In this issue...

Summer time turns our attention to pressure washing and softwashing. With over 20 years experience of exterior cleaning systems, we are your local qualified and experienced cleaning company with the state of the art equipment, knowledge and experience to achieve the best results. Whether it is softwashing moss on roofs, algae from render, pressure washing decking, patios, monoblock drives, or anything in between, please give us a call for free, friendly information on our services or for a free quotation.

01505 863 863 www.nutechcleaning.co.uk

Nominate your community champions in the ‘Scotland Loves Local’ Awards

Nominations have opened for the 2023 ‘Scotland Loves Local’ Awards.

For the third year, Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) are hosting the event that recognises the amazing work taking place to transform communities across the country. And YOU are being urged to make your voice heard about the people and organisations who you feel deserve a chance to shine in the spotlight for the work they do.

The award categories are:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Climate and NetZero Town Award

Creative Town Award

Digital Town Award

Enterprising Communities Award

Streets and Spaces Award

Town Centre Living Award

Place Leader Award

High Street Hero

Nominations can be made at: www.lovelocal.scot/awards, where full category criteria can also be found. Briefly share the details of your nominee and why you would like to see them recognised.

Spearheaded by STP and supported by the Scottish Government, Scotland Loves Local is the movement encouraging people to create a better future for their community by choosing local.

Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Interim Chief Officer, said: “In so many ways, the challenges facing our communities have never been greater as we face up to the climate emergency, cost of living and the legacy of coronavirus.

“This has brought out the best in our people and places - unleashing a desire to make a difference, to create a new future. Across the country, we are seeing how that can create better, fairer, more attractive and successful places in which to live and work.

“The Scotland Loves Local Awards are a chance to shine a spotlight on all of this and so much more. To do that, we need you to tell us about the inspiring people and projects whose dedication and innovation is making a real difference where you live.”

The closing date for nominations is 5pm on Monday 4th September. Winners will be announced at a celebration being held in November. For details about sponsorship opportunities linked to the Scotland Loves Local Awards: www.scotlandstowns.org

Step up to Diabetes UK Challenge

A sponsored step challenge which raises vital funds for leading charity Diabetes UK returns this summer – and a call has gone out for people from Scotland to sign up.

The One Million Step Challenge, sponsored by Fitbit, runs between 1st July and 30th September and tasks participants with completing a massive one million steps over three months – around 10,000 a day. People taking part can take part anywhere from their local park to their living room, alone or with family, friends, or colleagues.

All funds raised will go towards Diabetes UK’s work funding life-saving research and ensuring everyone living with diabetes gets the care and support they need.

In addition to the standard One Million Step Challenge, there are two other challenges to choose from - the 500,000 step challenge - about 5,400 steps a day and a perfect start to your stepping journey. Or take on the 1,700,000 step challenge, around 18,400 steps a day and the equivalent of walking from Lands End to John O’Groats.

There are some amazing rewards on offer for challengers, including exclusive Fitbit discounts, three unique distance medals and a One Million Step Challenge reusable water bottle for anyone who fundraises over £250.

To register for the One Million Step Challenge, visit: https://step.diabetes.org.uk

There is no registration fee and no minimum sponsorship!

St Vincent’s Hospice Summer Appeal

This summer, St Vincent’s Hospice are raising funds to ensure that they are there for as many people and families across Renfrewshire and adjoining North Ayrshire as possible. It is their mission to be here for all who are affected by life limiting illness.

Last year, the hospice team cared for Peter at his home and in his final days at the hospice. The team supported and continue to support his wife Margaret.

Margaret said “I can’t imagine what would have happened to us if the hospice team had not came to our house that day.” Peter died with Margaret lying in bed next to him, this was a promise that she had made to him. The team at the hospice ensured that Margaret could keep her promise to Peter.

Individual Giving Manager, Hayley Simpson said “We must raise £6,000 every single day of the year to keep the hospice running. We want to make sure we continue to be there for people like Peter and Margaret, at the worst time in their lives. We can only do that if we continue to receive donations. We know times are very tough for a lot of people in our communities, any gift, large or small is so greatly appreciated.”

To read Peter and Margaret’s story or make a donation please visit: https:// stvincentshospice.org/summer-appeal/

Work starts on £1.7m community hub

A horticultural charity based in Port Glasgow has broken ground on a new multi-purpose facility for Parklea Branching Out within the organisation’s existing grounds.

The project is being part-funded by Inverclyde Council and the Scottish Government with the local authority also providing support to deliver the hub. It will feature offices, meeting spaces, accessible toilets and changing rooms, a community café, training facilities and garden retail space. Improvements are also being made to existing facilities and outdoor areas.

Sharon Gemmell, Manager of Parklea Branching Out, said: “We are delighted to have reached this initial stage in the development of our community hub. It has been a team effort with Inverclyde Council, Inch Architecture and Eycon Ltd. I would like to thank them all for their continued work and co-operation.”

The council supported Parklea Branching Out with a successful bid for £1.1m from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) in late 2021 to help bring their hub plans to fruition, in addition to other external funds and use of reserves.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, Inverclyde Council’s convener of education and communities, said: “It’s a proud moment for everyone associated with Parklea Branching Out to see the dream of a new, purpose-built community facility starting to become a reality.”

Planning Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “The Scottish Government has invested £1.3 million from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) to support the development of the Parklea Community Garden Hub. We welcome the plan for a space that will provide a wide-range of opportunities for local people, including vulnerable members of the community and those with learning disabilities. The hub will provide important access to greenspace, and facilitate valuable training and employment opportunities.”

Parklea Branching Out was established in 1997 and uses horticulture to provide training, work experience, supported employment, and recreational and social facilities for a variety of people, including young people and adults with additional support needs.

The organisation grows fruit, vegetables and plants which they sell to individuals, groups and businesses to support its outreach work. For more information please visit: www.parkleaassociation.org.uk.

BGCP Comic Con Returns

Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th August 10am - 4pm

Robertson Park, Renfrew

Traders will be selling everything from Comics, Graphic Novels, Pins, Art, Funko Pops, Action Figures, Mystery Bags, Pins, Trading Cards, D&D, Keyrings, T-Shirts, Statues, Anime and much more.

Meet your favourite characters throughout the day with times being released closer to this free event.

Millport Raft Race Saturday 5th August

Come along and watch as the participants race from Kames Bay to Millport Harbour.

The M c Dougalls

Everyone’s favourite children’s theatre company present their spectacular new show!

Space Adventure

Tuesday 8th August - 1pm, Johnstone Town Hall, 25 Church Street, Johnstone PA5 8EG £10 / Family of 4 - £38

Join stars of stage and screen, Auntie Aggie and Max, as they fly past the planets on an intergalactic musical expedition! From a sunny stop on Mercury, to a meeting with a Martian, there’s so much to do and see on this trip of a lifetime in the homemade rocket ship! Packed with singalong songs such as Zoom Zoom Zoom We’re Going to the Moon, Aiken Drum and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star - get ready to fasten your seatbelts and join in with this astronomical adventure! Recommended for children up to age 9 to enjoy with their families.

Lamont Farm Project needs your help

For everyone who knows us, you will know how much time is put into caring for all of the animals, by all of the volunteers, young and old. We are now the last city farm in Scotland left and we still house over 50 animals here, most of which are rescued and/or retired.

Largs Viking Festival

Saturday 2nd to Sunday 10th

September

All the festival favourites return including the opening parade and ceremony, live entertainment, food and craft market, axe throwing, Viking village and fire procession. The Viking skirmish and burning of the longboat will return and the festival will finish with a firework display.

We have a horse and a Shetland pony that are in their 30s, goats that are in their late teens, small furries that are celebrating their golden years and more.

It takes roughly £55,000 - £60,000 a year to run the farm. This money is spent purely on making sure the animals have what they need, but this year we have been faced with the devastating news that we are receiving no funding from either of the local partnership grants or celebrating Renfrewshire grants. To give you an idea, this is a £15,000 shortfall even from last year. We are not trying to scare anyone, but the reality is that without funding coming in, we will be forced to close. We are only a few years off celebrating the Farm’s 50th birthday, but at present it looks unlikely that we will make it that far! So please, please donate if you can. We have tried and tried everything that we can do here! We hate to beg, but we can’t stress enough that we are serious that this could be the end for us. We have a GoFundMe page: https.//gofund.me/ c6ff03ad. We are also happy to provide PayPal or bank details to anyone that would like to donate. Thank you!

Come along and support our Open Day

It’s great fun for all the family!

Saturday 29th July - 12.30pm - 3.30pm

With a bouncy castle, candy floss, inflatable fun, tombola, raffle, home baking and more! Our open days are always full of fun and mischief so why not plan to come? All money raised supports the Farm through the hard winter months and ensures all of your animal friends are kept healthy and happy.

Lamont Farm, Barhill Road, Erskine PA8 6EZ

Greenock Light Opera Club (GLOC)

We can’t wait for you all to see it!

From Thursday 9th - 11th Saturday November in The Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock More exciting announcements coming soon!