfect nightâ€™s sleep. We are also very excited to announce the opening of a brand new state-of-the-art 16 bay, floodlit driving range, with two custom fit studios and a golf simulator with an indoor putting green.

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17/03/2020 16:14:59

nightmare neighbours advice from Kingsley Wood Solicitors Just as the saying goes about family, you can’t choose your neighbours. Everyone has a story about a nightmare neighbour, would you not agree? A devil dog that barks all night, the couple next door that have raves on a Wednesday, or the family that think the driveway is a mechanics yard. All this is enough to make you want to phone in the estate agents; however you might want to rethink, there are other options. In Scotland these types of situations are dealt with under the law of delict. This area of the law deals with wrong doings that have been done intentionally, as well as unintentionally, by a party. Most cases are dealt with by common law and are decided on a case by case basis. The key element is being able to show loss or damage has been incurred. One legal remedy we have under statute is what is called an interdict. An interdict is used to stop a party from continuing their actions that is causing loss to you. For example, this could be a neighbour who is stopping you from selling your home by causing a nuisance, or a neighbour who is cutting down trees without the relevant permissions. When thinking about the law of delict, almost everyone in the legal world will tell you about the case of Donoghue v Stevenson. This is more commonly referred to as “the snail” case. Here, Mrs Donoghue was drinking a bottle of ginger beer in a café when she discovered a dead snail at the bottom of the bottle. As the bottle was not clear she did not know it contained the snail. As you can imagine she had severe stomach pains. This case established that we all owe a duty of care to our neighbour, not injure or cause loss to them. The term neighbour goes beyond just the literal meaning of the word in that it means anyone who would be directly affected by your actions.

This “duty of care” responsibility we all have to one and other is key when establishing a delict. But how far does this duty go? As mentioned above, all cases depend primarily on the facts. For example, in the case of Bolton v Stone it was found that there was no breach of the defenders duty of care, despite the pursuer being injured by a cricket ball that had been hit over the fence of a cricket ground, as it was not reasonably probable that this would happen. Unlike other areas of the law there is no clear-cut answers in delict. You have to be able to show the damage or loss that you have incurred. If you can relate to anything mentioned above or would like some further advice on the matter, then please get in contact with either Kingsley Wood or Dionne Hunter at our Kilmacolm oﬃce on 01505 874114 or email us at mail@ kingsleywood.co.uk

St Columba’s School Update pipe band St Columba’s School Pipe Band Win at the Scottish School Championships On Sunday the 8th of March, our School Pipe band competed at the Scottish School Pipe Band Championships. St Columba’s took the Novice Juvenile B category by storm. With 21 school bands competing, this was an absolutely outstanding achievement in what was the most significant category of the day. Our largest band (37 members!) from J6 to SVI competed and we are extremely proud of them - the Scottish Schools Pipe Band champions!

sporting wins 1st XI hockey Team Bring Back Win After 24 Years Wednesday the 4th of March saw the girls 1st XI team take part in the Hutchesons’ Grammar School hockey tournament. Playing consistently well in all their matches, the team were in to the final against The High School of Glasgow. The final match became a close call after running into extra time and penalties thereafter. However, the St Columba’s girls kept their cool and claimed victory with a score of 2 -1. The team put on an outstanding performance. The tournament had last been won by the school in 1996, so we are very proud of our team for bringing back this well-deserved win.

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April 2020

world book day Junior School Celebrate World Book day The beginning of March always brings with it the delightful event of World Book Day, and we were thrilled to see all of Junior School swap their uniforms for creative and imaginative costumes. There was such a colourful array of different characters: Cat in the Hat, Gangster Granny and A Very Hungry Caterpillar amongst them! Continuing to promote cross-school learning, J5 pupils took the time to read books with the Early Years children. It was lovely to see everyone in the room enjoying a book and seeing the children looking after one another so well.

public speaking champs Public Speaking and Quiz Competition Success The month of March has seen many local and regional competitions taking place including the Regional Finals of the ‘Youth Speaks’ Rotary Club Public Speaking competition. St Columba’s was represented by both a Senior and Intermediate team, both choosing to speak on important current issues. The Intermediate team consisted of Kierandeep N (Chair), Emma V (Proposer) and Orla O (Opposer), with the Senior team consisting of Mark C (Chair), Elliot N (Proposer) and Bronte M (Opposer). Putting on an impressive display of knowledge, the Senior team became the clear winners, with our intermediate team coming close runners-up. The Senior team now progress to the National Finals in Birmingham this May. Transitus pupils also brought back success as Tanisha, Robbie, Oliver and Freddie entered the Gryffe Valley Rotary Club Primary School Quiz. Hosted at the Houston Bowling Club on the 10th of March, 5 local primary schools competed in 10 different rounds. Despite 2 demanding final rounds, our team were victorious, scoring a staggering 87 points. The Transitus team now look forward to the district heat in April.

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BeEchGrove garden’s top tips Beechgrove Garden’s Kirsty Wilson gives us her gardening tips for the spring season.

Q. When should we start sorting out our gardens so they are beautiful for spring and summer? Anything that needs seen to before frost/after frosts? There is nothing quite like starting our gardens in early spring when the delicate blossom, spring bulbs and delightful birdsong entice us back outside. Now is the best time to get outdoors and start getting your garden ready for the next few months. Our garden plants can survive late snow and frosts, anything tender should have been overwintered in a greenhouse. 1. Cut back Cornus (dogwood) Prune these colourful winter stems down to a few centimetres above the ground now to ensure bright colourful stems next winter. 2. Dig up and divide herbaceous perennials This is a good time to rethink your borders and move plants and split perennials which have become woody or congested in their centre. 3. Overhaul the lawn Remove thatch and moss with a wire tooth rake and edge it. You might also want to feed your lawn during a mild spell with blood, fish and bone meal to encourage a green healthy lawn. 4. Sow seeds Start seeds in a greenhouse or on a windowsill, or even outdoors when weather permits. Hardy annuals such as Calendula and Nasturtiums are robust plants that can provide wonderful colour in your garden during the summer months. Q. What are the best plants and flowers to have in the garden for those of us who are less green fingered; require minimal effort and maintenance? If you don’t have time to cut areas of your lawn, convert the area into a perennial wildflower meadow which only requires a cut once a year and helps encourage wildlife into your garden including pollinators. Wildflowers meadows can provide a display of flowers for many months and thrive on poor soils. You can even purchase wildflower turf with the wildflower species already established, which means less effort. Q. Where are the best places to source plants, flowers, soil etc for those on a budget? Sharing divisions of herbaceous perennials with your friends and learning how to take cuttings of a vast range of plants are both great ways to get plants for free. Make your own compost from the dead plant material from your garden and kitchen vegetable and fruit waste. Once the compost is ready, you can spread this as mulch on your borders. This will help feed your plants, suppress weeds and seal moisture in the soil. Q. Do you have ideas for fun things that kids could be doing in the garden? • Bright sunny sunﬂowers look great in your garden – have a competition and see who can grow the tallest sunflower this year!

Q. Are there any upcoming events at RBGE for those new to gardening or families? Yes! The Big Botanics Birthday Party on Sun 14 June 2020. Visitors will be invited to celebrate the Garden’s 350th anniversary at a special birthday party. With a focus on its global influence, the Botanics will create a world festival featuring music, dance, food and a big birthday cake. Celebrations will also take place at the Regional Gardens at Benmore, Logan and Dawyck during the summer months. Obviously at the time of print, we are not sure if this will still take place. Please check with organisers or on the website www.rbge.org.uk Watch BBC Scotland Beechgrove for more advice, inspiration and tips for your garden. The first episode starts on BBC Scotland on April 9th at 8.00pm – to 8.30pm.

• Make a ﬂoral crown from ﬂowers and foliage in your garden

Kirsty Wilson

• Make a bee hotel – bee numbers are in decline so build a home for them and help encourage nature into your garden and help bee populations this year.

Herbaceous Supervisor at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Beechgrove Garden Presenter and Garden Designer.

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April 2020

cala homes: helicopter park CALA Homes (West) has teamed up with Houston Play Park Improvement Group to help plans for a ‘Helicopter Park’ take off in the village. The group received £1,000 from the award-winning housebuilder after it became aware of their exciting aim to improve village youngsters’ play experience and deliver a transformed South Mounds site next to the Compass Centre. The name ‘Helicopter Park’ pays tribute to a piece of play equipment which was once part of the site, leaving only a slide and swings. Its members – made up of local parents – have ambitious plans including the delivery of facilities for children who have impaired mobility as well as multi-gym equipment for all ages. They plan to heighten access to the South Street park with a new ramp, install picnic benches, and introduce raised vegetable beds in a community garden setting. The group has set itself a summer 2021 target to deliver on the plans which it hopes to fulfil through wide-ranging fundraising initiatives and a JustGiving page. Details below. The group was first inspired by a successful campaign to improve Crosslee Swings Park which was completed in 2015 after an £80,000 fundraising drive – and the Houston fundraisers are hopeful of emulating that target. They now plan to hold further events such as an afternoon tea, an Easter Egg Hunt on April 12, and even want to publish a cookbook, including a recipe from celebrity chef Tom Kitchin. Group chair Sam Love said: “It’s really important to us that we improve facilities here as there isn’t much for little ones. The park is simply crying out for new equipment and so we set out on this

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journey to do as much fundraising as possible while applying for grants and charitable help. “Donations are therefore vital and we’d like to thank CALA for its £1,000 contribution which has represented a big step forward in our fundraising ambitions. We’re now a lot closer to where we want to be.” Andrew Duncan, land director at CALA Homes, commented: “Supporting fantastic initiatives like Helicopter Park is essential to the communities in which we work and we look forward to further building our relationship with the village. “The group have been really welcoming and we’ve been impressed by the depth of their ambition. They want to create a wonderfully inclusive environment which will impact generations to come. We now look forward to hearing how the park develops and firmly believe the sky is the limit for Helicopter Park. www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/houstonplayparkgroup

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Next deadline -

Wednesday 15th April

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

What’s on

BoW Hillwalkers Forth & Clyde Canal

Covid-19

PLEASE NOTE:

The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is already being felt, but will increase in its severity over the next few weeks. Urgent action is now required to protect the capacity of our public services during this time. The First Minister announced on 12 March 2020 that, from 16 March, mass events should not take place, in light of their potential impact on public services. The events listed in our magazine are subject to change at short notice due to the current situation. Please keep up to date via Facebook and we’ll try to keep our website as up to date as we can. Best bet is to try to contact the event organisers to check if this is going ahead.

This diary was compiled prior to the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak. A number of events have already been cancelled, with more likely to be cancelled over the coming days. Please keep up to date via Facebook or contact the organisers directly for more information.

march WEDNESDAY 25TH Inverkip – Wemyss Bay walk linear (8.3mls/13kms) Inverkip Railway Station, Inverkip, Greenock PA16 0BB 11am

Sunday Continental Sunday Continental is a new monthly live music event 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+.

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.

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

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

ELL C N A

Prizes to be won. Spaces are limited. Please contact your Section Leader or Teresa McQuarrie on 07444 886 154 for tickets/sponsor.

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 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. The show has something for golfers of all abilities. Tickets are available now! For full ticketing information visit www.thescottishgolfshow.co.uk

SATURDAY 28TH A Cèilidh, with Fèis Phàislig and Caolas

FARMERS MARKETS

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

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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

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. Tickets £5 (U16 - Free)

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

April 2020

April

SATURDAY 28TH Alison McNeill and Sasha Savaloni

WEDNESDAY 1ST - SUNDAY 19TH

Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 8pm

Dinosaur Egg Hunt! – Explorer’s Trail

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.

SUNDAY 29TH 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.

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm Explore the trail and look for dinosaur eggs. Cost: £4 per child / RSPB members £2. [Normal trail fees apply for adults]

THURSDAY 2ND Bug Box-Making Finlaystone Country Estate Langbank 1pm to 3pm Keep the woodlice, ladybirds and caterpillars in your garden cosy at night by crafting a bug box! £3 for materials; pre-booking essential.

OUTLOOK Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 4pm Indian Travelogue – Colin Houston – amazing photography - unique adventures.

FRIDAY 3RD RSPB Local Group Illustrated Talk McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew 7.30pm Tom Byars - the Ardeer sand dunes All Welcome

SATURDAY 4TH Kilbarchan Parish Church Easter Extravaganza

UNTIL 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.

WEDNESDAY 1ST APRIL Talk with a solicitor for free! St Vincent’s Hospice, Midton Rd, Howwood 11am to 1.30pm St. Vincent’s Hospice is offering a friendly, legal advice service completely free of charge to any adult in Renfrewshire thanks to the voluntary support of local solicitors. The service provides an introduction to confidential professional advice and information to help you plan for the future, such as writing your Will and arranging Powers of Attorney. Many local people recommend the service very highly. 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

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street 10am to 12noon The Easter egg hunt will take place in the grounds - weather permitting! There will be a decorated egg competition and also an Easter bonnet competition for the children. Entrance is £3, children £1, which includes coffee and hot cross buns. There will also be a home-baking and preserves stall and a stall selling Easter gifts.

Spring Charity Coffee Morning Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 10am to 12noon Come along and join West Renfrewshire young farmers at our charity coffee morning! Meet the lambs! Meet the Alpacas! Glitter Face Paints. Educational Drawing corner for kids. Jewellery stand In aid of the Calum’s Cabin Charity. Everyone is welcome to join us for what is sure to be a lovely morning out with friends and family!

SATURDAY 4TH Craft Fair and Coffee Morning Langbank Parish Church, Main Rd, Langbank 10am to 12noon Langbank Church Halls, Main Road, Langbank All welcome, entry £4/2 to include coffee and cake. Local craft items for sale, including artwork, postcards, homewares, jams chutney and delicious home baking.

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Next deadline -

Wednesday 15th April

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk SATURDAY 4TH Kilbarchan Parish Church Easter Extravaganza Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street 10am to 12noon

Gryffe Valley Rotary Charity Car Wash The 2020 Car Wash organised with the help of Beaton Bros will take place on Saturday 25th April 9.30am to 4pm at 1 Station Road PA11 3LH. This is a chance to see Rotary in action, give your car a treat and support local Rotary charitable causes!

Cars on the Campus 2020 Sunday 3rd May from 10.30am to 4.30pm St Joseph’s Academy Campus, Grassyards Road, Kilmarnock KA3 7SL. It’s the event we like to think of as the ‘season opener’ for Vintage, Classic, Retro & Modern car enthusiasts - Cars on the Campus returns for 2020 with a great selection of vehicles for the visiting public to enjoy as well as the indoor displays you’ve come to love. If you’re looking to book in your own vehicle or you wish to book for a club, just visit our website by clicking the link below! Https://ayrshireclassics.com/cars-on-the-campus/ We can’t wait to welcome you! Https://www.facebook.com/events/145037169931205/

Clydesdale Classic Cars – Spring Open Day 2020 Due to last years great success, Clydesdale Classic Cars will be holding an open day on Saturday 18th April from 9am to 4pm! Open to the public - have an inside look at the amazing cars that are worked on and also see the progress of some of the restorations you may have seen last year. With a wide variety of vehicles in the workshop, all at different stages of the restoration process, and a small selection of vehicles on show that will be for sale. With knowledgeable staff on hand on the day who will be happy to answer any questions you may have or point you in the direction of someone who can help. They can talk you through what processes they use and also what tools and machinery are used to bring these amazing cars back to life! Snack van in attendance serving food and drinks and much much more so make sure to get the date in your diary and invite your friends!

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/

The Easter egg hunt will take place in the grounds - weather permitting! There will be a decorated egg competition and also an Easter bonnet competition for the children. Entrance is £3, children £1, which includes coffee and hot cross buns. There will also be a home-baking and preserves stall and a stall selling Easter gifts.

SUNDAY 5TH Kilbarchan Community Spring Clean Up Car Park opposite Bog Park by traffic lights, Kilbarchan 2pm to 4pm Please come along and ‘do your bit’ by joining in the Keep Scotland Beautiful Spring Clean. Equipment, including litter pickers, hi viz vests, bags, hoops, gloves and antibac supplies will be provided. Well earned treats will be available following the event. Email:hello@kilbachansmile. co.uk or ring 07952 169341 for more information.

MONDAY 6TH - SUNDAY 19TH Spring Family Fun & Easter Weekend Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, Heritage Way, Coatbridge ML5 1QD Join us during the school holidays for lots of family activities, including arts and crafts and a daily Easter egg trail. Plus special activities over the Easter Weekend. https://culturenl.co.uk/ summerlee-museum-events/

TUESDAY 7TH Den Build Finlaystone Country Estate Langbank 1pm to 3pm Know your lean-to from your tripod. Learn how to build a solid den and try your hand at fire-lighting with the rangers!

THURSDAY 9TH Bird Box-Making Finlaystone Country Estate Langbank 1pm to 3pm Make perfect bird housing to take home - a great garden addition! £4 per bird box; pre-booking essential.

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

SATURDAY 11TH - SUNDAY 12TH Easter Weekend Finlaystone Country Estate Langbank 1pm to 3pm Join us for our Easter bunny hunt, prizes for best-dressed egg and best fancy dress.

Your car costs over £100 a week on average. • Join LEAP Car Club from £5 a month. • Hire by the hour 24/7 • Pay-As-You-Go

SUNDAY 12TH Kilmacolm Litter Pickers Meet at Gryffe Road, Kilmacolm (the BOW Rd end)

1.30pm

• Cut your car costs.

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SUNDAY 12TH

April 2020

SATURDAY 18TH

Egg Decorating and Rolling The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, Greenock 1pm to 3pm Come along and see how far your egg will roll. £5.

Easter Egg Hunt The Compass Centre, South Street, Houston PA6 7ET 11am to 3pm Join us for a day of family fun and help raise funds to build a new play area in Houston’s Helicopter Park. With face painting, refreshments, baking and balloon animals. £5 per child with proceeds going to the Houston Playgroup Improvement Group. Charity No SC044143). Tickets on sale at the door or online at eventbrite.

MONDAY 13TH Easter Games Finlaystone Country Estate Langbank 1pm to 3pm

Ship Ahoy! Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, Heritage Way, Coatbridge ML5 1QD Whether you are a model boat enthusiast of simply enjoy Scotland’s rich shipbuilding and steamer history then you will find something of interest here for the whole family. https://culturenl.co.uk/summerleemuseum-events/

SUNDAY 19TH Wildlife Photography Workshop: Intermediate Level RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm Learn how to take great outdoors and wildlife photographs with your own camera, then see your results on screen. The workshop will be led by wildlife photographer David Palmar (www.photoscot.co.uk). An excellent opportunity to hone your skills. Advice, encouragement and ideas will be freely given! Booking required. Cost: £42 or £33.50 for RSPB members

Join the rangers for all things chocolate with Easter-themed games like the Easter egg and spoon race!

MONDAY 20TH - THURSDAY 30TH

THURSDAY 16TH

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm

OUTLOOK Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 4pm Crosses around the world – Jim Holmes.

FRIDAY 17TH

Treasure hunt - Crazy Ducks

Come and explore our woodland trails and take part in our treasure hunt. When you find all the hidden ducks and unscramble the letters to find the ducky word. Come back to the visitor centre to claim your prize. Cost: £4 per child /RSPB members £2 {Normal trail fees apply for adults}.

SATURDAY 25TH

Fashion Show by Taylor Fashions

The Masqueraders

Langbank Village Hall, Langbank, PA14 6XB 7.30pm

St Machar’s Church Hall, Kilbarchan Road, Bridge of Weir 7pm

This event is always a big success, come and update your Spring wardrobe. Many items are from well known brands at greatly reduced prices. Tickets includes tea cake and a raffle. Details of where to buy tickets are on all the village noticeboards, or just pay at the door. £5.

Back by popular demand - an evening of amazing talent and entertainment with tea/coffee and home baking after the show. This years chosen charity is “Rays of Hope” a Cancer Support Group based in Elderslie. Book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets available from the beginning of April from any of the group. Phone 614943 to book. £5

SATURDAY 18TH Clydesdale Classic Cars – Spring Open Day

Gaelic Singing Workshop

Clydesdale Classic Cars, Rear Unit A, 1 Glenburn Rd, East Kilbride, Glasgow G74 5BA 9am to 4pm Have an inside look at the amazing cars that are worked on and also see the different stages of the restoration process. Knowledgeable staff can talk you through the various processes, the tools and the machinery used to bring these amazing cars back to life! Snack van. Get the date in your diary and invite your friends!

Church of the Holy Trinity and St. Barnabas, Back Sneddon Street, Paisley PA3 2AB 9.30am to 1pm Some knowledge of Gaelic would be helpful. Places are limited so advance booking is essential Contact : e-mail: fios@clanngaidhlig.org Tel. 07805 918509. Tickets £10.

SATURDAY 25TH Houston and Killellan Kirk Walking Group The Erskine Bridge Take part in the Bridge Cross Challenge to support Christian Aid. All welcome - parents, children, grannies and the family pet to join us on. Put in your diary and look out for full details in the April edition of the Kirk Record.

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Next deadline -

Wednesday 15th April

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk SATURDAY 25TH Scottish Gardens Scheme Kilmacolm Spring Plant Sale Outside Kilmacolm Library, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10am to 12noon Admission by donation. 60% of monies raised goes to Pancreatic Cancer Scotland. www.scotlandsgardens. org/kilmacolm-plant-sale/

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: 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

Talk with a solicitor for free!

Gryffe Valley Rotary Charity Car Wash Beaton Brothers, 1 Station Road, Bridge of Weir 9.30am to 4pm Organised with the help of Beaton Bros. This is a chance to see Rotary in action, give your car a treat and support local Rotary charitable causes!

SATURDAY 25TH - SUNDAY 26TH Pirate Weekend Finlaystone Country Estate Langbank 1pm to 3pm Dress as a scurvy buccaneer and practice your best ‘Arrgh!’ Drama and shouting a-plenty with great pirate themed races. Prize for best dressed!

St. Vincent’s Hospice, Midton Road, Howwood PA9 1AF Wednesday 1st April - Appointments available between 11am & 1.30pm St. Vincent’s Hospice is offering a friendly, legal advice service completely free of charge to any adult in Renfrewshire thanks to the voluntary support of local solicitors. The service provides an introduction to confidential professional advice and information to help you plan for the future, such as writing your Will and arranging Powers of Attorney. Many local people recommend the service very highly. 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

Gaelic Singing Workshop in Paisley Saturday 25th April, 9.30am - 1pm Church of Holy Trinity and St. Barnabas, Back Sneddon Street, Paisley, PA3 2AB Gaelic Singing Workshop (some knowledge of Gaelic would be helpful) Cost : £10 Places are limited so advance booking is essential Contact : e-mail: fios@clanngaidhlig.org Tel. 07805 918509.

Got NEWS?

Got any local news? Please send your news in to info@advertizer. co.uk. Pictures are welcome but we do ask that they be at least 1MB in size, .jpg files, and no smaller than 5cm in width or height. If you have group images we like them to be even bigger so that faces are visible! This is all to ensure that pictures are printed clearly and not blurry or pixelated!

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SUNDAY 26TH Family Volunteering RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 1pm to 3.30pm Who says that volunteering is only for grownups! Kids bring the grownup in your life to our reserve. Come and do a day’s practical volunteering at our beautiful reserve and help us to give nature a home. Please book as places are limited. Free event.

Classic Car Show Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, Heritage Way, Coatbridge ML5 1QD Over 80 vintage cars on display and family fun including tombola, dancing displays and music. In aid of Glasgow City Mission and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. https://culturenl. co.uk/summerlee-museum-events/

Kilmacolm Litter Pickers Meet at Gryffe Road, Kilmacolm (the BOW Rd end)

9.30am

Brookfield Art Club Art Show Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside Road, Brookfield 12noon to 4.30pm Come along and see fantastic work on show. Tea Room with Home Baking. Admission £1.

Guided Wildlife Walk RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 1pm to 3pm Explore the wonderful wildlife to be found at Lochwinnoch! Whether you have a general interest in wildlife, or would like to hone your birdwatching skills, then this is the walk for you! At the end, come back to the centre for a warm drink and a biscuit! Footwear and clothing suitable for the outdoors are strongly recommended. Please be advised this walk may not be suitable for under 10’s. Booking required. Cost: Adults: £10; Children: £5 (RSPB members: £8/£4)

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April 2020

MAY

Map & Compass Course The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, Greenock 10am to 4pm Ideal for beginners or for those wanting to refresh their skills. Provides a basic introduction to map reading and navigation skills. Classroom based in the morning and out on the hill in the afternoon. Map and compasses are provided on the day. For further details and to book go to the parks website. £60.

THU 30 APRIL Movie Night - Grease The Old Kirk, 40 High Street, Kilmacolm 7pm for 7.30pm This will be the one that you want!

SUNDAY 3RD MAY Community Day Houston Bowling Club 1pm to 5pm An opportunity for residents of our local community in the Houston, Bridge of Weir and surrounding areas to sample the Club’s facilities and to try their hand in this sport i n a f r i e n d l y a n d s u p p o r t i ve atmosphere. Everyone welcome. Anyone interested but unable to attend contact ISABEL GILCHRIST to make alternative arrangements: isabelgilchrist@btinternet.com

Cars on the Campus St Joseph’s Academy Campus, Grassyards Road, Kilmarnock KA3 7SL 10.30am to 4.30pm It’s the event we like to think of as the ‘season opener’ for Vintage, Classic, Retro & Modern car enthusiasts Cars on the Campus returns for 2020 with a great selection of vehicles for the visiting public to enjoy as well as the indoor displays you’ve come to love. If you’re looking to book in your own vehicle or you wish to book for a club, just visit our website by clicking the link below! https:// ayrshireclassics.com/cars-on-thecampus/ We can’t wait to welcome you! https://www.facebook.com/ events/145037169931205/

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Next deadline -

Wednesday 15th April

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Kilbarchan | Howwood | Lochwinnoch | Elderslie

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.

The Council’s budget for 20/21 was approved on 9th March. Among the proposals will be investment in road and pavement resurfacing, the School estate, as well as support for green space, a top up for the village investment fund, finance set aside for the upgrade of kitchens in Community halls, and a spending commitment to Renfrewshire Cemeteries. There will also be money set aside for a feasibility study designed to examine opportunities to improve bus services across Renfrewshire, an issue I have regularly supported. I will strive to ensure that the villages of Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch get their fair share of the identified resources. For example, having secured improvements for Lochwinnoch Cemetery I will be making the strongest case for similar improvement work in Kilbarchan Cemetery. There is always a bittersweet element to any budget. Council Tax will rise by 4.64% and council rents by 2% and there will be increases of a minimum 2% for all council services. In addition, the accompanying projection in the budget papers from the Council’s Director of Finance reveals a continuing financial risk to the Council. This will have an impact across Council services, for example in terms of demand for older people services, and within the children’s sector, which may result in longer waiting times for those with additional support needs, and the tightening of eligibility criteria in the provision of resources.

Sunday Volunteer Group

The full details of the budget can be found on the Council’s website at http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/

Knitting Bee

I have been concerned for some time regarding the ability of the Council to cope with extreme weather events such as that experienced in the villages of West Renfrewshire on the weekend of 21st -23rd February. While the ferocity of the rain on that occasion was unusual, there have been a number of recent episodes which have called into question Renfrewshire Council’s drain and gully cleaning programme and general response to these events.

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

I have asked that the current programme and the Council’s flood prevention strategy be reviewed and priority given to areas in Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch that are particularly prone to flooding. My advice surgeries are on the first Saturday of each month at 9am in the McKillop Institute Lochwinnoch, 10am in Howwood Village Hall, 11am in the Steeple Hall Kilbarchan, and 12.30pm in Johnstone Town Hall. Meantime please contact me anytime at cllr.derek.bibby @ renfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 0300 300 1274 or 07534 156007.

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.

KILBARCHAN PARISH CHURCH: Easter in Kilbarchan Parish Church. On Maundy Thursday 9th April, the service is at 7pm, led by the choir and on Good Friday the service is also at 7pm. On Easter Sunday, there will be a short time of worship at the Weavers’ Cottage at 8.30am followed by rolls and sausage in the church hall. The main service is at 11am - all of these services will be conducted by Rev Stephen Smith and Mrs Dorothy Wallace. Junior Church and the crèche meet in the halls from 10.45am each Sunday. 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.

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.

We meet at the Lynnhurst Hotel on Thursdays from 2pm to 4pm. For more information contact Fay: 07780 748430.

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Saturday 4th April from 10am 12noon in the hall and grounds where the Easter egg hunt will take place-weather permitting! There will be a decorated egg competition and also an Easter bonnet competition for the children. Entrance is £3, children £1, which includes coffee and hot cross buns. There will also be a home-baking and preserves stall and a stall selling Easter gifts.

How Good is Howwood Village Fete Saturday 20th June, 1pm 4pm, Howwood Primary School Plans for the 2020 How Good is Howwood Village Fete are well under way, and it is shaping up to be another brilliant day. Put the date in your diary and come along with all the family. As well as the usual stalls there will be a fancy dress competition, children’s entertainer, hot dogs, bouncy castles, bar, tea room and much more. Tickets for the grand draw will be on sale soon from village groups and committee members. We still have stalls available at a cost of £20. To book your stall or for any fete enquiries, please contact Lorna: lostar78@aol. co.uk or Sarah: sarah.galloway@ rocketmail.com

Churches in Kilbarchan, Howwood, Lochwinnoch & Elderslie

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

Knitting Bee

Kilbarchan Parish Church Easter Extravaganza

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.

Kilbarchan National Women’s Register The Diamond Anniversary lunch in Glasgow at the end of February was a great success. During the month of April, the Kilbarchan group has 2 speakers-the first, deferred from December, is on the subject “Ecclesiastical Embroidery”, with guests from Houston NWR. Our second speaker will talk about Mary Queen of Scots. For further information, please phone 01505 348627 and visit the website: www.nwr.org.uk New members will be welcomed.

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APRIL 2020

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Advertisement Feature

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k i l b a r c h a n

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Following negotiations with the current Administration I was delighted to use my casting vote to push through their recent proposals at the annual Budget meeting of Renfrewshire Council on the basis that it incorporated investment proposals for my ward.

L o c h w i n n o c h

I was pleased to support more money for the very successful Village Improvement Fund which has started to readdress, by proposals like the renovation of both the Steeple Hall in Kilbarchan and the McKillop Institute in Lochwinnoch, a historic bias towards Paisley. There is also to be a second tranche of monies in cemeteries and as last year I voted for Lochwinnoch Cemetery to receive such a much welcome upgrade so this year I stressed that Kilbarchan Cemetery should receive similar monies to bring it up to standard in the coming financial year. I also voted for new monies to establish a new Schools Estates Fund which will see a new Thorn Primary built in the Johnstone North part of my ward, as well as an upgrade for the playgrounds at both St Margaret Primary in Johnstone and Lochwinnoch Primary, for which the Parent Council at Lochwinnoch has been campaigning for over a significant period of time.

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I am pleased to report that the Budget included new monies to upgrade and refurbish the kitchens in Howwood Village Hall. I also negotiated more money for priority road markings to put in new safety features at the notorious Bowfield Country Club junction which has been the scene of many accidents. As part of my support for the Administration Budget I also negotiated a clean out of the gullies in Bowfield Road and the resurfacing of George Street. This represents the biggest tranche of council investment in Howwood for many decades.

E l d e r s l i e

Contact Details for Cllr Andy Doig – Kilbarchan Advice Surgery- 2nd Wednesday of Month, 7.30pm, Steeple Hall Howwood Advice Surgery – 4th Wednesday of Month, 6.30pm, Howwood Village Hall Lochwinnoch Advice Surgery – 4th Wednesday of Month, 7.30pm, McKillop Institute.

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I can always be contacted on e-mail: cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire. gov.uk or telephone: 07534 148224.

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Next deadline -

Wednesday 15th April

Lochwinnoch International Aid

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Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk Howwood Community Council April, and hopefully Spring, has arrived with a bit less rain. No doubt some thoughts are turning towards the work needed to be done in the garden or around the home. Perhaps a bit more walking around the village in weather where you can actually see without having to peer out from behind the rain battered hood of a damp jacket. Howwood looks a lot brighter. Here’s to a bright Spring!

Fairtrade Fortnight has been and gone. We marked the occasion with a Fairtrade wine and chocolate tasting evening; The Co-op stocks a big range of Fairtrade wines and we used these as the basis of our testing. All of them, both red and white, proved to be very tasty. We also sampled fair trade chocolate, again very tasty! About 20 people attended both LIA members and guests. It is interesting to note that Renfrewshire Council has allocated £10,000 to support Fairtrade activities over the coming year. LIA thanks them for their support of our activities, past present and future.

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The evening raised over £250 to be used for a project in Nepal being run by Womankind Worldwide – an international campaign group. This was our small contribution to International Women’s Day. Inequality based on caste and gender is widespread in Nepal. Many women have experienced discrimination and violence. Women from low castes such as the Dalit caste are especially vulnerable because they don’t have access to their own money, housing or land. More information from Womankind’s website. We have also donated £75 towards Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP) who are raising money for a mammogram machine for use in Occupied Palestine. The treatment available to cancer patients in this area are drastically less than in Israel itself. Challenges posed by restrictions on the right to movement for both patients and doctors, shortages of essential medicines, and the shortcomings of the health system in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), all constitute obstacles to continuous and effective treatment and care for Palestinian women with breast cancer. You can get more information from MAP’s website.

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Future fundraising: At the time of writing we are uncertain as to what impact Corona virus will have on public events. We had planned a music night towards the end of April, but we have postponed this for the time being. We look forward to hearing the Midlife Blues Band later in the year.

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

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Heartstart courses are free of charge and it only takes two hours to learn the skills which may someday save a life: ♥ CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) ♥ Heart Attack ♥ Recovery position ♥ Choking ♥ Serious bleeding To learn the simple skills that save lives, contact Morag Thow on 07868 752814 to book onto one of our courses in 2020: Tuesday 28th April 7pm - 9pm Lochwinnoch Masonic Lodge Tuesday 26th May 7pm - 9pm Lochwinnoch Masonic Lodge Tuesday 23rd May 1pm - 3pm 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.

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One thing you may notice is The Howwood Community Garden opposite The Boarding House which has developed well over the past few years. There is still a lot to be done here in finishing the paths and creating a pleasant green space for us all to enjoy. The tubs will need replenished with new flowers, the grass will continue to require cutting and the shrubs trimmed. This area is planted and maintained by a local group of volunteers called Howwood Wildlife and Woodlands (Not The Wild Bunch!) They also look after the flower tubs at each entrance to Howwood and the flower beds in “The Triangle” in the centre of our village opposite the Coffee and Cream coffee shop and are hoping for some new flower tubs this year as the current ones are just a wee bit dilapidated. If you have time for an odd hour or two and would like to muck in (nothing too energetic, honest), or just stand around a bit with a hoe, a rake or a brush and just blether (it has been known!), please make yourself known to Bill David on 01505 703500. On another note, new fire and smoke alarms legislation was introduced in February 2019 which should come into effect in 2021. There may have been various pieces of literature delivered through your door in recent months to this effect. Please take note: Our advice from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is to treat these with caution. Firstly, Renfrewshire Council tenants should already be in the process of having this legislation adhered to. If you are a council tenant and in doubt, please contact Renfrewshire Council for their advice and help. If you are a home owner the ScottishGovernment.gov.scot site is worth a look. Just enter smoke alarm legislation Scotland and you should find it ok. Alternatively, The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will be able to help. They will in fact visit your home if you wish and carry out a fire safety survey. They will make any suggestions and, if necessary, supply and fit - free of charge - stand alone smoke alarms. These may or may not be up to the forthcoming requirements but will at least provide a safe stopgap. Call one of the local fire stations in either Johnstone on 01505 336301 or Paisley Canal Street on 0141 889 0022. They are very helpful. Again, just a reminder - There are 3 defibrillators in Howwood. One at the entrance to the Howwood Hall in Station Road. One at the side of Christ The King Church at the top of Bowfield Road. One in The Boarding House during opening times.

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

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 Kilbarchan, Guide Centre. Tel: 702758. Kilbarchan, Old Library Centre. Tel: 706070

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APRIL 2020

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It’s full steam ahead in Lochwinnoch now that the new Community Council has had their first two meetings. The meeting on the 3rd March was addressed by the guest speaker, Mark Tokeley representing Renfrewshire Leisure, who gave an update on proposed alterations and improvements to the McKillop institute. As you may gather there were more questions than ready answers, but Mark did his best. The outcome was, that a meeting is to be organised which will allow all invited users and groups to meet at the McKillop for a further question and answer session, hopefully in mid-March.

k i l b a r c h a n

A resident in Lochead Avenue, Lochwinnoch, reported a case of flooding caused by a blocked drain outside of their house. Despite it being reported and inspected the problem had not been resolved. The suggestion was that it was a slow drainer! This does not help when it continues to pour down non-stop for two or three days. I have asked for another inspection and action to improve the drainage.

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While we are on about drains, I reported the concerns of a resident in Howwood about a ‘Floating’ drain cover on the path in Midton road near the junction of Bowfield Road. I have been told that the manhole is collecting surface water from a road gulley at the bottom of Bowfield Road and overflows during heavy rainfall. In response Road Services are currently investigating a possible long term solution to the problem.

H o w w o o d

At long last potholes have been filled and an improvement has been made to the junction from the main road in Howwood and George Street. It still remains for residents to find out from the Land Registry who actually owns George Street. There are still real concerns about the lack of action regarding carrying out necessary repairs and upgrading of Howwood Village Hall. It is eighteen months since I first organised a viewing and assessment as to what needs to be done, and we are still no further forward. In the recent 2020 budget a sum of £50,000 has been set aside to provide a programme of small kitchen refurbishments works in community facilities. Howwood CC can apply to this fund but it is nowhere near enough for the whole of Renfrewshire.

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While we are talking about the Renfrewshire budget:-

L o c h w i n n o c h

Council tax for Band D is to increase by 4.64%. A 2% increase in charges for services is to be implemented. Directors of all departments are to be given free licence to increase charges for goods and services by 2%. Johnstone station is one of the six stations in Scotland which have been selected for an Access for All project. Designers are looking at options for ramps or lifts to be installed to make Johnstone a step free station. It is hoped that a design will be presented to Johnstone CC by the end of March. Probably not many people realise but Johnstone Station is the fifth busiest, by numbers of passengers, using the station in Scotland. Email: cllr.bill.binks@renfrewshire.gov.uk Tel: 0300 300 1423 Week 1 Tuesday LOCHWINNOCH McKillop institute 6pm/7pm. Week 2 Tuesday HOWWOOD Village Hall 6pm/7pm. Week 3 Wednesday JOHNSTONE Sandyflats Hub 6pm/7pm. Week 4 Wednesday KILBARCHAN Steeple Hall 6pm/7pm.

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Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club

E l d e r s l i e

We’re on holiday on Mondays 6th and 13th April and will resume from 9.15am - 11.30am on Monday 20th in the church hall, off Steeple Square. All welcome.

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Next deadline -

Wednesday 15th April

Houston and Killellan Kirk Carnival Saturday 6th May 2020

■ H o u s t o n

■ C r o s s l e e

■

Not long now until Houston will become invaded by a wide variety of animals, Saturday 6th May our Carnival will be in full swing and everybody will be having a great day. There will be a wide variety of stalls, home-baking, face painting, tombola, preserves, white elephant, toys, raffle prizes, plants and much more. The Plant Stall is always on the lookout for donations; when you are in the garden preparing for planting please don’t forget shrubs, cuttings etc. are always welcome at the plant stall. Contacts for this stall are Norma McBeath (01505 613763) and Peter McKerrell (01505 872448) who can arrange collection of donations. The White Elephant Stall are looking for items for their stall, no large furniture items and no electrical items, if you would like items uplifted please contact Mary Reid (01505 613770) or Kathryn McCartney (01505 613741). The Baking Stall is very popular as Houston Home Baking is always in demand. The Tearoom is a must- somewhere to have a rest and meet some friends, enjoy tea/coffee and some tasty cakes. Donations are always very welcome; please bake and hand in to the Tearoom ladies. Moira Dunlop (01505 331309) and Jean Mills (01505 614326). There are many more stalls looking for donations, toiletries, soft toys, and tombola. Chocolate in any form for the chocolate stall very popular. Wipe Out is a new side show which we hope will prove very popular. Not forgetting the ever popular food stalls, we will have hotdogs, vegetarian hot dogs, beef burgers and a new addition a variety of street food. CARNIVAL KING AND QUEEN This year Summer Pinkerton Lamb is Carnival Queen and her attendant is Belle Wilkie. The King is Kirk Gray and his attendant is Noah Joyce. We look forward to seeing them resplendent in their regal outfits. Stall Conveners Food Stalls:

B r o o k f i e l d

Ina Jefferson (01505 612962) Lorna Kinloch(01505 4159)

Non Food Stalls:

Heather Hughes (01505 612962)

Tearoom Conveners:

Moira Dunlop (01505 331309) Jean Mills

Charles Green (01505 690107)

Carnival Coordinators:

Kirsty Fowler and Kat Hodge

Houston Village Hall MONDAYS

WEDNESDAY

Grants School of Music & Performance (Vocals, Piano, Violin, Acoustic Guitar, Accordion & Fiddle Lessons) 3.30pm - 9pm

Taekwon-Do - Little Tiger Cubs (age 3-5 yrs) 5.30pm 6.15pm.

SATURDAY

Taekwon-Do – (6yrs 6.30pm - 7.30pm.

plus)

Table Tennis Club – (Adults) 7.30pm - 9.30pm

TUESDAY Grants School of Music & Performance (Vocals, Piano, Violin, Acoustic Guitar, Accordion & Fiddle Lessons) 3.30pm - 9pm Zumba (Adults) 7pm - 8pm

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Brookfield Events & Activities MONDAY

THURSDAY

Monday 6th April: 10.30am 11.30am - ARTventurers Family Holiday Class - Peter Rabbit inspired. Sarah: 07511 029830 or email: sarah@artventurers. co.uk

Callanetics (Weekly) 9.30am - 10.30am

Yoga (Weekly) 5.50pm 6.50pm - Laura Kiani: 07474 443505 or Energise with Laura email: laura@gmail.com Callanetics (Weekly) 7pm 8pm - Gwyneth Bell: 07850 382238

TUESDAY Zumba (Weekly) 6.30pm - 7.30pm & Core Strength & Stretch (Weekly) 7.30pm 8.30pm: Gemma McNaughton: 07909 993423 Tue 21st: Cllr Alison Dowling Surgery 10am - 10.30am (Library)

Art Club (Weekly - Sep to Apr) 12noon - 3pm Ballroom Basics (Weekly) 7pm - 8pm Beginners / 8pm 9pm Improvers Stewart Wilson: 07710 464969 or email: ballroombasics@live. co.uk Thursday 9th: Cllr Audrey Doig Surgery 7pm - 7.30pm (Library) Brookfield Community Council Meeting 7.30pm - 9pm (Library)

FRIDAY Callanetics (Weekly) 9.15am 10.15am / 10.30am - 11.30am Friday 17th: Tom Arthur MSP Surgery 11.30am - 12noon

WEDNESDAY

SATURDAY

Baby ARTventurers (Weekly) 9.30am - 10.30am

Ballroom Basics (Weekly except Sat 18th) 11am 12.30am Mixed Ability

Little ARTventurers (Weekly) 11.30am - 12.30pm Callanetics (Weekly) 5.15pm -6.15pm / 6.15pm - 7.15pm / 7.30pm -8.30pm

Saturday 4th - Brookfield Bowling Club Opening Day Saturday 18th - ARTventurers: ‘Frozen’ inspired Family ARTventure 10.30am 11.30am

SUNDAY Sunday 26th - Brookfield Art Club Annual Show 12noon 4.30pm Facebook: brookfieldvillage.org Twitter: @BrookfieldVPA e-mail: brookfieldvpa@gmail.com

(01505 614326)

Sideshows:

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Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

AGAPE (Seniors Afternoon Tea & Fellowship) 1st Saturday every month.

SUNDAY Church Service with all age Sunday School 10.30am 11.30am.

Easter Egg Hunt Sunday 12th April from 11am - 3pm Join us for a day of family fun and help raise funds to build a new play area in Houston’s Helicopter Park. With face painting, refreshments, baking and balloon animals. £5 per child with proceeds going to the Houston Playgroup Improvement Group. Charity No SC044143). Hop along to the Compass Centre on South Street, Houston. Tickets on sale at the door or online at eventbrite of you can support our charity at Just Giving (search for Houston Playpark).

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

7.30pm

Community Halls to Let

Brookfield, Village Hall. Tel: 335562 Houston, Carrick Centre. Tel: 690693 / 614039 / 674277 Houston, Compass Centre. Tel: Gillian Peters - 07879 407574 or 01505 613759. Houston Village Hall: Tel: Helen 07980 155281 Linwood Masonic Hall. Tel: 07825 222944

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APRIL 2020

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WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Houston | Crosslee | Brookfield

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 Crew

Houston

Litter

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.

Houston & Killellan Agricultural Society The Annual Show will be held on Saturday 6th June 2020. Schedules for the Baking and Craft Section are available from committee members, the PaperShop, the Post Office or from Isabelle Stuart: issistuart@gmail.com

Acoustic Night Acoustic music night with local musicians “Scowling Wolf” 8.00pm - 10.00pm, Sunday 5th. April 2020, Brierie bar, River Inn, Houston. Special guest - Houston Singer/guitarist Peter McAllister We are on the first Sunday of each month and are looking for local musicians - If you wish to play contact Rab on 07415 119754.

I am delighted to announce that I have been appointed as the new Convener of Clydemuirshiel Regional Park Authority. Clydemuirshiel is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Renfrewshire, and certainly one which we as a family used to frequent, particularly when our son was small. The decision was taken recently at the full council meeting of Renfrewshire Council as the previous Convener had to stand down for various reasons.

H o u s t o n

Council budgets are very tight; it is not just always about money but a new approach to things. As someone who was in the leisure field for nearly forty years in Renfrewshire, I think I have a particular skills set which means a fresh pair of eyes may see opportunities for development that have been overlooked before. For example, I want to meet as many community groups as possible that are within the ambit of the Park boundary to get their views on the way forward, but I would also welcome views from residents in Houston, Crosslee, and Brookfield on how they would like to see the Park develop.

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But Clydemuirshiel is not just important as a leading leisure attraction, although it is one of the top three visitor attractions in Renfrewshire, there is also a massive moral duty for us all to re-green our communities as a way of facing the climate challenge and the Park is key in this. ClydeMuirshiel Regional Park is the emerald jewel in the crown of Renfrewshire’s leisure assets and I am delighted to have the responsibility of taking it forward in the months and years ahead.

C r o s s l e e

Contact Details for Cllr Audrey Doig

Houston & Crosslee SWI Our next meeting is our AGM and Spring Show which will be on 15th April at 7.30pm. Please note this is a week later than usual. On May 13th we will have our annual charity MacMillan Tea & Chat evening. Please come and join us, everyone will be made very welcome. We meet in the Compass Centre, South Street, Houston on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm. If you wish further information please contact, Arlene MacKay on 07932 459994.

Churches in Houston HOUSTON AND KILLELLAN KIRK: All Services will be led by the Rev Gary Noonan unless otherwise stated. Sunday 5th April – 10.30am Palm Sunday walk followed by the Service at 11am. Monday 6th – 7.30pm First Holy Week Service at Houston. Tuesday 7th – 7.30pm Joint Holy Week Service at Houston. Wednesday 8th April – 7.30pm Joint Holy Week Service at Linwood. Thursday 9th April – 7.30pm Maundy Thursday Holy Communion at Houston. Good Friday – 9.30am Breakfast rolls at West Halls. 7.30pm Good Friday Service at Houston. Holy Saturday – 6.30pm Service of Reflection of Holy Week so far at Housto. Easter Sunday – 8am Easter Day Open Air Service at Houston. 11am Morning Worship with Easter Egg Hunt for the children. 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 Tim Burton. Family service at 10.30am. Crèche available. Communion service first Sunday of the month. Tel: 01505 320168 or M: 07500 439266.

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

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Houston Community Council

B r o o k f i e l d

For many months members of Houston Community Council have been working on two projects which we believe will bring major benefits to our village, and the planning for these has now reached the stage where we would like to seek the views of our residents before proceeding further. The first involves connectivity within Houston, and between Houston and adjacent villages, primarily Bridge of Weir. We have recently been awarded funding from Sustrans for a feasibility study to look at connecting Houston with Bridge of Weir via a shared use path as well as the network within Houston. This would also give our residents access to the National Cycle Network Route 7 and would also encourage local journeys between the two areas as well as improved links to the High School. A further benefit would be that it would also encourage visitors to our village.

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The second is a pico-hydro electricity generating unit on the Houston Burn in the woodland opposite the Houston and Killellan Kirk. The construction costs would be met by grants from the Scottish Government and the electricity generated would be sold to the National Grid. Both a feasibility study and an environmental impact study have been completed and are favourable. All future profits would be used for projects to benefit our village and its residents. We invite all residents of Houston whose main residence falls within the Community Council Catchment Area to come along to a Public Consultation Event to be held in the Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston on Sunday 26th April 2020 between 1.30pm and 5pm. Members of Houston Community Council will be there to answer your questions and listen to your views. All opinions expressed will be taken into account when we make our decisions on how to move these exciting projects forward. We look forward to seeing you there and listening to your views.

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35 17/03/2020 16:47:05

Next deadline -

Wednesday 15th April

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

H.O.S.T. THE CARRICK CENTRE

Houston & Killellan Kirk

(HOUSTON OLD SCHOOL TRUST)

40 for 40 Lent Challenge Success Houston & Killellan Kirk congregation’s Lent challenge has been not to give up but to “take up” the 40 for 40 challenge for the 40 days of Lent. From Wednesday 26th February until Thursday 9th April families have been asked to spend 40p each day of Lent (excluding the Sundays) on food for the Foodbank. Well, so far they have been smashing the challenge – with a large boot load going to Paisley every Monday! Rather typical of the members of this congregation.

■ H o u s t o n

Busy Easter at Houston & Killellan Kirk As is traditional, a busy programme of meaningful events is planned for the Easter period at Houston & Killellan Kirk: Sunday 5th April – 10.30am Palm Sunday walk with palm branches from West Halls to the Kirk by the children of the Sunday Club. However, the reluctant donkey is likely to give it a miss! This is followed by the Palm Sunday Service at 11am. Monday 6th April – 7.30pm First Holy Week Service at Houston. Tuesday 7th April – 7.30pm Joint Holy Week Service at Houston.

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Wednesday 8th April – 7.30pm Joint Holy Week Service at Linwood. Thursday 9th April – 7.30pm Maundy Thursday Holy Communion at Houston.

C r o s s l e e

Good Friday – 9.30am Breakfast rolls at West Halls, followed by all generations walk round the parish. 7.30pm Good Friday Service at Houston. Holy Saturday – 6.30pm Service of Reflection of Holy Week so far at Houston - Les Miserables (Session “Les Miserables”?!) Easter Sunday – 8am Easter Day Open Air Service at Houston followed by breakfast rolls & tea or coffee. 11am Morning Worship with Easter Egg Hunt for the children & the fixing of daffodils to the Cross. Walking Group The Walking Group has up to four walks a month, usually two walks on a Saturday which are around 5 to 6 miles and two walks on Monday mornings (the Wee Walk) which are around 3 to 4 miles with a coffee somewhere in the proceedings. We usually meet at the Kirk at 9.30am and then head off to our walks. Everyone is welcome to join us, no experience is necessary and it is a good occasion for a chat. Details of future walks can be found in the Sunday intimations at the Kirk or on the Kirk website.

■ B r o o k f i e l d

On April 25th we will be having a Saturday walk with a difference. It will be in the afternoon instead of the morning and we will be taking part in the Bridge Cross Challenge to support Christian Aid. Our bridge is the Erskine Bridge and we will probably do two crossings, which will total just over 3 miles. Even if you do not come out with the Walking Group we would encourage anyone, including parents, children, grannies and the family pet to join us on that day and raise a little bit of money for Christian Aid. Put the25th April in your diary and look out for full details in the April edition of the Kirk Record.

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

THURSDAY

Yoga (Weekly) - 11am & 1pm Mary Laidlaw 01505 229112

Gryffe Quilting Group – 1pm 3pm (16th - 10am)

Handiwifes 20th - 7.30pm

Primary Colours (Weekly) – 3.30pm – 4.30pm

DWS – 3.30pm

Crafty Friends – 7.30pm (2nd)

Diaporama 13th – 7.30pm

TUESDAY Paint Pot Tots (Weekly) 10am Dawn Campbell 07789 262350 Yoga (Weekly) - 7pm Lawson 01505 613690

M/s

Councillor Surgery (21st) Allison Dowling

11am

WEDNESDAY Gryffe Melody Makers - 7pm 12th /26th Community Council - 7.30pm 19th

Baby Class (MOO Weekly - 10am Club

FRIDAY Yoga (Weekly) – 10.30am M/s Lawson 01505 613690

DWS(Weekly) R2 7pm

MUSIC)

(Weekly)

–

Councillors Surgery – 7.15pm Cllr A Doig

- 5pm –

Gavin Newlands M.P. Surgery – 12.30pm – 1.30pm (10th Public Holiday)

MH – 3.30pm

DWS(Weekly) R2 – 6pm – 7pm

Camera 7.30pm

Move It Or Lose It (Weekly) – 10.30am – 11.30am

DWS (Weekly) MH – 3.15pm 7pm

DWS – 3.30pm

DWS(Weekly) - 7pm

Folk Club (Weekly) - 8pm davemellor@gmail.com 07523 129122

SATURDAY DWS (Weekly) MH – 9.45am 5pm (22nd 12noon) Dance West Scot(Weekly) R2 – 9am – 1.30pm Councillors Surgery – 11.30am – 12noon (4th) Jim Sheridan

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

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

Brookfield Art Club Art Show

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Golden Fields by Joan Smith

Sunday 26th April, 12noon - 4.30pm Brookfield Village Hall Tea Room with Home Baking Admission £1

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APRIL 2020

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

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Bishopton | Bridge of Weir | Langbank ■

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.

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 Choral Society (Tuesdays)

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

BoW Senior Citizens Club

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

Hearing Aid Clinic

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

The Terrace

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

Affluent FP launches Community Fund

B i s h o p t o n

The multi award winning Financial Planning firm, Affluent Financial Planning, based in Bridge of Weir has launched a Community Fund to provide funds for local community groups and charities to support them in various projects that will help the people of West Renfrewshire and surrounding areas. “It is our way of giving back to our local community” explained Carl Melvin, Managing Director of Affluent FP.

To apply to the Community Fund for an award, applicants should download an application form from https://www.affluentfp.co.uk/community-fund and return it for consideration. We are delighted to announce that the first recipient of an award from the Affluent FP Community Fund is Brighter Bridge of Weir – a small band of volunteers who do such a sterling job of keeping the village looking great. We at the Advertizer will keep you updated on the development of the Community Fund and highlight future recipients as the year progresses.

Bridge of Weir Gala

Back again by popular demand

Friday 17th April at 7.30pm. Langbank Village Hall, Middlepenny Road, Langbank

Saturday 25th April at 7pm in St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Hall

On Saturday 7th March the Festival Committee chose the Gala King and Queen for the Gala Day. Gala Queen Amelie Robert-Rocher Gala King - Calan McMath.

Tickets are £5 and this includes tea cake and a raffle. Details of where to buy tickets are on all the village noticeboards, or just pay at the door.

Double Trouble Come and hear two cellos in concert at Langbank Church, PA14 6XP on Sunday 17th May at 2.30pm. Donation ticket £5 available at the door on the day. Programme comprises music ranging from 17th to 21st centuries.

W e i r

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.

■ L a n g b a n k Organising for the Gala Day on 13th June is going ahead. The Bridge of Weir Primary School will be involved with designing the Poster material inspired by the theme ‘characters from Children’s books’. Invitations have gone out to the village shops to take part in the Best Dressed Window competition with a £100 prize for charity to the winner.

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We still could do with more help. If you wish to be involved with the Gala do come to the next meeting on Tuesday 14th April at 7.30pm in the Cargill Hall.

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O f

So, if you, or someone you know, is involved in a community group or small charity then why not make an application to the Affluent FP Community Fund for funding?

The Masqueraders

Many items are from well known brands at greatly reduced prices.

B r i d g e

The Community Fund is open to all groups in the local area and applications will be reviewed quarterly by the Board of the Community Fund, with awards made throughout the year.

Fashion Show by Taylor Fashions

This event is always a big success, come and update your Spring wardrobe.

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There are many groups who do good work locally and Affluent FP is keen to help them. Often smaller charities and community groups struggle for funding and as a result, worthy projects are delayed or shelved completely. The new Community Fund is designed to help these smaller groups, where even modest funding can make a big difference.

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Next deadline -

Wednesday 15th April

Bishopton Community Centre Gledstane Road, Bishopton PA7 5AU. Tel: 01505 863354

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For full information and contact details please check out: www. bishoptoncommunitycentre.com

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

MONDAY Ladies Badminton: 10am – 12noon Bridge: 1pm – 3pm Yoga: 1.30pm – 2.30pm 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

B B r r ii d d g g ee

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

O O ff

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

W W ee ii r r

FRIDAY Friday Funtime: 10am – 11.30am French: 2pm – 3pm Clyde Judo: 6pm – 8pm

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

LL a a n n g g b b a a n n k k

The Community Council welcomed a small delegation of residents from the Clevans Road area of the village to the meeting where they addressed us on a number of matters of concern. On their behalf the Community Council Chairman and Councillor MacLaren will contact Renfrewshire Council officials to determine if road repairs, blocked gullies and damaged pavements can be programmed for repair or upgrade.

The Secretary was asked to contact the Education Authority demanding they put a stop to the School bus sitting outside premises on Clevans Road for up to 20 minutes in the mornings. The Secretary reported she had received a reply from Neil Bibby MSP who had forwarded information he had received on our behalf from Scottish Water regarding the sewerage issues at the Main Street approach to The Glen. Scottish Water stated this area has already been prioritised by them and a project is being progressed as part of their high priority 200 external sewer flooding areas and in their response they said: “I can inform you that we are progressing with a project to investigate the longer term flood risk reduction to the issues your constituents are experiencing. This project is currently at a very early stage in its lifecycle, and we are currently undertaking detailed investigations which will assist in establishing potential options to resolve the sewer flooding your constituents are experiencing. I can confirm we are currently going through the process of replacing 18 manhole covers on this section of sewer, which will allow safe access for surveys to be carried out as part of the investigation. Road closures are required for 3 of these manhole cover replacements, which 3 month notice time is required and we are working with the Local Authority to complete this process”. The full report can be seen on our

Got NEWS?

Karate: 10.30am – 11.30am

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Bridge of Weir Community Council

The Secretary will contact the Community Police requesting vehicle speed traps at this location, as drivers are often seen to be exceeding the speed limit.

Tai Chi: 3pm – 4pm

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Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Langbank SWI Our end of season prize giving dinner will be held at Gleddoch on Thursday 16th April at 7pm. Please contact the President Marion Dornan for further details.

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

Facebook page. The Community Council has asked we are kept informed of progress. After following up on a complaint by a resident on trees covered by TPO’s the Community Council has been informed by Renfrewshire Council Planning that an Officer has been out on site at Gryffe Castle and noticed that a total of 4 substantial trees and two small trees had been the subject of tree works. They have written to the owner and asked for an explanation, requested a tree report and the proposals for replanting. Further reports to the Community Council have suggested that Green Belt land at Gryffe Castle has also been encroached and have asked Renfrewshire Council Planners to carry out an inspection of the area. We were informed action has been taken by the Police against speeding drivers on the Johnstone Road. The Community Council has received a number of requests to have the bus shelter replaced at Prieston Road / Main Street, we have now been informed the delay is due to the shelter not meeting the standard height measurements due to the roof having to be lower than the wall at the rear. The meeting expressed concerns that this is yet another excuse for delay and asked Councillor MacLaren to request Council Officials arrange for an immediate replacement. The Community Council representative to the Renfrewshire Forum of Community Council’s reported that Renfrewshire Council Planners are willing to attend Community Council meetings to discuss the new Local Place Plans we will invite a speaker to attend one of our meetings. The Christmas Lights Sub-Committee has been rearranged and all members of the Community Council have been given a role in the new setup. The Christmas Light Switch on Event grant application has been sent to the Local Partnership for consideration at their April meeting and we hope they will look at it favourably.

Langbank Community Council LCC meets on the second Wednesday of each month and these meetings are open to all, indeed we would welcome members of the community coming along and sharing their views and ideas. At these meetings we discuss the issues which are important to the village such as; the dreaded roundabout, parking issues, flooding, street lighting, lack of amenities and improvements to outdoor spaces. We also organize village events like the Christmas Tree Light Up, Village Clean Up Day and the Gala Day (Saturday 20th June this year). If you would like more information or are able to help with the Gala Day please contact us on: info@langbank-community.com

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

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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.

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■ B i s h o p t o n

It easy to blame the bad weather for the condition of the roads but we all know that there are numerous gullies (drains) in the road that have been blocked for years. The Council needs to realise that water and roads don’t mix well. Potholes are opening up within a month of being filled. Here are the roads in my ward that will be resurfaced this coming year under the 2020/21 Roads Capital Programme: Bridge of Weir: Carruth Road, Hazelwood Road, Ranfurly Road (Kilbarchan to Hazelwood), Kilgraston Road (Part), St Andrews Drive (Part). Bishopton: A8 - Greenock Road (at Kingston Rd), A8 - Greenock Road (at Nether Southbar), Station Road, Bruce Road. Langbank: Middlepenny Road. I will pass on the list of the pavements as soon as I am advised by the department. My understanding is that there will be more works to resolve flooding issues. It would certainly be worthwhile digging out the ditches and checking all the culverts thoroughly. A group from Bridge of Weir recently visited the St Mirren Men’s Shed and were inspired, and a small committee has now been formed to take things forward, the initial thoughts are to build a temporary structure in the Coal Year. It is a case of watch this space! With so much news about the Coronavirus at the moment it was a surprise to me that I had to introduce an emergency motion at the recent full Council meeting to get any information of the Council’s plans; however the lack of hand cleansing stations in the building is pretty negligent I think. Council tax is going up by 4.64% in Renfrewshire and council housing rent by 2%. The Conservative Group voted with the Labour Group for a council tax freeze. We feel that more money should be coming out of Scottish Government to support councils as we are being asked to do more but not being given the funding to support this.

The Bridge Shop News – An extensive range of Greeting Cards are on sale to cover most special occasions. Our usual stationery items are always in stock. We also have pocket money items which will keep young children amused.

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Post Ofﬁce - Going on holiday soon? Ask our Post Office staff for a leaflet on Travel Insurance. Euros are available for purchase and other currencies can be ordered.

B r i d g e

Help is at Hand within your Community Centre – Do you have any issues to resolve? An appointment with one of your local elected representatives could be the answer. Please call in to find out the times of their surgeries. An evening out at The Bridge – Twice monthly, you can enjoy a film along with complimentary refreshments at The Bridge. Please collect a Programme. Web Site – Our website gives useful, up to date information, about the services available at The Bridge.

O f

Books –We have a selection of pre- loved books available for purchase at modest prices. Please come in and have a look. Cafe - Please visit our cafe where a warming cup of tea or coffee and biscuits can be enjoyed in comfortable surroundings.

W e i r

As always we wish to thank our dedicated team of volunteers who, through their commitment, enable The Bridge Community Centre, Shop and more importantly Post Office to serve the village.

Please note my surgery details: • Langbank Parish Church Hall - 1st Monday of month (6.30pm) • Bridge of Weir Cargill Hall - 2nd Monday of month (6.30pm) • Bishopton Community Library - 3rd Monday of month (6.30pm)

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For further information on any of the above, please contact me by phone on 0300-300-1291 or by email to cllr.james.maclaren@ renfrewshire.gov.uk . Check out my Facebook page for more information and copies of my community council reports etc. www. facebook.com/councillormaclaren

L a n g b a n k

Working with you and improving our local area. Please feel free to contact me with any of your concerns, and I am happy to meet with you at a mutually convenient time. If there is something that you would like me to write about more often then please drop me a line. It is always good to get feedback, particularly of the positive kind.

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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WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH

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Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

Kilmacolm | Quarriers

Monday Bridge Club

Cargill Community Centre 7pm. For information contact the Club Secretary, Sheena Clayton, on 01505 873802.

Easter at Mount Zion Church

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

Mount Zion Church, Law View Road, Quarriers Village, PA11 3FD Holy week is the most important time in the Christian Calendar, when we remember the death and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Thursday and Friday are usually quiet, meditative services, and Easter Sunday is an all age celebration. You would be made very welcome at these meetings. April 5th at 10.30am Palm Sunday Service April 9th at 7pm Maundy Thursday Communion April 10th at 2.30pm Good Friday Meditation April 12th at 10.30am Easter Sunday Family Service

Kilmacolm Dramatic Society Rehearsals are now in full swing for Kilmacolm Dramatic Society’s production of popular playwright Alan Bennett’s farcical comedy Habeas Corpus. The play, which is brimful of Bennett’s razor sharp wit, is directed by Alison Holliman, who also directed the Society’s hugely successful production of Calendar Girls. If you are looking for a really good night out and a lot of laughter, don’t miss it. It’s a classic farce of ill manners, featuring dropped trousers, mismanaged (and generally thwarted) lust and a veritable merry-go-round of mistaken identities. It all takes place in the home of the outwardly respectable Wicksteed family. The cast of five women and six men includes some new faces, as well as many familiar ones. They are: John Gilchrist, Liz Davie, Kevin Curran, Claire McClatchie, Claire Fraser, John Watson, Jean Simpson, Ruth Quigley, Paul Donnachie, Joe Robinson and Hugh Gorman. As with every KDS production, a host of essential people are also working hard behind the scenes. Headed by Stage Manager Angus Black, they have roles in lighting, sound, set, costumes, make-up, props, print design, front of house hospitality and publicity. There will be three performances of Habeas Corpus in Kilmacolm’s Kidston Hall – at 7.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday ation formtickets ore inand e haveatm7pm and Friday 22nd - 24th April. Doors ce wopen on u yo te da up l il w (£12, are available from the Cross Café poned - werefreshments) Postincluding in Kilmacolm or from Rosie Thirde - tel 01505 873088 or on rosiethirde33@gmail.com - or Claire Fraser on claire.fraser@ scotech.ltd.uk If you’re interested in joining KDS - either to act, or to help backstage in any way - or would like some more information about us, just contact Claire or Rosie.

Knapps Show Cancelled Following discussion with the Directors it was agreed that the board would take the difficult decision to cancel the Show this year. As you will be aware from the media, the situation with Corona virus is expected to worsen over the coming weeks. The Scottish Government are advising events involving 500 people and over do not go ahead due to medical resources being required for public health duties. We have been advised that other local shows have sadly taken the same decision as ourselves.

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

We have a duty of care to our volunteers, helpers, exhibitors, judges, competitors and visitors and do not wish to add to the building pressure the NHS is already experiencing. We feel that we would be neglecting our duty to allow the Show to proceed by having crowds of people in close proximity. We are not confident that we would have the attendance required to fund the day, if we cancel now we can avoid some of our costs to ensure we can continue in 2021.

Guide Hut to Hire

Thank you to all of our supporters, sponsors and advertisers who we will be in touch with, over the next few days.

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.

We hope to see you all next year.

Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow Agricultural Society

Churches in Kilmacolm & Quarriers KILMACOLM OLD KIRK: Church of Scotland (Charity no. SC009291). www.kilmacolmoldkirk.org.uk. Morning worship: Sundays at 11am. 5th April - Palm Sunday. 6th - 10th April - Holy Week services at 7.30pm in Old Kirk except Thursday 8th in St Columba. 12th April - Easter Sunday. 9.30am Knapps Loch Holy Communion. 10am - Easter Crafts for children in Kidston Hall. 11am - Easter Worship with Holy Communion. 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 (01505-872905). 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 Kilmacolm 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.

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Programme for March 2nd April

Indian Travelogue – Colin Houston photography:unique adventures

–

amazing

16th April

Crosses around the world – Jim Holmes

30th April

Movie Night Grease - 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. 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

Kilmacolm Litter Pickers Our first three outings have been a great success and have seen us haul in 32 bags of litter from the roadside verges on the Bridge of Weir Road (from the village exit to the ‘big carpark’ at the Knapps) and Port Glasgow Road (from Auchenbothie Gardens along to the secure dog play business). By the time you read this, we will have cleared the remainder of the roadside verges on the Bridge of Weir Road (along to the Quarriers village turning), Lochwinnoch Road and Finalystone Road, along with maintaining the cleanliness on the stretch of the Port Glasgow Road that has already been cleaned. We’ve had a few weather storms to contend with but we are a stoical bunch and clearing up the litter around Kilmacolm is our mission! If you would like to help, then all you need is a litter pick, Hi Vis vest and waterproofs. These can be bought in a certain hardware store in Bridge of Weir or online! Bags supplied by Inverclyde Council and collected from outside Kilmacolm Library. We look forward to seeing you at one of our fortnightly clean ups sometime soon.. Jenny x Dates for April: – Sunday 12th April at 1.30pm and Sunday 26th April at 9.30am meeting at Gryffe Road, Kilmacolm (the BOW Rd end). I can be contacted by email – JennyMeadows10@outlook.com *At the time of writing, we are unclear as to the extent of the spread of COVID-19. I also post on the Kilmacolm Wanderers Facebook page and will update the page if we need to cancel. You can also check-in with me via the above email address. Many thanks.

Spring Charity Coffee Morning Come along and join West Renfrewshire young farmers at our charity coffee morning! Saturday 4th April, 10am - 12noon in The Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm Meet the lambs! Glitter Face Paints

Meet the Alpacas! Jewellery stand Educational Drawing corner for kids

The event will be held in aid of the Calum’s Cabin Charity. Calum’s cabin is a phenomenal charity that provides holiday homes on the Isle of Bute for children who have been affected by cancer. They also provide accommodation for long distance families while their child attends hospital in Glasgow. Everyone is welcome to join us for what is sure to be a lovely morning out with friends and family!

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

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.

k i l m a c o l m

It never fails to amaze me the litter deposited around the village. Last year as part of the Community Council initiative organised by Mike Jefferis I collected 45 half and quarter bottles of High Commissioner Whisky down the Smithy Brae. The Community Council is doing it again this year. The Council litter picks the verges twice a year and the help from the KCC and the newly formed Kilmacolm Pickers is much appreciated. The Kilmacolm Primary Parent Partnership is very active and the fund raising arm realised some £6,000 last year to be used for the good of the school and primarily the pupils. There is a comprehensive Parental Engagement strategy and it is proven that parental involvement can help raise attainment and have positive effects on behaviour and attendance. Simone McCredie attends all the Partnership meetings and recently reported on after school clubs -- archery, dance and netball, and the children’s support of the Inverclyde foodbank. The Chair Emma Bilsland updated on the Valentine Disco and the coming spring quiz. A really good school with great parental support.

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The Kilmacolm Civic Trust held its, well attended AGM in the Cargill. We heard reports from the Chair Nicol Cameron, Archivist John Hamilton and Treasurer John Hunter. The Trust is in good fettle. Much of the work in the past year was taken up with opposing large planning applications in the village, but I was quite taken by the work being done on the capture of oral histories from some of the more mature residents of the village. I cannot wait to hear Sam McGinn’s reminiscences. Officers visited the Institute building site following complaints about the bin store and the compound at the rear. They had difficulty contacting somebody with hands on responsibility for the development and are pursuing a further lead.

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It is very sad news that the Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow Agricultural Show which would hav taken place on 9th May has been cancelled. This is due to the current Covid-19 virus. A record number of school leavers in Inverclyde are moving into employment, education or training according to official figures. We are eighth in the school leavers league table with 95.8% of our 694 leavers in positive destinations. There is no doubt that our £270m investment in the school estate over the past 10 years is paying off and is money well spent. Our teaching staff and talented young people are to be complimented. Our monthly average of crimes in the village is 11 with 50% offences relating to motor vehicles. The average community warden calls are 3 per month. Inverclyde is 487 and 111 respectively. Warden and Police management meet at 8am every morning to compare intelligence. I can also report that the part of Port Glasgow in my ward is quiet also. The Greenock Windfarm is unfortunately progressing. A vast acreage of CO2 absorbing peat is being destroyed on the moors near Corlic Hill to create the massive foundations and 11km of roads Permission was given by the Scottish Government against the wishes of 700 objectors. This industrial plant should really be offshore. At Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park we are worried about the Ospreys which nest nearby. My surgery is 2nd May at the Cargill 10am - 11am. I can be contacted at: david.wilson@ inverclyde.gov.uk 01475 741969, 712975 and 07766 992294.

Kilmacolm, Masonic Hall. Tel: 873059

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Wednesday 15th April

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

PET NEws Choosing a Puppy Finding the right puppy for you and your family is something that should be done with a great deal of thought and care. Before starting to look for a pup consider: •

Whether you want a pedigree or crossbreed.

•

If choosing a pedigree, find out everything you can about the breed including any health issues.

•

How much space you have in your home and garden.

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How much time you have to spend with your dog and what level of activity you are able to offer.

•

The type of coat you want, whether they shed and how much grooming will be required.

Once you have decided on the type of dog you want and have located a breeder it is a good idea to speak to the breeder on the phone initially and ask some questions. These should include: •

Where are the puppies kept?

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Will you be able to see the parents?

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Have the mum or pups had any health problems?

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If a pedigree, have the parents been screened for any inherited health problems?

•

Have the puppies been treated for worms?

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Have the pups had any vaccinations?

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If a pedigree, are the parents Kennel Club registered and are the puppies registered?

Good breeders should be approachable and happy to provide answers to all your questions. If you are happy with the answers provided arrange to visit the puppies at their home. When visiting the pups important points to note include:

Microchip Details

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Are the pups kept in a family home or in a kennel environment?

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Do the mum and pups appear clean, healthy and happy?

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Is the mum forward and friendly or nervous?

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Are the pups forward and friendly or nervous and shy?

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Do the pups have exposure to normal background noises in the home and frequent exposure to human contact?

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..

Never feel pressured to choose a pup on your first visit. Don’t be afraid to walk away if you feel it’s not the right pup for you.

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.

If you do decide to go ahead and take one of the pups arrange to collect the pup from the breeders home. Ask the breeder to provide:

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

•

Written instructions on feeding routine.

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Written information on any worming and parasite treatments.

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A veterinary certificate for any vaccinations given.

•

Kennel Club paperwork if the pup is Kennel Club registered.

MISSING PET?

Indentibase Petidentity UK Petlog Pet Protect Pettrac Smarttrac

We can post on Facebook for you! Send details to: info@advertizer.co.uk 01505 613340

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

Taking some time at these initial stages helps ensure you end up with the right dog for you and your family, and that the pup ends up with the right home to meet his needs too!

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Wednesday 15th April

outdoors

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

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

Green Corner

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

Green Corner: Homemade Lemongrass and Lavender Hand Sanitiser

Langbank Camera Club : 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month For more information please contact Derrick McPherson at langbankcc1@gmail.com.

Not able to get your (very clean) hands on any extra hand sanitizer? Here is a lovely homemade recipe from the Moral Fibres website. (Find tips on living sustainably and stylishly.)

Bridge of Weir Horticultural Society In April, garden plans should be well under way. Hopefully tips from our recent talk ‘Getting to Know Your Soil’ will have proved useful. On Thursday 9th at The Bridge at 8pm, we have a creative “Easter Make & Take” evening, involving horticultural and decorative handicrafts. Guest, Louise Bustard, Ethnobotanist and Education Officer at Glasgow Botanics, gave a fascinating insight into poisonous garden plants and weeds. From Fairy Tales, Shakespeare and Agatha Christie we know plants have a dark side and “Who done it?” poisons favoured by writers are Digitalis from Foxgloves, Ricin from Castor Oil Plants and Cyanide which is present in Laurels, Almonds and also Apple pips! Cyanide smells like “bitter almonds”. Remember this when cutting your hedge! Mandrake, Monkshood/ Wolfsbane and Hemlock are well-known poisons. So are some of our most beautiful: Laburnum pods produce Cytosine and within the much-loved Lily of the Valley are Glycosides and Saponins which affect the heart or cause gastric poisoning. Cyanide is also present in the Rose family. Many plants are used positively in medicines. Herbalists were the go-to people for remedies before Science stepped in with plantbased cures. Recently, Scientists discovered poisonous Taxine, from Yew Trees, can be used in cancer-treatments, so clippings now go to the Lab and not the bonfire. Native Americans used the inner bark and leaves from the Salix/Willow Trees to extract Salicylic Acid, used in Aspirin. A ‘brew’ of leaves and bark would relieve fevers. Opthalmologists use Atropine which is extracted from Deadly Nightshade. Doctors use Hyoscine from Henbane to treat travel sickness and stomach problems. Toxic Colchicine, from Colchicum corms and seeds is used to treat gout. Beautiful Opium Poppies produce pain relieving Morphine and Coca Bush leaves produce Cocaine and finally, we have Monsieur Nicot to thank for bringing Tobacco to the world. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – but beware.

Witch Hazel is a great product. It is proven to protect against HPV and herpes and also influenza A. It is also quite gentle. If you can’t get witch hazel, then you could substitute with cheap vodka. Alcohol, although a little more expensive, is a great germ killer. The lemongrass essential oil was chosen because of its antibacterial and anti-germ properties. (See scientific study*.) It also smells wonderful. If you have sensitive skin, consider tea-oil instead. Lavender oil has been proven to work against MRSA and E-coli**. It also smells wonderful and is said to promote calmness. *www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1995764510601290 **www.researchgate.net/publication/284572262_Antibacterial_ Effect_of_Lavender_Lavandula_Flavor_VolatileJournal_of_Food_ Science_and_Engineering You will need: 100 ml spray bottle (Glass if possible. Essential oils can deteriorate plastic over time, but if there’s less chance of it breaking in your bag then it’s a better choice). 60 ml witch hazel (You can get this from most chemists and some supermarkets.) 10-15 drops Lemongrass essential oil 10-15 drops Lavender essential oil 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil (optional – added for its moisturising properties. Can buy from Holland and Barrett and other wholefood places.) 40 ml cooled boiled water Method:

Kilmacolm Spring Plant Sale

If you are using the vitamin e oil, then add it to your clean, dry empty bottle, before adding your essential oils. Otherwise, simply add your essential oils to the empty bottle. Next add the witch hazel and cooled boiled water, and add the spray nozzle.

outside Kilmacolm Library, in the centre of Kilmacolm

Usage and Storage:

on Saturday 25th April from 10am – 12noon Admission by donation. 60% of monies raised goes to Pancreatic Cancer Scotland. www.scotlandsgardens.org/kilmacolmplant-sale/

Properties of chosen ingredients:

Do a patch test on a small area of your skin, to test for sensitivity. Leave for 24 hours just to. Shake well before use. Do not use on broken skin. It will have a shelf life of around 6-8 weeks, but if it starts to look funny before then, it’s best to discard it and make a new batch. If you want to use on children (2 and upwards), it is advisable to do a little reading on essential oils before you get started. Use no more than 10 drops of each essential oil (which gives a 1% dilution). Do not use on broken skin.

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April 2020

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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.

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society The last of our winter lectures was presented by the ever popular Louise Bustard, senior curator at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Her descriptions and pictures of the gardens surrounding the Italian Lakes left us all wishing that our next holiday could be to these wonderful gardens. It is time to take a break now by looking forward to the Spring and Summer activities - the KHS Outing on Wednesday 13th May will be to Geilston Gardens, the Ardardan nurseries and farm shop, then in the afternoon we visit The Hill House at Helensburgh. Further details from Jill Russell on 01505 872393. Our annual Coffee morning will be held in the Kilmacolm Village Centre on Saturday 16th May from 10am to 12noon. The Plants stall should be bursting with quality plants for sale, provided by Parklea Nurseries, plus other stalls, entertainment and tea/coffee refreshments. Ticket entry of £3.50. Happy gardening through the summer, pay the Kilmacolm Flower Show a visit on Saturday 5th September. www.kilmacolmhorticultural.com

The Kilbarchan Spring Clean Up Sunday 5th April 2pm - 4pm

Brighter Bridge of Weir LET THE SEASON BEGIN Goodness, it’s been a difficult start to 2020 for Brighter Bridge of Weir. At the time of writing, the Group has only managed a few hours here and there. The first real outing was in the middle of March, when they were able to do a good half day’s work on the Torr Road garden. With luck, by the time you read this, they’ll have been out much more. Regular followers will know that Brighter Bridge of Weir has branched out, so to speak, and are now planting trees as well as flowers and shrubs. So the Group was delighted to be contacted by Emyr Algieri of Forest and Land Scotland, who asked if they would like some small trees for planting. And that is how several bags of young oak, blackthorn, rowan and hazel arrived, almost magically, in the driveway of one of the Group’s members. Also provided were stakes and trunk protecting tubes. So they’re going to be busy for a while! You can follow the Group’s progress on Facebook, and their newlook website which is soon to be launched.

Meet in the car park by the trafﬁc lights, opposite Bog Park. To make a difference to the village, please come along and ‘do your bit’ by joining in the Keep Scotland Beautiful Spring Clean. Equipment, including litter pickers, hi viz vests, bags, hoops, gloves and antibac supplies will be provided. Well earned treats will be available following the event. Email:hello@kilbachansmile.co.uk or ring 07952 169341 for more information.

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Wednesday 15th April Finlaystone in April

Spring is fully sprung at the estate, both in the woodland and in the gardens. The daffodils and bluebells are beginning to adorn all corners of our paths and trails. Our events leaflets can be picked up from the Visitor Centre for free and annual memberships for singles, families, grandparents and concessions can be bought too. Please see our website for more details! We have lots of great events on this month during and around the Easter break.

Clyde Muirshiel Information for April issue Muirshiel Country Park visitor centre and Greenock Cut visitor centre re open for the summer season on Saturday 11th April. They will be open every weekend until the end of September. Opening hours are 11am - 4pm. A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped with planting 4000 trees at Muirshiel Country Park. We have been planting a variety of native trees to replace the sitka spruce that was felled a couple of years ago. These have gone along the upper trails in the park and include Rowan, Scots Pine, Alder, Grey Willow and Birch. Easter Holidays: Throughout the Easter holidays there are 2 day and 5 day Junior Multi Activity course. These are for 10 -15 years old and activities may include mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking and raft building. 2 day course £70, 5 day course £170. Book online at the parks website.

Thursday 2nd - Bug BoxMaking 1pm - 3pm Keep the woodlice, ladybirds and caterpillars in your garden cosy at night by crafting a bug box! £3 for materials; pre-booking essential. Sunday 5th - Introduction to Orienteering 1pm - 3pm Ranger-led. Learn to navigate in our woods using your wit, compass and map provided. £3 per person; pre-booking essential. Tuesday 7th - Den Build 1pm - 3pm Know your lean-to from your tripod. Learn how to build a solid den and try your hand at fire-lighting with the rangers! Thursday 9th - Bird Box-Making 1pm - 3pm Make perfect bird housing to take home - a great garden addition! £4 per bird box; pre-booking essential. Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th - Easter Weekend 1pm - 3pm Join us for our Easter bunny hunt, prizes for best-dressed egg and best fancy dress. Monday 13th - Easter Games 1pm - 3pm Join the rangers for all things chocolate with Easter-themed games like the Easter egg and spoon race! Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th - Pirate Weekend 1pm - 3pm Dress as a scurvy buccaneer and practice your best ‘Arrgh!’ Drama and shouting a-plenty with great pirate themed races. Prize for best dressed! 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

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Sunday 12th April Egg decorating and rolling at the Greenock Cut Centre 1 - 3pm Cost £5. Map & Compass Course: A one day course on Sunday 26th April based at the Greenock Cut centre 10 - 4pm. It is ideal for beginners or for those wanting to refresh their skills. It provides a basic introduction to map reading and navigation skills. Classroom based in the morning and out on the hill in the afternoon. Map and compasses are provided on the day. Cost £60.00 For further details and to book go to the parks website. Pedal the Park 2020: Is taking place on Sunday 3 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: The Greenock Cut Volunteers are every Saturday 10.30 -2.30pm; Duke of Edinburgh Volunteers are every Sunday morning 10am-12pm; Castle Semple Volunteers are on Thursday afternoon12:30 – 3:30pm occasionally a full day and can be either at Castle Semple or Muirshiel. For further details programmes are online. Dates for the Diary: The 3rd Clyde Muirshiel Walking Festival will take place on Saturday 23 until Monday 25 May and Classic Car Show on Sunday 18 Oct 2020. Ride 63 Community Cycle Club: As the weather improves look on their facebook for details of DIY weekend runs. 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.

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April 2020

RSPB Lochwinnoch Here we are in April already - hopefully the storms have subsided, and warmer weather has arrived. So, with warmer weather, daffodils and longer days, birds will start nesting, tadpoles hatching and lots of insects emerging from their winter hibernation. But it’s a busy time for us at the reserve too, with lots of events this month for families and adults alike. Come along with your little explorers and take part in our self-led events anytime during the month, there will always be something on. Just come into the visitor centre and ask one of our friendly staff or volunteers and we will set you on your way with a backpack and instructions – all you need to do is follow the woodland trails at your own pace. For our adult visitors we have our very popular wildlife photography workshop, with our intermediate level course running on the 19th April. Not forgetting our younger visitors, we have our dinosaur egg hunt (Explorer Trail) starting on 1st until 19th April, then following that we have our crazy ducks treasure hunt from 20th 30th April. And if that’s not enough fun, we have our family volunteering and our wildlife guided walk, both on the 26th April. For further information on all our April events please see the events listings. For bookings and further information: Email. lochwinnoch@rspb. org.uk Tel. 01505842663

Colourful Kilmacolm Our bulbs and plants are springing into life, despite all that the long, wet winter threw at them. The half-standard hollies in the centre of the village took a bit of a hammering from the gales and have required some support, and one planter again became waterlogged, but these are minor niggles and we can look forward to another colourful season as the days lengthen. At Market Place groups of snowdrops and daffodils are gradually bulking up and the display improves with each year. Local Explorer Scouts continue to help us by collecting litter and tidying up in general. Being younger and more agile than many (most/all!) of our members, their ability to scale the heights of the Pullman/Carriages garden is particularly valuable. Any families with adventurous children would be very welcome to help at our monthly tidy-up sessions. Just get in touch. Having seen how well our bulbs have flowered in their second and third years at Duchal Nursery School we will try to get at least a second year from ours next time and thereby save a little money. If you would like to be involved, either actively or by donating, visit www.colourfulkilmacolm. org.uk or phone Peter (01505 872448) or Liz (07963 973031) for more information.

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Wednesday 15th April

Stella McCardie ©Gary Thomson

Next deadline -

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Sport NEws Ranfurly Castle Golf Club New Junior Memberships Ranfurly Castle Golf Club have launched new Junior Memberships with exciting new price points, aimed at encouraging kids to get into golf and take up the game. The club are pleased to announce that they will be offering FREE memberships to any children aged 8 – 11, with ages 12 – 14 paying just £25/year and ages 15 – 17 paying only £50/year. The club also plan to roll out a series of coaching programmes, allowing children access to expert PGA Professional advice and guidance. The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment and any children interested in trying golf should contact the General Manager for more details 01505 612609. Club News With the incessant rain keeping us from playing golf, it was lovely to have an afternoon tea for a get together. On 19th February 34 ladies enjoyed an amazing spread of sandwiches, scones and cakes with a cup of tea or coffee. All food hand made by our caterers Simon and Mandy. Judging by the volume of chat, it was a very successful afternoon. On 26th February the ladies held the club’s annual Bridge Afternoon and were delighted to welcome 17 tables of players on the day. Afternoon tea was prepared and served by a number of the lady members while our caterers kindly donated the proceeds from the cost of tea, coffee and scones to the fund raising raffle. The Bridge produced a number of Small Slams but the main prize went to Robin Scott and partner Alistair Forsyth who had a Grand Slam - congratulations. The individual winners on the day were :- 1st Kay Black - 2700 points, 2nd Elspeth Osbourne - 2650 points, 3rd Dorothy Simpson - 2307 points. Well done to everyone. Finally, a cheque for £255.00 has been sent to Glasgow Samaritans. The club would like to thank everyone who supported this event. On Sunday 1st March the club held the first ever Swing Sunday afternoon which was a sell out event. George Cormack was the King of Swing on the day and those lucky enough to get tickets were raving about the afternoons entertainment, along with dinner. Roll on the next event on Sunday 5th April.

Castle Semple Sailing Club Photo © Alex Workman Castle

Jemma Reekie Beats 800m World Champion Jemma Reekie has had an unbelievable few months and a fantastic start to the running calendar. The 21-year-old Kilbarchan AAC star smashed the UK indoor 800m in Glasgow, and then broke two further British records in New York a week later. This extraordinary start to the season continued with another victory last month over world champion Halimah Nakaayi in Lievin, France. Reekie powered past Nakaauyi on the final lap to win over a second and half clear at 2.00:34. Reekie believes she has a lot more to give. In an interview with The Guardian (19/02/20) she explained: “It was a tough field out there – I would have liked to have gone a bit faster because I know what shape I’m in but I’ll take the win,” Jemma Reekie shocked herself in February at an invitational race at the 4J Scottish Masters Championships in Glasgow she clocked a time of 1:57.91 for her 800m race, sprinting past her teammate Laura Muir yards from the finish. It is the fastest time in the world since 2006. Her coach Andy Young has been quoted in saying that he’s rarely seen anyone with such a special kick. These recently victories and the soaring confidence from the Reekie camp suggest she is certainly in with a chance of a medal at the Tokyo Olympics. We wish this local lass all the very best!!

Gryffe Valley Rotary 10K Run SAVE THE DATE The 2020 Gryffe Valley Rotary 10K Run will take place on Sunday 17th May. The club is delighted that ARNOLD CLARK will support the event and funds raised by sponsored runners will be donated to ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND – Scotland’s dementia charity. Entries are now open. The club are especially keen to encourage teams of sponsored runners from villages and clubs. Perhaps there could be a team from each village in the Gryffe area this year? Register at https://entries.runabc.co.uk/e/rotary-club-of-gryffe-valley-10k980 .

Leo qualifies for British and Scottish championships Leo Harris Downes takes gold medal at the ndp qualifying round for double mini trampoline in Perth over the weekend. With a personal best score of 119.9. This qualifies Leo to represent Scotland at the British team finals in Birmingham in June and the Scottish championships in September. Dynamite gymnastics had the most qualifying gymnasts over the competition.

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stle

April 2020

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 Kilmacolm Golf Club As the green shoots of spring appear, we are looking forward to a great golfing season. Whatever your goals are this year, our new Head PGA Professional, Stuart Roberts, will be on hand to help you achieve them. Having qualified as a PGA Professional in 2013, learning from some of the finest PGA Professional’s in the UK at clubs including Bothwell Castle, Glenbervie & Kilmarnock (Barassie), Stuart will be hosting a variety of coaching sessions throughout the year. Introducing young players to the sport and junior coaching is a real focus of the club and David, our assistant professional, has been delivering sessions at St Columba’s school to children in primary 4,5 & 6. Renfrewshire Girls also had fun perfecting their putting, in spite of the weather, on an improvised indoor putting course.

Kilmacolm Bowling Club The Opening Day of the Kilmacolm Bowling Club for male members and their guests takes place this year at 2pm, Saturday 4th April.

For those with a passion for practice our new Range Membership gives ample opportunity, with unlimited range balls on our 300yard driving range for just £35 for the year.

The Ladies Opening Day will be held at 2pm on Tuesday 7th April.

New brands have also arrived at the proshop including Adidas, Proquip, Glenmuir, Footjoy and Sketchers, and with a Wilson Staff fitting day scheduled for Friday 1st May 1-5pm, you’ll be set for the season. Spaces are sure to fill quickly so contact Stuart to book your place.

Our club is a very active club participating in many internal and external competitions, the Greenock & District League, Bowls Scotland & West of Scotland competitions.

If you fancy joining us on the course too, we have lots of new member offers available to suit everyone, including no joining fee, free range balls and reciprocal arrangements to play other clubs. Keep up to speed with the latest news and events - follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/KilmacolmGolf/

Weather permitting at both openings a friendly game of bowls takes place followed by afternoon tea..

Friendly internal Wapenschaws are held on the following daysMixed Wapenschaw

Monday night 7pm

Mixed Wapenschaw

Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2.30pm

Gents Wapenschaw

Wednesday afternoon 2.30pm

Gents Wapenschaw

Thursday night 7pm

Ladies Wapenschaw

Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 2pm

These matches give plenty of opportunities to come along socialise and enjoy a relaxing game of bowls. So we look forward to seeing you on one of the best kept greens in the West of Scotland. To encourage new membership the annual fee for the first year remains at £50. Bowls are available, all we ask is for you to bring a pair of ﬂat shoes. Bowling is open to all ages Gents, Ladies and Juniors. For further information please contact Bruce on 873787 or Diane on 874265.

J.G. Fleming Bowling Club Houston In line with Bowls Scotland’s national Try Bowls initiative John G Fleming Bowling Club in South Street, Houston is holding a Community Day on Sunday 3rd May between 1pm and 5pm. This day will be an opportunity for residents of our local community in the Houston, Bridge of Weir and surrounding areas to sample the Club’s facilities and to try their hand in this sport in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Club members will be on hand to show you around the club and help you try bowling. Please bring a pair of ﬂat soled shoes/trainers with you - all other equipment will be supplied by the club. Everyone is welcome no matter whether you have never thrown a bowl before in your life or you are an experienced player - all will be made equally welcome - and there is no upper or lower age limit. Anyone who decides to join the club at this Community Day will be entitled to specially reduced membership rates which are available for individuals, couples and families. Also the Club will provide free of charge coaching sessions for new members and several social bowls events during May to September. Ladies Open at The Old

Ladies Open At Ranfurly Open

We look forward to welcoming you to John G.Fleming Bowling Club on the day - and for anyone who is interested however are unable to attend on the day due to prior commitments - simply contact ISABEL GILCHRIST by email to make alternative arrangements: isabelgilchrist@ btinternet.com

Course, Runfurly Golf Club will take place on 2nd July 2020. Maximum individual Handicap - 36. Starting times between 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. Entry Fees:- £18.00 per couple or single entries £9.00 per person. Final Entry Date - Monday 29 June 2020. Call 01505 613214 for more info on how to enter.

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Wednesday 15th April

REGULAR meets KEEP FIT

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club Thursday 27th February saw our ladies section hold their first social of the year. It was very well supported with around 50 attending. Also invited were ladies from our other local golf clubs, Ranfurly Castle and Kilmalcolm Golf Club.

MARTIAL ARTS

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

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

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

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

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

Contact Liz Baldwin 07944 607005

Birkmyre Rugby Club

Youth Rugby Section, Kilmacolm Sundays at 11am - 1pm

www.pitchero.com/clubs/birkmyre

FOOTBALL

The night was introduced by the new captain of the ladies section, Suzanne Smith. Ladies enjoyed an excellent buffet supper, followed by a quiz and the night culminated with a raffle - all proceeds going to our chosen charity for this year, the Alzheimer’s Society. Altogether a very successful evening. In other fundraising news - Campbeltown’s lifeboat station is almost £2,000 better off thanks to the efforts of past captain, Jennifer Owen. Jennifer chose the Campbeltown station due to her strong family connections with Kintyre and the RNLI. She wishes to thank members and friends of the Old Course for their help in raising the money. New lady members who wish to take up golf are always made very welcome at Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club. As with previous years a 6 week course of ‘taster’ classes are open to any ladies who are thinking to take up golf. They are held at the club and cost £10 in total. And we wish all our lady members good luck in the season to come. All we now need is some better weather!!!

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

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

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details.

WALKING

Kilmacolm Walkers

Birkmyre Park Pavillion, Kilmacolm Thursdays at 10am

David 01505 874192 kilmacolmwalkers@ talktalk.net

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

Bridge of Weir Walking Group

Tuesdays Outside Co-op at 10.30am

1 hour walks. Call Senga on 0141 842 3000

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

Castle Semple Sailing Sadly this year has not been a good start for sailing at the Loch for Castle Semple Sailing Club; it has seemed like every Sunday, another storm. One week there was even a kayaking expedition down the flooded loch shore path. Our five week Winter Series resulted in only one day of sailing on the last Sunday of the event. We managed two races. The winds were variable with some strong gusts down the loch. We had Mark in the Dart, Steve C and Angus in the Xenon and Tom in the Vago on his own for the first race joined by Jon for the second race. In the first race on the second lap Tom was almost at the point of taking off down the loch in the Vago, making a good gain on the Xenon until he knew he had to gybe* and then lost some time taking down the kite and avoiding a capsize. Mark spent some time in the reeds; he alleged rescuing a cat but the race officer was having none of it... Meantime the Xenon was back in action - kite flying high! The second race was a poor (dampish) start for Tom and Jon when the centre main came apart resulting in an untimely capsize at the start line, but providing good spectator sport! They started as they meant to go on and a few more capsizes followed! It has to be said that everyone was happy to be back out on (or in some cases ‘in’) the water. Well done to Steve C and Angus in the Xenon for winning (with no mishaps!) Once the season warms up we will be starting up our Saturday Social/Family days again for further info see website. www.castlesemplesc.co.uk *When you ‘gybe’ you are turning the boat in wind so the opposite side of the boat is being presented to the wind.

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.

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ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19 17/03/2020 16:22:31

April 2020

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

Gryffe High School MADD Show

School NEws

Gryffe High News

REGULAR GROUPS every Monday

every Thursday

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

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

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club

Langbank Playgroup Langbank Village Hall 9.45am - 11.45am

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall 9.15am - 11.30am

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

every Tuesday

Langbank Under 3’s

Kilbarchan Tots

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

Houston Toddlers

Tea, coffee &

Church Hall, Langbank 10am - 11.45am

For children from birth to 3 years

Baby and Toddler Group

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

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

What an inspiring night! Digital Ninjas Team Shortlisted! Well done to a team from the Digital Ninjas group who have made it to the final of the #DigiInventors competition with their app that aims to tackle bullying and mental health issues in young people. The team members are Calum, Robert, Sam (all S2) and Euan (S3). The #DigiInventorsChallenge, in association with Glasgow Warriors and the Digital Health & Care Institute (DHI) is on a mission to find smart new ways to help Scotland’s young people keep active, staying healthy and happy, now and in the future. We wish the team luck as their entry is judged!

**** Picture:GHS x 3

1st & 3rd Friday

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

£3. Bring a mug along for a cuppa.

@GryffeAds

Howwood Church Hall 9.45am - 11.35am

MADD Show Pupils and staff worked tirelessly to transform the cavernous games hall into a twinkling hub of creativity for our Eco themed “MADD Show” – an annual celebration of Music, Art, Drama and Dance at Gryffe High School. Come 7pm, visitors were welcomed into the building by a sea of skill and dedication in the form of our National 5 and Higher Art folio display in the concourse. When the visitors reached the games hall they were greeted with: a wealth of unique artwork created by our junior pupils (including a sparkling miniature cardboard city) an interactive printmaking station, and an eco-friendly “Swap Shop”. When the show began, pupils and staff alike made their mark on the catwalk modelling eye-catching upcycled clothing and accessories. We were also treated to breathtaking vocal performances, stunning dance routines, and rousing speeches to inspire us all to be more eco-friendly – all of which was seamlessly presented by two of our senior pupils. During the interval there were immersive “pop-up” drama performances, and a video which showcased some the incredible drama skills here at Gryffe.

@GryffeAds

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51 17/03/2020 16:22:32

Next deadline -

Wednesday 15th April

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk Houston Primary

St Fillan’s Primary

Young Musician of the Year Pupils from Primary 6 & 7 who have a passion for music were invited to attend Gryffe High School’s annual music competition. The pupils were blown away with the local talent. Scottish Celebrations Each year all classes learn a selection of Scottish poems and songs to celebrate Scottish culture. This year our gym hall was decorated with animals which feature in Scottish poems, ranging from a ‘ wee moose’ to a ‘dug’. We had Highland dancers, bagpipes, singers and of course our poetry recital competition. Former head teacher, Myra Hamilton joined us for this wonderful afternoon. Well done to all of our finalists and our overall winner Ethan McCay. Fairtrade

My goodness, where does the time go. Despite the terrible weather, the sun shone on our, “Sharing the Learning” afternoon and we had one of the busiest ever. This was our opportunity as a St. Fillan’s family to showcase all our hard work this term. All our visitors took the time to complete the evaluation board and everyone was “tickled pink” on the day. It was wonderful to celebrate the beginning of Lent at mass with the parish of St. Fillan’s and Father Andrew on Ash Wednesday, and then to continue the morning with a Special Assembly by Rachel from SCIAF for our “Wee Box” appeal.

World Book Day Are you sitting comfortably? It was wonderful to celebrate World Book Day at school when everyone came to school dressed for a bedtime story. The staff and pupils enjoyed the day and I’m sure we all needed an early night by the end of it! Nil By Mouth Workshop As part of a P7 novel study we had a workshop from the charity, Nil By Mouth which seeks to challenge sectarianism within Scottish society and eliminate sectarian attitudes and behaviour. The P.7 pupils enjoyed this thought provoking and informative session. STEM Week It’s been a busy, exciting STEM Week in St Fillan’s Primary! To celebrate British Science Week, a wide range of activities have taken place to develop pupils’ u n d e r st a n d i n g of STEM subjects and their application in the world today, as well as developing skills for learning, life and work. Several classes took part in ‘My World of Work Live!’ workshops, where pupils were involved in programming robots to simulate driverless car technology. Parents supported learning by coming into classes to talk about their work in STEM related careers. Children also enjoyed sessions led by St Benedict’s High staff and STEM ambassadors, as well as a science lesson from a visiting specialist. Throughout the week children could be found engaged in a wide range of class based STEM activities and challenges. It was certainly a week of creativity, curiosity and imagination! Hold on to your hat! At St. Fillan’s we aim to Unleash Creativity with our ‘eggciting’ family craft opportunity. Pupils can create an Easter Bonnet to model at our school Easter Parade before the holidays. I’m sure it will be hats off to the parents and carers for getting involved and having fun before the holiday. Have a lovely Easter everyone!

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Our school was the first school in Renfrewshire to achieve Fairtrade status. We have recently received the John McDowell award for our effort and commitment over the years. This year Fairtrade Fortnight is 24 Feb - 8 March with the focus this year on cocoa farmers and their families. We will also be working in partnership with Houston Kirk, by hosting a community Fairtrade event, ‘Chocolicious’ on Tuesday 3 March at 10.15-11.45 in Houston Primary with an extensive selection of Fairtrade hot chocolate, tea and coffee on offer. Can we tempt you to join us ?

Technology Challenge

Our Primary 7 pupils have been learning a wide range of skills in order to complete their working car model for the annual Technology Challenge. Following feedback, it is slightly different this year with the models being tested out on a variety of terrains and gradients. The winners who demonstrated great skill when wiring and looping their circuits were Emma McDevitt, Aimee Munro, Struan Hewitt, Charlie Smith, Millie Wilson and Hannah Wilson.

CAMEO Club Visit A selection of our very talented pupils performed Scottish music, dance and poetry for members of the local community club. An enjoyable afternoon was had by all. Kirk Carnival This year Houston’s Kirk Carnival will be held on Saturday 2nd May. The Carnival King, will be our very own Kirk Gray, with his Carnival Queen, Summer Pinkerton-Lamb. They will be supported on the day, by attendants Noah Joyce and Belle Wilkie. The pupils and staff from Primary 7 voted for them to take on these important roles as they knew that they had the qualities required to do a great job. Let’s hope the sun shines for them.

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APRIL 2020

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 Kilbarchan Primary School Kilbarchan Primary currently has a lot of work going on just now, with fences being put up around our blaze pitch and playground. This is due to work that will be shortly commencing, to build a new roof onto our school. When work begins, some of our classes will have to move into special units that are being built on the blaze pitch. Work will also be commencing to extend Kilbarchan Community Nursery to add more room onto their building. On World Book Day, pupils dressed up as a characters from Alice and Wonderland or chose to wear their comfy clothes to read and enjoy books with a pillow! At lunch we had a Mad Hatters Tea Party! P3b loved reading books with hot chocolate and P2 enjoyed swapping books with each other. Primary 4 and 5 have been very lucky to have a visit from Strathgryffe Tennis Club. They really enjoyed learning new tennis skills and we think we have the next Andy Murray in our school! We are very grateful to them for coming out and coaching us, thank you Strathgryffe Tennis Club! Primary 2 went on a school trip to Scotland Street School. It is a very old school and they enjoyed seeing what it was like to go to school a very long time ago. Harrison enjoyed learning about the belt and said he would hate to have that at Kilbarchan Primary! P3b are writing to American pen pals. Laurie has a pen pal called Alice. She lives in Florida and Laurie is going to ask her next time if she has ever visited Disneyland because she would like to go there. P5 are also writing to their pen pals who live in Val d’Isere, France. They told us all about their pen pals and how they lived at their fantastic Primary 5 assembly. All of their parents came in to see the assembly and listened to their excellent French song. Primary 1 and 2 are continuing to learn lots of new things about dinosaurs. They made fossils out of clay! Primary 2/1 have been busy practising for an assembly for parents. They are going to teach them all the facts they have discovered about dinosaurs!

By P1-3 Media Club

Lochwinnoch Primary School Parent Council Pupils, parents and staff from Lochwinnoch Primary are appealing for the community to help them improve their playground. The school has been working with volunteers from the parent council to organise a community clean up day called TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) Playground. The event will take place at the school on Saturday, May 16th and head teacher Julie Bell appealed for local businesses to get involved and for the community to come out and lend a hand on the day. She said: “I am so excited about the TEAM Playground project and so grateful to our Parent Council for driving this forward. “I see the enjoyment the children get in better weather when we can open our front and back playgrounds and they are able to play in greener space.

Gryffe Manor Nursery Here at Gryffe Manor Nursery we have enjoyed celebrating the world of literature in the past month, gaining some lovely accolades along the way! We would like to start with a great big “Thank You” to the families who took part in our Usbourne Books Read-a-thon. We raised over £400 to be spent on new books for our children, that’s a whopping amount! That will lead to many happy hours of reading! We also gained an award from Early Years Scotland for being an Early Years “Story Setting” Nursery who are spearheading a national campaign to ensure that every child hears a story every day throughout their time with us here at Gryffe manor Nursery. World Book day was a success also as we encouraged the children to bring their favourite stories from home to share with their friends (we had all sorts from monsters to fairies) and a great day was had by all! As the Springtime approaches the children have been enjoying helping to maintain our fabulous outdoor area. We have checked our outdoor fire tent is secure with all the stormy weather recently and are pleased to announce that our ambient learning area is looking fantastic! So much so our children had fun building a den with all the sticks they found around the area, even clearing the woodland is fun! This is a wonderful learning tool for our children and no matter what the weather throws at us we always have happy children.

“However during very wet months we can only access the main playground which at the moment is rather uninspiring. “We would love to see all areas of the playground brightened up for the benefit of all, both children here in school and in our wider community, and hope the whole community will get behind us to help make TEAM playground day a huge success.” The day will aim to improve the school garden, bring some colour into the grey concrete playground, plant bright flowers, create raised beds and plant pots, and generally make the area more enjoyable and inspiring for the children. The school would also love to hear from local trades who could help repair and improve their old outdoor school toilets to turn them into useful storage. Any parent who wants to lend a hand or local businesses who think they can help can contact the team behind the day at lpsteamplayground@gmail.com The group is also welcoming donations towards the playground project at www.gofundme.com/team-playground.

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53 17/03/2020 16:02:13

Next deadline -

Wednesday 15th April

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk Duchal Nursery In a desperate attempt to entice Spring into our lives (will it ever stop raining???) we have been discussing the various seasons and enjoyed some walks during the break in the weather, discovering the snowdrops and crocuses pushing their way through the soil. The children were inspired by this to create some lovely snowdrop paintings. The children are thoroughly enjoying our mini-beast topic, especially with the “show and tell” of creepy crawlies that have been coming in to nursery – the teachers are slightly wary of what new additions will be arriving each morning!! There’s been great excitement in nursery in anticipation of the arrival of our “mystery readers”. This new initiative has really taken off as the children love hearing different stories being read by different people, and not knowing in advance who is arriving makes it even better. Thank you to the mums, dads and grans who have entertained us bringing books to life! We are now offering places for the intake in August 2020. If your child will be of nursery age after the summer and you are looking at your pre school options, please do get in touch to have an informal look around. We are open daily 8.15am – 3.30pm during term time. Duchal Nursery has been established in Kilmacolm for over 50 years and is a fantastic place to begin your child’s pre-school education. As an independent nursery our children move on to various schools in Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Glasgow. Please visit our website for more information – www.duchal.com and find us on Facebook. If you would like to come and visit the Nursery please get in 01505 874358 or email: info@duchal.com

Gryffe Valley Rotary Primary School Quiz 2020 The annual quiz competition for local Primary schools was held on 10th March at the JG Fleming Bowling Club in Houston. Five primary schools were represented (Bridge of Weir, Houston, Lochwinnoch, St Columba’s, and St Fillan’s) each with a team of four pupils. There were ten rounds of six questions on subjects as diverse as The Animal World, Science and Technology, Famous Buildings, Colours, General knowledge, Recent News…. Judging by the number of points scored on each question the level was set just right, differentiating between the teams whilst always providing encouragement to the participants. Lochwinnoch Primary School raced away to a strong lead at the halfway stage when teas and coffees were served to the parents and friends whilst the pupils enjoyed juice and the contents of their goody bags, which had been kindly donated by Gibb Stuart. In the second half, Lochwinnoch faltered and Houston, Bridge of Weir and St Columba’s came up strongly while St Fillan’s recovered from their shaky start. Finally, St Columba’s Primary team (Robbie G, Freddie M, Tanisha L and Oliver M) emerged as very narrow winners with Bridge of Weir Primary the runners-up. President Hamid Khatib congratulated all the participants. He presented the teams with their certificates and the trophy to St

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Columba’s who will go forward to the Rotary District final. He thanked the Rotary Club Youth Services Committee for their excellent organisation of the event and the Bowling Club for the use of their very pleasant hall.

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APRIL 2020

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 Kilmacolm Playgroup It’s been a busy time at Playgroup, all our new children have settled in well and enjoying playgroup life. We have been looking at 2 classic stories, The 3 little pigs and Little red riding hood. The children have enjoyed fun crafts with this, learning and summarising the story and even a bit of acting out the story too. Lots of sensory play in our fun topic Space has kept the children busy. We have been enjoying weekly yoga sessions with Jackie and little down dogs yoga , incorporating our weekly themes with fun yoga poses, the children have been doing so well with this . Its never too early to get your child’s name down for playgroup to ensure they can start at 2 years and 4 months. Email us for more details. Playgroup is open to all children from 2 years 4months and operates on a Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 0930-1130. Spaces available, please email playgroupmembership@gmail.com for further information. Are you a new parent, or new to our village or surrounding villages, our baby & toddler group is open as a drop in session every Wednesday morning from 10-1130am. Pop in for a hot drink and cake while your child enjoys a play, a healthy snack is also provided for children .A great chance to meet new friends and find out all about our fabulous group. Open to all parents, carers and Grandparents. The first Wednesday of every month within the toddler group is our brand new BBB (babies, bumps and boobs) group. This is a group for all new parents, expectant mums to attend. Each month we have breast feeding coordinators and other useful information available. For more information on any of our groups have a look at our new website on www.kilmacolm-playgroup.com or find us on our Facebook for latest information.

Houston Toddlers Our Grannies have been out enjoying themselves and enjoying a well deserved meal. Meanwhile we have had lots of fun at Toddlers, Jackie from Little Down Dogs Yoga was back and we had great fun baking and flipping our pancakes , all exercises with Jackie. We are looking forward Hartbeeps coming along with some music for us more good fun. Easter Crafts will keep us busy, hopefully making something nice for our families. We all have great time on Thursday mornings in the West Halls you would love it please come along and join us from 9.30am until 11.30am. Don’t forget your cup (with a lid) and a cup for the children. Everybody welcome.

Bridge of Weir Primary School At Bridge of Weir Primary we continue to raise awareness of Fairtrade. The news team made a film for assembly to let us know all the good things which are coming to our school. Primary 6 made 400 gingerbread men and sold them to all the classes in the school. To make the gingerbread they used lots of Fairtrade ingredients, including ginger, flour, cinnamon, and sugar. They also added butter, syrup, brown sugar, and honey. Each gingerbread man cost 50p. Alexander gave it a big thumbs up and said, “It was great, it was delicious.” Divine chocolate bars were also sold for £1 each. P6 made a profit on both sales, which support better working conditions and fair pay for farmers across the world. Primary 6 has also taken part in the annual Euroquiz. They entered a team into a SEET run competition where teams were quizzed on Europe. The team consisted of Cormac Lowry, Lewis Elliot, Lily Irvine and Jessica Peters. They came 4th out of 19 teams and the school is very proud of them. Cormac said, “I was very scared on the day”. Houston Primary came first by 3 points so the BoW team was REALLY close! Primary 7 had a very successful Bring and Buy and cake sale. They made £1000 for St Vincent’s Hospice and £400 for the Beatson Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service. Niamh from Primary 6a said, “It was awesome and had some great deals!” People particularly liked the cakes and getting their hair done. Charlie admitted “I enjoy spending money.” Written by Jack McGinlay and Cormac Lowry, Primary 6

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55 17/03/2020 16:02:17

Next deadline -

Wednesday 15th April

Business classified

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

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

LINEAGE ADVERT

Office to Let - Bridge of Weir Area. 3 separate offices, toilet & kitchen area. £400 pcm. Tel: 07940 729385.

(INC VAT) & 20% DISCOUNT

BUSINESS

TUITION

£18.00 (INC. VAT) FOR 20 WORDS

RUN OF 4 - £57.60

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY

MISCELLANEOUS

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

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.

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.

ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19

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17/03/2020 16:39:15

APRIL 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 Mothercare Darlington fixed side cot. VGC. From smoke and pet free home. £40. Tel: 01505 872800. Philips Avent Steriliser. Rarely used, excellent condition. Including classic and natural bottles. From smoke and pet free home. £10. Tel: 01505 872800. Silver cross linear freeway travel system. P r a m ( c o n ve r t s t o pushchair), car seat, ISOFIX base, foot muff & rain covers. Excellent condition. From smoke and pet free home. RRP £600, selling for £100. Tel: 01505 872800.

CLOTHES & SHOES Slaters Blue Slim Fit Three Piece Suit. Jacket & Waistcoat 30s and Trousers 28s. Excellent Condition. £40. Tel: 07879 519516. Golf Shoes Adidas Size 3.5. Excellent Condition. £10. Tel: 07879 519516. Shoes - Leather Brown Brogue Shoes Size 4 £10. Tel: 07879 519516. MOB/Wedding Outfit. Catherine’s of Partick Inspirato colour Platinum and Pearl. Size 12/14 Dress with Matching Hat. Immaculate condition. £330 ono. Tel: 07752 845685.

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN New Bosch Rotak 370ER Lawnmower. Still in box, never used. 3 years manufacturer warranty. Cost £129, sell £99. Tel: 07986 812483. Stonehill Furniture Sunburst Teak Coffee Table, mid 1970s. Striking teak veneer sunburst grain. Circular, 34inch diameter, 4 teak legs, 16inches high. Attractive retro furniture. VGC. Minor signs of wear only. £50. Tel. 07528 362930. Internal copper canopy measuring: (H) 137cm (W) 33cm (top) (W) 89cm (bottom). Featuring a horse’s head, finished in both brushed & natural copper. £40. Tel: 07592 430924. Belling Electric Double Oven, Grill & Hob (Black). £200. Tel: 01505 871829. Recliner armchair. Electric. One year old. Excellent condition. £149. Tel: 07986 812483. New G tech cordless mower, original box and unwrapped. Runtime up to 40 minutes* / charge time 1 hour. It automatically adjusts its speed to tackle thicker, longer grass. 50 litre grass bin. Cost £400+ sell £250. Contact: 07891 218985. Bosch AXT2000HP corded garden shredder – excellent condition. £85. Tel: 01505 612266 B&Q corded garden blower vac - £15 Tel: 01505 612266. Bosch Serie 2 white 6 Piece / Slimline Dishwasher. £100. Tel: 01505 871829. Shed Roofing Felt 9m length x 1 m width. Brand new. £10. Tel: 07900 918392.

SPORTS Golf Clubs - 9 Lynx Black Cat Irons, Putter + 3 Woods, Bag, Caddy Car & extras. £112. Tel: 01505 326262. Gents Mountain Bike, excellent condition. £70 ono. Tel: 07881 734273.

Gul size 7 wetsuit shoes. VGC. Rarely Worn £10. Tel: 01505 872800. Gul 3x3 Shorty Adult Wetsuit. Medium. VGC. £25. Tel: 01505 872800. Used golf balls, but good clean condition, Titleist 1,2,3&4. Many Pro V 1’s. 2 x boxes of 12 balls. £10 per box. Also Srixon 1,2,3&4, 1 x box of 12 ball, £5. Tel: 01505 872800. Exercise Bike, as new. £100 ono. Tel: 07881 734273. Raleigh ‘Nightshade’ bike for age 6+, purple and white, in great condition, £25. Tel: 07799 451150. Dawes ‘Vixen’ teenagers bike, pink and white colour, requires new handle bar grips, £30. Tel: 07799 451150. Junior Golf Clubs Size 57 WT-15U. US Kids Golf Set of 6 Clubs £75. Tel: 07879 519516. Raleigh ‘Atlanta’ ladies bike, green colour, looks good, may need service/check up as hasn’t been used for over 2 years, £50. Tel:07799 451150. Bowling Bag complete with 4 Black Thomas Taylor Bowls. Size 5. £30. Tel: 01505 326262. Zoggs Child Bobin Swim Jacket. Rarely used. VGC. £10. Tel: 01505 872800.

TECHNICAL & GAMES Wii games console, balance board, a number of controllers and 15+ games, £100. Tel: 07799 451150.

TOYS Wee Ride Front Mounted Childrens Bike Seat. Good Condition. £15. Tel: 01505 872800. Micro Scooter suit 7+, pink colour with brake, stand, adjustable height settings for handlebars and easy folding, £15. Tel: 07799 451150.

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

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.

Mariner 10HP Outboard Engine. As new. £999. Tel: 01505 502370 or e: wyliejock@talktalk.net Collection of 32 Scooby Doo DVD’s. £10. Tel: 07879 519516. Ladies Coach handbag black new 15”x11”. £35. Tel: 01505 614503.

WANTED ITEMS Cash paid for Vinyl Records and Music CDs (a few or a lot). Tel: 01505 324683 or 07765 115347. Old records Wanted 45`s & LP`s CASH Paid. Tel: 07710 777571. Local lily grower requires the use of a greenhouse/polytunnel in Kilmacolm area in return for light gardening duties. Tel: Vince 01505 872082. FREE for uplift, two sheets 2440x1200x 100, one sheet 2440x 1200x50 Jablite insulation. Contact Adam on 07939 692722.

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 Inverclyde

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

Bishopton Community Centre

BROOKFIELD Brookfield Village Hall Main Entrance

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

ELDERSLIE Elderslie Golf Club

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

HOWWOOD Howwood Hall, Station Road Christ the King Church, Bowfield Road The Boarding House (opening hours)

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

KILMACOLM Kilmacolm Golf Club St Columba’s Senior School Gym, Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm Kilmacolm Library (rear of New Surgery)

KILBARCHAN Kilbarchan Bowling Club

LINWOOD

0800 555 111 01786 289070

ROADS R.A.L.F Traveline

BISHOPTON

The Cornerstone, Greenock Road

Scout Hall

POLICE Crimestoppers Police Scotland

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

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

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. £40. Tel. 07528 362930. Spydog Collection of Books by Andrew Cope (10 Books). £5. Tel: 07879 519516. Collection of 25 Disney DVD’s. £10. Tel: 07879 519516. Hyundai I30 Wiper Motor (Reg Year 2007-2009). £40. Tel: 07879 519516. Sunsport 4 person Inflatable. As new. £499. Tel: 01505 502370 or e: wyliejock@talktalk.net

ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19 56-59 CLASSIFIED_307_APRIL 2020.indd 57

57 17/03/2020 16:39:17

Next deadline -

Wednesday 15th April

Business directory

Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk

13,500 magazines

hand-delivered to homes every month

BY CATEGORY

ACCOUNTANTS & FINANCIAL Affluent Financial Planning . . 8 Brewin Dolphin Glasgow . . . . . 8 CLA Accountancy Services . . . 8 Innovative Estate Planning Ltd . . 8 Stewart Independent Financial . . 1

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

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

BATHROOMS Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 11 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5

BEDROOMS

JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 Lumicom Electrical Services . . 33 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 Russell Milne Electrician . . 25

EQUESTRIAN Integrated Animal Therapy Vets . . 42

FENCING Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 27

FIREWOOD & LOGS LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 29 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 47

FUNERAL SERVICES Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 13 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 7

FURNITURE RESTORATION

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 12

Chairbird Upholstery . . . . . . . 41

BLACKSMITH & METALWORK

GARAGE DOORS & GATES

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 27

BUILDING SERVICES B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 31 BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 31 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 7 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 25 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . Bk KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 28 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 29 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 24 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 3 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 53

CARE SERVICES & HOMES Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 9 Home Instead Senior Care . . . 31

CATERING Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 26

CLEANING & POWERWASH Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 28 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 3 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 24 Gryffe Carpet Cleaning . . . . . 33 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 29

COFFEE SHOPS

Garolla Roller Shutter Doors . . 5 Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

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

GAS & HEATING SERVICES C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 29 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 5 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 52 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 55 KAL Plumbing Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 11 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 28 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1

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

HAIRDRESSERS & BARBERS Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 40 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 41

Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 39

HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS

CYCLE REPAIR

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 40 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 25 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13,Bk LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 11

David Gillanders Photography . . 49

DENTISTS Erskine Dental Care . . . . . . . . . .17

Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 47 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7 Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 25 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Renfrewshire Handyman Hire . . 27 The Bath Works . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

HOME INTERIORS Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 12 Chairbird Upholstery . . . . . . . 41 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 29

HOME SECURITY Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 29

HOTELS Gleddoch Hotel Spa & Golf . . . . . 19

JOINERS CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 55 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 25 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . Bk JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 26 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 24 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 3 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

KITCHENS Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 12 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 11 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . Bk Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 3

LEISURE & RECREATION Erskine Golf Club . . . . . . . . . 49

LOCKSMITHS Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

PAINTERS & DECORATORS A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 28 Andrew Hay Painter & Decorator . . 29 Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 54 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 SL Painter & Decorator . . . . . 25

PC, WEB & GRAPHIC DESIGN ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

PEST CONTROL RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 27

PET SERVICES & TRAINING Fields of Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Integrated Animal Therapy Vets . . 42 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Waggys Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . Bk

HOME HARDWARE

PLASTERERS

Malcolm Errington . . . . . . . . . 53 St Columba’s . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

ELECTRICIANS

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 44 Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 9

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 25 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 25 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 28

EDUCATION

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

www.advertizer.co.uk 01505 613340 info@advertizer.co.uk @GryffeAds 9am - 4pm Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday Friday 9am - 12:30pm 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.

A TO Z

PLUMBERS C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 29 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 11 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 5 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 52 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 55 JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 KAL Plumbing Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 11 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 28

PROPERTY, SALES & LET Cala Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 9 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

REMOVALS @ease Removals & Transport . . 29

RESTAURANT & BARS Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 39

RETAIL Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 39

ROOFING Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 31 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 25 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 7 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 28 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 24 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 53

SOLICITORS Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 9 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1

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

SPORTS CLUBS & EVENTS Erskine Golf Club . . . . . . . . . 49

STOVES Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 29

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

TILING Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 24 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

TRAVEL AGENTS Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3

TREE SURGEON Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 47 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 45 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 R Williams Tree Services . . . 45 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 47

TV & SATELLITE

@ease Removals & Transport . . 29 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 44 A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 28 A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 47 ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 Affluent Financial Planning . . 8 Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 9 Andrew Hay Painter & Decorator . . 29 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 47 Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 40 B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 31 Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 39 Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Brewin Dolphin Glasgow . . . . . 8 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 31 Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 29 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 25 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 12 C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 29 Cala Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Care & Repair Gardening . . . . 45 Chairbird Upholstery . . . . . . . 41 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7 CLA Accountancy Services . . . 8 Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 3 CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 7 Cloudy2Clear Windows . . . . . . . 7 ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 54 Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 9 Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 45 Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 9 David Gillanders Photography . . 49 David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 27 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 55 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 28 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 3 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Erskine Dental Care . . . . . . . . . .17 Erskine Golf Club . . . . . . . . . 49 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 24 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 25 Fields of Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 11 Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Garolla Roller Shutter Doors . . 5 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 5 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Gleddoch Hotel Spa & Golf . . . . . 19 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 47 Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 24 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Gryffe Carpet Cleaning . . . . . 33

Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Home Instead Senior Care . . . 31 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 52 Innovative Estate Planning Ltd . . 8 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5 Integrated Animal Therapy Vets . . 42 Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 55 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 25 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . Bk JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 7 KAL Plumbing Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 11 Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 26 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 45 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 25 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13,Bk Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 28 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 Lady Grafters Garden Services . . 46 Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Lumicom Electrical Services . . 33 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 28 Malcolm Errington . . . . . . . . . 53 MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 27 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 26 McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 27 MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 11 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 41 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 29 PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 29 Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 R Williams Tree Services . . . 45 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 27 Renfrewshire Handyman Hire . . 27 Russell Milne Electrician . . 25 Scotlawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 SL Painter & Decorator . . . . . 25 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2 St Columba’s . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Stewart Independent Financial . . 1 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 24 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 3 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Bath Works . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 39 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 53 Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Waggys Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . Bk West of Scotland Landscape . . 45

Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 3 Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 27 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 25

UPHOLSTERY SERVICES Chairbird Upholstery . . . . . . . 41 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 3 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 24

WINDOW CLEANERS DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 28 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 24 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 27

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

ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19

56-59 CLASSIFIED_307_APRIL 2020.indd 58

17/03/2020 16:39:23

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

ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19 56-59 CLASSIFIED_307_APRIL 2020.indd 59

APRIL 2020

59 17/03/2020 16:39:26

PICK UP A free COPY Woodrow’s Store, Library, May’s Coffee Shop

Bridge of Weir:

Gibb Stuart, Bernie’s Cafe, Lochnagar, The Bridge, Library (Cargill Hall), Bunty’s General Store

Erskine:

Garden Centre, Library, Sports Centre, Swimming pool

Houston:

Co-op, Carrick Centre, Post Ofﬁce, Newsagent

Johnstone:

LANGBANK BISHOPTON

Papa Mac’s, Library

Kilbarchan:

Bobbins, Old Library Centre, E. Williams & Son Butchers

Kilmacolm:

Newsagent, Cross Café, Library, Community Centre

Langbank:

Finlaystone Visitor Centre

KILMACOLM QUARRIERS

HOUSTON BRIDGE OF WEIR BROOKFIELD ELDERSLIE KILBARCHAN JOHNSTONE

Lochwinnoch:

Castle Semple Centre, Keystore, Library, Dolce Vita

HOWWOOD LOCHWINNOCH

Howwood:

Village Store

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1+60 COVER_307_APRIL 2020.indd 60

DISTRIBUTED TO: • BISHOPTON • BRIDGE OF WEIR • BROOKFIELD • ELDERSLIE • HOUSTON • HOWWOOD • KILBARCHAN • KILMACOLM • LANGBANK • LOCHWINNOCH • QUARRIERS

Bishopton:

17/03/2020 14:07:24