315 JULY 2021 - Gryffe Advertizer

No.315:

LOCAL NEWS FOR:

July 2021

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BRIDGE OF WEIR BROOKFIELD HOUSTON HOWWOOD KILBARCHAN KILMACOLM LANGBANK LOCHWINNOCH QUARRIERS

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Getting back into the swing...

July is usually a quiet month for the Advertizer with people on holiday and schools closed.

This year, schools are closed for summer, but with current restrictions, not many are getting to jet off to sunny countries. The great British stay-home holiday has really taken off though. And going by the limited supplies at the trade depots, lots of you have been upgrading your gardens to allow for visitors. So whether you’re staying home or staying within the UK, we hope you have a lovely summer holiday.

We think we’re getting back on track to bring you your monthly dose of local news and events. Our wonderful advertising clients have supported us throughout and we are delighted that there are actually some LIVE events to tell you about. If we’ve missed any out we’re sorry - please make sure you get your details to us in plenty of time for our August 2021 issue. The deadline will be Wednesday 14th July.

COVER IMAGE: Super Girl Freya & her Super Dog Ludo

Next Deadline: 14th July 2021

Visitors to our office are still off limits but we would be delighted to hear from you 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.

Shop local - support your community!

for the AUGUST 21 issue

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 investment in renfrewshire 04 Gryffe High watch the euros 04 Digital Schools Award 06 selected for GB&NI athletics 06 Digit Day at Houston Primary 06 barochan cross 08 Fairtrade in Inverclyde 08 Gryffe Rotary news 10 play parks £520K investment 10 village news 12-25 Tales of Ochwinnay 17 Host - Carrick Centre 22

Houston Agricultural Show The Greenbelt Grab Out & about All about the bees Parkhill-Johnshill loop walk Clubs & Schools Regular meets Coming events classified ads Sales & Wants Advertizer ads directory History spot

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£8million investment The £8million investment this year by Renfrewshire Council forms part of a £47million six-year investment in Renfrewshire’s roads network - the largest of its kind ever in Renfrewshire.

There will be upgrades in every town and village in Renfrewshire as roads and footways are either fully resurfaced, restored ahead of future resurfacing or minor repairs carried out. The programme also captures any projects from 2020 which were delayed due to the restrictions in place during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, visited the works at Dean Park Road in Renfrew and outlined the Council’s commitment to providing a safe roads network.

Gryffe High News

Councillor McEwan said: “We recognise how important our roads network is for those who live, work and visit Renfrewshire which is why we’ve made this record investment to improve and upgrade our roads and footways. The £8million investment this year will take us to more than £30million invested in our roads network over the past four years.

To mark the historic occasion of Scotland qualifying for a men’s major tournament for the first time in 23 years, Mr Johnson allowed pupils to watch their first game in school on Monday 14th June. This came after discussion with colleagues and Renfrewshire Council. It has not been the easiest of years for everyone and also coincided with the assessments finishing for seniors. Pupils (and staff) were encouraged to wear something national with proceeds of donations going to charity. The result was a little disappointing for Scotland, but there was a lovely atmosphere around the school. The music department even had their own version of ‘Yes Sir, I can Boogie’ which was endorsed with a message from Scotland player, John McGinn.

“We recognise that providing a safe, smooth surface for our drivers is vital, but also for our cyclists and pedestrians as the pandemic continues to encourage more people to walk and cycle instead of using their cars. We’re confident that there is a noticeable difference in the quality of our roads network and that it’s improving yearon-year and I’m looking forward to seeing the latest investment continue this improvement.”

As well as the resurfacing programme, the Council also ensure that all potholes reported are visited as soon as possible and the required work carried out as required, with the most extensive potholes completed within 24 hours.

The street in which the initial pothole is reported is also checked for further potholes to ensure that all the work can be carried out by the roads team in the same visit where possible. For a full list of the roads and footways set for investment in 2021/22, visit: www. renfrewshire.gov.uk/Roads2021-22.

Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board

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Pupils enjoy the Euros

Mr Johnson said, ‘It seemed very appropriate to allow pupils to relax and enjoy the game. It was time to bring in an afternoon of fun.

Lunch was brought forward to ensure that classes were settled for the anthems.

Haggis, neeps and tatties were on the lunch menu and we were also selling cans of Irn Bru and Tunnock’s Caramel Wafers and Teacakes.

“We needed a little fun back after such difficult times and this gave us a great opportunity to do just that.

Some enthusiastic pupils stayed behind for the last 10 minutes of the game, always hopeful. It is back to our new timetable now and pupils will be back working to take them up to the summer term.’

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Digital Schools Award Written by the News Team (Alexander, Anya, Daisy and Rhys) We are excited to announce that Bridge of Weir Primary School has won a Digital Schools Award! The award, which is supported

by Microsoft, Intel, HP, and Education Scotland, is a three-step programme to help schools assess their progress, and recognise excellence in the use of digital technology.

We have won this award because we have successfully turned Bridge of Weir Primary into a Digital School. A new platform built by the News Team, Netbooks, has helped this. It gives pupils personalised recommendations for books to read, and even gives previews of those books. The results are filtered by the pupil’s Renaissance reading age and the topics they’ve selected. The platform will hopefully launch very soon.

We have also been using our new Chromebooks during lessons to use our new Google tools, like Jamboard and Google Docs.

Every class in the upper school (Primary 4 to 7) has been allotted weekly slots, and Chromebooks are always available for taking Renaissance tests within the ICT suite. This article was written on a Chromebook! Here’s what out pupils think about the Chromebooks.

“I love the Chromebooks! They’re very easy when you’re used to it. When I was in the school during lockdown, I used Chromebooks every day – they were very helpful for everything,” said one pupil.

“They’re cool, and they’re small and portable too. I love the touchscreen features too!” said another.

Senior VI Pupil Selected for Team GB & NI Under 20’s Athletics Team Congratulations to Jack P (SVI) at St Columba’s School, who has been selected to compete as part of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Under 20’s athletics team after having recorded a record time (6 seconds faster than the European qualifying standard) for 3000m.

This is a key opportunity for jack which will prepare him for his journey towards possible Olympic success. Good luck, Jack!

“The Chromebooks are so useful during lessons – we can all collaborate on one thing, which helps with sharing ideas,” responded another.

You can read more about the Digital Schools Scotland award online at news.tiny.us/award. Well done to everyone who worked so hard to help us win this award!

NSPCC Digit Day at Houston Primary We were absolutely amazed at the creative costumes our pupils and parents designed for Digit Day. We raised an amazing £618 to support the NSPCC. Thank you to all those who donated so generously. The pupils and staff had a great day of ‘digit’ fun!

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The Sad Removal of Barochan Cross From 1965 to 1975, I spent most of my holidays at my grandmother’s small cottage situated between Bishopton and Houston. One of our favourite walks was to wander along the Barochan Road and climb the hill on which the old Barochan Cross was sited. The views were splendid and the characters carved across the surface of the cross testified to its ancient origins. Inscrutable and solid, it had stood on the hill after being moved there in 1790 on the orders of local laird, Fleming of Barochan, where it served as a romantic fixture on his estate. Before then, it was situated on the road next to the old mill just below the hill. Some believe that it testified to the prowess of the old Kings of Strathclyde for whom it was probably created, but it was also a well-known way marker on the road towards the crossing across the River Clyde a few miles away. In 1977, I was distressed to learn that it had been removed by the Department of Ancient Monuments for restoration. Admittedly, the carvings had been somewhat eroded, but I fully expected it to be reinstated on top of the hill after restoration had taken place. Unfortunately, a few years later, the cross was moved to Paisley Abbey where it remains today. All that remains is the base of the cross. To my mind, this has tamed much of the power of the cross, for it serves as a curated heritage object rather than a vital part of a local landscape.

As a geography professor at Manchester Metropolitan University, I am carrying out research about this recent history with the aim of writing a paper on the topic. I would be delighted if any readers

could share any stories they might have about their own visits to the cross. Also, I know that my misgivings about the cross’s removal were shared by many local folk, and I would be very interested in any opinions that readers might have about this and perhaps its possible future reinstatement on top of the hill. Some have suggested that a copy be made for this purpose.

If you would like to share your stories and opinions, my email is t.edensor@mmu.ac. I’d be most grateful and will acknowledge you in the article I intend to publish.

The base of Barochan Cross still remains on top of Barochan Hill.

By Professor Tim Edensor

A decade of Fairtrade in Inverclyde The district has been a recognised Fairtrade area since 2013 and the latest extension secured by the council will run until 2023. The status acknowledges the work locally, including by the Inverclyde Fairtrade Steering Group led by retired school teacher Morag Paul.

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.

Provost Martin Brennan, who is also vice-convener of education, said: “It’s an honour for Inverclyde to be a Fairtrade zone and to be recognised for the work being done to support farmers and workers in developing countries in getting a fair price for their goods and services.

I’d like to congratulate Morag Paul from the Inverclyde Fairtrade Steering Group for all her efforts in promoting Fairtrade.”

Among the things highlighted in the renewal confirmation was the successful ‘pop-up’ shop at the Watt Institution last year run by the steering group and backed by the council, Inverclyde’s support for the annual ‘Fairtrade Fortnight’ and work in local schools to promote Fairtrade, with many being recognised for their efforts.

Morag Paul said: “Children and young people become very engaged with the concept of fairness, and understand the need to promote equality, equity and sustainability in their lives and beyond. Our schools do a brilliant job inspiring their pupils with these issues”.

Inverclyde became a Fairtrade zone at the first time of applying in late 2013 and was the first local authority in Scotland to sign up to the International Fairtrade Charter and is also a member of the Scottish Fairtrade Forum. The renewal of the status will support the work being done by the council examining historical links to the transatlantic slave trade.

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Gryffe Valley Rotary MEMBERSHIP GROWTH There is now a campaign to attract local business people. Local businesses can become Corporate Members of the Club and their nominees join in our activities to support the community. If you are interested, please email gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com and we will talk to you about the opportunities which Rotary brings.

ROTARY PLANNING The planning cycle for the new Rotary year from 1st July has begun. It started with the training of the President-Elect (Mike Farley) and next year’s Convenors. Rotary is putting emphasis on “Shaping the road to recovery” from COVID and clubs are being encouraged to develop projects – home or abroad – to help people and communities recover. Already the END POLIO Infrastructure is helping with COVID vaccination programmes. The committee convenors for the coming year (Ronnie Mercer – Community Services, Allan Gilfillan - International Services and John Douglas – Youth Services and Andrew Macleman – Social) are making their plans. The club is interested to hear from local organisations how we might help and interested in setting up joint projects. Please email gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com and we will talk to you.

WALKING GROUPS Gryffe Valley Rotary is developing a project to encouraging walking and would like to make contact with as many local walking groups as possible. Please email gryffevalleyrotary@gmail. com and tell us about your group and provide contact details.

CHARITY ACCOUNT During the period of lockdown while the club has been meeting on-line members have been generously donating the money that they would normally have spent on meals and drinks at the River Inn to the Rotary charity account. In total to date over £8,000 has been collected this way, and this has allowed the club to continue its charitable activities. £1,000 has been donated to St Vincent’s Hospice to support the excellent local facility. “Clean water and sanitation” is one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus for humanitarian service and the club gave £600 to Aquabox which provides clean drinking water in emergency situations. £1,000 was donated to Mary’s Meals, and £500 to Freedom from Fistula (The club’s donations of £1,500 over three years have been topped up to £3,000 by a matching grant from Rotary Foundation!).

SPEAKER MEETINGS Members and guests have enjoyed an excellent Spring fortnightly programme of speakers, including George English on “The Voyage of the Mayflower”, Jim Dorward (welcomed back again) on “Local Railway Infrastructure” and Graham Forsyth on the trip he and his late wife had enjoyed to Nepal and the book he had published about it, based on his wife’s writing.

Fifteen members and guests also participated in an on-line Whisky tasting event on 19th May. We sampled five drams from five different Scottish islands. A good night was had by all!

The speaker on 26th May was Bill Campbell of Alloway Rotary. He is District Secretary for the West of Scotland and Humanitarian Service Team Co-Leader for Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland and spoke about the challenges facing Rotary and new opportunities for service.

CLIMATE CHANGE It is hoped to arrange a sub-programme of speakers on topics related to Climate Change in the period up to the climate change summit in Glasgow in November. Guests will be welcome.

The club is participating in a national Rotary art competition for primary school children to design a poster on Climate Change. All local schools are invited to participate. The club will award prizes to the best two entries from each school and then choose the winning entries to submit to the West of Scotland competition.

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Play parks in Renfrewshire receive £520,000 investment Community projects to improve green spaces, sports facilities and play areas in Renfrewshire will receive more than £520,000 from Renfrewshire Council’s Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund.

The fund is open to community groups from across Renfrewshire to submit ideas for local improvements and the Council works with them to complete their applications.

Councillors have already approved projects which include upgraded tennis courts and a brand-new Multiuse Games Area (MUGA) in Langbank, a new outdoor gym in Ferguslie Park Gardens and a brand-new community park in Spateston.

Play parks in Elderslie, Lochwinnoch, Houston and Paisley are also set for improvements, as are a new shelter in Howwood Park and upgrades to the sensory garden in Maxwellton Park.

Two environmental projects have been funded which will see the Tuecheen Ancient Woods in Inchinnan and the Rossland Circle in Bishopton purchased by community groups and developed into community green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Three projects have already been awarded £5,000 through delegated authority and will see an upgrade to Kilbarchan Community Garden, a new boundary fence for St Mirren YFC to protect the playing fields and a bank of gardening tools provided to the West End Growing Grounds to ensure everyone has access to equipment regardless of financial circumstances.

For more information on the fund, visit: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ GreenSpacesFund

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village news The Bridge

Christian Aid Week 2021

www.thebridgebridgeofweir.com The year marches on - we are just about to order the Bridge of Weir calendar for 2022. As always we are very grateful to the members of The Paisley Colour Photographic Club for producing the picturesque images. We anticipate the calendar will be on sale from mid to late September.

Shop - For all your purchases of stationery, greeting cards, and pocket money toys please support The Bridge where our volunteers work hard to meet your needs.

Post Office - are you struggling to find a suitable gift for a special occasion? A gift card which can be exchanged in many outlets may be the answer. Please ask Donald, Alison or Fiona for more information.

Hearing Aid Batteries continue to be available on the production of the appropriate user card. Please ask the volunteer on duty to assist.

Our Gardens - as mentioned last time we appreciate the time and talent of the members of Brighter Bridge of Weir in keeping our front garden looking colourful.

Do you enjoy working in the open air? Why not help in the Community Garden behind the Bridge. Please contact Janet Birch via the volunteers for details.

As always, we thank you for your support - The Bridge is your Post Office, Shop and Community Centre in the centre of the village.

(Opening Hours: Mon – 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm; Sat – 10am to 1pm)

Tues to

Wow! Thank you, yet again, Bridge of Weir! After a difficult year last year because of the pandemic, this year’s Christian Aid Week (10th – 16th May) really bounced back in style – thanks to you.

Although we were able to reintroduce the traditional “red envelope” house-to-house collection in a limited number of streets, it is clear that many people prefer the convenience of donating on line. So, we created a dedicated Bridge of Weir Christian Aid Week “e-envelope” for online donations. Between the traditional envelope and the online “e-envelope” we received over 460 donations. Once gift aid was added, these donations raised over £6,900. But the real icing on the cake was the fantastic contribution of two of the BB boys who took part in “Scotland’s Virtual Kiltwalk” to raise money for Christian Aid. With the top-up kindly provided by the Hunter Foundation, their walk raised nearly £1,500. Finally, we had a small village stall on the Saturday at the end of the week where we sold plants and received more donations – raising a further £260. In total, the magnificent sum of £8,719 was raised for Christian Aid. So, huge thanks are due to all the volunteers from Freeland Church and St Machar’s Ranfurly Church who helped to make it all happen, and to the members of St Mary’s Church who held a retiring collection. But most of all, thanks are due to all the people who kindly donated.

Christian Aid regards poverty as an outrage against humanity.

It robs people of their dignity and lets injustice thrive. For over 70 years, Christian Aid has been standing with the poorest of our neighbours. It works in nearly 30 countries, with people of all faiths and none, to stand up for dignity, equality and justice.

Please take some time to go to the web site (https://www. christianaid.org.uk/our-work/about-us ) to learn about Christian Aid’s aims, activities and beliefs.

Thank you, again, Bridge of Weir.

Dave Macdonald

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WARD 11 Cllr James W.H. MacLaren Congratulations to the team who managed to get funding for a new MUGA on the old tennis court in Langbank. I hope it proves to be very successful. Voices are being raised in Bishopton asking if they can get one too. Funding is also available for playpark improvements.

I’m not very impressed with the new shared footpath from Bridge of Weir to Houston. Surely the bleeding obvious that bollards that are easily removed, will be. Not many left standing now. Just wish council had looked to a longer term solution by building a cycle track on the field side of the wall. I will keep calling for this.

I understand the annoyance residents feel when they see their recycling bin being emptied into the same wagon as their general waste. Hopefully just a one off occasion in Langbank recently but it isn’t the first time this has happened. I heard a very interesting webinar about the recycling process in Renfrewshire and the organiser would be willing to give a talk to my constituents.

Interested? Please let me know.

I pride myself on responding promptly to all correspondence I receive. I have discovered that some emails go to junk while others are marked as read before I have seen them. So I don’t have a lot of faith in the council’s computer systems. Please, if you don’t get a reply from me, can I ask that you call me so I can respond.

No surgeries at present but I hope they will be starting up again soon. My mobile number is 07534 148794 or you can email me cllr. james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk Working with you and improving our local area. Please feel free to contact me with any of your concerns, and I am happy to meet with you at a mutually convenient time. If there is something that you would like me to write about more often then please drop me a line.

It is always good to get feedback, particularly of the positive kind.

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School Crossing Patrol Recruitment As some of you in the community may be aware, we have been experiencing issues in maintaining a full School Crossing Patrol presence in the Kilmacolm area.

School Crossing Patrollers are very valued members of our community and many parents rely on patrollers on a daily basis to enable their children to travel to and from school safely. Our bank of Sessional School Crossing Patrollers is at an all-time low and we are keen to recruit new patrollers from the Kilmacolm community.

If you, or you know someone, who may be able to work as a patroller, or, if we can give you further information, please contact Inverclyde Council Road Safety Officers, Eileen Bell on (01475) 715985 or Jane Brown on (01475) 715987.

We hope you can help us find this special person within the local community.

CHURCH Union Councillor David Wilson reports, “Members of the Glasgow Presbytery visited Kilmacolm to help decide the decision on which sanctuary would be used following the Union of St Columba Church and Kilmacolm Old Church.

“Their report was comprehensive, that merited a very difficult decision.

They recommended Kilmacolm Old and its fine manse. I am an elder in the Old Kirk but have always felt at home in both churches and been made welcome in both. The outcome will now go to a vote of both congregations. That is Presbyterian democracy at work. People are first.”

Planning deadline - Kilmacolm Meadow Inverclyde Council has published the draft Local Development Plan (LDP) and the consultation period is coming to a close.

Kilmacolm Residents Association and the SAVE Kilmacolm Meadow team have been working tirelessly to convince the Council to remove R61 West of Quarry Drive (Kilmacolm Meadow) from the proposed LDP and to reinstate the Green Belt Boundary to the previous location.

The proposed plan is available to view on the Council website at www. inverclyde.gov.uk/newldp and responses can be submitted by email to ldp@inverclyde.gov.uk with the subject heading ‘Local Development Plan’, or by completing the representation form or e-form available at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/newldp, or in writing to Planning Policy, Regeneration & Planning, Municipal Buildings, Clyde Square, Greenock, PA15 1LY For more information please visit the KRA page at https://www. kilmacolmra.co.uk/ or the SAVE Kilmacolm Meadow page at https:// www.facebook.com/groups/545961396409923

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ward 1 - inverclyde Cllr David Wilson PLANNING: The disastrously unsuccessful self builds in Leperstone Avenue have become an eyesore and we need a resolution. Residents in the Avenue had a horrible time with the builders trying to peck into rock. They now often cannot access their houses because of dog walkers, many from outside the village.

We had the good news that the appeal by Gladman/ Quarriers against our decision to refuse the Carsemeadow housing application was refused. The Taylor Wimpy application at Plannetreeyetts was refused but the McTaggart and Mickell application was granted by my colleagues following an officers recommendation to approve. The latter decision has been a disappointment to many with Kilmacolm Civic Trust and Kilmacolm Residents Association putting up a stern fight.

I remain personally opposed to major developments in the Greenbelt. Development of Quarry Drive will still leave ample space for any enlargement of the Cemetery.

I have had much representation regarding the current capacity.

A new granite bench has been placed in the cemetery on which you can have the name of a loved one on a plaque. There is a fee, and the duration is 20 years. There is not enough room for everybody who would like to donate a bench.

INSTITUTE BUILDING: The situation of the incomplete development at the Institute is now becoming outrageous.

The Council cannot accelerate the completion of a project once it has been commenced. Life has been miserable for many living down Smithy Brae. We need a fairy godfather developer to buy the site and finish the job.

BUSES: I am pleased that after much lobbying the 530 McGills Buses service now runs to the Port Glasgow Retail Park and Knapps Loch. The No 1 bus from Kilmacolm to Johnstone has been subsidised by SPT for a further 4 years from July. SPT is contributing to enhance Port Glasgow Station accessibility.

The Park and Ride, another SPT project was starting to fill up before the pandemic.

DOG FOULING: After complaints, dog fouling notices are being placed at Birkmyre Park. The use of herbicides on verges and around trees is to stop facial accidents caused by stones and strimming.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Mike Jefferis has stood down as Chair of the Community Council. We owe him a debt for his service and welcome Morven Armour to the role. We are fortunate to have capable residents who are happy to put themselves forward for community service.

I can be contacted at david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk 07766 992294 01475 741969,712975.

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KilmacolmLibrary10thanniversary BOOKWORMS in Kilmacolm are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the village library.

The facility opened on 31st May 2011 as part of the new Kilmacolm Community Centre, also known as The Cargill Centre, following a £2.2 million restoration of a former Victorian school building which was part-funded by Inverclyde Council.

Over the past decade, the library has welcomed on average 25,500 visitors each year and issued over 160,000 books. The best read adult novel has been ‘Entry Island’ by Peter May and Nick Sharratt’s ‘Shark in the Park!’ the most popular children’s title.

Since opening in 2011, the library has also hosted 455 Bookbug sessions involving more than 9,000 children and almost 8,600 adults on average.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, depute leader of Inverclyde Council and convener of education and communities, said: “It’s incredible to think that it’s been ten years already since Kilmacolm Library first opened its doors. The library has been established as a key part of the village and a rich resource for people of all ages to enjoy reading, take part in classes, access computers and the internet, and study.”

Councillor Martin Brennan, Provost of Inverclyde and vice-convener of education, said: “In an age of computers, internet, tablets and mobile phones, there’s still great pleasure to be had from reading a humble book.”

The Library offers free access to books, newspapers, computers, wireless internet (Wi-Fi) and study spaces, with regular events and activities for adults and children, such as Bookbug, ‘crafternoon’ sessions, ‘zoolab’, computer classes, author nights, ‘chatty café’ and creative writing workshops.

Following the recent easing of national Covid-19 restrictions, people can now resume browsing in most libraries across Inverclyde, albeit on a limited basis.

Bookings are also being taken for PC use and services such as ‘Connect and Collect’, ‘Books on Wheels’ and ‘Device Advice’, which were launched near the start of the pandemic while facilities were closed, are also continuing to support people with access to books and provide help with basic technological troubles.

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Lochwinnoch International Aid and Fairtrade News Our offering of plants in exchange for donations continues. So, if you are walking down Calder Street towards Bridgend, look out for plants on offer on the left just before you get to the bridge.

Alternatively if you have spare plants looking for a good home you can drop them off at the same spot.

At our last meeting in May we decided to donate £200 to the charity “STOP THE TRAFFIK”. This is a pioneer in human trafficking prevention. It is working to unite people around the world by inspiring, informing, equipping and mobilising communities to know what human trafficking is, know how to identify it and know how to respond appropriately if they saw it.

STOP THE TRAFFIK was founded in 2006 as a campaign coalition to bring an end to human trafficking worldwide. Despite the tremendous work by so many in the sector, global estimates on human trafficking show the crime increasing not decreasing. “As important as it is to rescue victims and prosecute traffickers, we will never put an end to human trafficking if that’s all we do. We need to prevent”.

In 2017, Scottish Government reported that victims of trafficking had been identified in 27 of the 32 local authority areas. In 2017, 213 persons were referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) from Scotland. Globally 71% of human trafficking victims are women and girls and 29% are men and boys. Since 2012, 282 children and young people from 33 countries have been referred to the NRM from Scotland. The largest numbers identified were from South East Asia, East Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe, with Vietnamese nationals accounting for 53% of all those referred.

A charity we donate to on a monthly basis is Mary’s Wheels. The origins of the charity go back to 1983 when 2 brothers from Argyll began charitable work in Bosnia Herzegovina. Over the years the charity grew and changed its focus and became Mary’s wheels.

Their vision is that every child receives one daily meal in their place of education and that all those who have more than they need, share with those who lack even the most basic things. Their school feeding programmes are owned and run by community volunteers in the countries where they provide food. For example, there are over 80,000 volunteers in Malawi who take turns to prepare, cook and serve the daily meal in each school. They work in 19 countries around the world.

Our 90 kilo Kilombero rice challenge continues and bags are still available in the Heritage Farmers Market at £3.75 per kg We are still unable to resume any fundraising events but we continue to receive money via our regular monthly subscription scheme and we are always ready to welcome new members.

Individual donations are also welcome. You can do this using “Just Giving” which you can access via our Facebook page (Lochwinnoch International Aid & Fairtrade). You can also get in touch through lochintaid@gmail.com or telephone 07702 544868.

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Explore Lochwinnoch’s history and legends A collection of short stories inspired by the Lochwinnoch countryside have launched online this week, thanks to funding received from Renfrewshire Council.

‘Tales from Ochwinnay’, created by local authors Lyn McNicol and Laura Jackson, was designed to provide a free story-telling resource for children across Renfrewshire, helping to nurture reading skills during a time where live story-telling events are unable to take place. The five short videos were filmed on location in Lochwinnoch and feature original illustrations created for each story.

The project has been supported by Renfrewshire’s Artist Development Grant, launched in 2020 as part of Renfrewshire’s Cultural Recovery and Renewal Fund to support Renfrewshire’s cultural sector in adapting to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Artist Development Grants are supporting artists who live or work in Renfrewshire to continue their practice at a time when their livelihoods are threatened.

Author Lyn McNicol said: “This support has been a much-needed boost to our creativity. In pre-pandemic years we have toured over 1,500 schools, libraries and festivals for author events with our existing book series. In March 2020 our live sessions stopped so we were a bit lost. I was hospitalised in February this year with a serious illness and whilst in hospital, also tested positive for Covid19. This project has helped hugely in my recovery and in reminding us both, as authors, of what we do best. “ Author and illustrator Laura Jackson said: “Renfrewshire’s Artist Development Grant has been invaluable in allowing our creativity to blossom again. The stories were great fun to write and I was able to utilise my illustration – which was a joy. Creating the videos in Parkhill Woods was a taste once again of our live events, even though our audience this time, was mostly birds!”

Renfrewshire’s Cultural Recovery and Renewal Fund is part of Future Paisley, a radical and wide-ranging cultural regeneration programme, and is administered by Renfrewshire Leisure on behalf of Renfrewshire Council.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Chair of Renfrewshire Leisure said: “The Artist Development Grants were designed to allow our local professional artists to continue with their work during this difficult time and it is great to see our cultural sector beginning to thrive once again. ‘Tales from Ochwinnay’ is a fantastic resource that can be used across Renfrewshire and beyond in homes, nurseries, schools and libraries to nurture reading and inspire our young people to try some creative writing and story-telling of their own.”

Access online at: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/talesfromochwinnay

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Kilbarchan and District Christian Aid Group Fundraising during Christian Aid Week this year was rather different from our traditional approach.

Kilbarchan Parish Church As the Government has started the gradual easing of Coronavirus restrictions, so we have been able to begin making changes to our Sunday in-church worship, which takes place at 11 a.m..

Although the 2-metre social-distancing rule remains in place, we are now permitted to use the gallery, meaning we can increase our capacity, significantly, to a maximum of 61.

We have taken the opportunity to designate certain locations as suitable for family groups and couples who wish to be seated together and hope that this will prove popular.

Booking of places is still recommended – this can be done between Monday and Thursday for the following Sunday’s service.

Our team of volunteers was boosted with extra helpers and as a result we were able to deliver donation envelopes to more households in Kilbarchan and Brookfield than in recent years. We decided that we would not re-visit houses to uplift donations, but rely on folk to donate via our JustGiving page or drop off their donations at a central point in both villages.

There was a steady stream of donors on Saturday 15th May, dropping off envelopes and enjoying an opportunity to chat.

The result has been amazing. The total raised from the donation envelopes and JustGiving has reached more than £4,700, of which a huge proportion was gift-aided, raising a further £800+ for Christian Aid. This is substantially more than recent years. The generosity of our local community is truly jaw-dropping. Thank you to all who donated and thank you to the volunteers who made this possible.

Your support can make the world of a difference to communities which are suffering NOW from the impact of Climate Change.

Please book a place by emailing bookings.kpc@gmail.com or by texting or phoning 07876 201096 and provide your name and a contact number.

If you wish to learn more about how to support such communities on a regular basis, check out https://www.christianaid.org.uk/

Our regular Sunday Reflections continue and can be found via the church website https://kilbarchankirk.org also on our Facebook page and on Youtube.

You can also access the Reflections by telephone on 01505 805893.

Kilbarchan National Women’s Register

While congregational singing is not yet permitted, we expect this to be possible when the next major easing of restrictions is made.

However, we are now able to have musical contributions from other singers and musicians, in addition to our organ music.

We continue to meet during the summer with walks and garden chats. And hopefully will meet in person when regular meetings resume in August. For further info about our group, please contact the website: www.nwr.org.uk or phone Fiona on 01505 348627.

There have been further encouraging announcements from the Government in recent days, which will enable us make services closer to the normal experience.

We believe we have created a safe, welcoming environment for worship and look forward to seeing you in church in the near future.

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Name A Guide Dog Puppy ‘HABBIE’ We are delighted to announce that we have reached our target of £2,500 to name the puppy.

We would like to thank Kilbarchan organisations, businesses and members of the public who have made this possible. It has been a challenge to reach the target especially as we have been unable to hold any fundraising events since March 2020.

We can’t thank you enough for your support and look forward to sharing the picture of Habbie the puppy in the near future. With thanks Anne Ferguson and the West Renfrewshire Guide Dogs for The Blind Fundraising Team.

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ward 9 Cllr Derek Bibby STREETS & PAVEMENTS: At the June Council meeting I asked the council and its partners to look into the matter of street furniture and other obstacles in our streets and on our pavements, and the impact of this on the visual impaired, wheel chair users and people with disabilities.

It is evident that this is a problem not only in terms of terms of permanent installations such as refuse bins, but also through the proliferation of temporary signs such as A boards and road closure signs with pavements and pedestrian areas becoming increasingly congested.

Navigating these is becoming more difficult and I have asked that a report be brought to the September council meeting to see what additional safety measures and improvements can be made.

At the same meeting I also raised the issue of the reopening of Renfrewshire Libraries, for as we continue to ease restrictions it is important that library services return to pre COVID -19 service levels.

POST OFFICE CLOSURE: It is to say the least disappointing that despite strong opposition the closure of the post office in Lochwinnoch has been confirmed for October 21st. This is a cold harsh business decision that has taken precedence over the best interests of the village, and another example of businesses abandoning rural communities without regard for the outcome which in this case, will be older people and non drivers having to travel outwith Lochwinnoch to access postal services.

I will continue to work with other ward councillors and the local community in Lochwinnoch to look at options to maintain a service within the village .

FUNDING: On a brighter note the Villages Local Partnership recently approved grant applications from a number of local organisations and I was pleased to support funding that was awarded to the Arts Festival, Food Committee and, Choral Society in Lochwinnoch and the Kilbarchan Singers. These groups and organisations are a significant part of village life and it is important that wherever possible they receive support from the council.

BUSES: The changes to the Kilbarchan to Glasgow bus service have now been implemented and I continue to receive complaints from passengers who now have to change buses in Johnstone Town Centre to travel to Johnstone Station, Paisley and Glasgow McGills need to respond to these passenger concerns, meantime I will keep a close eye on the reliability of the new Johnstone Kilbarchan 32 service.

CONTACT: In common with other councillors I am not currently holding face to face advice surgeries. I can however be contacted at cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk or by phoning 0300 300 1274 or 07534 156007.

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Houston & Killellan Kirk Generous Foodbank Support When the Outreach team first introduced the Foodbank collections at the start of Lockdown at the West Halls of Houston & Killellan Kirk in Main Street Houston on Tuesdays, little did they realise that this would become a regular feature of community life. Apart from the pausing of the acceptance of donations in December/January for health safety reasons, the Foodbank has operated continually for over a year. Rather than just hazarding a guess at the total donations made in the first year by the generous folk in the Houston Community, it was thought best to check with the Renfrewshire Foodbank operators.

Feedback received from Elizabeth Alexander, the Manager, indicates that the weight of essential items donated in the first 52 weeks of collections totalled a tremendous 14,827.3 kg. This is possibly not terribly meaningful until advised that “this equates to 35,304 meals for people in our community in food poverty.” Elizabeth remarked further “Thank you so much for everything, we really appreciate all you are doing.”

Hopefully we can see the light at the end of the Lockdown tunnel.

However, sadly, this does not suggest that the levels of food poverty are reducing. Indeed, the impact of Lockdown is more likely to increase the demands on Foodbanks.

‘Outdoor Bingo’ at Howwood Park Friends of Howwood Park held ‘Outdoor Bingo’ at Howwood Park on Sunday 30th May 2021. It was a beautiful evening and around 60 people of all ages attended.

We held 5 games of bingo, and prizes included Amazon vouchers, chocolates, and hanging baskets generously donated by ‘Jaggy Thistle Gardening’. A good time was had by all and we plan to run another outdoor bingo evening again soon.

Food and other essential items continue to be accepted at West Halls, Main Street: Tuesdays 10 – 12 noon and 7 – 8 pm.

The local Foodbank continues to be keen to receive: • Most food and toiletry items, and in particular – • Tinned and dried potatoes • Bottles of squash and cartons of juice • Cleaning items such as bleach and cleaning spray • Washing up liquid and laundry detergent • Shampoo, deodorant, shower gel, shaving gel and razors Those supported by the Foodbank will be most grateful for the continuing generous support of the Houston Community. # LOVING … CARING … SHARING #

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ward 9 Cllr Andy Doig BUSES: At the last full meeting of Renfrewshire Council there were several motions on the vexed question of the threatened cut to the no 38 Glasgow to Kilbarchan bus service by McGills Buses, upon which so many of Kilbarchan residents depend upon. Recently three of the four ward Councillors for Kilbarchan, including myself, signed a tripartite letter to McGills management expressing our concern at how these cuts will affect constituents.

In the debate in the Council chamber I made clear that while I am a very strong supporter of small businesses I do believe that the bus sector should be re-regulated under local authorities.

SPEEDING: After many months of raising the vexed question of speeding through Kilbarchan and Howwood I was very pleased to see that the last meeting of the Infrastructure, Land, and Environment Board approved both villages as two of the three villages to take part in a pilot as part of the Council’s new Safe Rural Walking Initiative. This means that consideration will be given to looking at every kind of measure to curb speeding through Kilbarchan and Howwood, speed bumps, chicanes, or a blended menu of measures to make our villages safer.

Through time the scheme will be rolled out to other villages.

PLANNING: After the Scottish elections I congratulated Tom Arthur MSP on his re-election and on his appointment as Planning Minister.

Prior to the election he was clear that he stood shoulder to shoulder with the residents of Burnfoot Road, Lochwinnoch, in opposing the release of that area for housing supply. Now as Planning Minister he can, under Section 20 of the Town and Country Planning Regulations (2009), compel Renfrewshire Council to change its Local Development Plan to exclude Burnfoot Road, and this I urge him to do. Finally, I have been working with Council officers to look at various potential sites to establish a community post office as sadly the current Lochwinnoch Post Office in the Spar is closing in October.

House Wanted To Buy Minimum of 3 bedrooms Detached or older Semi preferred in Houston, Kilmacolm, or Bridge of Weir area. South/South West facing back garden.

Please call: 07753 659804

CONTACT: 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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What’s on

JULY 2021

H.O.S.T

THE CARRICK CENTRE, HOUSTON

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Booking enquiries:

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

Bill Haddow 01505 690693, Stewart Scally 01505 674277,

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: thecarrickcentre@gmail.com or hostbookings@outlook.com

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

MONDAY Yoga Dance West Scotland

Weekly 1pm Mary Laidlaw 01505 229112 R3 4.30pm

TUESDAY Dance West Scotland Paint Pot Tots Yoga Councillor Surgery Councillor Surgery

MH 3.30pm 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 7.30pm 19th MH 4pm - 7pm R2 6pm - 7pm 9.30am

THURSDAY

* New week long Work Shop : Textile Artistry 9th-13th August www.deborahcampbell.com/workshops/ Centre Patrons PLEASE ADVISE date or time changes due to Holidays or C19 to Centre Management

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

BROOKFIELD

Ellie McLaren (Fiddle Classes) 3.20pm - 6.20pm 07521 499351 Primary Colours 3.30pm – 4.30pm Crafty Friends 7.30pm Folk Club 8pm 07786 078952 iaintdawson@gmail.com Move It Or Lose It 10.30am – 11.30am Councillor Surgery 7.15pm Audrey Doig Moo Massage (Moo Music) 9.15am

Brookfield Village Hall Main Entrance

FRIDAY

Elderslie Golf Club

Yoga Dance West Scotland Councillor Surgery

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

SATURDAY Dance West Scotland Dance West Scotland Councillor Surgery

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

HOWWOOD

KILBARCHAN

Scout Hall Kilbarchan Bowling Club

LINWOOD 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)

11am and 6pm

Some of these may have limited access. Please check with venue for full details. If we’ve missed any, please let us know - info@advertizer.co.uk

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

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KILMACOLM

Kilmacolm Golf Club St Columba’s Senior School Co-Op Gym, Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm Old Ranfurly Golf Club Kilmacolm Library (rear of New Ranfurly Castle Golf Club Surgery) The Gate House, Bridge of Weir Leather Works

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

SUNDAY Baptist Church

BRIDGE OF WEIR

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

QUARRIERS William Quarriers House (entrance to Faith Avenue) Country View

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021

ward 10 Cllr Audrey Doig PLANNING: I am very disappointed that the last meeting of the Communities, Planning, and Housing Board decided to ignore the sixty objectors, and Houston Community Council, who rightly opposed the proposal from Cala Homes to build seventy one houses on the site of Woodend House, Houston Road, Houston. I am proud that my husband moved against the application and was supported by some of my SNP colleagues, but sadly the final decision was ten votes to approve, and five against. All Labour and Tory Cllrs voted for the proposal and I am especially bemused that one of the Ward Cllrs for Houston both spoke and voted in favour of the application, and claimed there “was no local issue with school provision”. Henceforth, if any new residents call me to complain they cannot get their children into local schools I will point them in his direction.

SPEEDING: After many months of raising the vexed question of speeding through Houston I was very pleased to see that the last meeting of the Infrastructure, Land, and Environment Board approved Houston as one of the three villages to take part in a pilot as part of the Council’s new Safe Rural Walking Initiative. This means that consideration will be given to looking at every kind of measure to curb speeding through Houston, speed bumps, chicanes, or a blended menu of measures to make our villages safer. I am delighted that the Administration listened to my representation on behalf of Houston.

FUNDING: The last meeting of the Villages Local Area Partnership was a very positive event with local groups in the Houston and Brookfield area getting funding. For example, Houston Community Council was awarded just under £2,000 for its annual Christmas Lights event this year, while Brookfield Bowling Club was awarded nearly £900 for general running costs. Although we are moving in the right direction, concerning the lifting of Covid restrictions, it is really important from the point of view of community cohesion that we give every support to our community organisations.

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

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Great News For Langbank Well, it certainly has been a busy time for many of our villagers who have been working hard to try and improve things for the local community.

We had a fantastic turnout for our Village Clean Up day on 23rd May when approximately 50 villagers from all ages joined in to pick up rubbish, clear overgrown areas and plant up the village tubs – HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who helped. We also had a fantastic display of Clean Up Day posters drawn by the children of Langbank Primary School.

It was lovely to see some of the local village groups back in action and able to do some socially distanced, outdoor fundraisers with the local church holding a plant sale and the local Playgroup doing a Teddy Bear Hunt around the village.

Thanks to the generous contributions of villagers, we have also secured the funding to site a second defibrillator in the east side of the village, with the exact location currently being finalised. With the first unit sited at the village hall and this second unit the village will now be well served and in the unfortunate event that a defibrillator is needed then it will be accessible.

We are delighted to announce success in our bid to Renfrewshire Council’s ‘Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas’ and ‘Village Investment Fund’. We have secured £79,086 to transform the existing tennis court into a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). The committee continue to work hard to make this happen and are in consultation with a local supplier to install the new facility later this year.

We would like to thank Langbank Community Council, Langbank Tennis Club, Renfrewshire Council, our local Councillors and everyone who has helped and supported us, despite the challenges of the past year.

If you would like to know more about the project or get involved, please contact the group via info@langbankcommunity.com

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“Goings on at the Houston Village Hall” You may have noticed some activity and colour at the front of the Houston Village Hall property on Main Street, in recent days and earlier this year. As a local church, we wanted to find ways to bless and contribute positively into our community, but in a way that respected the current need for distancing. Thank you to those who have given us positive feedback - for your encouragement and appreciation for our efforts.

As shown in the photo’s, we’ve enjoyed setting up displays and sometimes giveaways, as follows ...

Valentine’s Day love hearts for everyone.

Daffodils for Mother’s Day. Easter banners - a reminder of God’s love for all people.

92 free ice creams for local residents (for 92 days of summer) on Tues 1st June- the 1st day of summer.

Colourful summer display up for the month of June.

Feathers for Father’s Day - display yet to be erected at time of submitting this news.

And our community prayer garden, with garden bench and jack and Jill seats with table, is there for anyone who might like to stop and sit and think and pray and eat and chat and just be there.

You might like to bring your own seat cushions for comfort.

Sharing God’s love, colour, joy and flavour in our community, Houston Church of the Nazarene.

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Virtual Houston Agricultural Show A sunny Friday evening made for a wonderful backdrop to the inaugural Houston Agricultural Show Tractor Run, held on the eve of show Saturday. The pandemic has prevented the show taking place for the last two years. The resilient Committees have triumphed in making sure the villagers do not forget about the show and this year have kept the spirit alive by hosting a free Virtual Show online.

The streets of Houston were lined with hundreds of people in socially distanced family groups. Tom Stewart, Show President, encouraged villagers to come out into the streets of Houston to #WaveInYourWellies. The procession of a dozen tractors led by local haulage businessman Robert Wilson in his shiny blue lorry was heartily cheered on. A wonderful selection of tractors, some new and some vintage ones as well. There was a special appearance from a’ Mini-COO-per car’ that even ‘mooed’!

The villagers of Houston were delighted to see the tractors traverse the local streets, cheered, and waved them along the route. A poignant moment saw the tractors pause on Kirk Road as a mark of respect to past President Mr Ian R Simpson who passed away recently.

Local children and adults have been able to take part in some online competitions showcasing their talents. The competition categories were sponsored by lots of local businesses donating generous prizes. With hundreds of entries across all the categories local judges chose the winners.

Behind the Barn Doors was a series of fun films showing behind the scenes of local farms, and not to be missed was ‘Ask Aly’, where villagers could ask local farmer Aly Young all sorts of farming related questions.

Mo Lyle, Show Secretary, “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the Show Field on Saturday 4th June 2022.”

Virtual Houston Agricultural Show Winners • Rachel Jones found the Moovin’ Milk toy calf hanging out at the entrance of the show field. (pictured right) • Leigh Ann Barrett winner of the guess the age in days of the Cow & Calf.

• Presidents Pick - Super Girl Freya & her Super Dog Ludo. (our cover shot!)

• Houston’s Got Talent - Maisie Hunter • TikTok – Aaria Nimmo • Draw or paint a picture of a farm animal or tractor - Abigail Turner • Photo of pet or local animal – Isobel Straw • Cook, Shop and Eat Local - Roma Crichton • Floral arrangement in a Coffee Cup Rachel Hyslop • Virtual Dog Show winners with their good boys and girls. Kirsty Steel, Lesley Campbell, Colette Morin and Louise Crawford.

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Draw or paint a picture of a farm animal or tractor - Abigail Turner’s drawing of a Highland Cow

The Houston Agricultural Show Tractor Run - a procession of a dozen tractors, new & vintage, led by local haulage businessman Robert Wilson, including a’ Mini-COO-per car’ that even ‘mooed’!

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Many new housing developments have sprung up in local areas recently and not all of them have been met with positivity by locals who cite a lack of equivalent investment in infrastructure and already overcrowded schools. Others more sanguine, realise that newcomers can boost businesses, enhance community and help the economy too. However, recent attempts to redesignate greenbelt areas in the Local Development Plan by local councils have united residents in Kilmacolm and Lochwinnoch in condemning these moves.

In March 2019 Renfrewshire Council put its Local Development Plan out for public consultation and within it the Burnfoot Road area in Lochwinnoch was included for proposed housing development.

There are many excellent reasons not to build here according to Lochwinnoch’s Burnfoot Action Group – or BAG for short. The site is greenbelt and falls within the boundary of Renfrewshire’s ‘green lung’ - Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. It forms a crucial part of the Wildlife Corridor between the Barr Loch Nature Reserve and the open moorlands of the Renfrewshire Heights area of the Regional Park and is home to many native species of plants and animals, along with the rare Leiper’s bat.

Furthermore, the area is very susceptible to flooding and developing on this fragile ecosystem threatens to sharply increase this risk. BAG also challenged the proposed ‘need for housing’ and claimed the Housing Need and Demand Assessment entered in the Local Development Plan was now of date. 900 Lochwinnoch residents objected to the proposal in the summer of 2019, but their voices went unheard.

This may be because the story really began many years before.

In 2015 Stewart Milne entered into an agreement to purchase Burnfoot Road Site in the event of planning permission being granted, with a view to building over 100 houses. They applied pressure to Renfrewshire Council to change the site’s greenbelt status. Their proposals included making contributions towards sewage works, building affordable housing elsewhere and contributing to school improvements if redesignation and planning permission resulted. Consequently, the Council proposed to redesignate the site to allow development.

In Kilmacolm a similar story is unfolding. In January 2021 Inverclyde Council accepted a proposal from their planning officers, to redraw the greenbelt boundary, resulting in the area known as Kilmacolm Meadow (or West of Quarry Drive) being removed from the Greenbelt. Despite almost 500 residents submitting formal objections to this proposal on

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The Greenbelt Grab

by Rona Simpson

4th May 2021, Inverclyde Councillors voted in favour 8-4 to remove Kilmacolm Meadow from Greenbelt status and approved Planning Permission in Principle for MacTaggart and Mickel to build 78 houses.

One of the main objections to development relates to sustaining biodiversity; Kilmacolm meadow has not been grazed for over 20 years and is home to more than 157 species of wildflower and grasses. Some of them are rare such as the greater butterfly-orchid and the whorled caraway. The root system of wildflower meadows creates very stable soil that can withstand heavy rainfall, meaning they are vital in preventing flooding. The UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows since the 1930s contributing to increased erosion, flooding and the current climate emergency. However, it is not just plants but people we need to defend. This place gives the west of the village – where garden space is in short supply - access to a large, safe green area that is well used by children and dog walkers. And lastly, there is the subject of housing need. According to Bill Crookson of Save Kilmacolm Meadow Group and Colin Patterson of the Burnfield Action Group in Lochwinnoch, there is no shortage of land in the Renfrewshire Housing Sub Market Area (RHSMA).

This has been confirmed by Clydeplan Strategic Development Plan (SDP), which remains unchanged since 2017. It is also confirmed by a Scottish Government Reporter in the Carsemeadow dismissal on 25th May 2021.

Kilmacolm Community Council initially objected to the planning proposal at Kilmacolm Meadow, but then withdrew their objection. Chairperson Morven Armour explains, “To be honest we were disappointed by the decision of Inverclyde Council to change the status of the land. The previous chair was informed of the redesignation two days before the pre application meeting so we felt that the grounds of our objection, based on that decision and the figures (in support of housing need), had been invalidated leaving us no option but to withdraw the objection.”

What the Lochwinnoch and Kilmacolm situations show is that community voices are being ignored, shutdown or dismissed.

These redesignations go against, not only local policy, but national climate change policy. With climate change and loss of species increasing at a pace, there has never been a time more important than now to support biodiversity, stand up for local democracy and preserve our greenbelt. These redesignations must be resisted at all costs.

For more information on how to resist or what to say in your objection email join Save Kilmacolm Meadow or Kilmacolm Environmental Action or Burnfoot Action Group on facebook.

To object to the Inverclyde Council’s Local Development Plan please email ldp@ inverclyde.gov.uk before 9th July.

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24/06/2021 12:22:09

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out & about Brighter Bridge Of Weir BRING ME SUNSHINE For two spring seasons running our efforts have been hampered. Last year by the pandemic, this year by the weather. Despite covid, we think we managed a reasonable show last summer, and we’re determined to do it again.

This year though, poor weather in spring meant that our plant delivery was delayed and also, we weren’t able to get everything we wanted. Anyway, we cleaned the street planters and baskets (nearly 90 of them) and, by the middle of last month, everything was planted. We’ll keep an eye on things and adjust if we have to.

Our latest project, the Heritage Garden has received a lot of positive comments.

It was a mammoth task for our small group, but the help of other members of the community made it easier. A freestanding sign is being produced and will be installed at the front of the Garden. It will provide more detail about the features on display and a list of those who contributed directly to it. There are many more who contributed indirectly, but we just couldn’t get a space big enough.

Our pictures show one of the barrier baskets, cleaned and filled with its summer plants, and a rear view of one of the Heritage Garden features.

The latter image shows how landscaper Dougie Adamson dealt with the problem of representing a 350-year-old bridge over the River Gryffe on a steeply sloping site.

River, bridge, weirs, sorted!

House Wanted To Buy Minimum of 3 bedrooms Detached or older Semi preferred in Houston, Kilmacolm, or Bridge of Weir area.

South/South West facing back garden.

Please call:

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07753 659804

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Colourful Kilmacolm We hesitate to remind you of the long, cold spring that we experienced this year, resulting in a slow start to the growing season. As always, however, nature can cope and compensates when the warmer weather does arrive, and so it was that although the plants we had ordered were a little later than usual in arriving, and therefore in being planted, they have very quickly grown in size and vigour and are flowering profusely.

It has been a busy time with the removal of the spring bulbs by our volunteers, then our virtual AGM, the monthly maintenance of the ‘hanging gardens’ at Carriages (thanks for the coffees!), some weeding and replanting at the Port Glasgow Road lay-by and the planting of well over 400 plants. Our regular watering teams will make sure that the displays continue to thrive throughout the summer.

Restrictions have resulted in fewer chances to publicise ourselves.

Despite that we have received several donations for which we are very grateful, and we really do appreciate it when our volunteers are thanked for the work they do. We are therefore pleased to have been able to buy two new planters for the village. They have been placed on the pavement on either side of Smithy Brae and should add a touch of colour to an area that we all know still needs attention.

We are always looking for new members – let’s be honest, especially younger, agile ones to climb the ‘hanging gardens’. If you would like to be involved, either actively or by donating, visit www. colourfulkilmacolm.org.uk or phone Peter (01505 872448) or Liz (07963 973031) for more information.

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Kilbarchan & District Beekeepers After what seemed like an endlessly cold spring, warm weather finally arrived with June. And the coming of summer marked a special point for our association when membership numbers reached 100, a record high. Despite lockdown and all the restrictions that have clamped down on life, the association has enjoyed a rise in members over recent months with the one hundredth member being welcomed in. Clearly the interest in bees and their wellbeing has driven a new enthusiasm for this fascinating hobby, though for many people it’s almost a daily activity at this busy time of year for the honeybees.

Novice beekeepers have plenty to learn and by joining a local group like ours, they are sure of an experienced mentor to guide them through the first confusing months when the bees never do quite what the books say they will do. Just opening a hive for the first time is a step into an extraordinary and delightfully different world.

It’s not just a question of buying the right equipment and that all important bee suit that can seem bewildering but where to safely buy disease free bees. Mentors offer help and advice to beginners and at this time of year there will be the thrill of seeing the bees making the first stores of honey.

Thanks to the warmer weather and long light evenings July is a month when the bees can fly non-stop. A single bee may make just a teaspoon of honey in its short life but that means thousands of visits to pollen and nectar rich flowers. Lime, rose bay willow, thistle and clovers are all favourites while in gardens there is lavender, nepeta and flowers with open centres that are easily accessed. Then it’s back to the hives with full pollen loads where the beekeepers have added ‘supers’ full of frames of wax to store the precious harvest. July is certainly a wonderful month for bees and beekeepers alike.

How to Identify and Deal with a Honeybee Swarm First, check if what you have are bees or wasps (this may sound obvious, but it is an easy and frequent mistake to make). Wasps and honeybees are about the same size, but wasps have alternating black and bright yellow body stripes. Honeybees are brown, with paler brown or dirty yellow bands on the body. Bumblebees are more rounded and ‘hairy’.

See pictures above to help with identification.

If you do think you have Honeybees, and the bees have only appeared within the last few days or are clustered in the open hanging from a branch of a tree or bush, then you have a newly arrived swarm (see picture of a swarm clustered.)

While a local beekeeper will do their best to be helpful, there are situations when they can’t - particularly when bees are lodged in a chimney or wall space or very high and inaccessible – or when removing the bee colony successfully can be time-consuming, difficult and success cannot be assured. The removal of a freehanging swarm in the open is usually much simpler however, and you are more likely to find a local beekeeper who is prepared to come and remove it for you. They will not deal with wasps or bumblebees. Do please bear in mind that beekeepers are not a free pest control service and are giving up their own time to try and help, and can’t always be with you in short notice, although they will try where possible. In some situations, you may still have to call in a pest control company to deal with a well-established colony or one difficult or dangerous to reach.

Details of Local Beekeepers willing to be called to assess and try assist in HONEYBEE swarm removal are available via the Renfrewshire or Inverclyde Council Websites http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ or https://wwwinverclyde.gov.uk and search on ‘swarms’.

Please do not contact the Swarm collectors for any other bees or insects.

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

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society Kilmacolm Horticultural Society have worked hard at the Garden at the Cross, we hope you can admire the garden when you visit the village, and we thank Ian Morrice and Colin Houston for their efforts. It is disappointing that we are still unable to give you details of the annual Flower Show, or offer dates for the winter lectures syllabus. We understand the reluctance of the council to allow large numbers to meet in a public place, but fingers crossed that a more positive ruling will be given by mid to end July.

Meanwhile, enjoy your own gardening, appreciate the beautiful displays of summer in other gardens, - stay safe.

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Bridge Of Weir Horticultural Society Gardeners, hoping for a warm and sunny Spring, were sadly disappointed. Cold and dry conditions continued well into May with occasional frosts nipping in, before settled conditions arrived. The late May holiday weekend weather was great, bringing various Highs which settled over the UK during early June. Plants responded appropriately with a surge in growth but compared to last year.... were still - and remain - far behind.

Drought conditions and water rationing may be on the horizon, exacerbated by the demands of “staycation” holidays! Buy more water butts and store rain water and site these around the garden for quick access. Prevent mosquitoes laying eggs on water with a squirt of washing up liquid which will break the surface tension. Soap weakens water molecules which cannot stick together so easily.

Remember, keep pots well watered and, if there are restrictions, prioritise new plants and bedding, fruit and vegetables. Be consistent. An erratic watering regime causes fruits and vegetables to split or become misshapen. If the lawn dries out – it will recover!

Remember, if a plant is stressed (too dry) pests will move in. Do not, under any circumstances put down Slug Pellets to kill off pesky gastropods. There are animal-friendly products available which do not poison hedgehogs or birds!!

After the first flush, deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent flowers setting seed. Pick vegetables as soon as ripe for the same reason and to prevent them becoming tough. The more you pick the more you get! Fruiting trees will have shed surplus fruits during the “June drop” but this year many will have been caught by a late frost. If apples or plums are squashed together, remove the weaker fruits to let light and air get to the developing ones.

The Committee met recently and members were notified by e-mail/ letter of the topics discussed.

Renfrewshire Grass Cutting Communities are seeing the results of a £240,000 investment in Renfrewshire Council’s improved grass cutting programme that has seen two new John Deere tractors, six zero-turn grass cutting machines, three sets of hydraulic triple units, two pedestrian flail machines and 12 self-propelled hand rotary machines available for the Council’s grass cutting teams – enhanced with additional staff.

Combined with an improved approach which sees all teams tackle one area of Renfrewshire each day, grassed areas are now being cut once every two weeks. This includes cutting all open spaces, school playing fields, public parks, sports pitches and cemeteries as well as providing the grass assistance scheme for council house tenants - and litter picking and sweeping the roads in the area too.

Hedge cutting is provided twice a year, with communities seeing their first cut between mid-May and mid-July and their second cut between mid-August and the end of September.

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

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Eadha Celebrates 10th Anniversary

by Planting Millionth Aspen Tree Eadha Celebrates 10th Anniversary by Planting the Millionth Aspen Tree Local environmental charity Eadha Enterprises is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Over this time Eadha (the old Gaelic word for aspen) has been researching, conserving, propagating and planting rare native Scottish aspen trees. In a ceremony at Dargavel Village during a sunny May weekend, Eadha, with the help of local resident Gavin Newlands MP, planted its millionth aspen tree. “When we started out”, explains Peter Livingstone, Eadha’s co-founder and CEO, there were only five aspen trees left in the whole of Renfrewshire and only around 70 in the whole of South West Scotland. I think we can safely say that we have secured its future in this part of the world.”

Eadha set out to collect samples of all of the surviving trees and thanks to initial support from Forestry and Land Scotland (formerly Forest Enterprise), developed a production system using a micro propagation laboratory and then established a supply chain with them. Eadha also supplies trees through its social enterprise to the private and community sectors and NGOs as well as planting aspens in its own varied projects. Eadha also maintains a specialist plant nursery near Bishopton where it maintains the national collection of aspen clones.

The ceremony was part of a wider community project to rewild Dargavel Village Square by under-planting the mature Scots Pines with a wide array of native wildflowers, shrubs and trees.

For more information visit www.eadha.co.uk or follow EADHA on social media - facebook: Eadha Enterprises twitter: eadhaaspen

Finlaystone Country Park The 10 acres of gardens are looking fantastic this year so why not come along and enjoy a picnic or sample the delights of The Garden Café which delivers a fine selection of teas, coffees, light lunches and ice cream.

Bring the kids to have a go on our zip slide or get all swashbuckled and set sail on our very own pirate ship.

Opening times from 10am till 5pm, 7 days a week - No need to book, just pay on arrival.

Upcoming Events: Treasure Island on the lawns featuring the Quantum Theatre Group on Saturday 17th July at 6.30pm.

Wild Night camping tickets for August and September will be on sale soon.

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Thanks On behalf of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, I would like to thank all our visitors, garden owners and volunteers who have taken part in our open gardens in Renfrewshire this year.

It has been a challenging time for everyone, not least charities and I am sure they will join me in thanking you all for your support and generosity at this time. We were fortunate to have lovely weather for all our garden openings which makes the day so much more enjoyable for everyone !

Photo: Peter Livingstone collecting cuttings from an aspen on Ailsa Craig.

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If you are planning a holiday in Scotland, there are still many gardens open until the Autumn - have a look online at http:// scotlandsgardens.org for up to date details.

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Walk: Parkhill Woods/ Johnshill Loop, Lochwinnoch LENGTH: 4K (EACH SECTION) DURATION: 1-2 HOURS – DEPENDING ON STOPS AND WHICH ROUTE YOU DECIDE TO TAKE. RATING: EASY POINTS OF INTEREST: GROTTO, REMAINS OF COLLEGIATE CHURCH AND BETTY MCKELLER POETRY VIEWPOINTS NATURE SPOTTING: TAWNY OWLS, GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS, CHIFFCHAFFS, WILLOW WARBLERS AND BLACKCAPS.

The Collegiate Church Founded in 1504 as a place of worship and learning. Inside you can see the ornate tomb of its founder John, First Lord Sempill. It was served by a college of priests whose main duty was to pray for the souls of the Sempill family.

Park at the electrical substation. Then cross the meadow pausing to stop at the viewpoint where is inscribed lines

by Lochwinnoch’s famous poet, Betty McKellar.

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Continue down into the woods where you can decide which loop to do. The Hill trail will give you the best views, but all areas of this lovely woodland are worth exploring including the collegiate church and the grotto.

If you wish to do the Johnshill loop continue along the woodland trail and follow the exit towards Castle Semple, where you join the cycle path and walk back through the visitor centre, back into the village and up to the car park again.

A beautiful woodland walk at all times of year.

Grotto This was originally built by the MacDowall family in 1758 as a picnic spot and used as a symbol of the family’s wealth. It was considered very fashionable in its time.

Betty McKellar - Poet Betty moved to the Lochwinnoch over 50 years ago where she married a local sheep farmer and stayed, teaching in the local school for 30 years. She began writing in retirement and had her first book of poetry published when she was 65. The Muirshiel, the hills, the legends and the history of the area are her inspiration.

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clubs & schools

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Houston Primary News The pupils of Primary 7 are heading off to the James Hamilton Heritage Centre for two days of fun on the water. They will take part in raft building, kayaking, canoeing, dinghy sailing and paddle boarding. The following day we will be holding our very first Houston Beach Party, to say a final farewell to our wonderful Primary 7 pupils. Here’s hoping that the sun shines for us.

Eco School Pocket Garden Design Winner Many of us in 2020 discovered the joy of growing something and noticing the natural world on our doorsteps. This 2021 Pocket Garden Design Competition builds on those positive experiences, linking garden design with health and hope for the future.

Pupils designed colourful and exciting pocket-sized gardens within a rectangular footprint of 120cm x 100cm. They researched and created their own imaginative shapes and designs, using colour and plants that thrive in Scotland. The winning design was created by Dillon and is now starting to grow. We look forward to seeing it in full bloom.

Well done Dillon!

Primary 6 Science Project The pupils in Primary 6 are taking part in a science experiment in partnership with the Glasgow Science Centre. An amazing growing aeropod was delivered and our pupils got planting. They are making comparisons on how different colours of light impact on growth.

RAMHD Sunflowers Every pupil in Houston Primary has planted a sunflower to seed to raise awareness of the importance of our mental health and well-being. We hope that they make you smile when you walk by the school grounds during the summer months.

Health Week All pupils took part in Health Week following COVID guidelines. In normal times, we would have a variety of experts in teaching our pupils and sharing their expertise. Since this was not permitted, we met very many of our experts via Zoom. The pupils had a great time trying out very many new sports.

Bikeability Pupils from P5-P7 have all now received Bikeability training. Riding a bike safely is a wonderful skill and this training helps our pupils to become more confident and safe when out and about in the village. We thank our local residents for their patience.

Music Lessons Return We are so delighted that our pupils can now engage in playing their brass instruments outdoors. It was lovely to have Mrs Tennant back.

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Bridge of Weir Primary School Written by the News Team (Alexander, Anya, Daisy and Rhys) This month, we are excited to announce that Bridge of Weir Primary is the proud winner of a Digital Schools Award. Please see our full story on page 6, and you can read more about the Digital Schools Scotland award online at news.tiny.us/award.

Away from the computers, the P5s put together a ‘Mini Mudder’ to raise money for their social enterprise projects ‘Bully Busters’ and ‘Litter Legends’. The course, which was completed by the P5-P7s, consisted of a slime pool, a climbing net, hay bales, a tyre mountain, a mud pit, and a slippy slide. At the start of the race, Head Teacher Mrs Bell soaked the entrants with a garden hose. They then started running around the playground with the P5s soaking them all the way. It was lots of fun and the P5s managed to raise enough money - through sponsorship - to buy litter pickers and other supplies for their projects. The school would like to thank local farmer Mr Lyle for the hay bales, and Active Schools for supporting the event.

Besides getting soaked, the P7s also got to take part in an outdoor adventure at Castle Semple. There were lots of activities to enjoy such as walking, a mini beast hunt, kayaking, team building games, and much, much more. Luckily, they got a lovely sunny day to enjoy all these outdoor activities ahead of their move to High School.

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St Fillan’s Primary School

Primary one Induction: We were delighted to welcome our new Primary one boys and girls into our ‘St. Fillan’s Family’ for two consecutive afternoons in May. The girls and boys were super excited for their visits and they enjoyed meeting with one another, playing and listening to stories on their first visit to school. Their second visit was centred around the theme of a ‘Teddy Bears Picnic.’ The picnic was hosted outdoors in the beautiful surroundings of the St. Fillan’s Church grounds. A fun time was had by all with games being played, ‘getting to know you’ activities and of course, some goodies were enjoyed! The children were all superstars and it was a pleasure to welcome them and their families. We look forward to formally welcoming them when they start as Primary one pupils in August.

Finlaystone Country Park: After a challenging academic school session, we were grateful that local restrictions had eased in time for us to book and enjoy a whole school trip to Finlaystone Country Park. Each class took part in Ranger led activities throughout the day which were hosted within the vast grounds of the park. Activities included: den building, a scavenger hunt and a nature walk. The children had a great time feeding and cuddling some of the furry residents in the park – baby lambs, guinea pigs, ponies and chickens! It was a wonderful way to spend some quality time together as it had been such a long time since everyone had participated in a school excursion altogether.

Star Boards: Due to ongoing restrictions, our well-established system for earning house points within our house families had come to a halt over recent months. Since returning to school in February/March, we have been focussing on our school value of ‘Team work,’ so we decided to introduce ‘Class Star Boards’ where class bubbles would work together to earn stars, reach a target number and achieve a class reward for their efforts. Each class bubble chose a class incentive to collectively work towards which ranged from: movie afternoons, ice lollies in the park and outdoor picnics. It was brilliant to see the children encouraging and supporting one another to come together as a team and work towards achieving a common goal. The class incentives have been a fitting way to end a challenging session and to provide opportunities for our children to reconnect with one another.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in our school family, community and beyond a wonderful Summer holiday and a time to relax, have fun and make memories!

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Duchal Nursery It has been so wonderful to have had a full and busy summer term, the children have certainly grown and flourished over the past few months enjoying being together. Learning so much through so many varied activities and projects including science experiments in the garden, football and gym work in the park, and even walking Alpacas and Llamas around Birkmyre!

This time of year always has a tinge of sadness as we say goodbye to our Blue Teddies as they head to primary school, but we know that they are fully prepared for their next step, and wish them all lots of luck, but please remember to come back and visit us!!

We are delighted that we will again be offering free places for all children aged 3 – 5 years next year. Our free funded hours are 8.30am - 2.30pm every day during term time, and we are open until 6pm each day for wraparound care. Giving all local children an opportunity to benefit from the excellent Duchal experience.

A wonderful opportunity to have your very own little piece of Duchal We are delighted to offer our Duchal friends and families the opportunity to have your very own print of this beautiful original painting of the nursery by artist and former Duchal parent, Emma S Davis RSW PAI. The original painting “Duchal at the Park” was commissioned by Duchal as a retirement gift for the late Mrs Jean McCarthy, treasured Headteacher at the nursery, who touched the lives of so many families. It was always Jean’s wish that everyone should be able to enjoy this special painting as much as she did.

If you would like to order your copy of the print, please email: info@duchal.com To keep up to date with all the latest news, visit our website: Duchal.com and our Facebook page.

Finally a note from all the children and parents - a BIG THANK YOU to all our fantastic staff who make Duchal such an amazing place.

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St Columba’s News No term is ever idle at St Columba’s but since we emerged from the most recent lockdown, we have been busier than ever!

Congratulations to…

Cara E-M (SV) who has been awarded a scholarship from the Inverclyde Music Festival for her outstanding talent and continued contribution to the festival.

Euan L (SIII) who recently won the Under 18 March, Strathspey and Reel event at the Atholl Gathering competition. This is the first time Euan has entered this highly competitive age grouping thereby making his achievement even more impressive!

Charity Event Strathgryffe House Captains asked pupils and staff to write an open letter to the patients and residents of Glasgow Children’s Hospital, Ardgowan Hospice or St Vincent’s Hospice with the aim of ‘making everyone smile’ Pupils were encouraged to decorate their letter with colourful illustrations, and we hope that the many recipients felt our pupils’ warmth, hope and friendship.

5k for St Columba’s Day! In 2020 we celebrated St Columba’s Day by taking part in a sponsored run/walk/ cycle in aid of Belville Community Garden Trust’s “Bridge the Digital Divide” campaign.

This year, Mrs Carlton, Head of Charities & Teacher of PE, along with Depute Heads of School, Cara B and Alexander D hosted our second St Columba’s Day in aid of Children in Poverty, Inverclyde, a charity very close to our hearts. A huge thank you to everyone who participated and donated.

Former Pupil Weekend Our Former Pupil Weekend features rugby and hockey matches between previous year’s leavers and the current Senior VI. The FP Weekend is always very well attended, perhaps because it embodies the Columban spirit: a sense of community, a healthy competitive edge and lots of fun. Despite the lack of spectators, the teams played with drive and determination. Many thanks to our sponsors to our former pupils for coming back to visit us!

For more news, please follow us on social media or visit our website www.st-columbas.org.

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Kilmacolm Golf Club There was a fantastic turn out for our recent AM-AM competition, with players enjoying glorious sunshine and returning some impressive scores. The winners Mark Sloan, Ian Lowing and their guests narrowly pipped two generations of Reid brothers with a spectacular -19 under.

57 ladies joined Captain Pat Briggs for Lady Captain’s Day playing in the TriAm and enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea prepared by new club chef Neil.

Lois Brown, Irene Hicks, and Fiona Laidlaw were winners in the 9 hole competition. Prizes for ‘Nearest the Pin’ and ‘Nearest the Line’ were won by Jane Pirie, Kay Creevy, Morag Turner, and Sylvia McDonald.

The launch of the new Ladies Academy has been a huge success, with 42 ladies joining for a three month introduction to golf.

They have enthusiastically embraced their new sport and have thoroughly enjoyed their lessons with the Pros and practice sessions. As they reach graduation they are starting to venture out on the course and it is fair to say many of them have truly “got the golfing bug” and will be active members of the club in the future.

Winners of the annual TriAm Shield were Marion Stewart, Jane McDonald, and Rosemary Hammond.

Winners of the 18 hole competition and the Marr Trophy were Lynda Bradley, Cherry Briggs, and Debbie Campbell.

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All our team matches are well under way, with the Men and Juniors playing in the Newton Shield Leagues and the Ladies in the Greenlees League, as well as some friendly matches against local clubs giving plenty of members an opportunity to represent the club. There have been some thrilling matches and great results so far, good luck for the rest of the season.

Our Junior Section is going from strength to strength, with many of our younger members gaining their first handicaps, while there has been some fantastic scoring and great play from our more experienced juniors. With the summer holidays looming there are bound to be many handicap cuts and improvements over the coming months.

Freedman Trophy Alexander Farmer wins Freedman Trophy - Renfrewshire Boys Match Play Championship The final of the competition was played at Kilmacolm Golf Club on Sunday 20th June after a wait of a year due to the Covid pandemic.

The final matched Alexander Farmer – Kilmacolm against Tom Hepburn – Williamwood and this turned out to be a classic encounter by 2 of the finest boys within the RGU, with Alexander winning on the day. Congratulations to both boys for the spirit in which the match was played.

The competition which has been running since 1979 is always played at Kilmacolm due to the long-standing connection with the club, but this is only the second home player to win the trophy, the other being in Image: left Alexander Farmer – Winner, 2003. This is the first ever Tom Hepburn - Runner Up family double victory as his father, Andrew Farmer won the trophy as a16 year old in 1990 beating that well known professional David Orr in the final.

The Renfrewshire Golf Union thanks Kilmacolm Golf Club for their continued support of the event and the Freedman family though Alison Murray for attendance and in presenting the trophy.

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Old Ranfurly Ladies Section On 5th June Old Ranfurly Ladies section held their First Ladies Day competition in 2 years We all sorely missed this event last year due to restrictions so all ladies were determined to make up for it this year!! The theme this year was ‘Wear in Pink’ and many members were happy to dress in pink to join in the fun!! This competition is a lady members invitation mixed greensomes. The weather was glorious and 110 participants enjoyed a fun game of golf in the much welcomed warm sunshine.

Golfers could take advantage of the beer tent which was very much appreciated as golfing in the sunshine is thirsty work!! This was manned by the club bar staff. After golf Heather and Loiuse our excellent catering team were on hand for members to enjoy a post match dinner in our newly refurbished club house. The winners on the day were Lana Wilson and Ricki Fildes with an excellent score of 41.6 A prize for best pink outfit was one by Susan & David McFall Our charities on the day raised £55 each for MND and Alzheimer’s and £200 for Wear it Pink Charity. A very successful day all round

Elisa and Tristan on The Road to Wimbledon Strathgryffe Tennis, Squash & Fitness Club recently held it’s annual 14 and under Road to Wimbledon tennis competition in glorious sunshine.

The event attracted nearly 30 players competing for a place in the regional qualifying finals with the winners of the regional finals qualifying to play on the grass courts at the All England Club, Wimbledon in the late summer.

After a hard-fought weekend of matches, Elisa Gibson prevailed in the girls event, overcoming Megan O’Brien 6-2, 6-1. In the boys event, Tristan Mills defeated Lucas Nolte 6-2, 6-4. Good luck to Elisa and Tristan in the regional finals.

Another competition held over from last year was the traditional Rosebowl This was held on Sunday 13th June It’s a mixed greensomes competition and open to all. Once again great

The club is running holiday tennis camps for children age 3-16 over the school holidays. Members and non-members welcome. For further details and booking, go to: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ StrathgryffeLTC/Coaching/Camps

turn out of members and guests who played 18 holes in lovely sunshine if just bit breezy!! The Rosebowl was won by Kelvin & Donna Murphy with a score of 62.4 Members and guests were well catered for in the club house after with our post match menu.

The Club has been fortunate in being able to continue its activities, with many new members joining us recently. Whilst we are still not back to functioning “normally” we have managed to hold a few races much to the relief of some members and our cadet and adult training sessions continue to be well attended.

Our next ladies competition is the ladies open on Thurs 1July. It’s a four ball ladies greensomes competition and all entries are very welcome.

There are still some spaces so get your name in quickly if you wish to take part.

Castle Semple Sailing Club One Sunday proved to be very windy as per the pictures!

After our very successful Easter Camp, there will be 3 Summer Camps will be held as below. Cost is £70 for the week either mornings or afternoons.

It’s £16 per couple and can be booked on Empire Golf. Hopefully looking forward to seeing you there and good luck to all.

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

Colourful Grading Success at Clyde Judo Returning to the judo mat after a long hiatus, players at the new Clyde Judo Club dojo in Paisley celebrated their hard work this week as coaches examined 22 players for their next belt grade, with all achieving passing scores.

Gradings are an important part of judo where players demonstrate what they have learned to date. Gradings involve demonstration of techniques, learning Japanese terminology and at higher grades examples of practical application of techniques.

Congratulations to all who took part. To learn more about judo or to join in a class, contact Clyde Judo Club at: www. facebook.com/ClydeJudoClub

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Ranfurly Castle Ladies Section Since restrictions were lifted on the numbers allowed to play together, the ladies have taken full advantage of enjoying both sociable golf and competitions.

The season started in March with the 5 Club, 12 hole competition being played in pairs. Senga Nixon was the winner with a very impressive score of 32 points. This was followed by the Macmillan Cancer Relief Stableford, played over 2 days in April, where the winner was Geraldine Hughes with 40 points and Mary Hardie was runner-up with 39 points. £123 was raised for the charity.

The first fun team event took place on 28th April with 10 teams of 3 taking part. The winners were Jan Macnab, Pat Pennel and Alison Templeton with a very good score of 77 point. Runnersup were Anne Judge, Jean Irvine and Evelyn McDermid with a score of 74 points.

The Coronation Foursomes, played on 5th May, resulted in Louise Cooper and Anne Gordon going forward to represent the club with 42 points.

In the Daily Mail Foursomes Anne Judge and Sheila Biggart have now made it through to the 5th round. They now play away at Bishopbriggs Golf Club so we wish them the best of luck going forward.

The Lady Captain’s Day was held on 26th May in mostly dry but cool conditions. Silver winner was Louise Cooper with 43 points and Bronze winner was Vicky Rennie with 38 points.

The Renfrewshire County Foursomes were played at Bonnyton Golf Club on 27th May. Jan Macnab and her daughter Alison won the event with a gross 81. This meant they went on to represent Renfrewshire in the Inter County Foursomes held at East Kilbride on 1st June where they were overall runners-up with a 79. Many congratulations to them both.

The Greenlees team have sadly lost both of their away matches played and the West Renfrewshire team have lost one, halved one and won one. Well done to all the ladies who played.

A reminder that the Ladies Open Tri-Am takes place on Thursday 15th July. Application forms can be downloaded from Ranfurly Castle website or by calling the Professional Shop on 01505 802999.

Finally, a huge congratulations to Rosemary Ogilvie who had a Hole in One at the 7th hole – her first.

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Brookfield Bowling Club The first competition of the year was a Mixed Triples which was run in spectacular sunshine. The winning team, for the Cole Hamilton Salver was Jean Monks, Peter Connell and President Campbell Blaikie.

The Club has fully opened and wappenshaws are run on Tuesday’s.

Thursday’s and Saturday’s. New members are very welcome.

Please phone past President Dennis Taylor at 01505 612417 for information about joining.

Clyde Muirshiel Park Regional Park car parks and trails are open at all locations.

Outdoor Activity courses for members of the public have resumed, see the Make a Booking section for 2021 dates and give yourself something to look forward to.

Group bookings with the Outdoor Activity team are going ahead and booking up very fast. Please contact them on 01505 842 882 for more information.

For more information, visit https://clydemuirshiel.co.uk/

Regular Meet Classes 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

Rebok Step Class Freeland’s Church Hall, B of W Tuesdays at 10am - all levels Tuesday at 6.45pm - all levels A brilliant new Reebok Step class. Lots of fun, fab music and a fantastic workout. Why not come along and give it a go?

Booking essential. Contact Mo 07505 126416.

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Move it or Lose it!

We are delighted that some of our classes have returned.

It’s been great to see so many smiling faces Due to social distancing numbers are limited so most of the classes are full. I am currently running waiting lists so if you are keen to join the fun please call Fiona and leave your name and number.

Some people have chosen to attend a different venue while waiting for their class to restart.

If you would like to do this, please contact me as I may consider running additional classes where necessary.

Gourock - Mondays at 1.30pm Greenock - Tuesdays at 1.30pm Houston - Thursdays at 10.30am Kilbarchan class restarting in August and it is hoped that Bridge of Weir class will return soon.

Please contact Fiona 07811 766672 or e: Fiona.bretherton@ moveitorloseit.co.uk www.moveitorloseit. co.uk or check out moveitorloseitwithfiona on facebook

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.

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

Energise with Laura 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 Many of the classes which usually feature in this section have been unable to resume for the time being. Check out previous Advertizers or our website for various class details and contact information.

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coming events

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.

Sculpture Treasure Trail

JUly SAT 26TH JUN - SUN 15TH AUGUST BRICKLIVE’s Animal Paradise!

Paisley - various venues Have a great family day out in Paisley this summer with BRICKLIVE’s Animal Paradise! This interactive trail features hand-built brick endangered animal statues across ice caps, jungles, rivers and forests with the Bengal Tiger, the Macaws, the Dolphin or the Snow Leopard? Find all 15 models for your chance to enter our free prize draw! Free Event

THURSDAY 1ST - SATURDAY 31ST Art for Erskine Online Exhibition & Sale virtual event This month long fundraiser offers a wide selection of contemporary artwork and more available to buy from the comfort of your own home!

Artists include Graham McKean; Katherine Sutherland; Elaine Johnston; and many more.

Every sale helps raise vital funds towards the care of Veterans in Erskine’s four care homes. Thank you for your support! Prices for art will vary. Visit the event website at https://www.erskine.org.uk/event/ artforerskine/

SATURDAY 3RD 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.

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Geilsland Country Estate, Beith 11am to 4pm X marks the spot!

Join us at Geilsland for the official opening of our summer sculpture trail. Collect your free blank treasure map and set off along the trail, marking off the sculptures as you find them.

Once you reach the end and your map is complete you can claim your prize! Free entry for all. The event is organised by Beith Trust Sculpture Trail and Beith Trust.

Geilsland Country Estate is near Beith, off the Geilsland Road.

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

SUNDAY 4TH Bridgeton Garage Open Sunday Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust Bridgeton Bus Garage The Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust is pleased to open our home, Bridgeton Bus Garage, to the public on the first Sunday of July, August and September. Ticket prices: Adult £5, Child/Concession £3, Family £12. Child tickets are for ages 15 and under, Concession is for over 65. A family ticket is valid for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children.

Booking is through our online shop at https://gvvt-ltd-103047.square. site/product/bridgeton-garageopen-Sunday-4-july/74

WEDNESDAY 7TH Scottish Awards for New Music virtual event 8pm New Music Scotland is delighted to be holding the awards online, live from the RSNO centre, Glasgow.

Presented by Tom Service, it will feature a performance by RSNO violist Katherine Wren, the driving force behind Nordic Viola, of Legend, written by Eddie McGuire in 1974 for the late Jimmy Durrant.

Streamed online from the RSNO Centre (via the NMS website).

This event is online and free to view. Find out more at https:// www.newmusicscotland.co.uk/ awards2021/

SATURDAY 10TH Lochwinnoch Films 4U Lochbarr Services, Newton of Barr, Lochwinnoch PA12 4JB 2pm and 6.30pm Lochwinnoch Arts Festival will be presenting two movies: Mary Poppins Returns (PG), doors open 2pm, film begins 3pm.

Black Panther (12), doors open 6.30pm, film begins 7.30pm. A short movie made by local film makers will precede both showings. Tickets available from Lochbarr (opening times Monday to Friday 5pm to 10.30pm). No charge for tickets but donations will be gratefully received (cash only). Please bring your own chair/blanket for the screening. Scottish Government social distancing rules will apply.

Paisley Farmers Market The Cenotaph, Paisley PA1 1DG 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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Art for Erskine Online Exhibition & Sale Join us for Art for Erskine, taking place online from Monday 1st July – Saturday 31st July. This month long fundraiser offers a wide selection of contemporary artwork and more available to buy from the comfort of your own home!

Artists include Graham McKean; Katherine Sutherland; Elaine Johnston; and many more. Every sale helps raise vital funds towards the care of Veterans in Erskine’s four care homes. Thank you for your support!

This is an online event - prices for art will vary. Visit the event website at https://www.erskine.org.uk/event/artforerskine/

Lochwinnoch Films 4U On Saturday 10th July, Lochwinnoch Arts Festival will be presenting two movies at Lochbarr, Lochwinnoch.

Mary Poppins Returns (PG), doors open 2pm, film begins 3pm.

Black Panther (12), doors open 6.30pm, film begins 7.30pm.

A short movie made by local film makers will precede both showings.

Tickets available from Lochbarr (opening times Monday to Friday 5pm to 10.30pm).

No charge for tickets but donations will be gratefully received (cash only). Please bring your own chair/blanket for the screening.

Scottish Government social distancing rules will apply.

Kilmacolm Dramatic Society In the hope of restrictions easing over the summer the Society has tentatively started planning a pantomime with a view to performing it at our usual venue, Kidston Hall in Kilmacolm, the last weekend in November.

Our experienced local Panto Director, Mandy Robinson, who’s previously brought us the delights of Jack & the Beanstalk, Dick Whittington and Sleeping Beauty, has decided to thrill us with Aladdin this year. The script, by Bob Heather, requires a fairly large cast and anyone interested in joining us, be it on stage or behind the scenes as part of our valuable backstage crew, is invited to email Mandy at joerobinson@btinternet.com Play readings will have taken place by the time you see this but informal auditions will be held this month. Don’t be shy, we are a friendly, welcoming group and are always delighted to see new faces.

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SATURDAY 10TH - SUNDAY 11TH Art By The Burn Fox and Hounds, Main Street, Houston 11am to 4pm Featuring local artists, crafters, and designers from the Renfrewshire area. A full list of exhibitors will be found on the AOS social media pages before each event. If you would like to book a stall please see our website for details www. artonscotland.co.uk Support local, buy handmade, meet the maker!

TUESDAY 13TH Outdoor Fitness Tone Classes Howwood Park, Midton Road, Howwood 10.30am to 11.15am

by Alexis Holmes from ‘Train with Alexis’. £2 donation per class with a fully qualified and insured instructor. Suitable for all abilities and ages (over 16’s only please).

Dress for the weather. Booking required via Eventbrite (Google ‘Eventbrite Howwood Park’ to find the link, which changes weekly).

Organised by Friends of Howwood Park. Classes will run every Tuesday until the end of September, check website for availability.

SATURDAY 17TH Treasure Island Finlaystone Country Estate Langbank 6.30pm Featuring the Quantum Theatre Group. Tickets: Adult £14, Child £8.50, Family £40. For bookings go to: www.quantumtheatre.co.uk or call 0845 450 5157.

TUESDAY 20TH Outdoor Fitness Tone Classes Howwood Park, Midton Road, Howwood 10.30am to 11.15am

instructor. Suitable for all abilities and ages (over 16’s only please).

Dress for the weather. Booking required via Eventbrite (Google ‘Eventbrite Howwood Park’ to find the link, which changes weekly).

Organised by Friends of Howwood Park. Classes will run every Tuesday until the end of September, check website for availability.

SUNDAY 25TH Erskine Riverside Market Erskine Riverside Market Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine PA8 7AF 10am to 4pm Runs 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.

TUESDAY 27TH Outdoor Fitness Tone Classes Howwood Park, Midton Road, Howwood 10.30am to 11.15am

by Alexis Holmes from ‘Train with Alexis’. £2 donation per class with a fully qualified and insured instructor. Suitable for all abilities and ages (over 16’s only please).

Dress for the weather. Booking required via Eventbrite (Google ‘Eventbrite Howwood Park’ to find the link, which changes weekly).

Organised by Friends of Howwood Park. Classes will run every Tuesday until the end of September, check website for availability.

SATURDAY 31ST Paisley Farmers Market The Cenotaph, Paisley PA1 1DG 10am to 2pm

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AUGUST SUNDAY 1ST Bridgeton Garage Open Sunday Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust Bridgeton Bus Garage The Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust is pleased to open our home, Bridgeton Bus Garage, to the public on the first Sunday of August and September 2021.

Ticket prices: Adult £5, Child/Concession £3, Family £12. Child tickets are for ages 15 and under, concession is for over 65. A family ticket is valid for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children. Booking is through our online shop at https://gvvtltd-103047.square.site/product/ bridgeton-garage-open-Sunday-4july/74

TUE 3 AUGUST Outdoor Fitness Tone Classes Howwood Park, Midton Road, Howwood 10.30am to 11.15am

by Alexis Holmes from ‘Train with Alexis’. £2 donation per class with a fully qualified and insured instructor. Suitable for all abilities and ages (over 16’s only please).

Dress for the weather. Booking required via Eventbrite (Google ‘Eventbrite Howwood Park’ to find the link, which changes weekly).

Organised by Friends of Howwood Park. Classes will run every Tuesday until the end of September, check website for availability.

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.

by Alexis Holmes from ‘Train with Alexis’. £2 donation per class with a fully qualified and insured

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Sculpture Treasure Trail

Scottish Awards for New Music

Join us at Geilsland on Saturday the 3rd of July from 11am to 4pm for the official opening of our summer sculpture trail. Collect your free blank treasure map and set off along the trail, marking off the sculptures as you find them. Once you reach the end and your map is complete you can claim your prize!

New Music Scotland is delighted to be holding the awards online, live from the RSNO centre, Glasgow at 8pm on Wednesday 7th July 2021. Presented by Tom Service, it will feature a performance by RSNO violist Katherine Wren, the driving force behind Nordic Viola, of Legend, written by Eddie McGuire in 1974 for the late Jimmy Durrant.

Free entry for all.

The event is organised by Beith Trust Sculpture Trail and Beith Trust.

Geilsland Country Estate is near Beith, off the Geilsland Road. https://www.facebook.com/events/1104846696675838/

Art By The Burn ‘Art by the Burn’ is a new Outdoor Artisan Market opening in Houston, Renfrewshire this July. The weekend events will feature local artists, crafters, and designers from the Renfrewshire area.

You can attend the market at the Fox & Hounds Car Park between 11am-4pm Saturday and Sundays. A full list of exhibitors will be found on the AOS social media pages before each event.

If you would like to book a stall please see our website for details www.artonscotland.co.uk Support local, buy handmade, meet the maker!

Visit the website at https://www.facebook.com/ events/949770379209173 Additional Dates: 14th - 15th August, 11th - 12th September

The 2021 Virtual London Marathon You can run, jog or walk at your own pace over 24 hours, this could be split into two distances over the 24 hours. We only have a few places and all we ask is you register for £20 and raise a minimum of £99 to support the work of SHA. Virgin London marathon have created an APP and you can track your distance and it virtually shows you landmarks in London – exciting to visualise you’re actually being there. Also, if anyone has their own place, we would be delighted if they wanted to support SHA and I can arrange for fundraising materials.

Here is the link to sign up here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ virtual-london-marathon-2021-tickets-141803751839 Some blurb on the event: The 2021 Virtual London Marathon is set to be the biggest marathon ever staged anywhere in the world, with an incredible 100,000 runners scheduled to take part on Sunday 3rd October. Be part of 50,000 walker, joggers, runners and take on the world’s greatest marathon at your place and pace from 00:00:00 to 23:59:59 BST on 3rd October.

On the same day, a record 50,000 participants will run from Blackheath to The Mall in the traditional mass-participation Virgin Money London Marathon on the streets of the capital, an increase of more than 7,000 on the previous finisher record.

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Streamed online from the RSNO Centre (via the NMS website) This event is online and free to view. Find out more at https:// www.newmusicscotland.co.uk/awards2021/

Bridgeton Garage July Open Sunday The Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust is pleased to open our home, Bridgeton Bus Garage, to the public on the first Sunday of July, August and September 2021.

Initially these events will require advance purchase tickets to ensure we can keep our visitor numbers within a safe limit. The garage will be open from 11am - 4pm. Each ticket will allow you 2 hours at the event and you must arrive within 30 minutes of the time you have chosen.

Ticket prices: Adult £5, Child/Concession £3, Family £12. Child tickets are for ages 15 and under, Concession is for over 65. A family ticket is valid for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children.

Booking is through our online shop at https://gvvt-ltd-103047. square.site/product/bridgeton-garage-open-sunday-4-july/74 Members will be advised separately by email on how to register to attend, there is no admission charge for member, however you must book a time slot for us to ensure we keep within our safe maximum number of visitors in the garage. We’ll have a one-way system around the garage. Our Café will be open with some seating indoors and outside in gazebos. The GVVT stall will be open selling books, models and merchandise.

We will have a small number of visiting vehicles on display to compliment the vehicles in the GVVT collection.

A free shuttle service will operate every 30 minutes between the Garage and the City Centre. Seats are limited due to social distancing and priority access will be given to those who are visiting the garage to ensure they meet their booked time slot.

Please note there will be filming of the event during our Open Sunday on 4th July.

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SATURDAY 7TH 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.

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House Wanted To Buy Minimum of 3 bedrooms Detached or older Semi preferred in Houston, Kilmacolm, or Bridge of Weir area. South/South West facing back garden.

Please call: 07753 659804

TUESDAY 10TH Outdoor Fitness Tone Classes Howwood Park, Midton Road, Howwood 10.30am to 11.15am

by Alexis Holmes from ‘Train with Alexis’. £2 donation per class with a fully qualified and insured instructor. Suitable for all abilities and ages (over 16’s only please).

Dress for the weather. Booking required via Eventbrite (Google ‘Eventbrite Howwood Park’ to find the link, which changes weekly).

Organised by Friends of Howwood Park. Classes will run every Tuesday until the end of September, check website for availability.

SATURDAY 14TH - SUNDAY 15TH Art By The Burn Fox and Hounds, Main Street, Houston 11am to 4pm Featuring local artists, crafters, and designers from the Renfrewshire area. A full list of exhibitors will be found on the AOS social media pages before each event. If you would like to book a stall please see our website for details www. artonscotland.co.uk Support local, buy handmade, meet the maker!

The Great Outdoor Cinema: Inverclyde @ the Knapps Loch 21st - 23rd August By the team that brought you The Drive-In Cinema in 2020, we cannot wait to welcome you to The Great Outdoor Cinema in 2021.

This year it’s all about getting outside, enjoying the fresh air and making up for lost entertainment. Enjoy our selection of street food alongside cinema snack classics such as fresh popcorn and an ice blast! Make the most of our mobile bar and sip on an ice cold gin & tonic whilst you sit back and enjoy the film (subject to licensing).

ANSWER THE CALL.

Ticket link: http://bit.ly/InverclydeCinema

SUPPORT LOCAL.

Tickets on sale from Friday 25th June at 11am Book through the link for a 20% discount code. More event information on the booking page.

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(under

16)-

£8

Concession-

£9

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

21 st August - The Lion King 22 nd August - Grease 23 rd August - Jurassic Park

Children

KEEPING YOU CONNECTED

Adult-

£11.25

#SCOTLANDLOVESLOCAL #KEEPINGITLOCAL

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Have a great family day out in Paisley this summer with BRICKLIVE’s Animal Paradise!

We’re getting summer underway in Paisley town centre with our free family adventure, BRICKLIVE’s Animal Paradise!

Running from Saturday 26th June until Sunday 15th August, this interactive trail features hand-built brick endangered animal statues.

We’re sure your mini explorers will have a great expedition hunting down these stunning animals across ice caps, jungles, rivers and forests, all in the heart of Paisley town centre!

What will our intrepid voyagers find first – the Bengal Tiger, the Macaws, the Dolphin or the Snow Leopard?

Find all 15 models for your chance to enter our free prize draw!

What better way to get the whole family out and about for the day with this fun, free activity!

Colette Cardosi, Chair of Paisley First, said: “It’s been a tough year for everyone so we’re happy to be able to give everyone something to look forward to this summer.

“BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise is made up of hand-built brick endangered animal models and has been devised to entertain whilst educating children and families about environmental issues and the importance of conservation and biodiversity.

“So, if you are looking for a free day out and something fun to do with all the family this summer, head to Paisley!”

Trail leaflets will be available from the leaflet racks in both the Piazza Shopping Centre and also the Paisley Centre as well as town centre businesses and the Paisley First office at 1 County Place – just opposite Paisley Gilmour Street train station.

Once you’ve had fun with our trail, we have a wide range of great shops and an abundance of fantastic food and drink venues, catering to every taste and budget, where you can have a wellearned rest!

Plus, Paisley is Paw Friendly so no need to leave your four-legged friend at home!

Love the school summer holidays? Love Paisley!

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business classified WE ACCEPT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

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ADVERTISING RATES

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

TRADES AND SERVICES

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY

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

Kilmacolm/Quarriers area registered childminders. P/time or F/time vacancies for u-5’s and after school.

T: 01505 873839.

VACANCIES

DELIVERY PROBLEM? PLEASE GET IN TOUCH!

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INFO@ADVERTIZER.CO.UK 01505 613340 WWW.ADVERTIZER.CO.UK/DELIVERY-FEEDBACK

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sales & wants ITEMS FOR SALE BABY EQUIPMENT Folding Childrens’ High Chair – good condition. £20.

Te l : 0 1 5 0 5 873295.

White Childrens’ Cot with drop sides and two drawers – good condition. £30. Tel: 01505 873295.

Mothercare Classic travel cot, Cot mattress, Quilt cot/bed, Cellular blanket fit pram/ crib, Cot sheet. All as new £50. Tel: 07843 088541.

Maxi Cosi car seat - Pebble model. VCG. £50. Tel: 07837 980361.

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN Chrome/glass 2 seater bar table with 2 matching stools. VGC. £30. Tel: 07758 370044.

Roman blind. Perfect condition (W) 187cms (54ins); (L) 150cms (60ins). Black/silver/ grey horizontal stripe with beaded edge. £10.

Tel: 07837 980361.

34 x Square White Ceramic Floor Tiles, 13” x 13” (33cm x 33cm). £30. Tel: 01505 614900.

4 panel folding Shower Bath Screen. £30. Tel: 01505 614900.

3 D o o r Wa r d r o b e (currently collapsed). £50.

Te l : 0 1 5 0 5 873295.

New fitted white gloss Kitchen units and fittings, uncut worktops, dishwasher and sink. Fit kitchen 3.94m x 2.46m.

Total cost £1,400, sell £800 ono. Tel: 07307 170949.

Motor reclining single chair. Westbury Model from Hampton & McMurray in Bryson /Cappuccino colour.

Less than 2 years old, perfect condition. Cost £850, sell £250. Tel: 07557 564350.

Ryobi Long Handled Hedge Trimmer – as new. £30. Tel: 01505 873295.

P i e ce o f p a l e g re e n wool carpet 16 feet x 8 feet (approx) – brand new. £40. Tel: 01505 873295.

A varierty of Rosewood/ Mahogany, rope edged furniture by John Coyle, Ireland. Photos Available. Tel: 07890 680179.

Extendable Oval Dining Table - (H) 77cm x (W) 160cm x (D) 89cm, extends to 2 0 5 c m . D i n i n g Chairs x 4 + 2 Carver Chairs by John Berry Chipping, all matching with Burgundy Stripe & Pattern. £320.

Hi-Fi Unit - (H) 68cm x ( W ) 9 1 c m x ( D) 45cm. (S1) Drawer and cupboard below, (S2) Glass door cupboard with opening top. £150.

Rectangular Nest of 3 Tables - (H) 51cm x (W) 58cm x (D) 38cm (largest table). £75.

Lounge Unit - (H) 185cm x (W) 137cm x (D) 44cm. Display Cabinet with 3 Doors a n d M i r ro r B a c k , 2 Side Cupboards and 3 Drawers. £295.

Round Side/Lamp Tables with glass centre - (H) 63cm x (D) 56cm. £60 for both.

48-51 CLASSIFIED 315_JULY 21.indd 49

49

The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 - the Law requires that Advertisers selling goods in the course of a business MUST include the word Trader, Dealer, Agent, Breeder or appropriate wording in the Advertisement to distinguish from private advertisers.

Oval Coffee Table with glass protector - (H) 50cm x (W) 117cm x (D) 76cm. £60.

CD Swivel Storage Unit - (H) 79cm x (W) 39cm x (D) 42cm. £90.

Dining Room Unit - (H) 188cm x (W) 160cm x (D) 44cm. 2 Side Display Cabinets with M i r ro r B a c k s , d ro p down Drinks Cabinet, 2 Side Cupboards and 4 Drawers. £300.

SPORTS Atomic pro race classic c ro ss co u n t r y s k i ’s 191cm, Salomon SNS profil binding. Cross country ski poles with w r i s t s t r a p s E xc e l Nordic Explorer S2 150cm. £45 ono. Tel: 07914 147314.

John Letters Golf Bag (Black) – as new. £30.

Tel: 01505 873295.

Set of L handed golf clubs - Taylor Made Bubble Firesole, Driver/3 wood, Irons 3-9/Wedge/2 putters & Bag - All for £50. Tel: 07774 683835.

2 x Kayaks: includes paddles, life jackets and cradles for roof racks. £40 for each kayak set.

Tel: 01505 706485.

Golf Clubs 8 steel woods, 11 irons most, Hogan Edge, 2 putters, bag and flight bag. £60.

Tel: 07519 252499.

2 Raleigh Kompact fo l d i n g b i ke s 2 0 i n .

Wheels, Shimano gears, stand and carrier rack. £80 each or 2 for £120.

Tel: 07519 252499 .

Salomon ski/snowboard helmet shallow peak to front, warm detachable ear coverings, brown size small, GC. £10. Tel: 07914 147314.

Salomon SNS profil fit cross country padded ankle boot good condition small repair on left boot inside toe area. Size UK 6.5. £15.

Tel: 07914 147314.

Fischer classic cross country ski’s, Salomon SNS profil binding.

Cross country ski poles with wrist straps Fischer RC5 Aircarbon 145cm.

Cross country ski poles with wrist straps Excel Carbon Nordic Explorer 140cm. £45 ono. Tel: 07914 147314.

Atomic women’s snowboard Polarity Edition white glitter with pink checked underside (147cm) black/pink Ride bindings & black Rossignol soft carry bag. £45. Tel: 07914 147314.

K2 Haven boa lace s ys t e m s n ow b o a rd boots. Black with Blue stitching black/blue comfort liner. Good co n d i t i o n s c u f f o n toe area of one boot.

Women’s size 39.5/size 6, plus boot bag. £25.

Tel 07914 147314.

2 x Planet x padded bike bags 1 x Blue/black 1 x Blue/cream, VGC, no tears. £20 each. Tel: 07914 147314.

Sportube series 3 extendable airline friendly case. Light weight high-density polyethylene plastic case offers high-level protection for one/ two snowboards, boots and bindings or 3 sets of adult skis with mounted bindings and poles.

Size adjustable with robust wheels for hand transport. £35. Tel: 07914 147314.

Vintage Raleigh Royale Racing Bike. £200. Tel: 07307 170949.

Sportube Series 2 ex t e n d a b l e A i r l i n e friendly case. Light weight high-density polyethylene plastic case offers high-level protection for 2 sets cross country Skis and poles or 1 adult downhill s k i s w i t h m o u n te d bindings and poles.

Size adjustable with robust wheels for hand transport. £35. Tel: 07914 147314.

OTHER ITEMS B ra n d n ew f u l l s i z e Steel Wheel & Tyre for Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 3. £100. Tel: 07740 281206.

Aquaroll & Waste Master, never been used. £25 for both. Tel: 01505 673248.

WANTED ITEMS Old records Wanted 45`s & LP`s CASH Paid. Tel: 01505 873958 or 07710 777571.

C a s h p a i d f o r Vi n y l Records and Music CDs (a few or a lot).

Tel: 01505 324683 or 07765 115347.

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

FREE CYCLE S t Co l u m b a ’s b l a ze r Boys Size 29”. Good condition. Tel: 07814 408192 .

Extra large Rabbit Hutch.

2 sections, possibly requires re-roofing.

Must collect. Tel: 01505 614900.

L a rg e m a u ve /p i n k Chinese Carpet. Good condition, needs cleaned. Approx. 10’ x 8’. Tel: 01505 229906.

www.advertizer.co.uk/submit-sales-wants 29/06/2021 11:49:51

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

50

ads directory by Category Accountants & Financial

Catering

Affluent Financial Planning . . 3 CLA Accountancy Services . . . 44

Cleaning & PowerWash

Architectural Services Abbey Architectural Services . . 13 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 9 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 35 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 44 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 42 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 25 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 9 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 9 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Platinum Cleaning Services . . 11

Automotive Services Cycle Repair Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Bathrooms Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7

Bedrooms Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 9

Kitchens Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 9 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 3 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 16

Firewood & Logs LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 25 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Funeral Services Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 11 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 17

Garage Doors & Gates

Health, Beauty & Fitness Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 25 Erskine Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 47 Jamie Scott Personal Training . . 41 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Home Hardware

Garden Service & Design

Home Improvements

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 31 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 29

next Deadline 14th JULY 2021 for AUGUST 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

48-51 CLASSIFIED 315_JULY 21.indd 50

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 31 A & M Sandstone Restoration . . 5 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 29 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 9 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 17 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Renfrewshire Handyman Hire . . 43

Home Interiors Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 9 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 25

Joiners CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Tiling

Locksmiths

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 29 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 29 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 R Williams Tree Services . . . 29 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 28

A Gallagher Painter&Decor . . 42 Andrew Hay Painter & Decor . . 47 James Martin - Painter &Decor . . 47 John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

A & M Sandstone Restoration . . 5 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 17 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 5 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 3 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 16 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 3 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 9 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 16 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 11 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 25 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 3 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 16 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 43

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

@ease Removals & Transport . . 47 Clyde Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Hairdressers & Barbers Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 25 Bridge of Weir Barbers . . . . . 12 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 9

Taxis

Tree Surgeon

Painters & Decorators

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 13

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 7

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 25

Removals

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 9

Building Services

Property, Sales & Let

Stoves

Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash . . 37 Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Fencing

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Twice Loved Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 44

Glazier

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 13

Special Occasions

C Hunter Plumbing eatingGas . . 43 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 7 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 23

Clyde Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Electricians

Driveways

Plumbers

Refuse & Clearance

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Spokes Bikes Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 35

Blacksmith & Metalwork

Home Instead Senior Care . . . 13

Gas & Heating Services

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 16 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 3 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 11 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 25 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 3 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 16

C Hunter PlumbingHeatingGas . . 43 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 7 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 23 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 7

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 MAS Electrical & Security . . 15 Russell Milne Electrician . . 16

Care Services & Homes

CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 9 Cuillin Landscapes . . . . . . . . . 29 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 29 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 3 Lady Grafters Garden Services . . 31 R & J’s Gardening Services . . 31 R Williams Tree Services . . . 29 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 28 West of Scotland Landscape . . 31

Leisure & Recreation

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

Pet Services & Training Dog Vacation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Plasterers Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 17 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 16 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 16

Retail Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Twice Loved Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Roofing A & M Sandstone Restoration . . 5 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 17 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 17 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 5 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 9 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 3 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 9 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 16 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 3 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 43

Solicitors Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 7

Contact us!

WWW.ADVERTIZER.CO.UK @GRYFFEADS

TV & Satellite Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 9 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 17

Upholstery Services Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 42 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 25

Window Cleaners DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 44 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 25 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 9 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 35

Window, Consv & Repair 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 9

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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.

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29/06/2021 11:49:52

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021

51

history spot Kilbarchan Parish Church Burial Ground Who lies here? Who do you think they are?

Before the neglected Kilbarchan Parish Church burial ground completely disappears below the undergrowth, some research into the identity and lives of the people who were interred therein may be of interest. The two stones shown in the image above stand side by side against the wall of the old church. Both stones have the same shape and identical ornamentation, and appear to be carved by the same stone mason and dedicated to the same James Black.

The inscription on the larger stone on the left of the image above reads “Dedicated to the memory of James Black farmer in Penneld who died April 1785 aged 64 years”. The inscription on the smaller stone reads “JB MW 1785”. But who was James Black?

James Black, in Lochermiln, married Mary Wilson (MW) in 1851.

Mary was the eldest daughter of John Wilson, and Mary Henderson of Sandholes. James and Mary started their married life in Locher Mill where the first two of their seven children, Agnes and Mary, were born in 1752 and 1754. Before 1757, the family moved to nearby Penneld where James converted the old corn mill at Nether Penneld on the River Locher into a barley mill which he operated for some years. By his early forties, James appears to have been a man of significance in the community and a prosperous farmer and miller. In 1760 he was wealthy enough to purchase Glentyan Mill in Kilbarchan village from Patrick Crawfurd, the last laird of Auchinames, and in 1763 he was appointed as an elder in the Parish Church. In 1770 he demolished his barley mill and on June 12th, 1775, he sold the lands of Glentyan with the corn mill to Alexander Speirs, the linen merchant who built Glentyan House. By 1782 he was carrying on both lime and coal work at his farm called Moor

of Waterston and Tween–of-hills, the property of Robert Napier of Milliken. Both John and his wife died in 1785. It can be assumed that Mary died a few months after the death of her husband, and a second stone was erected.

James and Mary’s second daughter, Mary Black, married James Semple, Jun. of Middleton in 1776. The Semples of Middleton (now part of Linwood) were thread manufacturers in the old Kilbarchan Parish. Mary died young, in June 1779, aged 24 years. She too is interred in the burial ground. Her large gravestone lies flat on the grass beside Captain Stirling’s fenced enclosure. © June 2021, Helen Calcluth, Renfrewshire Local History Forum

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48-51 CLASSIFIED 315_JULY 21.indd 51

Johnstone History Society Sadly we have no definite information as to when our monthly meetings will be able to resume, however be assured as soon as we can you will be informed either in the press, social media or by email from Valerie our secretary.

The Museum continues to open Wednesday Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 4pm. Government guidelines are in place and restricted numbers are still in force. We have all our usual books leaflets and maps on sale and these can also be purchased online at johnstonehistory.org these can be paid for through PayPal. One piece of good news is that Doors Open day will take place in September and we plan to take part as usual.

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