Kilbarchan Parish Church

Services continue each Sunday at 11am, conducted by Rev. Stephen Smith and coffee and tea are served in the hall after the service. Each service is available to watch by Live Stream by logging on to the church website: www.kilbarchankirk.org All are welcome. Junior Church meets each week.

The Midweek Fellowship is on Wednesday mornings at 10.30am in the small hall, with coffee/tea and chat, followed by a short act of worship.

The Badminton Club continues on Thursdays from 8pm - 10pm in the large hall. Players of all ages and abilities are most welcome.

Kilbarchan National Women’s Register

We will be discussing “Detectives” on TV, in films and in books and how the genre has changed over the years, the spouses of Queen Victoria’s children or grandchildren and an up to date topic from a newspaper as well as meeting for coffee. The Book Group will discuss “Violeta” by Isabel Allende. For details call 703786 or visit the website: www.nwr.org.uk

Kilbarchan Parish Church Guild has 2 meetings in February - on Tuesday 14th a talk by Marjorie Paton on the World day of prayer and on Tuesday 28th World Travels set to music by Vivienne MacDonald, and a Bring and Buy sale. Both meetings at 2.30pm in the hall. All welcome

Friday 3rd March - The World Day of Prayer service will be in Kilbarchan Parish Church this year, at 7pm, followed by refreshments in the hall.

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club is on every Monday morning from 9.15am - 11.30am in Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, off Steeple Square. The club is for tots of 3 years and under along with their accompanying adult. The cost is still £1 per adult, including refreshments. We hope to welcome lots of new babies and tots to enjoy the many toys and bouncy castle and for the adults to make new friends.

Renfrewshire Food Bank is supported weekly by Parish church members and prior to Christmas we filled a “reverse” advent calendar and delivered hundreds of kilos of goodies and a large amount of money.

Our Gift service in December saw 95 parcels delivered to Renfrewshire Young Carers. We also donated to Accord Hospice and Erskine and St Vincent’s Hospice was the recipient of the donations after the service of Nine Lessons and Carols.

Kilbarchan Parish Church Messy Church takes place on Saturday 18th February from 4pm - 6pm in the church halls. Families can enjoy arts, crafts, singing and a meal together - all welcome.

All details of our different organisations along with contact details can be found on the website: www. kilbarchankirk.org

Leisure Classes in Kilbarchan Guide Centre

If you have always wanted to try a FITNESS, YOGA or ART class then you can be assured of a friendly welcome.

Come along and try a class - first one free!

Tuesday mornings Carol leads a low impact fitness class from 9.30am till 10.30am. This is a Hustle Zero class with 0% of the jump impact but 100% of the fun. Great for core strength and balance.

Thursday morning Our HATHA YOGA class with Jacqueline meets from 10am – 11am.

Art Classes

The

On Monday afternoon and then on both Friday morning and afternoon. These are relaxed and informal classes, for the amateur or aspiring artist, led by Ian Richardson (B.A.Hons) who provides friendly guidance and encouragement to help develop skills in your own chosen subject and medium.

For info contact KilbarchanGuideCentre@gmail.com or drop by to enquire in person www.girlguidingkilbarchan.

The Kilbarchan Singers Pancake & Coffee Morning

Saturday 11th March from 10am - 12noon

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall kipcokil@hotmail.com www.kipco.org

Please pop along for a wee treat - The Kilbarchan Singers are looking forward to welcoming you.

Howwood Parish Church

Well here we are with New Year long past and heading towards Spring. Signs of bulbs growing in the garden which should help towards coming to church and helping the village to grow. February is one of the dullest months in the year so a wee trip to the Kirk would brighten up the month.

Dates for February:-

Monday 13th Women’s Guild

Talk by the Countryside Ranger - “Wee seeds - Big trees”

Wednesday 15th February

Good attendances so come along and enjoy the chat. Tea and coffee and biscuits still free due to a kind benefactor.

Sunday 19th Thinking Day for our organisations.

Monday 27th Gentle exercise with Morag ThowEmphasis on the word “Gentle”

Last months talk by Craig Crawford on slides of Howwood and other “weel kent” places was very well attended and brought out a number of comments from the audience.

Ward 9

Cllr Andy Doig

I wish all my constituents the very best for 2023 and hope that it will see a final successful end to the war in Ukraine and a solution to the cost of living crisis. At the last Full Council meeting in December I moved a motion which called on all the national energy companies to use some of their substantial profits to re-open shop front energy hubs. This would allow constituents with energy difficulties to actually talk face to face with someone to solve problems they might have either with their accounts or their energy supply. It is particularly true that consumers with ‘pay as you go’ meters are especially vulnerable and the status quo of energy giants hiding behind call centres is simply not good enough anymore.

I am pleased to report that Renfrewshire Council last year appointed SWECO as the consultant for the new Safe Rural Walking Initiative which will look at ways to stop speeding in Kilbarchan and Howwood. Online surveys and consultations have taken place with village residents and with Kilbarchan and Howwood Community Councils over recent months. The final proposals are being discussed locally at present and I look forward to receiving the views of both community councils on the matter as curbing speeding is a serious problem. I know of one business in Johnstone town centre which has recently closed and sadly two long-established businesses in Lochwinnoch have also closed their doors. On the positive side two new businesses have also opened in Lochwinnoch recently, which is good. To ensure that all our independent local traders get as much support as possible I have written to our local MP, Mairi Black, suggesting that central government establishes a furlough scheme for small businesses so that our local traders can survive the current energy crisis with the support they deserve.

Surgeries: Second Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm, Lilybank Bowling Club, Johnstone, and 7.30pm the Old Library, Kilbarchan. On the fourth Wednesday of the month they are at 6.30pm, Howwood Bowling Club, and then at 7.30pm in Lochwinnoch Bowling Club.

cllr david wilson

McGill’s Buses have cancelled the 530 service from Kilmacolm to the Port Glasgow Retail Park. I am pleased that SPT have stepped in to subsidise McGill’s to continue matters until July. Councillor McCabe is currently leading us on our opposition to a proposed New National Care Service, removing care from Councils and the Community.

Local businessman Puneet Gupta has been awarded the OBE in the New Years Honours. This was for service to business, charity and the community. With regard to the latter, the Village is delighted and relieved that Puneet stepped in to the rescue the failing development at the Cross. He joins his wife as a recipient of this prestigious award. The Church of Scotland is excelling in indecision over the choice of a Sanctuary in Kilmacolm. There is little doubt that the majority of villagers would favour the Old Kirk. Its first Priest/Vicar/ Minister was pre Reformation, Hugh De Parcliner in 1250 and is the traditional parish church. The members who regularly wind up the Village Clock are delighted that the Council will be installing an automatic system. Larch trees at the War Memorial are suffering from Phytophthora ramora, a disease which necessitates felling. The land was donated by the McLay family, who have members names on the memorial. It was placed so that it could be seen from the village and surrounding farms. Parks professionals will decide whether to replace the trees.

We have a £16m gap in our council finances and savings will be brutal in our ‘23-’25 budgets. I will fight to keep the Council Tax increase to a minimum, but this will be tough.

The Kilmacolm Dramatic Society Pantomime was a real hoot. Most enjoyable with John Gilchrist as the Dame stealing the show. The Society thanked the Council for the grant towards lighting. A proper use of community grants.

Surgery: Saturday 18th February, Kilmacolm Community Centre from 10am to 11am

Kilmacolm new Community Centre

Monday

Yoga with Liz 10am – 11am

Yoga with Janis 10am - 11am

Pilates with Emma 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Yoga with Fiona 6.30pm – 8pm

Kilmacolm Bridge Club 7pm – 10.30pm

Tuesday

Rock Choir 10am - 12noon

Qi Gong 12noon – 1pm

Gamata Musical Theatre Class 5.45pm - 8.15pm

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 (book via Café) Friendly Bridge 1.30pm – 3.30pm

Yoga 5.45pm – 6.45pm

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

Thursday

Pilates with Jennifer 9.30am – 10.30am

Art Group 10am – 12noon

Acting For Fun 5pm – 8.30pm

Metafit 6.30pm – 7pm

Kettle Bells 7pm – 7.30pm

Friday

Art Class 10am – 12noon

Singing for Health & Wellbeing 11.30am – 12.30pm saturday

Gail Ashley Children’s Dance Class 9.30am - 3.30pm

Special Events in february

Horticultural Society Talk –

Wed 15th, 2pm - 3.45pm

The Sonic Den Sound Bath www.thesonicden.com –

Wednesday 15th, 7pm - 8pm

Cllr Stephen McCabe Surgery -

Tues 14th 6.30pm–7.30pm

Cllr David Wilson- Surgery -

Sat 18th, 10am – 11am Mini First Aid –

Sat 18th, 10am – 12noon

Centre Opening Times

Monday – Friday: 9am to 10pm

Saturday: 9am to 3pm

Sunday: Closed

Enquiries & Room Hire: 01505 873994

Cafe Opening Times

Monday – Friday: 10am to 4pm

Saturday: 10am to 3pm

Shrove Tuesday Coffee

Morning

Tuesday 21st February 10am - 12noon St Fillan’s Church, Moss Road, Kilmacolm

Ward 1

cllr Stephen mccabe

The ‘Warm Space’ in Kilmacolm Community Centre is open to all. The room is available Monday to Friday, 10am - 3pm. Tea and coffee will be provided. For further information pop into the centre and speak to a member of staff.

I have received representations about the 530 bus service, and I have asked Councillor Wilson, the Council’s representative on SPT and one of its Vice Chairs, to try to ensure a bus service to Port Glasgow is maintained.

There

Kilmacolm Show Whist Drive

The Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow Agricultural Society Annual Whist Drive is being held on Friday 17th February at 7pm in Kilmacolm Community Centre. Tickets priced £5 (payable on the night) include a light supper. There will also be a raffle.

Scout Fundraisers

The flooding scheme at Glen Mosston in Kilmacolm is complete. The barrier was in operation on 30th December when there were major flooding incidents across the country. It may explain why there wasn’t flooding in the centre of the village that day. I have asked officers to look at what they can do about the regular flooding hotspot on Port Glasgow Road just beyond the old quarry site. The flood prevention works at Gotter Water in Quarrier’s Village are currently in site.

Inverclyde’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan 20232028 was approved by the Environment & Regeneration Committee on 12th January. It contains a proposal to fund 20 affordable houses at Quarry Drive should the Scottish Government grant planning permission to McTaggart and Mickel for the overall development of 78 units. While I was opposed to planning permission being granted for this site if it is going ahead 20 affordable houses for the village would at least be some compensation for the loss of greenbelt land. It is good to see that things are moving forward with the completion of the housing and commercial development at Kilmacolm Cross under the new owners. I understand the plan is for the development to be finally completed by September this year. Surgery: Kilmacolm Community Centre on Tuesday 14th February from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Stephen.McCabe@Inverclyde.gov.uk

10 Victoria Gardens, Kilmacolm, PA13 4HL

Reservations & Takeaway: 01505 874663

Sunday: Closed www.cargillcentre.com

Kilmacolm Scouts fabulous quiz and curry will be on Saturday 11th February in the Scout Hall on Barr’s Brae at 7.30pm. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets includes quiz entry and curry available at £10pp, with bar and raffle on the night. Looking for teams of up to 10 people so get some friends together or come along and join a team on the night. Contact 07789 077749 or any current scout leader for tickets. Kilmacolm Scouts postponed musical evening with 50s/60s band The Dynaglides from December will now be on Saturday 29th April in the Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm at 7.30pm. The Dynaglides perform a variety of music from this era including songs from The Beatles, Chuck Berry, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and Elvis Presley and the band includes one of our scout leaders Mo. Tickets £10, available by calling 07789 077749 or from any current scout leader. Tickets on sale now so get in quick and join us for a fun evening of music and dancing.

Kilmacolm Old Kirk

The Sòlas bereavement drop-in group will be meeting in the Lounge of the Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm, on Thursday 9th February 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

OUTLOOK Team: Thursday 2nd February, Dementia Friendly

Inverclyde, with Bethan Dunsmore. Thursday 16th February - Visit to Oberammergau with Anne McGregor.

OUTLOOK is a social community group led by the Community Issues team of Kilmacolm Old Kirk, extending fellowship and friendship and a warm welcome to everyone. The group meets In Kidston Hall on 1st and 3rd Thursdays monthly from 2pm to 3.30pm. A delicious afternoon tea is provided by the volunteer team. Meetings traditionally enjoy a guest speaker, or videos, quiz, tombola, easy keep fit.

Arkleston Singers: A Concert by the popular Arkleston Singers will take place on Sunday 19th February at 3pm. Tickets, which are priced just £5, will be available at the door. The Arkleston Singers are a small mixed voice chamber choir based in Paisley. They sing a cappella, with piano or with The Arkleston Chamber Ensemble. The choir has built a reputation for singing a very adventurous repertoire of modern liturgical music from living composers. They have often featured works by modern composers which are Scottish, European or, occasionally, world premières.

Sunday Worship takes place in Kilmacolm Old Kirk every Sunday 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

Inverclyde Council are currently consulting on a number of options for making savings in Inverclyde Leisure up to the 3rd of February. Please take the time to fill in the survey at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ InverclydeLeisureBudget2023/. One of the options is closing the Port Glasgow Pool and I have already received representations on this matter from concerned constituents. I share their concerns.

Following public consultation a number of projects are planned at Birkmyre park, including additional play equipment, seating and picnic tables, wildflower display and tree planting within the park. These works should be completed by the summer and should provide a welcome and broad ranging addition to the park.

I am pleased to see that the 530 service between Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow has been saved for the time being and will operate with a revised timetable from Monday 23rd January until July 2023. This service will now be financially supported by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT). I thank Cllr Wilson for his efforts in securing this contract and encourage people to make use of the service to help make the case for retention beyond July 2023. I have suggested previously that there is good case for a bus link between Port Glasgow and Johnstone Stations through the Gryffe Valley, providing an express service which links to the train timetables. COVID has had a long term effect on passenger numbers but we do need to look at how we create more sustainable transport options for Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village.

SurgerIES: Kilmacolm New Community Centre 6.30pm to 7.30pm on Wednesday the 15th of February and at Boglestone Community Centre, Port Glasgow from 6pm to 7pm on Wednesday the 22nd of February.