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Renfrewshire Council to install GPS signage to improve safety along the river gryffe Councillors in Renfrewshire have agreed to install GPS signage along the banks of the River Gryffe as part of a drive to improve water safety. Seven new signs will be placed at six potentially dangerous areas along the river and will have a designated code which allow emergency responders to know exactly where a distress call is coming from. It is one of the first actions of the Renfrewshire Water Safety Working Group which brings together Renfrewshire Council, Renfrewshire Leisure, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service and Open Water Rescue, and formalises the ongoing work to improve water safety in Renfrewshire. The enhanced safety measures at the River Gryffe follow the tragic death of a young boy earlier this year at this location and the new measures have been implemented following discussions with his family, local community members and Community Councils. With assistance from the Glasgow Humane Society, temporary life belts, poles and throw ropes have already been located on the riverbanks and these are regularly checked by the community and have been replaced by the society when any issues have arisen. The new GPS signs will add to this equipment and new permanent life belts, throw ropes and ‘Danger – Deep Water’ signs will also be installed by the Council.
Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “It’s important that young people know how dangerous open water swimming can be and the tragic accident this summer was a harrowing reminder to avoid swimming in locations like these. “We want to make sure though that these areas are as safe as they can be if people ignore this advice and the new GPS signage will mean the emergency services can respond as quickly as possible should they be needed. “It’s an important first step for our new working group and I’m pleased that we’ve created this partnership approach to ensure that we can give as much information to young people as possible and equip them with the knowledge to stay safe and out of the water.” Where the equipment is located on land not in Council ownership, liaison will take place with landowner wherever possible, and the Council has committed to working with the community and landowner to assist with any damage to the life-saving equipment. The Renfrewshire Water Safety Working Group will also continue to work closely as a partnership to educate young people about the dangers of open water swimming and will deliver presentations to schools, as well as in-person talks with local young people at known spots for open water swimming.
Soroptimists in Paisley Prepare to Celebrate Members of Soroptimist International of Paisley held their first face to face meeting for eighteen months last week. The timing was perfect as they prepare to mark the centenary of Soroptimist International on 3rd October with an online conference which will be attended by members from across the globe. As part of a global ceremony, four candles were lit – one each for the Club, our Region of Scotland South, our Federation of Great Britain and Ireland, and for Soroptimist International itself. Along with our Soroptimist sisters, we wish for a brilliant future for all women and girls. The very first Soroptimist Club was founded in Oakland, California on 3rd October 1921. The first major project undertaken by the Oakland Club concerned the environment with legislative advocacy to “Save the Redwoods”– the great ancient trees which were being felled unmercifully. Soroptimists lobbied the legislature, took on the powerful lumber companies, and gained public support for the project. The result was that the major portion of the redwoods was set aside in a protected reserve and still stands today. Many trees are being planted by clubs as an appropriate way to mark this special year reflecting our continuing concern with the environment. In the years that followed, the organisation spread across the globe, expanding and developing the original intent to be a service organisation looking to bring about change to the lives of women and girls worldwide. Through this global network, members are driven by the mission of transforming lives through education, empowerment and by enabling opportunities for women and girls. To read more about us and our history, visit www.sigbi.org/soroptimistcentenary2021 Ladies in the attached photo L – R: Sheena Macfarlane, Sheena McDonald, Margaret Neil, Elsie Sutherland
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