311 DECEMBER 2020 - Gryffe Advertizer

Pick up your Loves

No.311: DECember 2020 IMAGE: PCPC Kathy Giddings - Fox & Magpies

Local

free copy

KEEPING IT LOCAL KEEPING YOU CONNECTED

COVERING: • Bridge of Weir • Brookfield • Houston • HOWWOOD • Kilbarchan • Kilmacolm • Langbank • Lochwinnoch • Quarriers

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

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an alternative christmas Celebrating everything local

Well, who could have predicted that we would be approaching Christmas still in lockdown. While it has been a difficult time for so many, it has also made us all a bit more aware of the lovely area we are lucky enough to live in.

Loves

cal ScotlandLo Loves

I recently read the awards list from the Local campaign which has been celebrating our High Street Heroes.

Gryffe Advertizer December 2020

Pick up your

free copy

KEEPING IT LOCAL KEEPING YOU CONNECTED

The awards recognise the people, businesses and local organisations who have gone above and beyond to support their communities during the coronavirus restrictions and I am delighted there are a number of our local names on the list. They are fantastic examples of the spirit of the Scotland Loves Local campaign, and receive our heartfelt thanks.

One thing we all look forward to at this time of year is the wonderful display in the Gibb Stuart shop windows, and this year is no exception. In fact, I think Sandy and his team of elves have gone above and beyond to make sure we all get a wee lift when we pass by. Gibb Stuart is one of the essential retail outlets open during the latest restrictions and they will make home deliveries for those who are still sheilding or who cannot get out and about.

Contact us!

And once the restrictions are lifted, please take the chance to stay local and shop local if you can. Our local retailers, including hairdressers, beauty salons, cafes, restaurants, dog groomers, pet shops, are all keen for your custom. Many are offering vouchers for use once we can all get out and about again.

01505 613340 info@advertizer.co.uk www.advertizer.co.uk @GryffeAds

This is the year we all get a bit inventive with our gift ideas. Why not support a charity in the name of your friend, family or pet? And the retailers are getting their thinking caps on with lots of clever ideas for gifts, which can even be sent directly to the person you’re buying for.

Our office is on restricted hours until further notice.

Please contact us via email or social media, or leave a phone message, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

We plan to run regular issues, but delays may be caused due to the ongoing situation.

Please keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.

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

Christmas dinner out at a restaurant may not be on the cards, but many of our local cafes, caterers and restaurants are offering to bring Christmas dinner to you! Simply place your order in plenty of time, and wait for your turkey to come to you. You’ll still have to do the dishes though - sorry!

And finally, the bit my kids (and me I admit) have always looked forward to is the annual Santa Sleigh which runs around the villages in the weeks up to Christmas. Although Covid has put the dampeners on things, the wonderful elves who help Santa do his rounds have come up with a great idea this year with the Santa Sleigh 2020 Drive by Wave!

As with everything else this year, Santa is doing things differently! There will be no sweets and no stopping this year but he wants you all to come to the window and Wave so he can wish you a Merry Christmas. He will be out Waving starting from Tuesday 15th December. So, listen out for the music on these nights and go to your doorstep or window and Wave to Santa. As always, this is entirely weather permitting. Thank you to the Bridge of Weir Festival Committee who help support Local Community activities for young and old through this wonderful event.

So, stay safe, and I hope you all have a happy festive time, whatever you manage to get up to!

Shop local - Be friendly!

Rona

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in this issue.....

Advertizer ads directory 54 bridge of weir memories book 28 Christmas Eve Pyjamas 10 classified ads 52 co-op BoW food bank collection 10 events 14-18 high street heroes awards 13 HISTORY 39 Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group 06 local public defib sites 19 online events this Christmas 20 Outdoors 40-45 PETS 45 Rotary news 08 Sales & Wants 53 schools & clubs 46-51 scouts christmas tree sale 43 Soroptimist Int’l of Paisley turns 75 10 temporary cycling routes 42-44 Useful NUMBERS 12 village news 22-39 women’s aid christmas eve pyjamas 12 your local councillors 19

schools: Houston Primary

Kilmacolm Clean Up

schools: Br of Weir Primary

Johnstone PHoenix Theatre

Soroptimist International

CLUBs: Kilmacolm golf

CLUBs: Ranfurly Castle golf

Langbank halloween

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

Santa Sleigh 2020 Drive by Wave

As with everything else this year, Santa is doing things differently! Santa will be doing a Drive by Wave to everybody. No sweets and no stopping this year but he wants you all to come to the window and Wave so he can wish you a Merry Christmas.

He will be out Waving on the following nights but not necessarily in this order. So, listen out for the music on these nights and go to your doorstep or window and Wave to Santa.

Bridge of Weir Festival Committee helps support Local Community activities for young and old.

Tuesday 15th December - Houston

Netherburn Ave, Netherburn Gdns, Craigburn Ave, Craigburn Pl, Locherburn Pl, Locherburn Ave, Locherburn Gro, Craigburn Cres, Woodburn Pl, Hillside, Hillfoot, Fulton Gdns, Beatrice Gdns, Locher Cres, Locher Gdns, Locher Ave, Locher Way, Locher Gait, Gryfebank Ave, Gryfewood Cres, Gryfewood Way, Gryfebank Clo, Gryfebank Way, Gryfebank Clo, Cunningham Gdns, Crawford Rd, Leman Dr, Leman Gr, Alwyn Ave, Bream Pl, Viking Cres, Cormorant Ave, Forties Rd, Claymore Dr, Piper Rd, Piper Ave, Ninian Ave, Brent Cres, Murchison Rd, Hutton Ave, Hewett Cres, Dunlin Cres, Berl Ave

Wednesday 16th December - Houston

South Mound, Glenartney, St Fillans Dr, Four Windings, South St, North St, Fleming Rd, Fleming Way, Burnlea Cres, Houstonfield Quad, Houstonfield Rd, Kirk Rd, Kilmacolm Rd, Fields Lane, Cricketfield Lane, Old School House Lane, Barochan Rd, Crosslee Cres, Leeburn Ave, Craigholme, Woodside, The Beeches, Birch Gro, Riverside, Broomfield, The Meadows, Brackendene, Crossways, Neuk Cres, Neuk Ave, Hallcraigs Cres, Glebe Gdns, Manse Cres, Hagart Rd, Speirs Rd,Crosslee Pk, Dunnet Dr, Whirlie Rd, Back o’Hill, Strawberry Fields, Whirlie Dr, Pine Gro, Mill Brae, Crosslee Gdns, Brierie Hills Cres, Brierie Hills Rd, Brierie Lane, Brierie Gdns, Goldenlee View, Brierie Hill Gro, Earlsgate, Brierie Ave

Thursday 17th December - Brookfield & Weirs Wynd Friday 18th December - Kilmacolm (All) Saturday 19th December - Quarriers & Bridge of Weir

Glengowan Rd, Strathgryffe Cres, Kilmacolm Rd, Kilallan Ave, Woodside Ave, Warlock Rd, Beech Ave, Castle Rd, Park Rd, Southview Cres, Freeland Dr, Warlock Dr, Houston Rd, Elm Rd, Loch Rd, Loch Pl, Mill o’Gryffe Rd, Mimosa Rd, Lintwhite Crt, Lintwhite Cres, Moss Rd, Broom Pl, Gryffe Gate, Gorse Cres, St Machars Rd, Hillview Rd, Church Rd

Sunday 20th December - Bridge of Weir

Torr Rd, Horsewood Rd, Fetlar Rd, Kennbank Cres, Kennbank Rd, Thriplee Rd, Lomond Cres, Barrcraig Rd, Carruth Rd, Lawmarnock Rd, Lawmarnock Cres, Glen Brae, Troon Dr, Glendentan Rd, Turnberry Dr, Barassie Dr, Clevans Rd, Donaldfield Rd, Thornwood Dr, Southbrae Ave, Rosemount Lane, St Andrews Dr, Dalmahoy Cres, Bellisle Cres, Sunningdale Dr, Prieston Rd, Gryffe Rd, Eldin Pl, Hazelwood Rd, The Grove, Shillingworth Pl, Earl Pl, Ranfurly Rd, Steadings, Bonar Cres, Watt Lane, Montrose Ter, Kilgraston Rd, Watt Rd, Ranfurly Pl, Bankend Rd, Kilbarchan Rd [please remember, all dates are weather dependent]

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local news JOHNSTONE PHOENIX THEATRE GROUP The performing arts will be one of last the areas to be released for the current COVID-19 lockdown measures.

Unfortunately, this means that Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Groups’ Christmas Pantomime Jack & The Beanstalk, will not go ahead this year… “Oh no it won’t!!!”

At the present time, virtually all amateur theatre productions have been cancelled across the country, and given the lead time for productions, it is unlikely there will be many, if any, productions before the end of 2021. This is a significant loss to the cultural and economic life of the UK. Like JPTG, many groups have been making use of technology to keep in touch and keep the sprits up of members.

Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Groups’ last performance was their 2019 panto Alice in Pantoland and members are divested at being unable to perform Jack & The Beanstalk this year. Here’s a bit of nostalgia – a photograph of the 1993 JPTG Jack and the Beanstalk Panto Not only has Lockdown impacted the club members, but it has also has impacted the Groups’ fundraising and to that end they have set up a Just Giving Page for anyone who’d like to contribute to the continued running of the club. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/johnstone-phoenix?utm_term=gZQVERBPP In true Phoenix fashion, the Group have risen to the challenges faced this year and are now looking at ways to give something back to the local community during the Festive Period. They are hopeful that they can involve their members in some community activities in the lead up to Christmas. Watch this space!!

If you are interested in joining the club or want to find out more, please contact us at johnstone.phoenix@hotmail.com or at http://jptg. co.uk/ Photo below from JPTG 1984 Panto - Cinderella

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

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CO-OP Bridge of Weir Food Bank Christmas Collection

Items that the Food Bank are always short of – Cereal, UHT Milk, Diluting Juice, Coffee, Tinned Tuna, Tinned Potatoes, Tinned Tomatoes, Tinned Fruit, Tinned Creamed Rice, Tins or Cartons of Custard and Toiletries (especially men’s deodorant, men’s shave gel and razors).

Saturday 5 December Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this Christmas will be especially difficult for the children and their families living in poverty in Scotland and the Renfrewshire Food Bank are preparing for their busiest Christmas and Winter ever.

If you would like to help the most vulnerable in society this Christmas by making a food or cash donation – then Angela and her wonderful team in the Co-op Bridge of Weir will be there to greet you on Saturday 5 December.

Huge thanks to everyone in Bridge of Weir who supports the Renfrewshire Food Bank throughout the year by donating in your local Coop store.

The store also has a Renfrewshire Food Bank Donation Bin in place all year round.

Renfrewshire Christmas Toy Bank We now realise we are preparing for our busiest year yet! So we are also looking for volunteers. Whether you have previously volunteered with us or would like to come on board this year we would love to hear from you!

We are looking for drivers to collect donations from drop off points, and people who can come to the unit to support working with our referring agencies. We’re also looking for help in the unit organising all of the amazing donations as well as making up referrals for all the boys and girls.

Please note PPE will need to be worn and will all be provided by the toy bank. We are going to need all the help we can get this year.

Contact us through our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ renfrewshirechristmastoybank/ or email rctb2018@hotmail.com

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Wishing you Christmas.

all

well

this

25th ANNIVERSARY MEMBERSHIP INITIATIVE It’s always a good time to join Rotary but right now is an even better time for individuals or companies give Rotary a try: •

Less time commitment as we are now meeting fortnightly on ZOOM and the old attendance rules have been waived

•

Fees cut (including waiving of national fees this year for new members)

•

Opportunities to serve the community more important than ever!

•

Fun, friendship, meet new people

•

Stimulating speakers and discussion

Gryffe Valley Rotary was formed 25 years ago and has nearly 40 members in the local area. We have raised over £260,000 for local and international charitable causes and are seeking to ensure the contribution made to our local community is sustained by increasing and diversifying our membership. See the leaflet on our website (just Google Gryffe Valley Rotary) for more information on our projects and activities and our Facebook page Gryffe Valley Rotary for details of our next speaker.

Stimulating speakers – Worthwhile projects – Interesting People – Fun - Friendship Please click the Membership Enquiry button on our Website if you are interested or email us at gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com .Please e-mail gryffevalleyrotary @gmail.com if you are interested in finding out more.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

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Soroptimist International of Paisley turns 75!

Saturday 14 November, 2020 was the anniversary of the inaugural meeting of the club in 1945. Members of Soroptimist International of Paisley mark 75 years of activity – fundraising, support and advocacy for women and girls locally, nationally and internationally.

Established by Annette Muir, a Paisley buddy and wife of a Paisley weaving mill owner, there were 28 founding members. She was helped in establishing the club by Miss Catherine Lobnitz, from a local shipbuilding family, who later became the first honorary member. Founding members included a pharmacist, police officer, bookseller, various teachers and a solo pianist.

The President’s chain of office was presented to the club by Mrs Muir and her husband. It contained a central medallion which was designed by well-known local architect James Steel Maitland, who designed the Russell Institute and many other Paisley buildings. In 2019, a new chain was commissioned with links in the shape of the Paisley Teardrop but still with the medallion attached.

This active band of ladies then set about establishing themselves as part of the community in Paisley and the surrounding area.

Over the 75 years of the Club’s existence, many ladies have been members – some for long periods of service, others only briefly, but all getting involved and using their individual skills and experience in a wide range of fundraising activities, providing practical help and support, and working to raise awareness of issues of particular concern to women.

Throughout the life of the club there has also been a lot of fun and friendship as well as hard work. Many members have made lifelong friends, held office at higher levels within the organisation and travelled widely to Soroptimist events across the globe.

As we move into our 75th year, the members are as active and committed as ever to making a difference for women and girls locally, nationally and internationally.

The celebrations will not be quite what we might have planned, but there will be a virtual party attended by the President of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI), Johanna Raffan, and Provost Lorraine Cameron, Renfrewshire Council as well as members and other guests.

Meetings have moved online and our main focus is on supporting the local community in the current pandemic. Over the last months we have provided financial support to Renfrewshire Foodbank, the STAR project and Renfrewshire Women’s Aid, as well as delivering food items to the Foodbank and

Rekz Community Fridge in Paisley.

Filled backpacks were provided to Women’s Aid for the children they were supporting returning to school in August.

Members were delighted to receive recognition from Renfrewshire Council for this work.

One member got on her bike to raise funds for Marie Curie.

Not forgetting our international aspect, a number of filled shoeboxes for Christmas were delivered to Blythswood Care and two members took part in the Virtual Kiltwalk in September, walking 15 miles to raise funds for the SIGBI project, Empowering Girls in Nepal.

The nature of the work carried out has changed but the ethos behind it remains the same today as when the club first started – a desire to make a difference to the lives of women and girls who are in need of support.

Why not join us?

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

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Women’s Aid - Christmas Eve Pyjamas Thank you so much to everyone who has donated Christmas Eve Pyjamas and Fluffy Socks so far for the women and children staying safe in the Renfrewshire Women’s Aid Refuge this Christmas.

If you would like to donate Pyjamas and Fluffy Socks for the women and children, then they can be handed to a member of staff in the CO-OP stores in HOUSTON, BRIDGE OF WEIR and KILBARCHAN until MONDAY 21 DECEMBER. I run the Renfrewshire Food Bank Donation Bins in these three stores.

Brand new Christmas Eve Pyjamas and Fluffy Socks in the following sizes would be most welcome – Women’s XS – XXL (size 6 – 24) Girls and Boys 0 – 12 years and for Teenage Boys (men’s size XS – XXL) Due to COVID-19, I am only collecting pyjamas and fluffy socks this year. I cant accept any second-hand clothes, toys, books or baby equipment. Many thanks.

For the women and children staying in the Women’s Aid Refuge this Christmas – a new pair of Christmas Eve Pyjamas and Fluffy Socks, bought for them by people in their community, offers care and support as they make plans for their new lives... Jenny x I can be contacted JennyMeadows10@outlook.com

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/

Police Crimestoppers Police Scotland

0800 555 111 01786 289070

Roads R.A.L.F Traveline

0800 37 36 35 0871 200 2233

Helplines Alcoholics Anon Childline

0800 9177 650 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

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

Renfrewshire Regional Champion • Roots of Linwood (Linwood CDT)

Highly Commended • Mansoor Tahmasebiniya, Gillian Green Grocers • Bunty Singh, Bunty’s General Store, Bridge of Weir

Regional Champion Douglas Graham, Blackwood of Kilmacolm Quality Butcher

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Inverclyde

Highly Commended

High Street Heroes

Reegan Kelly, Greenock (volunteer community food deliveries)

Heather Morris and Barry, Pets Corner, Gourock Park

Heather McCulloch & Nick Summers, The Pirate & Bluebelle, Gourock

Nadeem Ahmed, The Village Newsagent, Kilmacolm

• Gary McCaw and team, Bianco Nero, Paisley

High Street Heroes • Alan Bissett, Lochwinnoch Food Committee & Community Larder • Brenda Cook, Post Office, Ferguslie Park • Caroline Gormley, Made in Paisley • Catherine McAtier, WHAT IF…, Paisley • Julie Melrose, Bridge of Weir Coronavirus Community Assistance Group • Kirsti Reid, Little Pink Co., Elderslie • Laura Bell, IVAD Gifts, Paisley • Stuart Caldwell (Stuart the Plumber), Johnstone • Terry McTernan, Darkwood Crew, Ferguslie Park • ‘Brighter Sparks’ young volunteer group for Brighter Bridge of Weir • Gibb-Stuart Homeware, Bridge of Weir • Graeme’s Butchers, Paisley • Heritage Farmers Market Shop, Lochwinnoch • I Am Me, community charity, Renfrewshire • Kenny’s Fruit & Veg, Johnstone • Lochwinnoch Cares • Lochwinnoch Community Council • Lochwinnoch Food Committee • Mansoor Tahmasebiniya, Gillian Green Grocers, Paisley • Paisley High Street Post Office • Scottish Leather Group, Bridge of Weir • The Asparagus Hut & Barnhill Farmshop, Inchinnan • William Phelps Butchers, Paisley

Celebrating Our High Street Heroes The Scotland Loves Local campaign has been celebrating our High Street Heroes.

The awards recognise the people, businesses and local organisations who have gone above and beyond to support their communities during the coronavirus restrictions. High Street Heroes also celebrates those who have helped local shops and high streets to be innovative, resilient, and to operate in a safe and welcoming manner.

The list of Scotland’s High Street Heroes has now been announced and there are a number of our local names on the list.

All those nominated have received formal recognition as High Street Heroes. In addition, a small number of entries from each local authority area were awarded Regional Champion and Highly Commended awards, including receipt of an award certificate.

The Scotland Loves Local awards review team were humbled by the extent of public support shown for their High Street Heroes, with over 1,200 nominations received for around 600 individuals, businesses and local groups who had made a positive – and often crucial – difference to their community during difficult circumstances for all. They are fantastic examples of the spirit of the Scotland Loves Local campaign, and receive our heartfelt thanks.

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events for December

EVENT INFORMATION: Due to Covid restrictions, we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser for updates on these events. Where we can, we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events.

UNtil Friday 27th Nov Erskine Christmas Cracker Shopping Fayre

30th Nov to 15 Dec Zoom call with Santa for ACCORD Hospice

ONLINE: https://www.erskine. org.uk/event/christmascracker-2020/

ONLINE: https://www. accordhospice.org.uk/event/ zoom-chat-with-santa/

Join us for our first Virtual Erskine Christmas Cracker Fayre 2020 and indulge in a wonderfully festive shopping experience!

Ho Ho Ho!! ACCORD Hospice are delighted to announce that Santa Claus will be joining them for a series of ZOOM calls this festive season! Enjoy a 5 minute zoom call with Santa for £5 which will include a letter from Santa posted to them after their visit. Remember to fill out the form, Santa needs as much information as possible to give your child the best experience.

Browse our handpicked selection of boutique stalls and get set for Christmas with an array of unique gifts to choose from!

Saturday 28th NOV Christmas Tree Sale Scout Hall, Barr’s Brae,Kilmacolm, 10am to 2pm Raising funds for the Kilmacolm Scouts. Great quality, best prices.

Paisley Farmers Market Paisley Centre, 10am to 2pm A huge variety of produce for sale.

A leisurely walk round the market provides many opportunities to taste produce and discuss the characteristics and uniqueness of each offering.

Saturday Night Live at The Stand ONLINE: https://www. thestand.co.uk/live-at-thestand/ Our Red Raw section will also be back with some hopeful stars of tomorrow. You can watch the show on YouTube on your phone, tablet, PC or Smart-TV here: www. youtube.com Our doors are still shut to the public, we would not be here now without your help. If you can afford to donate to help the survival of the clubs and help pay acts please do so here... www.thestand.co.uk/ donate/ Full details on page 20.

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All proceeds raised by Santa will come to ACCORD Hospice.

1st to 24th DEC The Jingle Bell Virtual Run ONLINE: https://www. activecommunities.co.uk/ content/events/96-the-jinglebell-virtual-run/ Dress up in your best festive attire and join Active Communities for The Jingle Bell Virtual Run over 12 days in December!

Are you an elf, a snowman or even a Reindeer!? Pick a level from our running challenge pack, dress up in your best festive attire and complete your chosen distance over 12 days in December to earn your medal! Enter now for your instructions and medal. Don’t forget to send in your pictures!

Tuesday 1st DEC Foodbank & Children’s Gifts Donations Houston & Killellan Kirk, 13A Kirk Road, Houston, Johnstone PA6 7HW Please delivery any donations to the West Halls from 10am – 12noon & 7pm – 8 pm.

THURSDAY 3rd DEC Maggie’s Carols On Your Couch ONLINE: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/carolson-your-couch-tickets94613771337 7.30pm to 8.30pm, tickets £10 After such a difficult year for so many, we hope this festive season can be a time to focus on celebrating family, friends and the little moments that bring you joy.

So, help us spread some holiday cheer and join us, with your family, for our online singalong Christmas concert. We have a lineup of amazing musicians and singers and you will also hear readings from some well known faces.

We are also absolutely thrilled to confirm that Santa (yes, THE SANTA!) has cleared some time in his busy schedule and will be making a jolly appearance for us all on the night!

Please help us spread the word about the #CarolsOnYourCouch fun. The more the merrier!

Until Friday 4 Dec About Art for Erskine: Festive Edition ONLINE: https://www.erskine. org.uk/ Join us for Art for Erskine – Festive Edition, taking place online from Monday 9th November – Friday 4th December. This month long fundraiser offers a wide selection of contemporary artwork available to buy from the comfort of your own home!

Artists include Graham McKean; Elaine Johnston; James Williamson and many more. Every sale helps raise vital funds towards the care of Veterans in Erskine’s four care homes.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

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Saturday 5th DEC Christmas Tree Sale Scout Hall, Barr’s Brae,Kilmacolm, 10am to 2pm Raising funds for the Kilmacolm Scouts. Great quality, best prices.

Kilmacolm Farmers Market Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10am to 2pm Kilmacolm Farmers Market is held on the first Saturday each month featuring a great selection of local Scottish produce!

CO-OP Bridge of Weir - Food Bank Christmas Collection The Co-operative Bridge of Weir If you would like to help the most vulnerable in society this Christmas by making a food or cash donation – then Angela and her wonderful team in the Co-op Bridge of Weir will be there to greet you on Saturday 5 December. The store also has a Renfrewshire Food Bank Donation Bin in place all year round. Items that the Food Bank are always short of – Cereal, UHT Milk, Diluting Juice, Coffee, Tinned Tuna, Tinned Potatoes, Tinned Tomatoes, Tinned Fruit, Tinned Creamed Rice, Tins or Cartons of Custard and Toiletries (especially men’s deodorant, men’s shave gel and razors).

Sunday 6th Dec Light Up A Life for accord ONLINE: https://www. accordhospice.org.uk/event/ light-up-a-life-2020/ Sadly, ACCORD cannot invite you to come into the beautiful Hospice grounds for our Annual Light Up a Life Service. However, we know how important remembrance and reflection are and recognise that the service provides a great deal of comfort to you all.

This event will be streamed live on the ACCORD Hospice Facebook page from 6pm which includes carol singing and the illumination of our Christmas lights.

We will encourage you to light a candle at home with your friends or family to remember the special people in your lives.

Tuesday 8th DEC Foodbank & Children’s Gifts Donations Houston & Killellan Kirk, 13A Kirk Road, Houston, Johnstone PA6 7HW Please delivery any donations to the West Halls from 10am – 12noon & 7pm – 8 pm.

Saturday 12th DEC Christmas Tree Sale

14 Dec to 3rd Jan Sleeping Beauty ONLINE: https://www.universe. com/events/sleeping-beautypanto-tickets-VR126N With dazzling costumes, spectacular scenery and amazing special effects Sleeping Beauty really is the pantomime you’ve been dreaming of – so book your tickets now for this amazing Christmas treat!

Full details on page 20.

Scout Hall, Barr’s Brae,Kilmacolm, 10am to 2pm

TUESDAY 15th DEC Santa Sleigh Drive by Wave

Raising funds for the Kilmacolm Scouts. Great quality, best prices.

Houston - see page 5 for more details

Paisley Farmers Market The Paisley Centre 10am to 2pm A huge variety of produce for sale.

A leisurely walk round the market provides many opportunities to taste produce and discuss the characteristics and uniqueness of each offering.

12th Dec to 24th Dec Santa and the Snow Snow Factor, Braehead £89.95 per social bubble https://www.snowfactor.com/ santa-at-snow-factor/santaand-the-snow-2020/ Dance along with the penguins at check-in, sledge and play in real snow, have a yummy cookie and hot chocolate, and of course, meet Santa in his winter wonderland.

• Check-in at the dancing penguins in the Xsite mall (don’t worry, you won’t miss them!)

• Head straight to our winter wonderland to sledge, tube and play in real snow (so come dressed for real snow!)

• Munch on delicious cookies and warming hot chocolate • Visit Santa in his lodge where he’ll read you his favourite story • The little ones will get a gift to take home • Photos with Santa will be taken and are available to purchase at an additional charge. These can be placed in a Christmas bauble amongst other options by our experienced team if you wish.

Santa will be doing a Drive by Wave to everybody. No sweets and no stopping this year but he wants you all to come to the window and Wave so he can wish you a Merry Christmas.

WEDNESDAY 16th DEC Santa Sleigh Drive by Wave Houston - see page 5 for more details Santa will be doing a Drive by Wave to everybody. No sweets and no stopping this year but he wants you all to come to the window and Wave so he can wish you a Merry Christmas.

16th Dec to 24th Dec The Parking Lot Social Winter Festival Glasgow Skyport Park & Ride, Burnbrae Drive, Linwood PA3 3BW https://theparkinglotsocial. co.uk/christmas/glasgow/ The magic of Christmas lives on at The Parking Lot Social Winter Festival. Gather your loved ones and experience an enchanted evening of entertainment beneath the glow of our 60ft tall rainbow-coloured Christmas tree. Pantomimes, huge Christmas parties, festive movie screenings, fireworks, comedy, food trucks & more. Spread across 9 days there’s something for everyone, and it can all be enjoyed whilst snuggled up in the warmth & comfort of your car.

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THURSDAY 17th DEC Santa Sleigh Drive by Wave Brookfield & Weir’s Wynd - see page 5 for more details Santa will be doing a Drive by Wave to everybody. No sweets and no stopping this year but he wants you all to come to the window and Wave so he can wish you a Merry Christmas.

FRIDAY 18th DEC Santa Sleigh Drive by Wave Kilmacolm (all) - see page 5 for more details Santa will be doing a Drive by Wave to everybody. No sweets and no stopping this year but he wants you all to come to the window and Wave so he can wish you a Merry Christmas.

SATURDAY 19th Dec Santa Sleigh Drive by Wave Quarriers & Bridge of Weir see page 5 for more details Santa will be doing a Drive by Wave to everybody. No sweets and no stopping this year but he wants you all to come to the window and Wave so he can wish you a Merry Christmas.

Gina and Tonic; Meets the Makers ONLINE: https://www.alzscot. org/our-work/events/ginaand-tonic-meets-the-makers-0 7.30pm-9.30pm, tickets from £30.60 (18+ only) Support Alzheimer Scotland by joining Gina McKie from Go Radio as she meets 4 Scottish gin makers and enjoy a tasting of their fantastic gins from the comfort of your own home!

Enjoy a tasting of each of these fantastic gins matched with either Fever-Tree’s tonic water or ginger ale. Learn more about each maker along with fun quirky games and entertainment from Gina herself.

Support Alzheimer Scotland by enjoying a tipple from the comfort of your own home. This is a live online show, the link to which will be sent shortly before the show starts.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

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local community, local life ...............

SUNDAY 20th Dec Santa Sleigh Drive by Wave Bridge of Weir - see page 5 for more details Santa will be doing a Drive by Wave to everybody. No sweets and no stopping this year but he wants you all to come to the window and Wave so he can wish you a Merry Christmas.

21st Dec to 24th Dec The Secret Theatre ONLINE: https://www. scottishballet.co.uk/event/thesecret-theatre Scottish Ballet will bring the magic of theatre to your home! Tickets are FREE and must be booked in advance. Full details on page 20.

23rd Dec to 4th Jan Rapunzel: A Hairy Tale Adventure ONLINE: https://www. nationaltheatrescotland.com/ events/rapunzel A very special online festive show filmed in the beautiful surrounds of Stirling Castle, created by a Christmas cracker writing team, featuring sparkling showtunes from Novasound and directed by Scottish Panto King Johnny McKnight. Also available will be a free, fun, festive activity pack for families to enjoy over the holiday period.

Full details on page 20.

THURSDAY 24th Dec Christmas Eve Jingle Where? At your door at 6pm!

Let’s end 2020 with a bit of magic, hope and togetherness by heading outside at 6pm on Christmas Eve and ringing a bell to spread Christmas spirit!

On Christmas Eve at 6pm everyone will come outside onto their doorsteps and ring a bell for 2 minutes to spread Christmas spirit and to help Santa fly his sleigh.

After this awful year it would be an amazing memory for the kids and communities. End 2020 with a bit of Magic, hope and togetherness! #christmasevejingle2020

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FRIDAY 25th DEC A Queen’s Speech ONLINE: https://www. nationaltheatrescotland.com/ an-alternative-queens-speech 3pm Paige Ootabook invites audiences to join her in her royally lovely residence for her reflections on the annus haribo-eatis year we have just endured, and her hopes and wishes in 2021.

An irreverent and heartfelt offering from one of the most fabulous Dames of the realm to her subjects on Christmas Day! Paige Ootabook will be making her online debut in the film Rapunzel on 22 December.

this month, we’re bringing you the beautiful window displays at Gibb Stuart in Bridge of Weir.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

Local Public DEFIBRILlATOR SITES Bishopton The Cornerstone, Greenock Road Bishopton Community Centre

Brookfield Brookfield Village Hall Main Entrance

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

Elderslie Elderslie Golf Club

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

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 Scout Hall Kilbarchan Bowling Club

Linwood Onyx Leisure Centre Spar, Clippens Road Asda

Paisley 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.

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Your Local COUNCILLORS WARD 9:

JOHNSTONE NORTH, KILBARCHAN, HOWWOOD & LOCHWINNOCH Cllr Derek Bibby: E: cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk T: 0300 300 1274 | M: 07534 156007 Cllr Bill Binks: E: cllr.bill.binks@renfrewshire.gov.uk T: 0300 300 1423 | M: 07976 239 881 Cllr Andy Doig: E: cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk M: 07534 148224 Cllr Emma Rodden: E: cllr.emma.rodden@renfrewshire.gov.uk T: 0300 300 1431

WARD 10:

HOUSTON, CROSSLEE & LINWOOD Cllr Audrey Doig: E: cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk M: 07768 130935 Cllr Alison Jean Dowling: E: cllr.alison.dowling@renfrewshire.gov.uk T: 0300 300 1419 Cllr Scott Kerr: E: cllr.scott.kerr@renfrewshire.gov.uk T: 0300 300 1424 Cllr James Sheridan: E: cllr.james.sheridan@renfrewshire.gov.uk T: 0300 300 1425

WARD 11:

BISHOPTON, LANGBANK & BRIDGE OF WEIR Cllr James MacLaren: E:cllr.james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk T: 0300 300 1291 Cllr Natalie Don: E: cllr.natalie.don@renfrewshire.gov.uk T: 0300 300 1426 Cllr Colin McCulloch: E: cllr.colin.mcculloch@renfrewshire.gov.uk Tel: 0300 300 1427

WARD 1:

INVERCLYDE EAST Cllr Christopher Curley: E: christopher.curley@inverclyde.gov.uk M: 07768 460073/01475 712370 Cllr Stephen McCabe: E: Stephen.McCabe@inverclyde.gov.uk T: 01475 712020 (office hours) Cllr David Wilson: E: david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk T: 01475 741969 and 01475 712727 M: 07766 992294

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online events this Christmas!

Saturday Night Live at The Stand

The Secret Theatre 21st to 24th December

Saturday 28th November www.t h e st a n d .co. u k / live-at-the-stand/ www.scottishballet.co.uk/ event/the-secret-theatre Scottish Ballet will bring the magic of theatre to your home this Christmas thanks to their brand-new film, The Secret Theatre!

w w w. u n i v e r s e . c o m /e v e n t s / sleeping-beauty-panto-ticketsVR126N You’ll will be captivated by the tale of a beautiful Princess who pricks her finger on a spinning wheel and falls into a deep sleep. Starring Benidorm’s favourite and I’m A Celebrity’s CRISSY ROCK as Fairy Nuff alongside the beautiful REBECCA LAKE as Princess Aurora, CHRIS PYM as Prince Harry, ROBERT SQUIRE as Nanny Nora Knickerdrawer, CHARLIE GRIFFITHS as the evil Carabosse, NICK WYMER as King Stefan and the hilarious ANDREW CURPHEY as Chester The Jester Sleeping Beauty is the perfect online festive treat. With dazzling costumes, spectacular scenery and amazing special effects Sleeping Beauty really is the pantomime you’ve been dreaming of – so book your tickets now for this amazing Christmas treat!

The viewing period opens at 10am GMT on 14th December and closes 11pm on 3rd of January. Your code will be valid for 4 days from your first viewing within this period.

Also on sale is an electronic full colour Pantomime programme that will be sent before the event opens.

The organisers are supporting 2 charities, the Equity Benevolent Fund and the Actors Benevolent Fund and all donations will be split equally between these 2 charities.

Starring characters from our most popular festive ballets, the worlds of the Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy collide when the theatre bursts into life.

In this spectacular, feature-length film, you’ll be treated to an extraordinary show filled with acrobats, snowflakes, clowns, princes and – of course – beautiful ballerinas.

The Secret Theatre will premiere on Monday 21 December at 6pm and be available online until Thursday 24 December. Tickets are FREE and must be booked in advance. Please consider making an optional donation to support the making of this film.

Running time: approximately one hour

Mark Nelson returns as host with his partner in crime Al on tech. With sets from Billy Kirkwood, Jay Lafferty, Gareth Mutch, Stephen Buchanan and headliner Gary Little.

Our Red Raw section will also be back with some hopeful stars of tomorrow.

You can watch the show on YouTube on your phone, tablet, PC or Smart-TV here: www.youtube.com Our doors are still shut to the public, we would not be here now without your help. If you can afford to donate to help the survival of the clubs and help pay acts please do so here... www. thestand.co.uk/donate/

Rapunzel: A Hairy Tale Adventure

Rapunzel is a celebration of theatricality, 23rd December music and storytelling. A chance to hear to 4th January from every character in this well-known hairy tale, untangled and re-braided for this day and age. A chance to sit with the family and finally piece together the story of one www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/events/ lassie and her journey from isolation to rapunzel taking her rightful place at the…. Hey come on, I’m not going to give away the ending now, am I?” Paige Ootabook, Narrator A very special online festive show filmed in the beautiful surrounds of Stirling Castle, created by a Christmas cracker writing team, featuring sparkling showtunes from Novasound and directed

by Scottish Panto King Johnny McKnight. Also available will be a free, fun, festive activity pack for families to enjoy over the holiday period.

Watch the digital version of Rapunzel from the comfort of your own home, through a special page on our website, from 23 December 10am until 4 January 12pm. Tickets are available on a scale of £0 to £25 to make Rapunzel accessible to everyone during this Christmas period.

Whatever contribution you make will be much appreciated and will go towards covering the production and technical costs for this festive online show.

If you prefer to support your local theatre this Christmas, you will be able to purchase tickets for the stream on some local theatre’s website as well, please check with your local venue for more details.

Running time: 70 mins Recommended age guide: 6+

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

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village news ward 1 - inverclyde

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PLANNING: We are consulting on a new Local Development Plan.

As part of the Main Issues Report we asked for housing sites. I understand all the usual suspects are back in play. As I write there is no news on the Carsemeadow Gladman/Quarriers application.

Cllr David Wilson

PARKING: The Council has consulted on having 3 hours free parking in the Lochwinnoch Road car park and a charge of £2 for over 3 hours and consequently all day. A Residents’ parking scheme is proposed for tenement flats in Lochwinnoch and Bridge of Weir roads. I have campaigned that Moss Road tenements should also have Resident parking permits. Parking in Moss and Gillburn Roads can be difficult and I have been approached by several residents experiencing problems.

Notwithstanding the above, I do not believe we should make any changes until the matter of long term car parking is resolved i.e. site in Gillburn Road or behind the Old Police Station.

KNAPPS: There is to be substantial tree planting at Knapps Loch.

Work will happen in 2021 and involve Oak, Hazel, Poplar, Norway Spruce on lower soils and Sitka Spruce on the upland areas. We are assured that the proposals will ensure that public access to the Knapps will be protected and open ground used for the main agricultural show ground will be protected. Unfortunately the light horse cross country course will be lost. The girls who have established the Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow Agricultural Show as a serious venue for light horse will be devastated. The area for the bonfire has been omitted from planting but unfortunately due to Covid 19 it could not take place this year.

REMEMBRANCE: A short Remembrance service was held at the Memorial on the 8th and the two minutes silence observed in the Cargill on the 11th. Wreaths were laid throughout the Sunday by many village organisations.

CHURCH AMALGAMATION: Discussions continue on the amalgamation of the Old Kirk and St Columba’s Churches. We understand the manse will be in Glencairn Road. The Episcopal Church in Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow has lost Reverends Gonzales and Gifford. The latter did a tremendous job at St Mary’s in Port Glasgow. His monthly Clydemen get together of 70 men to celebrate the history of shipbuilding was a fine occasion with excellent speakers. His conduct of Sir Eric Yarrow’s funeral service at a packed St Columba’s was exemplary. The Bishop conducted the funeral service for Canon William McDade who gave St Colm’s years of service.

GENERAL NEWS: I will really miss my many school and church functions this Christmas but wish all my constituents a happy and safe festive season.

STOP PRESS: Branchal Milk have launched fresh local farm milk every Tuesday and Friday in the village at the Cargill.

CONTACT: I can be contacted on david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk 01475 741969, 712975 and 07766 992294.

Kilmacolm Community Cleanup Well done to all the community minded folks who turned out to pick up litter in and around Kilmacolm.

They were: Marion and Morven Armour, Councillor David Wilson, Andrew Brewer, John Hunter, Ken McLaren, Liz Reid, Lisa Griffin, Joyce Jefferis, David Goddard and Mike Jefferis. We covered the cycle track to Port Glasgow, the cycle track to Bridge of Weir, Smithy Brae, Blacksholm Road, Old Greenock Road and Ducal/ Milton Woods. A total of 22 bags of rubbish were collected and the place certainly looks a lot better for it.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

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The Bridge 63 Main Street, Bridge of Weir www.thebridgebridgeofweir.com Happy Birthday!!! In mid November The Bridge celebrated its Ninth birthday.

Your Support – we are well into the Christmas season and, due to strong customer demand, we have increased our stocks of Christmas Goods. Please make sure you visit The Bridge for your packs of Christmas cards, individual cards, wrapping paper, Christmas bags and tags and money gift wallets. Our very popular locally produced Calendar for 2021, showcasing Bridge of Weir scenes, is on sale as is a selection of Diaries for the coming year.

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

Please ask Donald, Stuart and Alison for details.

Christmas stamps are now on sale. Please remember the overseas posting deadlines!!! Please ask our Post Office staff for details.

“Social Distancing” - To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our customers, volunteers and staff please adhere to the two metre distance rule. Hand sanitisers are available for the use of customers.

The Garden - thank you to Brighter Bridge of Weir for their skill and hard work in tending our front and side garden ground.

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

(Opening Hours: Mon – 10am to 1pm then 2pm to 5pm ; Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat 10am to 1pm)

Freeland Church Advent Tree of Lights This year there will be a Christmas tree outside Freeland church during December. Each light on the tree can be dedicated to commemorate a loved one, a birth, an anniversary, a wedding or an achievement.

There will be a short outdoor service of dedication when the lights are switched on on November 29th at 5pm (Covid rules allowing).

We can also record your name and message in a special book.

If you would like to dedicate a light please fill in the contact form with the details of the occasion you wish to celebrate/ commemorate on the Freeland church website http://freelandchurch.org.uk/

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

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Bridge of Weir CC Press Report Although the Community Council has not met since our last meeting on 3rd March the work has continued throughout this time.

PLANNING: Planning in Scotland has been a hot topic of late after a recent successful appeal of a planning decision at Quarriers Village at the Court of Session. On the back of this appeal we have responded to the recent Scottish Government consultation on changes to the ‘Presumption in Favour’ (as part of national planning policy). The Community Council was unanimously in favour of the proposed changes that will hopefully make speculative developments harder to progress.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Currently a ban on mass gatherings is in place across Scotland and when lifted it is expected that restrictions will remain in place for some time, including physical distancing measures and advice to avoid crowded places. This has resulted in the Community Council cancelling our annual Christmas Lights Switch on Event, our application for funding to Renfrewshire Council was also withdrawn.

PRIZEGIVING: The Community Council were delighted to finally arrange for the presentation of prizes for last year’s design a Christmas Light feature. Due to the lockdown the presentation to the pupils at Bridge of Weir Primary School was held over till October. The winning entry “The Reindeer” designed by Eloise McClymont has been purchased and will be the main feature of this years display, the runners up were The Penguin designed by Sarah Finan and The Bells by Dylan Macalroy.

The Judges were overwhelmed by the high standard of entries.

Principal teacher Vhari Duncan was delighted with the prizes which were large picture frames of the Blanchere engineers final design.

The Community Council look forward to further engagement with the Primary School.

PLAY PARKS: Following a successful grant application to Renfrewshire Council by the Community Council, work has begun to install more play equipment in Bridge of Weir playparks. A generous bequest from a local resident made it possible to increase the number of play items that could be purchased. New equipment suitable for a younger age group has been installed in the Horsewood Road Park, to be followed by additions to the Moss Road Playpark over the coming months.

ROADS: Road surfaces in Bridge of Weir are being resurfaced and junction white lines are being reinstated. Grass has been cut short for the winter and litter patrols will continue to litter pick. Brighter Bridge of Weir have been planting out. The broken sleeper at the bridge in the Glen has been repaired and decked with chicken wire making it non-slip and walker safe.

GENERAL NEWS: As we have done throughout this pandemic the Community Council will endeavour to keep the public informed and updated through their Facebook Page.

Take care and stay safe.

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Bridge of Weir Churches

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WARD 11 Cllr James MacLaren

Bridge of Weir Village Advent Calendar – Hope, Peace, Joy, Love What do we hope for at this time of Covid? How can we find peace amidst trouble and joy in sad times? And how can we find and share love, when we have to keep physically apart? Many of us have questions and longings that go deeper than the surface level of our lives, especially this year.

Three Bridge of Weir churches are working together to put out an online advent calendar on Facebook and YouTube. Each day, starting Sunday 29th November, a short video for all of the village will be shared via a dedicated Facebook Page and YouTube channel.

The content will vary each day but will be loosely based on the traditional and timeless themes of hope, peace, joy and love. Some days it may be a carol or piece of Christmas music, other days a spoken reflection, a poem or a slideshow of images.

In this way we want to share some of the things that give us hope, peace, joy and love, inspired by the good Christmas news that Jesus came to be Immanuel - God with Us. We believe that He is still with us in 2020 and this makes all the difference!

Find the online advent calendar by searching for BoW Village Advent Calendar on Facebook or YouTube or via the links in our churches’ websites and Facebook pages. If you can’t find it, and want to get emailed the link, email minister@stmacharsranfurlychurch.org.uk .

St Machar’s Ranfurly Church planned Christmas services: 6th December - 10.30am

Annual gift service for Salvation Army Gift Appeal (gifts can be left outside the church before and after the service)

20th December - 10.30am Instant nativity service 24th December - 4pm

Christingle/family service

GORDON ANDERSON: I was very sad to hear the news of the death of Gordon Anderson, the recently appointed Bridge of Weir chairman.

Gordon was a good friend and has done a tremendous amount of work in the village. His work included cutting the grass out at the Burndale Kitchens junction, clearing drains throughout the village, clearing snow, and recently repairing the footbridge at the bottom of the Glen. In addition he chaperoned the congregation across the road at St Mary’s Church on a Sunday morning. He will be sorely missed.

ROADS: Council has just announced its winter programme which started in October. I pointed out at the recent ILE Board that we have a large number of blocked gullies in Renfrewshire and it is likely we will have more flooding during heavy rainfall and icy roads because the water does not drain away. Now is also a good time to check if the council has topped up any grit bins near you. If you know of any specific gullies to be cleaned or grit bins needing filled then please drop me a line and I will request this.

There are now plans under way for an improvement to the road junction at Old Greenock Road and Kingston Road in Bishopton. The white lines have now been refreshed and a new cranked Give Way sign is on order which should make it more obvious to drivers come up the hill.

FLU JABS: Further to my press articles about the flu vaccination, I am pleased to say that the Health Board had arranged for local chemists to offer the vaccination until the 20th November. I do hope that you managed to get your flu jab. If you had a problem with this then please let me know.

Looks like the next jab could be the inoculation against the Covid virus and I do hope that it will be better organised and the elderly are one of the first to get it rather than the last.

24th December - 11.30pm Watchnight service

CONTACT: Please note my new surgery details:

No service on Christmas Day

I am available for face to face meetings but am also available by phone. For the moment my surgeries will be by telephone only. My mobile number is 07534 148794.

27th December - 10.30am Service of lessons and carols Note prebooking is required for all services, please contact our: sessionclerk@stmacharsranfurlychurch.org.uk and check out our website: www.stmacharsranfurlychurch.org.uk.

These planned services are dependent on the relevant Church of Scotland and Scottish Government guidelines at the time. Numbers are limited, masks compulsory and we won’t be singing. We also livestream our services at our YouTube channel (search for St Machar’s Ranfurly Church).

If you have problems getting through on the main council switchboard then you can try contacting me by phone on 0300 300 1291 or by email to cllr.james.maclaren@ renfrewshire.gov.uk I am happy to receive messages via Facebook but I do prefer an email. In any case, it can take me a while to see Facebook messages. No community council reports at present but hopefully C Councils will be meeting up before too long. More on www.facebook.com/ councillormaclaren

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

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Ethical Christmas gifts Tea towels A lovely memento, a useful gift and easy to post, only £6.00 each. All proceeds to the Mwandi “Electric Classroom” fund.

TO ORDER e-mail: teatowel@btinternet. com or phone 01505 690636 (Caroline).

The gift of light As a gift to friends or loved ones why not give them part of a solar “Electric Classroom” for school students in Mwandi in Zambia.

This will last longer than chocolates or a book, and will bring a glow to your heart, as well as a glow in classrooms far away.

Gift cards available.

Click on the link www.give.net/20283361 or phone 01505 690636 (Caroline) • Electric sockets £5

• Battery storage £50

• Length of cabling £10

• Inverter (DC to AC) £150

• Classroom light £20

• Laptop £250

Or other amount if you wish.

Bridge of Weir Memories

by Irene McCallum

A nostalgic look back on growing up in Bridge of Weir in the 30’s 40’s & 50’s 44 Pages, over 20 illustrations with 14 chapters on Schools, Shops & Businesses, The Supernatural, Crime and Punishment, Wartime Refugees, Medical Matters and much more.

Poems on B.O.W. Leather, The Cobblers Shop, and Stewart Cook’s Sausage Relive the memories of a childhood brought to you by the Author Irene McCallum, born in the village in 1931 and still going strong.

The Book retails at £5 with all profits from the sale going to local charity.

This limited addition journal of a by gone time is readily available from the following outlets.

•

The Lion’s Paw Gift Shop

•

Lochnagar Café

•

Gibb Stuart Home Hardware

•

Cutting Crew Hairdressers Kilbarchan

•

Renfrewshire Local History Forum on Facebook

Or contact the Author directly on 01505 872026

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ward 10

Cllr Audrey Doig LOCAL AREA PARTNERSHIP: Recently there was a virtual meeting of the new Local Area Partnership for the Villages, which covers Houston, Crosslee, and Brookfield, as well as another five of our village communities.

The new LAP’s were a replacement for the old Local Area Committees and like the LAC’s the new Partnerships provide vital seedcorn funding for local community organisations and initiatives.

So successful has this been that the Villages LAP is sadly always oversubscribed. However, all applicants got around 70% of what they applied for, and this included Houston Community Council. I know the Community Council is still running the Children’s “Design a Streetlight” competition, and I will give them every support in any way I can.

FUNDING: I have become aware that Renfrewshire Council’s has new funds available for any projects to do with creating green spaces and planting trees in order to combat climate change. If any community groups in my ward have any ideas for funding please email me and I will forward the details to you.

A737 UPGRADING: At the last full council meeting I was pleased to support a motion, passed unanimously, calling on the Scottish Government to provide both a budget and a timescale for the upgrade and dualling of the A737 between the North Ayrshire section and Kilbarchan, very close to Brookfield. I would like to thank Brookfield Community Council, in particular, for the support and encouragement it has given to me on this key health and safety issue over many years. My constituents deserve 21st century transport links and the ball is now firmly in the court of local MSP’s to act.

GENERAL NEWS: We all know that this Christmas will be very different from what we are used to. But I want to wish all my constituents, of all faiths and none, a very happy Christmas and a Good New Year, because 2021 can only be an improvement on this year.

CONTACT: Contact Details for Cllr Audrey Doig Councillors are not at the moment having face to face surgeries due to the Covid 19 restrictions. But please email me on cllr.audrey. doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk or call me on 07768 130935 if you have a civic matter you wish to raise with me.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

Advertising Feature

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

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Houston & Killellan Kirk christmas gifts for children CrossReach is the social work arm of the Church of Scotland.

Among the services they offer is a visitors’ support and advice service at Perth Prison and a visitors’ centre family hub at Polmont Prison. These services offer safe and welcoming places for families to relax before and after a prison visit. For children there are toys to play with and books to read, and free refreshments.

Keeping families in touch with prisoners is a “golden thread” which helps to minimise re-offending. Many of the children of prisoners have very little and, when it comes to Christmas, they can feel very left out. The CrossReach prison visitor service aims to provide a gift at Christmas to each of the children with whom it comes into contact. It can only do this through the generosity of donations.

It is hoped that the congregation of Houston & Killellan Kirk will generously support it again this Christmas. The request is to put NEW unwrapped gifts in open gift bags, with an indication of age, and boy or girl.

This year the plan is to have the gifts collected at the West Halls (Rear Fire Exit Door facing the Manse), Main Street, Houston, with no social contact, at the same time as the Foodbank donations continue to be received on 1st & 8th December 10am – 12noon and 7pm – 8pm.

The following are what it is suggested most families would appreciate: Boys and Girls ages 3 – 5 • Clothing

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Warm Clothes for the homeless Warm clothes for the homeless, supported by organisations such as the Simon Community, is again a key Local Outreach appeal at Houston & Killellan Kirk. We are seeking donations of, essentially in the current COVID climate, new clothes • warm underwear

• jumpers

• t-shirts

• woolly hats

• warm nightwear

• scarves

• waterproof jackets & trousers • gloves • joggers

• socks

to keep these vulnerable men & women as warm & dry as ourselves during the winter.

The Kirk’s Mission Team are confident that those in the congregation & in the wider community will respond generously, as they have done so in previous years, by bringing their donations to the West Halls, Main Street, Houston on the following Tuesdays - 3rd, 10th, 17th or 24th November. The donations will be accepted, with no social contact, at the Rear Fire Exit Door of the Halls facing the Manse between 10am & 12 noon & between 7pm & 8pm i.e. at the same time as Foodbank donations continue to be received.

Alternatively, to arrange collection, contact bob.ross7@gmail.com

Advent at the Kirk The message from Houston & Killellan Kirk is ..... #christmasisnotcancelled as this year, more than ever before, is the opportunity to share with all the community the Christmas story of hope. Before the date of this issue, hopefully the walk round nativity will have been completed.

• Craft Kits

Boys and Girls ages 6 – 9

• Colouring/Sticker Books

• Clothing

• Pen/Pencil Sets

• Jewellery Sets

• Disney & Action Hero Figures

• Board Games

• Trucks/Cars

• Craft Kits

• Dolls

• Pencil cases

Details of all other activities will be found on www. houstonkillellankirk.org and particularly on the Kirk’s Facebook.

Kirk Services planned:

• Play Doh

• Pen/Pencil Sets

•

• Jigsaws

• Small Lego Sets

Midweek Wednesday Services will continue and will have Advent themes.

• Christmas Annuals/Books

• Christmas Annuals/Books

•

Sunday 6th December at 7pm – Advent Reflective Remembrance Service.

•

Sunday 13th December – Family Afternoon Worship in West Halls with Christmas Gifts handover

•

Thursday 24th December – Afternoon Services at 4pm and 5.15pm – Watchnight at 11.30pm.

•

Christmas Day – short all age Service at 11am.

Boys and Girls ages 10 +

• Selection Boxes

• Clothing

Teen & Young People Annuals

• Craft/Building Kits

Boxed Pens

• Sand Clay Modelling Sets

Selection Boxes

• Board Games • Mechanical Lego/Brick Headz • Gadget Puzzles • Christmas Annuals/Books

Please don’t donate anything too heavy or bulky, since most families travel by public transport.

All Services in the Kirk are limited to 50 people. Tickets require to be booked (subject to Government Guidelines). Further details on the web site and Facebook.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

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local community, local life ...............

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THANK YOU LANGBANK Despite the difficulties of the last 8 months the community spirit in Langbank has flourished and we have enjoyed helping our friends and neighbours. There is no doubt it feels like there is so much which we can’t do and yet we have managed to do so much.

During the initial lockdown it was lovely to have a socially distanced conversation with our neighbours after our weekly Thursday evening clap and many villagers deserve our thanks for doing their bit; to all of those who kept an eye on neighbours in need and got shopping, those who did daily prescription deliveries and those litter picking during their daily exercise.

Cheerful windows made us smile with rainbows and teddies on display, socially distanced activities to keep villagers entertained during daily exercise, bikes fixed, flower tubs planted, grass strimmed and our Swingpark cleaned - thank you.

One big event for the village has been the recent installation of a defibrillator at the Village Hall and we are grateful to those who spent time and donated money to help make this happen.

We’ve just had a very successful socially distanced Halloween Scavenger Hunt which provided a safe alternative to the usual guising and we have been told by one of Santa’s elves that there is likely to be a socially distanced Christmas activity to help keep spirits high.

The most important task was, and continues to be, keeping our community safe. So thank you for following government guidelines and doing your bit. We also need to remember community members who have lost friends and loved ones, for they understand most keenly the need for our continued vigilance and care, our thoughts and sympathies are with them.

With thanks from Langbank Community Council.

For information, concerns or if you’d like to become involved please email CC at info@langbank-community.com

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

Lochwinnoch International Aid and Fairtrade Rice Promotion Our 90 kilo Kilombero rice challenge is now underway and bags are available at the Heritage Farmers Market in Lochwinnoch at ÂŁ3.75 per kg. Alternatively you can ring the number below. White and brown rice are available. The target is to sell 90kg which is the amount a Malawi rice farmer needs to sell at the Fairtrade premium rate in order to send a child to secondary school for a year.

The photograph shows a delighted customer and LIA Fairtrade supporter, Mary Alice, receiving two bags of rice from Sean at the Heritage Farmers Market. Both are smiling broadly under their masks. If you’d like to make a Fairtrade Rice Pudding, recipe cards are available to view at the Farmers market.

The rice is grown in rich alluvial soils on the northern shores of Lake Malawi. Traditional cultivation methods are used which protect the environment and have sustained local communities for centuries.

Farmers receive a fair and stable price for their rice which means they can plan and invest in their businesses. In this way they can increase their incomes, provide greater food security for their communities and support and educate their families. The overall result is a superior aromatic rice that’s good for you and better for the planet.

Kilombero is the most ethical rice on the market according to Ethical Consumer Magazine.

We are still unable to resume any of our planned fundraising activities but we continue to receive money via our regular monthly subscription scheme and we are always ready to welcome new members. Individual donations are also welcome. Get in touch through lochintaid@gmail.com or telephone 07702 544868.

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Old Library Centre Kilbarchan The front of the building at the Old Library Centre has now been repaired and isn’t it looking great!

Our hard working volunteers have finished producing the calendar. It shows scenes of the village in bygones days and each image has been graphically enhanced. The calendar is produced in house and is a major fund raiser for us each year. This year is especially important as we have not managed any other fundraising and as our normal activities have had to be suspended our income has been very much depleted. We are producing 2 sizes of calendar this year: our normal A4 is priced at £5 and we are producing a smaller A5 size at £4.

We are also offering this year a PayPal facility and posting abroad. Please email the Centre: kipcokil@ hotmail.com or phone 01505 706070 for further details about this.

Kilbarchan National Women’s Register The NWR group meets fortnightly on Wednesdays and has a varied programme of speakers and discussion topics. If you’d like to find out more about NWR and the Kilbarchan group, please contact the website: www.nwr.org.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

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local community, local life ...............

ward 9 Cllr Andy Doig PARKING: I have been contacted recently

by Kilbarchan Community Council regarding inconsiderate parking outside Kilbarchan Primary School at peak periods. I think the solution is through sustained dialogue with the school community, the parent council, and the community council, and with the village as a whole. There is a pilot operating just now at certain primary schools in Renfrewshire to make them a car free zone, so I have written to the council officers asking if this will be extended to other schools.

A737 UPGRADING: At the last full council meeting I was delighted to get a motion passed calling on the Scottish Government to provide both a budget and a timescale for the upgrade and dualling of the A737 between the North Ayrshire section and Kilbarchan. I would like to thank Howwood Community Council, in particular, for the support and encouragement it has given to me in my campaign to eradicate the notorious Howwood junction which has been the scene of so many tragic accidents and near misses over decades.

The ball in now firmly in the court of local MSP’s to act.

CROSSING PATROLS: Also at the last full council meeting I raised the need for Renfrewshire Council to plan ahead and recruit sufficient staff to ensure that all villages like Howwood and Lochwinnoch have their full complement of School Crossing Patrollers. Having supported the campaign to save the one at Bowfield Road in Howwood I tabled an successful amendment called for the Lochwinnoch patrollers to be similarly retained in post at the Key Store in the village. I would like to thank those ward colleagues who supported me on this.

FLU JABS: I have been lobbying the Health Board for several months now in relation to them providing local hubs for the many elderly people in my ward to get their flu jag, without the inconvenience and difficultly of having to travel to Paisley. I am delighted that eventually the Health Board apologised and in the face of pressure from Councillors, including myself, agreed to use a number of local pharmacies to deliver the flu jag. This is a victory for the villages and for people power.

GENERAL NEWS: We all know that this Christmas will be very different from what we are used to. But I want to wish all my constituents, of all faiths and none, a very happy Christmas and a Good New Year, because 2021 can only be an improvement on this year.

CONTACT: Contact Details for Cllr Andy Doig – Councillors are not at the moment having face to face surgeries due to the Covid 19 restrictions. But please e mail me on cllr.andy. doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk, call me on 07534 148224, facebook me on Independent Voice/Ward9JohnstoneAndVillages, or tweet me on CllrAndy4Ward8, if you have a civic matter you wish to raise with me.

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Cllr Bill Binks FLU JABS: There has been real worries by many people about the establishment of St Mirren Park in Paisley as the most suitable venue for flu vaccination clinics for the over 65’s. Currently there are approximately 30,000 people over 65 in Renfrewshire. It is no hardship people such as myself who have their own means of transport. But, in our ward many rely entirely on public transport only when it is available if at all. Rather than bore you with the details of the rights and wrongs of these arrangements. I have been assured that Local District Nursing Teams, in conjunction with GP Practices, will vaccinate housebound residents. They will also attend residents in care homes. Nursing homes will be responsible for their own vaccinations. As these arrangements are likely to last for at least four months, if you have any concerns at all you can Email:- perl@ ggc.scot.nhs.uk or phone:- 0141 201 4915 / 4540.

For Lochwinnoch, adaptations of this model have been made for the over 65’s who are in a GP practise that has two connected surgeries – one in Lochwinnoch and one in Beith. An additional access to a local pharmacy in Lochwinnoch for vaccination of over 65’s has been secured.

FUNDING: It is good news that Johnstone have secured funding of £40,000 for the Christmas Lights project. Together with promised repairs to the bandstand, it is hoped that the town centre will be transformed. It’s also good to see the removal of the walkway barriers, after much lobbying, by the Community Council and myself. I understand that some of the new equipment in Thomas Shank’s Park has been vandalised. I notice also that broken glass is everywhere. The next big project must be raising of funds to have complete CCTV installed so that the culprits can be brought to justice.

Plans for the area at the Co-Op and Station Road in Kilbarchan have been received. It is hoped that arrangements can now be made for a virtual meeting with members of the Community Council and Mark Higginbotham of Renfrewshire Council to debate the various issues involved.

Howwood has seen some smartening up in the village with new flower tubs placed at several entrances to the village. Also the Pathways in the Rhombus Garden have now been tarmaced.

Plans for safety rails and a cycle rack are opposite the Boarding House are ongoing. A big thank you to the Howwood Wildlife & Woodland team for their continued efforts to keep the village looking so welcoming.

CONTACT: As all advice surgeries have been cancelled because of the current covid19 restrictions, you can still get in touch with me via the following contact details:Email: cllr.bill.binks@renfrewshire.gov.uk Phone: 0300 0300 1423 Mob: 07976 239 949

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

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local community, local life ...............

Cllr Derek Bibby PARKING: I have recently received correspondence from a number of constituents expressing concern about the ongoing problem of parking, speeding and general traffic congestion around local primary schools.

The proposed pilot scheme at 4 primary schools in regard to school parking exclusion zones was discussed at the November meeting of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure Board.

The schools involved in the pilot are in Paisley and Erskine, and it is the current view of the council that while Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch and Howwood primary schools experience similar problems, they do not meet the criteria for the pilot.

I have examined the selection criteria which includes high level of congestion and complaints about irresponsible parking. From this and my knowledge of the problems, it is clear our local schools have a pressing need for action.

It is incumbent on the council to revisit their decision, and meantime along with schools and parent groups, look at measures and initiatives that are appropriate to their location and make every attempt to improve safety.

RECYCLING CENTRES: One of the many consequences of the pandemic for council services was the closure earlier in the year of the waste recycling centres in Renfrewshire.

The subsequent restricted opening hours caused congestion outside the centres, therefore I am pleased to report that from 9th November all sites will be open 7 days a week.

ROADS: The Council’s environmental winter maintenance plan has been published.

Given that roads within rural areas, as in previous years have yet again been given a priority 4 for gritting, I have stressed that it is

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crucial that in the likely event of bad weather the grit bins located in our villages are provided with sufficient salt supplies.

I have also emphasised that consideration needs to be given to redrafting the council’s priorities for deployment of its gritting teams, to ensure areas that have a significant older population receive the necessary level of service .

On a related note, 37% of Renfrewshire’s potholes were completed within timescales during 2019 /2020 ,so there is some catching up to done on this front.

LOCAL WRITER: Having lived in Kilbarchan for the majority of my life I was delighted to purchase a copy of a new book, Listen Closely, an oral history of Kilbarchan 1900-2000 by Colin Campbell and Christine MacLeod.

The book is a very enjoyable read with its many contributors evoking various aspects of village life in the last century, and will be of interest to habbies and people across Renfrewshire alike.

GENERAL NEWS: It is hard to believe that this is the last Advertizer column of 2020; a year that will live long in the memory for all of us. Christmas and the New Year, a time for reflection and to look forward, will look very different this year.

I want to pay tribute to all key and essential workers for their tireless endeavours throughout 2020 and to whom we owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude. I am aware that for those in our communities who have been affected by Covid 19 and who have lost a loved one, that this Christmas will be an especially difficult time.

At the time of writing it is unclear what restrictions will be in place for the foreseeable future. Whatever transpires, it is my wish that everyone in Kilbarchan Howwood and Lochwinnoch has a peaceful Christmas and a hopeful New Year .

CONTACT: Please contact me anytime at cllr.derek.bibby@ renfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 0300 300 1274 or 07534 156007.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

Local history Johnstone History Society As Christmas approaches it is still uncertain what kind of Christmas we face. However, although our meetings as yet have not been able to resume the Museum continues to open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 4pm.

All our usual books are still on sale and able to be purchased in the Museum or online at johnstonehistory.org and can be paid for via PayPal. Also on sale are our Johnstone Pictorial calendars priced £5 and as we sold out quickly last year and many people were disappointed, I would advise you get in early to be sure of getting one.

The Museum operates adhering to strict government guidelines. The Society would like to wish all our members and friends A very happy and safe Christmas.

Memory Lane

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The history spot Glentyan Estate, 1922 Glentyan House was built by Alexander Speirs, a local linen merchant, in the late eighteenth century.

A subsequent owner, Richard Hubbert Hunter, owned the estate from 1898 until his death in1939. His son, Charles Hunter, took this photograph of Glentyan House in, or before, 1922.

Richard Hunter’s coat of arms, made of wood and colourfully painted, adorned the apex above the front entrance. Over the years the coat of arms deteriorated. After gracing the house for over one hundred years, sadly this wooden plaque fell to the ground and shattered in 2010. The tower with the flagpole on the roof has also been removed.

Retired headteacher Colin Campbell and former manager of the Weavers Cottage museum in the Renfrewshire village of Kilbarchan, Christine MacLeod have combined forces in a local history project. After interviewing dozens of older local residents they have produced a handsome publication of memories from the last century.

Richard’s daughter, Elspeth Hunter, remembers that during WW2 the tower was used as a look-out post by the ARP wardens. She remembers being in the tower on a dark night when a German plane flew overhead and family members on duty had to quickly cover the bright white letter ‘W’ on their warden helmets in case they were spotted by the German pilot.

‘We share an interest in the past, national and local,’ explains Colin, ‘and we thought it would be an interesting idea to put on record people’s lived experience Geordie Fulton and his apprentice Johnny in the village.’ Christine Macleod Lightbody, outside his blacksmith’s shop in was brought up in Kilbarchan Kilbarchan’s Steeple Street. and operated in the museum as a weaver as well as managing the popular attraction. Both have used their extensive network of local connections to good effect and a handsome and fascinating book, Listen Closely: an oral history of Kilbarchan 1900 – 2000 is the result.

Today the frontage of Glentyan House remains as it was built in the late eighteenth century, but only the much-ruined wall of the walled garden is standing today.

One aspect covered is the move over many years to convert homes that were previously weaver’s workplaces into modern homes. Other features of work include the role of horses and hence their shoe-ing at the village forge as pictured.

Listen Closely (£15) is available from local outlets and online from https://www.thirstybooks.com/bookshop/

Charles, who inherited the estate on the death of his father, was a keen photographer. His photographs of Glentyan Estate taken in the early 1920s, include also this excellent image of the enormous glass house in the walled garden.

©2020, Helen Calcluth, Renfrewshire Local History Forum

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out & about Kilmacolm Horticultural Society The Virtual Flower Show, undertaken by the Kilmacolm Horticultural Society when the traditional Annual Show needed cancellation, provided a delightful alternative. 43 members provided a huge range of photographs including the traditions of the usual Flower Show plus some views of their gardens in bloom. The website continues to entertain visitors, please go to www. kilmacolmhorticultural.com and click on ‘Virtual Show’.

Until the restrictions are eased to enable us to meet together in larger groups once more, until the public halls are open for meetings once more, we are unable to hold our popular Lectures, Plant sales, Coffee morning etc. But normal activities will be resumed a.s.a.p.

Enjoy the changing colours of autumn into winter, prepare your bulbs for spring blooms, take care of each other.

A Winter’s Tale Brighter Bridge of Weir’s summer plants lasted quite well this year but, alas, all things come to an end. We have to arrange a suitable time for getting the summer plants out and the winter ones in. It’s not an easy job; each part has to be done quickly, so we have to pick a time when most of us are available, traffic is light and the weather’s not too bad.

At the time of writing, phase one (summer plants out) has been completed and by the time you read this, the winter plants should be in and settled down.

And while we’re looking ahead, our quite famous rustic reindeer are making their appearance. They’ve been very successful for us over the past couple of years and so popular that we’ve started making them earlier. There’s a new addition this year, too - a table-top size for just £6. If you’d like to pre-order you can do so by calling Neil on 07969 642487, or (01505) 613043. We can deliver, or you can collect from our popup shop on December 5 (more about this on our Facebook page).

Meantime, keep the heid everyone, and stay safe.

RSPB Lochwinnoch So, December is now upon us, this has been an exceptional and very different year for all of us. But our amazing reserve is still here and all the different wildlife that calls the reserve home. We have all our winter migrants in from colder climes, Whooper swans and Greylag geese, jostling for space on the Airds meadow and Barr loch with Goosander, Golden eye, Wigeon and Teal. But the usual all year-round suspects are still here so look out for graceful Mute swans and noisy Mallard ducks. As you walk the beautiful trails see if you can spot cheeky robins, tiny Coal tits, and beautiful Blue tits, Great tits, Goldfinch and even the odd Pheasant at our feeding station. Our reserve shop is open so why not come and see if you can find an unusual Christmas gift for a loved one. We have a wide range of Christmas cards and gifts, diaries and calendars. But don’t fret we continue to stock all your RSPB favourites, and every purchase helps us to protect wildlife and their habitats in the UK. But as usual we aren’t forgetting our younger visitors to the reserve, for the month of December we will have a Reindeer scavenger hunt as our Christmas activity on the reserve. We will hide our wooden reindeer along our Airds meadow trail for you to find.

Santa’s Reindeer Hunt – cost: £1.50 per child plus normal trail fees which apply for non – members. This activity will run for the month of December anytime between 10-4pm, 7 days a week.

Please when visiting our reserve stick to current Scottish government guidelines including travel out with different council areas.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

Kilbarchan & District Beekeepers Association It’s the month when beekeepers can settle down and put their feet up by the fire and take a break from hive care. Well not exactly. December is not suitable for opening the hives for inspections or the bees could be chilled with disastrous consequences. Inside they are in their winter cluster, maintaining the temperature by contracting and relaxing their flight muscles. However, for the beekeeper there is still some work to be done, from the occasional visit to the apiary to make sure that all is well, to cleaning and checking equipment.

Now is a good time to use wax collected over the summer and turn it into presents for Christmas. Candles give a lovely warm glow and wax can also be made into cosmetics such as soaps and lip balm.

At this time of year, the recent honey harvest finds its way into cakes and drinks for the festivities too.

During the autumn there have been plenty of on- line lectures and meetings to keep beekeepers informed and connected including monthly meetings arranged by the KBDA. Kilbarchan Beekeepers continue to enjoy their winter meetings online during restrictions with discussions, talks and advice.

If you are interested in beekeeping for yourself please contact our secretary via helenajbee@gmail.com who will provide more details about our association and how to join. We have a Facebook page which is reserved for members and beekeeping friends, but you can follow us on Twitter @KilbarchanBees

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Plans published for two temporary cycling routes in Renfrewshire Detailed designs for two new temporary cycling routes from Howwood to Paisley and Bridge of Weir to Houston have been published by Renfrewshire Council.

They are the first of a series being introduced on key commuter routes to encourage people to cycle for essential journeys to and from work and school, for exercise and to visit local shops during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Each route is funded through the Scottish Government Spaces for People programme and supported by Sustrans Scotland.

A summer survey shaped design of the 35-minute, 10km cycle between Howwood and Paisley, which passes St Anthony’s Primary School, Johnstone Train station and through Elderslie, before connecting with National Cycle Route 7 into Paisley town centre.

And the Bridge of Weir to Houston route has been brought forward following a request from Houston Community Council to provide a safe cycling option between the two villages.

The 10-minute cycle along Houston Road includes a combination of existing pavement converted into a shared use route for pedestrians and cyclists and on-road cycling, finishing in Houston outside Gryffe High School.

Letters have been issued to residents, schools, businesses and communities on each route detailing the plans and asking for any feedback to shape the final plans, with the routes to be installed in early 2021.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “Cycling brings so many benefits for our wellbeing and for our environment and these two new routes will encourage more people to cycle and wheel for essential journeys during the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Both routes have been carefully considered, with parking and access maintained for local shops, and over four weeks we are engaging with local residents, businesses, schools and communities, sharing the developed designs and listening to feedback to improve and adjust each route to ensure they are welcomed and well-used.”

[CONTINUED ON PAGE 44]

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

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Scout’s Christmas Tree Sale Bridge of Weir Horticultural Society During benign October weather, gardeners were able to catch up with end-of-season chores. Autumn tints were splendid with surprising flourishes from Springtime shrubs, such as Azaleas and Rhododendrons. Christmas Cacti owners were remarking that some were budding nicely and likely to flower for Christmas or earlier!

Bulbs should be planted by the end of November. If not..... check the recommended depth for each bulb, not just the ‘rule of thumb’ of 2.5 times the depth. Add horticultural grit to the bottom of the hole, or Vermiculite or Perlite. This helps drainage so keeps the bulb healthy. The last bulbs to plant are normally tulips. Sometimes delays occur but bulbs will catch up or fall into dormancy depending on conditions. For best results, place one type of bulb in a pot and when they flower, arrange these for effect. ‘Lasagne’ type planters may be fashionable but are disappointing. Different bulbs pop up at different times and often the display is sparse because bulbs are over or yet to come.

Remember bare-rooted shrubs etc., ordered earlier, will be appearing and need to go in promptly. Give these a good drink, keep moist in a bucket in a cool shed and plant when the ground is frost-free. Prepare a hole wide enough to spread the roots freely over the soil, add compost and mound slightly in the middle to encourage roots to grow downwards, then sprinkle the roots with organic Micorhizzal powder and position on the mound. If roots are too long, this is the time to trim them and will do no harm. These are the plant’s anchor roots. The fibrous ones are those which suck up nourishment. Firm the soil to support the plant. If the tree has a trunk, include a stake to prevent root rock. This should be angled at 45 degrees and point into the prevailing wind. Tie the stake to the tree lower down the trunk but not too tightly. Movement should be limited near the roots but allowing flexibility for the trunk to sway.

A little tugging on the roots encourages them to get working!

Find us on Facebook and read our new e-letter with members’ contributions.

Scout Hall, Barr’s Brae,Kilmacolm, 10am to 2pm On Saturdays 28th November, 5th and 12th December.

Kilmacolm Scouts will be bringing some early festive cheer to end the year by selling our usual fantastic Nordmann non-drop Christmas Trees.

Due to Covid restrictions the trees will be pick-up only this year but we can cater for all sizes at prices well below the big stores.

All money raised goes to funds that help provide skills and adventure for young people.

We will be selling from our Scout Hall in Kilmacolm and possibly in Bridge of Weir too for those who usually come from Renfrewshire to buy their tree and who don’t want to break the Tier 4 lockdown.

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temporary cycling routes [cont]

get ready for winter weather

Full details of each route are available now on the Council’s Spaces for People cycle routes webpage and as the Bridge of Weir to Houston route has been added to the programme, an online survey is open until Sunday 20 December for more detailed feedback.

With colder, wetter weather approaching, homeowners and businesses are being asked to identify whether their area is at risk of flooding and, if so, ensure they are ready in advance. As part of its #RenReady campaign, the council are encouraging residents to take proactive steps to avoid flooding damage, including:

There are also webinars on each route being hosted by the design consultants, with the Bridge of Weir to Houston webinar at 7pm on Thursday 3 December and the Howwood to Paisley webinar scheduled for 7pm on Thursday 10 December. Anyone wishing to participate in either webinar can email ei@renfrewshire.gov.uk and they will be provided with the joining instructions.

Councillor McEwan added: “We are working hard to hear from anyone with an interest in these routes and are contacting local businesses directly to ensure we’ve considered their needs.

“These are the first routes we are bringing forward and next year we hope to share the developed designs for others. While they are temporary measures, if they prove popular then we can look at more detailed discussion and consultation to develop them into permanent cycling routes as it’s so important we enhance the active travel opportunities across Renfrewshire.”

The Spaces for People Fund is managed by Sustrans who give tailored support to successful projects to assist with the planning and delivery of the new temporary infrastructure.

Tim Aeberli, Infrastructure Coordinator, said: “Sustrans is delighted to see the delivery of the first two Spaces for People-funded popup cycle routes in Renfrewshire gathering pace. Bridge of Weir, Houston, Howwood, Johnstone, Elderslie and Paisley will benefit from safe, segregated links which will make it easier to walk, cycle or wheel while maintaining physical distancing.

“We look forward to hearing feedback on the proposed routes, and to find out how the new routes will support you for safe and active journeys to schools, workplaces and essential shops in your area.”

As part of the feedback process, residents, schools, businesses and communities are being asked for their opinions – as are key active travel organisations across the country.

Clare Skelton-Morris, Communications & Monitoring Manager at Cycling Scotland said: “During lockdown, we heard from so many people how much of a difference cycling was making to their health, enjoying cleaner air, quieter roads and reduced feelings of stress. As we continue to battle against Covid-19, getting outside and active is more important than ever to look after our physical and mental health.

“We’re encouraged to hear these safe cycling routes are being introduced in Renfrewshire and hope, longer-term, that these routes may be developed into permanent, protected and inclusive infrastructure, which is the highest priority to enable more people to cycle.”

For more information on the proposals, visit www.renfrewshire. gov.uk/SpacesForPeopleCycleRoutes.

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Creating a list of useful numbers such as the council, emergency services, electricity and insurance companies;

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Checking gutters and drains around their property are clear and reporting public drains in need of attention;

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Being ready to switch off gas and electricity supplies should this be required;

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Ensuring everyone living or working in the property knows what to do should flooding occur by creating a Flood Plan;

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Following up to date weather reports so that they’re not caught out by adverse weather.

In the event of severe flooding, residents can check for localised updates via the council website and social media, or via the Floodline Service on 0345 988 1188. Flood Alerts and Warnings are also posted live to SEPA’s website at sepa.org.uk/floodupdates Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of RC’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “Unfortunately as winter approaches, this brings darker nights and harsher weather. So, it’s important that we are all prepared to deal with the effects of heavy rainfall and know what to do if it arrives, especially if you live in an area prone to flooding.

“We’re working hard to ensure that areas we know are at risk are prepared in advance by clearing drains and trying to divert the natural flow of water - but we can also provide you with support in an emergency. You should create a flood plan so you’re not caught out and do all you can to protect your property from the risk of flooding. As always, we’re available to support you and offer advice so please get in touch if you need assistance.”

Renfrewshire Council is working with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the SEPA website has information on how best to stay safe, including a postcode map outlining the flood risk in each area.

Vincent Fitzsimons, SEPA’s Head of Hydrology and Flooding Services, said: “While you can sign up for Floodline at any time it’s important you have time to understand what those messages mean - and what you can do in advance of rainfall. We want to encourage people to make the time to visit sepa.org.uk/signup and get registered. If you’re not online you can also call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

“There’s a wealth of information available at floodlinescotland.org. uk to help you prepare, including what to do before, during or after a flood. There’s advice for your homes, your business and you travel, with links to key sources of information. Don’t wait until flooding’s at your door, sign up to Floodline now and make sure you’re ready before you need to be.”

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

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pets

Festive hazards The Christmas season is a time to celebrate and have fun, but it’s important to remember that there can be some hidden dangers for our four legged friends at this time of year, from toxic foods to poisonous plants and potential foreign bodies.

These include:

Chocolate Chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs. It can cause gastrointestinal upsets, agitation, excitation, tremors, convulsions and even heart problems.

Helping Wildlife in Winter What should I put out for the animals?

• Birds - seeds, suet balls, mealworms, berries or chopped up fruits (apples, pears, plums) • Hedgehogs - minced meat, tinned dog/cat food (not fish-based), chopped boiled egg • Squirrels - hazelnuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, chopped carrot

chestnuts,

• Badgers - Fruit (apples, grapes, peanuts, dried dog food, mealworms

pears),

• Small mammals - mixed seeds

Christmas pudding and mince pies

Christmas plants

Dried products such as currants, sultanas and raisins found in puddings and mince pies are also toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of these can cause kidney failure which can be fatal.

Many plants that we have in the house at Christmas can also be toxic to our pets.

Poinsettia, holly, mistletoe and pine needles can all cause vomiting and diarrhoea. In addition poinsettia can cause irritation to the mouth and hypersalivation, and ivy may cause local skin irritations.

Onions Onions can cause vomiting and diarrhoea initially.

They can also cause damage to red blood cells leading to anaemia developing several days after ingestion. Similar signs are seen with garlic, leeks, shallots and chives.

Foreign bodies

Macademia nuts

Foreign bodies are inedible materials that are ingested and can cause choking, damage to the gastrointestinal system or obstruction of the stomach or intestine. This can be very serious and may require urgent surgery to remove the foreign body. Things to consider a hazard include Christmas decorations made of plastic, paper or foil, wrapping paper, tissue paper, string and candles.

These can cause lethargy, increased temperature, tremors, lameness and generalised stiffness in dogs.

Have fun this Christmas, but remember to keep an eye on what your furry family members are munching on!

Alcohol Initially alcohol can cause dogs to be drowsy and wobbly. This can progress to low body temperature, low blood sugar and coma.

Microchip Details Its always worthwhile to take a minute to check your pet’s details so your furry friend can always be returned safely should they wander away. If you have changed any of your contact details such as your phone number or you have moved house, don’t forget to update your pets microchip details. It could be what helps reunite you with them if they are lost or stolen.

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clubs & schools

Bridge of Weir Primary Who Wants to be a Word Millionaire?

By the News Team Bridge of Weir Primary loves reading and loves to celebrate those who give their time to reading.

Each year we set a challenge to P4-7 pupils to see who can read a quarter, half or three quarters of a million words.

This year we already have many award winners in these categories.

We also have two ‘word millionaires’ and we’re not even halfway through the year! In some years pupils have become ‘multi-word millionaires’ and have read an astounding two million, three million, or even a whopping four million words!

These words are counted through the Renaissance reading programme. On it, pupils can read a book then take a quiz to see if they have understood what they read. Not all books are on Renaissance, so the school encourages pupils to tell the depute head about those they’ve read at home The school will happily count that word total towards the pupil’s total amount.

Maybe this will be the year YOU could be an award winner. All you have to do is read a book or enjoy an audiobook or someone reading to you – a great way to spend a wintery evening!

Bridge of Weir Primary Saves Christmas!

This year, unfortunately, we have had to cancel the Nativity and Christmas Celebration due to COVID-19 crowd restrictions but, fear not, we are still going to be spreading Christmas cheer.

Each class will be carrying out a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) challenge called ‘Chaos at the North Pole’. I think - by the end of it - Bridge of Weir Primary will have helped save Christmas!

This will be quite different but is promising to be a lot of fun, and will create a great Christmas memory of 2020 to look back on.

Kilmacolm Playgroup It has been lovely being back at Playgroup seeing the happy, smiling children enjoying themselves. We have been very busy welcoming our new boys and girls to playgroup life and they have all settled very well.

Our themes we have been exploring have been Autumn, Halloween and fireworks. Lots of fun crafts and busy tuff table sensory play has kept the children very busy.

The children have also enjoyed plenty of physical play in our large hall upstairs playing on the trikes and bikes and practising our balancing skills on the stepping stones.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

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Duchal Nursery We have been making the most of our park location taking walks around the local green spaces, collecting leaves and being creative in our outdoor classroom, whatever the weather the Duchal children love being outside!

Thank you to Colin Cox Fitness for running a personal training session for us in the park, the children were so engaged and loved all the activities, a fabulous way to introduce them to the benefits of exercise. We’ve been using our outdoor space for creativity and messy play, there has been plenty of time at the mud kitchen and painting autumnal images using broccoli paint brushes!!!

Inside as well as imaginative play, there has been an emphasis on team work and interactive learning. Our pre school year are flourishing and progressing so well with their fine motor skills and learning preparing them for starting school. They really benefit from the quiet space which allows them to work separately from the younger children, making the most of our 3 separate classrooms.

We are currently taking registrations for August 2021, Duchal is an independent nursery with our children moving on to various local schools in Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and Glasgow. We are open daily until 6pm during term time and offer free funded hours. If you would like to find out more, please get in touch and we can arrange a visit the Nursery to meet the teachers and see our facilities. Email info@ duchal.com. Visit our website www.duchal.com and our Facebook page for further information.

Gryffe High News GryffeStyles Week – 3K Fun Run Our annual 3K Fun Run, which has been running now for over 20 years, was brought into doubt this year with ongoing restrictions, particularly with mass gatherings. Not to be defeated, an adapted VIRTUAL 3K Fun Run was organised to take place over our September weekend.

This allowed our pupils and staff to continue to experience this annual event, whilst also being able to extend this out to families and our wider community and of course raise money for our chosen charity – Beatson Cancer Charity.

This event was the climax to our healthy lifestyles week – GryffeStyles – with all departments contributing to our healthy lifestyles focus on week beginning Monday 21st September as well as our S6 Citizenship and Wellbeing committee delivering lesson to S1 on LGBT, Resilience, Black Lives Matters and By-Stander Approach.

With money still coming into our Just Giving page – www.justgiving. com/gryffehs3kfunrun - we have now reached a total of £2110 to be donated to this great cause. Amazing!!

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Houston Primary School Sunflower Competition During lockdown, pupils from our school gardening club planted sunflowers in their own gardens. They cared for them during the summer months, to see who could grow the tallest sunflower. Mac from Primary 6 is absolutely delighted to be the winner. His sunflower reached a whopping 2.1m!

Ben the Builder!

Primary 7 pupil, Ben Stewart has always been a keen builder and has continued to develop his skills over the years. His latest project is making squirrel benches from wooden pallets. Mrs McPherson placed an order and Ben got to work during his October holiday.

Outdoor Learning Our pupils have also been busy in the kitchen, making delicious treats for their families from our very own fresh produce, grown in the school garden. Well done to all of our keen gardeners and chefs!

St Benedict’s High School St Benedict’s High School, and in particular Project Leader of Employability Jonathan Cook, were thrilled to see the pupils committing to learning outside the classroom during these unprecedented times. They have managed to form and keep external partnerships, most recently with Law firm DYW, who has set up a four-part programme via microsoft teams. The pupils have not let the pandemic nor the usage of ICT dampen their spirits as they progress through the course which focuses on their skills and employment prospects. PL Jonathan Cook said he was very proud of the pupils and was inspired by their courage, positivity, and togetherness during such hard times.

Brookfield Bowling Club Brookfield Bowling Club members stand socially distanced on the green at Closing Day

Primary 3 pupils have been learning about woodlands this term. Mrs Thomson and Miss McCafferty taught their pupils how to use a flint and steel to create a spark to start off their campfire. It was a ‘cosy’ afternoon outdoors.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

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Ladies Section Old Ranfurly Golf Club Old Ranfurly golf club ladies section have now completed their trophy competitions and medals for this season. We may have started late due to golf club closure until 28th May but our enthusiasm more than made up for lost time. This was thanks to the efforts of Jennie Scott and Fiona Daly who were committed to making the season as competitive and enjoyable as possible in-spite of the late start and the other restrictions that have unfortunately been part of all our lives this year. This includes some very challenging weather conditions!! Due to their efforts all went ahead smoothly attracting the biggest turn out of ladies ever over a summer golf season.

We are now embarking on our Winter Competitions and although these are reduced this year, they offer ladies the opportunity to continue to play competitively through the winter season. The highlight will be the Santa Swing, always a very popular event. However its unsure whether this can go ahead this year due to the developing situation. Unfortunately this year there was no captain’s dinner and prize giving. Some of our successful trophy winners included: Sandra Bell -Anne Lavety Memorial Trophy.: Suzanne Smith - Wilma Aitken Birdie Trophy: Linda Anderson- Mary Simpson Salver: Stephanie Watson- Wilma Aitken Rose Bowl & Centenary Trophy: Paula Adam & Gillian Lavety- Grace Campbell Salver. The club championship this year was won by Marilyn Muir. Congratulations to her and all other ladies who were successful this year!!! Let’s hope next season we are all in a better place.

Regular Meet Classes Move it or Lose it

Zoom Pilates classes

Sadly, we have not been able to restart any of our classes, we look forward to brighter days ahead.

Mondays at 9.30am - 10.30am & 7pm - 8pm

Sending best wishes to all class members for Christmas and wishing you all a healthy and happier new year.

Jennifer Sloan Physiotherapy Led Pilates

Take Care and stay safe! Fiona - 07811 766672

Tel: Yvonne 07786 224367 or yvonne@ clydephysiotherapy.co.uk

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

Zumba Light St Fillan’s Church, Kilmacolm Mondays at 10am All the fun and energy of Zumba but at a lighter pace! Fabulous music, full of fun - a fantastic class for for all levels.

Contact Mo 07505 126416.

Rebok Step Class Freeland’s Church Hall, B of W 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.

Due to current government advice many of the classes which usually feature in this section have been unable to resume for the time being. Check out previous Advertizers on our website for various class details and contact information.

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The ladies’ section rounded off the season with a final flurry of competitions. Lady Captain’s Day saw members young and old, with a range of handicaps, taking part in the tri-am competition over 9 or 18 holes. Winners of the 18-hole competition were Stella Bowie, Shelagh Palmer and Ann Tanner with a great score of nett 66. The 9-hole competition was a family affair with Clair Barclay, Lesley Handley and young Lucie Barclay taking home the prize. A delicious afternoon tea was enjoyed afterwards.

39 ladies also turned out for the Ladies Final Swing competition to mark the end of the season. Winners of the fun 10-hole Texas scramble competition were Ladies Captain, Jackie Sayers, Maura Whyte and Janette Dunsmore.

Kilmacolm Golf Club Above: Lady Captain’s Day Winner 2020 Below: KGC New Golf Studio

Congratulations too to Nicky Stirrup and Lucy Woods who are through to the second round of the national Daily Mail Foursomes competition after a close match against opponents from Gleddoch Golf Club. Good luck in the next round.

The season may be over but there’s still plenty of opportunity to get out on the course as we look forward to our winter knockouts. The Jack Frost singles and the Winter Foursomes are now underway so hopefully the weather will continue to be kind to us. For those looking to play social games, the Tuesday morning Winter Ball game is an informal opportunity for ladies to play 10 holes throughout the winter. Simply book on the App or in the pro shop by 9am on the day.

The winter season is also a perfect time to work on improving your game and demand for the ladies coaching sessions has been high with sessions running on Tuesdays and Fridays. If you are keen to improve your game over the winter months, our club pro Stuart Roberts will be running a variety of sessions so please do get in touch.

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

The addition of a new state of the art indoor studio providing two bays will be a welcome addition to golfers this winter. The studio is available for tuition, practice and fun rounds of golf, and will add to the already great facilities on offer at the club. Members can book sessions via the App or at the pro shop.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

51

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club In addition to all the other finals played at the end of August, we tragically omitted to mention the Junior Club Championship Final in last months Advertizer.

It will be remembered as a tussle between two very keen golfing brothers, played in the best spirit of the game. Gregor Rawson(16 years old) against his younger sibling Lorne(13 years old).Gregor got off to a good start over the 18 hole final and was 3 up after 4 holes, but Lorne then replied with a great run of 3 wins on the trot of his own! The comeback was short lived however and Gregor went on to win fairly comfortably. We are sure that Lorne will have other opportunities in the future!.The other main talking point was the fact that almost the entire Rawson clan were spectating and all of them found it difficult to take sides!

We must also mention that not only did Gregor win the Junior CC at the Castle ,but he also defeated Lewis McIlvar in the Junior Club Championship Final at the Old Course Ranfurly!

A rare feat indeed and all our congratulations go out to him.

WELL DONE Gregor!

The Men’s October Medal, played on a particularly unpleasant day, was won by Allan Hughes in Div 1, Jim Park in Div 2 and Reece McGillian in Div 3.Congratulations to all for getting out there in the first place!

With the final divot repair session having now taken place for this season,(thank you to all the volunteers!) we look forward with renewed vigour to 2021.

Gregor Rawson receiving his trophy from Captain Eunice Muir and referee for the day, Mr Andrew Biggart

local community, local life ...............

business classified WE ACCEPT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

52

ADVERTISING RATES TRADES/ SERVICES/ PROPERTY/ VEHICLES BOXED AD £8.00* per column cm PHOTO £8.00* (vehicle/property sales only) * Prices subject to VAT

Trades and Services

childcare Houston registered childminders. For an informal chat to find your best childcare, call Helen Smith on 07952 390282

Kilmacolm/Quarriers area registered childminders.

P/ t i m e o r F/ t i m e vacancies for u-5’s and after school. T: 01505 873839.

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:

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS FROM ONLY

£38.40 (inc.VAT)

PER MONTH - AD THIS SIZE GET IN TOUCH!

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 reinsert 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.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020

53

sales & wants Items For Sale Baby Equipment Ragamuffin baby carrier; Winnie the Pooh changing bag with parasol; Baby b e a n b a g , w i t h ex t ra cover for older child’s beanbag. £30. Tel: 07841 836021 .

Clothes & Shoes Doc Martin Safety shoes.

Black, size 9. Boxed.

Never been worn. £25.

Tel: 01505 690247.

Household & Garden Charles Eames replica lounge chair and footstool. Black leather in walnut casing. Excellent condition. £200 .

07411896227 Large arc floor lamp with marble base. Would suit home with high ceiling.

Great condition. £50 .

07411896227 ?Philips Juicer 1868.

E xc e l l e n t c o n d i t i o n , smoke free home. Full instructions and recipe booklet. £30. Tel: 01505 672 175 Stonehill Furniture Sunburst Teak Coffee Table, mid 1970s. Striking teak veneer sunburst grain. Circular, 34inch diameter, 4 teak legs, 16inches high. Attractive retro piece of furniture in very good condition.

Very minor signs of wear only. £40. Tel: 07528 362930.

Retro style oak and veneer coffee table from the House by John Lewis range. Handy shelves and drawers for storage.

Approx H38cm X W110cm X D 6 0 c m . E xc e l l e n t condition, smoke free home. £120. Tel: 01505 672175 Beautiful Edinburgh Crystal Decanter (etched “Edinburgh” on bottom). £20. Tel: 01505 842558.

Single Bed (Silent Night) Mattress (firm), 6 months old, only used twice. Cost over £300 sell for £100 ono. Tel: 01505 842558.

Wrought iron glass top oval Coffee Table. £20. Tel: 01505 842558.

41” Techwood TV. Very good condition. £50. Tel: 07597 923000.

2 Conservatory Chairs & Coffee Table in pine with floral design cushions. £75. Tel: 01505 329289.

Airforce 2.5kw oil filled heater in good condition - £20. 01505 872026.

Recliner. Electric. Rarely used. Side pockets and a r m c a p s . E xc e l l e n t condition. Cost £550, sell £95. 07986 812483 Bedroom furniture. Forest Furnishing Modena range in Bardolino Oak. All new.1x8 drawer twin chest 9 6 h x 1 1 5 w x 4 5 d (c m ) . & 2x2 drawer bedside.

47hx40wx45d £345.00 Tel: 01505 615683 4 packs Summer Maple Aqualoc laminate flooring, 9.5m, with 12m underlay supplied. £25 Tel: 01505 872984 Multi circles mirror approx 89cm x 89cm (16 circles in total, each 20cm in diameter). Glass and silver coloured metal.

Good condition. £60. Tel: 01505 672 175 Beautiful round dining table in reclaimed oak. Approx 120cm in diameter x 70cm high.

Good condition. £120. Tel: 01505 672 175 Builders double ladder, extends to 7 metres approx. £50.00 Tel: 01505 872993 6 upholstered dining chairs, Free. Tel: 07748 529920

Sports John Lewis Exercise Bike with bike computer and digital display. £50 ono.

Tel: 01505 874815.

Special putter - Odyssey White Hot 2 ball, excellent condition. £60. Tel: 07519 252499.

L a d i e s P e u g e o t B i ke .

Helmet, Basket & Tyre Pump included. Very good condition. £50 ono.

Tel: 07749 482631.

Gents Racer Bike. Good condition. £25. Tel: 01505 842558.

Gazco Stockton 5 cast iron electric fan stove wood effect with remote control. £125 ono Tel: 01505 873 729 or 07 968 561 739 G a r m i n A p p ro a c h S 1 0 GPS Golf Watch, used twice. £50 ono Tel: 01505 873 729 or 07 968 561 739 Golf Clubs - 8 steel woods, 11 irons mainly Hogan Edge, 2 putters, bag and flight bag. £60. Tel: 07519 252499.

Technical & Games Pair of black ash JAMO s p e a ke r s . 1 0 0 Wa t t .

Size H21” x W11.5” x D9” approx. Very good condition. Bargain - £25.

Tel: 01505 690247.

P h o t o S l i d e S c a n n e r.

Digitalise your slides onto a PC. Excellent condition. £5. Tel: 01505 872448.

Canon EOS 1000f SLR camera with Canon 2890mm lens. Instruction booklet, cleaning kit and Canon carry case included. Great condition. £30. Tel: 01505 672 175

Early Rider wooden bike.

Comes with pink saddle and handles plus unused brown leather saddle and handles. £25. Tel: 01505 672 175 Box of Hornby train set items including D3035, M5120, 254, brake van, coal tender, track and buildings. Smoke free home. £50. Tel: 01505 672 175

Other Items Stainless steel hip flask and 2 collapsible shot cups in a presentation box.

Excellent condition as unused. £10. Tel: 01505 672 175 Spare space saver tyre for Mocca complete with jack and tools £80. Tel 01505 614010 Gents Citizen Eco-Drive Watch. Runs with solar/ n at u ra l l i g h t . B l a c k / silver dial with day/date.

Leather strap. Boxed with instructions. Excellent condition. £20. Tel: 01505 690247.

Gents Pulsar Watch. Blue/ si l ver d i al w i t h d ate and 3 function readout.

Leather strap. Boxed with instructions. Excellent condition. £20.Tel: 01505 690247.

G e n t s R o t a r y “Chromospeed” Watch.

Black/silver dial with date and 3 function readout.

Stainless Steel strap.

Boxed with instructions.

Excellent condition. £25.

Tel: 01505 690247.

2 Raleigh Kompact folding bikes, 20in wheels, 5 speed Shimano gears, side stand, rear carrier. £80 each or both for £120. Tel: 07519 252499 .

Wanted Items

Local lily grower requires the use of a greenhouse/ polytunnel in Kilmacolm area in return for light gardening duties. Tel: Vince 01505 872082.

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

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

Lo o k i n g fo r a G a rd e n Bench - can collect. Tel: 07929 338440.

Looking for videos and trains, any condition, broken, spares, etc. Tel: 07939 810653.

Hickory golf clubs, any condition. Cash paid.

Tel: 01505 873 729 or 07 968 561 739 Having a clear out / downsizing - you may be able to turn some of your unwanted items into cash. Old fishing tackle, old toys / comics, vintage golf clubs. Please text / call: 07887 621598 and leave a message with basic details.

Looking for unused or old 00 gauge railway stock for model railway. Tel: 07719 898829.

Free Cycle

Boots QI Magazine Slide Projector. Good condition. Tel: 01505 872448.

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.

Toys Tw i l i g h t Tu r t l e w i t h instructions. Excellent condition, smoke free home. £10. Tel: 01505 672 175 Gro Clock Sleep Trainer with instructions and Sleepy Farm story book.

E xc e l l e n t c o n d i t i o n , smoke free home. £10.

Tel: 01505 672 175

www.advertizer.co.uk/submit-sales-wants

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54

ads directory by Category Accountants & Financial Affluent Financial Planning . . 7 CLA Accountancy Services . . . 12

Architectural Services Abbey Architectural Services . . 35 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 15 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Art, Gifts & Flowers Bunty’s General Store . . . . . . 31 Warehouse Clearance . . . . . . . . . 32

Automotive Services Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Bathrooms Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 37 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 11

Bedrooms Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 21

Blacksmith & Metalwork McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 17

Building Services Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 24 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 37 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 35 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 19 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 51 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 21 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 24 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 35 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 34 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 35 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 24 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 33 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 32

SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 35 Care Services & Homes Garden Service & Joiners Plasterers SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 24 Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 29 Design CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 25 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 32 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 43 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 17 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 19 Catering Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 19 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 24 Solicitors Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 15 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 51 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 5 Addison Joiners & Builders . . 35 Plumbers Cleaning & PowerWash Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 43 MMcGowan C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . .

29 Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Stoves Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 41 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 14 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 33 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 12 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 38 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 21 Matthews Cleaning Services . . . . 29 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 38

Cycle Repair F4 Cycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Spokes Bikes Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 51

Driveways A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Education Malcolm Errington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 43 Gowanlea Nurseries . . . . . . . . . 41 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 35 Lady Grafters Garden Services . . 41 R Williams Tree Services . . . 41 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41 West of Scotland Landscape . . 43

Gas & Heating Services C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 29 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 27 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 19 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 24 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 5

Glazier

Electricians

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 17 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 MAS Electrical & Security . . 17 Russell Milne Electrician . . 25

Hairdressers & Barbers

Fencing

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 14 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 17

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 17

Firewood & Logs LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 34 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Funeral Services Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 15 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 17

Health, Beauty & Fitness Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 14 Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 37 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 21 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Home Hardware

Garage Doors & Gates

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 & 33

Garolla Roller Shutter Doors . . 7

Home Improvements

next Deadline We are not able to give a definite deadline for the next issue at the moment.

Please watch our webpage at www.advertizer.co.uk or keep up to date on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GryffeAds

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 43 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 15 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 11 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 17 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Renfrewshire Handyman Hire . . 21 The Bath Works . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Home Interiors Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 21 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 34

SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 35 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 24 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 33 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 27 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 19 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 24

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 34

Kitchens

Property, Sales & Let

Tiling

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 37 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 21 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 11 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 51 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 33

Cochran Dickie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 5 Re-Max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 12

Locksmiths

Refuse & Clearance

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Clyde Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Painters & Decorators A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 12 Andrew Hay Painter & Decorator . . 37 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 32 John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 17 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Pest Control RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 35

Pet Services & Training PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Photographers

Removals @ease Removals & Transport . . 32 Clyde Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Retail Bunty’s General Store . . . . . . 31 Warehouse Clearance . . . . . . . . . 32 Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Moovin’ Milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Roofing Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 24 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 25 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 37 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 38 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 35 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 21 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 24

Your Pets Portrait . . . . . . . . . 45

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Taxis ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Tree Surgeon Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 43 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 41 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 R Williams Tree Services . . . 41 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41

TV & Satellite Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 19 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 17

Upholstery Services Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 33 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 12

Window Cleaners DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 14 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 12 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 38 Matthews Cleaning Services . . . . 29

Window, Consv & Repair 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 17 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

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