320 December 2021 - Gryffe Advertizer

No.320:

deceMber 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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Feeling festive...

It’s that time of year, when we start to get excited about the lead up to the festive season. And one of the main highlights is seeing the wonderful window displays at Gibb Stuart’s in Bridge of Weir.

The G-S elves have once again excelled and it certainly cheers up a dark evening sitting in the traffic queue at the lights!

Another tradition is the fabulous Santa Sleigh. Santa and his team will be out and about again in December and we have a full list of streets they will visit on page 4. Once again, dates may be subject to change in the case of adverse weather conditions. We’ll try to keep you updated on social media.

Cover Image: Christmas Tree Close-Up

by Chloe McGinn

Next Deadline: January 2022 Deadline: 8th December 2021 Contact us: 01505 613340 07521 651936 info@advertizer.co.uk www.advertizer.co.uk @GryffeAds 1st floor, Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN

Scotland Loves Local Awards 2021 - Our local businesses did very well in these awards in 2020. This year’s recipients will be announced during an awards ceremony to be broadcast on Thursday 25th November 2021. This date is too late for inclusion in the magazine, but we hope to bring you updates in our January 2022 issue. Good luck everyone! Keep up to date at https://lovelocal.scot/awards/ We’ve also tried to find out about Christmas/New Year bin collections for both Inverclyde and Renfrewshire and we have some dates for you inside. Again, these may need to change if the snow or storms arrive - please check online at your local council’s website.

And finally, we’ve got lots of events for you all in the lead up to Christmas. Remember to use your local shops where you can - there are lots of gift ideas available and most stores offer gift vouchers.

We’ve managed to get to the end of 2021 with some sense of normality. Here’s to 2022 being a new start for everyone. See you all soon in 2022!

Shop local - support your community!

In this issue...

Santa Sleigh Routes

04

Panto Season

Save Your Stamps RNIB

08

Schools & Sports

Gryffe Valley Rotary

08

New Bookshop Opens

38

St Vincent’s Ladies Lunch

09

Regular Meets

41

Recycling Centres

10

Out & About

Winter Bin Collections

10

Renfrewshire Boundary Update

42

St Vincent’s Light Up A Life

10

Build Your Own Adventure

44

Scarecrow Festival

46

Village News

35-41

42-47

Host - Carrick Centre

16

Sales & Wants

48

Affluent Community Fund

23

Classified Ads

49

Advertizer Ads Directory

50

Local History

51

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

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Art Exhibition Trio

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Santa Sleigh Routes HOUSTON

PLEASE N OTE: Date s may be subject to change if adverse weather c onditions occur.

• Run 1 - Fri 3rd Dec - Leman Dr, Leman Gr, Alwyn Ave, Bream Pl, Viking Cres, Cormorant Ave, Forties Rd, Claymore

Dr, Piper Rd, Piper Ave, Ninian Ave, Brent Cres, Murchison Rd, Hutton Ave, Hewett Cres, Dunlin Cres, Berl Ave • Run 2 - Sat 4th Dec - Crosslee Cres, Leeburn Ave, Craigholme, Woodside, The Beeches, Birch Gro, Riverside,

Broomfield, The Meadows, Brackendene, Crossways, Neuk Cres, Neuk Ave, Hallcraigs Cres, Glebe Gdns, Manse Cres, Hagart Rd, Speirs Rd, • Run 3 - Sun 5th Dec - Locher Cres, Locher Gdns, Locher Ave, Locher Way, Locher Gait, Gryfebank Ave, Gryfewood Cres, Gryfewood Way, Gryfebank Clo, Gryfebank Way, Gryfebank Clo, Cunningham Gdns, Crawford Rd • Run 4 - Mon 6th Dec - South Mound, Glenartney, St Fillans Dr, Four Windings, South St, North St, Fleming

Rd, Fleming Way, Burnlea Cres, Houstonfield Quad, Houstonfield Rd, Kirk Rd, Kilmacolm Rd, Fields Lane, Cricketfield Lane, Old School House Lane, Barochan Rd • Run 5 - Tues 7th Dec - Netherburn Ave, Netherburn Gdns, Craigburn Ave, Craigburn Pl, Locherburn Pl,

Locherburn Ave, Locherburn Gro, Craigburn Cres, Woodburn Pl, Hillside, Hillfoot, Fulton Gdns, Beatrice Gdns • Run 6 - Wed 8th Dec - Crosslee Pk, Dunnet Dr, Whirlie Rd, Back o’Hill, Strawberry Fields, Whirlie Dr, Pine Gro,

Mill Brae, Crosslee Gdns, Brierie Hills Cres, Brierie Hills Rd, Brierie Lane, Brierie Gdns, Goldenlee View, Brierie Hill Gro, Earlsgate, Brierie Ave • Run 7 - Thurs 9th Dec - LOWER KILMACOLM • Run 8 - Fri 10th Dec - Torr Rd, Horsewood Rd, Fetlar Rd, Kennbank Cres, Kennbank Rd, Thriplee Rd, Lomond Cres, Barrcraig Rd, Carruth Rd, Lawmarnock Rd, Lawmarnock Cres, Glen Brae, Troon Dr, Glendentan Rd, Turnberry Dr, Barassie Dr • Run 9 - Sat 11th Dec - UPPER KILMACOLM

BRIDGE OF WEIR • Run 10 - Sun 12th Dec - Brookfield and Weir’s Wynd • Run 11 - Mon 13th Dec - Elm Rd, Loch Rd, Loch Pl, Mill o’Gryffe Rd, Mimosa Rd, Lintwhite Crt, Lintwhite Cres,

Moss Rd, Broom Pl, Gryffe Gate, Gorse Cres, St Machars Rd, Hillview Rd, Church Rd • Run 12

- Tues 14th Dec - Clevans Rd, Donaldfield Rd, Thornwood Dr, Southbrae Ave, Rosemount Lane, St Andrews Dr, Dalmahoy Cres, Bellisle Cres, Sunningdale Dr, Prieston Rd • Run 13 - Wed 15th Dec - Eldin Pl, Hazelwood Rd, The Grove, Shillingworth

Pl, Earl Pl, Ranfurly Rd, Bonar Cres, Watt Lane, Montrose Ter, Kilgraston Rd, Watt Rd, Ranfurly Pl, Bankend Rd, Kilbarchan Rd • Run 14 - Thurs 16th

Dec - Glengowan Rd, Strathgryffe Cres, Kilmacolm Rd, Kilallan Ave, Woodside Ave, Warlock Rd, Beech Ave, Castle Rd, Park Rd, Southview Cres, Freeland Dr, Warlock Dr, Houston Rd • Run 15 - Fri 17th Dec - QUARRIERS

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Save your stamps for RNIB This festive season, collect stamps for RNIB and make a difference to blind and partially sighted people.

If you receive cards and letters through the post, could you save the stamps to send to us? We will recycle them into much-needed funds for our services.

Be a stamp collector for a good cause:Step 1: Get pre-paid collection envelopes or boxes for your stamps by completing the request form, or by calling our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 option 4.

Step 2: Start collecting stamps as they come through your post box or at your work. Stamps don’t need to be thoroughly sorted, but it helps if you can separate them into British and foreign stamps (Channel Islands and Isle of Man count as foreign). Make sure you leave a centimetre of envelope or packaging around each stamp. This is just a recommendation and stamps that have been trimmed less or more will still be accepted.

Rotary Gryffe Valley Bridge of Weir success in COP 26 Climate Change Art competition An entry from Bridge of Weir Primary school was selected from more than 10,000 entries to be displayed at the COP 26 conference!

In the run up to COP 26, six of our local primary schools participated in a competition to produce posters encouraging action on climate change.

Our club competition was the first stage in a UK wide event, organised

by Helensburgh Garelochside Rotary.

Our two selected posters feature in a display of posters from the West of Scotland at Glasgow Airport and one by Alexander from Bridge of Weir Primary was selected to be amongst the top twenty-two in the UK! All thirty of the Gryffe Valley posters can be seen using the link below.

Congratulations to all the schools and pupils, and particularly Alexander. https://youtu.be/HgrIqeFzepk

New venue

Step 3: Pack up your envelope or box, and pop it in the post using our pre-paid address labels.

Regular meal meetings commenced from 27th October in the Fox and Hounds. We are enjoying being together again in very pleasant surroundings.

How stamps make a difference

Speaker Meetings

By collecting stamps you’re helping to break down the barriers that stop people with sight loss living life to the full. We accept all stamps: new or used, first or second class, foreign, first day covers, presentation packs or albums. Stamps are sold by weight and we raise £20 per kilogramme of stamps, so it’s a brilliant way to raise money.

Our series of eminent speakers on Climate Change leading up the COP 26 Conference continued.

Get everyone involved

On 3rd November, our speakers on the same theme were Lucia Fawsset, Karen Gilmore and Anna Lopez - climate change activists from Devon who were attending the COP 26.

Saving stamps is an easy way to support us at home, work, or in your local community. You can request a handy little collection box for your office reception, school or local community centre. We’ve put together a Q and A and some posters so you can get your friends, family and work colleagues involved too:

Over a series of six talks arranged by Les King, we have learned about how climate change is accelerating as the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases year by year.

On November 17th, James Maclaren spoke about his diverse life and career and, on November 24th, Karen Anderson spoke about Waste Recycling in Renfrewshire.

Old and foreign currency

Corporate Membership

You can also support RNIB by donating disused or foreign money.

We welcome new corporate members. This offers opportunities to network with members and support our work. Contact us through our web or Facebook page or email gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com

If you have any surplus foreign currency from overseas trips, or any unusable old British currency hiding at the back of the drawer, we’d love to receive it!

Walk for Health The club has started work on a project to encourage walking locally in the knowledge that walking is good for both physical and mental health.

We would like to make contact with all local walking clubs in our area with a view to promoting them through the project.

Annual Burns Supper The decision has been made (regulations permitting) to hold our Burns Supper on Saturday 22nd January 2022. Please email gryffevalleyrotary@ gmail.com to book.

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The St Vincent’s Hospice “Christmas Sparkler Ladies’ Lunch” returns!

Join us at The Radisson Blu, Glasgow City Centre on Sunday 5th December for our hugely popular St. Vincent’s Hospice Christmas Sparkler Ladies’ Lunch!

The afternoon will begin with a glass of fizz and the opportunity to browse and shop amongst our exclusive selection of hospice pop-up shops, followed by a delicious three-course lunch and an afternoon of great fun and entertainment.

Since 1988, St. Vincent’s Hospice has provided specialist care for individuals and families all across the Renfrewshire community and this event is a perfect opportunity for you to support us whilst enjoying a glamorous, entertaining afternoon with friends.

For further information or to purchase tickets please call 01505 705635 or email info@svh.co.uk

January 2022 Deadline: 8th December 2021 send your news to info@advertizer.co.uk

Looking to advertise? Download our media pack: www.advertizer.co.uk/advertise/

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Bin Collections over the Festive Period INVERCLYDE council No change from Monday 27th to Friday 31st December.

Renfrewshire Council No collections on Christmas Day & New Year’s Day. Collections due on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day will take place as follows:

• Mon 3rd Jan

-

Tues 4th Jan

• Grey and Green bins – 1 day later

• Tues 4th Jan

-

Wed 5th Jan

• Brown, Blue and Food bins – 2 days later

• Wed 5th Jan

-

Thurs 6th Jan

• Rural routes – 1 day later

• Thurs 6th Jan

-

Fri 7th Jan

Collections due on any other day will take place as normal.

• Fri 7th Jan

-

Sat 8th Jan

New collection calendars have been sent to all households except flats receiving bulk bin collections.

If bin collections are delayed due to adverse weather conditions, please put your bins out by 7am every day to allow collection at the earliest opportunity.

Large cardboard packaging and additional recyclates can be placed beside your blue bin for collection.

If you have any questions or are unsure about your festive collections, please get in touch via Bin collections or 0300 300 0380

Recycling Helpline 01475 715901 www.inverclyde.gov.uk/recycling

Open 7 days a week from 8am to 6pm. Paisley site open 8.30am to 6pm for service vehicles.

Closed Christmas Day & New Year’s Day. You must bring proof of residency in Renfrewshire: • Erskine - Barrhill Road, Erskine. PA8 6BU • Johnstone - Miller Street, Johnstone, PA5 8HP • Linwood - Middleton Road, Linwood, PA3 3DP • Paisley - Underwood Road, Paisley, PA3 1TL • Renfrew - Haining Road, Renfrew, PA4 0AJ Only cars are allowed into our recycling sites - except Linwood site. Any changes will be posted on the website and on social media: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/HWRC / F: @renfrewshirecouncil / Twitter: @RenCouncil

St. Vincent’s Hospice Light Up A Life St. Vincent’s Hospice invites you to join its online “Light Up a Life” dedication service on Sunday 28th November at 4.30pm.

At the end of each year, Light up a Life offers an opportunity to reflect on those who are no longer with us, the good times spent with our loved ones and to take time to cherish their memory. It’s an opportunity for our community members to come together to remember and celebrate the lives of those that made a difference in their lives whether they were cared for by St. Vincent’s Hospice or not.

Sadly we are unable to gather at the Hospice again this year, but we warmly invite residents of Renfrewshire to join us from the comfort of their own home for our virtual Light up a Life service on Sunday 28th November @4:30 pm, details of which are available on our Facebook page - www.facebook. com/StVincentsHospice The family-friendly, non-religious, service will include music, readings and reflections to help us remember our loved ones and there will be a switch on of hundreds of lights on the magnificent tree in the Hospice garden in Howwood. The lights will shine out for miles across the surrounding countryside every night during the winter – a beacon of hope and encouragement for everyone.

Those who wish to can also dedicate a virtual star in memory of someone special via the St. Vincent’s Hospice website - www.svh.co.uk and anyone wanting to make a donation to the work of the hospice can also do so via the website.

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January 2022 Deadline: 8th December 2021 send your news to info@advertizer.co.uk

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village news WARD 11

Bridge of Weir Hillwalkers BoW Hill Walkers have been out three times recently. A visit to a drenched Aberfoyle saw us ascend the “fairy hill” on a walk that ended up in the Woollen mill cafe where we caused a deluge as our clothes dripped all over the place.

Cllr James W.H. MacLaren IMPROVEMENTS: It is wonderful to see the immediate improvements carried out by Bonnie Bishopton outside the community centre and outside the library. A Facebook page has been created should anyone wish to get in touch with suggestions etc. I am confident that Bishopton will soon shine.

A return to our Sunday outings, the first since the pandemic broke, saw a small party in the Glen Fruin hills on a bright and breezy day.

Most recently, 9 of us were on the Greenock Cut as we tried to avoid the jams and hassle of COP 26 in Glasgow. We had a dry day but after recent heavy rains, the outlet from the Cut was quite spectacular. The Ardgowan Fisherman’s Bothy gave nourishment at the end of 11K. Our festive programme is getting underway soon. Email: donwwsmith@gmail.com The photos are of the Glen Fruin Hills above Loch Lomond and Loch Long and from the Greenock Cut.

Bridge of Weir SWI At our November meeting we enjoyed making festive wreaths. Our December gathering will be for a Christmas meal on Thursday 2nd at Old Ranfurly Golf Club arriving at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. The evening will be rounded off with a musical entertainment.

SPEED LIMITS: The crazy scenario of two different speed limits which, depending on from which direction you entered Dargavel, continues.

The problem seems to lie with the council and the police, but I hope that common sense will prevail and this will get sorted out before the new school opens in January. #YOUDECIDE: I hope you were able to submit your suggestions for improvements via the Participatory Budgeting #YouDecide campaign.

Whether or not your suggestion makes it to the short list, your suggestion will not have been wasted and may well come about through some other pathway. You will have a chance to vote on the improvement you want to see in your area in February next year. I look forward to seeing your suggestions.

ROADS & PATHWAYS: A number of you have complained to me about the lack of road sweeping and gully cleaning in Renfrewshire and, believe me, I have noticed this too and am constantly on about blocked gullies in particular. I see little point in resurfacing a road if there is nowhere for the surface water to go.

Discussions are underway about extending the Clyde Coastal Path up from Port Glasgow along the river front as far as the railway bridge over the A8, and then to have a foot bridge over the A8 into Langbank. Discussions are in their infancy, but I love the idea of thinking big.

BoW CC: Bridge of Weir Community Council held its AGM yesterday and they are looking for some new members. If you can spare an evening once a month then they would love to have you on board and help “fight your corner”.

I am now able to hold surgeries and these will be Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir – 2nd Monday of the month, Bishopton Primary School – 3rd Monday of the month. The times are 6.30pm to 7pm. You do not need to book.

I am also available by tel: 0300 300 1291 or you can email me cllr.james. maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk Please feel free to contact me with any of your concerns, and I am happy to meet with you at a mutually convenient time.

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4 Churches Christmas Event

January 2022 Deadline: Wednesday 8TH December contact: info@advertizer.co.uk

Most people in our village celebrate Christmas in one way or another. Have you ever thought about the complex, dangerous and miraculous way that God sent His Son into the world? In 9 scenes, starting at Hope Hall, then on to Freeland and St Machar’s Ranfurly (including St Mary’s), we will be taking you on a journey through Christmas - from thousands of years before the birth of Jesus until He was a toddler.

It’s a fascinating journey, please join us as we show you God’s love revealed in the greatest gift ever given.

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Fox Red Art at The Bridge

The Bridge

From 21st November the Bridge will be hosting its first exhibition in nearly two years. Featuring local artist, Judith Beattie of Fox Red Art. There will be a variety of Inks, watercolour and line Drawings on display. Judith’s work focuses on the landscapes and wildlife found in Scotland, predominantly the highlands. She spends a lot of her time working and exploring in and around Ullapool, where she draws inspiration from wild seas, the birds that thrive by them, and the mountains, knolls and craggy landscapes of Assynt.

Here we are in December. Not too many shopping days until Christmas Day. For all your Christmas cards, money wallets, wrapping paper, gift bags, labels, diaries and calendars shop local - shop in The Bridge.

Please come and have a look, the exhibition will be in situ until New Year and will feature prints and framed Originals.

St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Bridge of Weir We’re excited to be joining with Hope Hall, Freeland Church and St Mary’s to offer you a Journey through Christmas on the 11th December (see elsewhere in this magazine and dedicated Facebook page: @BoWjourneythroughChristmas).

Preparations are underway to make this a fun and interesting event for all the family.

We’re hoping to have some actual sheep for you to meet, so fingers crossed.

Other than that, there are various services that you are most welcome to attend. We have greater capacity now that we only keep to a 1m distance between families so booking is not necessary. We do still wear masks (over 12’s).

19th December: Popup Nativity Service 10.30am – no rehearsal, you can come dressed up!

24th December: Christingle Service 4pm – short Christmassy service, very suitable for families.

24th December: Watchnight Service 11.30pm – arguably our most atmospheric service of the year.

26th December: Lessons & Carols Service 3pm (no 10.30am service).

All our services are also livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

We have started a new Junior Choir in October, which sings a mix of Christian and popular songs. They rehearse in the church on Thursdays from 4pm - 5pm and it is free to join for any P3 - P7 pupil in the area. In January we will be making a fresh start with new songs, so this is a great opportunity to join us. Ian Munro is our enthusiastic choir master and he teaches the basics about singing and using your body to best effect, whilst having a lot of fun! If you want to find out more, please contact Hanneke.Marshall@churchofscotland.org.uk

Bridge of Weir & Kilmacolm 41 Club Bridge of Weir & Kilmacolm 41 Club which includes the Areas of Bridge of Weir, Kilmacolm and Houston welcome former active Round Tablers & 41 Club members who have recently moved into the area to join us at one of our future meetings at the Old Ranfurly Golf Club, Bridge of Weir.

Please contact David Wharton for details of our future meetings. Telephone: 07808 395517 or email scottishsales@aol.com We look forward to hearing from you.

www.thebridgebridgeofweir.com

Front Garden - we are very appreciative of the involvement of Brighter Bridge of Weir in decorating our garden for Christmas.

During November they’ve created a festive Woodland Scene.

We are sure it will be enjoyed by all.

Artists - from late November until into the New Year we are delighted to host a display of artwork by Judith Beattie. Original paintings and prints will be on sale. Please come in, browse and buy to support a local artist.

Post Office – Post early for Christmas. Make sure your parcels are securely packaged. Our stock of padded envelopes, boxes and tape will make the process easier.

Please remember the posting deadlines!!! Ask staff for details.

Cinema - a film will be shown on the 2nd December at 7pm.

Please call at The Bridge for further details.

In the run up to Christmas even although there is no mandatory requirement for Social Distancing please be mindful of the safety of your fellow customers. Hand sanitisers are available throughout The Bridge.

We wish our customers, volunteers and employees a very Happy Christmas and a healthy 2022. Thank you for your support throughout ‘21 and look forward to your continued support in ‘22.

(Opening Hours: Mon – 10am to 1pm then 2pm to 5pm ; Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat 10am to 1pm)

The end of an era Bridge of Weir Ladies Badminton Club The now, all ex-members of the Bridge of Weir Badminton Club recently met up in Amoretto’s Bridge of Weir for a final meal.

Historically the members met up for a meal during the Summer, even going down the coast and hiring a bus. So going out for a meal seemed a suitable finish. The real excuse for a night out was to decide what to do with the existing Club funds. After a brief discussion it was decided to donate the remaining funds to St Vincent Hospice in Howwood, as nearly everybody knows somebody who has had the benefit of a hospice.

On a more positive note – it was decided that as we all had such an enjoyable evening, we should meet up again next year, about the time of the start of the badminton season. The Club had it’s 50th anniversary dinner in the Gryffe Arms Hotel Bridge of Weir, (where the doctors surgery is now) in 1985, a few members were still members to the end.

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Houston & Killellan Kirk Selection Boxes For Star Project The Star Project, based in Paisley, but supporting families in the wider Renfrewshire community, is one of Houston & Killellan Kirk’s designated charities for 2021. The project delivers a consistent and varied programme of group and individual support. Some of their commitments underpinning their work are to: • Building genuine positive relationships

What’s on

dec ‘21

As part of Local Outreach as Christmas approaches, the Kirk, with the support of the congregation and the wider local community, plans to donate Selection Boxes for the children of families the Star Project supports. These will be gratefully received at the weekly Foodbank at the West Halls, Main Street, Houston on Tuesdays 30th November and 7th December.

Christmas Gifts For Children This year we are again seeking donations of Christmas Gifts for the children of prisoners supported by CrossReach at the visitors’ centres at Perth & Polmont Prisons. The visitor service aims to provide a gift at Christmas to each of the children with whom it comes into contact. The request is to put NEW unwrapped gifts in open gift bags, with an indication of age, and boy or girl. Suggested gift details are in last month’s Advertizer and on the Kirk website. The plan is to have the gifts collected at the Small West Hall at the same time as the Foodbank on Tuesday 30th November.

There will be a final opportunity to bring gifts to the Gift Service at the Kirk at 11am on Sunday 5th December – before the gifts are handed over to representatives of CrossReach.

THE CARRICK CENTRE, HOUSTON

Monday to Friday Gryffe Manor Out of School 01505 615438. Dance West Scotland enquiries@dancewestscotland.co.uk Coffee Shop: Mon/ Sat. 10am / 3pm Takeaways only check FB for updates in line with covid 19 Gov guidelines. Coffee Shop/Centre 01505 229597.

• Being inclusive and accessible for all • Meeting people in their need, not just meeting their needs

H.O.S.T

Booking enquiries: Bill Haddow 01505 690693, Stewart Scally 01505 674277 Joe O’Brien 07968 804776 E: thecarrickcentre@gmail.com or hostbookings@outlook.com

MONDAY Sewing Group Handy Wives Diaporama DWS

TUESDAY

thursday 10am 6th Gryffe Quilting Group, 10am /3pm 2nd 7.30pm 6th nd th 7.30pm 13th Crafty Friends 7.30pm 2 & 16 nd th th th 8pm 2 , 9 , 16th 4pm 6 & 13 Folk Club Move It Or Lose It 10am 2nd, 9th & 16th

December Services’ Schedule

Paint Pot Tots 10am 7th & 14th Dawn Campbell 07789 262350 Yoga 7pm 7th & 14th M/s Lawson 01505 613690 Art Class 1.15pm 7th Hazel Connelly Rhythm Time 9.15am 7th & 14th DWS 4pm 7th & 14th

Sunday 5th:

11am Gift Service; 7pm Service of Lessons & Carols

WRADS

Sunday 12th:

11am Morning Service

Sunday 19th:

11am Nativity Service

WEDNESDAY

Friday 24th:

4.30pm All Age Christingle Service; 11pm Mince Pies & Mulled Wine; 11.30pm Watchnight Service

Saturday 25th:

11am Christmas Day Service

Sunday 26th:

11am Short Reflective Service (ONLINE ONLY)

7pm 14th

Sorting office open in West Halls, Main Street on Monday 13th, Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th December from 10am - 12noon and 7pm - 8pm (or take your cards to Church on Sunday 12th) For a donation of only 30p per card, the Kirk Postie will deliver anywhere in Houston, Crosslee or Brookfield. Delivery guaranteed by Monday 20th.

Yoga

10.30am 3rd, 10th & 17th M/s Lawson 01505 613690 DWS MH 3.15pm - 7pm 3rd, 10th & 17th DWS R2 1.30pm 3rd,10th & 17th MP Surgery 12.30pm 10th Gavin Newlands MSP Surgery 12.30pm - 1.15pm 3rd Natalie Don

saturday

Camera Club 7.30pm 8th & 15th DWS MH 4pm 1st, 8th & 15th DWS MH 9.30am /5pm 4th, 11th & DWS R2 3.30pm 1st, 8th & 15th 18th Moo Music 9.30am 1st, 8th & 15th Councillor Surgery 11.30am 4th Womens Institute 7.30pm 8th Jim Sheridan

sunday

Houston Kirk Postie A Service For The Whole Community, raising funds for St Vincent’s Hospice

FRIDAY

Weekly

Baptist Church DWS Exams

11am & 6pm 2pm 12th

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

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Duchal Nursery

Advertising Feature

A forward-thinking nursery providing first class early years care, Duchal Nursery School, based in Birkmyre Park Kilmacolm, is now open from 8am – 6pm daily during term time and offers free places to 3 – 5 year olds.

Duchal Nursery is an independent nursery offering FREE funded places and is the only local nursery specialising solely in providing a pre-school education. Our highly experienced teachers are dedicated to nurturing the children and with a low teacher to pupil ratio of 1 - 6, they really are able to tailor learning to the individual child. With a maximum of 26 children the nursery has a warm and caring environment where the children can develop and flourish.

Now offering FREE places and open from 8am – 6pm daily Duchal really is the perfect place for children to get the best start in life.

For further information and to arrange a visit to see the nursery please email: info@duchal.com

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Houston & Killellan Kirk A Musical Toast to Absent Friends The first week in November saw a collective of charities and interested organisations shining a light on bereavement through the To Absent Friends Festival 2021. It is heralded as a “People’s festival of storytelling and remembrance” and was started in 2014 as a chance to remember loved ones who have died through stories, celebrations and acts of reminiscence.

“Loved ones who have died live on in our stories and memories” says Rebecca Patterson of Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief, the alliance of organisations behind the festival. But maybe we don’t always get the right moment to speak about them or share those stories with others. To Absent Friends is a chance to do that. We want people to have a chance to stop and take some time to share those stories – whether it’s just raising a glass, getting the old photo albums out, or something more formal.”

On 3rd November, Houston and Killellan Kirk had the privilege of hosting “A Musical Toast to Absent Friends”, for a few people from the Houston Community and their friends, thanks to a grant from “To Absent Friends”. Reflective and uplifting music was provided by our fabulous musicians, Matthew Alexander, Laura MacFarland McKee, Iain Scott and Laura Workman, who had us all singing along to a lovely Beatles Medley which they sang as a finale. Laura Workman played some beautiful background music on her harp throughout the evening as we shared a light supper, raised a glass and remembered loved ones who had been lost. Each guest received a wooden heart to take away as a keepsake.

Our thanks go to all of our musicians, to our superb social committee who did a great job setting up the Killellan Halls, providing refreshments and clearing away at the end of the evening. Our thanks also go to Absent Friends for providing the grant and making this event possible.

ward 10

Cllr Audrey Doig BOUNDARIES: As we approach the Christmas period we always like it to be a time of quiet reflection and peace. Unfortunately I am in a head to head fight with the Boundary Commission for Scotland which, in publishing new proposals for the local Westminster constituency boundaries, is wanting to split my ward and put the people of Houston and Crosslee into a new parliamentary constituency connected to Inverclyde, where the voice of my constituents will not be heard as loudly and where Inverclyde concerns will dominate. What makes me very angry is that only ten years ago the same Boundary Commission split my Craigends, Linwood and Brookfield constituents by putting them in Renfrewshire South, while my Houston constituents were put into Renfrewshire North West.

If, like me, you want to object to these ill-conceived proposals then please email the Boundary Commission for Scotland before 8th December this at address: bcs.scottishboundaries.gov.uk and tell them you want to keep all of Ward 10 of Renfrewshire Council kept together in the 2023 Review.

WATCHING OUT FOR OTHERS: I would also like to wish all my constituents across the ward, of all faiths and none, a very happy and joyous Christmas. As families gather around the tree let us all try and keep an eye on those, such as the very elderly, who may have little or no family. Please consider the vulnerable and less fortunate this Christmas. If we do find ourselves caught in a snowstorm please remember that the local salt supplies are in the Carrick Centre Car Park Grit Bins to be used by everyone.

I do not have advice surgeries in the month of December but constituents can get me at any time either by calling me on 07768 130935, or e-mailing me at cllr. audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk. My advice surgeries will resume in January ‘22.

Get the “blues” after Christmas?

Cheer up your Saturday morning! How about indulging in a Luxury Pop-up Breakfast (Tables well spaced out) Saturday 5th February, 9am - 11.30am, West Halls, Main Street, Houston You can have freshly made porridge, cereals, freshly made granola full of lots of good things, cereals, yoghurts, prepared melon, pineapple & many more fruits.

To Absent Friends is a reminder, and opportunity and an excuse to create time and space to remember the important people in our lives who have died. For more information on To Absent Friends, contact Rebecca Patterson on rebecca@palliativecarescotland.org. uk or find out more via the website www.toabsentfriends.org.uk.

After that indulge in cold meats, prawns, salmon, sweet and pickled herring, cold boiled eggs, or a selection of cheeses, all served with warm croissants, brioche, various breads and rolls – or you could eat these with home made Seville orange marmalade, home made lemon curd, home made jam or chocolate spread. To finish off we have a selection of little cakes and other goodies. With various teas including fruit teas and Fairtrade filter coffee on offer, as well as fruit juices and milk. We have gluten free options and lots to please children.

Houston and Killellan Kirk will also be holding our annual reflective service on Sunday 28th November at 7pm to remember those who are no longer with us this advent and all are welcome. We will have refreshments following this service.

Gosh! My mouth is watering just writing this! So please come along, alone or with family and friends, and enjoy a luxury continental breakfast. Put the date in your diary! Donations on leaving – proceeds for sheltered workshop projects in Mwandi

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

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Expert Gutter Cleaning

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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ward 9

Cllr Andy Doig

Cllr Derek Bibby ENVIRONMENT: As I write it is the mid point of the COP 26 climate change conference in Glasgow, held amid growing concern around increased flood risks in towns and villages across Renfrewshire. The communities of Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch and Howwood have seen the manifest effects of climate change over the last few years, and as recently as August this year we were hit with what was described by Renfrewshire Council as a 1 in 400 year event.

Predictions are that such episodes in the future will become far more common than we have known, and those predictions with recent flooding incidents must act as a wake up call, if one were needed, for Renfrewshire Council, SEPA and the Scottish and UK Governments. As far as the Council is concerned its climate change group will need to develop a short term and long term strategy, and give guidance to other council policy boards in terms of their decision making, Issues that require swift attention surround improvements to the drainage infrastructure, the prioritisation of areas particularly prone to flooding ,and the wisdom (or lack of it) in approving the release of land for development, which is at serious risk of flooding .

POST OFFICE: Following the withdrawal of the postal service in Lochwinnoch, I have been working with Johnstone Post Office to identify a suitable location for an outreach service that will operate on 2 half days per week. The service will take several weeks to set up, and I have asked Renfrewshire Leisure for approval to locate the service in the McKillop which is seen as the most appropriate location.

McKILLOP HALL: At the time of writing, the completion date for the refurbishment of the McKillop is January, however previous end dates and time scales have slipped, and therefore I have asked Renfrewshire Council to seek reassurance from the contractors that there will be no further delay.

ROAD SAFETY: A report on a new road safety policy for Renfrewshire was submitted to the Council’s Infrastructure and Environmental Board at the beginning of November. This covers a whole range of issues, ranging from speeding and traffic calming measures, to a mandatory 20mph speed limit, parking and pedestrian safety. This is undoubtedly a significant report and can be found on the Council’s website.

The issues outlined are well known to residents in Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch and the respective Community Councils have been working hard on specific concerns in their villages. I want the Council to recognise this, and it is important that there is concerted pressure to ensure the 3 villages are given a fair deal to find solutions which meet local need in regard to road safety, and that the necessary funding is secured from the Council and the Scottish Government.

ENDING THE YEAR: It is hard to believe that we are nearing the years end.

I want to place on record my thanks to all the community groups and individuals in Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch who have worked tirelessly throughout what has been another difficult year. After the privations of 2020, I hope that the festive season this year will return to something like normality. Whatever your plans I wish everyone in Kilbarchan Howwood and Lochwinnoch a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.

I can be contacted on any issue at cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk or by phone on 0300 300 1274 or 07534 156007.

REFLECTION: As we approach the Christmas period the season of Advent is traditionally a period of reflection, and I would like to reflect and thank all community activists for all that they bring to villages like Lochwinnoch, Howwood, and Kilbarchan. Be it as community councillors, litter pickers, youth group leaders or gala day organisers, I salute you all for the richness of commitment that you all contribute to our communities which make them better places to live. I realise these gifts are not given for praise, but rarely is praise given so I want to say thank you.

ROAD SAFETY: I have a very important update arising from my motion to try and persuade the Scottish Government to introduce a national 20mph limit on residential roads which I promoted at the Full Council meeting in September this year. The last meeting of the Land, Environment, and Infrastructure Board passed a new policy that now Community Councils can nominate roads in their area for potential 20mph status. This does not mean that all proposed will be accepted but it is a major step forward in giving our villages a stronger voice to keep our streets safer.

LOOKING OUT: I would also like to wish all my constituents across the ward, of all faiths and none, a very happy and joyous Christmas. As families gather around the tree let us all try and keep an eye on those, such as the very elderly, who may have little or no family. Please consider the vulnerable and less fortunate this Christmas and do all you can to help them. Family should be the keynote of every Christmas so please think of those you have and hold dear, and those that are no longer with us, but that are sorely missed.

I do not have advice surgeries in the month of December, but constituents can get me at any time either by calling me on 07534 148224, or e-mailing me at cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire. gov.uk. My advice surgeries will resume in January 2022.

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Lochwinnoch Films 4U Saturday 27th November Lochbarr, Lochwinnoch Home Alone (PG) Doors open 2.30pm, Film begins 3pm Die Hard (15) Doors open 6.30pm, Film begins 7pm A short movie made by local film makers will precede both showings.

Tickets available from The Wee Shop (no charge for tickets, but donations will be gratefully accepted). Scottish Government social distancing rules apply. Please bring your own chair & blankets for warmth. Dress up for Christmas. Free sweeties at both showings from The Wee Shop.

Lochwinnoch Winter Wonderland Windows From the 13th December onwards (for the 2nd year running) we will be providing materials to decorate your windows. Materials will be made available @ The Wee Shop and Lochwinnoch Primary School from 1st December

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Old Library Centre, Kilbarchan

Kilbarchan NWR

We are pleased to announce that our 2022 Calendar is now available for purchase. This year the theme is Lilias Day Remembered. There are some lovely photographs of past Lilias Days. Why not buy one and see if you or anyone you know are in it? This calendar has been produced by our wonderful team of volunteers and costs just £4.99.

There are several meetings in December - a guess who baby photo, things which I feel guilty about, the letter C and especially for Christmas, lunch in a local restaurant and a Christmas evening on zoom including the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. We have a newly upgraded website and logo, please visit the site for more info: www.nwr. org.uk or telephone 348627 for more info about the Kilbarchan group.

Kilbarchan Parish Church Guild meets on Tuesday 14th December at 2.30pm in the church hall which will take the form of a Christmas party.

All welcome.

Kilbarchan Parish Church Badminton club meets on Thursdays in the large hall at 8pm

Langbank SWI The SWI had its first meeting in Langbank since early 2019.

Exciting news – we are having our first concert for a long time. It is on Friday 10th December at 7.30pm. Come along and have a great entertaining evening with country music band Cimarron. BYOB.

The overall trophy winner from 2019 was Mrs June Cusiter shown receiving the Trophy from our Competition Secretary Mrs Sue Ramsay.

We will be closing on Tuesday 21st December for the Christmas Holiday and re-opening on 10th January.

We wish all friends and supporters of the Old Library Centre a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Kilbarchan Parish Church in December Services continue at 11am conducted by Rev Stephen Smith. On 19th there will be a Family Carol Service at 11am - all welcome. The Christmas Eve service is at 3.30pm and all families will be made most welcome..

Instead of Christmas day, families will be welcomed on 26th Boxing Day and children are asked to bring along one of their toys. Looking ahead, on 2nd January Holy Communion will be celebrated as usual at the beginning of a new year.

We continue to support the Food Bank every week and from 21st November - 19th December we are filling a Reverse Advent Calendar – a large box, each day with “goodies” to be distributed for Christmas.

The church Eco group is hoping to get involved with village organisations in our bid to do our bit for the planet.

The church has also made donations to St Vincent’s Hospice, Adams House, Erskine, Renfrewshire Women’s Refuge and Young Carers and recently many shoeboxes and donations were delivered to Blythswood Care.

The SWI National Golf Trophy was won by Marion Dornan and Jackie Gray, who represented Renfrewshire at this event In Portpatrick in August.

In November our speaker was the owner of Fairlie Curved, she came along with samples of her clothing range, and told her inspirational story of how lockdown gave her the impetus to begin a new business.

Our Christmas Party is on Thursday 16th in the Village Hall at 7.30pm, supper included, and everyone will have a chance to craft a fabric tree decoration.

If you have any scraps of Christmas fabric please bring it with you.

Everyone please also bring along a small wrapped Secret Santa gift, and wear something festive.

All are welcome, you don’t need to be a member.

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Affluent Community Fund We are delighted to announce that The Affluent Community Fund has made a grant award to Create Paisley.

Create Paisley is a very worthwhile recipient and does a great job for our local community. It exists to deliver on its vision to see ‘young people transformed through creativity, community, confidence and finding their voice’.

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ward 1 - inverclyde Cllr Stephen McCabe

REMEMBRANCE: I was honoured once again to lay a wreath on behalf of the Council at the Kilmacolm War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday. It is important we remember the lessons of history and never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we take for granted today.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: The switch on of the Christmas Lights will take place on Friday 3rd December, with Quarriers Village at 4pm and Kilmacolm at 6pm. Hopefully we will have a more normal Christmas this year.

ENVIRONMENT: The Council has approved an ambitious new strategy to help it achieve net zero carbon emissions. The strategy was launched in the run up to the COP 26 climate conference in Glasgow last month.

The aim is to cut the amount of greenhouse gases the local authority produces by almost three-quarters by 2030 and to achieve net zero by 2045, in line with Scottish Government targets.

The new strategy will build on work that has already been done to reduce the local authority’s carbon footprint by 45% in less than a decade.

There will be extra focus on making buildings more environmentallyfriendly by replacing end-of-life fossil fuel boilers, installing solar panels where possible and designing new properties to be net zero.

Rab Wilson, Kilmacolm artist OPEN STUDIO - 5th-12th December Kilmacolm artist Rab Wilson recently graduated with an Honours Degree in Art from the University of Creative Arts, Canterbury. Rab is holding open studio visits from the 5th to the 12th December at his studio in Barr’s Brae where you can see his degree show. His paintings are massively scaled up portraits with heavy texture. Covid restrictions will apply with only one “bubble” or two people at any time. If you are interested in viewing his degree show you can arrange a viewing by contacting mobile: 07415 119754 or emailing: rabwilson@live.com You can also view his show at his website: www.inyourfaceportraits.co.uk Local artist Sheena Graham also graduated at the same time as Rab. You can see Sheena’s work at: www.sheenagraham.co.uk

KEA (Kilmacolm Environment Action)

Greener transport is another key part of the plan with the ongoing switch to electric vehicles, which now make up nearly 40% of the Council’s fleet. Currently 97% of Inverclyde street lights have been upgraded to more energy-efficient LED lamps and the new net zero strategy aims to convert the remaining 3%.

KEA is going from strength to strength. A couple of us participated in the COP 26 Global Day of Action, and we now have a committee and series of talks and workshops planned until next Spring. Topics for the next few months include: Wildlife Gardening (December), a local bird watching walk (January), permaculture for children and adults (January), recycling and upcycling (February) and plant based food ideas (March). If you are interested in joining the committee/core group, please get in touch.

Contact Sue: ecokilmacolm@gmail.com 01505 874681 or join our KEA Facebook group.

The plan also focuses on reducing waste, conserving water and raising awareness of and promoting behaviour change among staff, residents, businesses and partner organisations. The net zero strategy sets out a range of plans to examine the use of tidal power from the River Clyde; hydrogen to fuel boilers and vehicles; advanced thermal insulation; thermal storage initiatives; peatland restoration; and tree planting. The new net zero strategy is available to read in full at www.inverclyde.gov. uk/meetings/meeting/2390.

Monday December 13th @ 7pm - 9pm: KEA, Kilmacolm Community Centre, Room 101. Talk on Wildlife Gardening for All by Neill Traynor.

Whether you have your own garden, patio or balcony, or are interested in making community spaces more wildlife friendly, come along and learn lots of easy and effective ways of increasing biodiversity and helping wildlife thrive, ranging from creating wildlife ponds, adding some wildlife meadow to your garden and how to encourage garden birds, bees and butterflies.

Contact: ecokilmacolm@gmail.com or 01505 874681.

ELECTIONS: 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 21st December 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. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year when it comes.

Saturday January 8th @ 10am - 11.30am: KEA, Knapps Loch. Bird Walk with Alex Ash, local ornithologist. Come and enjoy a New Year walk to discover our local bird life. All welcome. Contact: ecokilmacolm@gmail. com or 01505 874681.

Friday 28th January: KEA, Venue: to be confirmed. Talk/discussion on Permaculture for children and adults with Lusi Alderslowe https:// lusialderslowe.wordpress.com/ . Permaculture is a design system for sustainable living which is about working with nature, to create systems which are minimum effort for maximum effect. The permaculture ethics and principles can help you to design anything from growing your own food to leading activities with children, to retrofitting your house, and much more.

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Cllr David Wilson

Solas Bereavement Drop-in Group

FESTIVITIES: Christmas will not be the same without school nativities and concerts, it’s a delightful time of the year for pupils and parents. The latter will miss out on so many experiences and treasured memories of their children’s first steps in public performance. My party has called for new guidance from the Government and the Council to allow schools and nursery Christmas concerts to go ahead in person. People can attend all sorts of other events including cinemas. I also believe that it is not beyond the capabilities of the authorities to organise socially distanced short face to face parent evenings.

Lost someone you loved? Grief hits us all at some stage in our lives. Some people can cope with it while others need support, often ongoing.

ROADS & PARKING: Parking remains a problem in certain areas of the village and a request for resident only parking in Moss Road was rejected by roads officers on the basis that “the Council does not provide resident only parking anywhere in Inverclyde”. This feeds the desire for more longterm parking in the village. Roads drainage has suffered from an excess of leaves and unfortunately our gully clearing motor broke down. I do thank our road sweepers and residents for their actions that prevented further flooding. I sincerely hope that River Clyde Homes have cleared Finlaystone Place. The brown bin collection has been extended for a further month and I am in favour of having it throughout the winter.

Street lights in Knockbuckle Road have been out for sometime. This is a Scottish Power problem and at last they seem to be accelerating the solution. I had a complaint regarding cats eyes on the A761 between Kilmacolm and Bridge of Weir. Investigation has established that the problem is on the Renfrewshire section. They have been alerted.

BALROSSIE: The future of Balrossie, a listed building, is in doubt due to a fire ripping through it. The damage is so severe that it may have to be demolished. The structural condition of the building is being assessed by officers. Original glass panels were salvaged from the building 10 years ago and are now on display in the Cargill Centre in Kilmacolm.

CLYDESMEN: The interim Priest at St Marys Episcopal in Port Glasgow, Audrey O’Brien Stewart hosted the first Clydesmen meeting for a year.

She regaled us with tales of her father who was a shipbuilder in America.

There were some 80 attending from Kilmacolm, Port Glasgow and Langbank. It was good to catch up after the absence and thanks to the ladies of St Marys for a fine purvey.

TRANSPORT: There was a day at COP 26 dedicated to transport. The Central Station featured hydrogen Trains and Buchanan Street Bus Station Electric buses. The bus station is, with 56 stances, the largest in the UK. Bus is vital for public transport but receives only 30p per head subsidy compared to £8 for rail. Free bus travel for under 22’s from January will really assist our youngsters in their ability to access education, jobs and leisure.

It only remains to wish all my constituents a happy peaceful Christmas and a healthy New Year. My surgery is Boglestone Community Centre 11am to 12pm on the 4th December. I can be contacted at david.wilson@ inverclyde.gov.uk, 01475 741969/713975 and 07766 992294.

The group supports those from Kilmacolm and surrounding areas who have lost a loved one. It doesn’t matter if it was recently or a long time ago, Solas creates a safe place to talk, to listen and to heal. You will be supported in processing issues of grief and loss by expert speakers as well as each other.

Please come and join us, either on your own or with a friend. There is always a cup of coffee and friendly faces at every meeting. You can join in at your own pace or just listen to the experiences of others in the Lounge, Kidston Hall, High Street, on the second Thursday of the month at 2pm.

Next meetings: 9th December, 13th January 2022, 10th February & 10th March. For more information please call Barbara Marshall on 01505 872417 or email barbara@oochy.com

Cllr Chris Curley First of all I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year.

FOOTPATHS: Following representations to me on these issues by constituents I am pleased to see that Inverclyde Council officers are proposing to undertake footway works on West Glen Road between the High Street and Barr’s Brae and thereafter for the footways are to be formally adopted by Inverclyde Council. There was an inconsistency here that the roadway was adopted, but the footway was not, so these works will remedy that. It begs the question how many other roads are in a similar situation - one for further investigation, given the desire to promote active travel within our communities.

On that note, I was very pleased to attend a recent meeting of the Langbank Community Council (LCC) and the Clyde Coastal Path Group who are interested in extending the Clyde Coastal Path (CCP) along the banks of the River Clyde from Parklea in Port Glasgow to Langbank. I strongly welcome this initiative and hope to work with the group to progress this ambitious proposal.

PLANNING: The proposed housing development on the cycle path in Bridge of Weir has been in the news recently. I have been long in favour of retention of this cycle path in its current form as it promotes active travel and protects the route for possible reintroduction of the railway to Kilmacolm. I feel this development would be a disaster for these aims, and accordingly, I have objected to the housing development.

I can be contacted directly to discuss any matters by telephone on 07768 460073/01475 712370, by email to: christopher.curley@inverclyde.gov. uk or by messaging me via my Facebook page (@Ward1chriscurleySNP).

I am starting up my surgeries in the new Year. My next surgeries will be at Boglestone Community Centre, Port Glasgow from 6pm to 7pm on the 20th January ‘22 and Kilmacolm New Community Centre 6pm to 7pm on the 27th January ‘22.

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Kilmacolm Co-op Inverclyde Food Bank Donation Bin - Christmas Appeal Our Christmas meal plans are well underway here at Inverclyde Food Bank and we’re hoping that you can help us stock-up on the following essential ingredients: 

Tinned Meat: Steak Pie, Ham, Corned Beef, Mince, Chicken



Tinned Potatoes and Tinned Vegetables



Tinned Fruit, Tinned Custard, Tinned Creamed Rice Pudding

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Fizzy Drinks (non-alcoholic), Crisps, Chocolate Biscuits and Sweeties



Toiletries: let’s look and feel good on Christmas Day





Toothpaste and Toothbrushes, Shampoo and Conditioner, Body Wash, Soap, Men’s and Ladies Shave Gel and Razors, Deodorant Child and Baby Toiletries

Inverclyde Food Bank accepts all tinned, jars and packets of food. Inverclyde Food Bank CAN’T accept fresh food.

Food can be purchased in the Kilmacolm CO-OP or bought elsewhere and brought to the Kilmacolm CO-OP Donation Bin. r u for you A couple of items from the above Christmas List will help us prepare for an Thank yo s... s kindne exceptionally busy festive season at the Food Bank this year.

I can be contacted: JennyMeadows10@outlook.com

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Kilmacolm Scout Group Xmas Trees Kilmacolm Scout Group will be selling Xmas trees this year on 4th and 11th December.

Best trees, best prices, great cause.

Please feel free to post a picture of yours on Facebook if you have one!

Thanks to everyone for their support over the years. It has meant a lot to the group and to our work with kids from 6 to 18 years.

Jen󰇳󰈠 x

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coming events

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

SATURDAY 27TH Christmas Coffee Morning

November MONDAY 1 - TUESDAY 30 Teddy Bear Scavenger Hunt ST

TH

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm The cost for this event will be {£3 normal trail fees apply for non – members £3 adult £1.50 child under 5 free this event will include an activity bag}. Please ask at the welcome desk.

SUN 21ST NOV - FRI 31ST DEC Fox Red Art at The Bridge The Bridge, Main Street, BoW Featuring local artist, Judith Beattie of Fox Red Art with a variety of inks, watercolour and line drawings on display. The exhibition will feature prints and framed originals. Open from 10am - 1pm Tues to Sat, and 10am - 5pm on Mon (Monday closed at 1pm for 1hr).

THU 25TH FRI 26TH SAT 27TH KDS Aladdin Kilmacolm Kidston Hall Things are hotting up in Widow Twankey’s laundry. Book your seats online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ kilmacolmdramaticcsociety If you have any queries please contact Rosie Thirde on 01505 873088 or Mandy Robinson on 07719 309960.

FRIDAY 26TH Houston & Killellan Agricultural Society Annual Quiz Night Fleming Road, Houston Tickets £5, which includes a light supper.

For more information please contact Isabelle Stuart on 07508 905298 or email: issistuart@gmail.com

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple Street 10am to 12noon With various stalls including homebaking, preserves and Aloe Vera.

Entrance including mince pies and shortbread, is £3, children £1.

Paisley Farmers Market The Cenotaph, Paisley PA1 1BG 10am to 2pm A huge variety of produce for sale. Take a walk around with many opportunities to taste the produce.

Brighter Bridge Of Weir PopUp Shop Livery Walk, Bridge of Weir The first fund-raising Pop-Up Shop since 2019 - the group’s now traditional rustic reindeer will be among the items available to buy. Check out the group’s Facebook page for a pre-order option also.

Lochwinnoch Films 4U Lochbarr Services, Newton of Barr, Lochwinnoch PA12 4JB Home Along (PG) Doors open 2.30pm, Film begins 3pm Die Hard (15) Doors open 6.30pm, Film begins 7pm. Tickets available from The Wee Shop.

SATURDAY 27TH - SUNDAY 28TH Helensburgh Winter Festival Colquhoun Square, Helensburgh 10am to 5pm Over 70 stalls with 12 hot food units, 50 craft stalls and at least 12 market stalls.

Kiddies fairground rides, a twister ride & a bungee trampoline. Music and dance acts featuring many local acts. River Radio will broadcast live at the event.

Sunday is the Classic Car Show, with a vintage fire engine!

SATURDAY 27TH - SUNDAY 28TH Christmas Art Exhibition & Craft Fair Stables Studio, Broomberry Drive, Gourock PA19 1QB 12noon to 5pm Greenock Art Club are hosting a Christmas Art Exhibition and Craft Fair.

Free to attend.

SUNDAY 28TH Erskine Riverside Market Erskine Riverside Market Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine PA8 7AF 10am to 4pm Running on the last Sunday of each month with a blend of Fresh produce, unique gifts, handmade items & street food.

St. Vincent’s Hospice Light Up A Life virtual event 4.30pm Join us for our virtual Light up a Life service, details available on www.facebook.com/ StVincentsHospice Service includes music, readings & reflections with a switch on of hundreds of lights on the magnificent tree in the Hospice garden in Howwood. Dedicate a virtual star in memory of someone special via the St. Vincent’s Hospice website - www.svh. co.uk or make a donation to the work of the hospice via the website.

TUESDAY 30TH Ladies Fellowship Meetings Kilmacolm Guide Hut 2.15pm to 3.30pm Invitation to Grace Church Kilmacolm Ladies Fellowship November meetings, alternate Tuesdays. Marion Cunningham (Tearfund)

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u ill

Kilbarchan Trio Launch Art Exhibition In Glasgow’s West End A trio of artists from Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, are launching an art exhibition in Glasgow’s West End. The exhibition, entitled Triple Exposure, will run from Friday 3rd December until Sunday 5th December at Partickhill Bowling Club and Community Centre. It will feature a selection of artwork from Artists Liz MacKinlay, Margaret Borthwick, and Maryel FitzRandolph.

The trio have been painting together at local art classes, clubs, and in nature for eight years, and are delighted to have on display and for sale a range of their pieces that illustrate the individual styles and points of view of each woman as an artist.

Artist Profiles TV costume designer and art teacher Liz MacKinlay is exhibiting some of her water colours alongside her felting and embroidery. A keen sailor, some of Liz’s works are inspired by her voyages around the West Coast of Scotland.

Former Johnstone GP and current student with the Open College of Art Margaret Borthwick, is primarily interested in landscape painting inspired by local spots including Glennifer Braes and Castle Semple. Margaret’s work often explores detail in fungi, textures of tree bark, and shapes of tangled tree branches in oils, pen and wash, and acrylic inks Canadian-born Maryel FitzRandolph was brought up on an apple farm in Nova Scotia which bred a keen interest in nature. Maryel often paints scenes from nature including trees, landscapes, and flowers in oils and watercolours. She is also inspired by her travels including trips to Nepal and Antarctica.

Cards by another local artist, Judith Beattie, will also be available to view and purchase.

Christmas Fayre Paisley & District JNI Scout Group Christmas Fayre on Sunday 12th December, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Entry £1 adults 50p children Stalls £10 per table + donation to raffle The Bield, 40 Broomlands Street, Paisley PA1 2NP

Commenting on the forthcoming launch, Maryel FitzRandolph said; “As three friends with a shared passion for art, we are delighted to have the opportunity to exhibit together at such a beautiful venue.

“We very much look forward to welcoming visitors to our exhibition and hope they gain enjoyment and inspiration from our works on display.”

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TUESDAY 30TH SATURDAY 4TH Donations of Christmas Gifts Kilmacolm Farmers Market Kilmacolm Community Centre, for Children of Prisoners West Halls Main Street Houston PA6 7EL (next to Carrick Centre and Village Hall)

10am to 12noon, 7pm - 8pm Please give generously and support us again this Christmas. Please donate NEW unwrapped gifts in open gift bags, with an indication of age, and boy or girl.

december WEDNESDAY 1ST Festive Art by the Burn Fox & Hounds Car Park, Main Street, Houston 11am to 7pm Art and Craft traders, live painting demos, hot drinks, and delicious pub grub. Plus a few treats in store for the kiddies and musical performances by the local school children ... get some hand crafted gifts for your loved ones. www.facebook.com/ events/292622149383858

FRIDAY 3RD - SATURDAY 4TH A “Not So” Silent Night Johnstone Baptist Church, Walkinshaw Street, Johnstone PA5 8QL 7pm With Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group (amateur). Doors open 7pm, curtains up 7.30pm. Book tickets on: 07748 827727 (Tues - Fri 6pm - 9pm) or e: johnstonephoenix@gmail.com Tickets £10.

FRIDAY 3RD - SUNDAY 5TH TRIPLE EXPOSURE ART EXHIBITION Partick Hill Bowling & Community Club, 46 Partickhill Road, Glasgow G11 5BY Featuring a selection of artwork from local Kilbarchan artists Liz MacKinlay, Margaret Borthwick, and Maryel FitzRandolph.

Pieces are also available to purchase.

Opening Hours: 7pm - 9pm on Fri 3rd, 1pm - 6pm on Sat 4th and Sun 5th.

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10am to 2pm

Held on the first Saturday each month featuring a great selection of local Scottish produce! Please wear face masks or scarves. Hand sanitizer at the entrance for you to use. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

SATURDAY 4TH - SUNDAY 5TH Christmas Art Exhibition & Craft Fair Stables Studio, Broomberry Drive, Gourock PA19 1QB 12noon to 5pm Greenock Art Club are hosting a Christmas Art Exhibition and Craft Fair.

Free to attend.

SUNDAY 5TH St Vincent’s Hospice “Christmas Sparkler Ladies’ Lunch The Radisson Blu, 301 Argyle Street, Glasgow G2 8DL Glass of fizz on arrival, browse and shop our exclusive selection of hospice popup shops, with a delicious three-course lunch and an afternoon of great fun and entertainment. For further information or to purchase tickets please call: 01505 705635 or e: info@svh.co.uk

SUNDAY 5TH - SUNDAY 12TH Rab Wilson - Open Studio Visits Barr’s Brae Kilmacolm View Rab’s degree show by contacting: 07415 119754 or e: rabwilson@live.com or www.inyourfaceportraits.co.uk

THURSDAY 9TH Solas Bereavement Group Kidston Hall, High St, Kilmacolm 2pm Lost someone you loved? The Group supports those from Kilmacolm and surrounding areas who have lost a loved one. For more information please call Barbara Marshall on 01505 872417 or email barbara@oochy.com

FRIDAY 10TH Cimarron Concert Old Library Centre, 9 High Barholm, Kilbarchan 7.30pm Come along and have a great entertaining evening with country music, band Cimarron. BYOB. Tel: 01505 706070. Email: kipcokil@hotmail.com.

Charity Ref no: SCO31251

FRIDAY 10TH - SATURDAY 11TH Wizard of Oz Pantomime Renfrew North Church, 14 Renfield St, Renfrew PA4 8RG 7pm Performances: Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm & 7pm. Tickets £9 adults, £7 children under 16 & concession. www. jazzhandsglasgow.co.uk/wizard-of-oz

FRIDAY 10TH - FRIDAY 31ST Cinderella Beacon Arts Centre, Custom House Quay, Greenock Get your tickets for the biggest ball in town! 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

SATURDAY 11TH Paisley Farmers Market The Cenotaph, Paisley PA1 1BG 10am to 2pm A huge variety of produce for sale. Take a walk around with many opportunities to taste the produce.

SUNDAY 12TH Renfrew Market Robertson Park, Longcroft Drive, Renfrew 10am to 4pm 2nd Sunday of each month. Showcasing fresh produce, artisan crafts, unique gifts and street food from local businesses!

Come down and support small and local businesses!

SUNDAY 12TH Christmas Fayre - Paisley & District JNI Scout Group The Bield Scout Hall, 40 Broomlands St, Paisley PA1 2NP 1.30pm to 3.30pm Pop along and see what festive goodies you can pick up! Entry £1 adults 50p children. Stalls £10 per table + donation to raffle.

MONDAY 13TH Lochwinnoch Winter Wonderland Windows Lochwinnoch Cross From the 13th December onwards we will be providing materials to decorate your windows. Available @ The Wee Shop and Lochwinnoch Primary School from 1st December.

MONDAY 13TH - THURSDAY 16TH Houston Kirk Postie West Halls Main Street Houston PA6 7EL (next to Carrick Centre and Village Hall)

10am to 12noon, 7pm - 8pm For a donation of only 30p per card, the Kirk Postie will deliver anywhere in Houston, Crosslee or Brookfield. Delivery guaranteed by Monday 20th December .

(Or take your cards to Church on Sunday 12th December). Raising funds for St Vincent’s Hospice

SATURDAY 18TH 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. Full compliment of stalls plus Fish from Oban, Taste of Espana, Three Sisters Bake, and All things Nice for home made chutneys and preserves. 3rd Saturday every month.

January 2022 Deadline: Wednesday 8th December

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Panto season is back! oh yes it is

A Not So Silent Night Cinderella

Wizard of Oz Panto

Fri 10th to Fri 31st December

Fri 10th & Sat 11th December

Beacon Arts Centre

Renfrew North Church PA4 8RG. https://www.jazzhandsglasgow. co.uk/wizard-of-oz

https://www.beaconartscentre. co.uk/events/cinderella-2021

PACE announcement 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.

Old Johnstone Baptist Church, Walkinshaw St,Johnstone PA5 8QL. Frid 3rd and Sat 4th December To book: 07748 827727 (Tuesday - Friday 6pm - 9pm) or email: johnstonephoenix@gmail.com Since March 2020 the Group have been unable to bring their usual cheer to the community, but rehearsals are well underway for “A Not So Silent Night” their Christmas concert which will be the groups’ first performance since Alice in Pantoland in December 2019. Everyone involved with the Group is super excited and looking forward to getting back on stage to bring some Christmas joy to Johnstone!

Festive Fun comes to Johnstone this winter Johnstone will be full of Christmas cheer this winter with festive characters making appearances in the town centres on 27th November and 11th December between 12noon and 4pm.

Cheeky elves, giant nutcrackers and Christmas candles will be among the characters spreading festive cheer to locals and visitors. They’ll be handing out tokens that can be exchanged in local businesses for special offers or discounts, giving residents a chance to get a head start on their Christmas shopping.

Thurs 25th - Sat 27th November www.ticketsource.co.uk/ kilmacolmdramaticcsociety

Johnstone Sound will be on site in the Houstoun Square bandstand playing all your festive favourites.

To find out more visit: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/festive-fun

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Paisley’s Big Christmas Weekends Free family entertainment each weekend in December leading up to Christmas with Festive Stilt Walkers, Magicians, Jugglers, Balloon modellers, face painting, music and lots more!

Get your skates on for our roller rink at County Square from Saturday 4th – Sunday 19th December.

Plus, Santa’s Reindeer will also be in town on Saturday 4th and Saturday 11th December.

Make the most of the weekend Christmas Market or enjoy the free family trail – find all the Christmas characters for your chance to win prizes!

Or why not book the Pop up Panto, Wee Red Riding Hood, taking place on Saturday 18th December at Coats Venue.

Paisley’s Christmas Golden Ticket Competition is back with £500 of Paisley town centre gift vouchers up for grabs for four lucky winners!

See www.paisleyfirst.com for details and how to book our Roller Rink and Pop-up Panto.

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schools & Sports St. Fillan’s Primary School

BoW Primary School

Celebrating Diversity:

In September, P5 - 7 classes were asked by the Gryffe Valley Rotary Club to design posters inspired by climate change to be entered into a COP 26 competition. The aim was to make posters which had a stand out, clear environmental message. The Rotary Club picked 5 of our posters.

They were designed by Millie Connell, Kathryn Johnson, Niamh Mackie, Alexander Higgins, and Lilli Lahdelma, and each of them received a certificate to recognise their achievement.

During the month of November, each class has been participating in a ‘Celebrating Differences and Diversity’ topic as part of our work around health and wellbeing.

The children have been learning about important issues such as acceptance, tolerance, respect, empathy, kindness and many more. They have also been learning about the issues related to cyber bullying and how they can keep themselves and others safe within the online environment.

The whole school designed a fish and we created a display as a sign of our commitment to respecting and celebrating our differences and appreciating that we are part of the same family who should look after one another. We entitled our display with the heading: ‘We may all be different fish, but in this school, we swim together!’

In total there were more than 3,800 entries from schools as far apart as Cornwall and the Isle of Mull. The standard of entry was outstanding and the independent judges had a very difficult task in selecting the top 3 designs, and 19 which were highly recommended. All of them were displayed at COP 26.

We are very proud to announce that one of our entries was classed as ‘Highly Commended’. Created by Alexander Higgins in P7, it can be seen in the departure area of Glasgow Airport. Well done, Alexander!

We want to say a huge thank you to all the children who submitted posters.

There was a lot of great artwork and thought-provoking ideas.

Reading Schools Framework: This school session, we have committed to becoming a fully fledged member of the ‘Reading Schools’ initiative which runs in partnership with the ‘Scottish Book Trust.’

The initiative operates at a bronze, silver and gold level and we have been involved in making decisions as a school community as to how we can continue to promote a love of reading and books. The ‘Literacy Class Committee’ decided to create lanyards and badges for the staff and children to wear encouraging everyone to start conversations about the books they are reading. It has been amazing to see the wide range of preferences in genre and the enthusiasm shown for favourite books and authors!

We look forward to continuing on our journey to help raise the profile of reading in our school and beyond!

Book Recommendations This month’s book recommendation comes from our Headteacher, Mrs Bell.

“My favourite fantasy book is The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. It was published in 1937 and has the amazing characters of Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, Gollum, Smaug (the dragon), Bard the Bowman and all the dwarves!

I also love The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. It was published in 1961 and has an unusual land with two cities called Dictionopolis and Digitopolis. The main character, Milo, is bored and doesn’t like to learn until he travels from his ordinary home to this fantasy world.

Happy reading!

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St Columba’s School Philanthropy is very much a part of the Columban ethos and the months leading up to Christmas are always characterised by an array of charity and fundraising efforts, not to mention community events.

We were delighted to host Kilmacolm’s Scarecrow Festival again this year.

Organised by our Holiday Clubs Manager, Mrs Duncan, in partnership with Kilmacolm Community Council, a staggering 50+ scarecrows popped up all over the village. Thank you to everyone who got involved by making scarecrows or by following the trail!

As this article goes to print, our SVI boys are raising awareness of suicide prevention by supporting Movember - some of their moustaches are looking very impressive! In their first week, the boys raised over £500! See social media for the final sum raised and progress photos of their facial adornments!

SII pupil, Erin, made the significant decision to donate her very long, very lovely hair to The Little Princess Trust which makes wigs for children who have lost theirs through serious illness. Erin also raised a staggering sum for the charity: £3050! We are very proud Erin for this altruistic act and her commitment to fundraising.

In November, the Junior School launched its Compassionate Christmas Charity Appeal. This year, families from Early Years to J6 can help us support Children In Poverty Inverclyde with their Christmas Present Appeal and the Inverclyde Foodbank. Both causes offer much-needed help at a very challenging time of year. We are delighted to be able to help local families in need.

COP 26 offered pupils plenty of learning opportunities. On the eve of this momentous summit, J5 visited the new Inverclyde wind farm. Equipped with a compass and knowledge of how to keep themselves and others safe outdoors, the class ensured they took nothing but memories and left nothing but footsteps.

Members of our award-winning Pipe Band were invited to play for the Prime Minister of India. Matt, Cayla, Finlay G and Finlay D wrote about

this incredible experience in a lively account which is currently on our website.

Accomplished SVI singer, Cara, performed with RSNO Junior Chorus in the official COP 26 Green Zone in the atrium at Glasgow Science Centre. A thrilling experience!

Well done to Eliza and Daisy (Transitus) whose posters wowed the judges in the Gryffe Valley Rotary COP 26 Poster Competition. Eliza’s design was selected as the best in school and will proceed to the next stage of the competition, meanwhile Daisy was the runner-up with her fabulous entry.

SVI pupil, Ryan attended The Herald’s Roundtable event in Glasgow. The event was chaired by the editor of the newspaper and involved a Q&A with a panel on Sustainability in Education. Ryan made some noteworthy contributions and was interviewed with others at the end of the event. @stcolumbasschool (FB & Insta) / @StColSchool (Twitter)

Houston Primary School

Gardening Club Sunflowers

Our inter-generational gardening team have lots of patience. Here they are extracting the seeds from Primary 7 pupils have been learning about Armistice. the flower head and putting them into envelopes They created their own poppy pebbles and placed to sell to the keen gardeners of Houston Primary.

They will also keep some of the seeds to plant next them at the War Memorial in the village. year in the school grounds. What a team!

Remembrance Day Poppy Pebbles

Fundraising

Violins for St.Vincent’s

At this time of year when online spending is at a peak we would very much appreciate it if you can help us by Miss Greenlees and her team of violinists have collecting free donations each time you shop online. Visit recorded some music for St. Vincent’s Hospice to easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/houstonpsc/ to register play as part of their Light Up a Life project. The sound was truly wonderful.

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Duchal Nursery School

Beat the Street Renfrewshire winners

We had great fun creating our “Room on the Broom” witch scarecrow as part of the fantastic Scarecrow Trail around the village – a wonderful occasion for the whole community to enjoy. The children have really embraced the Julia Donaldson topics and the connected learning. There were some tremendously spook-tacular outfits for our Halloween party with much fun and laughter from the children and teachers alike!

Renfrew shire has successfully managed to Beat the Street!

A big thank you to some of our former pupils who have helped transfer our outdoor learning area in preparation for delivery of a new mud kitchen and teaching facility. The children were delighted with the upgrade and it really demonstrates the strength of the Duchal family when former pupils are so happy to remain involved.

Whatever the weather the Duchal children can be seen out and about in their red jackets around the park. We are so lucky that the nursery is surrounded by such a lovely space, giving the children the opportunity to explore and learn outside.

Detective skills were used in abundance in a recent scavenger hunt on a beautiful autumnal day as they discovered a real variety of fauna and flora.

With the advance of the winter we can already feel the excitement building towards the festive season! Christmas decorations are busily being made and preparations are well underway for our annual Nativity and Christmas Party.

Applications for free funded places for August 2022 onwards will be issued early in the New Year so please do get in touch if you would like to apply. The nursery is now open 8am – 6pm each day offering quality specialist pre school care for all 3 – 5yr olds.

We are happy for visits to see our facilities and meet the teachers, please contact us on: 01505 874358 or email: info@duchal.com to arrange a convenient time. Also visit our website at: www.duchal.com or find us on Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest news Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from all at Duchal Nursery.

The game took place across the areas of Bridge of Weir, Elderslie, Houston, Howwood, Kilbarchan, Linwood, Johnstone and Lochwinnoch and invited local residents of all ages to walk, cycle and wheel as far as possible during the six-week challenge in return for prizes. More than 6,300 people signed up and collectively clocked up 53,100 active travel miles. The winners are: Schools – total points: Fordbank Primary School Houston Primary School Thorn Primary School Auchenlodment Primary School Schools - average points: Thorn Primary School Fordbank Primary School Howwood Primary School Houston Primary School

Community&workplaceteams–averagepoints: Active Communities 4th Johnstone GB Southend Smoothies Small teams – total points The Wild Girls Individual leaderboard Oddball Empowered: Riverbrae School

Community & workplace teams – total points: Additionally, thanks to the participation Active Communities of all players, the MND Scotland charity 4th Johnstone GB received a donation of £500.

Southend Smoothies The game has inspired local people to get outside, become more active and to leave the car at home wherever possible, with the hope that this will continue outside of the game too.

Find out more at www.beatthestreet.me/renfrewshire / social media @RenfrewshireBTS

Bridge of Weir Rainbows We’ve had a busy few weeks with 13 new girls being welcomed into what we do at Rainbows when we returned in September. Everyone has been working hard to learn their Promise and have started earning badges. All enjoyed a fabulous Hallowe’en scavenger hunt where we used our imaginations so that our hall became our ‘virtual’ house.

Girlguiding Bridge of Weir is still looking for volunteers to help with Rainbows and Brownies. If you could spare a few hours, please register to find out more at girlguiding.org.uk/ interested

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Howwood Primary School Pupils from Primary 5/4 at Howwood Primary School have been engaged in a fun-filled, action packed engineering topic that has encompassed bridge building, construction, electrics and circuits, car building and electrics, and sustainability and renewable energy.

Most recently children took part in a virtual STEM event delivered by a local charity called SmartSTEMS. SmartSTEMS organise and host events with the aim of inspiring and engaging young people aged 10-14 with the range of careers in the four STEM pillars – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

During the session pupils had the opportunity to have a question & answer session with two engineers.

Pupils were then challenged by having to construct the highest possible tower using spaghetti. To end the session pupils had to come up with solutions to some world challenges and present their thinking to the class in the form of a poster.

Pupils loved the session and have been inspired further into thinking about STEM careers as shown by some of the positive feedback: Isla: ‘It was brilliant! I loved making the spaghetti tower, challenging but fun.’

Emily: ‘It was really interesting learning about the different jobs in engineering.’

Finlay: ‘I liked everything, especially meeting ‘actual’ engineers!’

Eva: ‘I’m really interested in all of the different jobs in engineering now.’

Coire: ‘This has made me want to be an engineer more, I’m inspired.’

Sam: ‘I’m really interested in joining the RAF!’

The Ginger Cat Children’s Bookshop Rona Simpson chats with owner, Aileen Jeffrey 1.

What made you decide to open a bookshop?

Opening a bookshop seemed more of an ‘out of reach dream’ that I had than anything else, then one night my husband and I were discussing what we would do if we won the lottery and I told him that I would open a bookshop, his reply was ‘well why can’t you, why don’t you look into it?’ And so with a little help from the Business Gateway and Transmit Startups it began to look like more of an achievable dream. With my husband Bryan now working from home it gives us much more flexibility with childcare. As a Health Visitor I knew that I wanted to focus on a children’s bookshop, the benefits of reading to children are huge, through promoting brain development, relationships and supporting language acquisition. For older children reading can further learning and be a form of escapism. I will be stocking books from birth to young adult and will also have some parenting books in stock.

There aren’t many independent bookshops within the UK at present, but the numbers are starting to increase which is such a positive thing.

2.

Who is your favourite children’s author?

At the moment my favourite children’s author is Matt Haig, I enjoy reading his adult books and it has become a family tradition that I read one of his children’s books to the children each year at Christmas, which is lovely.

There are so many great authors, but Julia Donaldson is brilliant at what she does, I love the rhyming and repetition within her books.

3.

Do you have a favourite illustrator?

My favourite illustrator would have to be Tony Ross, partly because my son absolutely loves his illustrations in the David Walliams books, but he is just such a phenomenal illustrator. My favourite illustrated children’s book is ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ with illustrations by Helen Oxenbury, I loved reading this book to my children, it’s incredibly captivating and has such beautiful imagery.

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Olivia: ‘I enjoyed learning about different things and asking questions to the engineers.’

4. Were you a ‘bookworm’ as a kid? And do you think children’s books have changed since you were young?

I was definitely a bookworm when I was younger; I loved nothing more than going into a bookshop or the library and getting new books. Children have such a variety of books to choose from and there are many more books available now that are factually based but appealing for younger readers such as the ‘Little People, Big Dreams series’.

5.

Can you remember a book or story when you were little that made a big impression on you?

I remember being in school and I think I was in primary 3, the teacher read ‘James and the Giant Peach’ by Roald Dahl to the class and I loved it, it was always the part of the day that I looked forward to. I remember escaping into the story and picturing the scenes in my head. It’s one of the reasons that I would love to link in with the local schools and nurseries.

6.

Where did the name ‘Ginger Cat Bookshop’ come from?

The ‘Ginger Cat’ name came from our ginger cat called Peanut, he is the most loving family pet and I couldn’t think of a better name for the shop.

7.

Will you be selling other items as well as books?

As well as books I will be selling some other children’s products such as Orchard games and some eco-friendly toys. I’ll also have gift cards, gift wrap and notebooks.

8.

When will you be open, and can you tell us your opening hours (We can’t wait to have a browse!)?

I hope to be open by the end of November all going well, but I will definitely be open for December with lots of lovely Christmas stock.

My address is 8 Stewart Place, Kilmacolm (nextdoor to Decorus) Opening will be Mon-Fri 9am-5pm local and Sat localhours community, local business, life10am-4pm .........

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Old Ranfurly Ladies Section

Kilmacolm Golf Club

On Friday 12th November Old Ranfurly Ladies held the social highlight of the ladies golfing year. Donning our glad rags 40 ladies enjoyed a delicious four course dinner courtesy of our caterers Stewart Catering. Heading the night at our top table was our out going lady captain Suzanne Smith and members of the committee. As there was no prize giving last year ladies who were winners years 2019-2020 were celebrated before the dinner.

Junior member Alfie Hammond had a fantastic end to the season by retaining the Monikie Cup and winning the Junior Golf Scotland Tour Final at Carnoustie. It was a close tussle with Ben Paling in the Monikie Cup after the initial 18 hole final was tied, so a re-match was set up with both boys playing below their handicap but it was Alfie who triumphed in the end.

Some of our 2019-2020 successful trophy winners included: Sandra Bell Anne Lavety Memorial Trophy, Suzanne Smith - Wilma Aitken Birdie Trophy, Linda Anderson - Mary Simpson Salver, Stephanie Watson - Wilma Aitken Rose Bowl & Centenary Trophy, Paula Adam & Gillian Lavety - Grace Campbell Salver. The club championship last year was won by Marilyn Muir.

This years winners included 2020-2021 current club champion Jen Owen with Hazel Kirkland winning Bronze Sheild. The Satterford Trophy was won by Marlyn Muir. A selection of our other winners included; Anne Lavety Memorial Trophy - Susan McFall, Wilma Aitken Birdie Trophy - Marlyn Muir, Mary Simpson Salvor - Maureen Taggart, Centenary Trophy - Gillian Downie, Grace Campbell Salvor - Sandra Bell & Valerie MacKinnon, Fiona McCrudden - Rookie Trophy. Congratulations to all our winners. The guest speaker was Dr Marion Downie who entertained the ladies with a very amusing after dinner speech. All our appreciation is due to ladies committee, catering and bar staff. Funds were raised for our chosen charities this year MND and Alzheimer’s.

The prize was a delicious cheese and wine hamper. A very memorable and enjoyable evening was had by all. Let’s hope there will be many more to come as our ladies section goes from strength to strength every year!!

Stephanie Watson - winner of the 2019/20 Wilma Aitken Rose Bowl & Centenary Trophy

With the night’s drawing in and the weather not always being conducive to dry golf we are delighted to be launching our Winter Simulator Competition being held in our two bay indoor golf studio sponsored by Vanilla Square. This will give members the opportunity to play competitive golf in the comfort and warmth of the clubhouse over the winter period.

We are delighted to be able to hold our Annual Dinners and Prizegivings again in December after the restrictions prohibited this in 2020 and we can’t wait to welcome members to the clubhouse and recognise this year’s winners.

Remember the clubhouse and studio are still open and Neil is still providing catering, so please come up to the club to enjoy coffee and cake or a bite for lunch even if the weather isn’t always too kind for golf!

Gillian Lavety - winner of the 2019/20 Grace Campbell Salver

Finally, the lady members are delighted with the recent refurbishment of their locker room.

Langbank Primary School Maths Week Scotland

Jen Owen - winner of the 2020/21 Bronze Shield

Fiona McCrudden - winner of the 2020/21 Rookie Trophy

Langbank Primary had a fantastic time celebrating Maths Week Scotland. This year the theme was ‘Our World’ and we chose to focus on outdoor learning and problem solving.

We were delighted to have Mrs Johnson, our Renfrewshire RAiSE officer, leading STEM activities outdoors for all of our classes. Each class explored problem solving activities and discussed strategies for finding solutions.

We are developing our growth mindset and enjoying learning from our mistakes as we investigate maths problems. We used Twitter to celebrate our achievements during the week and were rewarded with a £50 prize from the Renfrewshire Attainment team which we will use to develop numeracy and mathematics further.

Last, but not least, we are thrilled to announce that Jude North in P1 won the ‘In the Wild’ category in the national Maths Inside photography competition. Congratulations again Jude!

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

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Kilmacolm Tennis Club Two annual events in one year!

At Kilmacolm Tennis Club we gave our players two chances to win the annual Ruth Campbell (over 35 mixed doubles) competition this year.

Regular Meet Classes Reebok Step Class 2020 Ruth Campbell Finalists from left to right Sandra Winter, Charles Hamilton, Paul Holbrook & Anne Hunter

The 2020 competition was hotly contested in June and won by Paul and Anne. In September 2021 Ruth Campbell Finalists from left to right Ken MacFarlane, Ken and Marlyn Pollock, Douglas Carnegie & Anne Hunter Marlyn took the 2021 trophy.

The Club Championships took place on the 2nd October.

The winners were as follows: Ladies Singles - Eleanor Cochran; Mens Singles - Steven Lucas; Ladies Doubles - Liz Reid & Gillian Finch; Mens Doubles - Sandy Wilson & Joe O’Donnell; Mixed Doubles - Liz Mosin & Steven Lucas; Ladies Seniors Doubles - Nicky Stirrup & Helen Abram; Mens Seniors Doubles - Doug McNicol & Paul Holbrook; Mixed Double Seniors - Liz Reid & Steven Reid.

Tennis is back in full swing now with plenty of opportunities to play all week and coaching offered by Melissa Stewart, LTA Level 4 Senior Club Coach, https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/MelissaStewartTennis Club information and membership forms can be found at www.kilmacolmtennis.co.uk From October until April ‘22 pro rata membership rates will apply, please email kilmacolmtc@gmail.com for further information. Subscriptions for 5 months November - March 31st 2022 are as follows:- Family - £173 | Senior - £60 | Junior aged 10-17 & Students - £23, Junior aged 7-9 - £34 | Mini - aged 6 and under - £13.

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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).

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

Jennifer Sloan Physiotherapy Led Pilates

Kilmacolm Community Centre, Wednesdays at 6.15pm - 7.15pm & 7.30pm - 8.30pm Thursdays at 9.30am - 10.30am For more information or to book a class call Jennifer 07731 303709 or email: jennifer-mcghee@hotmail.co.uk

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

Zumba

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.

Move it or Lose it!

A warm welcome awaits you. Come and meet your friendly instructor and see what FABS can do for you.

Easy to follow exercises which can be done seated or standing. Flexibility, Aerobic, Balance and Strength (FABS) exercises.

With music to spark memories! Come and join the fun and make new friends.

Classes in Gourock, Greenock, BoW, Kilmacolm, Houston and Kilbarchan. First class is free for new members, booking essential!

If you would like to join the fun please contact: Fiona 07811 766672 or www.moveitorloseit. co.uk or moveitorloseitwithfiona on Facebook

Move it or Lose it!

Wear it Pink!

Last month we raised £400 for Breast Cancer Now! A huge thank you to all who donated from our classes in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde. A special thank you to Anne McNeil from our Bridge of Weir class who dyed her hair pink for the occasion and raised £55!

Well done Anne!

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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out & about Renfrewshire: Potential boundary changes

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park

The region is currently covered by two Westminster seats – Paisley and Renfrewshire North, represented by Gavin Newlands, and Paisley and Renfrewshire South, where Mhairi Black is the MP. But the Boundary Commission for Scotland (BCS) is seeking views on proposals to split the area into three new seats, with some voters being cut off and placed in an Inverclyde constituency.

It forms part of a wider plan to reduce the number of MPs in Scotland from 59 to 57, which means the average electorate size in each constituency will rise as they become geographically larger.

The three new constituencies would be called Renfrew North, Renfrew South, and Inverclyde and Bridge of Weir.

People living in Houston, Crosslee and Bridge of Weir would witness one of the biggest changes, as they join the Inverclyde constituency.

Meanwhile, those in nearby Brookfield and Linwood would be in Renfrew South, voting for a different MP. Currently, all those areas are part of the Paisley and Renfrewshire North seat.

Renfrew North would consist of Renfrew, Erskine, Inchinnan, Bishopton and parts of Paisley but would also include Hillington and Cardonald.

Renfrew South would cover the remaining parts of Paisley, as well as Johnstone, Kilbarchan, Elderslie, Howwood and Lochwinnoch.

For more on the proposed new boundaries, visit www.bcs2023review. com or if you would like to share your opinion, please email the Boundary Commission for Scotland at bcs.scottishboundaries.gov.uk The initial consultation period closes on 8th December 2021.

Throughout October we have had plenty of events on, during the October holidays we had a fantastic selection of events that were targeted to all age groups. A few of these events were building and racing stick boats, building and flying kites and making mini forest folks to take home and put into their gardens. Later on in the month we had an extra spooky Halloween craft event where kids were able to show off their creative skills using natural materials that are found out in the country park as well as recyclable materials such as tin cans and glass jars.

Over the past few months our Seasonal Rangers have been hard at work on their own personal projects including capturing the parks wildlife and looking into it’s history. The fantastic footage that has been captured on our bush cameras can be found on our Facebook page as well as our YouTube channel! We have also been working on a long-term ongoing project that will remove all invasive species of flora for it to be replaced with native species of trees and shrubs. To do this we have put up a polytunnel and collected seeds and nuts to be planted and grown into saplings.

As we all know the Christmas season is just around the corner! So we are gearing up for a fantastically festive tinsel walk on the 15th of December where we will have plenty of stops to sing some Christmas carols. This event is suitable for those of all ages!

Looking to advertise?

We have various sizes and prices.

Download our media pack online: www.advertizer.co.uk/ advertise/ local community, local business, local life .........

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Colourful Kilmacolm

RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve The winter is truly upon us, and we are nearly at the end of another year.

At the Reserve all our winter migrants have arrived, with whooper swans, goosander, golden eye, wigeon and teal all making the Aird Meadow Loch and the Barr Loch their winter home. As ever there is always plenty to see all year round at the Reserve, with graceful mute swans, cheeky mallards, cormorants, moorhen, and coots on both of our lochs. If you fancy a wee wander along our trails, look out for robins, coal tits, goldfinch, nuthatch and even the odd pheasant. Our Reserve shop is still open with our usual wide range of bird food and feeders; plus our Christmas stock is now in with a wide range of Christmas cards, calendars, and diaries - so why not see if you can find an unusual Christmas gift for a loved one. Do come and visit us soon - you never know what wildlife you might spot on our beautiful trails. You could take part in our ‘Wellness in Nature’ walk, or just sit and have a wee coffee as you watch the wildlife from the Centre window. We are not forgetting our younger visitors - there will be fun activities at the Reserve for you guys too! Just ask mum and dad to keep a wee eye on our social media pages for upcoming posts. We are open 7 days a week from 10am – 5pm, closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day and the 1st and 2nd January, with reduced opening times during the holiday period. There are many ways to contact us to report any wildlife sightings, for more information, or to give us any feedback. So, from all staff and volunteers at RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, we wish all our visitors a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

We have received many positive comments about our floral displays this year. One of the advantages of begonias is that they perform well, whatever the weather, so are ideal for our summers. Of course they cannot tolerate cold, frosty weather, and so, although they flowered spectacularly all through October and even into November, their time was up and our volunteer gardeners removed them before replanting our containers with bulbs and violas. The bulbs will cheer us up next spring, as will the violas, and with any luck the violas may provide a little colour even in winter, if the weather is not too severe.

We hope you liked the new half-barrels at Smithy Brae, and our thanks go to Alda for keeping an eye on them. At the Port Glasgow Road lay-by we have added more daffodils to the little garden area, and also planted 1,000 more crocuses, generously donated by Gryffe Valley Rotary in support of the End Polio campaign.

If you would like to be involved, please be in touch. Anyone can join us, and if you are a little younger than our average age you would be especially welcome. You can choose to simply be a supporter (only £5 a year), or alternatively volunteer to help ‘hands-on’. For more information visit www.colourfulkilmacolm.org.uk or phone Peter (01505 872448) or Liz (07963 973031) for more information.

Ways to contact us – 01505 842663 www.rspb.org.uk/lochwinnoch @RSPBLochwinnochNR @RSPBLochwinnoch

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Walk: Build your own Adventure

by Rona Simpson If you want to plan your own woodland adventure and are not sure of where to go, why not access Scotland’s environment map? https://map.environment.gov.scot/sewebmap/ It is an incredible tool that can reveal all sorts of information about your surrounding area including ancient woodlands and other designations.

In the map you can see Skelmorlie Glen filled out in green.

This means the woodland is designated as ancient. But what makes a woodland ancient? In Scotland this means that the woodland has existed continuously since 1750 or before.

The older the habitat, the greater number of species it will support and therefore the greater its significance to nature conservation. And it really gives another dimension to your walk to know that you are walking amongst trees or a woodland area that has existed for hundreds of years. Some of these woodlands may preserve elements of the natural composition of the original Atlantic forests.

The map can reveal all sorts of other information about your local area. Which trees have been thinned or are ear-marked for clear fell? New plantations?

Which plantations are made up of native trees, the pollution levels of your rivers and where your core paths are located. This information is handy for projects, but also for the fight to keep our green spaces!

Right to Roam

Ancient Woodland Indicator Species

The right to roam was a hugely important part of the 2003 Land reform Act in Scotland and constitutes a highly democratic aspect of Scottish land use policy. It means that if we are responsible, we are allowed to roam (and camp) just about anywhere. (Although you are not allowed to roam across land which has a housing or a building on it, nor schools, or crop fields.) So if you see some woodland on the map that may not have a path to it, as long as you are responsible, you can go explore that too

There are quite a few ground flora plants that are said to indicate ancient woodlands, such as bluebells, wood anemone, dogs mercury, red campion, primrose and more.

January 2022 Deadline: 8th December 2021 send your news to info@advertizer.co.uk local community, local business, local life .........

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Paisley Colour Photographic Club Paisley Colour Photographic Club is well into the swing of its 2021/22 programme with its first internal competition of the season, “ The Summer Assignment”, being assessed by external judge Gordon Scott. The Summer Assignment requires our photographers to submit four images: one each from a range of seven set topics. This year’s topics were, Agricultural Landscape, Town/City Traffic, Contre Jour (i.e, Against The Light), Human Interaction, Intentional Camera Movement, Modern Look and Stripes/ Striped. Each image is scored out of a maximum of 20 points. Adding the scores achieved by the photographers in the 4 topics they have chosen to enter determines the winning set.

The winning set came courtesy of yours truly, with my images “A Tough Match” and “ Tackle” securing top marks in the Human Interaction and Stripes/Striped topics, respectively. The other images in my set of 4 were “Gina” in the Contre Jour topic and Lillies in Intentional Camera Movement.

Best image in the Agricultural Landscape section was awarded to Mike Cruise. Carol Gracie’s “Miserable Evening” secured top place in the Town/City Traffic category. “Himalayan Poppies” was awarded top marks in the Contre Jour Section. In the Intentional Camera Movement topic, Alison Smart was awarded top marks for her “Pastel Impression Woods”.

In addition to its internal competitions, the club also competes externally: most recently In the Scottish Photographic Federation’s Portfolios Competition.

Most of the images submitted to the Portfolios competition will be familiar to your readership from previous publications, but special mention must go to Jim Black who was awarded an SPF Silver Medal in achieving best landscape print for his “Glencoe Winter”. The club secured a very creditable second equal place in the projected images section, sharing that position with Carluke Camera Club and just one point behind Dundee Photographic Society.

Paisley nature reserve transformed The Jenny’s Well nature reserve in Paisley is to be further transformed after volunteers were awarded more than £14,000 to continue their environmental work. Having removed more than 300 bags of litter and all fly tipping from the site, the Friends of Jenny’s Well group have been awarded funding to create wildflower areas and plant bulbs and bright foliage to encourage biodiversity and wildlife.

Picnic benches and seating will be added, repairs made to fencing and tools purchased for the group as they continue to transform the reserve into a community green space.

The funding has been provided by Renfrewshire Council’s Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund which has already supported more than 60 projects with £1.7milllion since it was launched. Other projects to be awarded funding at the latest Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board meeting included £35,000 for Klas Care to create a new playground for young people which would see the current area resurfaced, games areas added and a cycling proficiency section added.

Inchinnan Community and Social Association were also awarded £8,900 to resurface the Bowling Club car park which has provided a free parking facility for the village of Inchinnan for a number of years.

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

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Kilmacolm Scarecrow Festival

by Rona Simpson The brainchild of St Columba’s School’s Holiday Club director, Elise Duncan, this hugely popular event began last year during lockdown and villagers have taken it to their hearts. This year’s event was huge. Over 50 scarecrows appeared creating a spooky spectacle this Halloween. I caught up with Elise to ask her all about it.

What gave you the idea for the Scarecrow Trail? How did it differ from last year?

I developed the idea last year due to Covid. My children always love dressing up and Halloween is a favourite event. I wanted to give them something to do and be able to dress up in a Covid-safe way. So I took the idea to the Holiday Club and I decided to make a scarecrow with the children there. We made Captain Hook. It grew from there and I just kept asking more people to get involved.

The feedback was so good last year I decided to do it again. The Kilmacolm community council are very supportive and have been a huge help to all my ideas.

How do you feel it went this year and do you have plans for another one next year?

This year’s event was brilliant. We had well over 50 scarecrows this year made by local families, clubs, societies and businesses. We even had the residents of Abbeyfield’s Campbell Snowdon House in Quarriers Village take part. They made a scarecrow version of Mary Poppins. Then they were driven in their trishaw (three-wheeled bicycle with seats for the elderly) and enjoyed the rest of the trail on Saturday afternoon.

Wow! That’s so lovely. You must be thrilled! Have you been involved in other projects like this one and are there others in the pipeline?

Yes, it was great to hear! I am a Community artist by trade and have spent many years working in arts and events development. I helped to put together the recycled bottle tops art trail that popped up at Easter.

Oh that was a lovely idea and what a great way to showcase creativity with recycled items. What were you most proud of this time?

I think the community spirit that grew from it. My aim was to get as many people involved and walking round the village as possible. We had neighbours working together to create the wonderful Fireman at Broomknowe Terrace and several families on Woodrow Avenue made their street a major destination. Plans are already in place for next year’s festival. And there is something in the pipeline for December too, so watch this space!

Bridge Of Weir Horticultural Society Last month members enjoyed a presentation showing our local gardens through the seasons. This was a colourful reminder of what we have achieved, despite various growing conditions and weather patterns.

Gardeners do like to share garden successes, but will also admit to failures as helpful advice is usually on hand!

The AGM will be held on Thursday 9th December at 7.30pm in The Bridge and members are requested to attend. We will address several pertinent issues regarding the future and format of the Society. Already some ‘ground-breaking’ ideas have been suggested and this is the opportunity for all members to have their say.

Gardens will be settling into winter. The long-term forecast indicates December will be a cold and wintry month – but probably no snow over Christmas. Brighten your home with Poinsettias and Christmas Cacti. In their native Mexico, Poinsettias [Euphorbia pulcherrima] grow into large

bushes but with some TLC can become a useful houseplant. Grow in a bright indirect light and in a draught-free spot. Water sparingly when the surface starts to dry out. After Christmas, feed monthly with a high potash liquid/tomato feed.

Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera), are Brazilian coastal plants and, as the name suggests, flower over the Christmas period. Their bright, trumpetshaped flowers in red, white, pink, purple and even yellow, bring colour to any room. They are forest cacti growing in tropical rainforests attached to trees (and therefore are epiphytes), so keep away from bright sunlight.

Water when the soil is dry to the touch and, once the buds are formed, feed every 2 weeks, with a high potash liquid/tomato feed. As many of us know, if they are happy, they become a family “heirloom” to be passed from one generation to the next!

From your local gardening group...

Merry Christmas and season’s greetings!

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

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Fast And Furious

Kilbarchan Smile - Bountiful Halloween

Things were ticking along at a leisurely pace at the start of last month, then that spell of truly dreich weather kicked in. By the time it was over, we had to lift the pace a bit. We tidied up around the war memorial, as we always do before Remembrance Day, and then began the manufacture of our Rustic Reindeer for the Pop-Up shop held on the 27th.

The Gateway Garden was delighted to get a visit from Claire Brown and her dad from Kilbarchan Primary Parent Council, who kindly donated their Halloween pumpkins for our compost bins.

Now it’s full-on preparation for Christmas. The elves are in the workshop, turning out the first batch of rustic reindeer. Our reindeer will feature in a festive display that we’re putting in the garden at The Bridge post office and shop, so look out for that when you’re buying or posting your Christmas cards. Have a very merry one!

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It is always lovely to welcome people on our Tuesday afternoon garden opening, giving us the opportunity to share our dreams for the future projects in the garden.

January 2022 Deadline: 8th December 2021 send your news to info@advertizer.co.uk

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18/11/2021 14:20:35

sales & wants L a d i e s Ve n t u r e Rechargeable Black Heated Jacket. Brand new with tags. Size S. Can deliver locally.

Photos available. £60.

Tel: 07968 773114.

• Genuine Audi ladies black jacket in exc cond, hardly worn.

Cosy for winter. Size S. Can deliver locally.

Photos available. £40.

Tel: 07968 773114.

• Vintage fur jacket, size 12. Exc cond, smoke free home. £20. Tel: 01505 672175.

2 beautiful Chrystal Decanters,1 for spirits @ £30, 1 for Wine @ £20.

Tel: 01505 842558.

• Large wooden oak sideboard 2cupboards, 4 drawers. W 5ft 3” D 19.5” H 35”. £300 ono.

Buyer collects. Tel: 07938 843390.

• Brand new in box churro maker 800W. Can deliver locally.

Photos available. £20.

Tel: 07968 773114.

• Bronze curtain rail, extends to 9’6”. With rings & brackets. From John Lewis. £95. Tel: 01505 872813.

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN

ELECTRICAL & GAS

www.advertizer.co.uk/this-months-sales-wants

ITEMS FOR SALE CLOTHES & SHOES Brand new, ‘Minuet’ Petite,Ladieswooljacket.

Size 10. Fuchsia Pink.

From House of Fraser for £99, sell £49 ono.

Tel: 01505 391536 / text 07864 520883.

• ‘Guess’ Ladies black hand bag NEW. £25.

Tel: 01505 614503.

• Children’s Pink Puma puffer jacket with hood (detachable).

Age 9-10. Worn twice, exc cond. Can deliver locally. Photos available. £25. Tel: 07968 773114.

• Rare Tesla Leather Tote Bag, exc con, never used. Can deliver locally. Photos available. £200. Tel: 07968 773114.

• Brand new Skechers Golf Shoes. Size 8,white with blue stripe. £50.

Tel: 01505 842558.

• Gents white Nike Air Trainers, size 9, worn only once. £25. Tel: 01505 842558.

•

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.

•

Stead of Nottingham lugged Gleneagles 3 piece suite - 3 seater sofa & 2 armchairs.

Offers accepted. Tel: 01505 506385.

• Dining room gateleg table & 4 matching chairs. £50. Tel: 01505 331019.

• Conservatory 2 seater & 2 chairs for sale. 2 seater size: W 67” H 35” D 38”. Chair size: W 38” H 33” D 33”. £250.

Tel: 07796 225146.

•

•

J i ff y Re s i d e n t i a l Steamer Pressing Unit to the clothing trade.

Cost £246, sell £130.

Tel: 01505 872813.

• Electrolux enviro steam gun350series. Exccond. £15. Tel: 01505 672175.

• Built-in Combi Microwave Oven, CDA model VK902SS. 900W, 40 litre capacity.

Black glass & stainless steel. Size: H 455 x W 595 x D 552mm. £200.

Tel: 01505 614943.

•

• Google Nest Mini 2nd

SPORTS Ladies 33” Yonex Ezone Elite putter in exc cond, barely used. Right hand.

Can deliver locally.

Photos available. £50.

Tel:07968 773114.

• Ladies 33” Wilson Staff Infinite The Bean putter in exc con. Right hand. Can deliver locally. Photos available. £50. Tel: 07968 773114.

• Golphin GFK + 112 golf clubs Hardly used, exc cond. Right handed. Age 11-12/ H: 55”-58.5”. Clubs incl; driver, hybrid, 7 iron, 9 iron, PW, SW & putter. Inc golf bag with stand & hood. Can deliver locally. Photos available. £225. Tel: 07968 773114.

•

TECHNICAL & GAMES •

Lego City Hi-Speed Passenger Train Set. Brand new, sealed box.

Incmotorisedlocomotive with 8-channel, 7-speed infrared remote. Can deliver locally. Photos available. £130. Tel: 07968 773114.

Find a list of local defibrillator sites online: www.advertizer.co.uk/ local-defibrillator-sites/

www.advertizer.co.uk/submit-sales-wants

generation - brand new, unused. £15.

Tel: 01505 672175.

• Parker the Interactive (with mobile device)Teddy Bear, incl thermometer, stethoscope, x-ray bibs, spoon & medicine bottle. Exc cond. Can deliver locally. Photos available. £25. Tel: 07968 773114.

• Strikeworth 6’ Multi Games Table. Air hockey, pool table & table tennis. Accs & storage space incl.

Less than year old.

Exc cond. Cost £500, sell for £325. Photos available. Tel: 07968 773114.

• Oxford Titanic Set BM3522. Brand new, sealed box. Lego style building blocks.

Age 8+. 900 pieces.

Paid £39.99. Can deliver locally. Photos available. £25. Tel: 07978 773114.

• Canon Power Shot camera A3500 IS 5X opticalzoom16.0mega, manual kit etc.,with case.

New condition. £30. Tel: 01505 614503.

TOYS • Twilight Turtle light up

projector - exc cond, smoke free home. £10.

Tel: 01505 672175.

OTHER ITEMS •

Musical instruments - standard practice chanter with book and CD (unused), ideal for beginners. £25. Tel: 07952 164554.

WANTED ITEMS Cash paid for Vinyl Records and Music CDs (a few or a lot).

Tel: 01505 329638 or 07765 115347.

• Old records Wanted 45`s & LP`s CASH Paid.

Tel: 01505 873958 or 07710 777571.

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

•

FREE CYCLE •

100cm circular pine table & 4 matching chairs with 4 green/ cream pads. Tel: 01505 873252 or 07748 088448.

PROPERTY WANTED

House/BUNGALOW Wanted Detached/older semi with sunny garden preferred PRIVATE CASH BUYER Please call: 07753 659804

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

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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.

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ads directory by Category Gowanlea Nurseries . . . . . . . . . 11 Affluent Financial . . . . . . . . . 23 Hope Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 I&J Building & Roofing . . . . . 39 Lady Grafters Garden . . . . . . . 43 CLA Accountancy . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Childcare R Williams Tree Services . . . 47 Architectural Services Duchal Nursery School . . . . . . 17 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 43 CHG Architecture . . . . . . . . . . 11 Cleaning & PowerWash West of Scotland . . . . . . . . . . 43 Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 39 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 4 Gas & Heating Services Art, Gifts & Flowers Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 23 C Hunter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Fluffy Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 32 Gasfit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Little Luxuries Scotland . . . 13 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 33 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Original Artists . . . . . . . . . . 27 KC Roofing & Building . . . . . . 25 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 37 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 19 Automotive Services

Accountants & Financial Charity

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Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 21 Bryan Slaven . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Kingsley Wood & Co . . . . . . . . . 11 Clearline TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 21 Special Occasions Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 23 Joiners ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Plumbers Stoves DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 23 C Hunter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 37 James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 21 Gasfit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 JBC Joiners & Builders . . . . . 23 GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Taxis M Addison Joiners . . . . . . . . 39 I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 37 ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Property, Sales & Let Tiling SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 3 Cochran Dickie . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk Gordon James Ceramic . . . . . . . 42 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 4 Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Tree Surgeon Cycle Repair Glazier Kitchens Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 43 Spokes Bikes Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 19 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 37 Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 3 Kingsley Wood & Co . . . . . . . . . 11 Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 47 Driveways Hairdressers & Barbers Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 9 Removals LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Arlene Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . 28 JBC Joiners & Builders . . . . . 23 At@ease Removals . . . . . . . . . . 21 R Williams Tree Services . . . 47 Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 37 Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 4 Electricians W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Retail GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Health, Beauty & Fitness Leisure & Recreation Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,7 TV & Satellite MAS Electrical & Security . . 37 Arlene Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Hope Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Little Luxuries Scotland . . . 13 Clearline TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Russell Milne Electrician . . 41 Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Locksmiths Moovin’ Milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Kieran Turner Aerial . . . . . . . 19 Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 37 Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Original Artists . . . . . . . . . . 27 Fencing Upholstery Services McLaughlan Metal . . . . . . . . . . 23 LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 23 Roofing Tranquil Couples Spa . . . . . . . 45 Firewood & Logs Painters & Decorators A&M Sandstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 32 LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Home Hardware A Gallagher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 11 Window Cleaners Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 37 Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,7 Andrew Hay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Bryan Slaven . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 4 W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Home Improvements James Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 15 Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 32 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 47 John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 33 Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 33 Funeral Services Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 25 A&M Sandstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 I&J Building & Roofing . . . . . 39 Matthews Cleaning Services . . 3 KC Roofing & Building . . . . . . 25 John Roach Funeral . . . . . . . . . 9 CHG Architecture . . . . . . . . . . 11 Pest Control Window, Consv & Repair Kieran Turner Aerial . . . . . . . 19 RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 39 Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 23 Garage Doors & Gates SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 3 1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 37 Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Garolla Holdings Limited . . . 33 Photographers Thomas McMaster & Son . . . . . . 33 Renfrewshire Handyman . . . . . . 37 Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Mark Swaroop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Garden Service & Design

Home Interiors

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 9 3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 47 Little Luxuries Scotland . . . 13 Home Instead Senior Care . . . 11 CHG Architecture . . . . . . . . . . 11 Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 37 Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Catering Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 43 Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Care Services & Homes

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January 2022 issue: 8th December 2021

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Local history Johnstone History Society Our last meeting of 2021 will be on the 14th December at 7.30pm in the Masonic Hall Collier Street.

This time our speaker is a lady called Louise Turner and her subject is “Burnings, herschip and destruction” Renfrewshire and Ayrshire and the rise of James IV. We look forward to welcoming everyone members and visitors alike. At the moment we are still not serving tea and coffee but this will be kept under review.

However if you feel you would like to bring a drink with you this will be fine .

We have now had our second meeting and again it was very well attended which we are very pleased about. The talk about “Norway to Neilston” was very well presented and everyone enjoyed it and learned a lot about how it came to be established.

The Museum continues to open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 4pm. On sale we have all our usual books pamphlets and maps and the good news is our 2022 Calendars are available to buy and if posting abroad we supply envelopes. The calendars are priced at £5 and at such a good price they will sell quickly so acting now is the answer. All our products can be bought and paid for online at johnstonehistory. org. As a Society we would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members and friends a happy and safe Festive season.

HISTORY SPOT Cartbank Laundry: Robbery and Arrest In the 1920s it was a regular procedure for Cartbank Laundry van drivers to deliver their week’s takings to the company’s main office on a Thursday.

After closing time on Thursday 19th February, 1925 two Open-topped tram in Low Barholm, Kilbarchan men, John Feeney and Robert Robertson, gained entry to Cartbank Laundry’s premises by forcing an outside door with a tyre lever.

They gained access to the main office and stole an estimated total of £500. Their plan had been to blow up the laundry safe with explosives (their bag of explosives was later recovered from the crime scene), but this original plan was scrapped when they found a large quantity of loose coins and notes in an unlocked rolltop desk. The robbers, with heavy paper bags filled with notes and coins and with their pockets bulging with loose silver, hurriedly left the scene. They jumped on to a passing tram car bound for Paisley to make their escape.

Relieved, they sat on the top deck of the open-topped tram.

But that is not the end of the story. When the tram reached Johnstone High Street, one of the robbers dropped a bag of silver coins. The paper bag burst open! Some coins spilled on the floor and some fell from the moving tram on to the street below. In a state of panic both robbers tried to make their escape, but the tram conductor, John Sinclair, who had felt suspicious when the two boarded the tram in Kilbarchan, caught one of the men. An elderly gentleman who was passing by jumped on to the tram platform to assist John. While under their restraint, the apprehended robber threw handfuls of silver coins, amounting to almost fifty pounds, to a crowd of gathering spectators asking them to help him to escape and inciting them to help themselves to the scattered coins. The police soon arrived on the scene and the man was promptly arrested. Meanwhile, the second robber escaped.

But the saga continues. After half an hour’s delay, the tram continued on its journey to Paisley with Detective Sergeant Murray of Johnstone Burgh Police on board. When the tram reached the Thorn the second robber, who had escaped from the tram in the High Street, unsuspectingly, again boarded the tram. He was immediately recognized by the conductor and speedily arrested by Detective Murray. Later, a third man, who was walking from Johnstone through Elderslie, dropped a bag of silver coins on the pavement. He told some people who had helped him to gather up the scattered coins, that the money was his shop takings. When this incident was reported to the police he was regarded as a possible third suspect in the Cartbank robbery.

The two apprehended robbers appeared before Sheriff Hamilton in Paisley. John Feeney, a habitual criminal, was sentenced to four years penal servitude and David Robertson received a two year jail sentence. Most of the stolen money, including thirty pounds of the shower of silver coins scattered on the pavement, was recovered and returned to Gibson Brothers. © 2021 Helen Calcluth, Renfrewshire Local History Forum

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