312 DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 - Gryffe Advertizer

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KEEPING IT LOCAL KEEPING YOU CONNECTED

No.312: DECember 2020

/ January 2021

IMAGE: David Walker - Rosie jumping for a snowball!

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GRYFFE

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local news for: • Bridge of Weir • Brookfield • Houston • HOWWOOD • Kilbarchan • Kilmacolm • Langbank • Lochwinnoch • Quarriers 15/12/2020 11:18:27

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020 / January 2021

LET’s be optimistic for 2021 Celebrating everything local I had hoped to have a printed copy of the Advertizer out to you before now, but Covid restrictions put paid to that. So here is our December / January issue. You can still catch up with our December issue which was published online Localat the start of the month: Loves http://www.advertizer.co.uk/online-issue/

Gryffe Advertizer December 2020 (online)

Contact us! 01505 613340 info@advertizer.co.uk www.advertizer.co.uk @GryffeAds Our office is on restricted hours until further notice.

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Pick up your

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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. I do hope that as we go into 2021 we can look forward with some optimism. I have been encouraged at the number of people I have seen in our local shops, and hope that this is not just a temporary phase. Our local shops are there for us, so let’s use them! I recently read the awards list from the Scotland Loves Local campaign which has been celebrating our High Street Heroes. We've got a list of the Inverclyde and Renfrewshire winners inside. 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. They even came 2nd in the Home Hardware windows competition this year - if you haven't seen the windows for yourself yet, see the pictures on our back page.

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.

And while 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.

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

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

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

Shop local - Be friendly! Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year to you all!

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Rona 15/12/2020 11:57:42

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in this issue..... Advertizer ads directory 50 bridge of weir memories book 20 classified ads 48 events 34-40 fruits of Lochwinnoch’s Grass Roots 39 GRYFFE HIGH SCHOOL WINS AWARD 05 HISTORY 51 Home hardware shop window comp 10 Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group 06 Outdoors 30-33 PETS 29 Rotary news 35 Sales & Wants 49 schools & clubs 42-47 Scotland cycle repair scheme 10 Scotland loves local awards 13 Soroptimist Int’l of Paisley turns 75 12 village news 14-29 2020 - a time to get busy! 08

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bin collections - Christmas/new year Renfrewshire Bin collections in Renfrewshire will change over the festive period with no collections taking place on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. New collection calendars have been sent to every home in Renfrewshire advising of the change to the normal schedule, so all residents with a Friday collection should be aware of their adjusted date. Collections due on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day will take place one day later for grey, brown and food bins, and two days later for blue and green recycling bins. Scheduled collections for properties with shared bins will take place one day earlier from Monday 21 December and will return to normal from Monday 4 January. Collection of food waste at these properties will remain unchanged, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day when they will be collected one day later. Some rural properties have their bins collected one day behind schedule between 26 December and 5 January, but this will be outlined in the resident’s collections calendar if they are affected. Collections due on any other day over the festive period will take place as normal. For more information on bin collections, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ mybins or contact the team via ei@renfrewshire.gov.uk or 0300 300 0380.

inverclyde

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

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15/12/2020 11:57:43

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020 / January 2021

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Pupils (L-R) Carla Dinnie, Calum Robertson, Andrew Hay, Rachael Bell and Simran Kaur with Head Teacher Colin Johnson

Gryffe High is Sunday Times Scottish State School of the Year Gryffe High School has been named The Sunday Times Scottish State School of the Year by Parent Power, The Sunday Times School Guide, which identifies the 2,000 highest-achieving schools in the UK, ranked by their most recently published examination results. In August, the Houston school became the first secondary school in Scotland to receive an ‘excellent’ grade under Education Scotland’s short model inspection format, which judges schools on two quality indicators as opposed to four under the full inspection model. The ‘excellent’ rating is the highest grade on a six-point scale and was received by the school for ‘raising attainment and achievement’. Gryffe High School has also received accreditation in recent months by UNICEF, as a Gold Rights Respecting School, and as a Vision School for Holocaust Education in Scotland. Head Teacher Colin Johnson said: “To say I am proud of our pupils and staff is a complete understatement. Despite the challenges of the past eight months our pupils have remained positive and have continued to support one another throughout. Their efforts and achievements are outstanding, and I am delighted that their work, and the work of our dedicated staff, has been recognised by The Sunday Times.” Alastair McCall, editor of Parent Power, said: “Gryffe High has achieved its highest placing in our annual Scottish state secondary school rankings this year, building on a decade and more of sustained academic success. It now ranks among the best secondary schools in the country. Inspectors praised the “relentless drive” of school leaders to ensure all children fulfil their potential in an outstanding report during the summer. “The school expects and achieves much beyond the examination halls, however. Fundraising efforts have targeted local food banks during lockdown, while the children showed notable emotional intelligence and support of one another during a recent dyslexia awareness week. Under the leadership of Colin Johnson, children are encouraged to achieve their best academically and across the full range of school activities. Gryffe High is an exemplary school and a thoroughly deserving winner of our Scottish State Secondary School of the Year award.”

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15/12/2020 11:57:46

Photo: JPTG 1984 Panto - Cinderella

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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/johnstonephoenix?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!!

Happy New Year!!

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/

Well, aren’t we all glad to see the back of 2020? Here’s to 2021 and getting back to some sort of normal life. Whether it’s going on holiday or just going out, we’ll all appreciate it much more now. So why not kick start the New Year with Laserlight’s massive 40% January discount offer and get ready for a fantastic 2021! Whether you have an unwanted tattoo, hair where it really ought not to be or a skin blemish that irritates you, Laserlight Clinic has a treatment to help. We specialise in Laser Treatments for the removal of unwanted hair, tattoos and skin conditions. We have recently also become an Advanced Electrolysis Clinic meaning we can effectively remove Skin Tags, Thread Veins, Warts and Milia using the industry leading Sterex system. Call before 31st January to book a consultation and secure your discount.

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020 / January 2021

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2020 – A Time to Get Busy! by Rona Simpson 2020 has not been a great year for business, but some new ventures have emerged and others have adapted and changed the way they operate. Here is a just a snapshot of a few local success stories.

Tammie Norries – Esty Shop Online

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Bunty’s General Store and Three Sisters Bake – Bridge of Weir The coming together of two of the local area’s much-loved businesses is a heart-warming thing to see. Bunty’s in Bridge of Weir showed real community spirit during lockdown and delivered shopping to those who were shielding. The Three Sisters Bake sadly had to close their flagship café in Quarriers village, however, their fantastic produce is now to be found housed in Bunty’s Store. We wish both parties the very best with the joint venture.

Frances Glen of Kilmacolm, winner of 2018 Kirsty’s Handmade Christmas, set up Tammie Norries this year, selling greeting cards and tea-towels designs with a quirky, Scottish feel. The inspiration for much of the flora and fauna design came from lockdown walks she took in the local area. Tammie Norries, the name given to puffins in Shetland and Orkney, echoes this Scottish theme. A Rabble of Bees, Bevvy of Deer and others in the range have proven very popular and she plans to add to these favourites and expand into different homewares. Find Tammie Norries on Etsy.

Moovin Milk – Vending Machine in Lochwinnoch, Johnstone & Kilmacolm Moovin Milk has capitalized on our nostalgia for glass bottled milk and the ongoing trend towards shopping local and recycling with their fantastic milk trailer vending machines where you can return your empty glass bottles for reuse. The family have been farming the land 2 miles outside of Kilmacolm for over 100 years and their Holstein Friesian cows are the oldest herd in the UK. You will find Moovin’ Milk in Kilmacolm on Tuesdays and Fridays, at Gowanlea on Wednesdays and Sundays and Lochwinnoch on Mondays and Thursdays.

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Heritage Farmers Market – Lochwinnoch Sean Middleton, owner of the Heritage Farmers Market, is a fantastic champion of local products. During the pandemic he ensured, as far as possible, that supply lines remained open and kept his store fully stocked with fantastic produce. A gazebo was erected outside to account for queues in bad weather. He kept locals updated on stock via facebook and his efforts were recognised in the Herald’s Local Heroes pages. A great effort in trying times.

Lochwinnoch Soap Company – Lochwinnoch

Ania’s Flowers

This small, admired business kept the villagers supplied with beautiful natural soap when the supermarkets were selling out. Their soap is chemical free and produced using a traditional cold process. In summer, with soap demand at an all-time high, owner Fiona went out of her way to get her produce to customers by beginning a free local post-box drop.

Starting a business during lockdown is a brave move, but Ania’s flowers have gone from strength to strength. Maybe we all needed something to brighten up our days. You will find Ania’s Flowers at Colin Love’s Fishmonger, Kilmacolm, and the Heritage Farmers Market in Lochwinnoch. Her flowers come mostly from local growers, so it is another great way to ‘shop local’.

Find Lochwinnoch Soap on Facebook

Ania’s Flowers is also on Facebook

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020 / January 2021

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Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme Helping those who need it most in Renfrewshire & Inverclyde. Spokes of Kilmacolm is keeping local people moving by providing a helping hand with free bike repairs and maintenance. Spokes is one of 300 bike shops, mobile mechanics and projects in Scotland taking part in the Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme, which offers £50 towards the repair or service of a bike.

Not all Heroes wear capes Blackwoods of Kilmacolm - Regional Champion When lockdown hit, Douglas Graham and his staff decided to stay open albeit on limited hours. They provided a home delivery service and were able to deliver bread and milk along with their regular butchery products. For many villagers, elderly or self isolating, this was a vital service. They also provided a friendly face or voice in difficult times. Well done Douglas, Ronnie and Colin at Blackwood of Kilmacolm....... we always knew you were heroes - now it’s official courtesy of the Glasgow Herald and STV Scotland Loves Local campaign. Douglas commented, “We are delighted to be awarded Inverclyde’s “Local Hero’s” award for services to our community during this horrible pandemic and hopefully beyond. We would like to thank you all for your continued and loyal support and are always here for you at all times.” “Our online shop is live again, or just pop in locally to see us but remember if you can’t do either of those then we can also deliver to you. “Take good care of yourselves and thanks once again for the award and your continuing support.”

The scheme is aimed at people who would otherwise struggle to afford to have their bike serviced or repaired. It aims to get bikes out of sheds and garages across the country and back in use. 30,000 people are set to benefit from the scheme, which is funded by Transport Scotland and administered by Cycling UK. Since opening the business in early November spokes, mobile cycle mechanics, have managed to help more than 40 customers get their bikes back on the road. They can be contacted by phone on 07716 773999 or info@ spokes-bikes.co.uk, facebook by searching spokes Kilmacolm and on www.spokes-bikes.co.uk. Ian the owner and chief mechanic of spokes said: “In addition to the range of our usual cycle services, we are delighted to also be providing bike repair and maintenance services under the Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme. “We’ve had a really good response which shows there is a real need here. People want to exercise safely and to maintain social distancing, so cycling is ideal. As well as keeping fit and healthy, they can also use their bikes for essential journeys like getting to work or the shops while avoiding public transport. Being mobile it means we go to them; it saves customers the hassle of having to take their bike to a shop. Some examples of the positive impact of the scheme have been; getting a customer with mobility issues e-bike repaired, the owner was delighted to once again be able to get out exercising, which is vital for his condition. Another example is of a boy who had been badly affected by lockdown and found solace in the freedom of a bike ride, only for his derailleur to brake, fixing his bike under the repair scheme meant he was over the moon to be able to yet again use the cycle network in the area.” Shona Morris, Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme programme manager at Cycling UK, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many bike shops and community organisations getting involved in this scheme. The Covid crisis has hit many people hard, so we know it can be difficult to pay for essential bike repairs right now. We’d encourage those people to dig their bike out of the shed or garage, get it fixed up and get riding again.”

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020 / January 2021

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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. 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. 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.

well done Sandy and your elves! We’re delighted to let you know that Gibb Stuart’s has won a prize for his wonderful window displays! Home Hardware (Scotland) runs a yearly Christmas window competition for over 60 stores throughout Scotland and the North of England and this year Gibb Stuart Home Hardware in Bridge of Weir won 2nd place for their fantastic window displays! The owner Sandy Gibb Stuart and his staff will all receive Christmas goodies from George East Housewares who sponsored the competition. First place went to Threave Home Hardware in Castle Douglas.

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?

The.Home Hardware shops are all independently owned and are members of Home Hardware Scotland (Ltd) which is a buying and Marketing group. Their purpose is to bulk buy products so that independent High Street retailers can compete with the likes of B&Q, Argos and the supermarkets, etc.

See the window pictures on our back page!

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020 / January 2021

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

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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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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.

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020 / January 2021

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The Bridge 63 Main Street, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3NR www.thebridgebridgeofweir.com Happy New Year to our customers, volunteers and employees. Thank you for using the Post Office and related Shop during challenging times throughout most of 2020. During the ongoing pandemic we appreciate the support of our customers in adhering to the guidelines in respect of social distancing, which inevitably leads to queues, in mask wearing and hand sanitising all of which helps to keep everyone as safe as possible. We hope to have the Community Centre up and running at some point during 2021. In the meantime we continue to issue Hearing Aid batteries in place of the usual Hearing Aid Clinic. Please ask our volunteers for information. The Shop - throughout the year we are continually reviewing our stock of cards and introducing new designs to ensure our extensive selection of Greetings Cards is maintained. The Bridge is the go-to place to buy your essential stationery items, postcards of your local area and pocket money toys. As we enter another year we extend a ‘Thank You’ to our team of dedicated volunteers as without them The Bridge could not operate. (Opening Hours: Mon 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm; Tues to Sat – 10am - 1pm)

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020 / January 2021

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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.

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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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Lochwinnoch International Aid Back in September our article included a piece on one of the small charities we have regularly supported which is based in Morogoro Tanzania and run by a remarkable woman called Josephine Bahkita. She works mainly with disabled children and their families. Recently Josephine has written about one of the children they have helped and continue to help whom she calls THE MIRACLE BOY.

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WARD 11

Cllr James Maclaren Whoo Hoo, good news at last, an end to this pandemic is in sight. Of course, it will be a while before we all get the vaccine we need but good news none the less and a nice Christmas present. Sadly there are likely to be a few more deaths before we can finally say goodbye to Covid-19. Recently I have been trying to focus on gully cleaning (road drains) plus road sweeping. It is that time of year where council can sweep the roads and within a day or two it needs swept again. As I have said in previous reports, the council are behind with the gully cleaning as it is, so it is a big problem but they are working hard to get through the backlog. A word of caution, I have heard about some trees that were recently cut down in the villages. There are a number of trees in the villages with Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) on them. It is important that you check before cutting trees down. Removal of a tree with a TPO will require you to apply to the council planning department for permission.

Joel Yona has been looked after by Josephine for over ten years. The story of Joel is special. He is a Masai with severe cerebral palsy and was being cared for by his grandmother who was going blind. He would have died if Josephine hadn’t taken him in to live with her. Whilst he remains severely disabled he is otherwise healthy, enjoys music and has a wonderful broad smile. There is also a special story behind the chair he is sitting in. It was purpose made using APT (Appropriate Paper based Technology). The technology uses affordable materials (waste cardboard and paper) allowing bespoke furniture and aids to be made locally. LIA funded a training project in Morogoro on APT and the chair was made as part of this. Josephine, who had a disabled child of her own, is from a poor family but was given help to pay for her secondary education. She went on to train as a social worker. She feels strongly about girl’s education and has found sponsorship for many over the years Our 90 kilo Kilombero rice challenge continues and bags are still available in the Heritage Farmers Market at £3.75 per kg. Alternatively you can ring the number below 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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I am pleased to be able to give an update on the Biodiversity Plans. I understand that the council is still working through the biodiversity consultation but at the recent Leadership Board eleven areas were selected. The only site in my ward that has been selected is a strip alongside Station Road in Bishopton. I am sure this will please most of the residents who contacted me. I was asking questions at the recent Health & Social Care Partnership Board for progress on the promised new medical centre for Bishopton and Julie Pirone, the Conservative candidate in the next Scottish Parliament election which is in May, and myself have written to the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board to try pushing this along. Hopefully we will get some action in the next few weeks. We also made the press with this one. Please note my new surgery details: 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. 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

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Advertising Feature

What’s growing in your gutter?

Are they clear and ready for winter downpours? We can remove moss, plants, silt, twigs etc., that can block the gutter and stop the water from flowing down the spout where it should go, causing them to overflow and potentially causing damage to the outside of your home. We use a state of the art carbon fibre gutter vacuum system which is safer for your gutters and safer for us giving a more efficient & effective clean than old fashioned methods whilst potentially saving you money. Call now for a free quote on 01505 863 863.

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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.

Gowanlea Christmas Tree Recycling

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.

Make things easy for yourself and organise getting your Christmas tree uplifted in January for only £7.50. You can either book online / facebook or give us a call on 01505 328921 and we can give you more details.

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

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

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.

Or contact the Author directly on 01505 872026

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GRYFFE

ADVERTIZER KEEPING YOU CONNECTED

WWW.ADVERTIZER.CO.UK INFO@ADVERTIZER.CO.UK @GRYFFEADS

ANSWER THE CALL. SUPPORT LOCAL. #SCOTLANDLOVESLOCAL #KEEPINGITLOCAL

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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pets

Why Do We Vaccinate Dogs?

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

Vaccinations protect against infectious diseases which can be fatal.

• Birds - seeds, suet balls, mealworms, berries or chopped up fruits (apples, pears, plums)

Vaccinations protect your dog against:

• Hedgehogs - minced meat, tinned dog/cat food (not fish-based), chopped boiled egg

1. Parvovirus A highly contagious virus spread through contact with infected faeces. The virus can also live on shoes, clothes and floors for many months. Symptoms include vomiting, severe bloody diarrhoea and lethargy. Parvovirus can be fatal in up to 90% of cases. Puppies are especially susceptible.

2. Canine distemper A contagious virus spread through saliva, blood, or urine. Initial symptoms include red, watery eyes, nasal discharge and fever. Later symptoms include lethargy, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea and seizures. It can also cause hardening of the footpads and nose. It is fatal in up to 50% of cases.

3. Leptospirosis A bacterial infection spread through infected rat urine and contaminated water. Symptoms include fever, muscle tremors, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst, jaundice and breathing difficulties. In severe cases dogs can develop kidney damage and liver failure. It can be fatal even with the best treatment.

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• Squirrels - hazelnuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, chopped carrot

chestnuts,

• Badgers - Fruit (apples, grapes, pears), peanuts, dried dog food, mealworms • Small mammals - mixed seeds

4. Infectious Canine Hepatitis A viral disease spread through urine, saliva, blood, faeces and nasal discharges. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, vomiting, coughing, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. In severe cases the disease can cause jaundice and liver failure, and can result in seizures and coma. Even with the best treatment severe cases of infectious canine hepatitis can be fatal. Optional additional vaccinations are also available for Parainfluenza and Kennel Cough which cause upper respiratory tract disease. Puppies can start their vaccinations from6-8 weeks old with a second vaccination 2-4 weeks later. Pups should not mix with other, potentially unvaccinated dogs until their primary vaccine course is complete. Booster vaccination are required for distemper, parvovirus and infectious hepatitis every 3 years and for leptospirosis every year.

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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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.

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.

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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. 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

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. Meantime, keep the heid everyone, and stay safe.

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Flocking to RSPB Lochwinnoch If you wandering around our reserve, local woodlands or nearby farmland fields in January you may notice some days it seems very quiet with little in the way of birdlife around, other days it seems as if there are loads of small birds, all chirping away and hoping about on the ground or flitting from branch to branch, tree to tree, searching for food. The fact is that on the quieter days there are no less birds around, they are just less spaced out. Many small birds will form mixed flocks in winter and can gather in large numbers at times. So why when food is generally less abundant would birds choose to flock together in groups? There are several advantages to this. Firstly, with less vegetation growing to provide safe cover and hide small birds they become more conspicuous to predators such as a sparrowhawk. Lots of birds together means more eyes keeping watch and each individual has less of a chance of becoming a meal themselves. Another key advantage is body heat. Being so small many birds would find it difficult to survive on their own but by huddling together and sharing warmth, harsh winter nights become less of a challenge. Birds need to constantly be on the lookout for energy rich food at this time of year that would provide them with the fuel they need to produce enough body heat to stop them from freezing. By providing seeds high in natural oils such as sunflower seeds, or fat rich suet cakes you can attract a wide range of birds to your garden with little effort. If you do decide to put some food out, or you always have done, why not take part in the world’s largest piece of citizen science in the world and take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch between 29th and 31st January by spending an hour of your choosing recording the birds that you see? You can even download a handy guide and recording sheet by visiting www.rspb.org/birdwatch

PCPC Nature Competition The Club has a long history of producing quality natural history images and last week’s Bowie competition, judged by Robert Quigg of Kilmaurs Camera Club produced some memorable photographs amongst the winners. For this competition, members are required to submit images in pairs: one botanical and the other zoological. First placed in the advanced section was long time club member and dedicated nature photographer Mike Cruise with his images, “Water Aven” and “Curious Red Squirrel”. The club’s new president, Ken Dow, was placed second with his “Poppies” and “Chalkhill Blues Mating”. Continuing on the theme of presidents, Duncan McEwan who has held the post for numerous times in his decades long membership of the club was placed third with his “Scots Pine, Male Inflorescence” and “Camouflaged Oak Beauty Moth”. Carol Gracie secured a deserving win with her top placed set in the non-advanced section with her images “cottongrass” and “Bee Covered in Pollen”. See all the images at .paisleycolour.com

Events Restrictions permitting, we will be having a snowman treasure hunt on the reserve for children throughout January. Simply pop into the visitor centre before going on the trails and ask for your Snowman identification chart. We will have various wooden snowman, and snowwomen, hidden around our woodland trail for you to find and identify. Cost: £1.50 per child plus usual entry fees for non-members (£3 adults/£1.50 children) Photo: Jenny Tweedie (rspb-images.com) Mike Cruise - “Curious Red Squirrel”

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Otter Down below the cottage, in the bay, on a nice calm day, you often see otters hunting. There is a burn to the side of the cottage and into the loch and often the otters will come up the burn to wash off the salt from their fur and hunt for brown trout in the pools. If I head down the garden path and sit on the rocks I can watch the otters hunting in the bay.

My Wild Retreat

by Neil Bletcher

I live in Bridge of Weir, am an IT/photocopier engineer and have an interest in photography, especially wildlife. My wife and I spent the last 35 years holidaying in the same remote cottage in Ardnamurchan then when the owners decided to sell up 8 years ago we bought it ourselves and use it as our own holiday home.

Pine marten The Ardnamurchan area was one of the last strongholds for pine martens, after loss of habitat and being heavily persecuted by gamekeepers on sporting estates. The first pine marten I ever saw was around 33 years ago and then it was a very rare sight. These days I see them every time I visit my cottage and the UK population now is estimated at about 3,700. Pine martens can have 2 or 3 kits each year. They are normally born in spring but I usually see them exploring round my cottage around mid to end July. They are not everyone’s favourite animal due to their predilection for ducks, chickens, etc. However where they have been introduced to other parts of the country the red squirrels are starting to make a comeback due to pine martens predating on the larger non- native grey squirrels who feed a lot on the ground. So there are plus and minus points for the animal, i.e. We are getting our native red squirrels back but if they get access to chicken coops they will kill all the birds.

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The Ardnamurchan area is known as one of the last wild places in the UK and is steeped in Viking history, with archaeologists finding boat burials and other Viking artefacts on the peninsula. There are a lot of natural bays which were used as landing points for the Norsemen and Celts. The landscape is volcanic, with a single track road where you can drive straight through the middle of the crater of an extinct volcano. The area also bears the last remnants of the ancient Atlantic oakwood. On to my favourite subject, wildlife. Some of the wildlife I enjoy to photograph are pine martens, red squirrels, badgers, otters and seals. This is only a very small percentage of the wildlife resident in the area, I could spend all day talking or writing about it. I could talk about Scottish wildcats, dolphins, porpoises, orcas, minke whales, basking sharks and a whole load more bird life and animals that visit this remote area. Hopefully this has given a small insight to this lovely wilderness.

Red Squirrel I often get red squirrels coming into the garden but there are no greys in Ardnamurchan due to the habitat and pine martens. The Reds love the garden feeders and eventually they will get used to you sitting 10 to 15 feet away from them outside. Fantastic tufted eared animals – I just wish we had them down our way, Bridge of Weir and surrounding areas.

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coming events

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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.

The Secret Theatre

UNTIL THU 24 DEcEMBER Lost in Pantoland ONLINE: https://renfrewshireboxoffice.ticketsolve.com/ shows/1173606200 Christmas isn’t cancelled! PACE Theatre Company present their 33rd pantomime with Paisley Arts Centre – live online! Join Scottish panto favourites CHRIS ALEXANDER, ALAN ORR, DARREN BROWNLIE and DANI HERON for a hilarious live, interactive panto performance. It’s almost Christmas Day and Widow Swanky can’t wait to get her feet up, enjoy a delicious dinner cooked by her son Billy Bob and have a wee shandy by the Christmas tree. But when she accidentally discovers a colossally powerful penny, both her and Billy Bob get transported to the wondrous - yet dangerous - Pantoland. Tasked with collecting objects from everyone’s favourite pantos, the tremendous twosome set off on a hilarious adventure featuring slimy Princes, wicked witches and at least one constipated goose... A madcap adventure for all the family! WATCH LIVE FOR FREE! – Every performance of LOST IN PANTOLAND will stream live on YouTube and Facebook for anyone to watch! (No need to book)

MoN 21 - THU 24 DEcEMBER A Christmas Carol; A Radio Play on Stage ONLINE: https://www.beaconartscentre.co.uk/festiveshows/a-christmas-carol-a-radio-play-on-stage/ No Nonsense Productions return with ‘A Christmas Carol; A Radio Play on Stage’. FREE to watch online from Monday 21 December at 7.30pm, donations welcome. Dickens’ masterpiece presented as a 1950s radio broadcast. NNP favourites Ian Sommerville, Stewart Phillips, Leonna McGilligan and Felix O’Brien play radio actors who in turn portray Dickens’ classic characters. Featuring live sound effects and an original score. Recorded live at Beacon Arts Centre, November 2020. #AChristmasCarolRadioPlay20

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MoN 21 - THU 24 DEcEMBER The Secret Theatre ONLINE: https://www.scottishballet. co.uk/event/the-secret-theatre This Christmas, Scottish Ballet will bring the magic of the theatre right into your home with our first feature film. In a deserted city, a young boy stumbles into a theatre. He wanders through the auditorium, where rows of velvet chairs, draping curtains and chandeliers seem to lie in lonely wait for audiences to return. The theatre may be empty, but the show will go on... 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 features the choreography of Scottish Ballet founder Peter Darrell and CEO/Artistic Director Christopher Hampson, co-directed for the screen by Jess & Morgs. With set and costumes designed by Lez Brotherston; music by Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky recorded live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra; new additional composition by Frank Moon; and performances from the full Scottish Ballet Company; this Christmas special will be an unforgettable adventure for all the family. The Secret Theatre will premiere on Monday 21 December at 6pm and be available online until Thursday 24 December at 11.59pm. 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 #SBSecretTheatre

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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

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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.

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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

UNTIL Thu 31 December The Night Before Christmas ONLINE: https://childrensclassicconcerts. co.uk/ A joint Christmas gift from Children’s Classic Concerts and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra that’s packed with festive family favourites. It’s snow joke, popular presenter and percussionist, Owen Gunnell, has only gone and slept through the first 12 days of December. He’s made his list and checked it twice, but now the countdown to get ready is well and truly on. Cue a mad rush to fit in all the festivities – seasonal singalongs, letter writing to Santa (easy peasy on his Typewriter) and a virtual trip to Lapland to see he delivers the Orchestra’s Christmas wishes…we’ll be Walking in the Air if he manages it! Featuring the iconic poem, The Night Before Christmas arranged for orchestra and narrator and special appearances from the RSNO Junior Chorus. • Stream for FREE (voluntary donations welcome)! • Find the film on both the CCC and RSNO Facebook pages, on YouTube (link to follow) or the STV Player! • Available to view for the rest of the year – why not make it the soundtrack to your Christmas? • A concert for all ages. • Sponsored by La Bonne Auberge and supported by Creative Scotland.

UNTIL Thu 31 December Santa’s Reindeer Hunt RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm Santa’s reindeer have come to visit RSPB Lochwinnoch and are spending their time out on the reserve near the Aird meadow trail... how many can you spot? To help you identify them you can purchase your special reindeer identification sheet with images of all the reindeer that are hiding along the trail. This is a self-led activity; there is no need to book. Please bring your own pen or pencil. £1.50 per child plus normal trail fees for non-members. https://ww2. rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/

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UNTIL Thu 31 December The Magical Beacon Stone ONLINE: https://www.beaconartscentre.co.uk/festiveshows/the-magical-beacon-stone/ A Christmas Rollercoaster of Fun and Adventure Just because you can’t be with us, doesn’t mean we can’t be with you! Get ready Inverclyde, for The Magical Beacon Stone... Book to watch online from Friday 18 December and enjoy FREE unlimited viewing until 31 December! Introducing our brandnew festive film for 2020, The Magical Beacon Stone, for everyone in Inverclyde and beyond to enjoy this Christmas! The film features goodies, baddies and magical mayhem, what more could you want? Join Jenny McCormack and Auntie Bella on their epic adventure to save Christmas - facing tests and trials aplenty, with help on hand from some new (and slightly odd) friends along the way! Kim Allan stars alongside Beacon panto favourites Jane McCarry, Mark Cox, Jimmy Chisholm and Lee Samuel in this cracker of a comedy quest! A Beacon Arts Centre production in partnership with Inverclyde Council. A Soundsmove film.

UNTIL Sun 3 January Sleeping Beauty ONLINE: https://www.universe.com/events/sleepingbeauty-panto-tickets-VR126N Audiences aged 3 – 103 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! To watch this Pantomime 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. You will be helping many actors as well who are unable to perform in a Pantomime this year. 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.

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Rapunzel: A Hairy Tale Adventure

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23 December to 4 January

Wed 23 Dec-Mon 4 January Rapunzel: A Hairy Tale Adventure ONLINE: https://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/events/ rapunzel “You all know the story of Rapunzel, right? That lassie with the long hair who’s been trapped in her lockdown tower for what feels like forever. The lassie who’s sitting there like a loon waiting for some Prince will come along and save her. Well, think again. Cos I bet nobody mentioned the hairdresser who made it her life’s mission to track Rapunzel down? Or Rapunzel’s twin brother who’s terrified he’s going to have to take the throne if his sister isn’t found? And they certainly didn’t mention that six foot all singing, all dancing rose in the garden whose psychic visions are going to save the day? Because you see to truly know a story, you must know all the deets. And let me tell you chookies, the story you know of Rapunzel is incomplete. But finally, at long last, you get to hear from all the characters, all six sides, all six chapters. And despite what you might have thought, they don’t all end in happily ever after. Rapunzel is a celebration of theatricality, music and storytelling. A chance to hear from every character in this well-known hairy tale, untangled and rebraided for this day and age. A chance to sit with the family and finally piece together the story of one lassie and her journey from isolation to 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. Running time: 70 mins Recommended age guide: 6+

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The Fruits ofe: info@advertizer.co.uk Lochwinnoch’s Grassroots

| www.advertizer.co.uk | December 2020 / January 2021

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Covid, Climate and the Sustainability Movement in Our Area. In Inverclyde and Renfrewshire villages community reactions to the pandemic were swift. Covid19 response units were set up. Villages were divided into zones and volunteers dispatched to help elderly and shielding residents with shopping and prescriptions. Some places went even went further. Lochwinnoch - a village already well-connected to one another through their impressive arts festival - was one of them. Several grassroots projects sprang to life: The Community Larder headed by local writer and actor, Alan Bisset, Lochwinnoch Cares, the distribution arm headed by Caral Cartwright and Diggin it – a project teaching people how to grow their own food, by local resident Tori Bell. They even set up an emergency fund – a fund of last resort - providing help to those struggling to make ends meet. These projects came together under umbrella of the The Lochwinnoch Food Committee. The team joined forces with other established groups such as the Lochwinnoch Community Gardens – who also supplied the Community Larder with fresh produce, the Local Development Trust and the Community Council. They shared ideas and supported each other with funding applications, eventually becoming a community consortium which managed to secure funding and push forward these progressive projects. Awards for funds came from the Scottish Government through Linstone Housing Association and from the National Lottery Awards For All scheme.

by Rona Simpson Their resolution to pool materials, tools, seeds and seedlings with other groups, and across the community from household to household, promoted community engagement and allowed for a more environmentally conscious way of working. Tori continues, “There’s been a sort of revolution across the whole country of people wanting to get into their gardens - or growboxes - and grow their own food. I really hope that this will be a legacy that continues from 2020.”

“This was a really positive outcome. These new connections that were forged when everyone’s world was getting a lot smaller.”

In a way the crisis has been a reminder of the fragility of the human race. We need to think about the way that we live and now we have been forced to live more locally, we know our neighbours now, and there are benefits to living in a more self-sustained way, for the planet and for our local community.”

Her own project, Diggin’ It, has gone from strength to strength. During Lockdown it facilitated around 200 individuals from across more than 80 households in the community to grow their own vegetables from home. It provided support and materials for many first-time growers to learn new skills and enjoy an outdoor pursuit.

The energy shown by grassroots movements such as those that sprung up in Lochwinnoch provided answers to the immediate problems of the Covid-19 crisis, however they might also provide the seeds of change we need to move towards a more sustainable and fairer future for all.

Tori Bell explains,

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Mon 28-Thu 31 December Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2020 ONLINE: https://www.edinburghshogmanay. com/ As Christmas draws closer and ‘bubble’ celebrations with friends and family start to feel a reality, the next occasion to plan for is New Year. This is a welcome chance to wave off 2020 and hope for an altogether better 2021. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is renowned internationally as one of the leading new year celebrations in the world and this year’s Hogmanay will continue to cement this reputation. With no live events planned this year, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will, for the first time in its history, move to an entirely online celebration with a series of spectacular ‘moments’ to be watched from home. Produced by Underbelly on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, the free online series of shows promise never seen before, visually-spectacular moments every evening. The stay-at-home event series will be FREE to watch and streamed via www.edinburghshogmanay. com so Hogmanay fans all over the world can tune in from the comfort and safety of their homes. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has wowed, surprised and delighted hundreds of thousands of people over the years and 2020 promises to continue that tradition, with a series of awe-inspiring moments using multisensory creativity and pioneering technology crafted, hosted and narrated by a powerhouse of incredible Scottish talent. The line-up includes internationally renowned actor and famed Doctor Who, David Tennant, award winning poet and Scottish Makar (Scotland’s Poet Laureate), Jackie Kay, Celtic fusion band, Niteworks and Scottish actors Lorne MacFayden and Siobhan Redmond. Further details at https://www.edinburghshogmanay.com/

Sun 3 - Sun 31 January Snowman Hunt RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch Frosty the Snowman and his friends are hiding on the woodland trail ... how many can you find? Visit the reserve this January and collect your very own snowman identification sheet. Can you find them all? This is a selfled activity; there is no need to book. Please bring your own pen or pencil. https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/reservesand-events/events-dates-and-inspiration

Fri 29 - Sun 31 January RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch ONLINE: www.rspb.org/birdwatch Why not take part in the world’s largest piece of citizen science in the world by spending an hour of your choosing recording the birds that you see? You can even download a handy guide and recording sheet by visiting www.rspb.org/birdwatch

More events to be found at https://www. whatsonrenfrewshire.co.uk/events/allevents/

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KCC Raffle Kilmacolm Community Council would like to thank all who supported our Christmas Hamper Raffle. The past couple of years we have funded a Defibrillator in the village, raising enough money to pay for the annual servicing for the next few years. This year we decided to split any fund 3 ways between the Kilmacolm Scouts, Guides and the Inverclyde foodbank/toybank. Thanks to the generosity of the people of Kilmacolm the final total to be distributed was £720. The draw master was Councillor David Wilson ably assisted by Isla Parkinson (age 4) under the watchful eyes of Kilmacolm Community Council Chair; Mike Jefferis; The Vice Chair: Morven Armour and Helen Cook. We would also like to thank Alda and Johanna Clark of The Cross Cafe for their time and effort each year creating the hampers, this year we had four beautiful hampers along with some other prizes. All winners have been contacted.

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clubs & schools

Bridge of Weir Primary Written by the News Team It might have been a December like no other, but Bridge of Weir Primary School and ELCC managed to make it as much fun as possible in a safe way. Reindeer Run On Monday 7th December every class in school had their own time slot to head out into the playground to run the famous ‘Daily Mile’ for a good cause. Complete with class-made antlers and accessories, pupils ran laps around the playground - accompanied by strains of ‘Run, Run, Rudolph!” Several teachers even joined in the fun. A fabulous £841 pounds was donated. A cheque for £500 was presented to CHAS, the children’s hospice charity. The rest went to school funds. Maxine Campbell from CHAS said “We are so happy to hear that the pupils had a great day taking part in their sponsored Reindeer Run – the pictures are fab! We appreciate this has been a difficult year for everyone, so we are very grateful for the support from Bridge of Weir Primary.” The (virtual) panto also came to school and pupils enjoyed the laughs (and terrible jokes) of Robin Hood. And you may have noticed the new Christmas lights in Bridge of Weir. Some of these lights were designed by pupils who won the design competition. These talented pupils had their drawings turned into actual lights for the village to enjoy (see the Community Council Facebook page for pictures). We’re looking forward optimistically to 2021 - more learning, laughing and good times ahead. Happy new year!

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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.

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Houston Primary School Houston & Corseford School Enterprise Team The pupils from Houston Primary and Corseford School took part in a joint project to raise funds for Children in Need. The pupils in the committee came up with the idea to have a nature photograph competition and choose the best ones to create a calendar. We received a huge amount of entries from very many talented photographers. The subject matter was amazing with fantastic shots of woodpeckers, roe deer, ladybirds, trees and flowers to name but a few. The judges from both schools had a very difficult job. The calendar is on sale now at £5. Fundraising At this time of year when online spending is at a peak we would very much appreciate it if you can help us by collecting free donations each time you shop online. Click on the link below to register. easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/houstonpsc/ Christmas Light Competition Congratulations to Stephanie Ingham, who is this year’s winner of the Christmas Light competition. Her design will take pride of place in the village display and for many years to come. Poppy Pebbles Primary 7 pupils have been learning about Armistice. They created their own poppy pebbles and placed them at the War Memorial in the village.

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.

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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!!

Charity News – Foodbank Collections are Delivered We recently delivered our Foodbank collections to the Trussell Trust: Renfrewshire Foodbank. Every house contributed, with Mackintosh just out there in front with the most donations. Well done to everyone who contributed to such a worthwhile cause. The House Captains had the responsibility of packaging up donations. On the way to the drop-off, they dropped by Houston and Killellan Kirk to ensure their weekly donation was dropped off safely as well. On arrival at Trussell Trust in Renfrew, they were given an informative talk about the next stage for the donations and how they are distributed to those in need. Gryffe Pupils, Parents, Carers and Staff should be very proud of their contributions and the benefit they will have to those in need in the local area.

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.

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Old Ranfurly Golf Club Once again the ladies of Old Ranfurly have managed a fun day on the course, inspite of the present difficulties we are all facing. The Santa Swing is our annual Christmas Event and although it was different this year we had great time and all enjoyed ourselves. Last Saturday 36 ladies took to the course in teams of 4 playing a Stableford competition in greensomes. The ladies also donned a great variety of Christmas outfits, including a wide range of fun jumpers and hats. Although cold the sun was shining!! The winners were Shirley Bell and Lana Wilson with a great 34 points!! This year instead of prizes and gifts from Santa each participant brought a bag of groceries for the local food bank. All the ladies are now looking forward to the new golf season!! Roll on 2021!!

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

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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 oR 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.

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Outdoor Fun at Strathgryffe!

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Local tennis players have been enjoying the great outdoors at Strathgryffe Tennis, Squash & Fitness Club. Despite the local restrictions, group coaching has been able to continue outdoors and the children have been having a blast!

Coaching is available for children age 2 years upwards and adults of all ages. All playing standards welcome. The next block of coaching starting in January is now available. For further information go to: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/StrathgryffeLTC/ Coaching. If you have any coaching queries, email: derekbrown@strathgryffe.net. Strathgryffe continues to offer other social and competitive opportunities for tennis players. If you have any general queries, email: info@strathgryffe.net or go to our website: www.strathgryffe.net.

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club The 2020 Ranfurly Castle Golf Club Junior Championship final was keenly contested by two brothers, Gregor and Lorne Rawson. Both boys have been regular team players for the Club in Junior Newton Shield matches and the quality of golf in the final was excellent. After a close contest Gregor won the match against his younger brother Lorne. Gregor was the defending champion and in a great season he also won the championship at Old Ranfurly Golf Club. The handicaps of both Gregor and Lorne continue to tumble and it will not be long before they are both single figure players.

and Gregor and Lorne will be central to that. The Clubhouse is being revamped and a new professional will be joining soon. Exciting times are ahead for the Club. The Junior section at Ranfurly Castle has welcomed a number of new members in 2020 and if you are interested in joining for the 2021 season you should contact the Junior Convenor, David Provan at the Club by email to gm@ranfurlycastlegolfclub. co.uk or come along to any of our events for an informal chat. Junior Champion, Gregor Rawson receiving his trophy from Club Captain, Eunice Muir and Junior Convenor, Andrew Biggart

Andrew Biggart, departing Junior Convenor and a member of the R&A rules committee said “I refereed the junior final and had more to do on the day than at the Amateur Championship as the boys went head to head! There was some excellent golf on display and the game was played in great spirit.” Gregor and Lorne’s parents are believed to be fully recovered from an interesting day involving their household. Access to golf has been a beacon of light during the global pandemic and has seen a boost in the number of players joining clubs. Ranfurly Castle are preparing an exciting Junior programme for 2021

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

business classified WE ACCEPT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

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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:

CAR FOR SALE

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY

VACANCY

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:

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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. St Columba’s boys school uniform 15-18yrs incl new sport rain jacket and jumper, also 2 blazers and rugby clothing. £50. Tel: 07734 499539

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN Glass/chrome bar table plus two chrome/wood bar stools. VGC. £50. Tel: 07758 370044. Airforce 2.5kw oil filled heater. GC. £20. Tel: 01505 872026. Charles Eames replica lounge chair and footstool. Black leather in walnut casing. Ex. cond. £200. Tel: 07411 896227. Large arc floor lamp with marble base. GC. £50. Tel: 07411 896227. Philips Juicer 1868. Ex. cond., 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 furniture. VGC. Very minor signs of wear only. £40. Tel: 07528 362930. Single Bed (Silent Night) Mattress (firm), 6 months old, used twice. £100 ono. Tel: 01505 842558.

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 D60cm. Ex. cond., smoke free home. £120. Tel: 01505 672175. Beautiful Edinburgh Crystal Decanter (etched “Edinburgh” on bottom). £20. Tel: 01505 842558. Wrought iron glass top oval Coffee Table. £20. Tel: 01505 842558. 41” Techwood TV. VGC. £50. Tel: 07597 923000. 2 Pine Conservatory Chairs & Coffee Table with floral design cushions. £75. Tel: 01505 329289. Electric Recliner. Side pockets and arm caps. Ex. cond. £95. Tel: 07986 812483. Bedroom furniture. Forest Furnishing Modena range in Bardolino Oak. All new. 1x8 drawer twin chest 96h x 115w x 45d (cm). & 2x2 drawer bedside. 47h x 40w x 45d £345. 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. GC. £60. Tel: 01505 672175. Round dining table in reclaimed oak. Approx 120cm (d) x 70cm (h). GC. £120. Tel: 01505 672175. Builders double ladder, ex t e n d s t o 7 m e t r e s approx. £50. Tel: 01505 872993. 3 bales of Liberty Curtain Fabric. Offers welcome. Tel: 01505 506385. Chinese Rugs - available in black or pastel shades, various sizes. Call for info. Tel: 01505 506385.

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49

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. 2 sets of fully lined Lounge Curtains (turquoise). 108” (L) x double width. Never Used. Offers welcome. Tel: 01505 506385 Unused Axminster dark red pattered, standard 13 step staircase or hallway carpet. £100 ono. Tel: 01505 506385.

SPORTS John Lewis Exercise Bike with bike computer and digital display. £50 ono. Tel: 01505 874815. Special Putter - Odyssey White Hot 2 ball, ex. cond. £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. VGC. £50 ono. Tel: 07749 482631. Gents Racer Bike. GC. £25. Tel: 01505 842558. Gazco Stockton 5 cast iron electric fan stove wood effect with remote control. £125 ono. Tel: 01505 873729 or 07968 561739. 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 873729 or 07968 561739. Golf Clubs - 8 steel woods, 11 irons mainly Hogan Edge, 2 putters, bag and flight bag. £60. Tel: 07519 252499.

TOYS Tw i l i g h t Tu r t l e w i t h instructions. Ex. cond., smoke free home. £10. Tel: 01505 672175. Gro Clock Sleep Trainer with instructions and Sleepy Farm story book. Ex. cond., smoke free home. £10. Tel: 01505 672175. Early Rider wooden bike. Comes with pink saddle and handles plus unused brown leather saddle and handles. £25. Tel: 01505 672175. Box of Hornby train set items including D3035, M5120, 254, brake van, coal tender, track and buildings. Smoke free home. £50. Tel: 01505 672175.

OTHER ITEMS Spare space saver tyre for Mocca complete with jack and tool. £80. Tel: 01505 614010. Gents Citizen Eco-Drive Watch. Runs with solar/ natural light. Black/ silver dial with day/date. Leather strap. Boxed with instructions. Ex. cond. £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. Ex. cond. £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. Ex. cond. £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. Stainless steel hip flask and 2 collapsible shot cups in presentation box. Ex. cond., unused. £10. Tel: 01505 672175.

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 07968 561739. 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 6 upholstered dining chairs. Tel: 07748 529920. Boots QI Magazine Slide Projector. GC. Tel: 01505 872448. A stack of style guides and technical writing books. Tel: 01505 874656.

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. VGC. 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. Ex. cond. £5. Tel: 01505 872448. Canon EOS 1000f SLR camera with Canon 2890mm lens. Instruction booklet, cleaning kit and Canon carry case included. GC. £30. Tel: 01505 672175.

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

50

ads directory by Category Accountants & Financial Affluent Financial Planning . . 9 CLA Accountancy Services . . . 40

Architectural Services Abbey Architectural Services . . 25 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 38 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Art, Gifts & Flowers

Cleaning & PowerWash DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 36 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 20 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 40 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 28 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 23 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 28

Cycle Repair

Bunty’s General Store . . . . . . 21

F4 Cycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Spokes Bikes Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 10

Automotive Services

Driveways

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Bathrooms

Education

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 27 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 11

Malcolm Errington . . . . . . . . . 42

Bedrooms

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 MAS Electrical & Security . . 41 Russell Milne Electrician . . 17

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 23

Blacksmith & Metalwork McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 41

Building Services Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 16 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 27 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 25 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 38 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 16 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 23 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 16 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 25 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 24 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 25 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 16 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 20 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 22

Care Services & Homes Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 19

Electricians

Fencing McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 41

Firewood & Logs LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 24 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Funeral Services Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 35 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 41

CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 38 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 30 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 31 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 25 Lady Grafters Garden Services . . 31 R Williams Tree Services . . . 32 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 31 West of Scotland Landscape . . 31

Gas & Heating Services C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 22 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 15 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 38 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 16 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 5

Glazier 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 41 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Hairdressers & Barbers Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 34 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 41

Health, Beauty & Fitness Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 34 Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 27 Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 23 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Furniture Restoration Home Hardware Chairbird Upholstery . . . . . . . 36

Garage Doors & Gates Garolla Roller Shutter Doors . . 9 Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Garden Service & Design 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 31 Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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

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JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 16 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 25 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 40 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 25 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 16 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 20 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Kitchens Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 27 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 23 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 11 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 16 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 20

Locksmiths Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 41 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 38

Property, Sales & Let

Taxis

Cochran Dickie Estate Agents . . 7 Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 5 Re-Max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Refuse & Clearance

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Stoves Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 24

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Tiling Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 36

Tree Surgeon

@ease Removals & Transport . . 22 Clyde Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Retail

TV & Satellite

Pest Control

Roofing

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 25

Pet Services & Training PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Photographers Your Pets Portrait . . . . . . . . . 29

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 17 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 38

Joiners

Special Occasions

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 34 Andrew Hay Painter & Decorator . . 27 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 22 John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 41 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Plasterers

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 23 Chairbird Upholstery . . . . . . . 36 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 24

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 5

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 22 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 15 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 38 Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 16

Clyde Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Painters & Decorators Removals

Home Improvements

Home Interiors

Solicitors

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 31 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 30 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 R Williams Tree Services . . . 32 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 31 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 38 Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 11 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 41 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Renfrewshire Handyman Hire . . 23 The Bath Works . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 16

Plumbers

Bunty’s General Store . . . . . . 21 Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Moovin’ Milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 16 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 17 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 27 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 28 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 25 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 23 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 16 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 25 SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 16 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 22

Upholstery Services Chairbird Upholstery . . . . . . . 36 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 20 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 40

Window Cleaners DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 36 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 40 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 28 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 40

Window, Consv & Repair 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 41 TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

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

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Local history Johnstone History Society As this very strange year nears its end we managed to reopen the Museum for a couple of weeks and closed again on Saturday 19th December for Christmas holidays. If all goes well and Government allowing we will reopen on Wednesday 6th of January 2021. We have sold out of our Johnstone calendars so we are sorry if there are still people who want one we recommend that you purchase early next year. We would once again wish all our members and friends a joyful Christmas and every good wish for a Happy and healthy 2021 whatever it may bring.

Memory Lane 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. ‘We share an interest in the past, national and local,’ explains Colin, ‘and we thought it would be Geordie Fulton and his apprentice Johnny Lightbody, outside his blacksmith’s shop in an interesting idea to put Kilbarchan’s Steeple Street. on record people’s lived experience in the village.’ Christine Macleod was brought up in Kilbarchan 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.

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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. 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. 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. 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. ©2020, Helen Calcluth, Renfrewshire Local History Forum

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/

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