314 MAY/JUNE 2021 - Gryffe Advertizer by Gryffe Advertizer

No.314: MAY/

LOCAL NEWS FOR: • BRIDGE OF WEIR • BROOKFIELD • HOUSTON • HOWWOOD • KILBARCHAN • KILMACOLM • LANGBANK • LOCHWINNOCH • QUARRIERS

JUNE 2021

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

Rolling towards summer.... We had some great feedback following our Spring issue, in particular regarding the featured walk. So our intrepid hiker, Rona Simpson has been out and about with the family visiting Corlic Hill near Kilmacolm. Like them or loathe them, these massive wind turbines certainly make an impact. We had a couple of delays getting this magazine together and we have tried to bring you all the local news we can gather. If we’ve missed any we’re sorry - please make sure you get your details to us in plenty of time for our Summer - July 2021 issue. The deadline will be Wednesday 16th June.

COVER IMAGE: Rona Simpson “Corlic Hill”

Next Deadline:

We are delighted to bring you news about the Virtual Houston Agricultural Show, and Kilbarchan’s Lilias Day will once again feature lots of villagers decorating their homes for the virtual competition. Unfortunately, our publishing dates simply didn’t manage to encompass the Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow Virtual Show. We hope to bring you details of the winners in a future issue. Now that we are all moving towards the lifting of restrictions, we plan to run more regular issues of the magazine. Our office is still only open for limited hours at the moment. 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.

16th June 2021

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

for the JULY 2021 issue

Shop local - support your community!

Contact us: 01505 613340 info@advertizer.co.uk www.advertizer.co.uk @gryffeads 1st floor, Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN

Previous issues available online: www.advertizer.co.uk/online-issue/

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CONTENTS Community Halls set for refurb 04 PAI Scottish Drawing Competition 06 Glasgow Hospitals Concert 08 Local History 09 Lochwinnoch Food Committee 10 village news 12-25 K&PG Show 16 Kilbarchan Lilias Day 18-19 Houston Agricultural Show 26-27 planning for home CHANGES 28 Out & about 29-33

Scotlands Garden Scheme Corlic Hill Loop walk Clubs & Schools Regular meets Coming events Sma’ Shot Celebrations classified ads public defibrilator sites Sales & Wants Advertizer ads directory Recipe: Sourdough

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

Advertising Feature

Spring time turns our attention to pressure washing and softwashing ready for the Summer ahead. With over 20 years experience of exterior cleaning systems, we are your local qualified and experienced cleaning company with the state of the art equipment, knowledge and experience to achieve the best results. Whether it is soft-washing moss on roofs, algae from render, pressure washing decking, patios, monoblock drives or anything in between, please give us a call for free, friendly information on our services or for a free quotation.

01505 863 863

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www.nutechcleaning.co.uk

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

Community halls set for refurbishment Three popular community halls across Renfrewshire are set for full refurbishments after councillors approved awarding the £1.6million works contract to City Gate Construction. The Paisley-based company is expected to start work in May on a wide range of internal and external improvements to Elderslie Village Hall, the McKillop Institute in Lochwinnoch and South End Action Centre in Paisley.

McKillop Institute in Lochwinnoch

Internal improvements include upgraded toilet facilities, new floor finishes and redecoration - providing modern accessible spaces for the varied community groups which use the facilities, from dance and drama classes to craft clubs, toddler groups, yoga sessions and local support groups. All three facilities will benefit from new roof coverings, with the McKillop roof also incorporating solar panels. At the McKillop and at Elderslie, the programme of works will also see repairs to external walls. Replacement doors and windows, electrical rewiring and new alarm systems are also included where required, with the works scheduled for completion later this year. City Gate Construction is an accredited Living Wage employer and the approved contract includes a series of community benefits provided, including two jobs for people currently unemployed and a work experience placement. The local employer will also host industry awareness events promoting careers in construction and local trades will be invited to a supply chain opportunities event. David Palmer, Commercial Director, City Gate Construction said: “We are genuinely delighted to be taking on this project once the contract is awarded and look forward to continuing our long-term working relationship with Renfrewshire Council.

Elderslie Village Hall

South End Action Centre in Paisley

“As a large local employer, these buildings have been a part of many of our employees’ upbringing and are still an important part of the community for many families in the Renfrewshire area, as well as historically important.” News of the works have been welcomed by community group Roar Connections for Life, who run activities for older people from community halls in Renfrewshire, focusing on social and physical wellbeing, with exercise, music and quizzes providing an environment for friendships to grow. Project worker Anne Morgan said: “Roar has been running a group for older adults in the McKillop Institute in Lochwinnoch for more than 12 years and it is a fantastic venue which is central to the village and the refurbishment plans are much needed here. We also use Elderslie Village Hall and other community halls, our services helping to prevent loneliness and isolation and provide a safe welcoming environment for all service users. The older community needs these facilities in order for clubs like Roar to continue and now, more than ever, we need to be able to assist older adults in building their confidence and allow them to stay mobile and stay connected.” Kathleen Edgar School of DanceSouth End Action Centre has been home to the Kathleen Edgar School of Dance ever since the centre first opened. She said: “We’ve been based at South End Action Centre since the very start 40 years ago and over that time, hundreds of children and young people have benefited from this local facility. Our dance school provides a safe, welcoming environment for children to develop their skills, enjoy a healthy activity and build friendships and self-confidence. It’s pleasing to see the centre getting this refurbishment and are looking forward to getting classes back up and running and continuing to provide a valuable resource in the south end of Paisley.” Elsewhere, surveys are being carried out at Steeple Hall in Kilbarchan to deliver a smaller programme of works upgrading this community facility.

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

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4 - 26 June 2021 Opening Times: Tue - Sat, 11am-5pm Unit 37-38, The Piazza Shopping Centre Central Way Paisley, PA1 1EN PAI is delighted to announce the return of the SCOTTISH DRAWING COMPETITION. The competition ran from 2nd February to closing date 31st March 2021 The works will be shown at Artspace37, Unit 37-38, The Piazza Shopping Centre, Paisley PA1 1EN, 4-26 June 2021, Tue-Sat 11am-5pm. The following prizes will be awarded • The William & Mary Armour Award • The Velvet Easel Gallery Award • The Jamieson Award

BOOK YOUR PLACE: Sat 5 June – Katie McGroarty automatic/experimental drawing https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/katie-mcgroarty-drawingworkshop-tickets-152987215881

Sat 12 June – Lynn Howarth

• The Outspoken Arts Scotland Emergent Artist Award

life drawing working with pastels

• The John Joseph Morrow Prize

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lynn-howarth-drawingworkshop-tickets-152987950077

Contextual Events Programme https://paisleyartinstitute. org/worskhops/

Sat 19 June – Russell MacEwan life drawing

PAI will offer a number of professional artists workshops as part of the Drawing Competition Exhibition. These classes will cover various drawing techniques and take place in Artspace37, The Piazza, Paisley PA1 1EN for up to 12 participants. Participants will work at solo tables masked and socially distanced 2m apart in the centre of the Gallery. The Gallery is a large 20mx11m open plan well ventilated space.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/russell-macewan-drawingworkshop-tickets-152988945053

Sat 26 June – Eòghann MacColl mapping place and measuring time https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/eoghann-maccoll-drawingworkshop-tickets-152991849741

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

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

Glasgow Hospitals Concert Almost £10,000 raised for young cancer patients through donations after Glasgow Christmas concert cancelled Despite having to cancel the concert in 2020, due to the pandemic, The Glasgow Hospitals Christmas Concert Committee, made up of dedicated volunteers has raised £9229 for CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, and their families. The annual concert usually raises around £25,000 for CLIC Sargent, but when the impact of the coronavirus pandemic was becoming clearer on charities, and the events industry, the Glasgow Hospitals’ Christmas Concert committee got together to come up with innovate ways to continue fundraising for the charity, without a physical concert. The committee managed to organise the creation of a children’s Christmas story, a Christmas appeal video and the selling of virtual Christmas trees. Ken Thomson, chair of the committee said: “I’m delighted to say our fundraising was a great success and I want to thank all the Glasgow Hospitals’ Christmas Concert choir members who got behind our efforts, and were so generous with their donations as well as getting their families and friends involved too. We also want to extend special thanks to Tunnocks for their continued generous support, Alistair Digges for his video contributions, and Catriona Hendry and Mandy Sinclair for writing and illustrating a beautiful children’s Christmas story, ‘Jack Saves Santa’, which we were able to sell online with all proﬁ ts going to the charity.” “2020 was due to be the 42nd annual concert, in aid of CLIC Sargent. The choir features both active and retired NHS workers, some who have been involved since the beginning. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

has been a great support to the concert and we are so proud to continue to have that special relationship. Cancer turns families’ lives upside down and it’s so important that CLIC Sargent is there to support young cancer patients and their families, when they need it most. It feels great to be doing our bit to help this amazing charity reach those families.” Last year in Glasgow, CLIC Sargent supported 289 families, giving out 162 ﬁ nancial grants to the value of £32,420, helping families to cope with the costs of cancer. The Cancer Costs report from the charity found that families with a child on active treatment spend an extra £600 a month. Carol Jones, CLIC Sargent Fundraising Engagement Manager for South & West Scotland, “When cancer strikes young lives we ﬁ ght tirelessly to limit the damage it causes beyond their health. We rely entirely on donations to fund our vital work and so we can’t thank the dedicated Glasgow Hospitals’ Christmas Concert committee and choir members enough for their fantastic efforts. “Thanks to their hard work and everyone who donated, we will be able to help even more young people thrive not just survive after their cancer diagnosis.” The committee is hopeful that the concert will return for 2021 at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on 10 December. Tickets will go on sale later in the year so keep an eye on the ‘CLIC Sargent in Scotland’ Facebook page for future announcements www.facebook.com/ clicsargentinscotland. For more information about CLIC Sargent’s work, go to www.clicsargent.org.uk PHOTO: 2019 concert at The Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow - featuring Sally Magnusson and Aitkenhead Primary School (Uddingston), while Sally recited the Christmas poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

Local history Johnstone History Society At long last we are very pleased to be able to say that we reopened the Museum on Saturday 1st May. In accordance with government guidelines we will be continuing as before with restricted numbers allowed in, face coverings must be worn and a one way system round the Museum is in place. Our opening times will be Wednesday Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 4pm. We will be very pleased to welcome all visitors both regular and anyone who has not been before.

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Lochwinnoch Food Committee is shortlisted for SPAR Scotland Community Cashback Award Lochwinnoch Food Committee has been nominated for a SPAR Community Cash Back Award. Last year, in response to the pandemic, villagers in Lochwinnoch came together to set up Lochwinnoch Food Committee. Local Writer, Alan Bissett took the initiative to form the group which has three distinct areas: A Community Larder; Lochwinnoch Cares - a volunteer delivery group; and Diggin’ It, an initiative supporting people to grow their own vegetables. The group now exists under the aegis of LEAP - Local Energy Action Plan which also operates a Car Club offering sustainable transport across Renfrewshire. They joined forces in January and this has given them a permanent foothold to plan for the future. Alan Bissett says “Our community, like many, is facing challenges due to Covid-19 and the fi nancial impact it has had on numerous households. We are glad of and grateful to LEAP for taking on the management of this project and ensuring its effective delivery into the future.” Tori Bell, Project Offi cer for LEAP and the Food Committee says “An additional cash prize from SPAR Scotland would really help us. We continue to receive requests for help across all the projects and have had a particularly high demand for support to Diggin’ It. The Food Committee is currently supporting more than 100 households in some form between the three areas of the group. Any additional money would help to sustain our activities and might even go towards future project ideas which include setting up a Community Fridge and Seed Libraries here and in other local villages. Any votes from the wider community would be really appreciated.” The next stage of the competition is decided by public vote which closed on 9th May. The results will be out in the near future - you’ll fi nd them in Shortlist Area 5 at https://www.sparscotland.co.uk/ community/community-cashback/community-cashback-2021 PHOTOS - from top to bottom: Mirin and Fulton Gibson-Brown, Ages 10 and 7 Photos of children participating in Diggin’ It Evie Hampson, Age 6 Aila and Sula Bell, Ages 6 and 2. Food parcels from the Community Larder, with fresh produce grown locally

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

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village news Friends Of Howwood Park Friends of Howwood Park organised some events over the last couple of months.

Easter Scavenger Hunt - 2nd April Each child who found the Easter Bunny’s name - made up of 10 letters which were hidden around the park - was rewarded with an Easter Egg. A good time was had by all, on what was a lovely sunny day.

Litter Pick - Sunday 11th April Two large green bags were filled, albeit this did include litter from nearby surrounding areas including Midton Road, Beith Road and the Rhombus Garden. Our thanks go to Rachel, Alexander, Elish, Gayle, Hazel, Martin, Norma and Craig who helped out on the day.

Did you know... ...that the green picnic tables and benches at Howwood Park are made from recycled milk cartons - and lots of them! Howwood Park has 6 recycled plastic picnic tables and 3 recycled plastic benches. Between them, they are made out of 21,305 milk cartons. That is 21,305 less milk cartons going to landfill, and 21,305 milk cartons possibly ending up in our oceans.

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

Friends of Howwood Park aim to bring pavilion back to life An unused pavilion in Howwood Public Park could be brought back to life for the local community as councillors get set to a consider an application for a Community Asset Transfer. Friends of Howwood Park are seeking to take over the pavilion on a 10-year lease, with the aim of refurbishing it and bringing it back into community use. What’s planned? They plan to carry out a full refurbishment of the building, as well as adding a disabled toilet and baby changing area. Once complete, the group are aiming for it to be used as a changing facility for local teams using the adjacent football pitch, which has also been brought back into use, and as a social hub for parkgoers, such as local walking groups and youth clubs. The group have already transformed the play park in Howwood Park with new, inclusive play equipment including new swings, a zip slide, roundabout, climbing frame and bike ramps, assisted by a £50,000 award from the Council’s Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund - and visitors numbers have significantly increased. What are people saying? Gillian Whyte, Friends of Howwood Park, said: “During the pandemic, Howwood Park has been a phenomenal asset for the village, as it has provided a great space for children to meet up and play, for adults to connect with other adults in a safe environment, and for outdoor exercise. “The re-opening of the pavilion will take this surge in use to another level as it will attract even more people to the park on a regular basis. Once Coronavirus restrictions allow, it will provide a place from where light refreshments can be bought, a toilet facility, a baby changing facility, storage space for equipment which we can use to hold events, and a base for local groups to meet, including local football teams. It will open a host of new opportunities for activities at Howwood Park”. The park has also benefitted from council investment in the drainage system, new paths and fencing around the perimeter. If their application is successful, the group plan to apply to Renfrewshire Council’s Community Empowerment Fund to support the refurbishment of the pavilion. Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “We’re always keen to support and empower local people where possible and I look forward to the application for a Community Asset Transfer being considered by the board.” For more information on community empowerment in Renfrewshire, including funding opportunities, visit https://www.renfrewshire. gov.uk/communityempowerment

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

New cycle route between Bridge of Weir and Houston Cyclists will soon have a safe, dedicated way to travel from Bridge of Weir to Houston as work on a new cycle route gets set to begin. Beginning at the park near the entrance to Bridge of Weir, the route will see the existing pavement resurfaced and adapted into a shared use route for pedestrians and cyclists, with a new crossing point introduced on Old Bridge of Weir Road and the route continuing to its end point at Gryffe High School. The route was developed following a suggestion from Houston Community Council and following engagement with the local community, including local businesses, community groups, schools, elected members and residents, the finalised route is now due to be implemented.

Nigel Hobbs, Houston Community Council, said: “Houston Community Council very much welcomes the proposed route improvements between Bridge of Weir and Houston.

Questions, questions everywhere but not a space to think?

“More now than ever being able to walk and safely cycle between our communities is vitally important in terms of health and the environment and it will provide 6,500 Houston residents with easier and safer access to the National Cycle Network, allowing those without a car to move around more easily.

If you’ve got questions, you’re not alone. Alpha is a space where you get together with others, online, to watch a series of short videos covering some of the big questions around the Christian faith such as Who is Jesus? What’s the meaning of life?

“It will also help Gryffe High School students get to school safely and support local community facilities and businesses as they begin to recover after the Covid pandemic.”

and then have a chat about it.

If the cycle route proves popular with the local community, it is planned to extend it further into Bridge of Weir and there is the potential to make the route permanent should this be desired.

All welcome whether you have a faith or just questions?

Work began on Wednesday 5th May and is expected to last around six weeks.

For more information, visit: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/SpacesForPeopleCycleRoutes

You’re invited to come along for the first session and see what you think. What have you got to lose?

When: Tuesday nights at 7pm from 18th May 2021 for 11 sessions. Each session lasts 90 minutes. How: sign up via contact form at freelandchurch.org.uk

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

The Bridge Summer is fast approaching with the hope of sunny weather. It will give us time to stop and enjoy the colour provided by the plants in the front and side gardens of The Bridge. Thank you to Brighter Bridge of Weir for their work and skill in ensuring the garden looks its best.. Thank you also to the dedicated group who attend to our back garden. The decorative metal railings around the garden have had a much needed facelift. Our very grateful thanks goes to Tom Jessop, a very skilled and generous gentleman who ensured our entrance pathway and benches were upgraded. The benches at the top of the pathway are just the place for a socially distant chat. Volunteers - continuing with our thanks - we must thank our dedicated band of volunteers who so ably serve our customers. Without them we could not provide our service. Customers - thank you for supporting The Bridge especially throughout the last year. Your custom enables us to provide the vital services of the Post Office. Greetings Cards and Stationery - due to strong sales we are continually restocking our selection of cards for all occasions. Our sales of postal items are going well. We have endeavoured to keep our stock levels up despite the lack of visits from our usual sales representatives. The internet is a very useful tool!! Post Office - The usual postal services are provided during opening hours. Thank you to Donald, Alison and Fiona for their dedication to serving our customers. We look forward to seeing you soon. (Opening Hours: Mon – 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm; Tues to Sat – 10am to 1pm.

Shared Reading Group Join Open Book and Paisley Library for an hour of shared reading on Wednesday mornings, looking at poems & stories from the weekly Unbound newsletter. This is a free event organised by Paisley Central Library and sessions run fortnightly on Wednesdays from 11.30am - 12.30 noon. No experience necessary. Ages 16+. Get your zoom link at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-bookand-paisley-library-on-zoom-tickets-113605127996 Learn more about Open Book Unbound at www.openbookreading. com/unbound/ and sign up for the Unbound newsletter. Open Book organise and run weekly shared reading sessions for a diverse range of community and public participants across Scotland. Part of a book and a poem are read aloud during these relaxed and informal sessions, with an Open Book Lead Reader on hand to help guide the discussion. We regularly run creative writing sessions for our readers, using the material the group is reading as inspiration to create new writing. Dates: 26th May, 9th & 23rd June.

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Virtual Knapps Show After sadly having to cancel the show again this year, it was decided to run another show from cyberspace! Classes ranged from video challenges to windmill building, from Best Garden to Cutest Calf, from Best Drawing of your Pet to Muckiest Dog, from Horse Fancy Dress to Dressage. Entries closed on Sunday 9th May and the winners will be announced by Saturday 15th May. Unfortunately, these dates did not co-incide with our publishing dates, but a full list of winners will be available on the website: https://www.kilmacolmshow.org/ https://www.facebook.com/kilmacolmandportglasgowshow

KILMACOLM DRAMATIC SOCIETY Despite the disappointment of being unable to present any of our planned – and rehearsed - productions since the beginning of the first lockdown, KDS members have been very active. Thanks to Zoom, we’ve been holding weekly general knowledge or Mastermind quizzes and have also given members the chance to demonstrate a variety of their entertaining musical and dramatic talents on the small screen. John Spence, one of our members, has hugely impressed us all by writing a number of original plays for us to work on during lockdown. We decided to enter a scene from one of them – Caitlyn - in the 2021 National Monologue Competition run by the Scottish Community Drama Association. With Amanda Millar, a longstanding member of KDS, playing the eponymous role of Caitlyn, we’re delighted to announce that her performance of John’s monologue is through to the final of the acting category of the competition. The writing category of the competition is yet to be judged. John and Amanda’s success is particularly impressive, given that there were 63 entries for the performance section of the competition and 46 for the writing section. The final results of both sections of the competition will be announced shortly. We wish them both the best of luck. We plan to organise some play readings, again via Zoom, in the coming months. Whether you’re a member or not, you’re welcome to watch or join in. For more information about KDS, visit our website – kilmacolmdramaticsociety.co.uk/ or find us on Facebook’s Kilmacolm Dramatic Society public page. You can also contact our President Claire Fraser - Claire.fraser@ scotech.ltd.uk if you’d like any information about the Society or our activities. We very much look forward to being back onstage and welcoming our loyal audience again as soon as possible!

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Kilmacolm Civic Trust Updates on the applications to build at Planetreeyetts and West of Quarry Drive both on the Northern edge of Kilmacolm. PLANETREEYETTS The application to build at Planetreeyets was made by Taylor Wimpey to build 100 x houses on the site. The pre-determination hearing voted unanimously to REJECT the application. On 4th May the full IC heard the application and unanimously REJECTED the application. WEST OF QUARRY DRIVE The application to build at West of Quarry Drive was made by Mactaggart and Mickel to build up to 78 x houses on the site. The pre-determination hearing voted by a majority to ACCEPT the application. On 4th May the full IC heard the application and voted by a majority (8 x votes For, 4 x votes Against and 2 x abstentions) to ACCEPT the application. NB - Because IC own part of the land at the proposed entrance, this decision must first go to the Scottish Government (SG) for confirmation of release of that small portion of land.

What happens Next? PLANETREEYETTS: It is open to the developer (Taylor Wimpey) to appeal to the SG who would then appoint an independent Reporter to review the case. WEST OF QUARRY DRIVE: Assuming that the SG approves the build West of Quarry Drive, it will go ahead, although we cannot predict any timetable. The KCT has NO Right of Appeal. The KCT has always taken the position that we oppose all building on the Greenbelt and we have always refused to take a view on preferring any area over another within the Greenbelt. We believe this decision by IC is wrong and that other sites in the Renfrewshire Housing Sub-Market Area are available. However, as stated above, we have no right of appeal and we are subject to a decision by a democratically elected council.

Other Matters We still await a decision by the Reporter appointed to assess the Gladman application to building up to 50 x houses at Carsemeadow.

In summary Building will take place West of Quarry Drive if the SG approves the project. No other building on Greenbelt is scheduled to take place around Kilmacolm and Quarrier’s Village as at 6th May, 2021. However, developers still aspire to build at Planetreeyetts, Knapps, North Dennistoun and Carsemeadow. These threats will continue and any Court of Session decision on SPP may have a significant impact on the Greenbelt around our villages. We will keep you informed of any changes and we stand ready to continue to fight further building developments. https://www.kilmacolmcivictrust.org/

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

ADVERTISING FEATURE Bernie’s cafe deli is a fabulous food haven located on Main Street in Bridge of Weir. We offer sit-in or takeaway food. Tables are available inside and out with no need to book. Food served till 4pm. Our relaxed and friendly cafe delivers a real taste sensation using only the freshest, and where possible local ingredients. Our quirky deli has a fantastic selection of foods, and goods which will inspire the ‘foodie’ in everyone. Have you tried our ice cream counter with its delectable selection of award winning Italian ice-creams? We hope to have something for everyone whatever time of the day for whatever you fancy! We believe we sell the best coffee for miles around and bake all of our critically acclaimed cakes in-house! Visit us for breakfast or lunch or even just a coffee and cake. We’re also fully licensed and have a great variety of specially selected wines, spirits, and beers to serve you once restrictions ease. As we open up again, we are thrilled to see all our lovely customers and to be able to serve you with our new menu, coffee, and homemade cakes. Sit in with any hot roll between 9am and 11am and get any tea or coffee for £1.00! We are doing everything to keep you and our team safe through these difficult times and we will be adhering to the following guidelines: • Sit indoors- Max 6 adults from 2 households plus children from these households. • Sit outdoors Max 6 adults from 6 households plus children from these households. (and of course, dogs welcome outside) We really appreciate your patience and understanding whilst we all learn these new ways of working. We are open from Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm and Sunday 10am - 5pm (Last orders for food 4pm) Hope to see you soon!

Scottish Cafe Awards Finalist 2018 & 2019 Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence Kimbo coffee ~ Equi ice cream https://www.berniescafedeli.com/ https://www.facebook.com/berniescafedeli

we’re recruiting We are a local award-winning financial planning firm looking for both an experienced Client Relationship Manager/Adviser Support Administrator and an Accountant/Financial Controller to ensure we continue to deliver outstanding customer service. The Job Descriptions can be downloaded at www.affluentfp.co.uk/resources. Please email your CV and covering letter to practicemanager@affluentfp.co.uk. Client Relationship Manager/Adviser Support Administrator About You • • • • • • •

A positive attitude, willing to assist others when busy Knowledge of financial services products Excellent communication skills Highly organised and well disciplined Good attention to detail Shows initiative and takes personal responsibility for completing tasks At least two years’ experience working within a financial planning environment

In return, we will offer, £22,000 to £26,000 p.a. salary with bonus potential and 28 days holiday per year. Accountant/Financial Controller A rare opportunity to build an accounting business from the ground up, to complement our integrated professional services business covering financial planning, legal services, and tax & accountancy. About You • Ability and desire to progress your career to equity partnership within the next 5 years • Able to work closely with others • Self-starter who is able to handle our internal accounting • ACA or ACCA qualified • Experience of managing client portfolios We are open to part time/flexible working if required. Salary is based on abilities and experience.

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Inventive Alternative to Kilbarchan’s Lilias Day: Brighten up our village on Saturday the 5th June As we are still in a position where we can’t hold a large public event, Lilias Day will once again be postponed for another year. However, like last year, we would love to see the village get into the spirit of things so please do decorate your house, make a scarecrow, pop up some bunting and bring on some Lilias Day cheer on Saturday 5 June! Whether it be an art ‘home schooling’ project, some fabulous crafting or simply an escape from virtual work /life, we would love to see the village decorated on the day to celebrate our community. Whatever you choose to do please stick to current lockdown rules and social distancing. Don’t make any unnecessary journeys – use, re-use and recycle what you have to make your creations. Only decorate your house / garden within your household group, and on the day, please do not gather in groups. You can view any creations as part of your daily exercise route. On the day please share photos of your creations and we will put them on Facebook and Instagram. You can post them on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/liliasday/, message us or send to info@ liliasday.co.uk If you need some inspiration here is a reminder of some of the fabulous efforts from last year! Have fun!

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

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Kilbarchan Parish Church We are back !

Kilbarchan Community Litter Pick

Our Church buildings have reopened for worship.

On Sunday 23 May from 2pm to 4pm

We are confident that we have put in place all necessary measures to ensure that Government and Public Health guidance is observed so that folk may return to worship. While our capacity may be restricted, and the format of our service will be different from how it was before Covid19, you are still guaranteed a warm welcome each Sunday at 11am.

Tidy Up Time!

Because of restrictions on the number of people attending, it is essential that you book a place if you wish to attend. Bookings can be made from Monday until Thursday at 5 p.m. for the following Sunday’s service.

Come and help to clear up litter around the village. Rubbish sacks, pickers, gloves and tabards will be available, set out in a distanced manner, at the car park by the traffic lights at the foot of Ewing Street. For additional precautions, if people have their own equipment for regular clear ups they can avoid the distanced gathering and do an individual pick. If you are one of the wonderful picker army volunteers it would be helpful if you could contact Kilbarchan Smile by email hello@kilbarchansmile. co.uk, on the facebook page or phone 079521 69341 to let us know which areas you are covering and for any top up supplies.

Bookings must be made, and contact details provided each time you plan to attend worship.

Filled sacks can be left for pickup in the above car park or by council bins and any glass, needles, heavy objects and ﬂytipping reported to us to pass on.

Please book a place by emailing bookings.kpc@gmail.com or by texting or phoning 0787 620 1096.

Partnered with Renfrewshire’s Team Up to Clean Up’s ‘May Makeover’, Keep Scotland Beautiful and It’s Your Neighbourhood.

Our regular Sunday Reﬂections will continue and can be found via the web-site http://www.kilbarchankirk.org and on Youtube.

on our Facebook page

You can also access the Reﬂections by telephone on 01505 805893. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN CHURCH Kilbarchan Parish Church Registered Scottish Charity No.SC012123

Kilbarchan National Womens’ Register Our twice weekly zoom meetings continue with several meetings about Spain, the cities ,the culture and the food. If you would like to find out more about NWR, please visit the website: www.nwr.org.uk We in Kilbarchan would be happy to welcome new members.

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

ward 9 Cllr Andy Doig I was delighted to welcome the awarding of a contract at the last meeting of Renfrewshire Council’s Finance and Resources Board to City Gate Construction, as the beginning of an £800,000 Doig Dividend to upgrade the McKillop Institute in Lochwinnoch. The Steeple Hall in Kilbarchan is also due for a similar upgrade which the Finance Board will award in due course. The background to this investment is that we have a Council of minorities at the moment and the Administration were struggling to get their 2019 Budget through as the combined opposition could outvote them. Following months of negotiation I received a key concession about the upgrade of village halls in Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch as part of the Village Improvement Fund late in 2018. In the last month I have been engaged in some of the hardest civic battles in my nine year tenure as a local Councillor, in relation to standing up for my Lochwinnoch constituents regarding the adoption of the Council’s new controversial Local Development Plan. Not only in Burnfoot Road in Lochwinnoch but also in Elderslie and Johnstone are communities angry about a failed planning system which is letting us all down. 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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Brookfield News EASTER BUNNIES: The village had some Easter visitors in the shape of wooden bunnies who temporarily took up residence in various front gardens, providing the opportunity for some fun in the sunshine as their hiding places were hunted down over the Easter weekend! A huge thank you goes to everyone who joined in the hunt, all those who hosted a bunny and a special thank you of course to our village ‘Bunny Master’ who made and distributed all 40 bunnies! Those hosting were invited to make a donation to Renfrewshire Toy Bank. It is hoped to run this event again next year - with even more bunnies available! YOGABELLIES: As restrictions ease, we are delighted to announce two YogaBellies classes will be returning to Brookfield Village Hall this May: • YogaBellies for Pregnancy on Sunday evenings - time to strengthen body and mind, prepare for birth and relax with other Mums-to-be; • YogaBellies for Mum & Baby on Monday mornings - yoga for you, yoga for baby and yoga together, connecting with your body, focusing on the BAPs (Back, Abs & Pelvic Floor) while bonding with baby. Both classes are suitable for all levels of experience including none at all! Limited places available so contact Lyndsey for all the information on how to secure your spot at: yogabellieslyndsey@outlook.com Further classes for all women (no bumps or babies required) coming soon too! 100th BIRTHDAY: Birthday greetings and congratulations go to village resident Joan Harrison who reached the impressive milestone of 100 years of age on 14 April. Although Joan’s original plans to celebrate were curtailed owing to Covid-19 restrictions, friends and neighbours made sure the occasion was marked with an appropriate social distanced celebration in the garden in the spring sunshine. Members of Brookfield Brass Necks made a brief appearance and played ‘Happy Birthday’ from afar together with village piper Alex Drysdale. SUMMER DRAMA CLASSES: Plans are underway for a children’s Drama Group to run in the Village Hall over the summer holidays. Age range 7 - 13. Classes will be taken by a drama teacher with experience of running her own theatre company and will culminate in a performance. More information to follow but in the meantime, please contact: brookfieldvpa@gmail.com to register interest. VW BISTRO: The coffee van continues to visit the Village Hall car park on a Saturday and Sunday - now with extended hours from 10am - 4pm. Facebook: brookfieldvillage.org Twitter: @BrookfieldVPA e-mail: brookfieldvpa@gmail.com

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

ward 10

Cllr Audrey Doig As we slowly but surely move back to some kind of normality our local community groups will be finding their feet once again, and in the straitened economic climate of a post covid world, will be looking for crucial funding. One such key source for community funding in Renfrewshire are the Local Area Partnerships, on which all local Community Councils are represented and have a vote, as well as local elected members. The Bridge of Weir, Houston, Brookfield, Elderslie, Kilbarchan, Howwood, and Lochwinnoch Local Area Partnership is the one which covers our area. One of the things that the pandemic has taught us is the value of shopping locally. Not only does this keep money circulating in the local economy but local traders often offer key local employment opportunities, and it also cuts down on air miles which in turn cuts down on carbon emissions. When I think back to how my mother used to shop fifty years ago it was the local shops that were at the heart of the community, and maybe we need to get back to that again. I notice that this year’s Houston Agricultural Show is online, I am not sure how that works in this instance, but I salute the organisers for their determination and verve in keeping one of the key community events in the Houston calendar on the map in these difficult and challenging times. Also in the context of community champions I would like to commend the Houston Litter Crew, led by the formidable Jake Fulton, for all the work they do every Sunday to keep Houston clean and green. Contact Details for Cllr Audrey Doig Please e mail me on cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk or 07768 130935 if you have a civic matter you wish to raise with me.

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What’s on

MAY 2021

H.O.S.T

THE CARRICK CENTRE, HOUSTON

Booking enquiries:

Mon - Fri: Gryffe Manor Out of School 01505 615438. Dance West Scotland enquiries@dancewestscotland.co.uk

Bill Haddow 01505 690693, Stewart Scally 01505674277, Barry Walker 01505 614039

Coffee Shop: - Mon/Sat 10am - 4pm, Takeaways only due to Covid 19. Please review FB for Sunday and Holiday open times. Coffee Shop/Centre 01505 229 597.

Email:

Please contact your Providers for start back updates in line with C19 Regs

MONDAY Yoga

1pm Mary Laidlaw 01505 229112

TUESDAY Paint Pot Tots Yoga Councillor Surgery Councillor Surgery

10am Dawn Campbell 07789 262350 7pm M/s Lawson 01505 613690 6.30pm Scott Kerr 12noon Allison Dowling

WEDNESDAY Gryffe Melody Makers Community Council Dance West Scotland Dance West Scotland Baby Class (MOO MUSIC)

7pm 12th /26th 7.30pm 19th MH 4pm - 7pm 26th R2 6pm - 7pm 9.30am - 1.45pm

thecarrickcentre@gmail.com or hostbookings@outlook.com

Houston Litter Crew The Crew have been busy lately. In one morning they took 8 bin bags of rubbish off the streets of Houston, Crosslee, Ardgryffe and the Barrochan Rd. They also went back to the lade where another 18 bags were recovered. It was a productive morning leaving the all areas mentioned looking so much tidier. Thank you for making our area so much tidier!

THURSDAY Gryffe Quilting Group Primary Colours Crafty Friends Folk Club Move It Or Lose It Councillor Surgery

1pm - 3pm 3.30pm – 4m30pm 7.30pm 8pm 07786 078952 iaintdawson@gmail.com 10.30am – 11.30am 7.15pm Audrey Doig

FRIDAY Yoga Dance West Scotland Dance West Scotland M.P. Surgery

10.30am M/s Lawson 01505 613690 MH 3.15pm - 7pm R2 5pm - 7pm 12.30pm - 1.30pm Gavin Newlands

SATURDAY Dance West Scotland Dance West Scotland Councillor Surgery

MH 9.45am - 5pm R2 9am - 1.30 pm 11.30am - 12noon Jim Sheridan

SUNDAY Baptist Church

11am and 6pm

Centre Patrons please advise date or time changes due to Holidays to Centre Management Weekly

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#waveinyourwellies Friday 4th June @6pm onwards Support the Tractor Run by waving them along wearing your wellies. Download our welly boot colouring page or draw your own welly picture.

Houston Show Tractor Run Virtual Houston Agricultural Show Launch Event Friday 4th June starting at Gryffe High @6pm #waveinyourwellies

Start - 6:30pm 1. Depart Gryffe High School

8. Barochan Rd (past Co-op)

2. Old Bridge of Weir Rd

9. Brierie Hill Rd

3. Houston Rd

10. Magnus Rd

4. Kirk Rd

11. Piper Rd

5. Kilmacolm Rd

12. Magnus Rd

6. Main Street, Houston

13. Fulton Drive

7. Ardgryffe Crescent

End

Intro A and Prelim Dressage Tests Open to all. Adult and children sections split. Rosettes 1st to 6th and prices for 1st and 2nd place. Send entries to Megan Russell via Whatsapp – 07725 762034 or Facebook Messenger

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Behind The Barn Doors Watch out for our series of fun and informative short videos about different aspects of farming.

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

Virtual Houston Agricultural Show

Saturday 5th June

9 am

Light Horse Dressage Video

12noon Houston’s Got Talent Results!

3pm

Kids Farming Activities Fun

10am

Pet Picture Challenge

1pm

Live! Houston Farmer Q&A

4pm

Creative Categories Results

11am

Larchgreen Alpacas Video

2pm

Houston Show Memories

5pm

Live! Virtual Show Winners!

Ask Aly What have you always wanted to ask a farmer? Aly Young will go Live! at 1pm on Saturday 5th June. Send in your question/s to enterhoustonshow@gmail.com or via Houston Show’s Facebook Messenger by Wednesday 2nd June.

Houston’s Got Talent Showcase your amazing talent of singing, dancing, comedy or more… Send your video entries to enterhoustonshow@ gmail.com or to the Houston Show’s Facebook Messenger by Sunday 23rd May.

Industrial Tent 2021 We would love for everyone to get involved with our Creative Categories! Send your entries to: enterhoustonshow@gmail.com by Sunday 23rd May. We have some wonderful prizes generously donated by local businesses.

Category 4: 14 years +

Category 1: 7 years & under Draw or paint a picture of a farm animal or tractor. Send your picture to enterhoustonshow@ gmail.com by Sunday 23rd May. Win prizes!

Category 2: 8-13 years old Share a photo of a pet or animal taken in Houston. Send your photo to enterhoustonshow@gmail.com by Sunday 23rd May. Win prizes!

Category 3: 14 years +

Shop, Cook & Share Local Cook either a starter, main course or dessert using locally bought ingredients. Send a photo and your recipe including where you sourced the ingredients (local farms or shops). Send your photo to enterhoustonshow@gmail.com by Sunday 23rd May. Win prizes!

Category 5: 14 years + Share a photo of a ﬂower arrangement in a recycled coffee cup or mug. Send your photo to enterhoustonshow@gmail.com by Sunday 23rd May. Win prizes!

Share a photo of friends or family enjoying a hot drink while walking in Houston. Send your photo to enterhoustonshow@gmail.com by Sunday 23rd May. Win prizes!

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12/05/2021 11:29:04

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planning for home changes after LOCKDOWN Many of us have spent a lot of time at home over the past year. Now is the time to assess how you and your family live in and interact with your home – and plan how you can make it better. Being at home for longer periods, whether with bored teenagers, home schooling or remote working, makes it more obvious to what works and what could do with improvement. Space becomes a real issue, whether quiet space to work or study, a multi-functional space for the family to congregate, or maybe even a luxurious upgrade to the bathroom to give you a spa experience to escape to. So now is the time to direct your focus on what would work for you. There are plenty of our advertisers who are able to discuss ideas with you, either by phone or by arranged appointments.

Remodel or Move If you’ve realised your home really doesn’t work for you then the best bet is to start looking at what would work for you. Estate agents are now able to show you round potential properties, and you can still look at those available online with virtual viewings. Get an idea of the market and see if that really is the way to go. Sometimes though, it is cheaper and easier to look at how you could improve the home you are already in. You will have noticed by now where changes could be made.

Knocking down internal walls, adding an extension or converting the loft are all ways to make the house flow better. Sketch out some ideas - you can do this on a piece of paper or there are plenty of downloads available to help you with designing a layout. This gives you a good start once you begin talking to an architect or builder about your ideas. Start a mood board too to help you visualise the end result.

Making space for a Home Office If working from home is something you will be doing more of, then considering dedicating a space for this is important. Options are setting aside a room in the house, converting the loft or garage, or adding an extension or outbuilding specifically for this purpose. Make sure you consider how much office you will need. Do you need a big desk to spread out papers? Count how many monitors and pcs you have, and what charging points you will need.

Bathroom makeover It sounds like an unneccessary luxury, but to have a beautiful bathroom to escape to at the end of the day is good for the soul. Push the boat out and get a jacuzzi bath too. Whether simply soaking by candle light or easing aches and pains, the jets in the bath gently massage you back to a state of calm. Floor level lighting and underfloor heating all add to the luxury experience.

Kitchen makeover Take a good long hard look at your kitchen. What works and what could be improved on - that’s your starting point. Again, get the pencil and paper out and start jotting down different ideas. Check out designs and products available by searching online. If all that’s required are some upgraded doors or worktops then that’s a fairly easy fix. Most of our building tradespeople can supply and fit these. Your kitchen will look amazing! But if you really feel a completely new kitchen is required, then once you’ve got an idea of what you’re after then the same builders will be happy to talk with you to help you reach a fabulous design within your budget.

The End Result And the best part of it all - as well as getting a home that really does work for you and your family, these improvements will also reflect on the value of your home when you do decide to sell up.

So really, it’s a win-win! Get busy designing and enjoy your ‘new’ home!

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

out & about Bee Happy Houston This busy group had another successful morning at the Cemetery where one of the beds is now almost fully edged with decorative stones; A Norwegian Fir and a couple if box hedges have been planted nearby. A grit bin left in the wrong place was emptied, relocated and refilled. The grass has been cut in and around the Community Orchard which is starting to show evidence of fruit on the bushes. The car park bed at The Fox and Hounds has been weeded and tidied; and the bed around the footpaths at Houston Primary has now been edged. 3 separate areas on the approach from Bridge of Weir have been cleared and scattered with lupin seeds. This will hopefully provide Summer colour for years to come. The group would also like to thank the kind resident who made a donation while they were tidying up.

Brighter Bridge Of Weir PLEASE, MAY... ...we get back to nearly normal, please may the weather be good. In normal times, May is one of Brighter Bridge of Weir’s busiest periods. There’s a lot we need to do to be ready for summer. We managed to get through last year’s difficulties, and things are certainly looking more promising now, so we’re hoping for the best.

HERITAGE GARDEN... The long-awaited ‘unveiling’ of Brighter Bridge of Weir’s Heritage Garden will take place on Saturday, 22nd May, at 11am. We are mindful that the pandemic has not gone away and so it won’t be a bells and whistles event, however, we were determined to get the work opened up for summer. We are very grateful to you all for the support that we have received from the community.

PLANTERS... The summer plants for the street planters, barrier baskets and the like are due for delivery either at the end of this month or the beginning of next. We’ve already been out tidying things up here and there, and even painting a wall, so we are match fit. Let’s hope that everyone gets the chance to really have a very merry month of May (and June)..

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Bridge Of Weir Horticultural Society Last year, April was a warm and sunny month which gave gardeners a welcome distraction and a chance to get on with Spring and Summer projects. A year on and this April was the coldest for 8 years with fearsome frosts, courtesy of a Scandinavian High bringing problems for gardeners nurturing early flowering shrubs. One member was out at 4.00a.m. throwing tea towels over budding rhododendrons – but it worked! A Prunus Tomensosa (pictured) spent flowering time mainly beneath fleece. Although not the coldest winter, the combination of conditions has caused damage for some. Spring bulbs have flourished, starting with a long, colourful display of Snowdrops along with winter Heathers. Unusually, hardy English Lavender and its French cousin, succumbed as did Rosemary. This is normally a tough and robust shrub seen on Mediterranean hillsides but the combination of cold and wet is too much for some plants. This year there has been frost burn on hardy evergreens, such as Eucryphia. In addition, many herbaceous plants just failed to reappear. Perhaps, the gardeners’ mantra should be: “Every loss creates opportunity for a new plant”. We have all read about the therapeutic effect of gardening; being outside in a green and relaxing environment, ambling along a country lane or walking through the park. Hopefully those new to gardening will want more of this “feel good” factor and will again be working in their gardens. The Society cannot meet yet but Members receive regular information via e-mail and in a Newsletter. As well as seasonal advice, the current issue discusses the pros and cons of Vermiculite v Perlite and there’s also a view of deer enjoying some down-time on member’s lawn – what a sight first thing in the morning! As soon as regulations allow, there will be a Committee meeting.

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

RSPB Lochwinnoch Spring colour is everywhere at RSPB Lochwinnoch, with flowers, butterflies and damselflies round every corner. The Aird Meadow Trail is a great place to find bluebells, and sheltered, sunny spots along the Barr Loch and Dubbs trails are havens for basking orange-tip butterflies. Take a look at our sightings board to find out what’s been spotted recently – from summer migrants like willow warblers and ospreys, to resident mammals like otters and roe deer, May is a great month to find wildlife. Have you visited the reserve recently? Share your sightings with us on Facebook @RSPBLochwinnochNR or twitter @ RSPBLochwinnoch. We’re Open! Updates for visitors: Our shop is now open 10am to 4pm every day - come in and say hello before exploring our trails! There is a small fee for access (adults £3, children £1.50, under 3s go free). Our carpark, accessible toilet and picnic area are also open. Be mindful of the breeding season. If you’re planning a visit to the reserve, help us take care of our wildlife. Our ground nesting birds are particularly vulnerable to disturbance. Walk dogs on leads or under close control, stay on the trails and keep noise to a minimum.

what bird is that? Nothing lifts the spirits in the morning more than the dawn chorus. Think of it as caffeine for the soul. But wouldn’t it be great to identify a bird just from its song alone? To help, the RSPB has created a bird song ID playlist with some of the common birds you’ll find in and around your garden or local area. Have a listen here and see who you can recognise next time you’re sitting in the garden... https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-songs/what-birdis-that/

We ask that all visitors follow the latest Scottish Government restrictions on travel and group sizes and advice on physical distancing and hygiene. Thank you for your continued support and patience in these challenging times. Stay safe everyone. Visit our website for more details, including the latest information about our facilities and opening times https://www.rspb.org.uk/ reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/lochwinnoch/

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high Mathernock Farm Open on Sunday 13th June 2021, 2pm to 5pm. Entry £4, children free. https://scotlandsgardens.org/high-mathernock-farm/

While we take every opportunity to ensure the details for Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Carruth are accurate, we always advise that you contact the event organiser before setting out for the event to avoid disappointment. All information (whether in text or photographs) is given in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

A south-facing half-acre garden planted by the present owner, comprising different areas for relaxation and contemplation. A productive vegetable patch with all-yearround produce, areas of colourful planting, shrubs and a modified Zen garden with pond and fish. New for 2021 is a herbalist’s garden and areas planted for perfume and to attract bees. •

DIRECTIONS: From Kilmacolm cross, head north on Port Glasgow Road towards Port Glasgow. Just out of the village take left onto Auchenbothie Road. Approximately a quarter-of-a-mile take a left under the bridge (Penny’s Arch) onto Auchentiber Road and carry on for 1.2 miles. High Mathernock Farm is on the left. There will be SGS signs.

Open Garden: Carruth On Sunday 30th May 2021, from 2pm to 5pm. Entry £5, children free. https://scotlandsgardens.org/carruth/ Explore 20 acres of long-established rhododendrons, woodland with good bluebells, young arboretum and lawn gardens when private garden Carruth opens its doors as part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme! Over 20 acres of long-established rhododendrons, woodland with good bluebells, young arboretum and lawn gardens in a lovely landscaped setting. New landscaping carried out in 2020. •

DIRECTIONS: Access from the B786 Kilmacolm/Lochwinnoch road. From Bridge of Weir take the Torr Road until you get to the B786. Turn right and after about 100 yards, the garden entrance is on the right. About three-and-a-half miles from Kilmacolm and five-and-a-half miles from Lochwinnoch on the B786.

Newmills Cottage © Patricia Allan

Newmills Cottage Open on Sunday 6th June 2021, from 2pm to 5pm. Entry £4.00, children free. https://scotlandsgardens.org/newmills-cottage/ Surviving mill in a series of five built in 1864. Well-established colourful garden on different levels sloping down to the burn. The garden is divided into different areas with pots and hanging baskets filling areas which cannot be planted. There is also a pond. Steps down to the garden are steep but it can be accessed from a gate on the road if needed and can still be seen from the lower level. The garden has been extended since first opening in 2014 and there have been a few small changes since the last opening in 2017. •

Carruth

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DIRECTIONS: Approach from the Roadhead roundabout near Lochwinnoch (junction of A760/A737). Take turning by Powerdoors onto Auchengrange Hill. At the T junction turn left onto Belltrees Road. Drive for 20 seconds then turn right. Single track road, garden is on the left after one mile. Follow SGS signs.

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

Craig Hepburn Memorial Garden Open on Tuesday 22nd June 2021, 4pm to 6pm and Wednesday 23rd June 2021, 3pm to 6pm. Entry £3.50, children free. https://scotlandsgardens.org/craig-hepburn-memorial-garden/ The Craig Hepburn Memorial Garden and Outdoor Learning Centre is located in Linwood High School. Our original garden with an outdoor classroom has been expanded to include community raised beds, an orchard, greenhouse and presentation area. We work with all years in the school reconnecting them to the natural world whether it is through growing in our organic garden, encouraging biodiversity or learning about sustainability. Winners of the Cultivation Street competition 2020. •

DIRECTIONS: Exit the M8 at St James Interchange and take the A737. Take the exit for Linwood onto the A761, follow to Clippens Road and then Stirling Drive. Accessible by McGill buses.

Craig Hepburn Memorial Garden

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Corlic Hill Loop by Rona Simpson A great walk with panoramic views over the Clyde valley to Arran and the Cowal Peninsula. The landscape of this area has changed immeasurably in the last few years with the introduction of the Inverclyde Windfarm. For my turbine mad little boy, this is now the perfect walk! 120m from ground to wing tip, these futuristic megaliths dominate the hillside and are pretty intimidating up close.

Length: 6 miles Duration: 2-3 hours (without kids) interminable with them Rating: Easy/moderate – 303m of incline up Corlic Hill Points of Interest: Gryffe Reservoirs, ruined farmsteads and Inverclyde Windfarm

The walk starts on the Old Largs Road, where there is a signpost to the hill and a small area for parking. Follow the track up past the cottage and military mast. After passing a single tree and dry stone wall on the right of the path, cross a stile and follow a grassy path up to the summit of Corlic Hill. Descend the same way until you come to the tree again. There is a gate on your left that you pass through. Head south and you eventually pass two ruined farmsteads hidden between clusters of trees. Pass through a gate to the east of the last set of ruins. Head south east through a field until you get to the path between the two reservoirs. Turn right onto a forestry track. At the end of the track turn right and right again onto the Old Largs Road.

Inverclyde Wind Farm Like them or loath them, they are remarkable looking structures. At full operational capacity this one will provide enough renewable energy to power approximately 14,800 homes. Planning permission was initially refused by Inverclyde Council, citing potentially adverse effects on cultural heritage, visual impacts within the neighbouring settlements to the north and south. However, after an appeal and Public Local Enquiry, the permission was granted. As well as noise and environmental constraints, there was a requirement for the project to benefit the community and it was certainly getting good use when we were there. Many families were walking or cycling among the turbines.

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12/05/2021 12:18:33

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

clubs & schools Outdoor Circuits Classes at Strathgryffe Strathgryffe members being put through their paces in an adult circuits class at the club. Whilst the indoor fitness suites have been closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, the sessions have moved outdoors onto the tennis courts. With a combination of body weight, dumbbells and cardio activities, the sessions give a full body workout. The fitness suites at Strathgryffe have now reopened for individual exercise. With a comprehensive range of free weight and fixed equipment, personalised fitness programmes and personal training available upon request there is something to suit all activity levels. If you would like further information about fitness at Strathgryffe, visit www.strathgryffe.net or email Fitness Manager James Dare: fitness@strathgryffe.net

HOUSTON UNITED FC GIRLS UNDER 7’s Recruiting The Houston United FC Girls currently train at Powerleague, Paisley along with the Under 9 girls on Mondays 17:30-19:30. More girls welcome and we urgently need Coaches and other Roles to assist. We will return to Gryffe High from 6 as soon as someone in Education and RL reinstate the School Lets. Get in touch if interested. www.houstonunitedfc.com louisjeffrey@houstonunitedfc.com

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IT’S ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOWTIME… LIVE! Reconnect with your inner farmer and join in LIVE from 14th June 2021. The annual showcase of the best of food, farming and rural life will go ahead… online and in high definition! With the latest technology and the best production team in the country, The RHS will be streaming a thrilling showcase of LIVE show jumping, sheep shearing, livestock judging, cooking demonstrations, dairy championships and lots, lots more from the showground in Ingliston. For updates, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. See you in the main ring! http://www.royalhighlandshow.org/

12/05/2021 12:18:36

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

Old Ranfurly Ladies Section Our lady captain Suzanne Smith and the ladies committee have been hard at work planning all our ladies and events competitions. So don’t forget to book you place in the Old Ranfurly Ladies Open competition which will take place on Thursday 1st July cost £18 per couple. It’s a greensomes Great shot!! Lady and all ladies are Captain Suzanne welcome. You Smith can book through Golf Empire. Places fill up quickly so best book early to get your proffered time. Here’s to a great season ladies, enjoy your golf and good luck to all!

Lady members enjoying our catering facilities in our newly refurbished lounge area

This month the ladies of Old Ranfurly have been thoroughly enjoying their golf, keenly participating in a range of competitions in spite of some horrendous weather. These have included Stablefords and the Monthly Medal. The inclement weather has in no way dampened ladies’ spirits and we have had excellent turnouts. The Texas Scramble competition attracted a good number of ladies in teams of four who took to the field on Saturday 8 May. This was a four ball competition and we congratulated winning team: B.Clark/ H. Kirkland/ F.Storey/ H. Fleming. Well done ladies.

Lining up to play Claire Provan & Mhari Milne

This month also indoors catering was permitted and our catering team were delighted to welcome members back to our newly refurbished lounge area. After a game ladies have been enjoying new menus offering a range of refreshments, snacks and meals. The booking of tables has to be done in advance in compliance with present rules. The ladies knockout competitions are now in full swing with a mix of greensomes and match play. The course is in very good condition with many improvements including new rubber matting at some of the tees where these had become worn. Up and coming events include Ladies Day on Saturday 5 June, the Rosebowl on Sunday 13June and our own Ladies Open on 1 July. Our charities this year are MND, Alzheimer’s and ladies day is also wear it pink. We’re looking forward to lots of golf throughout the summer months. Let’s hope weather is bit kinder to us!! Good luck to all our ladies

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12/05/2021 12:18:39

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

Duchal Nursery School The end of the Spring term saw the children taking part in all kinds of Spring and Easter related activities. We currently have a tank of 2 dozen or so very healthy looking tadpoles which the children have watched grow from frog spawn and we eagerly look forward to seeing how they progress over the break. We have also decorated eggs, learned all about magnets and investigated what they can do, made hanging decorations, spring pictures and then the very egg-citing visit from the Easter Bunny with his basket of chocolate treats. After missing last year’s summer term, we can’t wait to make the most of our fabulous park setting and outdoor classroom, with an abundance of activities planned keeping everyone outside and active. New Entries to Duchal: We now offer 6 hours of free care daily (during term time) through the funded nursery hours scheme in conjunction with Inverclyde Council, ensuring Duchal is available to all children in the local area (including those living in Renfrewshire). Please get in touch for more information, we are open daily 8.15am – 6pm, every day during term time, offering greater flexibility of care for parents. As an independent nursery our children move on to various schools in Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Glasgow, and is a truly nurturing environment for our pre-school children to flourish. Please visit our website for more information – www.duchal.com and find us on Facebook. If you would like to come and visit the Nursery please get in 01505 874358 or email: info@duchal.com

Pedal The Park Sunday 23rd May 2021 Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch. EVENT NOW FULL! The event starts at Castle Semple Visitor Centre in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire at 8am and will follow a challenging 115km route with approx 1650 meters of climbing through Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and North Ayrshire, the rough boundary of the Regional Park. It is aimed at road bikes but hybrids, e-bikes etc are very welcome. Pedal the Park is supporting CLIC Sargent in Scotland for the third year in a row, helping children and their families affected by cancer in the local area, with over a third of the £20 entry fee going to charity. The remaining funds will go towards Ride63’s target of improving cycling facilities and routes in the OS map 63 area.

NEXT ISSUE Deadline Date: Wednesday 16th JUNE 2021 34-41 SCHOOLS-SPORTS 314_MAY-JUN 21.indd 37

12/05/2021 12:18:41

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

Renfrewshire Golf Union Golf – Mackenzie Holmes wins the Caven Trophy Gleddoch Golf Club was the setting for the playing of the Renfrewshire Golf Union Boys Stroke Play Championship for 2021 as competitive County golf finally returned. The Caven Trophy was sponsored once again by Paisley based family run company STRATHAND FIRE AND SECURITY www.strathand.com and we thank them for their continued support of the event. While the weather stayed dry for RGU Competition there was the cold temperature to contend with despite the sunshine. The course as always was a test for those taking part, and with the recent spell of dry weather the course was playing well with firm ground and good run available, and the greens were in superb condition. The scoring on the day was however generally poor. This event is now played over 18 holes due to various issues, and the handicap limit was also increased to allow the younger Renfrewshire Boys to experience Competition at a higher level and this produced worthy winners in both events, as it was also decided to present a Net Score prize in addition to the main Scratch competition event. In the Boys Caven Trophy Mackenzie Holmes of Kilmacolm Golf Club was the winner of the Renfrewshire Golf Union Boys Stroke Play Championship with a Gross score of 69, 3 under par giving him his first County Championship. Mackenzie is due to travel to the USA in August to rake up a golf scholarship and this win will sit nicely on his C.V. He played steadily throughout his round compiling halves of 35 and 34 for his 69 total. The lowest net score was won by Jamie Ferguson – Williamwood Golf Club with a net score of 67 playing of a handicap of 19. Interestingly he was in the same 3 man match as Mackenzie, so well done to him. The 8 available qualifiers in the event go forward to the RGU Match Play Championship for the Boys for the Freedman Trophy being played as always over Kilmacolm Golf Club. The title is currently vacant as there was no competition in 2020 due to the ongoing Covid restrictions, and with home advantage, if available, Mackenzie will be looking to add this title to his 4 Club Championship victories at Kilmacolm. Full results of the Competition can be found on Howdidido at Renfrewshire Golf Union, with the Draw for the Match Play to be confirmed was player availability is established. The courtesy of Gleddoch Golf Club, the condition of the course and the hospitality that they provided was much appreciated.

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Announcement of new Health Hub opening shortly in Quarriers Village In response for a clear need for complementary health support at local community level Health Hub QV will shortly be opening in Quarriers Village. Located in what was the village store, just off Faith Avenue the Health Hub will occupy some 2500sq ft of fully fitted out modern facilities . The Health Hub will offer complimentary therapies such as Osteopathy, Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Reflexology, Chiropody to name a few-with more to follow. The Health Hub will also offer Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), Exercise with oxygen therapy (EWOT), Pulsed magnetic field therapy (PEMF) and full body Photo Bio Modulation (PBM). These therapies are overseen by trained professionals, are safe and can be used in addition to other health regimens a person might be following. A particular emphasis will be on improving mobility, reducing pain, and supporting healing for some chronic conditions-greatly helped by improved oxygen levels and PBM . We have much to offer those concerned with pre-diabetes or those with ‘Long COVID’ symptoms. We expect to attract practitioners form further afield who are looking to support their patients in the area and who want to extend their own expertise by exploring our complementary therapies. Although the Health Hub will charge for services the intention is to make our therapies affordable. We would particularly like to hear from any individuals who have skills and some time to spare us. A background in some aspect of health care would be helpful but not essential. Please get in touch if you think this could be you. The Health Hub, founders are: Donald Scott ND DO and Julia Scott ND DO, Lilian MacMillan and Jonathan Kennett- all ‘local’ to the area. Any inquires please contact health@healthhubqv.co.uk www.healthhubqv.co.uk

back in the water in Renfrewshire What should you expect when you visit our pools? We have changing facilities, showers for pre and post-swim use and lockers available. Swimming will be via lanes in an anti-clockwise rotation, and all swim sessions must be pre-booked, which you can do online or over the phone for up to 7 days in advance. Family swims are available at both the Lagoon & On-X Linwood, with children under 5 going free so they do not need to be booked in. In-pool sessions will be 45 minutes, and please do not arrive too early for your session to keep numbers in one area of the facility to a minimum. To ensure everyone enjoys the session, please ensure that you keep your distance in the pool and maintain social distancing at all times. Find out more including pool opening hours here: https://www.renfrewshireleisure.com/swimming-pools/

12/05/2021 12:18:41

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

NEXT ISSUE Deadline Date: Wednesday 16th JUNE 2021

Gryffe High News Gryffe Charities Committee take part in Kiltwalk for ‘Create Paisley’ Well done to the following S6 pupils involved in this - Gwyn, Megan, Gregor, Holly, Iain, Marc, Hannah and Gregor. The money they raised went to ‘Create Paisley’. CREATE is a Paisley based charity that tackles issues such as loneliness and mental health, by giving young people a space to express themselves. The Kiltwalk is an opportunity for our school to raise money during a significantly difficult time for some young people. Gregor says - ‘Recently, the Gryffe Charities Committee took part in this year’s Kiltwalk. We walked 7 miles, raised £540 for the charity Create Paisley, and got a fantastic view from the top of the Gleniffer Braes! Thank you to those of you who donated.’ A fantastic effort.

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12/05/2021 12:18:44

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

Castle Semple Sailing Club Easter Training Week Castle Semple Sailing Club held a very successful and extremely popular Junior training week during the first week of the Easter holidays. The weather was a little chilly at times with the odd flurry of snow and late on in the week a gusty day prevented any water based activities but everyone was kept occupied with games onshore. The week was run by the Club’s volunteers Peter (main organiser) and helpers Alan, Jules, Sarah and Yuan very many thanks to all of you for the huge amount of time you gave up to make the week so successful. It was designed to give young people the opportunity to get out on the water , have some fun, make new friends and hopefully spark an interest in sailing. It was the first time sailing for a lot of the juniors and everyone seemed to have a good time with a lot of requests asking when would the next session be run The comment from the volunteers (aged over 20) was - we’re broken need time to recover! But fantastic time was had by all. There are plans for further sessions to be held later in the year, for both juniors and adults. Covid 19 restrictions are easing all the time and hopefully by the time this is published we will be back to a more normal calendar of sailing activities. For more info contact us at www/castlesemplesc.co.uk. E: info@ castlesemplesc.co.uk

Brookfield Bowling Club Brookfield Bowling Club opened again for the new season Under the Covid-19 restrictions, the usual formal opening day was replaced by the wife of the Secretary, Mrs Jean Monks, throwing the first bowl. The green is now open and new members are most welcome. Please contact our secretary, Eddie Monks at 01505 690227 or e-mail: Info@brookfieldbowlingclub.co.uk

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12/05/2021 12:18:47

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

Kilmacolm Golf Club The golfing season has started with a flourish (and the odd flurry of snow) with our season opener attracting 200 members from all sections of the club it was great to see our juniors, ladies and gents all on out enjoying the course. There was also a real buzz outside the clubhouse with the arrival of our new catering outlet run by Neil giving us a glimpse of normality of enjoying a bite to eat and a drink after your game. The first Ladies competition of the season was held on Thursday 18 March in glorious sunshine. 54 ladies played 9 holes and were also treated to the new caterer’s delicious picnic lunchboxes, which went down a treat. Nicky Stirrup and Jane Wilson came out winners, with Anabel Kane and Brenda Rankin a close second. Due to continuing restrictions the annual ladies social was an online affair which we are all more accustomed to now, with over 50 ladies joining us on Zoom. After a brief talk on the new handicap system and upcoming competitions there was an online quiz which proved great fun, thank to Michelle the Ladies secretary for organising. Our younger players are also back into the swing of things, our Junior Section continues to thrive with 60 young golfers attending Easter Golf Camps and over 30 taking part in April for our 18, 9 and 7 hole events catering for all abilities. We have a big event coming up on Tuesday 1 June - a Texas Scramble - for all juniors from 6-18 years old. It will be a fun way to end the Mid Term holiday. Our website and app list all the events for the month of May. We are fully engaged with Scottish Golf who are supporting our juniors with various coaching resources and their club hire scheme. New members are very welcome - it’s an ideal time to take up and improve your golf.

Regular Meet Classes Move it or Lose it!

Zoom Pilates classes

I’m sure we are all looking forward to brighter days ahead. To the day when we can reunite at our fun filled classes to enjoy the friendship, laughter and wonderful music that lifts our spirits. As soon as we are able, I will be in touch with all my class members to confirm the restart date. Contact Fiona 07811 766672 or visit www.moveitorloseit.co.uk

Mondays at 9.30am - 10.30am & 7pm - 8pm Tel: Yvonne 07786 224367 or yvonne@clydephysiotherapy. co.uk

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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.

With the return of the Masters, we held our inaugural 9 hole Par 3 competition, a great event that saw nearly 60 players from a cross section of the club approaching the greens from different angles and distances to the norm, with an interesting set up of the course, well done to our winners David Etheridge and Jamie Whyte! With the clubhouse now re-opened we will be offering catering and bar services again, (alcohol served within Government guidelines) with a large indoor space allowing distancing it will be a great spot for catching up over a cuppa or a bite to eat we look forward to welcoming everyone again. Our indoor golf studio will also be open once again, giving the perfect opportunity for indoor tuition, practice or social golf. Alongside, our Pro Shop will be fully open with an array of golfing goodies on sale, and our Pros are taking lessons both up at the range or in the indoor studio. Visit our website www.kilmacolmgolfclub.com and follow us on Facebook to keep up to speed with all the golfing news!

Energise with Laura

Rebok Step Class

Online Yoga Classes. Monday - Beginner friendly DDP Yoga at 6pm Thursday - Intermediate DDP Yoga at 6pm Contact energisewithlaura@ gmail.com or visit www. energisewithlaura.com

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.

Jennifer Sloan Physiotherapy Led Pilates Kilmacolm Community Centre, Wednesdays at 6.15pm - 7.15pm & 7.30pm - 8.30pm For more information or to book a class call Jennifer 07731 303709 or email: jennifermcghee@hotmail.co.uk

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.

12/05/2021 12:18:49

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

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.

coming events MAY RUNS UNTIL MONDAY 31ST All for One ACCORD Online Art Exhibition virtual event ACCORD Hospice are delighted to be able to have on sale a variety of paintings, all that have been donated by our wonderful and generous artists. 100% of all sales will be coming to ACCORD. A huge thanks to all the artists below who donated to this online exhibition. Arrangements for the pick up of purchased paintings will be carefully timed. More details at https://www.accordhospice. org.uk/event/all-for-one-accordonline-art-exhibition/

FRIDAY 21ST - SATURDAY 22ND BGCP Comic and Toy Market Tour: Greenock Oak Mall Shopping Centre, Greenock 10am to 4pm The BGCP is back but on a smaller socially distanced scale on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd May with traders selling everything from Comics, Art, Action Figures, Art, T-Shirts and much more. This event is free entry and requires no tickets. Please keep social distance, wear a mask and use hand sanitizer when needed.

SUNDAY 23RD Pedal The Park Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch 8am to 4pm Clyde Muirshiel & Ride63’s annual sportive Pedal the Park, supporting CLIC Sargent. £20 entry fee.

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Kilbarchan Community Litter Pick Kilbarchan Village General 2pm to 4pm Tidy Up Time! Come and help to clear up litter around the village. Rubbish sacks, pickers, gloves and tabards will be available, set out in a distanced manner, at the car park by the traffic lights at the foot of Ewing Street. For additional info contact Kilbarchan Smile by email hello@kilbarchansmile. co.uk, on the facebook page or phone 079521 69341

SATURDAY 29TH Paisley Farmers Market Gilmour Street Station, Paisley PA1 1BS 10am to 2pm A huge variety of produce for sale. A leisurely walk round the market provides many opportunities to taste produce and discuss the characteristics and uniqueness of each offering.

Lecture: Working with Ian Hamilton Finlay virtual event 2pm to 3pm Robin Gillanders gives this talk on his experience working on collaborative projects with Ian Hamilton Finlay between 1994 until his death in 2006. Details at https://www.edinburghmuseums. org.uk/whats-on/digital-lectureworking-ian-hamilton-finlay free - booking essential

SUNDAY 30TH Jumble Trail Bridge of Weir Village General 12noon to 4pm See if you can pick up a bargain! For full details contact Karen on 07599 456508, klittle32003@yahoo.co.uk or through facebook, where there is a map showing all the stops you can make.

Erskine Riverside Market Erskine Riverside Market Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine PA8 7AF 10am to 4pm Erskine Riverside Market will run on the last Sunday of each month with a blend of Fresh produce, Unique gifts, Hand made items & Street food. The ideal family day out on your door step. Held at Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine.

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Carruth Bridge of Weir Village General 2pm to 5pm Explore 20 acres of long-established rhododendrons, woodland with good bluebells, young arboretum and lawn gardens when private garden Carruth opens its doors as part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme! Entry £5, children free. https:// scotlandsgardens.org/carruth/ Directions: Access from the B786 Kilmacolm/Lochwinnoch road. From Bridge of Weir take the Torr Road until you get to the B786. Turn right and after about 100 yards, the garden entrance is on the right. About three-and-a-half miles from Kilmacolm and five-anda-half miles from Lochwinnoch on the B786.

12/05/2021 12:36:18

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

Edinburgh Zoo After Hours Edinburgh Zoo After Hours events return for summer 2021 giving you more opportunity to see your favourite animals! From 4th June 2021 to 14th August 2021, on selected Friday and Saturday nights, tickets are £18 for adults and £11 for children. Book your tickets at https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/afterhours Take a wander through the zoo and enjoy the long summer evenings. With a host of local food and drink kiosks available, you can relax to the sound of an acoustic set by the main lawn, follow a new digital trail or simply soak up the atmosphere of Edinburgh Zoo at dusk. With all our daytime health and safety measures in place, including extra toilets, social distancing, and extra hand-washing stations, all you will need to do is buy a ticket and enjoy your evening. Edinburgh Zoo Terms & Conditions apply - please see our website for more information and FAQ’s. Tickets can be purchased for entry from three timeslots – 6pm, 6.15pm and 6.30pm. Please note you can arrive after your booked time, however last entry is 8pm and the event will close at 10pm. Edinburgh Zoo After Hours will run on select Friday and Saturday nights from 4 June – 14 August. Adults only evenings - Friday 11 and Saturday 12 June, Friday 2, Saturday 3, Friday 23 and Saturday 24 July, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 August. Family evenings - Saturday 5, Friday 25 and Saturday 26 June, Friday 16 July, Friday 6 and Saturday 7 August. Member only evenings - Friday 4 June and Saturday 17 July. Tickets can be booked for entry from three timeslots – 6pm, 6.15pm and 6.30pm. The event closes at 10pm.

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JUNE FRIDAY 4TH Houston Tractor Route Run Houston village general 6.30pm Join us in the street for our HOUSTON SHOW TRACTOR RUN #waveinyourwellies!!

SATURDAY 5TH Virtual Lilias Day 2021 virtual event As we are still in a position where we can’t hold a large public event, Lilias Day will once again be postponed for another year. However, like last year, we would love to see the village get into the spirit of things so please do decorate your house, make a scarecrow, pop up some bunting and bring on some Lilias Day cheer on Saturday 5 June!

Virtual Houston Agricultural Show 2021 virtual event Including “Houston’s Got Talent”, “Houston’s Cutest Dog”, Photo comps, Tik Tok comps and plenty more!! Join us in the street for our HOUSTON SHOW TRACTOR RUN #waveinyourwellies!! on the Friday nights before the show. Find us on Facebook and our Instagram is @houstonvillageshow or for more info please send a text to Emma on 07828 273237. Come and celebrate all that is amazing about living in the countryside.

Kilmacolm Farmers Market Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10am to 2pm Held on the first Saturday each month featuring a great selection of local Scottish produce! Customer entry restricted for everyone’s safety. Please wear face masks or scarves if you can. Hand sanitizer at the entrance for you to use. We are encouraging all of the stall holders to take card payments where possible. Looking forward to seeing everyone! FREE ENTRY

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SUNDAY 6TH Scotland’s Garden Scheme Newmills Cottage Newmills Cottage Lochwinnoch 2pm to 5pm Surviving mill in a series of five built in 1864. Well-established colourful garden on different levels sloping down to the burn. Directions: Approach from the Roadhead roundabout near Lochwinnoch (junction of A760/A737). Take turning by Powerdoors onto Auchengrange Hill. At the T junction turn left onto Belltrees Road. Drive for 20 seconds then turn right. Single track road, garden is on the left after one mile. Follow SGS signs. https://scotlandsgardens. org/newmills-cottage

SATURDAY 12TH Paisley Farmers Market Gilmour Street Station, Paisley PA1 1BS 10am to 2pm A huge variety of produce for sale. A leisurely walk round the market provides many opportunities to taste produce and discuss the characteristics and uniqueness of each offering.

SUNDAY 13TH Scotland’s Garden Scheme High Mathernock Farm Scotlands Garden Scheme High Mathernock Farm 2pm to 5pm A south-facing half-acre garden planted by the present owner, comprising different areas for relaxation and contemplation. Directions: From Kilmacolm cross, head north on Port Glasgow Road towards Port Glasgow. Just out of the village take left onto Auchenbothie Road. Approximately a quarter-of-a-mile take a left under the bridge (Penny’s Arch) onto Auchentiber Road and carry on for 1.2 miles. High Mathernock Farm is on the left. There will be SGS signs. Https://scotlandsgardens.org/ high-mathernock-farm/

12/05/2021 12:36:25

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

Sma’ Shot celebrations online again for 2021 Following the success of last year’s event, Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot Day celebrations will once again be marked with a programme of online events in 2021 to commemorate the historic victory of local weavers. This year’s online event will take place on Saturday 3 July – the time when the weavers and their families would traditionally take their holidays. The traditional Sma’ Shot holiday in Paisley takes its name from a famous dispute between the local shawl weavers and manufacturers in the 19th century. In 1856, following a long dispute, the manufacturers backed down and an agreement was reached to pay for the Sma’ Shot, the invisible stitch which bound the Paisley shawls, with a new table of prices published on 1 July 1856.

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Events include: • Get in the Sma’ Shot Day spirit! - with Bang a Dum for Sma’ Shot Day, Local Voices, and This is Our Day & The Sma’ Shot Story: A Radio Play,

Learn more about the history of Sma’ Shot Day and the famous victory for the workers, and listen to a ver special poem written by the young carers and care experienced young people in Renfrewshire..

• Sma’ Shot Day fun for the kids! - with PACE Drama & Storytelling Workshops, A Sma’ Token, and Connecting Threads

It’s time to really get your Sma’ Shot Day going.... and make it loud!

• Exploring our history and heritage - with Mill Girls & Thread Queens, Remembering Scotland’s Auschwitz heroine, and Creative Writing: Paisley Radicals

For the latest information on this event please visit https://paisley.is/ featured_event/sma-shot-day/

Get involved and have fun.

• Music & poetry inspired by Sma’ Shot Day - with CREATE Open Mic & Paisley in Song, Dooslan Staying Hame, and Sma’ Shot Sma’sh Hits

12/05/2021 12:36:26

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

TUESDAY 22ND - WEDNESDAY 23RD Scotland’s Garden Scheme - Craig Hepburn Memorial Garden Scotlands Garden Scheme - Craig Hepburn Memorial Garden, Linwood High School Tuesday 4pm to 6pm Wednesday 3pm to 6pm Our original garden with an outdoor classroom has been expanded to include community raised beds, an orchard, greenhouse and presentation area. Directions: Exit the M8 at St James Interchange and take the A737. Take the exit for Linwood onto the A761, follow to Clippens Road and then Stirling Drive. Accessible by McGill buses. Entry £3.50, children free. https:// scotlandsgardens.org/craighepburn-memorial-garden/

SATURDAY 26TH Paisley Farmers Market Gilmour Street Station, Paisley PA1 1BS 10am to 2pm A huge variety of produce for sale. A leisurely walk round the market provides many opportunities to taste produce and discuss the characteristics and uniqueness of each offering.

SUNDAY 27TH Erskine Riverside Market Erskine Riverside Market Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine PA8 7AF 10am to 4pm Erskine Riverside Market will run on the last Sunday of each month with a blend of Fresh produce, Unique gifts, Hand made items & Street food. The ideal family day out on your door step.

JULY SAT 3RD Kilmacolm Farmers Market Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10am to 2pm Kilmacolm Farmers Market is held on the first Saturday each month featuring a great selection of local Scottish produce! Customer entry restricted for everyone’s safety. Please wear face masks or scarves if you can. Hand sanitizer at the entrance for you to use. We are encouraging all of the stall holders to take card payments where possible. Looking forward to seeing everyone! FREE ENTRY

Paisley’s annual Sma Shot Day virtual event Following the success of last year’s event, Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot Day celebrations will once again be marked with a programme of online events to commemorate the historic victory of local weavers. This year’s online event will take place on Saturday 3 July – the time when the weavers and their families would traditionally take their holidays.

SATURDAY 10TH Paisley Farmers Market Gilmour Street Station, Paisley PA1 1BS 10am to 2pm A huge variety of produce for sale. A leisurely walk round the market provides many opportunities to taste produce and discuss the characteristics and uniqueness of each offering.

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

Safe To Be Me Festival Safe to Be Me™ Festival is an opportunity for schools and young people aged 10-23 to explore their identities through creative, interactive experiences and digital dance workshops, running from 10th-31st May 2021. Safe to Be Me™ supports young people to feel safe and confident in who they are. During the three-week digital festival, young people will address topics such as homophobia, racism, ableism, transphobia, bigotry and family diversity (in line with key Scottish Government targets). Dance workshops will introduce the core project themes and teach movement and expression. The young people will work creatively with experienced dance practitioners exploring: ethnicity, family makeup, LGBTQ and disability. Opportunities to hear from inspiring professional dancers from a wide range of backgrounds sharing their experiences in the professional world of dance. Exciting interactive digital experiences including filmmaking workshops and a filmmaking challenge, empowering young people with the skills to create and express themselves through film. Dance and literacy workshops exploring poetry and creative expression. Having already engaged over 1,200 young people in primary schools across Scotland, we’re excited to bring Safe to Be Me™ to a digital platform in 2021 and support more young people to explore diversity and inclusion. Find out more https://www.scottishballet.co.uk/join-in/ community-projects/safe-to-be-me/safe-to-be-me-festival #STBMFestival

BGCP Comic and Toy Market Tour Oak Mall Shopping Centre, Greenock. The BGCP is back but on a smaller socially distanced scale. We’ll be coming to The Oak Mall in Greenock for the very first time on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd May with traders selling everything from Comics, Art, Action Figures, Art, T-Shirts and much more. This event is free entry and requires no tickets. Please keep social distance, wear a mask and use hand sanitizer when needed. More details at https://www.facebook.com/BGCPComicCon/

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

business classified WE ACCEPT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

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

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY

CHILDCARE

SITUATIONS VACANT

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

Kilmacolm/Quarriers area registered childminders. P/time or F/time vacancies for u-5’s and after school. T: 01505 873839.

CONTENT OF THE GRYFFE ADVERTIZER CANNOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT CONSENT FROM THE PUBLISHER The Gryﬀe Advertizer is published by The Gryﬀe Advertizer Ltd

Advertising throughout The Gryﬀe Advertizer:

Deﬁnitions: “Standards” means the British Code of Advertising Practice and the provisions of any law applicable to advertising including, but not limited to, the Trade Descriptions Act, 1968, the Consumer Credit Act 1974, the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988, the Financial Services Act 1986, the Business Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977 and all amendments and replacements. It is hereby agreed that: • The placing by the Advertising Client of an Advertisement is deemed to be acceptance of Conditions of Acceptance of Advertising. • All Advertisements in this Publication must not contravene the Standards. • 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 appears. • In the event of any error, misprint or omission by the Publisher in the printing of an Advertisement, the Publisher will either re-insert the advertisement, adjust the cost or provide a refund. This does not apply if the Advertisement has been approved by the Advertising Client prior to publication. The total liability of the Publisher for such an occurrence shall not exceed the amount of a full refund for that particular Advertisement. • The Advertising Client agrees to indemnify the Publisher in respect of all costs, damages or other charges falling upon the Publisher as the result of legal actions or threatened legal actions arising from the publication of the Advertisement, or any one or more of the series of Advertisements, published in accordance with the copy instructions supplied to the Publisher. • Readers are reminded that when purchasing items or services advertised in the Publication that the Publisher cannot be held in any way responsible for the quality or correctness of the items or services included in the Advertisement.

Editorial throughout The Gryﬀe Advertizer:

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

sales & wants ITEMS FOR SALE BABY EQUIPMENT Tw i l i g h t Tu r t l e w i t h instructions. Exc. cond., SFH. £10. Tel: 01505 672175. Gro Clock Sleep Trainer with instructions and Sleepy Farm story book. Exc. cond., SFH. £10. Tel: 01505 672175.

CLOTHES & SHOES Riker ladies multi snake pattern shoes, size 6, EU39, low wedge, very comfortable. NEW. £15. Tel: 07856 610671.

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN Wooden dining table & 8 matching seats. Exc. cond. 2 seat pads show sign of wear, no rips. Pictures available. £350. Tel: 07779 150903. Dyson DC 08 Vacuum Cleaner. £20. Tel: 07807 481215. Philips Juicer 1868. Exc. cond., SFH. Full instructions and recipe booklet. £20. Tel: 01505 672175. Multi circles mirror approx 89cm x 89cm (16 circles in total, each 20cm). Gold and silver coloured metal. Good condition. £50. Tel: 01505 672175. Round dining table in reclaimed oak. Approx 120cm (d) x 70cm (h). Good condition. £80. Tel: 01505 672175. Desk from IKEA - Wood Colour. VGC, 3 years old. 1 deep cupboard and 2 sliding draws, lots of storage. £45 ono. Tel: 07950 497019. Retro style oak & veneer coffee table from John Lewis with shelves & drawers. Approx H38cm x W110cm x D60cm. Exc. cond., SFH. £80. Tel: 01505 672175.

Reconstituted Flower Pots, round and square. £5 each. Buyer collects. Tel: 01505 612756. 2 Seater Brown Leather Sofa. 5ft long. VGC, good quality, no pets. SFH. £80. Tel: 07870 427107. Single bed mattress. Exc. cond., SFH. £10. Tel: 01505 672175.

ELECTRICAL & GAS Boxed Robinson Willey Super Eco Inset Balanced G as Fire Charisma. Unused. £30 ono. Tel: 07969 349801.

SPORTS Apollo Folding Bike Adult. £60. Tel: 01505 320407. Thule VeloCompact 927 t h re e b i ke t ow b a r mounted bike rack. Used twice. £200. Tel: 07887 784162. Apollo Jewel Ladies Mountain Bike, white, 20” frame, 26” wheels, exc. cond. £50. Tel: 07887 784162. Sea kayak - P&H Dawn Treader Oden. Approx’ 21 years old (not used in last 10 years - kept in garage.) 7ft long x 20” wide. Not suitable for beginner. Will accept first serious offer. Tel: 01505 873140. Tow bar bicycle rack takes 3. £50. Tel: 01505 320407. Ice skates Junior Bauer hockey boots, size 4.5 (original box). Exc. cond. £25. Tel: 07814 408192. Swimming training fins speedo brand new. Size 5.5 Colour Red/Navy. £10. Tel: 07814 408192. Kids Junior Road Bike. Moda Major 650c. Exc cond. £200. Tel: 07761 597199.

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.

TECHNICAL & GAMES Sony sound bar SF 150, bluetooth, Dolby audio etc., brand new in packaging. £85. Tel: 07856 610671 . Canon EOS 1000f SLR camera with Canon 2890mm lens. Instruction booklet, cleaning kit and Canon carry case incl. Great condition. £20. Tel: 01505 672175. Dell 17 “ computer laptop s p a re s ; s c re e n , d vd p l aye r, 5 0 0 G B h a rd drive, 4 GB ram, 2 GB ram, no processor, all else for total of £20. Tel: 01505 612722. Sony sound bar HDMI 1 2 0 W b ra n d n ew i n packaging. Bluetooth, S Force Dolby audio. £80. (In curries £99). Tel: 07856 610671.

TOYS Early Rider wooden bike. Pink saddle and handles p l u s u n u s e d b r ow n leather saddle and handles. £15. Tel: 01505 672175.

OTHER ITEMS Stainless steel hip flask and 2 collapsible shot cups in a presentation box. Exc. cond. as unused. £10. Tel: 01505 672175. MEYRA i MC2 Electric Wheelchair (German). Pneumatic rear tyres for comfort and prolonged use. Perfect for extended times out of doors. Variable speeds and fast acceleration. Batteries regularly charged. VGC £500. Tel: 07501 032630. Singer light industrial sewing machine, 188K. £60. Tel: 07807 481215. Ladder. £25. Tel: 01505 612756.

Local Public DEFIBRILlATOR SITES BISHOPTON

JOHNSTONE

The Cornerstone, Greenock Road Bishopton Community Centre

BROOKFIELD

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

Brookﬁeld Village Hall Main Entrance

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

ELDERSLIE

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

KILBARCHAN Scout Hall Kilbarchan Bowling Club

Elderslie Golf Club

LINWOOD

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

HOWWOOD

Onyx Leisure Centre Spar, Clippens Road Asda

PAISLEY Russell Institute

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

QUARRIERS

William Quarriers House (entrance to Faith Avenue) Country View Some of these may have limited access. Please check with venue for full details.

Vintage amber necklaces and bracelets, cognac colour. £30 - £69. NEW hand made. Tel: 07856 610671.

Decathlon training fins Size 2.5 - 3. Pale blue. Tel: 07814 408192.

FREE CYCLE

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

Nike pool sliders UK 5.5 Youth Navy and white (original box), great condition. Tel: 07814 408192 .

WANTED ITEMS

Cash paid for Vinyl Records and Music CDs (a few or a lot). Tel: 01505 324683 or 07765 115347. Old records Wanted 45`s & LP`s CASH Paid. Tel: 07710 777571.

SFH - smoke free home

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

ads directory by Category Accountants & Financial Affluent Financial Planning . . 17 CLA Accountancy Services . . . 44

Architectural Services Abbey Architectural Services . . 7 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 23 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Cleaning & PowerWash DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 46 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 44 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 44 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 7 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 15 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5

Coffee Shops Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 17

Automotive Services Cycle Repair Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Bathrooms Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 3

Bedrooms Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 5

Blacksmith & Metalwork

Spokes Bikes Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 37

Driveways A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Electricians GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MAS Electrical & Security . . 20 Russell Milne Electrician . . 9

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 43

Fencing

Building Services

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 43

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 22 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 23 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 39 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 23 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 15 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 42 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 5 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 15 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 21 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 46 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 3

Firewood & Logs

Catering

Garden Service & Design

Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 23 Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 30 Cuillin Landscapes . . . . . . . . . 33 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 33 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 23 Lady Grafters Garden Services . . 31 R & J’s Gardening Services . . 31 R Williams Tree Services . . . 33 Scotlawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 30 West of Scotland Landscape . . 33

Gas & Heating Services C Hunter Plumbing HeatingGas . . 19 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 11 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 43 Jack Murphy Plumbing&Heating . . 47 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 3

Glazier 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 43

Hairdressers & Barbers

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 15 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 42 June Dalziel Mobile Hair . . . 21 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 43

Funeral Services

Health, Beauty & Fitness

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 7 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 47

Garage Doors & Gates Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 33 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 31

16 JUNE 2021 for JULY 2021 issue Dates may change - please watch our website: www.advertizer.co.uk or keep up to date on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GryffeAds

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Plumbers

Solicitors

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 47 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 39 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 23 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 5 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 44 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 21 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 46

C Hunter Plumbing HeatingGas . . 19 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 11 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 43 Jack Murphy Plumbing&Heating . . 47

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 13

Property, Sales & Let

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 15

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 13

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Kitchens Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 3 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 5 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 23 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 46

Refuse & Clearance Clyde Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Leisure & Recreation

Removals

Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash . . 35

@ease Removals & Transport . . 3 Clyde Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Locksmiths Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Restaurant & Bars Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 17

Painters & Decorators Retail A Gallagher Painter & Decor . . 46 Andrew Hay Painter & Decor . . 47 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 15 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Pest Control

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Roofing Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 22 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 9 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 7 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 23 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 15 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 42 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 21 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 3

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 42 Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Erskine Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 21 Jamie Scott Personal Training . . 37 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 19

Home Hardware

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Home Improvements

next Deadline

Joiners

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 33 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 31 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 23 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 47 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Renfrewshire Handyman Hire . . 15

Home Interiors Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 5 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 15

Plasterers Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 9 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 39 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 42

WWW.ADVERTIZER.CO.UK @GRYFFEADS

Special Occasions ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Stoves Taxis Tiling Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 44

Tree Surgeon Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 33 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 33 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 R Williams Tree Services . . . 33 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 30

TV & Satellite Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 47

Upholstery Services Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 44 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 44

Window Cleaners DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 46 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 44 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 7 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 42

Window, Consv & Repair 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 43

1st Floor, Neva Place Bridge of Weir, PA11 3PN INFO@ADVERTIZER.CO.UK 01505 613340

Our ofﬁce is only open for limited hours at the moment. 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. Please also keep an eye on our website and social media for updates. 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.

12/05/2021 12:45:44

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | May/June 2021

The Sourdough Type by Rona Simpson

INGREDIENTS 400g strong white ﬂour 100g wholewheat ﬂour 9g salt 333g water 100g starter METHOD

Lockdown saw the rise of a smug sourdough army. Everywhere you looked on social media people were baking their own bread. The worst of them were the sourdough bakers (#smugfaces) comparing crusts. Oh just get over yourselves, I thought, and grab a perfectly good loaf from Lidl like the rest of us. This was until a friend of my partner’s gave us a dollop of ‘starter’* in a jar as a present. This came with (and this is no exaggeration) about eight pages of instructions on how to make the bread. She had named her starter ‘Sabrina’. I stared at the brown gloop in dismay. It looked as if I might need to hire a babysitter to look after my own children if I wanted to try to get things going with Sabrina. After two failed attempts and throwing away the eight pages of instructions I googled ‘Easy Sourdough Recipes’. The best one I found was by Alexandra’s Kitchen. Anyway, this is what I have learned. 1. Keep it simple. Make it ﬁt in with your life. I do both ‘proves’ overnight in the fridge. It’s more about judging the dough and whether it’s risen (a fair bit) than following exact timings. 2. There is no kneading required with sourdough, just some folding. Watch videos on how to do this. It’s easy. 3. Don’t be afraid to use your initiative and tweak recipes. I reduced the water required by 50-70g and my dough worked better. 4. I don’t mess about with water temperature, or salt. I throw the salt in with the ﬂour and use regular tap water at the temperature it comes out of the tap. 5. Each time you uncover the bread in the oven and see the ‘spring’ is like a mini birth! It’s wonderful and addictive!

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1. Your starter* must have been recently fed and be bubbling up. Test it by dropping a blob in a glass of water. If it floats, you’re good to go. (Go read up about how to keep starters. It’s a whole other article!) mix this with the water and then add your flour and salt. Mix it all up with a fork so it’s roughly combined. 2. Leave it alone for 30 mins with a tea towel over the top. Then do the first lot of folding. Do two or three more ‘foldings’ at intervals of 30 mins (if you have time, if not, just do one lot) and put it in the fridge to prove for about 12 hours. 3. It should have risen by at least 50%. Do ‘envelope’ folding and shaping (watch a video on how to do this) then shove it back in the fridge in a well-floured bowl with a tea towel over for anywhere from 12-48 hours – basically until you have time to bake. 4. The dough should look quite puffy. Put a casserole dish in the oven and heat to 230 degrees. Cut a round of baking parchment out onto which you flop out your dough. Cut the dough a few times with scalpel or sharp knife. This is to let the steam escape. Place dough carefully into the hot casserole dish and bake for 30 mins covered and 5 mins uncovered. 5. Let it rest for an hour before cutting into and enjoying. Congratulations, you are now a ‘Sourdough Type’! *A ‘starter’ is a fermenting bit of gloop that you use to make the bread rise instead of yeast. And it gives it its traditional ‘sour’ flavour.

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314 MAY/JUNE 2021 - Gryffe Advertizer

Articles inside

Corlic Hill Loop

classified ads

Sma’ Shot Celebrations

Recipe: Sourdough

Coming events

Scotlands Garden Scheme

Corlic Hill Loop walk

Clubs & Schools

Regular meets

Out & about

Houston Agricultural Show

planning for home CHANGES

Kilbarchan Lilias Day

Glasgow Hospitals Concert

PAI Scottish Drawing Competition

Local History

K&PG Show

village news