331 December 2022 - Gryffe Advertizer

This Month-

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?

It feels like it’s been the Christmas season for a while here at the office. We work a month ahead of ourselves and November has certainly been a long month, but here we are!

Gibb Stuart’s annual Christmas windows never disappoint and are the same amazing standard as always - I’m certain that the other Christmas lights displays in the local villages will be beautiful and festive.

This year marks the 40th year of the Bridge of Weir Festival Santa Sleigh! Everyone involved does such a fantastic job and Santa’s helpers will be knocking on doors to ask for donations for their charities. Please donate if you can. We have all of the routes listed on page 4.

It looks like a lot of the Christmas Lights Switch-On events are back in full swing! We have listed the events we know about on page 5 - apologies if we have missed any.

From the office team at the Advertizer, we wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Thank you to all of our clients and contributors who make it possible to publish our magazine every month.

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE - BRIDGE OF WEIR from Monday 21st November 2022 for 1 week

This affects the section only between Prieston Road and Lintwhite Crescent for carriageway patching. Please note this doesn’t apply to access to the businesses and parking on Main Street and Torr Road. Diversions will be signposted and routed via:

Northbound Traffic: Locher Road, Ranfurly Road, Hazelwood Road, Prieston Road, Horsewood Road and Torr Road.

Southbound Traffic: Houston Road, Bridge of Weir Road (Houston), Houston Road (Crosslee), Barochan Road, Bridge of Weir Road. www.roadworksscotland.org - Reference: RN001-PM/280622A (3182093)

1st floor, Neva Place Bridge of

Advertizer Ltd 2022

• Printed in Glasgow and delivered by a local team.

• McAllister Litho Glasgow are committed to minimising their impact on the environment caused by their use of natural resources and the waste and pollution they create. www.mlg.co.uk/environment/

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Editorial in this publication

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The Gryffe Advertizer is published by © The Gryffe Advertizer Ltd 2022

This Month’s Cover: Icy Stream by Chloe McGinn

Please Note: Dates may be subject to change if adverse weather conditions occur.

The Bridge of Weir Festival Committee is delighted to announce the dates and routes for the Bridge of Weir Festival Santa Sleigh routes this year. It’s particularly exciting because this popular tradition is 40 years old this year!!

Each night Santa’s helpers will be knocking doors and asking for donations for their charities. We know it’s been a tough year for many, but please do give generously this Christmas. Santa will see you all in December!!!

Friday 2nd December

Quarriers Village

Kilmacolm

Saturday 3rd December

Johnstone

Monday 5th December

Kilbarchan

Steeple Square 5:30 – 9pm (Organised by the Community Council)

Wednesday 7th December

Bridge of Weir

Programme for the evening: 6pm - Service in Hope Hall

6.30pm - Lights Switch-On in the Village Square 6.45pm - Visit Santa in his grotto in the Coach House Several shops, coffee shops & restaurants will remain open late with Christmas treats and present-buying opportunities

Friday 9th December Howwood

“King Arthur - The Panto” by Archie Wilson is great entertainment for all the family - dont miss it!

You will have to be quick to get last minute tickets for Kilmacolm Dramatic Society’s latest show which is packed full of music, madness, fun and frolics, together with some scary moments. Will Morgana, her silly sons and their fearsome dragon outwit Arthur and his mum, their faithful friend Laughalot and the beautiful Guinevere?

Performances are at The Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm on Thursday 24th Nov, Friday 25th Nov - 7.30pm, with 2 shows on Saturday 26th Nov - 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Tickets on sale from www. kilmacolmdramaticsociety.co.uk or from Ticketsource. For queries please call Mandy on 07719 309960 or Rosie on 01505 873088.

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Saturday 26th November to Saturday 3rd December 7.30pm and Matinee 2pm

Johnstone Town Hall, 25 Church Street, Johnstone PA5 8EG

Join us for the re-telling of this well known and magical storyCinderella. The classic rags to riches tale in a pantomime suitable for all the family. We’ll bring sing-a-long songs, laugh out loud comedy, traditional audience participation, as well as stunning costumes and scenery. There will be plenty panto magic and a few surprises on the way. Join us to cheer the goodies and boo the baddies. A great time is guaranteed, as we get back to the theatre and enjoy this unforgettable show! Tickets £15 & £12 available at www.seaty.co.uk/jptgcinder

Andrew Hillcoat as Sir Laughalot

John Gilchrist as Dame Sarah Spendapenny Kevin Curran as Arthur

Johnstone History Museum, which is located within the Morrisons’ store in Johnstone, achieved a major milestone the other day when it welcomed its 50,000th visitor through the door.

Tabassum Shafiq, from Bridge of Weir, was welcomed by two of the Museum volunteers, Helen Bowie and Marlene Rogan. At an event organised to celebrate the occasion, Tabassum was presented with a traditional Scottish Quaich and a commemorative Certificate by Chairman of the Johnstone History Society, Iain Murray. Iain reported that he was delighted to see the Museum achieve such an important milestone and thanked the whole team of volunteers who keep the show running. The community Museum first opened its doors in April 2008 and less than a year after the Morrisons’ store opened. When asked how it all came about, Iain stated that, “when the Supermarket was being planned, discussions were held between the Council planning department, Morrisons’ Directors and members of Johnstone History Society, about the possibility of incorporating a purpose built Community Museum within the store. With financial help from the Heritage Lottery Fund the present facility came to pass”. “Johnstone History Society, owes a huge debt of thanks to the late Councillor John Kenny, the late Adam Lynch and his wife Janette who put in a huge amount of work to help create the Museum that we see in place today. The present team carry on the work they created”.

“Visitors come in from all over the world, but it is also great to welcome locals who discover a lot about their own town for the first time. The Museum also hosts school groups and local interest groups for organised visits by arrangement”.

The Museum contains a huge amount of information, photographs, historic documents, maps, memorabilia and industrial artefacts that chart the history of the town, from February 1782 when George Houstoun, the Laird of Johnstone, planned the Town, to the present day.

The Museum, located within the Store near the Café, is free to enter and is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30am till 4pm each day.

Further information about the Museum can be found on the website at www.johnstonehistory.org

Image: Tabbasum Shafiq 50k visitor; Iain Murray Chairman Johnstone History Society; Helen Bowie Museum volunteer; Marlene Rogan Museum Volunteer

St Vincent’s Hospice are delighted to announce a new corporate partnership with WRC Recycling. The family run business and its employees have pledged to “Pay for a Day” of care at St Vincent’s Hospice by raising enough money to cover the £6,000 daily costs.

As part of our partnership we invited members of staff from WRC along to visit the hospice. They knew straight away they wanted to become involved. St Vincent’s Hospice Partnership Manager,Louise Strachan, said: “Meeting with the team at WRC it is evident that they want to help and support the work we do at St Vincent’s Hospice. After having a recent visit to the hospice our partnership was cemented. I am delighted to have WRC Recycling as our corporate partner and look forward to working with them to reach their fundraising goal”

If you or your organisation would like to find out more about “Pay for a Day” please get in touch with Louise Strachan, on 01505 705635 ext 303 or Email louise.strachan@svh.co.uk

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Our final meeting for 2022 will be held in the Masonic Hall Collier Street on Tuesday December 13th at 7.30pm. The speaker on this occasion will be Douglas Breingan and his subject is Books Boats and Bobbins: the story of James Coats Philanthropist. We hope to have a good attendance as this is our last meeting in 2022 and being so near Christmas we plan to offer tea coffee and mince pies.

The Museum will continue to open Wednesday Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 4pm. We will close on Friday 23rd December and will reopen Wednesday 4th January 2023. Within the next few days 2023 calendars will be on sale at the Museum, they can also be purchased online at johnstonehistory.org along with any of our other merchandise. Payment can be made via PayPal. We would like to wish all our members and friends a Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2023.

launches

On Sunday 4th December a candle lit procession will leave from Corseford School car park at 4.45pm to the Hospice grounds. The event will feature carols and readings, as well as the chance to be with others whilst enjoying a hot drink and some food. You can dedicate a light on our beautiful hospice tree by visiting www.svh.co.uk or calling 01505 705635. Thousands of lights will shine brightly, each on in honour of a loved one, throughout the festive season.

The programme will run

Paisley’s Ice Rink - As part of the festive celebrations in Paisley Town Centre this year we are proud to present….new for 2022 the spectacular under cover outdoor Ice Rink. The perfect family festive day out. Featuring our themed Bavarian bar and Christmas goodies with a selection of festive outdoor rides for the whole family to enjoy…so why not make a day of it!

Christmas Market - Everyone loves to pick up a special Christmas gift or enjoy a treat.

Paisley First’s Christmas Market on the High Street will feature great local traders. You can also enjoy free activities, reindeer visits, buskers and children’s street entertainers every weekend.

Santa’s Grotto - Have you been naughty or nice? Santa will be in the Paisley Shopping Centre to find out!

Free family events - We’ll have a busy programme of free family events at various town centre venues.

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December 3rd @ 10am - December 4th @ 4pm

Renfrewshire Model Railway Club bring you the largest model railway show to hit the West of Scotland in many years. Taking place in the unique setting over two floors of The Art Department, the former Allders Store, at Paisley Shopping Centre. This show will feature huge model railway exhibits from all over the UK and will be an exciting grand show for all the family.

Renfrewshire Council has organised Paisley’s Christmas in partnership with town centre business improvement district Paisley First, and with Scotland’s Theme Park.

from Wednesday 30th November to Friday 30th December (excluding Christmas and Boxing Days). Highlights include:

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Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th December

North Pole Experience: 11.30am - 7.30pm

Christmas Imaginarium: 11am - 5pm

Coats Paisley, High Street, Paisley PA1 2BA

Welcome to the North Pole - you are greeted by your Imaginarium Tour guide character, who will escort you on a two hour journey through Imagination. Situated in the former grand chapel of the Gothic Coats Memorial Building we will play host to a stunning market full of beautiful goods to indulge. Live entertainment, carol singers and performances throughout the day.

Meet and Greet with Nutmeg our Baker elf, hear jokes from Sparky the Reindeer trainer of the North Pole (No reindeer present at the experience), dance along with our Elves, sing your heart out!

Playtime with our elves and an exclusive area for our little baby guests. After your Elf Experience you will meet the Wonderful Mrs Claus before embarking off on an adventure to post that all important letter to Santa. You can bring your own or make your own on the experience.

Our magical North Pole delivery service is top secret, never before been told!

Our Santa’s Grotto and North Pole Experience MUST be booked separately and in advance.

Child Admission £26.50 (First adult on your booking goes free), Infant - 0-12 months £10, Adult £8

Thursday 8th to Saturday 10th December at 7.30pm (doors 7pm)

Saturday Matinee at 2.30pm (doors 2pm)

Gallowhill Community Centre, 166 Netherhill Road, Paisley PA3 4SF

After the massive success of our first, full scale production of 9 to 5: The Musical, The Three Sisters Theatre Company is back and better than ever with a reimagining of Charles Dickens’s timeless tale:

A Christmas Carol!

Come and see the greatest yuletide story ever told, with our own spins and twists, unlike anything you have ever seen before. Packed with new, original songs, choreography and fantastic arrangements of your favourite and familiar carols, you’ll laugh, you’ll cheer, you’ll cry!

Join Ebenezer Scrooge, the original humbug, as he realises the true spirit of the holiday he hates most: Christmas!! Visited by three ghosts, he is shown his whole life,in hopes that he will change his ways,or be doomed!

If there is one show, this winter season, that will get you in the festive mood, it will be this version of Charles Dickens’s masterpiece.

Tickets: Adults-£12,Concessions-£10,Under13s-£8andcanbefoundat http://threesisterstheatre.co.uk

Sunday 18th December Doors 6.45pm Concert starts 7.30pm Paisley Abbey Abbey Close, Paisley PA1 1JG UK based chamber orchestra the London Concertante regularly performs up to and over one hundred concerts per year, making it the busiest ensemble of its kind in the country. With their numerous recordings reaching great critical acclaim, the ensemble is continually regarded as one of the finest groups in Europe since its founding in 1991. Don’t miss this breathtaking performance - get your tickets now for Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Candlelight at Paisley Abbey!

14th December from 7.30pm - 9pm (Doors Open: 7.15pm)

Paisley Methodist Church, 2 Gauze Street, Paisley PA1 1EP £6 Adult / £4 Child

Sing along with the fabulous Rock Choir in the welcoming warmth of the Methodist Central Halls right in the heart of Paisley!

Come along and enjoy the Paisley Christmas lights on route and make it a night of fun, friendly and affordable Christmas cheer! Dig out your Christmas jumpers, put some tinsel on and grab your Santa hats as Christmas is coming and we are set to celebrate in style! Buy your tickets at Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk

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Throughout the year Paisley Abbey hosts a varied programme of Lunch Hour Concerts by local musicians, singers and choral groups. Tickets £5, available at the door.

Saturday 17th December at 12.30pm - Abbey Brass –Concert of Christmas Music

Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley PA1 1JG

31st December from 8pm - 12.15am

Paisley Salvation Army Paisley Corps Mill Street, Paisley

Traditional Scottish “Hogmanay Ceilidh” with live ceilidh accordion band (Chris Shanks, Yvonne Ferguson). Join us for the Dashing White Sergeant, Gay Gordons and a bit of hoots mon! Suitable for all the family to enjoy a great night with dancing, traditional ceilidh band and light supper! Come and welcome 2023 - Happy New Year!

Tickets include include light supper: Adult: £15, Child (under 16): £5 Online Booking: www.seaty.co.uk/paisleyhogmanay

Family event - please respect The Salvation Army policy of no alcohol.

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On Sunday 16th October 2022, Marjorie Steel celebrated her 100th birthday at Campbell Snowdon House in Quarriers Village surrounded by family, friends and staff.

Originally from Middlesbrough, Marjorie (nee Milburn) spent her late teens and early twenties working in a shadow factory in Solihull making cylinder heads for Rolls Royce aircraft engines for the war effort. She was delighted to receive a 100th birthday card from Rolls Royce thanking her for the 6 years of 12-hour shift work all those years ago!

During the war, Marjorie met Alec Steel who was in the RAF and hailed from Queens Park in Glasgow. They married in February 1946 and enjoyed 63 years together, moving to Kilmacolm in 1968.

They were both very involved with the community and St Columba Church where Marjorie was the Flower Convenor for over 40 years and Alec a church elder.

Marjorie’s room at Campbell Snowdon is currently full of birthday flowers and cards. She’s delighted to have achieved the 100 milestone becoming the longest-lived family member - beating her Auntie Hilda who lived to 97!

Marjorie’s motto is ‘just get on with it’ and she puts her good health down to ‘walking everywhere, eating well and everything in moderation’!

Marjorie moved to Campbell Snowdon in June this year and is thoroughly enjoying her new lease of life, joining in with all the different activities - including a daily cycle! Marjorie says ‘the staff here are exceptional and I’m never lonely - there’s always something going on.’

Her daughter Sally would like to thank Campbell Snowdon for providing a delicious cake and hosting her Mum’s very special birthday celebration.

We’ve raised £450 which was equally divided between, Breast Cancer Now and Alzheimer’s Scotland. Thank you to all our class members for their generous donations and for all the fun we shared!

Marjorie pictured here with her little sister Audrey

Christmas at Gowanlea

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.”

~ W. T. Ellis

“As the festive season ushers in the crisp winter nights and morning dew gives way for frost glinting and glittering in the street, we at Gowanlea have been working round the clock to bring you a magical and merry Christmas experience this year.

Wander amongst luscious deep green Scottish Firs of Nordmann and Fraser, as the delicate aroma of our hand selected, fresh cut Christmas trees surrounds you within our indoor display and viewing area. No Christmas comes without tradition and we are delighted to invite you into ours - every weekend this December we will be serving complimentary warm mince pies, chestnuts roasted over open flame and a drop of beautiful mulled wine, let our family give the perfect festive day out to your family. This year festive cheer can be found nestled within Snowy White Chrysanths, Winter Hyacinths, Striking Red Christmas Roses, Green Ivy and the Striking Red Blooms of Poinsettia so why not send some of that cheer to someone dear with a Christmas bouquet or basket arranged lovingly and attentively by our incredible floral team.

lovingly whether

Visually stunning, scented beautifully and unbeatably fresh every arrangement that leaves our shop this Christmas is guaranteed to please whether it’s a thoughtful gift for someone special or a compliment to this year’s Christmas decorations. Our ever popular and simply stunning collection of beautiful handmade holly and fir wreaths are available in store throughout December with orders being taken now and delivery available on all orders.”

coming events IN December

late November events in

THURSDAY 24 TH - SATURDAY 26 TH

KDS’s King Arthur’ panto

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 7.30pm & 2.30pm

FRIDAY 25 TH

Quiz Night

Houston Bowling Club

Houston Christmas Lights switch on Main Street, Houston

SATURDAY 26 TH

Christmas Market

West Halls Main St, Houston 10.30am to 1pm

Paisley Farmers Market

Paisley Centre 10am to 2pm

Sound Bath

Community Cntr, Lochwinnoch Rd, Kilmacolm 10.30am - 11.30am

James Grant in concert

McKillop Hall, Lochwinnoch 8pm

Christmas Fayre

Salvation Army, Mill St, Paisley 10am to 3pm

Kilmacolm Scouts Group

Christmas Trees Scout Hall, Kilmacolm 10am - 1pm Free delivery if you live in Kilmacolm!

SATURDAY 26 TH - SUNDAY 27 TH

Christmas pop up

The Corner House, Elmbank Road Langbank 10am to 6pm

SUNDAY 27 TH

PROMS AT LANGBANK CHURCH

Langbank Parish Church, Main Rd, Langbank 2.30pm

Erskine Riverside Market

Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine 10am to 4pm

Christmas Market

Walkinshaw Comm Centre, Johnstone 10am to 4pm

WEDNESDAY 30 TH

Christmas Spectacular

Paisley Abbey 7.30pm

FRI 25 TH NOV - SUN 4 TH DEC

Art & Craft Market

Fox and Hounds, Main Street, Houston. Free entry

Light Switch On November 25th, 12noon - 8pm Saturday 26th November, 11am - 4pm Saturday 3rd December, 11am - 4pm Sunday 4th December, 11am3pm Follow us on Social Media @ ArtOnScotland e: artonscotland@ gmail.com. Dog friendly.

SAT 26 TH NOV - SAT 3 RD DEC

Cinderella pantomime

Johnstone Town Hall, Johnstone 7.30pm & 2.30pm

Phoenix Theatre Group tell the classic rags to riches tale in a pantomime suitable for all the family. Tickets available at www. seaty.co.uk/jptgcinders From £12.

SAT 26 TH NOV - SUN 4 TH DEC

THURSDAY 1 ST - SATURDAY 24 TH

Santa’s Missing Reindeer

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch Find all the reindeer and complete the wish list for presents and we’ll give you a special reward for completing it! Available daily throughout December while the visitor centre is open. From £3.

FRIDAY 2 ND

Quarriers Village Christmas Lights Switch-On

The Gateway Building, Main Street 4pm

Kilmacolm Christmas Lights Switch-on

Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road 6.30pm

SATURDAY 3 RD

Christmas Market

The Health Hub, Faith Ave, Quarriers Village, PA11 3TF

10am to 1pm

Pop along to our fantastic Christmas Fayre and pick up some festive goodies!

Singing for Wellbeing Workshop

St Fillans Church, Kilmacolm 11.30am

Come and try this fun and informal workshop to get ready for Christmas! With a 40 minutes of singing plus baking, raffles and Help raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Research. Please contact Daniela 07949 071653 or email schusterdani@icloud.com £6

Frozen Sing Along

Greenock

Art Club Christmas Exhibition and Craft Fair

The Stables Studio, Broomberry Drive, Gourock PA19 1QB

10am to 5pm

Weekends 26th/27th November and 3rd/4th December A large selection of works at affordable prices. Free entry.

WED 30 TH NOV - FRI 30 TH DEC

Paisley’s Christmas

Paisley - various venues

Paisley’s Ice Rink, Christmas Market, You can also enjoy free activities, reindeer visits, buskers and children’s street entertainers every weekend. Santa’s Grotto in the Paisley Shopping Centre. Free family events. Not open Christmas and Boxing Day.

THURSDAY 1 S T DECEMBER

Kilmacolm Old Kirk Outlook Team

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 3.30pm

Olive Tree Crafts - Juliet Robb. Come along to see and buy exquisite handmade Palestinian textiles, woodwork, and jewellery. All funds to MedicalAid for Palestine.

Come along to the centre of Kilmacolm and enjoy the switch on of our Christmas lights.

SATURDAY 3 RD

Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch On

Houston Square, Johnstone

Time to be confirmed. Johnstone will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland as the town switches on its beautiful lights officially marking the start of the festive season.

Kilmacolm Scouts Group Christmas Trees

Scout Hall, Kilmacolm 10am to 1pm

Once again we’re selling the best quality non-needle drop real trees for Christmas. Free delivery if you live in Kilmacolm! Help us raise vital funds to ensure we can give young people from Kilmacolm aged from six to 18 life changing skills and experiences.

McKillop Hall, Main Street, Lochwinnoch

Lochwinnoch Films 4U presents Frozen Sing Along. Visit ‘the wee shop’ in the village for tickets and donations. 3.30pm (doors 3pm)

Brighter Bridge Of Weir Xmas Pop Up Shop

Livery Walk, Bridge of Weir We’re planning on December 3rd, so get your reindeer orders in now! Call Neil on 07969 642487.

Kilmacolm Old Kirk Christmas Gift Coffee Morning and Fair

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 11am

Don’t miss Santa and his elves in the grotto with presents for all the young ones. Christmas Music will be provided by local choirs.

SATURDAY 3 RD - SUNDAY 4 TH

Model Railway Show

Piazza Shopping Centre

Central Way, Paisley PA1 1EL

Sat 3rd 10am - 5pm & Sun 4th 11am - 4pm. Renfrewshire Model Railway Club bring you the largest model railway show to hit the West of Scotland in many years. Adults £7, children £3, Under 5’s go free.

SUNDAY 4 TH

Kilmacolm Old Kirk Gift Service and Nativity Show

Old Kirk, High Street, Kilmacolm Look out for a special guest appearance from a certain jolly red elf at the end of the service who may just have more presents for the children!

St Vincent’s Launches Light Up A Life

St Vincent’s Hospice, Midton Rd, Howwood 5pm

A candle lit procession will leave from Corseford School at 4.45pm. Dedicate a light on our beautiful hospice tree by visiting www.svh co.uk or call 01505 705635

Christmas Gift Service & service of remembrance

Houston & Killellan Kirk, 13A Kirk Road, Houston

11am & 7pm All welcome.

Jingle Bell Fun Run

Barshaw Park, Paisley

3k at 11am open to all runners/ walkers aged 8 and over, and a 1k at 12pm open to any age, including those in buggies. Both are set in the Park. The 3k run is £5 for age 8-17 and £7 for age 18 and over. The 1k run is priced £4.50 for all ages.

MONDAY 5 TH

Gryffe Voices Charity Concert

Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir 8pm

Popular music and seasonal songs from Bridge of Weir’s community choir. Admission free - all welcome. A charity collection will be available.

Planning an event?

MONDAY 5 TH

Kilbarchan Christmas Lights Switch On

Kilbarchan Village Centre

5.30pm to 9pm

Craft tables, Balloon artist Paul Armour (for the young ones), soft drinks, mulled wine and one free entry to raffle with a prize of a luxury Christmas Hamper. Outdoor events free at Steeple Square!

TUESDAY 6 TH

Houston & Killellan Kirk Foodbank

West Halls Main Street Houston PA6 7EL (next to Carrick Centre and Village Hall) 10am to 12noon and 7pm – 8 pm Donations going to Renfrewshire Foodbank, Renfrew. Other dates are 13th & 20th

WEDNESDAY 7 TH

advertizer deadline

If you would like anything published in our January 2023 issue, please email: info@advertizer.co.uk or call the office on 01505 613340. Don’t miss out!

Bridge of Weir Christmas Lights Switch-On

Livery Walk, Bridge of Weir 6pm

Programme for the evening: 6pm - Service in Hope Hall 6.30pm - Lights Switch-On in the Village Square 6.45pmVisit Santa in his grotto in the Coach House Several shops, coffee shops & restaurants will remain open late with Christmas treats and presentbuying opportunities

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

Kilmacolm

Paisley

THURSDAY 8 TH

Houston & Killellan Kirk “Houston Hello”

Killellan Halls, 13A Kirk Road, Houston 2pm to 4pm

Drop in group for people living with dementia and carers. Contact Frankie Greenwood 07817 210777 or email: familyandcommunity. houstonkirk@gmail.com.

Houston & Killellan Kirk Tearfund xmas Concert

Houston & Killellan Kirk, 13A Kirk Road, Houston 7.30pm

Come along to this festive musical extravaganza. £8.

Sòlas bereavement drop-in group

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm

Bishopton & Dargavel

Bishopton Train Station Car Park 10am to 2pm Third Saturday of the month

Sòlas supports those who have lost a loved one. It doesn’t matter if it was recently or a long time ago, Sòlas creates a safe place to talk, to listen and to heal. For more information please call Barbara Marshall on 01505 872417 or email: barbara@oochy.com

THURSDAY 8 TH - SATURDAY 10 TH

A Christmas Carol

Gallowhill Community Centre, 166 Netherhill Road, Paisley PA3 4SF 7.30pm (doors 7pm)

Come and see the greatest yuletide story ever told. Tickets: Adults - £12, Concessions - £10, Under 13s - £8 and can be found at http://threesisterstheatre.co.uk

SATURDAY 10 TH

Kilmacolm Community Christmas Celebration

St Columba’s Church, Duchal Road, Kilmacolm 4pm

Community Carol singing at the Piazza followed by a Community Celebration for all the family featuring puppets and music, then seasonal refreshments in the hall.

Kilmacolm Scouts Group Christmas Trees Scout Hall, Kilmacolm 10am to 1pm

Once again we’re selling the best quality non-needle drop real trees for Christmas. Free delivery if you live in Kilmacolm! Help us raise vital funds to ensure we can give young people from Kilmacolm aged from six to 18 life changing skills and experiences.

Kilmacolm Christmas Fair

Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 10am to 2pm Free entry Tammie Norries homeware, Claire Cameron Cakes, paintings by Helen McDonald, Orieano Candles, Jane Pool Interiors, NM47 Jewellery, Kilmacolm Primary School, Joy Nevada Studios, Lochwinnoch Soap Company, Camper Plants, Rhea’s Resin Art, and many more.

Crafty Kilmacolm’s Christmas Market

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

Local crafters, creatives, artists, makers and bakers will fill Kilmacolm Community Centre with their handmade unique gifts to spoilt all your family and friends this Christmas.

SATURDAY 10 TH - SUNDAY 11 TH

Christmas Imaginarium

Coats Observatory, Oakshaw Street, Paisley 11am to 5pm Our Santa’s Grotto and North Pole Experience MUST be booked separately and in advance. Throughout the day we will have live entertainment, carol singers and performances.

SUNDAY 11 TH

Bridge of Weir Choral Society Christmas Concert

Kilmacolm Old Kirk, High Street, Kilmacolm 7pm Johnstone Band and Angel Voices in a repertoire of popular carols and festive songs. Tickets cost £10, available from any choir member in advance, or at the door on the night. For further information, please contact mary.Leishman@4consulting.com

Kilmacolm Old Kirk Morning Worship

Kilmacolm Old Kirk, High Street, Kilmacolm 11am 3rd in Advent

MONDAY 12 TH

The Kilbarchan Singers Christmas Concert

Kilbarchan Parish Church, Church Street, Kilbarchan 7.30pm

Tickets priced at £10 each, which includes some post-concert refreshments. Tickets from choir members or call 01505 344471.

MONDAY 12 TH - THURSDAY 15 TH

Houston Kirk Postie

West Halls, Main Street, Houston 10am to 12noon

30p per card donation. Kirk Postie will deliver in Houston, Crosslee or Brookfieldwithdeliveryguaranteed by Monday 19th December. Sorting office open 10am - 12noon & 7pm - 8pm (or take your cards to church on Sunday 11th) Funds for St. Vincent’s Hospice

WEDNESDAY 14 TH

Christmas Carol Concert

Paisley Methodist Church, 2 Gauze Street, Paisley PA1 1EP 7.30pm to 9pm

Buy your tickets at Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk

THURSDAY 15 TH

Kilmacolm Old Kirk OUTLOOK Christmas Party

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 2pm to 3.30pm

Featuring games, a quiz, tombola, Christmas tea and carols with Sandra.

THURSDAY 15 TH

The McDougalls and the Magic Castle

Johnstone Town Hall 5.30pm

There are potions to perfect, broomsticks to battle and spells to solve! But what lurks in the deep in the dungeon...? Come dressed as a wizard, dragon or fairy for a cracking winter show! £9.50 / Family of 4 - £36.

ACCORD Hospice Carol Service

Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley 11am

We are delighted to once again be holding our 32nd annual Christmas Celebrations of lessons and Carols at Paisley Abbey. Tickets are £5.

SATURDAY 17 TH

Kilmacolm Scouts Group Christmas Trees

Scout Hall, Kilmacolm 10am to 1pm

Once again we’re selling the best quality non-needle drop real trees for Christmas. Free delivery if you live in Kilmacolm! Help us raise vital funds to ensure we can give young people from Kilmacolm aged from six to 18 life changing skills and experiences.

SUNDAY 18 TH

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons By Candlelight

Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley 6.45pm to 7.30pm

Don’t miss this breathtaking performance, get your tickets now for Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Candlelight at Paisley Abbey on our website: www.paisleyabbey. org.uk/events/

Kilmacolm Old Kirk Morning worship

Kilmacolm Old Kirk, High Street, Kilmacolm 11am 4th in advent. Children and parents from the village are invited to attend at 10.30am to make Christingles in the Kidston Hall.

Houston & Killellan Kirk Nativity Service

Houston & Killellan Kirk, 13A Kirk Road, Houston 11am Nativity Service.

SATURDAY 24 TH

Houston & Killellan Kirk Watchnight Service

Houston & Killellan Kirk, 13A Kirk Road, Houston 11pm

Kilmacolm Old Kirk Watchnight Service

Kilmacolm Old Kirk, High Street, Kilmacolm 11.15pm

This is always a special occasion and a chance to sing some of your favourite carols.

SUNDAY 25 TH

Kilmacolm Old Kirk

Christmas Day service

St Columba’s Church, Duchal Road, Kilmacolm 11am

Held jointly with our friends in St Columba’s Church. There will be a baptism taking place in church that day too!

Houston & Killellan Kirk

Christmas Day Service

Houston & Killellan Kirk, 13A Kirk Road, Houston 11am

Children please feel free to bring a toy!

SATURDAY 31 ST

Family Hogmanay Ceilidh

Paisley Salvation Army, Mill St, Paisley 8pm to 12.15am

Join us for the Dashing White Sergeant, Gay Gordons and a bit of hoots mon! Suitable for all the family to enjoy a great night with dancing, traditional ceilidh band and light supper!

Book online: www.seaty.co.uk/ paisleyhogmanay This is a family event, please respect The Salvation Army policy of no alcohol. Tickets £5.

SUNDAY 1 ST JANUARY

Kilmacolm Old Kirk

New Year’s Day Service

Kilmacolm Old Kirk, High Street, Kilmacolm 11am

A joint service with St Columba’s.

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

village news

The ��������g��

www.thebridgebridgeofweir.com

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. Also in stock are the popular Bridge of Weir calendars with photographs by the Paisley Colour Photographic Club.

Café – while visiting The Bridge, why not have a rest from Christmas shopping and stop for an affordable cuppa in our warm and cosy cafe.

Artists – we have a display of paintings from local artists perfect for that last minute Christmas gift.

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 our Post Office staff for details.

Cinema – all films shown at 7pm. Free entry. Donations appreciated, but not required. Relax and enjoy!

Coming up -

• Fri 2nd Dec The Spirit of the Beehive PG 1973

• Thu 15th Dec Chicago 12A 2002

• Fri 6th Jan ‘23 The Chorus PG 2004

We wish our customers, volunteers and employees a very Happy Christmas and a healthy 2023. Thank you for your support throughout 2022 and we look forward to your continued support in 2023.

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

Gr��ffe ������ce��

Christmas is Coming

Monday 5th December at 8pm Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir A charity concert by Gryffe Voices (BoW’s community choir). Popular music and seasonal songs from Bridge of Weir’s community choir.

Admission free - all welcome. Charity collection will be available.

Next Deadline...

#332 January 2023: 7th December

ward 11 cllr james maclaren

It’s that time of year, so I am happy to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I hope our streets are bedecked with fancy lights again. Bishopton should be a lot brighter this year thanks to a successful funding application by Bonnie Bishopton for Christmas lights. I have asked if the Christmas Lights in Renfrewshire can be turned off late around midnight rather than be on throughout the night. The miscalculations in the school roll projection for the new Dargavel Primary School will have ramifications both for the primary schools and Park Mains HS. B.A.E.’s own architects back in 2001 said that a Secondary School would be required by 1,500 households and at least two Primary Schools by 3,500 households. We are now at a projected 4,080 households with one oversubscribed Primary School! I will be putting out an information leaflet round the village and would welcome some help to distribute these locally.

As I write this, we will learn this week of the projects successful in the first round of the council’s You Decide campaign. 117 ideas which the public can vote online for, starting 11th November for 4 weeks. Assistance can be provided for anyone without internet. I hope constituents will get involved in the voting system and choose wisely. We should know which ones will be successful in January with work starting in 2023. For those who put forward projects but were unsuccessful, then I’m happy to explore this with them and find out why their project did not make it this time.

I have been pressing SPT to get an improved bus service for Bishopton. There is an intention to construct a new bus turning circle in Erskine, but I have expressed at council that there would be no need for a turning circle if the buses continued on into and round the mega village of Bishopton and Dargavel. I will continue to press for better bus services.

I have been getting costs for work to Horsewood Park, Bridge of Weir for an upgrade to the footpaths. Unfortunately, due to the topography these costings are very high, but I will continue to urge the council to action. It would be good to have a Friends of The Glen and Park. Such a group could make such a difference by seeking funding and doing a bit of gardening such as planting blue bells alongside the path. Let me know if that interests you.

Surgeries: 6.30pm - 7pm - Langbank Church - 1st Monday of the month; Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir – 2nd Monday of the month; Bishopton Community Centre –3rd Monday of the month.

Contact info: 0300 300 1291 cllr.james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Councillor Details

WARD 9:

JOHNSTONE NORTH, KILBARCHAN, HOWWOOD & LOCHWINNOCH www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/

Cllr Chris Gilmour: cllr.chris.gilmour@renfrewshire.gov.uk 0300 300 1289 | 07484 064521

Cllr Gillian Graham: cllr.gillian.graham@renfrewshire.gov.uk 0300 300 1268

Cllr Andy Doig: cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk 07534 148 224

Cllr Emma Rodden: cllr.emma.rodden@renfrewshire.gov.uk 0300 300 1431

WARD 10:

HOUSTON, CROSSLEE & LINWOOD www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/

Cllr Audrey Doig: cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk 07768 130 935

Cllr Alison Jean Dowling: cllr.alison.dowling@renfrewshire.gov.uk 0300 300 1419

Cllr Robert Innes: cllr.robert.innes@renfrewshire.gov.uk 0300 300 1254

Cllr David mcGonigle: cllr.david.mcgonigle@renfrewshire.gov.uk 0300 300 1287

WARD 11:

BISHOPTON, LANGBANK & BRIDGE OF WEIR www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/

Cllr James MacLaren: cllr.james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk 0300 300 1291

Cllr fiona airlie-nicolson: cllr.fiona.airlie-nicolson@renfrewshire.gov.uk 0300 300 1253

Cllr Colin McCulloch: cllr.colin.mcculloch@renfrewshire.gov.uk 0300 300 1427

WARD 1:

INVERCLYDE EAST www.inverclyde.gov.uk/

Cllr Christopher Curley: christopher.curley@inverclyde.gov.uk 07768 460073 | 01475 712370

Cllr Stephen McCabe: Stephen.McCabe@inverclyde.gov.uk 01475 712 020 (office hours)

Cllr David Wilson: david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk 01475 741969 / 712727 | 07766 992 294

Dan������s ������ to co������t�� i�� ��h�� US��

Six Dancers from Galaxy Dance and Cheer based in Houston, Renfrewshire have been selected to represent their country at the ICU World Championships 2023 in Florida as part of Team Scotland in the Youth Pom, Youth Hip Hop and Senior Pom divisions.

The talented dancers: Carys, Ellis, Emma, Zara, Izzy & Jorja, aged 13-18 years, were selected from athletes throughout Scotland at auditions and tryouts. Being accepted onto Team Scotland is a very exciting and rewarding experience for all of the girls, but unfortunately this does not come without costs. At present, there is no funding available to cover athlete costs therefore, the trip is entirely self-funded. The girls plan to fundraise as much as possible over the coming months to help with travel, accommodation, training costs, costumes and team training kit.

We are reaching out to local business owners who would be able to support them on their way to worlds, with either a donation/sponsorship or a raffle prize. If you are able to help we would love to thank you, with a mention on our vast social media platforms.

Please email: accounts@dancewestscotland.co.uk if you are able to donate, sponsor or offer a raffle prize.

11 cllr colin mcculloch

It has been a hectic few months since I was re-elected away back in May. I am grateful to everyone who gave me their vote and I hope to repay that vote of confidence as we work together over the next few years.

In my recent casework, I have been busy on a number of issues, including the condition of roads, housing and planning enquiries, schools, bin collections and local health services. Difficult times lie ahead of us; public spending squeezes, tax rises, rising inflation and skyrocketing household bills means it will be tough for many of us to make ends meet. I will continue to push hard for the Council to take what action it can to assist residents and families facing a bleak future as the cost-ofliving crisis begins to bite hard. If you are facing difficulties, a helpful toolkit information of support is available at https:// costofliving.campaign.gov.scot/. If I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Please take the time to check in on vulnerable neighbours and offer help if you can. If you can donate to the growing number of charitable bodies, local organisations and places of worship offering help with fuel cost, emergency food provision, clothing, and many other areas, please do so. If you can’t spare any money, perhaps you could spare some time to volunteer? If so, please check out https://volunteer. engagerenfrewshire.org/index-classic for opportunities to volunteer in our local area.

Finally, as we approach our first ‘normal’ Christmas in quite some time, I would like to wish you all and those nearest and dearest to you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Contact info: 0300 300 1427 cllr.colin.mcculloch@renfrewshire.gov.uk

brookfield village hall

Karate:

Adults and children welcome (min. age 7 yrs) Gradings held on an ongoing basis.

07850 407442

Johnstone Tora-Kai Karate

Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm Thursday 5.50pm - 6.50pm

Zumba®: A total workout, combining elements of fitness: cardio, muscle conditioning,balance and flexibility. gems_paisley@hotmail.com

Tuesday 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Ballroom/Latin:

New members welcome. Private lessons available.

Stewart 07710 464 969 ballroombasics@live.co.uk

Thurs 7pm - 8pm (Beginners)

Thurs 8pm - 9pm (Intermediate)

Sat 11am - 12.30pm (Mixed Ability)

Yogabellies:

Each class is suitable for all levels of experience including none at all! yogabellieslyndsey@outlook.com

Sun 6pm - 7.15pm for Pregnancy

Sun 7.30pm - 8.30pm Hatha Flow for all Mon 10am - 11am for Mum & Baby

The Ballet & dance Company: Get in touch for more information or to book a trial. suzanne@balletanddanceacademy.co.uk

Friday 3.15pm - 6.30pm

DDP Yoga:

Full body workout to improve flexibility, strength, balance & cardio fitness.

Laura 07474 443505 energisewithlaura@gmail.com

Monday 6.15pm - 7.15pm

COUNCILLOR/MSP SURGERIES

(Village Hall Library)

Cllr Audrey Doig

Thursday 8th @ 6.30pm - 7pm

Cllr Alison Ann-Dowling

Friday 16th @ 10.30am - 11am

Cllr Robert Innes

Tuesday 20th @ 6pm - 6.30pm

Are you waiting on Santa arriving in your street?

Each night Santa’s helpers will be knocking on doors and asking for donations for their charities. Please do give generously this Christmas. Santa will see you all in December!!!

Full details of the stops are on page 4.

ward 10 cllr

audrey doig

As we all look forward to the Christmas period with our friends and families it is with some trepidation, given the unprecedented cuts to public services which are predicted to hit local government from central government over the next few years. I was first elected in 2007 and the Council was almost immediately hit with the financial crash of 2008/09. We survived that and with the political resolve we can survive the current crisis. Thank you to all the community groups across Linwood, Houston, Crosslee and Brookfield, who throughout the year do so much. In particular, I have to single out the Bee Happy Crew from Houston who do so much to, not only keep our highways and byways green and clean, but also contribute to the local foodbanks network.

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.

Contact info: 07768 130 935 cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Ho��s������ & Cro����l���� S��I

Our December meeting will be held on Wedneday 14th at 7.30pm when we will have an evening of fun. We meet in The Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm. Please come along and join us. If you wish any further information please phone 07932 459994.

NEW FITNESS CLASS

Looking to fit into that outfit for a Christmas party? Come and try Bailey Fitness classes which have started in the Village Hall, Tuesday from 7.45pm - 8.45pm. Class includes Circuits, HIIT Training, Meta fit, Boxercise - and more! £5 per class. baileyfitness101@gmail.com for further details.

BROOKFIELD SWI

The new session is now underway with meetings taking place every second Tuesday from 10am - 12noon. December meeting: Tuesday 6th and January meetings: Tuesday 10th and 24th. Regular speakers and refreshments including home baking. New members/visitors are most welcome - come along and join us! brookfieldvpa@gmail.com for more information.

brookfieldvillage.org

BISHOPTON

• The Cornerstone, Greenock Rd • Bishopton Community Centre

BROOKFIELD • Brookfield Village Hall

BRIDGE OF WEIR

Co-Op

Old Ranfurly Golf Club

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club

Gate Hs, BoW Leather Works

ELDERSLIE

Elderslie Golf Club

HOUSTON

Outside Church Hall, Main St

Co-Op

Strathgryffe Tennis (reception)

Old telephone box, Houston Rd, Crosslee • Back of Houston Primary on outside of playground fence

HOWWOOD • Howwood Hall, Station Rd • Christ the King Church, Bowfield Rd

The Boarding House (open hrs)

Howwood Primary School fence

JOHNSTONE

Keystore, Spateston

Keystore, Corseford

Johnstone Town Hall

Scottish Fire & Rescue

KILMACOLM

Kilmacolm Golf Club

St Columba’s Senior School

Gym, Birkmyre Park

Library (rear of New Surgery)

KILBARCHAN

Scout Hall

Kilbarchan Bowling Club

LANGBANK

Langbank Village Hall

Doctors surgery, Station Rd (carpark wall)

LINWOOD

Onyx Leisure Centre

Spar, Clippens Rd

Asda

LOCHWINNOCH

Outside GP Practice, Main St

PAISLEY

Russell Institute

QUARRIERS

William Quarriers House (entrance to Faith Ave)

brookfieldvpa@gmail.com

#332 January 2023: 7th December

@BrookfieldVPA

local community, local business, local life

Christmas period is a busy, but very enjoyable period at the Kirk. Services continue at 11am every Sunday, are live streamed, and are available later on YouTube. During this period there are a number of special and additional services, which are included in the Coming Events. The additional initiatives include:-

Warm Clothes Appeal - The collection was received during three Tuesdays in October at the same time as the continuing successful Foodbank. The 13 large bags of clothes collected were split between the Simon Community and the Lodging House Mission, for the benefit of the vulnerable people they support – with most going to the Simon Community Access Hub, as the Lodging House Mission have limited storage facilities. The deliveries were very much appreciated, with one little lady at the Access Hub being very emotional in saying that, if it wasn’t for our donations, she “would not have any warm clothing this winter”.

Local Outreach Mission team - would wish to express their thanks and appreciation to the Houston Community for generously supporting this initiative again this year and to those who assisted with the initiative. It does mean that many of the vulnerable will be a bit cosier during the winter months.

Children of Prisoners - These children are supported at the visitors’ support and advice service at Perth Prison and the visitors’ centre family hub at Polmont Prison, both run by CrossReach, the social work arm of the Church of Scotland. The gifts were collected at the same time as the Foodbank in November, with a final opportunity to take to the Gift Service at the Kirk on 4th December. There is little doubt that this will again be enthusiastically supported by the Houston Community. The CrossReach prison visitor service aims to provide a gift at Christmas to each of the children with whom it comes into contact.

Kirk Postie - was re-introduced last year, raising about £1,000 for charity. For a modest donation of 30p per card, Christmas Cards may be posted at the West Halls on Mon 12th – Thur 15th, 10am – 12noon & 7pm – 8pm, or taken to the Kirk on Sun 11th. 100% of the donations received will go to St Vincent’s Hospice.

Retiral Offerings donated are valuable to the beneficiaries. Although at the time of writing the amount of the Remembrance Collection is not known as donations were being received at the Foodbank on the two Tuesdays following Remembrance Sunday, it will no doubt be a significant collection as always. The beneficiaries will again be Erskine Hospital and Homes and SSAFA, who will no doubt again be very grateful for the generosity of those who contributed.

At the Christmas Services there will be an opportunity to support our other chosen charities for 2022:

• St Vincent’s Hospice – providing in-patient and day-care to those with life-limiting conditions.

• Scottish Huntington’s Association – supporting specialist care for those impacted by Huntington’s disease.

• The Mwandi Baby Milk Project – purchasing baby milk for children where mothers are unable to provide this.

H.O.S.T

The Carrick Centre, Houston

Coffee

Monday

MONDAY

Sewing Group R4 10am (5th only)

DWL R2,3,& MH 5pm (until 12th)

Diaporama R2 12th @ 7.30pm

Handiwives R4 12th @ 7.30pm

TUESDAY

Yoga R2 7pm (until13th)

Hazel Connelly Art Class R4 6th & 20th @ 1.15pm

DWL R2,3 & MH 4pm (until 13th)

WRADS MH 13th @ 7.30pm

WEDNESDAY

DWL R2,3,& MH 3.30pm (until 14th)

MOO MUSIC R2 9.45am (until 14th)

Gryffe Camera Club R2 7.30pm(until14th)

Women’s Institute R114th @ 7.30pm

THURSDAY

Gryffe Quilting Group R2 10am – 3pm (1st Dec)

Crafty Friends R5 1st & 15th @ 7.30pm

Folk Club MH 8pm (until 15th)

DWL MH 5.30pm (until 15th)

Move It Or Lose It MH10.30am (until 15th)

FRIDAY

Yoga R2 9th & 16th only @ 10.30am

DWL R2,3,& MH 3.30pm (until 16th)

Gavin Newlands MP R1 9th @ 12.30pm

Cllr Alison Dowling R1 16th @ 11.15am

Natalie Don MSP R1 2nd @ 12noon

SATURDAY

DWL R1,2,3, & MH 9.30am (until 17th)

Cllr Robert Innes R5 17th @ 11am

SUNDAY

Baptist Church 11am and 6pm

Sorting office opens in the West Halls, Main Street, Houston on Monday 12th - Thursday 15th December from 10am - 12noon and 7pm - 8pm (or take your cards to church on Sunday 11th)

For a donation of only 30p per card, the Kirk Postie will deliver anywhere in Houston, Crosslee or Brookfield.

Delivery guaranteed by Monday 19th December.

All funds raised will be donated to St. Vincent’s Hospice will

How�������� Par������ Ch������h

Wow, December is upon us. As we end the old year and look forward to the new year please stop and reflect on the reason we celebrate Christmas.

Christmas is a celebration and an expression of goodwill and thanks to all.

It began with the birth of the baby Jesus and remains at the heart of all our celebrations. We in the church wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year on 31st December at Hogmanay.

Events during December

Sunday 4th Please bring donations for the Christmas foodbank. Church open from 9.30am. Anyone in the village can donate and will be welcome.

Sunday 11th Gift service for others.

Please mark your gifts for Boy, Girl, Man or Woman. All gifts will go to the Preshal Trust in Govan for distribution to deserving people.

Wednesday 14th Christmas Community Coffee Morning. 11am till 1pm at the church hall. Open to all. Come and enjoy the company and the gossip - sorry meant chat. Tea, coffee, Christmas pies and shortbread will be served. Remind your friends all to come .

Saturday 24th Christmas Eve Service 4pm Tea, coffee and mince pies will be served after the service. Everybody welcome.

Sunday 25th Christmas Day Service - 10am as usual at the church.

All of our Sunday and Sunday school services start at 10am

ALL ARE WELCOME IN THIS PLACE

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club continues every Monday from 9.15am - 11.30am in the hall and the Christmas Party is on 19th at 9.45am when Santa will be paying a visit.

Kilbarchan Parish Church: services in December continue at 11am conducted by Rev Stephen Smith. The church will be decorated with the beautiful hangings and garlands from the beginning of December. The choir will lead a service of Nine Lessons and Carols at 6.30pm on Sunday 18th, followed by refreshments in the hall. On Christmas Eve there will be an early evening family service at 6.30pm in the church and on Christmas Day the service will be at 10.30am when children should bring along one of their presents. On New Years Day there will be a short service at 11am as usual. All are welcome to these special services.

The members continue to support the local food bank and will once again be participating in the Reverse Advent Calendar appeal, filling a box from 27th November to 18th December. The annual Blythswood Shoebox Appeal continued with donations only this year and a considerable sum was donated along with some filled boxes.

Midweek Fellowship continues every Wednesday morning with coffee at 10.30am followed by a short service in the small hall.

Kilbarchan Parish Church Guild meets on Tuesday 13th at 2.30pm in the hall for their Christmas Party.

Fes�������� Ar�� B�� ��he ��������

Friday & Saturday 25th/26th November and Saturday & Sunday 3rd/4th December at the Fox & Hounds South Street, Houston

The Art On Scotland Team has been quiet for a while, that’s because the GoMA is undergoing construction over the next year so you’ll have to wait a while for Art On the Exchange. We are running 4 special Festive Markets out in Houston, Renfrewshire. Our handmade, self design policy and fabulous product quality will still apply for our countryside event. Our trader list is jam packed with creative talent, there truly is something for everyone at these events. Support your local creative businesses and get some hand crafted gifts for your loved ones. Free entry.

A service for the whole community!

You may have read in the press, about the miscalculation of the pupil roll for the new Dargavel Primary. This has been a huge error by this Council’s administration. As Labour Spokesperson for Education, I’ve successfully secured a full Independent External Inquiry into what happened. This debacle has caused tremendous upset to parents. It is essential that a permanent solution is found as soon as possible, in order that pupils have the education they deserve. This also raises concerns about how the unbudgeted costs for a larger Dargavel Primary may impact on schools in this Ward. In particular, the building of a new Thorn Primary. I am currently seeking assurances that the new Thorn Primary will not be delayed and that all schools in Kilbarchan, Howwood, Lochwinnoch and Johnstone have the correct capacity and are fit for purpose. Kilbarchan residents will be aware of evening working at Kilbarchan Asphalt Depot. I’ve raised concerns with council officers about work regularly taking place late into the night and the noise nuisance this causes. I’d like to thank the Community Council and residents for their support in this matter. I am pleased to confirm that Officers are now carrying out an investigation, I will keep residents updated. I’ve also raised residents’ concerns about the new road surface in Howwood where potholes and flooding are already evident. Officers are looking into this and I hope that this should be resolved in the near future.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all constituents for their kindness and support during my first 8 months as one of your Ward Councillors. No matter who you voted for, you have my commitment that I will work hard for you all year round. I hope you and your loved ones have a joyous and peaceful holiday season and a very Happy New Year.

Contact info: 0300 300 1268 cllr.gillian.graham@renfrewshire.gov.uk

The ����������r����an S��������r��

Ch��i��t������ C��n��e��t

The Kilbarchan Singers Christmas Concert, Monday 12th December at 7.30pm, is the culmination of our 40th Anniversary year. We have had a wonderful year singing and celebrating and are delighted to welcome some new singers to the choir. As usual, our Christmas Concert is being held in Kilbarchan Parish Church with tickets priced at £10 each, which includes some post-concert refreshments. Tickets are available from any choir member or by telephoning 01505 344471.

We hope to be welcoming a large audience to join in our celebrations and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the evening.

The old library centre

kilbarchan

opening Times: Monday – Friday: 10am to 12noon & 2pm to 4pm

Monday

Spanish Conversation 2pm3.45pm (University of the 3rd Age)

Tuesday

Craft Group 2pm - 4pm (every 2nd Tuesday)

Craft Group 2pm - 4pm (every 2nd Tuesday)

Book Group 7.15pm - 8.30pm (once a month - next meeting 13th Dec)

Wednesday

Yoga with Elizabeth 10am - 11.30am & 7.30pm - 9pm (waiting list)

Thursday

Move it or Lose it 2pm -3pm (exercise for over 60’s)

Family History 7pm Friday

Bridge 2pm - 4pm

Members old and new will be made most welcome.

We invite everyone in Lochwinnoch to join the festival and decorate your window for Friday 2nd December

Pick up materials, add your house to the trail map and get information on how to create a window from ‘the wee shop’ on Church Street or from Lochwinnoch Primary School. Find out more and add your house to the trail map at www.facebook.com/groups/ lochwinnochartsfestival

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Our December meetings are centred around Christmas-lunch in a local restaurant, afternoon tea at the farm of a member and a zoom pantomime and fun evening. For further details please phone 703786 or see the website: www. nwr.org.uk

In a summer visit to the Steeple Hall in Kilbarchan by Councillors and council officers it was explained that it has been at least thirty years since Renfrewshire Council made major investment in the iconic building. This is a disgrace which is why at the 2018/19 Budget I proposed initial upgrade to the Steeple Hall, which was carried by my casting Independent vote against Labour/ Tory opposition. Other projects in that package ran over budget due to lack of Council maintenance, so again at the 2022/23 Budget I proposed a package of £700,000 investment in the Steeple Hall, which was carried earlier this year. I asked council officers to investigate the possibility of getting Historic Environment Scotland grants to upgrade the Steeple Hall, and they have confirmed that they will be making an application to that effect, which will be in addition to the £700,000, which I am delighted about.

A few years ago I lobbied the Education Department to deal with drainage problems in and around Howwood Primary School, this was a great step forward for the school estate and it has allowed them to successfully get £50,000 from Renfrewshire Council recently to create a MUGA, a Multi Utility Games Area. This will allow for the same area to be used for various sports activities which will enhance the PE experience for Howwood children.

At the last meeting of the Climate Change and Planning Policy Board there was an item regarding the Clyde Climate Initiative. This is a project across the West of Scotland encouraging tree planting and to that effect I arranged a meeting with the Board Convener, myself and Lochwinnoch-based Eadha Enterprises, who plant aspen trees to remediate post industrial land, to see what they could contribute to the Clyde Climate Initiative. Finally, may a wish all my constituents, of all faiths and none, a very Happy Christmas, and a good New Year.

The Move It or Lose It class welcomed a visit from Provost Lorraine Cameron on Thursday 3rd November.

She took part in the class and afterwards enjoyed a cup of coffee with the participants. Move It or Lose It is an exercise class or is an exercise class aimed at over 60’s. If you would like to learn more about it call Fiona Bretherton on 07811 766672 or email fiona.bretherton@ moveitorloseit.com. Recently the classes across Renfrewshire and Inverclyde were asked to wear pink or blue and bring a small donation. This raised £450 and was split equally between Alzheimer’s Scotland and Breast Cancer Now. Well done!

The Old Library Centre will close on Friday 16th December for the Christmas Holiday and will re-open on Monday 9th January. We w������ ��l�� o���� f����e��d�� & ��up������t������

The Old Library Centre 9 High Barholm, Kilbarchan, PA10 2EF Kipco is a Scottish charity, SC031251, and is run by volunteers

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James Grant is one of the most renowned and respected musicians in Scotland. He will be playing at the Lochwinnoch McKillop Institute on Saturday 26th Novembershow starts at 8pm, doors 7.30pm. Tickets available from Now and Then Gifts or online at www.scotlandontour.com

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7pm Christmas Day Family Service 10.30am Both followed by festive refreshments

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A fantastic Scotland on Tour event with the brilliant Pauline Vallance, Shelagh McKay Jones and Roseanne Reid on Saturday 15th October in Lochwinnoch Golf Glub. We also raised £95 for the Red Cross Ukrainian appeal.

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Lochwinnoch Films 4U presents Frozen Sing Along on Saturday 3rd December at 3.30pm (doors 3pm) in the McKillop Institute, Lochwinnoch. Visit ‘the wee shop’ in the village for tickets and donations.

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A very successful craft fair was held on Saturday 5th November in the refurbished McKillop Hall. A great turn out and many beautiful crafts were on offer. In addition, there was an number of stalls rasing funds for worthwhile charities. Thanks to Tori and her team from the Community Larder who ran a great tearoom. The next craft fair is in Saturday 18th March 2023.

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Crafty Kilmacolm are back with another Christmas market on Saturday 10th December in the Community Centre from 10am - 2pm with free entry! Local crafters, creatives, artists, makers and bakers will fill Kilmacolm Community Centre with their handmade unique gifts to spoil all your family and friends this Christmas.

Stall include: 4 Tammie Norries Stationary and Gifts 4 Orieano Candle Shop - Soy Wax Candles and Melts 4 Joy Nevada Studio Illustrated Stationary and Ceramics 4 Helen McDonald Mathie Artist Local Painted Landscapes 4 Claire Cameron Cakes Festive Cakes and Bakes 4 Rhea’s Crafts Resin Art and Jewellery 4 Nicole McCarron NM47 Jewellery and Silversmith 4 Lochwinnoch Soap Co Natural Handmade Soaps 4 Janepooleinteriors Bespoke Lampshades and Gifts 4 CamperPlants Plant Themed Textiles and Ceramics 4 Kilmacolm Primary School Parent Partnership Fundraising Stall 4 Jen Doc - Hand Sewn Gifts 4 Wendy - Hand Printed Stationary 4 Charity Stalls - Hand knitted and sewn Christmas gifts

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Kilmacolm Scout Group will once again be selling the best quality non-needle drop real trees for Christmas.

This year we are extending the number of days we are selling but changing the times to suit demand. Please come along and support the Scouts by purchasing your tree from us on Saturday 26th November, 3rd, 10th and 17th December from 10am to 1pm at the Scout Hall, Barrs Brae, Kilmacolm.

If you live in the village we will deliver your tree for free!

The sale is a vital fundraiser to ensure we can give young people from Kilmacolm aged from six to 18 life changing skills and experiences.

I was honoured once again to lay a wreath on behalf of the Council at the Port Glasgow 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. The Council’s cross-party budget working group recently met with local MSPs and our MP to outline the scale of the financial crisis facing the Council and the extremely difficult cuts to services we may need to make in our upcoming budget if we don’t get a better funding settlement than anticipated from the Scottish Government. Hopefully they will lobby both Governments on our behalf. Many local households are also struggling to make ends meet. If you are in that situation there are a range of local and national support and advice services available to assist you. You will find details in the following link www. worryingaboutmoney.co.uk/inverclyde. You can also contact the Council’s Advice Services on 01475 715299 or email Triage.Advice@inverclyde.gov.uk.

At the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee on 15th November we allocated £363,000 for a range of measures to support poorer households this Winter: a Christmas payment of £120 to 638 children; £50,000 to meet increased demand for community care and crisis grants; £100,000 to support community organisations providing warm places, warm food and warm clothing to vulnerable individuals; £100,000 to support foodbanks and other groups providing food to those in need; and £30,000 to provide a further 400 £75 fuel poverty payments to qualifying households.

The switch on of the Christmas Lights will take place on Friday 2nd December, with Quarrier’s Village at 4pm and Kilmacolm at 6pm. I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Good New Year when it comes.

Surgery: Kilmacolm Community Centre on Tuesday 13th December from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Contact info: 01475 712 020 (office hours)

Kilmacolm new Community Centre

Monday

Yoga with Liz 10am – 11am

Yoga with Janis 10am - 11am

Pilates 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Kilmacolm Bridge Club 7pm – 10.30pm

Tuesday

Rock Choir 10am - 12noon

Qi Gong 12noon – 1pm

Art Club 6pm – 8.30pm

Zumba 6pm – 7pm

Wednesday

Embroidery 10am – 12noon

Move It Or Lose It 10.30am – 11.30am

Pensioners Lunch 12.30pm – 2pm

Friendly Bridge 1.30pm – 3.30pm

Yoga 5.45pm – 6.45pm

Pilates 6.15pm – 7.15pm & 7.30pm – 8.30pm

Thursday

Pilates 9.30am – 10.30am

Art 10am – 12noon

Acting For Fun 5pm – 8.30pm

Metafit 6.30pm – 7pm

Kettle Bells 7pm – 7.30pm

Friday

Art 10am – 12noon

Moo Music Inverclyde 10.30am – 11.30am

Singing for Health & Wellbeing 11.30am – 12.30pm

Christmas is the most magical time of the year as well as a time for reflection and remembering. All are assured of a warm welcome in the Old Kirk as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Sunday 27th November: We begin the countdown to Christmas Day with our Advent Sunday Service at 11am to which all are invited.

We also have a special Bereavement Service to remember those we have loved and lost will be held at 3pm. Anybody who wants to attend this service will be made more than welcome.

Thursday 1st December: OUTLOOK Team: From 2pm to 3.30pm in the Kidston Hall - Olive Tree Crafts - Juliet Robb. Come along to see and buy exquisite handmade Palestinian textiles, woodwork, and jewellery. All funds to Medical Aid for Palestine.

Saturday 3rd: A Christmas Gift Coffee Morning and Fair takes place in the Kidston Hall from 11am. Don’t miss Santa and his elves in the grotto with presents for all the young ones. We will also be holding a Messy Church corner to keep the children occupied while you enjoy a coffee and a mince pie. Christmas Music will be provided by local choirs.

We are looking for gifts to donate to Inverclyde Women’s Aid, Inverclyde Family Unit or CrossReach. Gifts should not be wrapped and can be any of the following: box of chocolates, box of biscuits, Christmas selection box, women’s or children’s pyjamas, warm hats, scarves, gloves, toiletries, socks, children’s books, or toys. All items must be new and not second hand please.

Sunday 4th: The Christmas Gift Service and Nativity Show. Look out for a special guest appearance from a certain jolly red elf at the end of the service who may just have more presents for the children! All gifts, same as for the Saturday, will go to the same charities and should be the same items.

Thursday 8th: The Sòlas bereavement drop-in group will be meeting in the Lounge of the Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm at 2pm. As always, this meeting is open to all with no pre-registration required. Sòlas 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, Sòlas 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. For more information please call Barbara Marshall on 01505 872417 or email: barbara@oochy.com

Sunday 11th: 3rd in Advent, Morning Worship, 11am.

Thursday 15th: OUTLOOK Christmas Party in Kidston Hall, featuring games, a quiz, tombola, Christmas tea and carols with Sandra. 2pm to 3.30pm.

Sunday 18th: 4th in advent. Morning worship, 11am. Children and parents from the village are invited to attend at 10.30am to make Christingles in the Kidston Hall.

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The Christmas food parcels are busy being made here at Inverclyde Food Bank and we are hoping that you can help us keep our Christmas shelves full as Christmas 2022 is set to be our busiest Christmas yet due to the Cost of Living Crisis affecting so many children and their families.

The Kilmacolm CO-OP has an Inverclyde Food Bank Donation Bin. If you would like to make a donation, then items can be purchased in the CO-OP or bought elsewhere and brought to the donation bin.

The list of items included in an Inverclyde Food Bank food parcel:

* Christmas: Chocolate Biscuits, Coffee, Sweets, Crisps, Fizzy Juice *

Cereal, UHT Milk, Diluting Juice, Jam, Tea, Coffee, Biscuits

Tinned Soup, Baked Beans, Pasta ‘n’ Sauce, Cup ‘a’ Soup, Super Noodles, Tinned Macaroni/Ravioli/Spaghetti

Tinned Meat, Tinned Potatoes, Tinned Vegetables, Tinned Tuna, Pasta Sauce, Tinned Tomatoes, Curry Sauce, Rice, Tinned Meal eg. Fray Bentos Pie

Tinned Fruit, Tinned Custard, Tinned Creamed Rice Pudding

Toiletries: Toothpaste and Toothbrushes, Shampoo and Conditioner, Body Wash, Soap, Deodorant, Shave Gel and Razors

Baby and Child Toiletries, Nappies Household Cleaning, Toilet Roll

We accept all tins, jars, cartons and packets of food. We cannot accept fresh food. I can be contacted at JennyMeadows10@ outlook.com

Monday – Friday: 9am to 10pm

Saturday: 9am to 3pm

Monday

Saturday 24th: A Watchnight Service will be held in the Old Kirk on Christmas Eve at 11.15pm. This is always a special occasion and a chance to sing some of your favourite carols.

Sunday 25th: The Christmas Day service will be held jointly with our friends in St Columba’s Church at 11am. There will be a baptism taking place in church that day too!

Sunday 1st January 2023: The New Year’s Day Service will be a joint service with St Columba’s but this time in the Old Kirk at 11am. All our services are streamed online through our Facebook Page @ kilmacolmold and can be watched live or at any point afterwards for those who cannot attend. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram via @KilmacolmOld

Christmas Concert ,11th December from 7pm

We are excited to be performing our first Christmas concert for three years in a new venue, The Old Kirk, Kilmacolm. We will be joined by our friends from the Johnstone Band and Angel Voices in a repertoire of popular carols and festive songs, including a few old favourites.

Tickets £10, available from any choir member in advance, or at the door on the night. For further info, please contact mary.Leishman@4consulting.com

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We wish to take this opportunity to say thank you to all our Staff, Customers and Friends, indeed to the whole community.

We want to convey our warmest appreciation to all you ‘generous hearted folks’! Words are totally inadequate to thank each and every one of you for your loyalty and support throughout our many years in business. Sincerest thanks for the many cards, gifts, flowers and good wishes. We are completely overwhelmed!

On the conclusion of our working lives we are looking forward to a very happy, contented and carefree retirement in our village of Kilmacolm. Our ������y ������t ��i��h���� ���� yo�� ������, Joh�������� an�� A��da

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Kilmacolm has an Inverclyde Food Bank Donation Bin in the Kilmacolm Co-op and this year we have teamed-up with the very kind David and Michelle Stevenson fromVINo13Kilmacolm Wine Bar to hold an Inverclyde Christmas Toy Bank Collection.

VINo13 Kilmacolm Wine Bar is the ‘drop-off point’ for people wishing to make an Inverclyde Christmas Toy Bank donation in Kilmacolm. The Wine Bar is open everyday (apart from a Monday) from 2pm on a Tuesday and Wednesday and from 12noon Thursday to Sunday – until late!

VINo13 Kilmacolm Wine Bar can be found at: 13 St. James Terrace, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4HB

The Inverclyde Christmas Toy Bank referrals list will be larger than ever this year due to the Cost of Living Crisis, so all donations will be greatly welcomed.

Our Christmas present list:

Saturday 10th December at 4pm

Community Carol singing at the Piazza followed by a Community Celebration for all the family featuring puppets and music in St Columba Church, then seasonal refreshments in the hall. Organised by all the local Churches.

1 cllr Chris Curley

I was honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of Inverclyde Council at the War Memorial in Kilmacolm on Remembrance Sunday. This year, the events in Ukraine will have been at the forefront of many people’s minds, with the continued sacrifices being made by the Ukrainian people to protect their freedom over one hundred years after the “war to end all wars”. Inverclyde Council have decided following the recent consultation not to have a standardised parking charges in Inverclyde. Whilst in favour of some aspects of the proposal, I was against the reintroduction of parking discs in Kilmacolm and their introduction in Port Glasgow. Works are also progressing to tender for the detailed design for a new car park in Kilmacolm with two sites identified near the village centre.

Following on from the industrial action earlier in the year, Inverclyde Council is extending the collection of brown bins with the last day being Monday the 5th of December. (As an aside, information on local services in Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village can be obtained by searching for “My Inverclyde”.) Finally, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I look forward to attending the Christmas lights switch on in Kilmacolm on Friday 2nd December Surgery: Kilmacolm New Community Centre 6.30pm to 7.30pm on Wednesday the 7th of December, and at Boglestone Community Centre, Port Glasgow from 6pm to 7pm on Wednesday the 14th of December.

David and Michelle from VINo13 Kilmacolm Wine Bar and I would like to wish everyone in Kilmacolm a very Merry Christmas. I can be contacted JennyMeadows10@outlook.com

Regular Meet Classes schools

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AWARD WINNING AUTHOR VISIT

How lucky we were to have a visit from award winning author Phil Earle. Primary 5-7 pupils had the privilege of listening to him talk about his early life and how he became a writer.

‘I did not always want to be a writer – I wanted to be a footballer,’ was Phil’s opening line, which captured interest and made us all want to know how he became so successful. Who knew that his reading of Roald Dahl’s ‘Champion of the World’ would inspire him to write his own book ‘Demolition Dad.’ This ties in perfectly with our Talk for Writing lessons which encourage us to model our writing on the work of talented writers and ‘magpie’ excellent vocabulary and phrases from them.

We loved hearing about his books, including ‘While the Storm Rages’ and When the Sky Falls’. More than 50 pupils purchased the books and had them signed with a personal message from Phil.

Our sincere thanks go to Aileen Jeffrey from The Ginger Cat bookshop in Kilmacolm who organised the visit.

Reebok Step Class

Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir (Opposite Amaretto) Tuesday: 6.45pm

Miss the Original Reebok Step Class? Then come along for fun, fabulous music, full body workout, feel fantastic! Limited spaces available. Mo 07505 126416

Jennifer Sloan

Physiotherapy Led Pilates

Kilmacolm Community Centre

Wednesdays: 6.15pm - 7.15pm 7.30pm - 8.30pm

Thursdays: 9.30am - 10.30am

Jennifer 07731 303709

jennifer-mcghee@hotmail.co.uk

Clyde Physiotherapy

Pilates classes

St Machars Church Hall, Bridge of Weir Monday: 9.30am / 10.40am / 7pm Booking essential. Zoom option also available. Yvonne 07786 224 367 yvonne@clydephysiotherapy.co.uk

Zumba

Freelands Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir (Opposite Amaretto) Monday: 10am

Come along, have fun to fantastic music and feel FAB. All fitness levels welcome. Mo 07505 126 416

Move it or Lose it!

Gourock, Bridge of Weir, Greenock, Kilmacolm, Houston, Kilbarchan Classes are aimed at the over 60s. We focus on Flexibility, Aerobic Health, Balance and Strength (FABS) exercises. First class free for new members www.moveitorloseito.co.uk Move-it -or-lose-it-with-fiona Fiona 07811 766672

tiny dancers with terry

We also feel lucky that Homework Club has started up again. Four members of staff support 40 pupils to do some of their homework after school. Chromebooks are available and pupils enjoy helping each other complete their homework. P1-3 Homework Club will also be starting up in the new year.

As we write this, we are starting our Christmas preparations - we’re delighted the legendary Nativity and Christmas Concert are back! How good it will be to be ‘together again.’

Carruth Road, Bridge of Weir Monday: 1.45pm

A new dance class for 3 year olds. Adventures in music & movement and introduction to ballet. Places strictly limited - please prebook a place. terry@feranjo.co.uk Terry - 07739 497390

It was wonderful to be part of the fantastic Kilmacolm Scarecrow Trail, a great community event, well done to all those involved in organizing it. Our “Very Hungry Caterpillar” gave a warm welcome to all the visitors to our Open Morning on 29th October. It was so good to be able to invite new families into the nursery again and to be able to share our wonderful facilities and information on how Duchal can provide the perfect pre school experience. If you were unable to attend, please get in touch and we can arrange a convenient time for you to pop in.

As part of our healthy eating learning we had great fun making Joe (The Body Coach) Wicks’s pizzas – he even gave us a like and share on his twitter page he was so impressed! Hopefully the children have shared the recipe at home and are helping prepare family meals!

As a parent partnership Duchal parents get the opportunity to be involved in their child’s time during their pre school years, creating a real family feel to our unique nursery. We are delighted to welcome so many new members to our parent council at our recent AGM when we said farewell to 2 of our amazing Directors, Caroline Muir and Avril Taylor, who are standing down after dedicating so much of their time over the past 7 years, making Duchal the forward thinking nursery it is today. With the advance of winter we can already feel the excitement building towards the festive season! Christmas decorations are busily being made and preparations are well under way for our annual Nativity and Christmas party, we are so excited to be able to perform to our friends and families again after the recent restrictions. Applications for free funded places for August 2023 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 welcome visits to see our facilities and meet the teachers, please email us at: info@duchal.com to arrange a convenient time. Also visit our website at: www.duchal.com or find us on social media to keep up to date with all the latest news.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from all at Duchal Nursery.

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Digital Art Exhibition

Langbank Primary proudly presented their Digital Art Exhibition to families and invited guests on Thursday 13th October.

Every child was challenged to create a unique piece of modern art which depicted their feelings looking back on lockdown and the pandemic. In addition, the school secured funding from Screen Scotland which was used to work with film practitioner, David Griffith over 10 weeks.

Through the project, children and staff developed new skills in art and film making. It was important to celebrate the process of digital art making in addition to presenting the final product at the special final event.

David Griffith supported children to create their own individual films with soundtracks, whilst capturing the whole process to produce a whole school documentary. This was ready for premiere mid-November.

• Our P7 pupils said, “It was great to show off our work and everyone had a chance to shine.”

• A parent said, “Loved the day as being able to see the covid pandemic through the eyes of all the children was wonderful. It was very nice to see and hear all their perceptions.”

• Another parent described the event as, “Thought-provoking, creative and engaging.”

• Class teacher reflected, “I am a lot more confident in teaching digital skills now, how to use digital apps such as Garageband and iMovie, how to film/record parts of the process/the product when completing pieces of art and other pieces of work such as topics.”

Our learners have been empowered and highly motivated by screen education. We will continue to use short films to develop learning in literacy and across the curriculum. We will now develop short films with pupils to develop learning, but also celebrate successes in our school. Some of our children have shown a keen interest in stop animation and we hope to explore this further.

Following the success of the Digital Art Exhibition, the school will now showcase their art and film work within the local community including Langbank Church and Tesco Port Glasgow.

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November brought lots of excitement to our community: charity events, team building, new resources and Open Week! While new pupils in green blazers are not uncommon at St Columba’s, other adornments, such as moustaches, are. Yes, SVI boys and male teachers put away their razors to take part in Movember, an annual charity event which aims to raise awareness of men’s health issues. Follow @stcolumbasixthyear on Instagram to see the boys’ progress and donate to this amazing charity. St Columba’s is an accessible school, an ethos that is embedded in our collective mindset. During Dyslexia Awareness Week Scotland, pupils wore blue ribbons to encourage conversations about Dyslexia, launched a new Support for Learning Instagram page about all areas of SfL at St Columba’s and Guido in J6 delivered a fascinating Junior School assembly. Creating cohesive year groups, where our young people feel safe, valued and respected is a key part of the Columban experience. Transitus pupils were excited by the prospect of a few days away at Barcaple Outdoor Centre and threw themselves into the many activities on offer.

This autumn, we opened the new Junior School Library, a fully accessible and truly fabulous space, in which the children can delve into the word of literature. We are grateful to the Parent Council for their support and funding. Thanks also to Miss Kelly who continues to passionately promote literacy at Junior School. Our Pipe Band never tires of bringing home increasingly impressive news and accolades. November was no exception: we have been nominated in the Scottish Pipe Band of the Year category at this year’s MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards!

Did you know that you can access 1,140 hours of free early learning and childcare at St Columba’s? Our new social media campaign, St Columba’s in 60 seconds, lets you discover more about our school from the experts: our staff and pupils. Do you have a burning question for us? Get in touch (marketing@st-columbas.org) and we will answer it for you via a short video!

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We have been enjoying some exciting themes at playgroup from space and animals to Halloween & dinosaurs. Our children enjoyed making crafts and playing together, singing, splashing, painting & doing puzzles as well as playing our favourite games & riding the bikes & tractors around the hall. We all enjoyed dressing up & making pumpkin lanterns at our Halloween party. The children have lots more to look forward to over the next few months as we have great fun together in the run up to Christmas!

Kilmacolm Playgroup operates during school term time on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday from 9.30am - 11.30am for children aged 2 years and 4 months to 5 years old. We provide a wide range of activities to promote physical, creative, imaginative and social development while inspiring confidence and building friendships. We also have our Toddler group on a Wednesday morning 10am - 11.30am, this is a drop-in session that you can attend with your children from birth onwards. If you would like to reserve a space for playgroup please contact us at: playgroupmembership@gmail.com

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Maths Week Scotland

All pupils engaged in outdoor maths activities as part of Maths Week Scotland. Lots of new games and skills were gained, with a favourite being ‘Tapatan’ which is a version of noughts and crosses from the Philippines and ‘The Game of 15’ which required lots of counting strategies and thinking ahead to block their opponents.

Harvest Food Appeal

A massive thank you to all those who donated so generously to this year’s Harvest Food Appeal. The staff at the Renfrewshire Foodbank were delighted to receive such a huge delivery, which will help very many families in need.

Climate Action Week

All pupils participated in a variety of online and practical tasks during this week. Some pupils engaged in ‘craftivism’ creating fantastic pictures of wildlife using only small strips of paper from magazines. I’m sure you’ll agree our pupils have lots of patience and artistic flair.

Fundraising

At this time of year when online spending is at a peak we would very much appreciate it if you can help us by collecting free donations each time you shop online. Go to the link below to register. easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/houstonpsc/ Christmas

Light Competition

Congratulations to Cora Byrne from Primary 7, who is this year’s winner of the Christmas Light competition. Her design will take pride of place in the village display and for many years to come.

Official Opening

On Wednesday 12th October our Early Learning and Childcare Class was officially opened by Steven Quinn and Councillor Emma Rodden. Our new learning environment is absolutely wonderful and our ‘littlest learners’ are thriving. Send your news by email to info@advertizer.co.uk or online at www.advertizer.co.uk/submit-your-news/

| www.advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk

Jim’�� ����ec��������la�� C��r������m����

ISBN: 9780241488898

by Emma Thompson Illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Penguin Random House Children’s UK

Jim is a dog who just so happens to live in the Victoria and Albert Museum. When the museum’s owner, Sir Henry Cole, invents the very first Christmas card, Jim is tasked with delivering the card to a very special recipient ... Based on the real-life story of Sir Henry Cole and his beloved dog Jim - who really did live in the museum - this enchanting tale written by Dame Emma Thompson and illustrated by the inimitable Alex Scheffler is destined to become a future Christmas classic. For age 5+

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ISBN: 9780241469422

by Simon Hugo, Tori Kosara , Julia March and Catherine Saunders Dorling Kindersley Ltd

The ultimate book for any lego lover this Christmas! This fully updated and brand new edition has more than 100 new models and 500 ideas. From a classic film set to a haunted house and from a monster truck rally to an ancient statue, there are so many brick-build creations to keep the lego enthusiast happy. With lots of hints and tips this book will have your imagination going into overdrive.. get inspired to make your own brick-built creations! What will you build?!

Author Maisie Chan will be visiting the bookshop on Saturday 3rd December from 10.30am-12noon to sign copies of The Very Merry Murder Club and to celebrate the bookshop’s 1yr anniversary!! Maisie’s other books will also be available for signing on the day.

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ISBN: 9781803705033

by Jenny Pearson

Usborne Publishing Ltd

Christmas is in danger and it’s all down to the Angel Gabriel, who ever so slightly managed to mess things up! Now Mary, Joseph, Balthazar the wise man, a shepherd called Steve and Angel Gabriel have crashed down to earth, specifically Chipping Bottom where siblings Oscar and Molly are staying for Christmas at their grandparents’ house. Now Oscar and Molly find themselves on a hunt to track them down, in a race to save Christmas before it’s too late. Christmas and their entire existence depends on it! This is a laugh out loud funny, festive treat for families and children age 8 + from the winner of the Laugh Out loud Book Awards, Jenny Pearson.

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ISBN: 9780755503704

by Abiola Bello, Annabelle Sami, Benjamin Dean, E.L. Norry, Elle McNicoll, Robin Stevens, J.T. Williams, Maisie Chan, Nizrana Farook and Patrice Lawrence

HarperCollins Publishers

Thirteen fantastic crime and mystery stories for Winter by the most exciting and diverse authors in children’s books today, featuring Maisie Chan, Elle McNicoll, Patrice Lawrence and Nizrana Farook to name, but a few. Co-edited by Serena Patel, the award-winning author of the Anisha: Accidental Detective series and by Robin Stevens, author of the bestselling Murder Most Unladylike series. Join the Very Merry Murder Club and put your detective skills to the test, from cat napping and crazy heists to frost fairs and fancy dress. Perfect for age 9+ readers who love mysteries.

On Halloween weekend, Kilmacolm Unofficial Running Club held its 6th charity night, this year in support of the amazing Calums Cabin charity, at the village’s Kidston Hall. KURC’s first charity night after the Pandemic, it was a ‘Spooktacular’ comeback. The Halloween themed night raised a monstrous £3155 and was a frighteningly fun night. There were raffles, an auction, Club supplied hot buffet and DJ set. A collection of vampires, witches, clowns and the Blues Brothers on the door (who else) scared the night away. The Club wish to thank all the local businesses who donated prizes and supported the evening, as well as all who kindly attended on the night.

This month has seen two of our lady members in the limelight, and not for their golfing prowess for once !

Cassie Forbes, who heads up RoarConnections for Life, was named one of Scotland’s Women of the Year at a star studded ceremony on October 27th. Cassie was awarded the Woman of the Year gong in the community work category. She was recognised for her role in the charity which works to bolster the physical and mental well-being of more than 900 older people across Renfrewshire. She was surprised and thrilled, but graciously accepted, the honour on behalf of Roar. Congratulations Cassie, we are all very proud of you at Old Ranfurly.

“To win this for Roar is a real honour. This is an award for everyone at Roar as its a team effort and everyone involved works so hard “

Former Lady Captain, Mairi Milne, was delighted to work with ITV’s very own Lorraine Kelly again this year, as part of the Change and Check Campaign. Mairi, a breast cancer survivor and advocate of regular self checks, was thrilled to be asked to be involved again. She travelled to meet Lorraine and shared her personal journey with Breast Cancer as part of this year’s campaign. Any opportunity to raise awareness and highlight the importance of early detection! It’s so important that we talk about it.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but more than 50% of women say they don’t know the early signs of the disease. Thank you Mairi for bringing this to the fore. You are an inspiration to us all .

Please go to the website below to find out more about the signs and symptoms of Breast Cancer and also download the Change and Check stickers - It could save your life .

It’s so important for everyone to check regularly .

”Change and Check | Lorraine” www.itv.com/lorraine/tags/change-and-check

| www.advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk

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The 2022 Active Communities Jingle Bell Fun Run will take place on Sunday 4th December at Barshaw Park, Paisley!

There are two races - a 3k run at 11am open to all runners/walkers aged 8 and over, and a 1k run at 12noon open to runners/walkers of any age, including those in buggies. Both races are set within the boundaries of Barshaw Park in Paisley. The 3k run is priced £5 for entrants aged 8 - 17 and £7 for entrants aged 18 and over. The 1k run is priced £4.50 for all ages.

Wear jingle bells on your hats, coats, gloves, shoes or wherever you choose and be part of an amazing jingling orchestra. Bells will be provided on the day upon production of your race number. Christmas themed medals will be awarded to all race finishers and there will be spot prizes for the best costumes should you wish to dress up for the occasion! Entrants can also enjoy a free train ride on the miniature railway within the park, plus free face-painting and Christmas entertainment, providing the perfect festive atmosphere.

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The local scout group has been offered financial support from Bridge of Weir leather manufacturer, Scottish Leather Group, formerly known as Bridge of Weir Leather.

The Bridge of Weir Scouts Group (part of Renfrewshire Scouts) has received a generous donation of £18,000 to help with the repairs to the Scout Hall located at Horsewood Road.

The financial donation will be used for insulating the building, adding cladding and installing exterior lighting for increased safety.

Teresa McQuarrie, Bridge of Weir Scouts group, said: “We are thrilled to receive such a generous donation from Scottish Leather Group – we couldn’t believe it when we got the news!”

“The hall is integral to our weekly meetings and its where we host all of our activities for the local scout group so it’s important it is saved and kept to a good standard. This money will help us to regenerate the building to its former glory and will mean we have a comfortable and warm space to host the young people every week.”

The current hall is a staple for the local community and is currently used for bootcamps, yoga, exercise classes, birthday parties and the local scouts group.

The Bridge of Weir Scouts was established in 1920 and has welcomed over 12,000 young people through its doors in the last 102 years.

Jamie Davidson, Sales Director, Scottish Leather Group said: “It’s our pleasure to be able to help the local scouts group with the renovation of their club home. Our business started in Bridge of Weir so our connections to the local area are strong, and we want to maintain those.”

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Junior Prize-giving took place on Sunday 30th October

Our Junior Section is healthily growing with the help of our Assistant Professional and Club volunteers.

Neil Rainey was crowned Junior Club Champion (McColl Shield) and winner of the Malcolm McKenzie Trophy (most improved junior).

Calum Graham won both the Centenary Trophy and DCM Trophy with Kyle Hardie winning both the Russell Cup and Iain McGrory Trophy.

Aaron Gamble won the Blue Tee Trophy and jointly won the Skills Challenge with Cole Aubeeluck/ The junior team were also the 2022 winners of the Junior Sixes League.

Erskine Ladies End of Season Lunch - Friday, 4th November

This was a first, moving away from an evening event. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the two-course meal served by our caterer Julie and Liz, our bar manager, supplied the refreshments.

Following the meal, Marie Ritchie provided a short light-hearted quiz based on “sweets” and a “true/false” scenario. It was great fun and prizes were awarded to the winning team, The ladies charity for 2023 will be MND (Motor Neurone Disease)

in memory of our dear friend Janette MacArthur.

With all the recent rain, members have been making great use of our indoor golf studio. The 2-bay studio let’s our members test their game at some of the world’s most prestigious courses, as well as honing their skills on the ‘range’ giving them those handy stats on club distances, ball and swing speed, in preparation for next season! All this whilst enjoying tasty treats and drinks from the bar. A perfect alternative to getting soaked by the Scottish winter rain out on the course!

Our recent Tapas Night was a huge success with over 50 members and guests enjoying a wonderful spread of Spanish cuisine from our Chef Neil, the sangria seemed to flow freely well into the night. We are delighted to see the return of Burns Night at the club in January –watchthisspaceformoredetails. However,beforethatwestillhavetolook forward to our film night, Gents Dinner and prizegiving and the Club and Ladies AGMs where we can share in the successes of this year’s winners.

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The One Million Keepy Uppy Challenge for Brain Tumour Research kicked off on Friday 18th November. It costs £1 million to fund a Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence for a year so, as football fever once again strikes the UK, our goal is to collectively achieve one million keepy uppies. Whether you’re a regular matchwinner or it’s your first touch, you can help us raise vital funds and awareness to find a cure. Keep practicing your fancy footwork throughout the month and, as the final whistle is blown in Qatar on Sunday 18th December, be part of our festivities as we celebrate our own special World Cup achievement.

Set up a Facebook Fundraiser or JustGiving page and ask people to donate • Make a pledge of how many keepy uppies you will do towards our goal of • one million during the World Cup.

Invite others to join your team or make their own pledge and take part as • an individual, family or group.

Post your progress on your social media and tag us Brain Tumour • Research.

Don’t get relegated to the bench – join our team today and get • your special challenge medal once you raise £10 or more!

What’s in it for you?

• A keepy uppy tracker to help you tot up every touch

A special tournament medal if you raise £10 or more

• A bumper pack to help you score a blinder with your • fundraising

• Cup match planner and challenge tracker

Downloadable resources including a sweepstake, World

Entry into a prize draw to win footie merchandise if you • raise £100 (or more)

A sense of pride knowing you’re helping an amazing • cause

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‘TIS THE SEASON

Our Christmas pop-up shop this year is on Saturday December 3rd at Livery Walk from 10am – 1pm. (If you haven’t got one of our rustic reindeer yet, you may still be able to get one – just send us a message on our Facebook page or email us at: info@brighterbridgeofweir.org

We hope to have our Christmas lights up by then, depending on the weather, and once that’s done, we get down to some serious planning for next year’s planting. Never a dull moment for us! Meantime, we hope you all have a very merry Christmas.

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Please have a look at our photo this month and you will understand why we would like to recruit able hill walkers, mountaineers, even as willing helpers! Our garden at Carriages is much appreciated, but its maintenance involves a bit of climbing and surefootedness. Indeed, some passers-by have from time to time suggested we should be roped to the railings! Colourful Kilmacolm has been going now for nearly 10 years, so some members who joined then are now not as agile as they once were. Maybe you have just retired, or recently moved to the village and have a little free time to spare and would like to help with keeping our floral displays looking good. If so, please get in touch and we will be happy to give you more details. It is up to each person how much time they can give, but it’s never onerous. As well as the monthly (in summer) tidy-up/weeding/litter-pick at Carriages, we tend all our planters around the village. For example, our volunteers have recently completed the autumn changeover, taking out all the summer planting and putting in bulbs for next spring’s show. We can now relax a little in anticipation of next year’s display.

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Kilmacolm Horticultural Society held its AGM in November. Our chairman Dr Ian Morrice reported on a steady membership, the return of the annual Plant Sale and Coffee morning held in May, and the success of its Flower Show held in September. The Garden at The Cross, which is maintained by the KHS, received many compliments.

There are no evening lectures in December, January or February, but we are trialing afternoon Garden Talks in the winter months. Sharon Gemmel will join us as our guest speaker on 18th January, this will be held in the Kilmacolm Community Centre at 2pm. The next Garden Talk is planned for 15th February.

Start planting now for entries to our Spring Bulb competition, to be held on 15th March 2023.

Thank you to everyone for supporting the KHS. Annual membership is £5 - be a part of our friendly Society, seek advice on all gardening matters, sign up for exhibiting at the Flower Show and join us for a special Summer Outing to Dumfries House and Gardens on 7th June 2023.

Visit our website at www.kilmacolmhorticultural.com for more details, plus photographs of past events. We wish you a happy Christmas.

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1st to 24th December, as per opening hours at RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve Largs Road, Lochwinnoch PA12 4JF

Santa’s reindeer were supposed to be helping him out by finding out what some of the wildlife here at RSPB Lochwinnoch would like for Christmas, but have got themselves lost!

We need your help to see if you can find the reindeer and complete the list of presents for Santa.

As you explore our woodland trail, see if you can spot any of the missing reindeer whilst keeping an eye out for some of our special wildlife creatures that will tell you what they’re hoping to get as presents!

Find all the reindeer and complete the wish list for presents and we’ll give you a special reward for completing it!

Available daily throughout December while the visitor centre is open.

£3 per child. Normal entry fees apply for non-members

Saturday 29th October –“Refreshing the Tubs”

The tubs in various locations around the village were recently cleared of the flowers which had provided so much colour during Spring and Summer this year.

Work has now started to re-plant them with fresh plants, such as primula and pansies, to continue providing colour as we progress towards Winter months.

The volunteers and friends of HWW will be carrying out various maintenance tasks over the Winter months including the installation of a bicycle stand at the Rhombus garden. Consideration will also be given to replacing the notice board at the Triangle.

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Gardeners everywhere commented on the recent unseasonal show of flowers on herbaceous plants or shrubs. Many had already flowered and many were not expected to flower until Spring. We can thank the mild weather during October and November for encouraging a “final hurrah” along with a little confusion after the hot and dry summer curtailed the flowering season - but plants will do their best to flower, set seed and ensure the species continues. Dahlias flowered late this year, but made up for this with a long autumn display during the warm weather. If not dug up already, do it now before a heavy frost freezes the tubers. Shake off excess soil, check for vine weevil, then leave in a dry tray in a dry place over winter. If you have an unheated greenhouse, choose somewhere else where the temperatures won’t fluctuate.

The autumnal display took a “hit” in mid-October, when fierce winds skimmed the leaves off everything. Although garden plants are generally dormant now, keep an eye on falling leaves, lift away from shrubs and tuck underneath so they break down and protect the plant through winter. If left on top of new growth, leaves can form a damp mass and rot flower buds underneath. Keep your paths clear and avoid slipping on wet leaves. Lift pots off the ground to prevent frost rising up and into the pot, then freezing Spring bulbs. This also helps drainage and prevents bulbs rotting. Bricks are often used, but tops and lids from cans or bottles can provide the necessary gap. With Christmas round the corner, trim holly and ivy now and store in a cool place for later.

The forecast is for more of the same: low temperatures and lots of rain. There is nothing on the horizon, as yet, to indicate a white Christmas! Merry Christmas to members of our Gardening Club – and gardeners everywhere!

Speakers

November speakers were on 2nd Gaynor Miller Ambassador and Angela McVicar the founder of Rainbow Valley a charity helping victims of cancer and their families on the 9th Kirsty Boyd speaking about her time as a community police officer, on the 16th Pauline Kelly from Paisley Young Carers and on the 23rd David Fairbairn and Andrew Mcleman speaking about the clubs Wheely Boat for Disabled sailors at Castle Semple. Decembers only speaker is Ian Carrick on the Development of Nuclear Power on 7th with our Christmas Dinner on the 16th If interested in Rotary come along and find out who we are and what we do email gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com to arrange your attendance.

Curry Night

The annual curry night in Shimla Cottage Bridge of Weir to raise funds for Rotarys Charity Polio Plus took place on the evening of Thursday 10th November. It was fully subscribed and we raised over £3,000!

Santas Sleigh

Under the auspices of Bridge of Weir Gala Committee, the club will be again touring the Merchiston / Weirs Way housing development on Sunday 11th and Brookfield on Thursday 15th to raise funds for the Renfrewshire Young Carers group which we have supported for several years.

Gryffe Valley Way

We are interested to hear from the first people who have walked the full length of the Gryffe Valley Way and indeed anyone who has run it (and their time).

Our next activity is to create a number of Interpretative boards along the Way including at Kilmacolm, Bridge of Weir, the Mill Lade, Crosslee village, and Craigends Estate. We are writing to each of the landowners to request permission. Anyone with knowledge of the history of these places is invited to contribute and any businesses willing to sponsor a board are invited to get in touch. Please email gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com

We are nearly at the end of the year again and the festive season will soon be in full swing. Our reserve is busy with all our winter visitors with whooper swan, teal, goldeneye, goosander and wigeon out on the lochs. Look out for our usual suspects, mallard, coot, mute swan if you are lucky, you may spot the elusive otter or beautiful kingfisher. We have a new feeding station at the picnic tables with a live camera going into a screen in the centre. This feeding station has been busy with lots of garden birds and a couple of special visitors great spotted woodpecker and nuthatch. There is always lots to see out on the woodland trails, scrape and both lochs, even during the winter months this is one of the busiest times for wildlife. Even if you just fancy a quiet walk the frosty trails - they are beautiful with stark trees, fallen leaves and clear skies. Then after your walk why not come inside for a hot drink and a sandwich or a snack and enjoy the antics of the birds on screen.

We have a few events coming up: on 3rd December a Feel-good- photo walk and 4th December a Christmas Willow Wreath making workshopboth events must be booked on-line. Not forgetting our younger visitors Robin Robin Adventure Trail is back from 26th November.

Our reserve shop continues to sell all your bird feeding requirements, fancy goods, books, binoculars, and scopes. We also have our Christmas stock, calendars, cards, decorations, crackers, and lots more - why not come and find that special and unique gift? We wish all our visitors and shop customers a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

We are closed Christmas day, boxing day, 1st &2nd January 2023. Ways to contact us – Tel: 01505 842663 Website www.rspb.org.uk/lochwinnoch

Facebook @RSPBLochwinnochNR and Twitter @RSPBLochwinnoch

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On Thursday 10th November Roger Stewart of Stirling & District Camera Club judged the first of this season’s three bi-monthly competitions, which are always eagerly anticipated and hotly contested.

In the advanced section, first place went to Guy Phillips for “Looking Up”.

Mike Cruise was second with “Coming Into Land”; “What’s The Story” by Alison Smart was third; In fourth place was Tom Clark with “Sunset Over Taransay”; In fifth place was Ken Dow with “Keeping Cool in The Obelisk Position”.

There was a clean sweep in the Intermediate Section for Ollie Desforges for his “Protective Mother”, “Juvenile Swallow” and “Dive, Dive, Dive” which were first, second and third respectively.

‘Looking Up’ by Guy Phillips

‘Coming into Land’ by Mike Cruise

‘What’s TheStory’ by Alison Smart

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The Club’s 2022/23 winter season is now in full swing and the judging of its first two internal competitions of the year completed.

Robert Collie from Ayr Photographic Society judged the Summer Assignment on 6th October. The set subjects this year were, Abandoned, Abstract, Blue and/or Yellow, Bokeh/Selective Focus, Country Life, Motion/ Movement, and Reflections. The competition brought success to Mark Harris who is its overall winner with his ‘CO2 Drip Shift’, ‘Clear Visor at Last’, ‘By Yon Melancholy Banks’ and ‘Fur The High Jump’ in the Bokeh/ Selective Focus, Blue and/or Yellow, Abstract and Motion/Movement categories.

Best image in the Motion/Movement category went to Carol Gracie for her ‘Passing The Bus Stop’. Eddie Middleton’s ‘One New Change’ was the top placed image in the Reflections category. ‘Communications Terminated’ by Kathy Giddings was top in the Abandoned Category. The Club’s Honorary Life President, Duncan McEwan secured first place in the Country Life Category with his ‘Drookit’. Iain Gardener was the winner of the Abstract Category with his ‘At The Seaside’.

Always eagerly awaited is the Cub’s Bowie competition for Nature images. This year’s competition was held on 27th October and judged via Zoom by highly accredited wildlife judge, Paul Keene. Photographers are required to submit images in sets of two, one Zoological and the other Botanical. Richard Bennet was the winner of the competition with his Red Campion and stunning ‘Arctic Fox in Blizzard’. In second place was Ken Dow with his ‘Northern Marsh Orchid’ and ‘Swallowtail’. Norma MacDowall secured third place with her ‘Common Spotted Orchid’ and ‘Corncrake Stepping Out’. Fourth Place went to Jim Black with his ‘Early Purple Orchid Trio’ and ‘Orange Tip Male’. Colin Houston was the winner of the Non Advanced Section with his ‘Yellow Lichen’ , ‘Black Basalt’ and ‘Swimming Walrus’.

‘Passing The Bus Stop’ by Carol Gracie

‘CO2 Drip Shift’ by Mark Harris

‘Arctic Fox in Blizzard’ by Richard Bennet

The Seaside’ byIain Gardener

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Wind, rain and even snow, whatever the weather in this dark month, beehives should be battened down against the elements. While the weather has been exceptionally mild for the start of autumn it has been damp, and dampness is no fried of the honeybee. They can cope with cold temperatures if the hive is insulated, and snow provides additional insulation, however, wind driven rain can creep into the hives and also prevents the bees from going out on necessary ‘cleansing flights’.

Many a Christmas list will feature books on beekeeping and there is always a new and interesting publication on the market. Of course, there are also plenty of winter lectures online on how to be a competent beekeeper, even if the bees take no notice of the advice.

This is a good time of year for those wishing to start or expand an apiary to check out a new site ready for next season. Non beekeepers, landowners and farmers welcome hives onto their land or garden, which is great for a beekeeper who does not have access to their own suitable space. However, it’s worth making sure the potential site isn’t in an area subject to high driving wind and gales. The position needs to get winter sun to lift temperatures for emerging bees in early spring and help the winter bees keep a good, regulated temperature without overexerting their energy and winter stores. Are you a landowner that might not want to bee-keep yourself, but offer suitable space to those who do, if so get in touch. Late December, usually around the winter solstice is when bees get a treatment for the varroa mite and the lid of the hive is quickly raised on the warmest possible day. Treatment that kills the mite, but doesn’t harm the bees, is trickled in down the frames. If you are interested in beekeeping for yourself, please contact our secretary via kilbarchanbees@outlook.com who can provide more details about our association and how to join. We have a Facebook page which is reserved for members and beekeeping friends, however you can follow us on Twitter via @KilbarchanBees and Instagram via kilbarchanbeekeepers

Photo below shows beehives in the snow during winter

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It feels odd that winter is almost here, considering that it only felt like yesterday we were still in summer! With Christmas just around the corner, we will be getting into the festive mood with our tinsel walk, which will be back on this December. Details of the walk and our other events can be found on our website and social media channels.

The volunteering groups have again been busy around the Regional Park recently. The tasks our Thursday group and our youth volunteer group have been getting stuck into have included ditching work in Parkhill Wood, pathing repairs at Muirshiel and cutting back rhododendron. If you would like to get involved in helping us, we host our Castle Semple Conservation Group volunteering sessions every Thursday from 12:30pm – 3:30pm. Tea and coffee provided. For more details visit our website, email cmrp.rangers@renfrewshire.gov.uk or call our rangers on 0300 3000 200 (option 1).

Although this is a quieter time of year for wildlife, the ranger team have still been seeing plenty of migratory birds arriving back into the park for the winter. Numbers of ducks and geese have been building up on Castle Semple Loch and we have seen many flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing. Look out for mixed flocks of these two in the fields and hedges around Muirshiel and Parkhill Wood.

As the vegetation dies back, it is revealing litter dumped over the summer months, particularly along the loch shore at Castle Semple. We also have had to deal with the litter and debris from people launching fireworks in the park. We kindly ask visitors to remember the Scottish Outdoor Access Code by being respectful of other park users, the environment and to leave no trace. We would like to ask dog walkers to adhere to the Access Code by please keeping their dogs on lead or under close control when near to farm animals and sensitive wildlife.

Join us online: www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Clydemuirshielregionalpark Twitter and Instagram: @clydemuirshiel #clydemuirshiel

Contact us: cmrp.rangers@renfrewshire.gov.uk

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We meet at Gryffe Road, Kilmacolm (the Bridge of Weir Road end).

If you fancy helping out, all you need is a litter pick – Amazon do good deals on litter picks. Bags supplied and uplifted by Inverclyde Council. There’s a route for everyone – including kids! We clean-up Kilmacolm village, the cycle track, the play parks and the country roads leading to our village.

Future Dates:

Sunday 4th December - 1.30pm

Sunday 8th January - 9.30am

Sunday 5th February - 1.30pm

Sunday 5th March - 9.30am

Hope to see you out with The Kilmacolm Litter Pickers sometime soon.

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October was another busy month for BoW walkers. In the middle of the month the Sunday crew ascended Ben Venue in the Trossachs on a very fine day with great views. They were delighted to find the Brig O’Turk tea room had reopened for business.

Towards the end of the month 17 of us gathered at the Corran Bunkhouse for our anniversary weekend. We were delighted that Emilia joined us again fresh from her completion of the Munros.

There were lots of walks in various locations including Glen Etive, the Nevis gorge and beyond, Ardgour and treks out of Kinlochleven. The weather was autumnal with all the colours of Fall, but the weekend stayed dry for us.

The 37th anniversary was duly celebrated in some style and in best BoW fashion. November will see us at Loch Chon in the Trossachs, the Luss Hills and Pollok Park and the Burrell. Well, we tend to reduce the heroics at the tail end of the year!

The photos are by members of B0W:- Ben Venue (above), Above Kinlochleven (left), and Pap of Glen Coe in Autumn colours (below)

The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977

ITEMS FOR SALE

CLOTHES & SHOES

Retirement sale: High quality, • warm, hand made Sweaters / Cardigans. Sizes: Baby - 52” (182cm). £8 - £15. Tel: 07818 110709 (evenings).

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN

Open coil spring single bed • (mattress and base). Hardly used. Buyer must collect. £150. Tel: 07922 339218 or 01505 702316.

SilverCrest Rice Cooker, • never used. £15. Tel: 07483 820024.

Pasta Machine, never used. • £10. Tel: 07483 820024.

Amos Pasta Machine, never • used. £15. Tel: 07483 820024.

Salter omelette maker, • never used. £12. Tel: 07483 820024.

SilverCrest Nutrition Mixer, • never used. £18. Tel: 07483 820024.

Tassimo Bosch Coffee Maker, • seldom used. £18. Tel: 07483 820024.

Andrew James Electric • Vacuum Sealer for food with two boxes of bags, used once. £15. Tel: 07483 820024.

Single Divan Bed and Mattress. • £80. Must collect. Tel: 01505 673248.

Shower Tray 900 x 800 white • stone resin including hi-flow chrome finish outlet. Brand new £75. Tilemaster floor/wall tile adhesive S2 flexible 40kg£25. Tel: 07551 947132.

SPORTS

Mountain Bike (26inch frame). • Excellent condition, cost £300, ideal for child 13-16. Sell for £50. Tel: 07788 917365.

Second Hand Yamoto Golf • Bag with a selection of clubs and golf balls. £50. Tel: 07483 820024.

Carrera TDF SE 46cm Road • Bike, excellent condition. £45 ono. Tel: 07940 719828.

Raleigh Vitesse 50cm Road • Bike, good condition. £25. ono. Tel: 07940 719828.

Thule 3 Bike Boot Bike Carrier. • £30 ono. Tel: 07940 719828.

Elite Volare Mag Turbo Trainer. • £20 ono. Tel: 07940 719828.

One Ladies Red Golf Bag • Including:- Four Irons (No’s 3, 5, 6 & 7) Irons, One 3 Wood, One Putter (all left handed). Would suit a beginner. £50. Tel: 07890 680179.

TECHNICAL & GAMES

Samsung Odyssey G5 32” • WQHD Gaming Monitor with 1000R curved screen. £160. Tel: 07462 390706.

Boxed Mainline Jubilee 45698 • Mars Class Engine and Tender Green and a selection of Coaches ,Track and Controller. £40. Tel: 07483 820024.

TOYS

Large box of mixed Lego • bricks, figures, accessories. Includes a couple of almost complete sets. £65. Tel: 07715 360781.

OTHER ITEMS

Full Size Artist’s Easel, unused. • £10. Tel: 07483 820024.

Tasco Telescope, D=60 F=700 • 302058. £29. Tel: 07483 820024.

180cm Slim Green Spruce • Christmas Tree. Brand new. £45. Tel: 07934 607953

Mobicool Cold Box for use • in car, 12v. £25. Tel: 07483 820024.

Model Railway Track, gauge • 1 - only used indoors. £80. Tel: 0141 589 1976.

Mobility scooter, Pride Apex • Finesse Sport. Two years old, but very low mileage, perfect condition. £895. Tel: 07305 025801.

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/ polytunnel in Kilmacolm area in return for light gardening duties. Tel: Vince 01505 872082.

Gramophone records (78’s) • and His Master’s Voice portable gramophones (working or not) wanted by collector. Cash waiting. Tel: 07591 121777.

FREE CYCLE

Inflatable mattress. Can be • used in a double layer as a single mattress or flat as a double. Tel: 07494 367894.

Saplings ‘Carrina’ Pale • Wooden Cot 1.2m x 0.59m x 0.97m height with dropdown side. Two positions for base. Rarely used. In excellent condition. Assembly instructions included. Tel: 07821 780721.

Local Community Halls

BRIDGE OF WEIR

Freeland Church 01505 612 245

BROOKFIELD

Village Hall 01505 335 562

HOUSTON

Carrick Centre 01505 612 203 / 01505 331 488

Compass Centre 01505 615 441 / 01505 612 617

KILBARCHAN

Guide Centre 01505 702 758

Old Library Centre 01505 706 070

KILMACOLM

Cargill Centre 01505 873 994

Brownie/Guide Hut 07584 359 007

Masonic Hall 01505 873 059 www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/2320/ Check-your-bin-collection-day www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/2159/ Roads-transport-and-parking

Mamas & Papas DFM100

• Mattress also available for cot if required. Rarely used. In excellent condition. Assembly instructions included. Tel: 07821 780721.

www.inverclyde.gov.uk/ council www.inverclyde.gov.uk/environment/ recycling-and-waste-services/when-aremy-bins-collected www.inverclyde.gov.uk/environment/ roads-lighting Delivery problem? Get in touch! info@advertizer.co.uk 01505 613 340 advertizer.co.uk/delivery-feedback advertizer.co.uk/local-defibrillator-sites/ Find a list of local defibrillator sites online:

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Editorial throughout publication

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CONTENT OF THE GRYFFE ADVERTIZER CANNOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT CONSENT FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Gryffe Advertizer is published by © The Gryffe Advertizer Ltd 2022

Accountants & Financial

Affluent Financial . . . . . . . . . 33

CLA Accountancy . . . . . . . . . . .

Architectural Services

CHG Architecture . . . . . . . . . . 17

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Automotive Services

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Bathrooms

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 15

The Beauty of Marble . . . . . . . 2

Bedrooms

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 35

Blacksmith & Metalwork

McLaughlan Metal . . . . . . . . . . 17

Building Services

A&M Sandstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

AllBuilt Consultants . . . . . . . 17

B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 29

Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 17

Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 6

I&J Building & Roofing . . . . . 11

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 9

JBC Joiners & Builders . . . . . 10

KC Roofing & Building . . . . . . 12

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 19

M Addison Joiners&Builders . . 7

SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 33

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 21

Thomas McMaster & Son . . . . . . 35

Catering

Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Civil Structural Services

AllBuilt Consultants . . . . . . . 17

Cleaning & PowerWash

Always Clean Windows . . . . . . . 11

Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 21

Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 19

Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 15

KC Roofing & Building . . . . . . 12

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Driveways

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Electricians

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

MAS Electrical & Security . . 10

Russell Milne Electrician . . 11

Entertainment

G Local Musical Theatre School . . 13

Fencing

McLaughlan Metal . . . . . . . . . . 17

Firewood & Logs

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Funeral Services

John Roach Funeral . . . . . . . . . 9

Garage Doors & Gates

Garolla Holdings Limited . . . 5

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Garden Service & Design

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 39

Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

CHG Architecture . . . . . . . . . . 17

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 39

Gowanlea Nurseries . . . . . . . . . 13

I&J Building & Roofing . . . . . 11

J Andrews Garden Maintenance . . 40

Lady Grafters Garden . . . . . . . 41

R Williams Tree Services . . . 40

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Gas & Heating Services

C Hunter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Gasfit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 27

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 9

Wright Gas - Scotland Ltd . . 21

Glazier

1on1 Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Hairdressers & Barbers

Arlene Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 3

Health, Beauty & Fitness

Arlene Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

The Health Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Thrive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Home Hardware

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24,25

Home Improvements

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 39

A&M Sandstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

CHG Architecture . . . . . . . . . . 17

Kieran Turner Aerial . . . . . . . 35

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Renfrewshire Handyman . . . . . . 3 The Beauty of Marble . . . . . . . 2

Home Interiors

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 35

Home Security

Clearline TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Joiners

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 10

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 9

JBC Joiners & Builders . . . . . 10 M Addison Joiners&Builders . . 7

McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 21

SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 33

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 21

Kitchens

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 15 Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 35 JBC Joiners & Builders . . . . . 10

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 21 The Beauty of Marble . . . . . . . 2

Laundry & Ironing

D-Side Laundry Services . . . . 23

Leisure & Recreation

G Local Musical Theatre School . . 13

The Health Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Locksmiths

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Eckory Locksmiths . . . . . . . . . 12

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Painters & Decorators

Andrew Hay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

James Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Pest Control

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 9

Plasterers

Bryan Slaven Slater&Plaster . . 23

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 9

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 19

Plumbers

C Hunter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Gasfit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 27

Pool, Hot Tub & Spa

The Health Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Property, Sales & Let

Cochran Dickie . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Kingsley Wood & Co . . . . . . . . . 17

Removals

At@ease Removals . . . . . . . . . . 10

Retail

Andersons Jewellery . . . . . . . . 19

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24,25

Roofing

A&M Sandstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 17

Bryan Slaven Slater&Plaster . . 23

Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 6

Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 15

I&J Building & Roofing . . . . . 11

KC Roofing & Building . . . . . . 12

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 19

SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 33

Thomas McMaster & Son . . . . . . 35

Solicitors

Kingsley Wood & Co . . . . . . . . . 17

Special Occasions

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Taxis

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Tiling

Gordon James Ceramic . . . . . . . 21

Tree Surgeon

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 39

Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 40

R Williams Tree Services . . . 40

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41

TV & Satellite

Clearline TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Kieran Turner Aerial . . . . . . . 35

Upholstery Services

Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 21

Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 19

Window Cleaners

Always Clean Windows . . . . . . . 11

Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 19

Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 15

Matthews Cleaning Services . . 17

Window, Consv & Repair

1on1 Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27