318 October 2021 - Gryffe Advertizer

No.318:

October 2021 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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

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

Keeping it local...

What a relief that most of the roadworks around the local area will be almost finished by the time this magazine comes out. We're not sure what the logic was in closing so many roads in such a small area all at the same time. The Main Street through Bridge of Weir outside our office does look lovely though. We just wonder how long before someone comes along to dig it up!

Anyway, no more negativity. We are DELIGHTED to bring you news of a couple of pantomimes which will hopefully take place in December this year. Sadly a couple of groups have had to take the difficult decision not to go ahead. This is mostly due to the logistics of venues rather than lack of enthusiasm.

COVER IMAGE: Owner is James Kelly - 1946 fully restored MG TC Dalry Moor Road overlooking Millport / Arran Copyright - Colin McLatchie

Next Deadline: 13th October 2021 for NOVEMBER 21 issue

Contact us:

We would really like to thank all the businesses who have supported the magazine as we come back from lockdown by advertising with us. The Advertizer has been going for over 25 years, and without the support of these businesses there would not be a magazine.

And let’s not forget all our editorial contributors for their news and events in this month's magazine. The Advertizer helps keep people in the community informed of local news, events and promotions. It’s the combination of community involvement and local business support that keeps us all going!

Shop local - support your community!

01505 613340

In this issue...

info@advertizer.co.uk

St Vincent’s Bungee Jump

04

THE WALK: Gleniffer Braes

32

www.advertizer.co.uk

St Vincent’s Firewalk

04

Janet Coats Memorial Prize

33

Affluent Community Fund

04

Clubs & Schools

34-41

The Spree & Wee Spree 2021

06

Regular meets

41

Gryffe Valley Rotary

08

Coming events

42-46

Paisley Colour Photographic

08

Renfrewshire’s Next Superstar

45

Lochwinnoch Films 4u

10

Panto season on its way

47

Paisley Halloween Celebrations 10

classified ads

48

village news

12-25

Sales & Wants

49

Host - Carrick Centre

16

Advertizer ads directory

50

Local history

51

@gryffeads 1st floor, Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN

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

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Out & about

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October 2021

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Expert Gutter Cleaning

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Advertising Feature

Clean and clear blocked gutters and help protect your property from water damage by removing moss, leaves, twigs, silt, etc. Our lightweight telescopic carbon poles with specially designed cleaning brushes also allow us to gently remove the algae, dirt and grime from fascia, soffits, conservatories and other hard to reach areas.

For further information or a free quote on any of our services please call 01505 863 863.

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05/10/2021 10:35:15

St. Vincent’s Hospice Bungee Jump Are you brave enough to take a leap for hospice care and rise to the challenge of joining ‘team St. Vincent’s’

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The Firewalk Join us for our Hottest Fundraising event EVER!!

SATURDAY, 13TH NOVEMBER 2021 at St. Vincent’s Hospice, Howwood, 7pm - 9pm For more information and details on how to register please; Email info@svh.co.uk or Tel 01505 705635 Ext 303 Registration: £10, includes a free T-shirt!

Affluent Community Fund makes an award to Parklea Branching Out Affluent Community Fund makes an award to Parklea Branching Out We are delighted to announce that The Affluent Financial Planning Community Fund has awarded £1,000 to Parklea Branching Out in Port Glasgow.

Parklea Branching Out was established in 1997 to help to develop local individuals with support needs to fulfil their potential. Parklea use horticulture as a vehicle to provide a variety of different training, work experience, supported employment, recreational and social facilities for a variety of clients including adults and children with learning and/or physical disabilities, those with mental health problems, school leavers, young and long term unemployed, elderly groups and community groups. Parklea also provide training to SVQ level in horticulture and employability programmes.

Join us for the second jump of the year leaping from a 160ft crane. Due to the great fun and success of the May Bungee Jump, St. Vincent’s Hospice are asking those in our community to join us once again at The Riverside Museum, Glasgow on Sunday 17th October 2021.

By taking part in this fundraising challenges you can help play a vital role in funding the work of the Hospice. Supporting your local hospice in this way helps us continue to provide, and improve, our specialist palliative care and support services to local patients and their families, making a real difference to the lives of people in the Renfrewshire area.

Minimum sponsorship is £200 which includes the cost of the jump. Spaces are limited! Please contact info@svh.co.uk or call 01505 705 635 and ask to speak to Louise or Karen for more details.

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If you know of a local community group or small charity, please encourage them to apply for a grant from the Affluent Community Fund - details can be found on their website at https://www.affluentfp.co.uk/community-fund

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THE SPREE FESTIVAL RETURNS IN 2021

Wee Spree festival of family fun

Paisley’s popular music, comedy and arts festival returns in 2021 with The Twilight Sad, Arab Strap and Nadine Shah among the bumper line-up. This year’s festival will take place from 7th – 16th October with shows being staged in the iconic Salon Perdu Spiegeltent, which will be located within Paisley town centre.

The popular programme of activities for kids and families will take place from Saturday 9th - Saturday 16th October, with plenty for everyone to enjoy during the school holidays. Shows at The Wee Spree will take place at venues and locations around Paisley, including the Methodist Central Hall and the Tannahill Centre.

The Spree is one of the centrepieces of Renfrewshire Council’s major events programme which has made Paisley one of Scotland’s key cultural destinations in recent years. Now in its ninth year, the festival has been staged in the town each October since 2012, but was cancelled in 2020 due to coronavirus restrictions.

Music is at the heart of the programme with pop tunes and classic sing-alongs, dance sessions for early years before older age groups get the chance to freestyle to popular dance tracks and trends with a TikTok Moves class. There’s also newborn – 18-month baby and parent activities with BuddieBeats Music Makaton & Sensory classes.

Louisa Mahon, Head of Events, Marketing and Communications for Renfrewshire Council, said: “We’re delighted to be returning to in-person events again and working with Regular Music to bring top artists from across the UK back to The Spree festival this October.

Youngsters can learn to walk on stilts, spin poi with staff, juggle and much more as part of a two-day Circus Camp. Budding comedians can practice their jokes as the popular Comedy Club 4 Kids workshop returns to The Wee Spree.

“The Spree is synonymous with a great night out in Paisley and has become a firm favourite in Scotland’s music festival calendar, attracting music fans from across the country to the town. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back and are working hard to make sure festival-goers are safe at our events.

Nothing beats being able to come together to enjoy music and comedy in once place and this year’s line-up will be well worth the wait.”

Drop-in to The Wee Spree Arts, Crafts and Science Hub at the Methodist Central Hall to enjoy activities from local artists and experience the excitement of the Glasgow Science Centre right here in Paisley. Experience a walkway of magical soundscapes at Paisley Abbey Gardens with six fascinating outdoor sound sculptures which visitors can enjoy safely and at their own leisure. The sculptures will then head to Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochwinnoch, the following weekend.

The Spree festival has received funding support from Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund, managed by EventScotland.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the return of Paisley’s festival of music, comedy and arts – The Spree, through Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund.

“The importance of human interaction, connection and shared experiences has never been stronger and although it will take time to rebuild, it’s fantastic to see the return of live events across the country.”

Families can also enjoy a number of pop-up circus and street performances in Paisley town centre from Circus Alba & Oceanallover. Plus, from Thursday 14th October, music lovers can take a Tour of Paisley’s Musical History by downloading a fantastic walking tour app. Led by Art Boss’s team of young producers, the tour will explore the medieval scores discovered in Paisley Abbey Drain, the town’s historic punk past and much more.

event details and Tickets are available online at www.thespree.co.uk and www.ticketweb.uk 06-11 FEATURES 318 OCTOBER 21.indd 6

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October 2021

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Paisley Colour Photographic Club The club commenced its winter syllabus of photographic presentations and competitions on Thursday 9th September.

Due to continuing uncertainties over Covid 19, like many other camera clubs throughout the country, the first half of the club’s syllabus, up until Christmas, will again be by Zoom. Recommencement of in person meetings in the new year is being kept under constant review up until then.

Visitors are most welcome to join us for any of the club’s Thursday evenings at 7.30pm and for the first 4 meetings the normal £3 fee has been waived.

The syllabus and links to join any of our meetings can be found at: www.paisleycolour.com/ programme Our members have been busy taking photographs during regular outings throughout the summer, here’s a few fantastic images!

Rotary Club Gryffe Valley Don Robb The Club were very sorry to hear of the death of a long-standing member Dr Donald Robb from Bridge of Weir and would pass on our condolences to Juliet and the family. Donald had been in ill health for some time since when he became an Honorary Member in appreciation of all the work he did for the club.

New venue We are hopeful that in the near future we will resume regular meal meetings and these will be taking place in the Fox and Hounds. We would thank Jason and staff of the River Inn who have looked after us well for many years.

Speaker Meetings Since the start of Covid we have been meeting using Zoom on the internet.

This has given the opportunity for a variety of interesting speakers from near and far. We have had an excellent talk on Child and Adolescent Mental Health from Yvonne Macleman. Dr Thorsten Koenig spoke on his journey throughout the world as Director of various international companies in the food and drinks manufacturing industry to his current role training for the Ministry and George English spoke on ‘Family history and Surnames’

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Climate Change series We have six talks in our Climate Change series leading up to the COP26 Glasgow Conference. The first was from Jill Duggan Director of the Environmental Defence Fund setting the scene for COP26.

Dr Roddy Yarr, University of Strathclyde, spoke on Climate Neutral Districts; Dave Pearson, Star Refrigeration speaking on September 13th on Heat Pumps and Stuart McKay, Head of Hydrogen Policy, Scottish Government on 27th September. David East, INEOS Grangemouth – Environmental issues for INEOS as we move towards 2050 on 6th October.

Professor John Gibbons – Net zero gas emissions for 2050 on 13th October.

Stuart Hazeldine – Managing Greenhouse gas emissions and storage in Scotland on 27th October.

We are pleased to invite people interested to join in these meetings on this important topic. Please email gryffevallyrotary@gmail.com to arrange an invite.

Corporate Membership We welcome new corporate members who would like to be associated with Rotary and the charitable work we carry out. This offers opportunities to network with members and support our work. Anyone interested in Rotary can contact us through our web or Facebook page or email gryffevallyrotary@gmail.com

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October 2021

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Ursula Lassos the Moon EP (Topher McGrillis photo credit) Lucy McDonnell

Paisley’s Halloween celebrations will be Out of this World This year will see a twist on the annual fright fest’s usual format as the town centre will be transformed into an immersive ‘otherworldly’ experience with a series of spectacular installations and light displays concentrated around Paisley Abbey, Town Hall and the River Cart from Thursday 28th October until Monday 1st November – illuminated from 5pm - 10pm for visitors to enjoy.

It promises to be a real spectacle with an alien invasion, creatures from the deep and a constellation of stars providing some fun, free family entertainment.

Supported by EventScotland through Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21 and Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund.

To celebrate the Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21 the area around the River Cart will be transformed into the centrepiece of the Out of this World experience. A series of artists have been commissioned to develop the spectacular installations to help bring an unearthly experience to Paisley attracting locals and visitors to the area around the river that runs through the heart of the town.

The river will become a must-visit spot on the trail as Mike Jones’ ‘Orionids’ installation will echo the breath-taking beauty of a meteor shower cascading across the Cart to create an enchanting web of light on the water.

Other installations being created include ‘Nova’ and ‘Ursula Lassos the Moon’ created by Studio Vertigo. The ‘Nova’ sculpture is based on the mystical Star of the East, which astronomers now believe was actually a nova. Visitors will be dazzled by the sight of this mighty new star. While ‘Ursula Lassos the Moon’ is a mysterious and enchanting structure on the River itself, which showcases the powerful heroic force and divine beauty of the Moon – offering a real spectacle for visitors to marvel at.

For those looking to fully embrace the Halloween mood a ‘window wonderland’ digital pack of downloadable ideas suitable for all the family will be available closer to the event from the Paisley.is website for people wanting to decorate their homes. A short digital film released

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on Halloween, provides further opportunity for audiences to experience Halloween at home.

In addition to the Out of this World trail taking place in Paisley town centre, Renfrewshire Leisure are staging a Monster Dash – Halloween Fun Run at Linwood On-X from 12noon on Sunday 31st October where all the family can participate in and enjoy with £3 entry fee for adults and £2 entry fee for children.

Paisley Halloween Festival presents Out of this World will be staged safely, in line with Scottish Government and events sector guidance and public health advice.

The award-winning festival is widely regarded as one of the best events of its kind in the UK. To find out more about Paisley Halloween Festival please visit: www. paisley.is/halloween

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October 2021

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village news The Bridge 63 Main Street, Bridge of Weir

www.thebridgebridgeofweir.com

Post Office - it will be 10 years next month since The Bridge opened. It has been a great achievement to provide the village with a post office.

The dedication of the trustees, volunteers and employees enable us to provide this very important service. Over lockdown the post office provided a lifeline to many as the receipt of a letter or parcel brightened the darkest day. As Christmas approaches the post office becomes even more important in sending festive good wishes. Please speak to Donald, Alison or Fiona to ensure all your postal needs are met.

The Bridge preparations are well under way for Christmas. From the middle of October our selection of Christmas Cards, Wrapping Paper, Tags, Diaries and Money Wallets will be on sale.

Alison Bannerman, local artist and trustee of The Bridge, has designed a Christmas Card for 2021. A further selection of “The Bridge” charity cards will also be on sale as well as a variety of Traidcraft Cards. All cards, including the ever popular individual “Greetings from Bridge of Weir” will be available from our Christmas display.

Our 2022 Calendar is on sale. It showcases our village and surrounding area and therefore makes a great gift. Our thanks go to the members of the Paisley Colour Photographic Club who have provided stunning photographs.

Cinema - a film will be shown on the first Thursday of the month at 7pm starting on the 7th October. Please call at The Bridge for further details.

Recycling - to encourage Bridge of Weir to be viewed as an environmentally friendly village please recycle all empty medication blister packs in a box located in the back area of The Bridge.

Please view The Bridge as the place to go for all your postal and general banking needs and your stationery and greeting card purchases.

Finally a big thank you to all our customers and our dedicated team of volunteers.

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

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Bridge of Weir Senior Citizens’ Association

Bridge of Weir Senior Citizens’ Association meet in the Cargill Hall every second and fourth Wednesday each month. The first meeting this year will be on Wednesday 13th October at 7.15pm. A warm welcome will be extended to old and new members. (Please remember your face masks.)

Affluent Nominated for another prestigious Award We are delighted to announce that Affluent Financial Planning has been nominated as a shortlisted finalist in another award this year.

We have been confirmed as a Finalist in The David Norton Building Excellence Award 2021 by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), the professional body for financial planning professionals.

The award is named after the late David Norton, who was a past president of the Institute of Financial Planning, and a leading financial planner in the UK. This very prestigious award recognises UK financial planning firms that strive for excellence in growing their business.

Shortlisted finalists will be interviewed in September and the winner will be announced at The Financial Planning Conference on 5th October 2021.

Bridge of Weir SWI At our opening meeting in September it was agreed that we would recommence our monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month. This year we will be meeting in the Cargill Hall. The October meeting will be on 7th October at 7.30pm when Laura MacKay will give a talk on her international travels.

We will serve tea and coffee but please remember to bring your own cup. We also hope to have a raffle if enough prizes are donated. We would be happy to welcome new members or visitors.

St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Guild St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Guild are having a tea and chat on Monday 1st November in church hall at 2.30pm. It is hoped all members and any new members will come along and join us.

It is hoped to restart early January 2022.

With an interesting programme of speakers on various topics for everyone to enjoy.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

For further information please contact Ann 01505 873010 or Elizabeth 01505 612503.

November Deadline Date: Wednesday 13TH October 22/09/2021 15:05:06

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Houston & Killellan Kirk Opportunity to Support Kirk’s Chosen Charities Traditionally retiral offerings for the chosen charities are collected after Houston & Killellan Kirk’s Communion Services on the first Sunday in October, and the opportunity for communion attendees to contribute will be available again this year. The Kirk’s chosen charities have an even greater need for support than probably at any time.

Other options for donating are: Foodbank at West Halls on Tuesday 5th October – between 10am and 12noon or 7pm – 8pm, or by using the tab on the Kirk’s website.

Details of the chosen charities for 2021: St Vincent’s Hospice will be known to many as providing in-patient care to those with life limiting conditions, but also a day care service offering emotional and other support. About 70% of the running costs have to be achieved through fundraising. The Star Project is an award winning Community Development Organisation based in Paisley, delivering a diverse programme of creative group, community, and individual support to adults and families.

The Mwandi Baby Milk Project has been supported for a number of years by sending funds through the Kirk’s Missionary Partners based in Zambia.

The money is used to purchase baby milk for children where mothers are unable to provide this.

The Charities, as always (and perhaps more so in these difficult times), are most grateful for the support!

Houston & Killellan Kirk Services The Services’ Schedule for the months of October and November are as follows: 3rd October:

Communion Services at 11am, 2pm and 6.45pm

10th October:

11am – Morning Worship

17th October:

11am – Sacrament of Baptism

24th October:

11am – Sacrament of Baptism

31st October:

11am – Morning Worship

7th November:

9.30am – Early Service, 11am – Morning Worship

14th November: 10.45am – Remembrance Day Worship in Kirk, 12.15pm – War Memorial 21st November: 11am – Morning Worship 28th November: 11am – First Sunday in Advent

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Houston Men’s Shed Open Day At the end of December 2020, Houston & Killellan Kirk received a National Lottery award from the National Lottery Community Fund for the purchase and installation of a Men’s Shed that would benefit the Houston community. This award was made possible thanks to National Lottery players. Gryffe Valley Rotary Club and some local businesses have also generously donated funds to purchase tools and equipment for the shed. Since receiving the award and very welcome donations, the Houston & Killellan Kirk Men’s Shed project team have worked hard to source a suitable unit, arrange for the unit to be installed and to purchase and install the tools and equipment.

Men’s Sheds are a growing movement across the UK, with approximately one hundred and thirty already established in Scotland. They make a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the community as they help reduce isolation and empower local communities.

On Saturday 28th August, people from Houston and surrounding communities were invited to come and have a look at, and register their interest in the new Houston & Killellan Men’s Shed at their open morning. Frankie Greenwood, Families and Development worker at the Houston Kirk said: ”The Men’s Shed open morning was a huge success and very well attended by people from Houston and surrounding areas.

The sun shone and there was a real buzz of enthusiasm and excitement about the shed. It was lovely to see so many come together, meeting up with others with similar interests. Thanks to the National Lottery award and the very kind donations from Rotary and various local businesses, many people are now looking to being able to enjoy all that the Men’s Shed will bring to the community.”

The Houston & Killellan Kirk Men’s Shed can be found beside the West Halls, Main Street, Houston and is due to officially open in early October 2021.

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Continuing Support needed for Foodbank The support of the Foodbank by the Houston Community has come a long way since the suggested “A Tin at a Time” to the congregation of Houston & Killellan Kirk before Lockdown. The Manager of the Renfrewshire Foodbank, Elizabeth Alexander, provides regular updates on the impact this makes on the people they support. The latest report from Elizabeth: “1st April 2020 – 31 March 2021 you donated 14,614.44 kg (34,796 meals) Since 1st April 2021 you have donated 4,419.65 kg (10,523 meals). This is a massive total of 19,034.09 kg (45,319 meals) The 19,034.09 kg you have donated from 1st April 2020 (just after Lockdown) has helped to provide emergency food to 11,724 people (8,471 adults and 3,253 children).

In addition to providing food and essential items, we have been able to add free dedicated financial advice and support to the service we offer our visitors, and a fuel bank. We also offer bus tickets to those who have no transport to get the food back home.

This week we are very excited to launch our mobile foodbank. This will be in addition to our centres and has been set up to take the emergency food and support closer to more people in Renfrewshire. We have started this service in Foxbar and Bridge of Weir but plan to expand it to include other villages.

Please express my thanks to all involved in helping to support Renfrewshire Foodbank”.

The thanks expressed by Elizabeth is obviously particularly to those who generously donate – but also to those who are at the West Halls in Main Street Houston every Tuesday from 10am to 12noon and 7pm to 8pm to accept the donations, and the drivers who transport the donations to Renfrew every Wednesday.

Sadly, the need for support from the Foodbank has increased during Lockdown, and is unlikely to diminish. The initiative by the Kirk to try to make a difference has very much become a community project. Also it is worth noting that the need is not just for food, but also for hygiene products, such as deodorants, shower gels and shampoos, and cleaning items like bleach and cleaning sprays.

The Renfrewshire Foodbank needs the continuing support of the Houston and wider Renfrewshire community.

Houston and Killellan Agricultural Society The Annual Quiz Night will be held on Friday 26th November in the J.G.Fleming Bowling Club, Houston. We hope that this will be well supported as we missed out last year. Tickets are £5 to include a light supper. For more information please contact Isabelle Stuart on 07508 905298 or e mail: issistuart@gmail.com

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What’s on

Oct ‘21

H.O.S.T THE CARRICK CENTRE, HOUSTON

Booking enquiries:

Monday to Friday Gryffe Manor Out of School 01505 615438. Dance West Scotland enquiries@dancewestscotland.co.uk

Bill Haddow 01505 690693, Stewart Scally 01505 674277 Joe O’Brien 07968 804776

Coffee Shop: - Mon/Sat 10am - /3pm Takeaways only. Check FB Café at the Carrick for updates in line with C19 Gov Guidelines. Coffee Shop/Centre 01505 229597.

MONDAY

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

Weekly

THURSDAY

Yoga (to be confirmed) Sewing Group DWS Diaporama Houston Show Young Farmers Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire Hunt

1pm Mary Laidlaw 01505 229112 R4 10am 4pm 7.30pm 11th 7.30pm 18th 7.15pm 25th 7.30pm R5

TUESDAY Yoga Hazel Connelly Art Class DWS WRADS Rhythm Time

7pm M/s Lawson 01505 613690 1pm 5pm 7pm 12th Andrew Legget 10am 5th/ 26th

WEDNESDAY Community Council DWS DWS Baby Class (MOO MUSIC) Gryffe Camera Club Womans Institute

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7.30pm (date to be confirmed) MH 3.30pm R2 4.45pm 9.30am 7.30pm 7.30pm (date to be confirmed)

Gryffe Quilting Group Crafty Friends Folk Club Move It Or Lose It Little Petals

1pm - 3pm (no session on 21st) 7.30pm 7th / 21st 8pm Merek 10.30am (Bookings essential) 10am 21st/28th

FRIDAY Yoga DWS DWS M.P. Surgery

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

SATURDAY DWS DWS Councillors Surgery Deborah Campbell Textiles

MH 9.45am -5pm R2 9am - 1.30pm 11.30am 2nd Jim Sheridan 9.30am 16th

SUNDAY Baptist Church Deborah Campbell Textiles Carrie Ballantyne B/ Party

11am and 6pm 9.30am 17th 2pm 17th

Centre Patrons PLEASE ADVISE date or time changes due to Holidays to Centre Management

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ward 10 Cllr Audrey Doig My council postbag has been very full with Houston residents being concerned about planning application 21/1504/TE, which is by CK Hutchieson Networks for a new phone mast in Magnus Road. I can advise constituents they can make direct representation to the Council on this matter, by e mailing the planning officials at dc@renfrewshire.gov.uk and making their views known.

Now that we are slowly easing out of lockdown Councillors are allowed to have ward surgeries once again. I think this is a positive step as some people would rather forgo the cyber wizardly of e mail for an old fashioned face to face chat on what at times can be very personal and sensitive matters. My forthcoming ward surgeries will be on Thursday 21st October at the Brookfield Village Hall, on Thursday 28th October at the TESCO Café, TESCO Linwood, and on Thursday 18th November at the Carrick Centre, Houston, all beginning at 6.30pm.

Renfrewshire Council is taking its roads repair schedule very seriously indeed as was agreed as part of the Budget proposals for 2021/22.

Whilst no one likes delays and road closures you cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs, accordingly I am delighted to see the full resurfacing of Main Street in Houston, and I am pleased to say it will be followed by comprehensive pavement repairs in Brookfield.

Contact Details for Cllr Audrey Doig Councillors are now resuming advice surgeries again, but in addition you can also 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.

HPIG Autumn Fair Saturday 2nd October from 11am to 2pm at the Compass Centre on Houston’s South Street.

Help raise funds for the local charity Houston Playpark Improvement Group and to share possible designs for the new playpark with the wider community.

With stalls, a tombola and raffle, crafts, baked goods and refreshments and lots of fun for all.

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ward 9 Cllr Andy Doig At the last meeting of the Communities, Housing, and Planning Board there was something of a Doig dividend delivered to the people of Lochwinnoch. Following a motion I put to the full council in May of this year, Ogilvie’s the developers have agreed to pay £44,000 to the people of Lochwinnoch arising out of a contribution they made to the building of Station Rise in the early 1990’s, which was never honoured but was laying in the Planning Department.

Details will be forthcoming as to how this can be spent for the benefit of the whole community.

A second Doig Dividend of £68,000 is also coming from Renfrewshire Council for the upgrading of Lochwinnoch Library, which is badly needed. This money has come from the Village Investment Fund, which was my idea, and which was only carried at the 2018/2019 Council Budget with my Independent casting vote.

Other good news at the last CHAPs Board was regarding the final confirmation of Scottish Government housing investment monies which will be available to owner occupiers in mixed tenure blocks in order to get their properties re-clad in line with council tenancies in the same blocks which were re-clad a few years ago. This was a source of obvious resentment and in particular this will be good news for owners in Milliken Drive, Kilbarchan, and Calder Street in Lochwinnoch.

Since my election in 2012 I have tended to use the same venues for my council advice surgeries but due to Johnstone Town Hall still being a Covid Test Centre, and the McKillop and the Steeple Hall undergoing repairs. I have resumed my face to face surgeries in new venues staring in October and November this year. My new venues will be the Lilybank Bowling Club in Brewery Street, Johnstone, the Old Library in Kilbarchan, the Howwood Bowling Club, and the Lochwinnoch Bowling Club.

Many readers will be saddened by the premature death of my old friend and Election Agent, Mr Bruce McFee, a Howwood man who was much loved by the people of the Villages, especially Kilbarchan, who has died following a massive stroke in March 2019. His legacy will continue in all I learned from him and his ethic of unrelenting service to constituents.

Contact Details for Cllr Andy Doig – My ward surgeries will be resuming once again on Wednesday 13th October at Lilybank Bowling Club, Brewer Street, Johnstone, at 6.30pm/7.15pm, and in the Old Library, Kilbarchan, at 7.15pm/8pm.

The second surgery of the month will be on Wednesday 27th October at Howwood Bowling Club, at 6.30pm/7.15pm, and in Lochwinnoch Bowling Club, at 7.15pm/8pm.

Constituents can also e mail me on cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov. uk, call me on 07534 148224, facebook me on Independent Voice/ Ward9JohnstoneAndVillages, or tweet me on CllrAndy4Ward8, if you have a civic matter you wish to raise with me.

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CLLR Bill Binks I requested an update for the refurbishment of the McKillop Institute from the Head of Leisure and Community Services.

The facilities were handed over to the contractor in May 2021 and the works are scheduled for completion by October/November 2021. The contractor reports that they are right on schedule. Covid-19 has not raised any issues whatsoever. Bookings can be taken for Christmas events in anticipation!

I briefly want to make a comment about the handling by Renfrewshire Planning Department in relation to the planning application for a holiday lodge within the bounds of High Linthills, Lochwinnoch.

Four times the Planning Department used the statement “Prior to the commencement of development on the site.” And once “Prior to construction commencing on the holiday lodge.” Indicating without doubt that no work should be started without consent! Despite receiving numerous letters of objections from other residents in the area about works that took place at least two months prior to the application being considered, the Planners were still minded to approve it, based on the “Economic and social benefit to the community”. I am very concerned that this will set a very bad precedent by indicating that anybody can build where they want and when they want prior to an application being forthcoming.

I know that this is just one incident of many issues in this application, but it highlights the need for other residents and locals to have a stronger influence on planning applications before they are given the nod by the Planning Department.

At long last Renfrewshire Council have had a response from the Scottish Ministers on the adoption of the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan (LDP).

They have concluded that that do not wish to intervene in the adoption of the Plan and that the council may proceed to adopt the Modified Proposed Renfrewshire LDP. The Communities, Housing and Planning Board were due to meet on Monday 13th September 2021 to debate and adopt the modified LDP. With very short notice the meeting was cancelled with very little explanation given. We wait with bated breath for the next chapter in this saga!

Approval was given at the Infrastructure, Land & Policy Board to utilise funding from the Outdoor Access and Play Area Improvements 2021-2022 Investment Programme for the complete renewal of Lochwinnoch Park on Lochlip Road. This will be the first phase with a further second phase renewal in 2022-2023.

Some good news at last about the Glasgow Airport Flight Path Fund. We will be meeting once again, since the shut down due to Covid19, on Tuesday 14th September 2021. The fund is now open for applications from the community and I for one will be delighted to be able to browse through them together with my Flight Path colleagues.

Contact details: Email: cllr.bill.binks@renfrewshire.gov.uk Phone: 0300 300 1423 Mob: 07976 239949

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Howwood Community News

Kilbarchan Parish Church

As you may know, for many years the people of Howwood have been rightly concerned about the speed of traffic within the village and in the surrounding areas. Also, for many years Howwood Community Council have been raising the issue with our local elected councillors, the Police and Renfrewshire Council. All areas are affected.

Sunday Worship

The speed at which too great a number of people drive through Howwood is sometimes quite staggering. Speeds of 50, 60, and 70 through the centre are not uncommon. As some drivers approach the village they do not slow down sufficiently. Also, as some start to leave the village centre towards all 5 exits from the village, speeds increase dangerously way beyond where they should be. Stories are many. Just one over the past month was of a near fatality and could have very easily been a different story.

The dangers surrounding The Garthland Bridge together with those at the western entrance/exit to Howwood at the A737 and the road up Bowfield Road all the way out to the south are many.

Now, after many years of persistence, the Community Council, our elected Renfrewshire Councillors and Renfrewshire Council representatives are putting in place a plan to tackle this problem.

Firstly, there will be more warning signage and road markings at the higher reaches of Bowfield Road going out from Bowfield past Greenacres. Then there will be a comprehensive study of traffic in and around Howwood village with consultation with local people.

Many other villages around Scotland have road calming measures in place and it would be hoped that we would use some of those ideas.

We will be keeping a close watch on this. Until then, maybe we can all just have a think about our speed and slow down.

Stay cool!

On a brighter flowering note, The Community Garden (The Rhombus Garden) opposite The Boarding House and the flower beds and fence troughs in “The Triangle” have been looking great and in bloom over the summer. Lots of new ideas and yet more improvements are being developed and will be in place over the winter into spring.

Howwood Wildlife and Woodlands group who look after these areas are always looking for new volunteers to help. Come on. It’s therapeutic. If you want to find out more, why not give Bill David a call on 07802 575960.

Howwood Public Park has been a great place for youngsters and adults alike over the summer! The transformation of the park over the past couple of years has been remarkable.

Friends of Howwood Park deserve all the praise for their vision and hard work.

On reading a few articles written by children at our local school recently on what made Howwood such a great place, it was evident what a huge part the park played in their lives. Well done!

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Our regular Sunday worship continues at 11am and the numbers attending continue to grow.

We are delighted that Covid restrictions now allow us to sing again, even having to wear a mask doesn’t seem so bad !

As we move towards autumn, we look forward to a number of special services : 3rd October

Service of Harvest Thanksgiving

31st October

Sacrament of Holy Communion

14th November

Remembrance Sunday (at 10.45am)

We still require to obtain contact details from all attendees to assist with the Test and Protect scheme, should the need arise. For this reason, and to minimise delays in the vestibule before the start of worship, booking of places is strongly recommended.

You can book a place by emailing bookings.kpc@gmail.com or by texting or phoning 0787 620 1096 between Monday and Thursday of the week preceding the service. You must provide your name and a contact number.

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 on 01505 805893.

Kilbarchan Parish Church Guild The first meeting since March 2020 is on Tuesday 28th September at 2.30pm in the hall. Rev. Stephen Smith will talk on the Guild theme: “Look Forward in Faith”. The syllabus is very varied, including a talk with slides on Holidays in Britain and another on the subject “Queen Victoria’s Daughters”. The rules are that we sit at tables and wear masks during the meetings, which hopefully will change soon.. A warm welcome awaits both members and friends.

Kilbarchan National Women’s Register Mary Stott Award - Our Local Organiser Fiona Catterson was presented with the Quaich on 11th September at the NWR national conference in Birmingham.

During October, our group has the following topics: Given a choice, which country would you have preferred to be born/brought up in and why, Name 2 things that go together, Grab Bag, redundant jobs and the letter B. All of our meetings are now being conducted on Zoom. The Book Group will be discussing “The Giver of Joys” by Jojo Moyes. All welcome-visit the website :www.nwr.org.uk or phone Fiona on 348627.

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McMillan Street Party We have all heard of McMillan Coffee Mornings but residents of Sandringham Drive in Elderslie got together to go one better on a Sunday and held a McMillan Street Party.

Their usual annual Coffee Morning, held for over seven years was bettered this year with the support of friends of the residents over fifty people gathered to raise almost £1,000 having fun and chatter on a lovely afternoon.

This venture came out of regular get togethers they have held since the NHS Applause of 2020 meeting outdoors when weather permitted to share company and chat.

One neighbour was heard to comment ‘It was a great day bringing so many people together and for such a worthy cause’ Well done Sandringham.

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RECYCLE your Medicine Blister Packets Kilmacolm Community Centre and Bridge of Weir Community Centre now have dedicated recycling bins for you to deposit your empty Medicine Blister Packets.

Medicine Blister Packets cannot be recycled in our household blue recycling bins as they contain tin foil and plastic.

Once the recycling bins in the Community Centres are full they will be taken for recycling at Superdrug stores in Largs and Rutherglen – only Superdrug stores with pharmacies attached are offering this recycling programme.

This is another vital way to recycle materials that would otherwise end up in landfill – please spread the word about the recycling bins and let’s take another positive step towards fighting the climate change emergency.

If you would like to volunteer to help us with this recycling scheme, please contact me: JennyMeadows10@outlook.com

Kilmacolm CO-OP - Inverclyde Food Bank Donation Bin Food can be purchased in the Kilmacolm CO-OP or bought elsewhere and brought to the donation bin.

Items always needed at Inverclyde Food Bank: •

Cereal, UHT Milk, Diluting Juice, Tea, Coffee, Jam, Tinned Soup, Tinned Meat, Tinned Fish, Tinned Potatoes, Tinned Vegetables, Pasta Sauce, Dried Pasta, Tinned Tomatoes, Dried Rice, Tinned Fruit, Tinned Creamed Rice Pudding, Tinned Custard.

•

Toiletries: Toothpaste, Shampoo, Body Wash, Soap, Deodorant, Men’s Shave Gel and Razors.

•

Toilet Roll and Household Cleaning.

Inverclyde Food Bank accepts all tins jars and packets of food.

Inverclyde Food Bank CAN’T accept fresh food.

Thank you for your kindness.. Jenny x

Grace Church Kilmacolm

Could Greenock become a city?

An Invitation to Grace Church Kilmacolm Ladies Fellowship meetings, alternate Tuesdays at 2.15pm – 3.30pm in the Guide Hut, Woodrow Avenue, Kilmacolm, PA13 4QF

The council is looking at a proposal to bid for city status as part of the 2022 Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Tuesday 5th October Opening Meeting; Speaker: Rev John Fairful Tuesday 19th October Inverclyde Youth For Christ; Speaker: Jen Dickson All ladies welcome.

That’s the question being posed in a survey produced by Inverclyde Council.

Now an online survey has been launched to find out whether there is backing for a bid.

Inverclyde Council Leader, Councillor Stephen McCabe, said: “The opportunity to achieve city status is one that comes around rarely. The last time was ten years ago as part of the Diamond Jubilee and Perth was chosen at that time.

“The process is described as light touch and that a bid document of ten pages is required to be submitted with images and statistics about the place bidding.

“It is important that the views of the community are part of that process to allow councillors the chance to hear views from the community, local business and our political and civic leaders.”

The survey is available online at http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CityStatusForGreenock/ and from the council website.

The survey will run until Sunday 3rd October 2021.

If Greenock were to successfully achieve city status it would become Scotland’s eighth city alongside Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Stirling and Perth.

Among the questions asked in the survey is whether achieving city status would help to raise the profile of Greenock in Scotland and the rest of the UK. It also seeks views on the potential economic benefits of being part of the Scottish Cities Alliance which brings the current seven cities together to promote the country’s economic potential.

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Advertising Feature

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To secure a special introductory offer, quote “1:1DietOct21” when you contact me on t: 07766 558782 or e: jmblack.cwp@gmail.com

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ward 1 - inverclyde Cllr Stephen McCabe The level of corona virus cases in Inverclyde and across Scotland continue to be a cause for concern.

With hospitalisations on the increase the NHS is under severe pressure. While the vaccine does make it less likely people will get severely ill it does not prevent us from catching the virus and passing it on. Individually and collectively we must do all we can to help get the virus back under control by sticking to the mitigations advised by the Government and by avoiding taking undue risks that could bring harm to ourselves and others.

The latest population statistics released by the National Registers of Scotland make difficult reading. Inverclyde is one of 20 Council areas in Scotland estimated to have a population decrease between mid-2019 and mid-2020. Inverclyde’s population is estimated to have fallen from 77,800 to 77,060 in that period, a fall of 740 or 1%.

The biggest driver of population decline in Inverclyde was negative natural change, accounting for 86% of the decrease, with deaths (1,268) significantly outstripping births (631). There was a sharp rise in the number of deaths last year following the first wave of Covid.

While much of the effort in our population strategy is focused on retaining current residents and attracting new ones we also need to ensure that priority is given to addressing the poor underlying health of the community and providing a family friendly environment that encourages people to want to have children. This requires concerted action by the UK and Scottish Governments as well as by the Council and our local partners.

The Council’s Policy and Resources Committee last month agreed to assist the national effort to resettle Afghan refugees by offering accommodation and support to up to 28 families who have fled the crisis in their own country. A number of families have already arrived with the rest arriving over the coming months as accommodation becomes available. We anticipate this could involve the resettlement of as many as 140 individuals. The Council and our partners have previously successfully resettled 33 families from Syria in Inverclyde, who have become valuable members of the local community. The UK Government provides financial support to the Council to assist with the costs of resettlement.

With the Council elections due next year I am keen to hear from constituents on what they think the Council’s priorities should be for the next five year term. Details of how to contact me are given below.

I have an advice surgery in Kilmacolm Community Centre on Tuesday 19 October from 6.30pm - 7.30pm. In the meantime you can contact me directly to discuss any matters that are of concern to you by telephone on 01475 712020 (during office hours) or by email to Stephen.McCabe@Inverclyde.gov.uk. Alternatively you can write to me at 10 Victoria Gardens, Kilmacolm PA13 4HL.

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Cllr David Wilson Kilmacolm Conservatives have organised the bonfire and fireworks, on a breakeven basis, at Knapps for 52 years, myself the past 15. The estate has indicated that due to the imminent afforestation of much of Knapps it sends the wrong message that fire is permissible at Knapps.

There will be some land remaining for the Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow Agricultural Show. Hence there will not be a bonfire and fireworks this year.

Thanks is due to Lord McLay for the generous use of Knapps over half a century and to the many volunteers who made the occasion so popular.

To mention a few, Lawrie Campbell and his team, the Wilson Boys of South Craigmarloch, Dougie Lyle, Sam Johnson, James Baxter and WH Malcolm. Increasingly the authorities have made it more difficult to run a private bonfire and fireworks but we were never beaten. We now understand that the estate has every right to extend the forest area at Knapps.

The Council is at last talking with the owners of the 17 wild acres at Birkmyre, so generously offered to us by nearby residents. I will assist the owners.

The Council are talking to the janitor at KPS with regard to his caravan. I really hope that a solution can be found to take the vehicle off the road and into the grounds of his house and the school.

Branchal Milk has been a real success in the village. We dutifully support the local farmer every Tuesday and Friday. The Flower Show was a blaze of colour with many exceptional displays. My wife took a First for her Victoria sponge. As I write I am still ploughing my way through it.

Talks are now taking place between the council Education department and the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Trust. I am delighted that they are talking. There is a long history of piping in Inverclyde and I look forward to supporting both Inverclyde Schools and St Columba’s School at the Scottish championships.

The Kilmacolm Bowling Club through its President Bruce Watson has organised mini bowls for cubs and primary schools. The club members will do the coaching. What a wonderful initiative and I do understand that our Grants officers will look kindly on an application for funds to purchase equipment.

My surgery will be the 29th October 10am - 11am in the Cargill. I can be contacted at: david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk - 07766 992294, 01475 741969 and 712795.

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Domiciliary Physiotherapy is for people who are unable to come to the clinic for treatment. This may be due to a recent change in mobility following any surgery, hospital admission, post covid or lockdown deconditioning, neurological conditions or those requiring orthopaedic rehabilitation following surgery.

Kilmacolm Physiotherapy welcomes Stuart Mitchell (BSc Hons, MCSP) to work as a Domiciliary Physiotherapist within our team. He has over 20 years experience as a Chartered Physiotherapist and treating people in their own home is his speciality.

If you or someone you know would like to make an appointment, please call 01505 873078.

Cllr David Wilson update: The gate to the cycle track at Whitelea Crescent now has a padlock with neighbours kindly retaining keys to allow grass cutting access. Hopefully motorised vehicles can now be prevented from accessing the cycle track.

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RSPB Lochwinnoch

out & about Kilbarchan & District Beekeepers Association In the hedgerow bees, butterflies and all manner of insects are making the late flowers on the ivy their last source of nectar. Thanks to the warm weather and the efforts of gardeners, flowers such as aster, cosmos, globe thistle and sunflowers mean there is still forage to be had as autumn really sets in. It’s tempting at this time of year to cut back ivy which has recently spurted in growth, but please don’t as it is an essential source of pollen for our honeybees that need it to rear the young bees required to see them through winter.

For our beekeepers it’s time to be thinking of winter preparations for the hives. The ‘supers’ containing old frames now cleared of honey have been stored away and made moth and rodent proof. Many have been feeding up their bees with thick sugar syrup so that the winter cluster which is made up of young brood will be strong enough to survive, whatever weather is on the horizon. Others start placing fondant blocks on, similar to baker’s fondant for the same reason.

Since the start of lockdown KBDA has been unable to enjoy face to face meetings together and but has utilised online meetings for talks, discussions and just keeping in touch with each other. However, in August we were once again able to arrange an association Apiary Visit for the first time in many months to an apiary at Stewarton. It was especially useful to new members who are just starting out as beekeepers. Seeing the activity inside a hive in real life rather than on a screen or via a book is both fascinating and hugely helpful along with first-hand learning about how an experienced keeper handles and maintains their honeybee colonies. And the hospitality usually extends to a delicious tea afterwards.

Interested in beekeeping? 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 on Twitter @KilbarchanBees and Instagram kilbarchanbeekeepers

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At this time of the year, our winter migrant visitors should be starting to arrive, with Whooper swans, Goldeneye, Teal, Wigeon and many others starting to arrive from mid/late October. All our waterfowl are best spotted from the Aird meadow hide, channel hide or the viewing tower. Along at our feeding station, our Blue tit, Great tit, House sparrow, Coal tit and Robin are busy at our feeders. We are happy to see that our Nuthatches have once again returned to the feeding station, with 2 adults and 4 juveniles spotted. If you are coming to visit us and walk the trails why not come over to our welcome desk and pick up a Wellness in Nature Leaflet, we know that due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns that we have all struggled in some way. There are 6 wee activities for you to do as you wander the trails, to help you relax in and take time out in nature. This leaflet is free with normal trail fees for non-RSPB members. We are not forgetting our younger visitors the month of October will be our Halloween spooky fun month. With a Halloween scavenger hunt from 1st – 22nd October and the 25th – 29th October, and our Halloween pumpkin hunt 23rd & 24th October and 30th & 31st October. The cost for this activity will be £3.50 with normal trail fees applying for non- RSPB members, this will also include an activity bag with pencil, activity booklet, certificate, wild challenge nature activity sheet and pin badge.

There is also plenty of work continuing out on the reserve with a new children’s adventure trail and fairy path under construction, there will also be work commencing out in the channels to construct new scrapes for wildlife particularly wading birds.

So why not come and visit our friendly staff and volunteers look forward to meeting you. www.rspb.org/lochwinnoch

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Kilmacolm Flower Show K i l m a c o l m Horticultural Society received the goahead from the Council to organize their Flower Show for the 4th September, we thank KNCC staff for their help to us. The Hall was filled with Cut Flowers, Vegetables, Pot Plants plus a competitive Novice section, Homebaking and Floral Art. Judges, visitors and exhibitors all admired the variety and quality of the entries. While it was important to observe the rules for masks, sanitizing, distancing etc there was a distinct atmosphere of pleasure to meet and greet one another once again. The tradition of our annual Flower Show lives on!! See the website for photos. www. kilmahorticultural.com Cupwinners: D. Russell

– best exhibit in Sweet Peas, Chrysanthemum, Tomatoes, most points in Vegetables section.

A. Aitken

– best exhibit in Dahlias, Onions, most points in Cut Flowers section.

P. Wilson

– best exhibit in Herbaceous

M. Gallagher

– best exhibit in Gladioli

I. Gillone

– best exhibit in Fuchsias

P.McKerrell

– best exhibit in KHS Top Vase

C. Smith

– best exhibit in Pot Plants

I. Morrice

– most points in Pot Plants

J. O’Rourke

– most points in Homebaking

H. Calvert

– most points in Floral Art

Morven Armour – winner of the Novices section C. Smith

– The Most Meritorious Exhibit in the Kilmacolm Flower Show

The first lecture in our Winter Syllabus will be held on Wednesday 20th October at 7pm - 8.30pm in the New Community Centre Kilmacolm.

Louise Bustard , newly retired as senior curator at Glasgow Botanic Gardens will be with us to delight and entertain us with her stories and photographs of the ‘Gardens of the Italian Lakes’.

All are welcome. Rules for indoor meetings will be applied to give maximum safety and support at all our lectures. Further information for all the activities of the K.H.S. Can be found on our website. Www. kilmacolmhorticultural.com

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Bridge Of Weir Horticultural Society

Peatland Restoration Study

At last, good news for gardeners, new and established! Those new to gardening are invited to join members on Thursday 14th October at an informal evening and catch-up at The Bridge at 8pm. We hope all those who have found gardening a welcome break during lockdown - and would now like some help and ideas going forward - to come along. We’re planning a relaxed evening to compare our experiences and just enjoy gathering together again.

A STUDY into peatland restoration in Inverclyde to help reduce harmful carbon emissions will be carried out following a successful bid by the council.

We can reminisce about our summer, one of the warmest and driest on record. In July, Threave Gardens, Castle Douglas registered the hottest temperature at 29.2C (85F) and September temperatures were aspiring to be the hottest since September 2nd, 1906, which required beating 32.2C (90F) recorded at Gordon Castle, Moray.

However, farmers, North and South, faced drought conditions, which meant the second cut of grass was unlikely to be sufficient for winter fodder. Eucryphias, beautiful small trees covered in white, buttercup flowers, fared badly with their tissue-thin petals wilting in the heat. This is regrettable as bees and insects love these flowers, as do gardeners! However, the deep warmth in the soil will get autumn and winter planting off to a good start.

The End Of Anne Era: By now, Anne Matthews, an enthusiastic member of the Society, will be putting down roots in Cornwall. She, along with husband Paul, will be greatly missed. We gained a lot from their knowledge and experience in the gardening world. Over nearly 18 years Anne held significant roles on the Committee and with her contacts in the botanical world, brought us interesting guest speakers. We held a “farewell party” to thank her and wish them both well in their new adventure. Here she is with Clare Kennedy (Chair), Agnes Crawford (President), Paul and their son, James.

The local authority has secured support from the Peatland Action project, part of national body NatureScot – formerly Scottish Natural Heritage, for an investigation of council-owned land to see what can be done.

Consultants have been appointed to carry out a feasibility study of land at Garvocks/Dowries and Hardridge, which will be done with permission of tenants who farm these areas.

Peat is partially decayed vegetation built up over a number of years that is found in cool, usually waterlogged areas and help lock in carbon, as well as being habitats for wildlife.

Their use as valuable carbon stores means peatlands are now widely regarded as playing a key role in addressing the climate emergency, biodiversity loss and achieving net-zero emissions.

Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “It’s great that in the run-up to the COP26 summit in Glasgow in November that we’ve been successful in securing support for a feasibility study into peatland restoration.

“We’re in a climate emergency and we must do all we can individually and collectively to reduce carbon emissions and support initiatives that will help improve the environment.

“Peatlands in good health can be valuable carbon stores which will contribute positively to reducing levels of CO2 for the benefit of residents and nature and that’s why it’s important that we examine more closely ways in which we can improve and indeed restore existing peatland areas in Inverclyde.”

The consultants carrying out the study in Inverclyde will be managed and funded by Peatland Action with input from the council and tenant farmers.

As well as their positive impact on the environment, peatlands can also have flood management benefits.

For more information about peatland restoration, visit www.nature.scot/ climate-change/nature-based-solutions/peatland-action-project.

Image: Councillor Michael McCormick pictured at the Garvocks former farm steading opposite Loch Thom.

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October 2021

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FOLLOWING A BETTER PATH It’s been 6½ years since Brighter Bridge of Weir first tackled the problem of the muddy footpath on part of Neva Place. Since then, gravity, weather and footfall had combined to disperse the red stone chips from the highest point, next to the terrace at Bernie’s, to the lowest, at the Bank of Scotland. So the Group decided to redress the balance. Not an easy task, involving raking, shovelling and wheel barrowing chips from the low bit to the high bit. Even our seasoned campaigners, Alice and Eileen, were finding it tough going.

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November Issue Deadline: 13th October 2021 Insect Hotels at Muirshiel

Step forward our knight in butcher’s apron. Roy Holmes took advantage of a quiet period before his lunch break to help out. They got the job done more quickly and with a bit less effort. Thanks Roy! Other work by the Group included clearing old hedge trimmings from the grassy area at Gryffe Grove and loads of litter from the Gryffe bridge, Torr Road and the Livery Walk garden areas. This took place during Renfrewshire Council’s Spotless September campaign.

But all in all, it’s pretty much what Brighter Bridge of Weir does from October to August as well, really.

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Come along to Muirshiel Country Park, Lochwinnoch on Monday 11th October, between 1pm and 3pm, to create a home for insects in your garden by building an insect hotel at Muirshiel Country Park with the Rangers. We can’t promise it will be as big as the one in the photo but it will be just as effective when it comes to providing shelter in your garden.

When you’re finished why not go and do the Muirshiel Insect Hunt to see some of the creepy crawlies who might live in your hotel!

This event will run from 1-3pm and this is just the first of many this school holiday week.

The event costs £5 per person and booking is required. Book here: https://clydemuirshiel.co.uk/ event/insect-hotels-at-muirshielmon-11-oct/

22/09/2021 15:04:55

Gleniffer Braes: Walk

by Rona Simpson A fantastic walk up and down the braes through varied habitats with spectacular views.

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Length: 6.4 miles with 700ft of elevation Duration: 2-3 hours Rating: Moderate Points of Interest: Tannahill Well, rare species including waxcap mushrooms, spectacular views, Glen Park Willow Arch and Craigielinn Waterfall

The walk starts at Brownside Farm Car Park and follow the path up. You will pass the Glen Park Willow Arch and follow on into the woodland. Glen Park *For a downloadable map visit: https://www.komoot.com/ is home to some wonderful mature semi-natural woodland and a host of t o u r / 2 9 6 2 5 8 1 3 1 ? u t m _ c a m p a i g n = t o u r _ e m b e d & u t m _ different bird and plant species. Look out for Herb Robert and Red Campion medium=embed&utm_source=paisley.is within the woods. Both indicators of areas of ancient woodland. Treecreepers are said to favour these woods too. They love mature trees which provide good cover and plenty of food.

The path expands into open grasslands. Here you may also spot kestrel, meadow pipit and skylark. However, much of the grassland has been leased to farmers. Do be aware of cattle in these areas and be especially careful if you come during calving season. Give the cattle plenty of space and keep dogs on leads. The grazing controls vegetation, disturbs soil and increases biodiversity in the area. Look out for field pansies, eyebright and the locally rare waxcap fungi.

At the top of the Braes there is a great bench with spectacular views over Paisley and towards the Kilpatrick Hills. Stop here for a wee refreshment to enjoy the view if the weather permits. Continue on passing Sergeant Road and Gleniffer Road and not long after this turn back on yourself for the return journey.

Many different loops are possible on the way back. Consider detouring to the Tannahill Well and also perhaps plan a stop at the Craigielinn Waterfall.

Cultural Interest: Tannahill Well and Walkway Robert Tannahill was a famous poet born in Paisley. He lived from 1774 until 1810. His poem Braes O’ Gleniffer celebrates this amazing area. There is a well and walkway built in the park to commemorate him, which are worth visiting too.

“Keen blaws the wind o’er the Braes o’ Gleniffer.

The auld castle’s turrets are cover’d wi’ snaw; How chang’d frae the time when I met wi’ my lover Amang the broom bushes by Stanley green shaw.”

“Gleniffer Braes” by TheTechDave is licensed with CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

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22/09/2021 15:05:03

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October 2021

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Are you sitting comfortably?

Then I’ll begin….....

In 2022, Paisley Book Festival is inspired by Year of Scotland’s Stories. We’re looking for short poems that tell great stories of today’s Scotland. They could be in the old narrative style, mini-epics of heroes and great deeds. They could be in the Scottish tradition of ballads of love or loss.

Or they could be contemporary Scottish tales of journeys, chance meetings or intriguing characters. At their best, they should draw an audience to the hearth on a cold February evening. We would like to read, hear and see your poetry on the theme of Scotland’s Stories.

Please email your poems of up to 40 lines (either in a Word Document, MP3 or MP4 file) to jcmp@renfrewshire. gov.uk with Janet Coats Memorial Prize in the subject line. You can enter one poem only and the closing date for entries is midnight on Sunday 14th November 2021. Entrants to the adult prize should be 18 or over.

Shortlisted writers will be revealed online in January 2022 and will have their work published and presented at Paisley Book Festival in February. Our judging panel have yet to be confirmed. Shortlisted entrants will be expected to attend an Awards Ceremony as part of the Paisley Book Festival. Winners will be announced on the night. All short-listed entries will be included in a pamphlet celebrating the Janet Coats Memorial Prize in 2022 and the winner will receive a cash prize of £850.

Janet Coats was part of the renowned thread-making family, J&P Coats. The eldest daughter of Thomas Coats and Margaret Glen, her father was one of four brothers who inherited a Paisley-based thread manufacturing company that was renamed J&P Coats in 1830. She was also the wife of publisher, James Tait Black and Janet’s own literary aspirations resulted in two volumes of nature-inspired poetry, one of which was published as Verses and Rhymes, in 1899.

Closing date: Sunday 14th November 2021

Prize: £850

Submitting your work: email your poems of up to 40 lines to jcmp@renfrewshire.gov.uk in a Word Document, MP3 or MP4 file with ‘Janet Coats Memorial Prize’ in the subject line. Writers retain full copyright of their work.

All poems should be submitted blindly with no names or contact information on the files. The poet’s name and contact details should be included clearly in the body of the email.

Entries can be submitted by post to: JCMP, Central Library, 15 Mill St, Paisley PA1 1ND Who can enter? If you are over 18 and were born in Scotland or you live or have lived in Scotland, you can enter the Janet Coats Memorial Prize.

PLEASE NOTE: there is a separate Janet Coats Memorial Prize for under 18s open to children and young people who attend school in Renfrewshire. Details will be circulated locally via school librarians and the Libraries Team.

The Janet Coats Memorial Prise is supported by University of Edinburgh and the Peter Coats Charitable Trust.

For full Terms and Conditions please visithttps://www.renfrewshireleisure. com/opportunities/janet-coatsmemorial-prize/

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November Issue Deadline: 13th October 2021 22/09/2021 15:05:05

clubs & schools

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St Columba’s This month, our pupils have been very much in the public eye. Some of our sportspeople (read their stories here below) were interviewed by a local newspaper while Junior 5 made it to the national news for their involvement in the Clyde River Foundation’s Salmon School project…

Mrs Porter, Junior 6 teacher, and Mr Johnstone of Kilmacolm Bowling Club established a wonderful partnership this term: each Wednesday morning, J6 walk round the corner to the bowling club where they are taught the techniques and rules of the game by experienced players! The children simply adore these sessions, and we can safely say that they share the infectious enthusiasm of the seasoned bowlers they now call friends. Our pupils, parents and the wider community are more than welcome to take to the green so please contact Kilmacolm Bowling Club for more information.

Jamie T (SV) was recently selected to represent Scotland, as part of a four-man cycling team, at the UK School Games in Loughborough. Competing in road and track cycling against 12 other teams, Jamie secured a silver medal for his team and as if that was not enough, he then went on to gain 3rd place in the individual street sprints. Outstanding results, Jamie!

Congratulations to Fintan R (SI) who competed in the Scottish Athletics 4J Studios Age Group National Championships. Pipping many talented young athletes to the post, Fintan won the championship title for the U13 discus event with an impressive 27.65m throw in the very first round! He then went on to take silver in the U13 javelin event.

Meanwhile, Junior 5 took part in a collaborative project between the Clyde River Foundation and the Smithsonian Museum in the US. Pupils helped scientists collect eDNA samples and learned about the very serious threat that pollution poses on wild salmon populations. Each year, our J5s are involved in the Clyde in the Classroom project, where they rear trout eggs in class and then release the alevin into the River Gryffe. At St Columba’s, outdoor education is a pivotal part of our pupils’ educational journey.

Finally, congratulations to Sophie in Senior IV who gained her Grade 7 in Piano practical and Grade 5 in Clarinet practical, passing both with distinction.

We struggle to report on all the awe-inspiring news from St Columba’s in this short column each month. From achievements and accolades to classwork and competitions, our pupils challenge themselves every day so please follow us on social media to find out more! St-columbas.org

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22/09/2021 14:42:39

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October 2021

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22/09/2021 14:42:40

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

Duchal Nursery

Houston Primary News

The term is really getting into full swing and all the children are really enjoying getting involved with all the activities and adventures!

Welcome Back

We begin the year learning through colour and shape, with a highlight being a walk to the red postbox in the village as we looked out for all things red along the way. The children have been maximizing their time outside, playing in the garden, going on walks around the park and taking part in our weekly personal fitness sessions thanks to Colin Cox Fitness and our football lessons run by Morton in the Community with Paddy, who each week sets us new challenges and teaches new skills.

We have also been having fun with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), the children were fascinated with the water and oil experiment, as we demonstrated how the two liquids do not mix due to their different densities then adding droplets of food colouring and fairy liquid to see how things altered. STEM subjects fascinate young children and it is wonderful to stimulate their curiosity about the world around them in such simple but entertaining ways.

As a specialist pre school nursery our teachers are dedicated to giving the children the best start in life and preparing them for their school years. As an independent nursery Duchal children move on to a variety of schools in Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Glasgow.

Now open from 8am until 6pm daily and offering free funded places for all 3 – 5yr olds, Duchal really can give all children the best start in life. If you would like further information or would like to arrange a visit, please do get in touch on 01505 874358 or email info@duchal.com, Please visit our website at www.duchal.com and our Facebook page to keep up to date with all the latest news.

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The pupils from Houston Primary School have returned looking very smart in their uniforms. We welcome our new ELCC and Primary 1 pupils and also very many other pupils who have joined us in other stages of the school.

We also welcome a number of new ELCC and school staff to our team.

Scottish Maths Week 27th September - 3rd October This is our fifth year of promoting maths as part of Scottish Maths Week.

The aim is to give pupils the opportunity to experience the benefits, joy and beauty of maths in exciting new ways during this week, whilst making links to real life experiences.

Recycle to Read We are passionate about recycling, reducing and reusing and this session is no different. We have signed up to take part in a brand new initiative Recycle to Read, in partnership with The Pod and Collins books. All we have to do to get free books for our school is to collect unwanted working tech and broken plastic toys! Recycle to Read rewards schools for collecting unwanted plastic toys and tech for recycling and reuse, in exchange for books.

Plastic toys and tech can be valuable for reuse and recycling but can have a negative impact on the environment if they are not disposed of correctly.

Over 318 million toys are sold in the UK every year, of which the majority are manufactured from plastic or contain plastic components1. However, there is currently limited infrastructure to collect and recycle plastic toys.

Currently a large amount of tech is either hoarded in homes or thrown out with household waste. It is estimated households across the UK throw away 155,000 tonnes of small electricals every year – this would be worth an estimated £17 billion if reused or recycled.

Grow Your Own Potatoes The pupils from our Gardening Club harvested their prize crop of potatoes and have won the Grow Your Own Potatoes, West of Scotland Award for 2021. This is the second time we have won this award. Well done to all the green fingered Gardening Club members and of course Gardening Granny and her amazing team of volunteers.

Rowan Berry Enterprise P7 pupils, Nathan and Finlay have spent their free time gathering Rowan berries and drying them out, so that our birds can have food in the winter months. The boys came up with the idea, and are also planning to make bird ball feeders to sell at the next school fayre.

NEXT ISSUE Deadline Date: Wednesday 13th October 2021 34-41 SCHOOLS-SPORTS 318 OCTOBER 21.indd 36

Good to Grow Please help us to collect Good to Grow vouchers from your local Morrisons store from 6th September to 24th October. In return we will receive gardening equipment, which will be very well used.

22/09/2021 14:42:41

October 2021

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defibrillators set to be installed at Renfrewshire primary schools Publicly accessible defibrillators set to be installed at all Renfrewshire primary schools Plans are in place for public access defibrillators to be installed around the entrance gates of every primary school in Renfrewshire - enabling 24-7 community access to the life-saving equipment.

The emergency resuscitation devices are already available at all secondary and Additional Support Needs (ASN) schools across Renfrewshire.

Councillors on the Finance, Resources and Customer Services policy board met Wednesday 1st September to approve the purchase and installation of new public access defibrillators to be fitted on the gates of all 50 primary schools.

And the plans include additional defibrillators added at secondary schools where the existing ones aren’t accessible to the public.

Councillor John Shaw, Finance Convener, said: “The incident involving Danish international footballer Christian Eriksen reminded us all how defibrillators can be the difference between life and death and this investment will not only ensure children and staff at our schools have access, but be publicly accessible for all Renfrewshire residents and communities.

“This matter was raised with me by a number of constituents including Kirklandneuk Primary Parent Council and I’m pleased that we’ve been able to address this as a matter of urgency.”

Defibrillators are already in place in Council buildings, town halls and at local leisure facilities, the device locations registered with the national network to help the emergency services when responding to 999 calls.

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Langbank Primary School The fairy garden grew and grew over the summer months when the school were on holiday.

Thankfully some fairies worked their magic and brought it back to life. The children are having a great time using their gardening and imaginative skills in this area The keen gardeners in primary 6/7 have been getting the school garden ready for autumn planting.

They had a huge job removing the weeds and we think that they worked exceptionally hard.

We look forward to growing some vegetables for harvest and planting daffodil bulbs soon.

A well done to our Primary 6 pupils taking part in Bikeability. With the support of our coach and qualified parent helpers, they have learned their M check which they can use to ensure their bikes are safe before riding.

They are now out on the road and hope to achieve their level 1 award very soon.

Our Digital Leaders undertook their first mentoring task yesterday when they supported primary one. They helped primary one explore the app Chatterpix to make their drawings come alive and chat!! We are very proud of our Digital Leaders and look forward to then sharing their skills with more classes very soon.

Each defibrillator includes simple-to-follow instructions on how to use them in the event of an emergency.

Education convener Councillor Jim Paterson added: “It’s important that we have ample provision across all our schools, while also ensuring members of the public can have access to them too and I look forward to them being installed as soon as possible.”

If approved, the new publicly accessible defibrillators would be installed by the end of the year.

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22/09/2021 14:42:43

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New putting green is stroke of genius

Old Ranfurly Ladies Section

Hopes are high that a new putting green in Kilmacolm will prove a stroke of genius following investment by Inverclyde Council.

This year Old Ranfurly ladies section have been delighted to participate in a full set of club competitions all of which commenced in Spring. This was very welcome as last year we had to limit our competitions due to COVID restrictions. The competition finals culminated on Sat 14 August.

The 18-hole mini-golf course is now open at Birkmyre Park next to the gym and changing pavilion. It has been created by the local authority at a cost of £13,000 and will be managed by Inverclyde Leisure (IL).

People can play for free if they use their own clubs and balls or hire equipment for a small fee at the nearby gym reception. As well as a stateof-the-art gym and the new mini-golf course, the park is home to grass pitches, a multi-use games area, children’s play park, rugby playing fields and café.

Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “This is an excellent addition to the first-class facilities we already have here at Birkmyre Park and is in fact a welcome return as there used to be a putting green here many years ago.

“A game of mini-golf is always great fun no matter your age or ability and I’m sure it will be well-used by locals and visitors alike.

“It gives people near and far another reason to discover what Inverclyde has to offer throughout our towns and villages, including here in Kilmacolm.”

The council will maintain the putting green while IL will handle the hiring of putters, balls and laying out of flags.

Jamie Cunningham, Inverclyde Leisure facilities manager, said: “It’s great to have the putting green back in action at Birkmyre and adds to the fantastic facilities on offer at the park.

Fortunately the day dawned bright and sunny. A real bonus for our finalists and their supporters who came along to offer their encouragement!! The first final was the Ladies Club Championship between Jen Owen & Birgit Clark.

After a keenly fought contest Jen Owen was successful and became Ladies Club Champion 2021 Next ladies competition was the final of the Bronze Shield.

Hazel Kirkland and Susan Fleming were our finalists with Hazel Kirkland coming out on top after an exciting game.

The last ladies final of the day was the Satterford Trophy with Marlyn Muir versus

Margo Maxwell. Marlyn was the winner here with both participants enjoying a highly competitive game.

“Putting has always been a popular past time and with people spending more time enjoying the outdoors we are sure many will stop by for a game.”

For more information about Birkmyre Park, visit www.inverclydeleisure. com/facilities/birkmyre-park and find out more about what Inverclyde has to offer at www.discoverinverclyde.com.

Marlyn, Hazel, Jen

New putting green at Birkmyre Park in Kilmacolm, from left,Jamie Cunningham from Inverclyde Leisure with Councillors McCabe, McCormick and Wilson.

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Susan & Lana

Commiserations to all our losing finalists and congratulations to all our winners. Well done all our participants for making it such an exciting and entertaining afternoon’s golf!! Later in the month the last final took place. This was the Jubilee greensomes competition our winners were Lana Wilson and Susan McFall. Congratulations to both. All agreed a great seasons golf!!

Gryffe Badminton Club (mixed membership) Fancy a game? Come along to Strathgryffe Tennis Club every Tuesday from 8pm - 10pm until 29th March 2022. New members welcome.

For more information please contact Alan on 07544 700081.

22/09/2021 14:42:47

October 2021

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Brookfield Bowling Club In one of the best weeks of the summer, Brookfield Bowling Club held their Finals Week. This was the cumulation of knock-out rounds throughout the season. Some highly contested games were fought and worthy Champions prevailed.

The Ladies Champion for 2021 is Diana Tulloch; while the Gents Champion is Colin Greig.

Angela Connell and Mary Taylor won the Ladies Pairs, Alan McMillan and David Dobson won the Gents Pairs.

The Mixed Pairs Championship was won by Michelle King and Peter Fraser. The Ladies 2 Bowl Pairs was won by Diana Tulloch and Diana Nisbett. Dennis Taylor won the Gents 2 Bowl Singles.

Once again, a good season has been capped with some outstanding bowls and with good fellowship. Brookfield would welcome any new member at any time. Anyone wishing more details should call 01505 612417.

Gents Pairs - Alan McMillan & David Dobson

Ladies 2 Bowl Pairs - DianaTulloch & Diana Nisbett

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Castle Semple Sailing Club 55th Anniversary Celebration Day! Castle Semple Sailing Club was formed in 1966 and we decided to celebrate our 55th Anniversary with a celebration race day to try and get 55 sails on the loch with a pirate theme. The juniors really got into the spirit of the day dressing both themselves and their boats.

It was a fantastic effort by everyone. Huge thanks to everyone who helped make it such a success, all those who helped set up and clear up, also to Triona for face painting and Jenny, Archie and Rhona for their human fruit machine and of course Ollie!

There is a suggestion that we actually managed to get 60 sails on the water - certainly looked amazing both on the water and from the photos.

Despite the initial lack of wind we did actually manage some racing, the cadets were out in force - at least 20 - dominating the first race with some interesting racing techniques - need to have a word with our Training Officer about that! Even “Bahama Beige” Mirror Man Stan entered into the spirit of the occasion getting out in his newly acquired mirror - and rowing. One damsel in distress had to be rescued due to a spider on her boat!

However, as usual as soon as we came off the water for the BBQ the wind appeared - briefly! But enough to allow for some slightly more competitive racing in the afternoon. Congratulations to overall winner Leo. Whilst the season is drawing to a close there will be a cadet activity week during October week.

For further info see www/castlesemplesc.co.uk. e : info@castlesemplesc.co.uk Many thanks to Pat Smith (panoramic view) and Joe Reilly for the photos!

Ladies Pairs - Angela Connell & Mary Taylor

Ladies Champion - DianaTulloch

Mixed Pairs - Michelle King & Peter Fraser

Gents Champion - Colin Greig Gents 2 Bowl Singles - DennisTaylor

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22/09/2021 14:42:52

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Kilmacolm Golf Club

Ranfurly Castle Ladies

It’s been a busy time at Kilmacolm Golf Club with plenty of golf being played.

August was another busy month for Ranfurly Castle and the weather continued to be kind for the lady golfers. The Club hosted the Renfrewshire Ladies County Golf Association County Championships from 18th - 20th August. These had been postponed from 2020, and due to clashes with other fixtures, the field was slightly reduced to just 40 entries. The qualifying round was played in very windy conditions which did not hamper the Ranfurly Castle members, with 4 qualifying for the knock out stages. Jan Macnab was the winner of the Peggy Clark Trophy for the lowest net score with a 73 and Allison Murray was runner-up Denise Cowan made it through to the Semi finals but sadly lost to Julie Wilson from Williamwood. The final was won by Jennifer Rankine of Haggs Castle 2 and 1. The Handicap Irvine Trophy was played along side the Championship and, once more, Ranfurly Castle was well represented with Vicky Rennie and Morag Cunningham contesting the final with Morag winning on the 18th.

Ladies Day was a hugely successful event in the sun with 68 members, aged 11 – 80, taking part, seeing Sara Bishop and Allan Burns with an impressive 43 points winning the Coronation Quaich.

There was a damp start to our Club Championship Weekend for the men’s last 16 and quarter final matches and the Ladies Semi finals, however this didn’t prevent some fantastic displays of golf, setting up some great matches for Sunday when all sections of the club were in action with the Club, Ladies, Seniors and Junior Championships all being decided.

The sun shone around the course in the morning for the Men’s Semi Finals with last year’s champion, Matthew Clark, being out played by previous winner Gus Burns in a thrilling match, while past Captain Andrew Farmer saw off tough opposition in Jordan Ferguson, setting up a great final in the afternoon. Gus couldn’t keep up the momentum and despite some fabulous play lost out to Andy who was in great form, adding another Championship title to his tally.

The Ladies final saw current Club Vice Captain Megan Briggs take on Jackie Sayers, with both players making plenty of birdies and putting on a great display of golf it was Megan who took the match and her 18th Championship win.

The Seniors Championship being played for just the second year was competed for by Jim Devine and defending champion Les Pirie who took the honours once again.

With last year’s Junior Champion beginning his golfing career in the USA there was to be a new name on the trophy this year. A keenly contested final between Jonny Davidson and Alexander Farmer demonstrated the great young talent within the club, with Alexander proving too good on the day and making it a family double with father and son being triumphant.

It’s not just been the members who have been enjoying our fantastic course, the Ladies and Mixed Opens were enjoyed by visitors to the club, with some impressive golf and all having a fun day out. Our Junior Open is being held soon, a great chance for youngsters to experience playing another course.

29th August was the Club Finals day County Winners Jan, Jennifer, Morag and plenty of ladies turned out to support both Jan Macnab and Sheila Biggart. The match was played on a lovely, calm day and went all the way to the 18th with Sheila Biggart the eventual winner. The prize giving was held afterwards in the Clubhouse where all trophies were presented for the days matches Photo shows Sheila receiving her trophy from the Ladies Captain Gillian Donaghy.

On 5th September a team of ladies played a friendly match against Elderslie at home. Once again the weather was calm and warm and all enjoyed the golf and the chat. The outcome was an amicable draw.

The final piece of silverware for the year was played for on 8th September and Mary Hardie was the winner of the Mitchell Trophy. The summer season is now over and we look forward to our Winter knockout competition, with fingers crossed that the weather will remain mild for as long as possible. Finally, Denise Cowan has had her first hole in one at the 14th, and this means there have been 3 Ladies achieve this this year.

There is lots in store over the next few weeks as we make the most of the late summer weather, keeping everyone out on the course then enjoying the clubhouse facilities.

Junior Champion Alexander Farmer, Ladies Champion Megan Briggs, Seniors Champion Les Pirie & Club Champion Andy Farmer

Sheila Biggart, Gillian Donaghy

NEXT ISSUE Deadline Date: Wednesday 13th October 2021 34-41 SCHOOLS-SPORTS 318 OCTOBER 21.indd 40

22/09/2021 14:42:54

October 2021

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

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Pat Smith - Castle Semple Panoramic

£1.8m indoor tennis centre plans served up A new £1.8 million indoor tennis centre for Inverclyde has taken a major step forward after plans were served up for the development.

A full planning application has now been submitted for a stateof-the-art facility on disused land and bowling green at Rankin Park in Greenock.

The project is being led by Inverclyde Council in partnership Inverclyde Leisure with support from sportscotland, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Tennis Scotland.

The proposed facility would have three LTA approved tennis courts, a small soft play area, an Express Fitness Studio gym and a self-service café.

The development would complement the existing grass football pitch, changing pavilion and mountain bike trail at Rankin Park, as well as the neighbouring bowling club.

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Regular Meet Classes Yoga & Relaxation Weekly Class

Traditional Hatha Yoga. Mondays at 10am - 11.15am in the Kilmacolm Community Centre Suitable for those who want a gentle start, a good stretch and a 15 minute relaxation. Age range from 18 to 90!

Bring your own mat, blanket & socks.

Water if you wish.

Please book your space by email: marylaidlaw38@ gmail.com or text: 07971 277870 British Wheel of Yoga trained and teaching member of Yoga Scotland

Energise with Laura

Online and in person yoga classes @ Thrive, 7 Castle Terrace, Bridge of Weir Monday - beginner friendly DDP Yoga: 11am - 12noon Wednesday - mum & baby DDP Yoga: 10am - 11am Thursday - beginner friendly DDP Yoga: 7pm - 8pm 1-1 slots also available Contact: energisewithlaura@gmail. com or visit: www.energisewithlaura. com to book your sessions.

Zumba Light

Monday 10am in Freelands Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir (Opposite Amaretto). Come along, have fun to fantastic music and feel FAB. All fitness levels welcome. For more information contact Mo 07505 126416.

Reebok Step Class

Tuesday 6.45pm Freelands Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir (Opposite Amaretto). Miss the Original Reebok Step Class? Then come along for fun, fabulous music, full body workout, feel fantastic!

Contact Mo 07505 126416 for more details and to book (limited spaces available).

Clyde Physiotherapy Pilates classes

All classes held in St Machars church hall, Bridge of Weir. Monday 9.30am, 10.40am and 7pm. Booking essential.

Zoom option also available.

For more information or to book contact Yvonne on 07786 224367 or yvonne@ clydephysiotherapy.co.uk

Little Down Dogs Yoga

Howwood (Parish Church): Tues - After School Yoga - 3.30pm Thursday - Adults Yoga - 6.15pm or 7.30pm Houston: (Compass Centre) Monday - After School Yoga 3.45pm (Strathgryffe Tennis Club) Tuesday - Adults Yoga - 9.30am Friday - Pre School Yoga - 1.30pm Kilmacolm (KNCC): Thursday - Yoga HIIT - 9.30am For more information please contact Jackie on 07977 139251 jackie@littledowndogs.co.uk

Move it or Lose it!

New class starting!

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm. Starts, We d n e s d a y 6 t h O c t o b e r a t 10.30am.

All our classes are back up and running. It’s been great to see lots of familiar smiling faces as well as some new ones.

First class is free for new members - Booking Essential!

For more information, Call Fiona 07811 766672 www.moveitorloseit.co.uk or check out moveitorloseitwithfiona on Facebook

Jennifer Sloan Physiotherapy Led Pilates

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

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

coming events

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

OCTOber unTIL sunday 31sT The Glasgow Police Museum Glasgow Police Museum, First Floor, 30 Bell St, Glasgow G1 1LG Monday to Saturday: 10am – 4pm, Sunday: 12noon – 4pm The Glasgow Police Museum has opened its doors once again! Pop along and find out the history behind the police right from the 1800’s.

The museum is an Independent Accredited Museum set up and manned by volunteer members of The Glasgow Police Heritage Society (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation No. SC029614). Free Entry

FrIday 1 Scottish Textualities sT

Gatehouse Coffee Roasters, Paisley 7.30pm to 9.30pm A multi-media collaborative set celebrating Scots language, music, and culture with writer Anne M Scriven, musicians We Three Quinns, and photographer Sam Scriven. Coffee on sale, tea by donation for a charity of Gatehouse staff choosing.

Free Entry, booking required.

Visit https:// www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scottishtextualities-tickets-168437564289 for information.

FrIday 1sT - FrIday 22nd Halloween Scavenger Hunt RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch The cost for this activity is £3.50 with normal trail fees applying for non- RSPB members, also includes an activity bag with pencil, activity booklet, certificate, wild challenge nature activity sheet and pin badge.

saTurday 2nd Kilmacolm Farmers Market

sunday 3rd The East Pointers

Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10am to 2pm

Lochwinnoch Golf Club Burnfoot Road, Lochwinnoch PA12 4AN

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

Brought to you by Lochwinnoch Arts Festival - A Canadian contemporary folk music group from Prince Edward Island, who won the Juno Award for Traditional Roots Album of the Year for their album Secret Victory at the Juno Awards of 2017.

HPIG Autumn Fair The Compass Centre, South Street, Houston PA6 7ET 11am to 2pm Help raise funds for the local charity Houston Playpark Improvement Group and to share possible designs for the new playpark with the wider community. With stalls, a tombola and raffle, crafts, baked goods and refreshments and lots of fun for all.

sunday 3rd The 2021 Virtual London Marathon virtual event The biggest marathon ever staged anywhere in the world, with an incredible 100,000 runners scheduled to take part. 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 the same day, a record 50,000 participants will run from Blackheath to The Mall in the traditional massparticipation Virgin Money London Marathon on the streets of the capital, an increase of more than 7,000 on the previous finisher record.

Tuesday 5Th Gryffe Badminton Club (mixed membership) Strathgryffe Tennis, Squash & Fitness Club, 51 Fleming Road, Houston 8pm to 10pm Fancy a game? Please come along, every Tuesday until 29th March 2022 - new members welcome. For more information please contact Alan on 07544 700081.

Tuesday 5Th - sunday 10Th Big Kid Circus - Greenock Beacon Arts Centre, Custom House Quay, Greenock The Big Top will be at Rue End Street, opposite the Beacon Arts Centre, PA15 1HJ. Weekdays 4.45pm & 7.30pm, Saturday 1pm, 4pm & 7pm, Sunday 1pm & 3.30pm. First day 7pm only. Book in advance at www. bigkidcircus.co.uk or visit the box office on site from 10am to 8pm.

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October 2021

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Thursday 7th - Saturday 16th Saturday 9th The Spree Festival Returns Paisley Farmers Market Paisley - various venues Shows staged in the iconic Salon Perdu Spiegeltent, located within Paisley town centre. The Spree is one of the centrepieces of Renfrewshire Council’s major events programme which has made Paisley one of Scotland’s key cultural destinations in recent years. Now in its ninth year, the festival has been staged in the town each October since 2012, but was cancelled in 2020 due to coronavirus restrictions.

The Spree festival was programmed once again in 2021 by Regular Music – who work with some of the biggest names in the industry as the team behind the Summer Nights at Kelvingrove Bandstand and the Edinburgh Castle Concerts.

See the full list of shows, classes and events and purchase tickets at www.thespree.co.uk and www. ticketweb.uk

Saturday 9th Animation Workshop with Russell MacEwan artspace33, Paisley 11am to 3pm How To Think When You Draw Comics is a fun introduction to comic art, no previous experience necessary; you can even borrow pencil and paper. The workshops will provide exciting and cool techniques to kickstart your own comic ideas, at whatever level you’re working at. Lots of practical ideas to get you started in character design and everything else we can fit in. Free entry, booking is required. Visit https:// www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/steventhomson-creative-producer16475076871 for details. Additional dates: Friday 15th October and Thursday 11th November.

The Cenotaph, Paisley PA1 1BG 10am to 2pm A huge variety of produce for sale.

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

Saturday 9th - Saturday 16th The Wee Spree Returns to Paisley Paisley - various venues Coinciding with the return of The Spree music and arts festival.

Shows at The Wee Spree will take place at venues and locations around Paisley, including the Methodist Central Hall and the Tannahill Centre. Details of events and shows, and tickets are available at www.thespree.co.uk/the-weespree/ or www.ticketweb.uk

Sunday 10th Renfrew Market Robertson Park, Longcroft Drive, Renfrew PA4 8LY 10am to 4pm Running on the 2nd Sunday of each month from 10am until 4pm showcasing fresh produce, artisan crafts, unique gifts and street food from local businesses! Come down and support small and local businesses! Upcoming dates: 14th November, 12th December.

Tuesday 12th - Sunday 24th Big Kid Circus - Braehead Xsite, Braehead, Kings Inch Road PA4 8XQ Weekdays 4.45pm & 7.30pm, Saturday 1pm, 4pm & 7pm, Sunday 17th 1pm, 4pm & 7pm, Sunday 24th 3pm ONLY. Book in advance at www.bigkidcircus.co.uk or visit the box office on site from 10am to 8pm.

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Wednesday 13th Bridge of Weir Senior Citizens’ Association Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Crescent, Bridge of Weir 7.15pm The first meeting this year - A warm welcome will be extended to old and new members. (Please remember your face masks.) Every second and fourth Wednesday each month.

Thursday 14th How the Koala Learnt to Hug Beacon Arts Centre, Custom House Quay, Greenock 2.30pm Everyone knows that koalas love a cuddle but, the truth is, that wasn’t always the case. So how exactly did the koala learn to hug?

Ten years after the publication of Steven Lee’s best selling book, Karen the Koala and her fabulous furry friends are back to answer that age old question and remind us once again why there’s nothing quite as wonderful as a nice warm hug. For tickets visit https://www. beaconartscentre.co.uk/events/ how-the-koala-learnt-to-hug

Saturday 16th Bishopton & Dargavel Farmers Market Bishopton Train Station Car Park, off Birch Road 10am to 2pm A farmers market full of the best locally produced produce. If you love food then you will love our market. Full compliment of stalls plus Fish from Oban, Taste of Espana, Three Sisters Bake, and All things Nice for home made chutneys and preserves. Held on the 3rd Saturday every month.

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sunday 17Th St. Vincent’s Hospice Bungee Jump Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Road, Glasgow G3 8RS One for the Bucket List!! Enjoy views of the surrounding areas including the Glasgow Harbour, with a few seconds to prepare at the top before hearing the famous countdown “3, 2, 1, Bungee!” and then...it’s up to you! For full details contact the Fundraising Team on 01505 705635 or e: info@svh.co.uk

Wednesday 20Th Kilmacolm Horticultural Society Lecture Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 7pm to 8.30pm The first lecture in our Winter Syllabus. Louise Bustard , newly retired as senior curator at Glasgow Botanic Gardens will be with us to delight and entertain us with her stories and photographs of the ‘Gardens of the Italian Lakes’.

Further information for all the activities of the K.H.S. can be found on our website: www. kilmacolmhorticultural.com

saTurday 23rd - sunday 24Th Halloween Pumpkin Hunt RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch Activity cost is £3.50 with normal trail fees applying for non- RSPB members, also includes an activity bag with pencil, activity booklet, certificate, wild challenge nature activity sheet and pin badge.

MOnday 25Th - FrIday 29Th Halloween Scavenger Hunt RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch Activity cost is £3.50 with normal trail fees applying for non- RSPB members, also includes an activity bag with pencil, activity booklet, certificate, wild challenge nature activity sheet and pin badge.

Thursday 28Th - MOnday 1sT nOV Paisley Halloween Festival Paisley - various venues Paisley Halloween Festival has been the most popular event in Paisley’s calendar in recent years. It was recognised as Best Cultural Event or Festival at the Scottish Thistle Awards 2019/2020 organised by VisitScotland. The festival’s 2021 edition will take on a very different format this year with a series of spectacular installations that are ‘Out of This World’ popping up across Paisley town centre. The event is part of the celebrations for Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21. Find out more at https://paisley.is/featured_event/ halloween/

saTurday 30Th Paisley Farmers Market The Cenotaph, Paisley PA1 1BG 10am to 2pm A huge variety of produce for sale.

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

saTurday 30Th - sunday 31sT Halloween Pumpkin Hunt RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch Activity cost is £3.50 with normal trail fees applying for non- RSPB members, also includes an activity bag with pencil, activity booklet, certificate, wild challenge nature activity sheet and pin badge.

sunday 31sT Erskine Riverside Market Erskine Riverside Market Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine PA8 7 10am to 4pm Running 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.

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sunday 31sT Monster Dash - Halloween Fun Run On-X Sports Centre, Brediland Road, Linwood 12noon Renfrewshire Leisure are staging this family event. Everyone taking part will receive a goody bag, with spot prizes for the best-dressed runners in Halloween costumes. The route is over two laps of the scenic Linwood Moss and is a flat course with only a few gentle undulations. Entry £3 for adults and £2 for children. Go to www.renfrewshireleisure.com/ monsterdash to register.

november saTurday 6Th Kilmacolm Farmers Market Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10am to 2pm Held on the first Saturday each month featuring a great selection of local Scottish produce! Customer entry restricted for everyone’s safety. Please wear face masks or scarves if you can. Looking forward to seeing everyone! Free Entry.

FrIday 12Th - saTurday 13Th BGCP Comic and Toy Market Tour: Greenock Oak Mall Shopping Centre, Greenock 10am to 5pm The BGCP is back but on a smaller socially distanced scale, with traders selling everything from Comics, Art, Action Figures, Art, T-Shirts and much more. This event is free entry and requires no tickets. Please keep social distance, wear a mask and use hand sanitizer when needed.

Find out more at https://www. facebook.com/BGCPComicCon/

november Deadline: Wednesday 13th octoBER - contact info@advertizer.co.uk 42-47 EVENTS 318 OCTOBER 21.indd 44

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October 2021

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House Wanted

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

Do You Have What It Takes To Be Renfrewshire’s Next Superstar

Big Kid Circus The Big Kid Circus is coming to Greenock and Braehead.

A new karaoke competition at The Ugly Duck, Paisley is looking to find the next singing sensation - with a £1000 prize pot up for grabs.

Hosted by professional singer Laura Baird, the competition starts on Thursday 7th November and runs every week until the grand final on Thursday 16th December where the prize money will be split between the top 3 acts, with the winner taking the biggest share.

GREENOCK: Rue End Street, opposite the Beacon Arts Centre, PA15 1HJ, from Tuesday 5th until Sunday 10th October.

Weekdays 4.45pm & 7.30pm, Saturday 1pm, 4pm & 7pm, Sunday 1pm & 3.30pm. First day 7pm only.

Laura B with Craig Bickett, owner of The Ugly Duck

Laura said: “I think it’s a great opportunity to bring a successful competition like this to Paisley. Coming up to Christmas it will be a great amount to win”.

Craig Bickett, owner of The Ugly Duck said: “The pub has such a great atmosphere during our popular karaoke events and it’s always great to see how much talent there is in Paisley”. If you would like to take part you can either message https://www.facebook.com/theuglyduckpaisley or email us at management@break-through.uk with your name & contact details and we will be in touch.

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BRAEHEAD: Xsite Braehead, Kings Inch Road PA4 8XQ, from Tuesday 12th until Sunday 24th October.

Weekdays 4.45pm & 7.30pm, Saturday 1pm, 4pm & 7pm, Sunday 17th 1pm, 4pm & 7pm, Sunday 24th 3pm ONLY. Book in advance at www. bigkidcircus.co.uk or visit the box office on site from 10am to 8pm.

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

How the Koala Learnt to Hug

Tillie The Naughty Fairy Book Launch

Thursday 14th October at 2.30pm at the Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock.

Saturday 2nd October, at Starlight Studio, Paisley.

Everyone knows that koalas love a cuddle but, the truth is, that wasn’t always the case. So how exactly did the koala learn to hug?

Ten years after the publication of Steven Lee’s best selling book, Karen the Koala and her fabulous furry friends are back to answer that age old question and remind us once again why there’s nothing quite as wonderful as a nice warm hug.

With a feast of games, giggles and songs this charming family musical first appeared in 2010 and has been loved by children and their grown ups ever since. Now, in this updated, Covid Proof production the love, laughter and magic returns for a limited season.

As an extra treat, author Steven Lee will be available to sign copies of How The Koala Learnt To Hug and Other Australian Fairytales which will be on sale after the show.

Tickets £8. For more information visit https://www.beaconartscentre.co.uk/ events/how-the-koala-learnt-to-hug

Scottish Textualities Gatehouse Coffee Roasters, Friday 1st October 7.30 - 9.30pm This is a multi-media collaborative set celebrating Scots language, music, and culture with writer Anne M Scriven, musicians We Three Quinns, and photographer Sam Scriven. Coffee on sale. Tea by donation for a charity of Gatehouse staff choosing. Entry is free but booking is required - visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scottish-textualities-tickets-168437564289 for information.

Anne is a published writer of narrative non-fiction, a former academic lecturing in Scottish Literature who was also an Honorary Fellow for the Centre for Scottish Cultural Studies, University of Strathclyde. She currently teaches English - and Scots - at secondary school level as well as producing and performing her own writing.

We Three Quinns is a family concern. Wielding a range of instruments they have many years of playing and signing at sessions, events and various churches across Scotland. Catherine is the most far-flung - living in the wilds of Old Kilpatrick where she regularly signs in the hills - think Donovan meets The Sound of Music. Maureen is a Suzuki violin teacher who moonlights occasionally in the trad music scene. If you always wanted to learn violin check out her website at http://mquinnviolin.co.uk/ Patrick is still trying to learn to play an instrument properly but has been a busy musician because he has always had a car and access to a decent PA. He is also a regular presenter on Celtic Music Radio with his show ‘It’s a QuinnThing’.

Sam, a freelance videographer and award-winning photographer and an accomplished climber of Scottish peaks and boulders, is also a skateboard lovin’ city dweller who delights in capturing the nuances of our amazing country.

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Join Karen Herbison as she launches her new children’s book, Tillie The Naughty Fairy, at Starlight Studio, Paisley between 3.30pm and 4.30pm as part of this year’s Tannahill Arts Festival!

Entry is free but booking is required. Visit https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/tillie-the-naughty-fairy-launch-tickets-168442414797 for details.

Tillie is a fairy. Not just any fairy. Tillie is a naughty fairy.? Join Tillie and her best friend Eddie the stinky elf, as they head out on a magical, interactive, adventure to help Grandpa.

In their quest to help, Tillie and Eddie get themselves into all sorts of magical mischief. Can they solve their problems and stay out of trouble? They may need your help along the way to build this story adventure..

Specially developed to support dyslexic readers, Tillie’s adventures are designed to inspire children, and their grown ups, to get involved and build their own creations.

Animation Workshop with Russell MacEwan How To Think When You Draw Comics is a fun introduction to comic art, no previous experience necessary; you can even borrow pencil and paper. The workshops will provide exciting and cool techniques to kickstart your own comic ideas, at whatever level you’re working at. Lots of practical ideas to get you started in character design and everything else we can fit in.

Russell MacEwan is a digital artist from Glasgow, Scotland.

Assisted by William McLaughlan, they created the darkly fantastic and nightmarish artwork for the highly successful “Hell In Stalingrad” graphic novel kickstarter campaign during lockdown. Written by Matt Hardy and Rob Jones (Mad Robot/Madius Comics) as a “… wartime atrocity, a powerful ancient evil...War is Hell.” https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/153289885/hell-instalingrad * The comic will shortly be available to the public from https://www. matthewhardycomics.com/Russell MacEwan designed the highly accessible and popular City of Glasgow College Course “Digital Comic Art” which resumes in November 2021. Many students progress to their own comic projects and full time study at college.

Workshops will take place on Saturday 9th and Friday 15th October and Thursday 11th November, 11am till 3pm, at artspace33, Unit 33, Abbeymill Business Centre, Seedhill, Paisley PA1 1TJ. Entry is free but booking is required. Visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ steven-thomson-creative-producer-16475076871 for details.

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October 2021

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Panto season is on its way! Oh yes it is!

With covid restrictions still ongoing, not all our wonderful local theatre groups can perform this year.

Here’s round-up of what’s happening for 2021. Please keep checking social media for updates.

Johnstone Phoenix - Panto 2021 Sadly we are unable to perform our annual panto! BUT!! We will be putting on a ‘Phoenix Style’ concert on the 3rd and 4th of December!! Further details to follow, but this is exciting stuff for our members as well as our loyal audience members!!

Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JPTG63/ or visit our website at http://jptg.co.uk/

PACE announcement - Panto 2021 After careful consideration, we must reluctantly confirm that there will be no PACE Theatre Company panto for Christmas 2021.

Regrettably, there are a number of factors that mean it is not viable for us to produce our annual panto this year. Paisley Arts Centre, our home venue for more than 30 years, is currently undergoing a £2.8m redevelopment and due to delays resulting from the pandemic, will not re-open for December 2021 as originally expected. Coupled with the ongoing impact of the pandemic and the uncertainty about any future restrictions, we feel the risks are too great to commit to staging a production this year.

Neither do we have plans at this time for an online panto alternative.

Last year’s “Lost in Pantoland” was made possible with support from an emergency arts relief fund and without this additional funding the model is not sustainable.

This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we understand that many people will be disappointed. Our annual pantomime is a highlight of the year for many people, as it is for us, but we’re looking forward to being able to come back bigger and better next year.

As a registered charity, we are hugely dependent on ticket sales to subsidise the work we do with young people throughout the year.

Over 95% of our income comes from ticket sales and fees, meaning that we have been especially hard hit during the pandemic, and the loss of panto from our schedule for a second year running will leave a massive hole in our funds.

If you are a regular audience member, please consider making a donation here: https://www.pacetheatre.com/donate/. Or to donate £10, text PACE to 70191.

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KDS - Aladdin pantomime Kilmacolm Dramatic Society members are very excited at getting back together as they go full steam ahead through Widow Twankey’s laundry to bring you their production of Aladdin. Join them for fun and frolics on 25th, 26th and 27th November. Will the evil Abanazer take control of the magic lamp, or will Aladdin with the help of his friends and the beautiful Princess So-Shy manage to outwit him?

There are many challenges when staging a show, which are even greater in these current times. The Society are looking at ways of making booking available on line and ensuring all performing guidelines are followed. If you have any queries about the production you can contact the Director, Mandy Robinson, at: joerobinson@btinternet.com If you’d like general information about the Society please call our President, Claire Fraser, on 01505 871848.

Cinderella Get your tickets for the biggest ball in town this Christmas at the Beacon! Taking place from Friday 10th to Friday 31st December.

The Baroness Demonica and the Wicked Stepsisters Senga and Sadie treat poor Cinderella appallingly but perhaps with the help of her best friend Buttons and the Fairy Godmother she will find that dreams can come true...

Book now for the show that proves that a pair of shoes really can change your life! https://www.beaconartscentre.co.uk/events/cinderella-2021

Wizard of Oz Pantomime Friday 10th & Saturday 11th December, at Renfrew North Church PA4 8RG. Performances, Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm & 7pm. Tickets £9 adults, £7 children under 16 & concession.

The story’s familiar-a tornado blows Dorothy Gale and her home to the Land of Oz, where she encounters a scarecrow who longs for a brain, a tin man who really wants a heart, and a cowardly lion who’s desperate to become brave and courageous. The elusive Wonderful Wizard of Oz is the key to all their hopes and dreams, Dorothy’s being to return to her home in Kansas.

James Barry’s adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic story The Wizard of Oz isn’t strictly a British pantomime, but it does contain many panto elements–bright costumes and scenery, over-the-top characters, witches, cheesy jokes, visual jokes, songs and dance!

This Pantomime has been written by James Barry & by Special Arrangement with Lazy Bee Scripts. https://www.jazzhandsglasgow.co.uk/wizard-of-oz

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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

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.

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

Advertising throughout The Gryffe Advertizer:

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY

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TUITION

NOVEMBER DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY 13TH OCTOBER

Definitions: “Standards” means the British Code of Advertising Practice and the provisions of any law applicable to advertising including, but not limited to, the Trade Descriptions Act, 1968, the Consumer Credit Act 1974, the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988, the Financial Services Act 1986, the Business Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977 and all amendments and replacements.

It is hereby agreed that: • The placing by the Advertising Client of an Advertisement is deemed to be acceptance of Conditions of Acceptance of Advertising.

• All Advertisements in this Publication must not contravene the Standards.

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This does not apply if the Advertisement has been approved by the Advertising Client prior to publication. The total liability of the Publisher for such an occurrence shall not exceed the amount of a full refund for that particular Advertisement.

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Editorial throughout The Gryffe Advertizer: The opinions of the Contributors to this Publication are not necessarily the official views of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to edit or refuse any material submitted for publication.

22/09/2021 15:27:04

October 2021

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sales & wants ITEMS FOR SALE HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN Motor reclining single armchair. Westbury model from Hampton & McMurray in Bryson / Cappuccino colour.

Less than 2 years old in perfect condition.

Cost £850 would sell for £200. Tel: 07788 917365.

S h o w e r Tr a y 9 0 0 x 800mm, white stone re s i n w i t h H i - F l ow waste/outlet. Brand New. £80. Tel. 01505 612266.

Genuine Leather 4 seater sofa, caramel colour, with electric controls and USB points. Very good condition, from pet & smoke free home. Cost £2,300 from Sofology, sell £400 ono. Tel: 07752 443389.

Single Divan Bed with Guest Bed underneath.

Never been used. £120.

Buyer collect. Tel: 07877 401868.

SPORTS Icefall Shogun gent’s bike. £50. Tel: 07807 481215.

Ice Skates Junior Bauer NSX, size 4 for shoe size 4.5. Excellent condition due to covid! £30. Tel: 07814 408192.

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 329638 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.

D o yo u h ave a n o l d abandoned outboard motor in your garage/ shed for a repair project.

Electric or petrol. Local retired engineer will pay cash. Tel: 01475 540665 Mob: 07774 126328.

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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.

Looking to buy a garage if any are available in Kilmacolm village.

Please call or email to discuss further. Tel: 07581 152845 or Email : juliefitz18@icloud.com

FREE CYCLE NYCOS t-shirt age 121 4 ye a r s , exce l l e n t condition. Tel: 07814 408192.

Tennis Rackets - kids 3 sizes suitable from age 5 to 11 years approx.

Free to collect. Tel: 07814 408192.

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

BROOKFIELD Brookfield Village Hall Main Entrance

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

ELDERSLIE Elderslie Golf Club

HOUSTON KEEPING YOU CONNECTED

WWW.ADVERTIZER.CO.UK INFO@ADVERTIZER.CO.UK @GRYFFEADS ANSWER THE CALL.

Outside Church Hall, Main Street Co-Op Strathgryffe Squash & Fitness Club (Reception)  The old telephone box on Houston Road, Crosslee

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

SUPPORT LOCAL. #SCOTLANDLOVESLOCAL #KEEPINGITLOCAL

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

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

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

KILBARCHAN Scout Hall Kilbarchan Bowling Club

LANGBANK Langbank Village Hall

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

PAISLEY Russell Institute

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

PROPERTY WANTED

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 48-51 CLASSIFIED 318 OCTOBER 21.indd 49

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

50

ads directory by Category Accountants & Financial Affluent Financial Planning . . 13 CLA Accountancy Services . . . 42

Catering Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 45

Garden Service & Design

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

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 44 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 44 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 29 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 9 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 9 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 15

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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Blacksmith & Metalwork

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C Hunter Plumbing HeatingGas . . 11 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 9 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 16 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 3

Architectural Services CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 25 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Automotive Services

McLaughlanMetal Fabrication . . 45

Building Services A & M Sandstone Restoration . . 19 Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 7 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 19 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 7 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 21 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 15 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 9 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 43 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 25 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 11 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 5 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 42 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 25

Cleaning & PowerWash

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MAS Electrical & Security . . 25 Russell Milne Electrician . . 37

Fencing McLaughlan MetalFabrication . . 45

Firewood & Logs LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 11 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Funeral Services Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 13 John Roach Funeral Directors . . 9

Garage Doors & Gates Garolla Holdings Limited . . . 5 Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Care Services & Homes Home Instead Senior Care . . . 23

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Glazier 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 11

Home Interiors

Pest Control

Special Occasions

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 7 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 11 Stewart Design Studio . . . . . . 21

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 13

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Plasterers

Sports Clubs & Events

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 25 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 21 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 43

Kilmacolm Bridge Club . . . . . . 23

Home Security Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 39 Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 23

Joiners CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 11 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 21 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 15 M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 25 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 45 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 5 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 42

Health, Beauty & Fitness Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 45 Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Erskine Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 37 Kilmacolm Physio Clinic . . 25 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 The 1 to 1 Diet with Joan . . 23

Home Hardware Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26,27

Home Improvements 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 31 A & M Sandstone Restoration . . 19 Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 31 CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 25 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 11 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Renfrewshire Handyman Hire . . 17 Stewart Design Studio . . . . . . 21

C Hunter Plumbing HeatingGas . . 11 Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 9 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 16 Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 3

Removals

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 15 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 7 JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 15 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 42

Retail

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Painters & Decorators A Gallagher Painter&Decor . . 42 Andrew Hay Painter & Decor . . 24 James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 9 John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 11 John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 11

Taxis ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Tiling Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 45

Property, Sales & Let Tree Surgeon

Kitchens

Hairdressers & Barbers Locksmiths Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 45 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 39

Plumbers

Stoves

@ease Removals & Transport . . 16 Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26,27

Roofing A & M Sandstone Restoration . . 19 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 7 Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 25 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 19 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 9 I & J Building & Roofing . . . 7 KC Roofing & Building Services . . 9 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 43 SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 5 Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 25

Solicitors Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 3

Contact us!

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Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 33 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 29 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 R Williams Tree Services . . . 29 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 33

TV & Satellite Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 23 Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 11

Upholstery Services Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 44 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 29

Window Cleaners DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 44 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 29 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 9 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 43

Window, Consv & Repair 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 11

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October 2021

51

Local history Johnstone History Society At long last we are able to give you the good news that our monthly meetings will restart on Tuesday 12th October in the Masonic Hall Collier Street. Our first speaker will be Douglas Breingan from Renfrewshire Leisure and his subject is “Scottish Gardens Mediaeval to Georgian“ as it features some local gardens this should prove interesting. The seating will be set out to allow for social distancing but should you wish to move closer to a friend you may do so. We will also have to adhere to any advice on layout that the hall keeper advises. At this first meeting tea and coffee will not be served but if you feel you would like a drink please bring this with you non alcoholic of course. At the meeting your views on the serving of drinks at future meetings will be sought. Masks have to be worn entering and leaving the meeting and also if you are moving about the hall .

The Museum continues to open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 4pm. COVID restrictions are still in place ,hand sanitizing and the wearing of masks. We have all our usual books and maps on sale and these can all be purchased online at johnstonehistory.org and paid for via PayPal. We still have our box of discard books which you are welcome to browse through and take away any book of your choice by putting a donation in our box .

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the history spot The Glentyan Laundry, Kilbarchan In the 1870s Robert Gibson, born in Newton on Ayr in 1826, was the founder of Glentyan Laundry Merchants’ Close (early 1900s) Courtesy of Ewan McVicar in Merchants’ Close. Robert was brought up in Kilbarchan. His father, an Ayrshire handloom weaver, had moved to Kilbarchan, and in the 1840s the Gibson family lived in Barholm where James and three of his sons, including Robert, were silk handloom weavers. Robert married Mary Love in 1861. Over the next twenty years, the demand for handloom weaving declined and the number of village weavers dropped from around 883 to 678.

Robert must have seen the writing on the wall. Before 1881, he had established himself as a ‘washer and dresser’, living with his family in Merchants Close. (A ‘washer and dresser’ was a laundryman.) Robert set up his laundry in the old bleachfield building in Merchants’ Close and he and his family lived in Bleachfield House (later known as Woodside Cottage). The laundry was a family concern. Robert’s three eldest daughters were ‘laundress ironers’ and the youngest, Elizabeth, aged 13, was a ‘laundress collar machine ironer’. Matthew, aged 18 was a ‘ mangler and packer’ and John had worked as a washer and dresser.

Work in the laundry was hard and, at times dangerous - steam presses, hot irons, and moving machinery. One serious accident occurred in 1900. A local girl, Mary Munn was seriously injured in the laundry when her hair became tangled in an overhead revolving shaft. She seems to have made a good recovery and later married Robert’s youngest son, Tom. Robert’s Glentyan Laundry appears to have been a very successful, lucrative family business. In 1885 Robert still rented the laundry building and house from Thomas Mann of Glentyan, but by 1895 he was owner of both properties. In 1898 his wife, Mary, died and Robert appears to have taken a backseat in the business and his sons became partners in the laundry. However, in 1904 sons John and Tom, as partners, left the business to set up their own establishment at the other end of the village, and Glentyan Laundry was sold to James Guthrie McVicar.

James McVicar, too, was an Ayrshire man, born in Newton on Ayr on 20th August, 1879. According to his descendants, his father, also named James Guthrie McVicar, had business dealings with the Kilbarchan weavers in previous years. He is documented in census records as a mercantile cashier. Young James became proprietor of Glentyan Laundry and Woodside Cottage before his marriage to Agnes Rintoul from Glasgow in 1908. The couple had two children, Agnes, (b 1909) and William (b 1915), both born in Kilbarchan.

When James took over the business, the laundry was mainly steam powered. The building with an adjacent chimney, shown upstream from the main laundry building on the OS map of 1812, was probably the boiler house. Glentyan Laundry served the village through WW1, but after the war, times were hard and James was concerned that trade was not picking up. As a member of the Laundry Trade Board (Great Britain), in 1922 he forwarded an objection to the Trade Board concerning their proposals on changes to piece rates for laundry workers. Trade seems to have improved in the 1930s. In 1941 James, aged 61, died suddenly of a cerebral haemorrhage. His wife Agnes died the following year and the laundry closed a few years later.

James’s grandson found this painting (unknown artist) of the Glentyan Laundry and Woodside Cottage among family papers. It dates from the early 1900s. © 2021 Helen Calcluth, Renfrewshire Local History Forum

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