284 May 2018 - Gryffe Advertizer

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Cover Image: Osprey Fishing - Richard Bennet, PCPC 

GryffeAds 

May 2018 No.284 

your LOCAL community magazine May 2018 No. 284 

A community magazine delivered FREE to homes in the Gryffe area

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the advertizer 

Advertising Feature 

SOFTWASHING. “Softwashing” is a relatively new term for chemical cleaning 

as opposed to jet-washing, this is sometimes a better alternative to jet-washing 

and can give longer lasting results. With over 20 years experience Nutech are 

Professional Softwash Cleaning Technicians who can safely and competently 

clean your building of moss, algae, lichen and other organic and environmental 

soiling making it look like new again, we only use approved Biocide 

chemicals and are fully Health & Safety competent users. Our 

system is suitable for render, roughcast, roofs, drives etc. Please 

call for free friendly advice from your local Softwash Professionals 

Nutech Cleaning. 

Important dates for our June ‘18 Issue 

Deadline: 18th May Delivery: 29th May 

This month 

It’s that time of year when we hope for some great weather and a summer 

full of entertainment for kids and grown-ups alike. In this month’s issue, 

we have a varied mix with events on land and water, and hopefully 

something that will appeal to everyone. 

Some of these events date back many years and are steeped in history, 

others are more recent additions to the calendar. They run like clockwork 

- weather permitting. All thanks to a small army of volunteers who give of 

their time to gather in the wee dark hours of the winter to plan, organise 

and fundraise. 

Perhaps you feel that you would like to get involved and be a part of our 

local annual events. Your involvement will be rewarding for yourself and 

the area, so why not become a part of your local community and offer 

your services. 

Here is just a small sample of what’s coming, with more details in our 

‘What’s On’ section: 

29 April: Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley 10K 

06 May: Push the Boat Out at Castle 

Semple Loch 

12 May: Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow 

Agricultural Show (Knapps Show) 

12 May: Houston & Killellan Kirk 

Carnival 

13 May: Mad Hatters Tea Party at 

Finlaystone 

13 May: Gourock Highland Games 

19 May: British Pipe Band 

Championships 

27 May: Erskine Motorbike Meet 

02 June: Lilias Day, Kilbarchan 

02 June: Houston Agricultural Show 

09 June: Bridge of Weir Gala Day 

16 June: Kilbarchan Agricultural Show 

16 June: CarFest at St Vincent Hospice 

28 July: Erskine Classic Car Show 

Apologies if we’ve missed any. We keep our website 

and Facebook/Twitter pages up to date with events and 

news, so please ‘like’ us, ‘follow’ us and bookmark our 

web page to get the latest information. 

The Advertizer is the ideal platform 

to communicate with your community 

as we reach over 13,500 homes and 

businesses in the Gryffe area. 

Send your news and photos to: 

info@advertizer.co.uk or by post to 

The Advertizer, Neva Place, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3PN. 

Next deadline Friday 18 May! 

Rona 

deadline date for our june issue - Friday 18th May - You don’t want to miss it!!

may 2018 t: 01505 613340 e: info@advertizer.co.uk 

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Contents 

local news...............4-13 

finance & tech......14-17 

pet news............... 18-19 

outdoors............... 20-25 

local history.................24 

village news..........26-37 

Contact 

us 

school news......... 38-43 

what’s on.............. 44-51 

sport news............ 52-55 

business classified....56 

sales & wants............ 57 

advertizer directory...58 

pick up a copy............58 

on the road.................59 

t: 01505 613340 

e: info@advertizer.co.uk 

www.advertizer.co.uk 

@GryffeAds www.advertizer.co.uk

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New CEO at Ardgowan 

Linda McEnhill, who lives in 

Kilmacolm, has been named 

as the new Chief Executive 

Officer at Ardgowan Hospice. 

Linda has been involved in 

palliative care for 25 years, 

during which time she has 

worked in a range of settings 

as a practitioner, manager, 

director and lecturer, 

working both in Scotland and 

England. 

Keith McKellar, Ardgowan 

Hospice Chair, said, “We 

are delighted that Linda 

has agreed to become our 

new CEO and we are looking 

forward to continuing to 

develop Hospice care under 

her leadership.” 

Having previously been 

involved with Ardgowan 

Hospice, when she worked 

at the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, helping to set up the three 

hospice Butterfly Children and Young People Bereavement Service back in 

2010 Linda says she is pleased to have the opportunity to work with the 

Ardgowan team again. She added, “I have happy memories of Ardgowan 

- always a warm, friendly welcome and I look forward to working with staff 

and volunteers to support those living in our community affected by life 

limiting illness.” 

During her career, Linda has held various social work and counselling 

roles, including Widening Access Manager for Hospice UK. It is from this 

background that her passion to improve care at the end of life for people 

with learning disabilities has been fuelled. 

In 1998, her desire to see equitable access for all people to high quality 

end of life care led her to establish the National Network for Palliative Care 

of People with Learning Disabilities, which aims to raise awareness of the 

palliative care needs of people with learning disabilities and to share and 

promote best practice. This work was recognized when she was awarded 

the first Hambro-Macmillan Associate Fellowship in 2003. 

An award was later created in her name to recognise organisations and 

individuals who have made a significant difference to the end of life care of 

people with learning disabilities. 

Born in Glasgow, Linda now lives in Kilmacolm with her husband of 37 

years, Peter, and their three-year-old Dalmatian, Mungo. 

She has degrees in Theology, Social Work and Hospice Leadership and is a 

qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist. 

Community Dog Walk Sets 

Tongues and Tails Wagging 

Dog owners descended on Robertson Park in Renfrew at the weekend to 

show their support for Renfrewshire’s Team Up to Clean Up campaign and 

its aim to rid the area of dog fouling. 

More than 50 people brought along their pride and joy to take part in the 

event which saw a mass dog walk take place to promote responsible dog 

ownership. 

Local organisation, the Phoenix Flyers, put on a fantastic display of dog 

agility which saw pets fly through tunnels, up and down see-saws and over 

jumps as our four-legged friends showcased their talents. 

Those in attendance were also given the opportunity to sign up to 

Renfrewshire’s Responsible Dog Ownership pledge which outlines their 

commitment to looking after their pet and taking responsibility for everything 

that comes with being an owner. 

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, 

Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “I was delighted to see such a 

fantastic turnout as people put their support behind our Team Up to Clean 

Up campaign and denounce their fellow dog owners who fail to pick up after 

their pets. 

As part of the dog fouling campaign, streets throughout Renfrewshire with 

an identified problem are also being targeted with luminous spray paint, 

street stencilling, informative posters and increased warden activity. 

To sign up to the pledge, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/ 

responsibledogowner. For more information on the Team Up to Clean Up 

campaign, visit http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/teamuptocleanup”www. 

renfrewshire.gov.uk/teamuptocleanup 



Has Your Double 

Glazing Steamed Up? 


Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have 

become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues 

with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be 

noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. Why 

not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you 

have any failed double glazing? 

Now, you may think you need to replace the whole window 

including the frames and all the hardware, however 

Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving 

solution … Just replace the glass!! 

We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free 

no obligation quote. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and 

explain the problem and tell you how we can fix it. 

Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which 

Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year 

guarantee. Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all 

windows and doors. 

Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Peter Brummitt and he services 

the Wider Gryffe area. So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged 

give Peter a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118. 

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Don’t forget... Houston & Killellan Kirk Carnival, 12th May! 

Magic Trees 

Five winners of the Brighter Bridge of Weir’s Easter stone hunt (for primary school-aged children in the 

village) were presented with their prizes at the recent Pop-Up Shop event. Each of the winners will also 

have the opportunity to help plant a tree somewhere in the village soon, and that’s a prize that should 

last for generations to come. 

Brighter Bridge of Weir is aiming to plant many more trees in future, as well as continuing work with the 

flowers and shrubs throughout the village. Trees are a vital part of our planet’s ecology, as they absorb 

carbon from the air and replace oxygen. They also serve to regulate temperature, combat flooding and 

landslips, and of course provide a habitat for insects and other wildlife. Over many years, however, the 

number of trees has been decreasing rapidly, mainly due to deforestation by humans, but also because 

of over-grazing by large herbivores, and disease. 

Many conservation groups throughout the country are setting out to reverse this decline. Brighter Bridge 

of Weir’s commitment improve their village’s environment means they’re doing their bit too. 

Local MP Gavin Newlands contacted the group to arrange a meeting to find out more about the group’s 

current and future plans. Brighter Bridge of Weir is already supported by our local councillors and MSP, 

so it’s great to know that the group is making an impression! 

Picture: some of Brighter Bridge of Weir’s members with Gavin Newlands MP. 

Giving Blood Saves Lives 

Every minute of every day someone in Scotland receives blood as part of a life saving or life 

improving treatment. Less than 4% of the population currently give blood. 

The Scottish National Blood transfusion Service (SNBTS) must welcome 3,500 blood donors each week 

to meet the needs of patients in Scotland. We aim to maintain a 6 day supply of each blood group, 

at all times, to continue to meet hospital requirements. Whether you’ve never donated before, give 

blood regularly or haven’t been for a while, SNBTS would like to invite you to your local blood donating 

session. 

For more information please visit http://www.scotblood.co.uk or connect with us on Facebook http:// 

www.facebook.com/givebloodforscotland or twitter @givebloodscot.” 

BRIDGE OF WEIR 

MONDAY 21st MAY: 4pm- 

7.30pm 

The Cargill Hall, Linwhite 

Crescent, Bridge of Weir. 

JOHNSTONE 

MONDAY 14th MAY: 2pm- 

3.30pm & 5pm-7.30pm 

TUESDAY 15th MAY: 4pm- 

7.30pm 

The New Town Hall, 25 

Church Street, Johnstone 

PAISLEY 

MON. 21st, TUE. 22nd & 

WED. 23rd MAY 

2.30pm-3.30pm & 5pm- 

7.30pm 

St Mirrin’s Cathedral Parish 

Church, Incle Street, Paisley 



From 

squalor to 

spoiled...a 

success 

story 

Cora is one of charity Give a Dog 

a Bone’s recent success stories. 

After her rehoming fee was paid 

she joined the monthly support 

scheme. 

Previously living in squalor, she 

is now loving life with her new 

Mum. 

“Cora is coming on really, really well. She has socialised like you wouldn’t 

believe now. The first four weeks were really difficult as she was scared 

of everything. Now she is playing with all the other dogs in the park and 

has several people she likes. Everybody in park can’t believe it. It’s very 

touching. I’ll send more pics soon. Once I master getting her to go into a 

car, I’ll bring her along to see you.” 

Fundraising Update: Follow us on Facebook to 

be a part of our flash fundraisers, where you can 

not only win a prize but also raise money to help 

support more animals and their families. 

100 PEOPLE X £100: Can you sign up to our 

challenge? We’re looking for 100 amazing 

people to each raise £100 by 31st May to pay 

for the rent of our companionship space. Could 

this be you? louise@giveadogabone.net. Get in 

touch today to pledge your support. 

Our mailing address is: Give a Dog a Bone... 

and an Animal a Home, 988 Pollokshaws Road, 

Shawlands, GLASGOW 

British Pipe Band 

Championships 

Taking place in the St James Playing Fields in Paisley on Saturday 19th May, 

from 9am to 6.30pm - this is a great day of free fun that all the family can enjoy. 

Enjoy the spectacle of over 4,000 elite-level pipers and drummers competing 

for some of the prestigious titles in world bagpiping. 

This free event will also feature a food village, children’s entertainment zone, 

the Slug in a Bottle craft market, and much, much more (details to follow). 

With free event parking and a free shuttle bus to and from the event site, it’s 

easy to join us and enjoy this spectacular event. 

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The Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire & Inverclyde Branch of SSAFA - the 

Armed Forces charity founded in 1885, reported another successful year 

at its well-attended 2018 AGM at the Old Library, Kilbarchan with the 

Branch President HM Lord Lieutenant Guy WNH Clark CVO FSI JP in the 

chair. 

The Branch, one of twenty-two in Scotland, supports those who serve in 

our Armed Forces, those who used to serve and the families of both. This 

is our 134th Year and was the only multi-service charity at the start of 

World War One. 

During the last year to December 31st, 2017 the Branch has sourced and 

distributed goods and services to 160 veterans and their families in our 

local community to the value of £129,036 and administered a further 

£19,933 paid to Annuitants. SSAFA welcomes enquiries from those who 

have served, or who are serving, in our Forces and the families of both who 

are in need and require practical assistance. The qualifying criterion for 

assistance in time of need is usually to have received one day’s pay in the 

Armed Forces (including National Service) or in the Merchant Navy. SSAFA 

represent most other Military and Merchant Navy Charities. 

Volunteering with SSAFA is a very satisfying experience. The branch is 

currently looking for volunteers to help with Case Working, Administration, 

IT and Publicity & Fundraising. Full training is given and expenses paid. 

The recipients of this year’s Long 

Service Awards were Caseworkers 

John Clark (15 years), Cathy Coe 

and Irene Robertson (10 years), 

Rod Headon-Smith (5 years); 

Divisional Treasurer Owen 

Evans (15 years) and Divisional 

Secretary Irene McCallum (30 

years). 

Further details for both those 

that require practical assistance 

or as a potential volunteer can be found by contacting the Branch Secretary, 

Joyce Goater, at the Wynd Centre, Paisley 0141 840 4060, renfrewshire@ 

ssafa.org.uk or via the website (www.ssafa.org.uk). 

Registered Charity No: 210760 (Since 1885) and SC038056 

Houston Mum takes on 

Marathon Challenge in 

Memory of her Dad 

A Renfrewshire resident is raising money 

for the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) life 

saving research by taking part in the Virgin 

Money London Marathon. 

Dr Kirsty Horne, 41, from Houston, works with 

people and families affected by heart disease, 

but it’s the loss of her father, Paddy, to a 

cardiac arrest over 10 years ago which has 

inspired her to take on this challenge. 

In 2007, whilst on maternity leave from her 

clinical psychology training, Kirsty Horne 

moved back into the family home to live with 

her parents. One morning she found her 

father unconscious. 

She said: “I initially thought he was sleeping, 

but soon 

realised something was wrong. I tried CPR 

with the help of my mother and younger 

brother, who was only 15 at the time, but 

when the paramedics arrived, he couldn’t 

be revived. He was only 58, our whole 

family were devastated and it’s never really 

been the same since. It makes us so sad to 

think that he never got to meet 9 of his 11 

grandchildren.” 

Kirsty now works in Cardiac Rehabilitation, 

a programme to help people get back 

on their feet after a heart attack or heart 

surgery and other procedures. On April 

22nd, she will join around 400 runners who 

are uniting in the fight against heart disease by running the Virgin Money 

London Marathon and will help the BHF raise close to a million pounds 

towards pioneering heart research. 

Kirsty said: “Working where I do has made me very aware of how 

devastating cardiac disease can be and how many women are affected. 

Until then I thought I was ‘immune’ because I was a female, despite heart 

disease running in my family.” 

Karen McDonnell, Events Manager at the BHF, added: “Around 685,000 

people are living with cardiovascular disease in Scotland – by joining the 

fight and running the marathon, Kirsty really will be helping us stop heart 

disease in its tracks.” 

Freeland Church 

invite you to a Focus Rally on Saturday 19th May at 7pm 

Guest Speaker : Andy Bathgate, CEO Scripture Union, Scotland 

“The King of Love” with Freeland Praise Band. Meal provided. 

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, 

slow to anger abounding in love. 

Psalm 103 v8 

RSVP Lesley Smith 07872 605099 



Rotary Charity Car Wash 

On Saturday 19th May 2018, the annual Rotary Charity Car Wash will 

be taking place again at Beaton Bros Funeral Directors, Bridge of Weir. 

Proceeds to Rotary charitable causes. So come along on the day and give 

your car a special treat! 

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Zip slide across the Clyde! 

Zip slide from a 150ft crane 1000ft across the River Clyde on Saturday 

16 June. A safe and unforgettable adrenaline packed experience using 

the latest technology and safety equipment, led by experienced, qualified 

zip line masters. 

Participants are asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £150, which 

includes a £20 non-refundable deposit. Please register for this event by 

visiting the following link to pay your deposit: https://www.scottishspca. 

org/shop/events/zip-slide-the-clyde/. Alternatively you can pay your 

deposit by calling 03000 999 999 (option 4). Your space will be confirmed 

as soon as we receive your deposit. 

This event holds a maximum weight restriction for each participant of 17 

stone or 108 KG. Participants must be 16+ on the day of the event. 

Please note that spaces are given on a first come first served basis so 

book soon to avoid disappointment. 

https://www.facebook.com/events/167081223908579/ 


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Is hay fever affecting your 

eyes? 

by Kerry Taher, New Vision Opticians 

For many of us the summer also means the start of seasonal suffering 

which is hay fever. If the eyes are involved it’s called seasonal allergic 

conjunctivitis, with symptoms varying from mild irritation to severely itchy, 

swollen, red, gritty and watery eyes, although vision thankfully tends to be 

unaffected. 

If you suffer, there are various ways to relieve your symptoms. Firstly, try 

not to rub your eyes because this will make things worse. Cold compresses 

are nice and soothing. Ocular lubricants flush out and dilute the allergens 

(e.g. pollen) – these are surprisingly effective and can be used as often 

as necessary. If you wear contact lenses, using daily disposables will be 

more comfortable. Other tips include wearing close-fitting wraparound 

sunglasses, and keeping car windows closed. 

Oral antihistamines don’t fully reach the eye so something more direct 

is often needed to provide more relief. Over-the-counter anti-allergy eye 

drops (mast cell stabilizers) are very good but can take 2 - 4 weeks to start 

working effectively. Annual hay fever sufferers often start using these 

preseason to prevent symptoms occurring. 

For instant relief, a decongestant combined with an antihistamine can 

be used but only for a short time as prolonged use can cause more 

symptoms. 

Drops containing both antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers will provide 

instant and prolonged relief, but a GP prescription is required. However, 

before rushing to see your GP, you should have an eye exam to confirm the 

diagnosis. If any prescription drops are required, we can contact your GP 

to request them. 

With all that said, most of the hay fever sufferers still wouldn’t wish away any of 

the rare good weather! 

deadline date for our june issue - Friday 18th May 

- You don’t want to miss it!!


Local Communities 

meeting the climate 

challenge 

LEAP continues to deliver a wide range of free and impartial services 

in communities across Renfrewshire to support groups, organisations, 

schools and local residents to get involved in in meeting the climate 

challenge. Waste Reduction and Re-use initiatives such as ‘Pass it on 

week’ to re-use musical instruments, ‘Recycling week’ to save old mobile 

phones going to landfill, and events such as our Clothes Swaps, Bike 

Swaps, Light Bulb Amnesties, Cycling for Summer, School Uniform Reuse, 

Take One Action poster competitions, Thermal Image demonstrations and 

‘How to run a clothes, 

book or bike swap’ 

were all part of last 

year’s initiatives to 

engage communities 

and raise awareness 

of how collectively 

we can make carbon 

reductions. Over the 

last year, residents, 

pupils, schools, 

partner organisations 

and groups have also had 

the opportunity to access 

a range of workshops 

and information 

sessions about Saving 

on Home Energy use, 

maximising Energy 

Efficiency, Improving 

Recycling and Upcycling 

at home, Cycling and 

Cycle Maintenance and 

Carbon Conversations, to 

support and identify the 

carbon reduction action they can take, by making pledges, setting goals 

and action planning for change. As LEAP moves into its next operational 

year, 2018 and 19, we want to first thank our communities, for their 

commitment to meeting the climate challenge so far and look forward to 

your participation in this year’s programme. If your group, organisation, 

school or community would like to engage LEAP’s services, and/or take 

part in our activities, workshops and events programme, visit our website 

on www.myleapproject.org for details, contact lesley@myleapproject.org or 

call the LEAP team on 01505 612034. 

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Pick a day in May to GO YELLOW to 

raise funds for your local hospice! 

Join together with your classmates, 

work colleagues, family and 

friends and help to paint Inverclyde 

yellow! 

So, what can you do to help? You 

could host a yellow cake bake sale, dress in yellow, bathe in custard, dress 

like a minion, or decorate your office or classroom yellow. 

Whatever you do to go yellow, why not take a #yelfie? Take a picture of 

your group wearing, holding or posing in front of something yellow, post it 

on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter tagging Argowan Hospice and using the 

hashtag #yelfie. 

For more information or ideas to help you Go Yellow this May, email 

fundraising@ardhosp.co.uk or call 01475 558899. 

Charity Musical Lunch in 

Support of 500 Miles 

Gryffe Valley Rotary Club 

in co-operation with St 

Columba’s School held 

a Charity Musical Lunch 

at the school on Sunday 

15th April for around 100 

guests. 

After short introductory 

speeches by the acting 

President of Gryffe Valley 

Rotary, David Fairbairn, 

and the Rector of St Columba’s, Mrs Andrea Angus, the guest of honour, 

Olivia Giles OBE, was invited to tell the gathered company about the 500 

miles charity which she founded almost ten years ago. Olivia, herself a 

quadruple amputee as a result of meningitis, recognised the desperate 

plight of similarly disabled people in Africa where lack of mobility restricts 

access to education and employment and leads to social exclusion. In 

2008 she set up the charity – 500 miles - to help amputees in Malawi and 

Zambia be fitted with artificial limbs. She works unpaid and has raised 

more than £2.5m to date; recruited and trained staff at three locations; 

and overseen growth. Olivia showed a new video about the charity and 

thanked Rotary for its continuing financial support. 

Local vocalists Mark and Daniella Hathaway accompanied by Matthew 

Brown completed what was a wonderful afternoon of musical entertainment. 

Very appropriate was the song “Impossible Dream”. When Olivia started 

500 miles some would have thought that her level of ambition represented 

an impossible dream but through Olivia’s determined efforts, already 

more than 6000 patients have been given their mobility and currently 150 

patients/month are being treated. 

The support of St Columba’s School was much appreciated. All proceeds - 

expected to be in excess of £2,500 - will be donated to 500 miles. 

Gourock Highland Games 

Sunday 13th May at Battery Park, Gourock from 12noon 

Get ready for pipe band and drum major competitions; highland dance 

competitions; heavyweight events; mini highland games; children’s 

entertainment; gift and craft stalls – a great day out for all the family. It is 

free entry and open to all. No parking at the site but good public transport 

links. On street parking in surrounding area. 

Soroptimist 

International of 

Paisley 


Funds raised in support of Soroptimist 

Charities 

Members of S.I. Paisley raised the 

magnificent sum of £1,500 at their recent 

fundraising Bridge Lunch. This money will 

go to their two main charities for the year, 

RAMH and the Lodging House Mission, 

helping those with mental health issues 

and the homeless. 

Those attending tucked in to a welcome bowl of home-made lentil soup, 

followed by a selection of freshly made sandwiches before settling down to 

the serious business of playing. With prizes for the highest scoring players 

and a selection of good prizes to be won in the raffle, everyone had a lovely 

afternoon whilst helping two good charities. 

National Womens’ 

Register 

If you are new to the area or looking for ways to make new friends, or 

simply wanting an enjoyable evening out, joining an N.W.R. Group could 

be perfect for you. 

N.W.R. Is a nationwide organisation of women who may or may not work, 

new mums, single people, retired women who want to keep their minds 

active — all gain confidence, pleasure and above all, friendship. 

N.W.R. Members meet in one another’s homes in small, informal groups, 

do not campaign or fundraise, try to avoid domestic issues but enjoy 

listening to speakers and joining in discussions on topics ranging from the 

serious to the light-hearted. N.W.R. gives women opportunities to develop 

new interests, increase self-confidence and make new friends away from 

work and family. 

The average N.W.R. Meeting will leave you buzzing and wanting to know 

more. In Renfrewshire, there are groups in Kilbarchan, Bridge of Weir, 

Houston and Bishopton. To find out more about you local Kilbarchan 

group, contact Jenifer on 01505 703786. 

N.W.R. Is also on the Internet as www.nwr.org so you can find out more 

simply by logging on! 

SHA SKYDIVE 

Jump 10,000ft in tandem from a plane into 

the blue sky of Glenrothes. You will see the 

amazing views across the Kingdom, whilst 

supporting an amazing cause. 

Fife Airport, Glenrothes, Saturday 23rd 

June 

Registration 8.30am – Time of Skydive is weather dependant 

The awareness this event raises is remarkable. If you want to join the SHA 

team today, please call Linda on 0141 848 0308 or complete this form 

and email it to linda.winters@hdscotland.org to register. 

Sign up today and have loads of time to reach your minimum target of 

£499 and more… 

Please use #shafundraising #hdawareness #skydive on your social 

media! 

deadline date for our june issue - 

Friday 18th May - You don’t want to miss it!!


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Jump back to the 90s with an 

Afternoon with Stepz 

On Sunday 20th May, St. Vincent’s Hospice are taking you back 

to the 90s as they host an Afternoon with Stepz at the Glynhill 

Hotel, Renfrew 

The afternoon begins at 2pm with a sparkling drinks reception and the 

opportunity to browse and shop in their vintage stall and range of luxury 

goods. A delicious afternoon tea will follow as host for the day, Steve 

McKenna, leads you through an afternoon of fun and laughter before hitting 

the dance floor with Stepz! 

Fundraiser for St. Vincent’s Hospice, Sue Christie, said: “Our Afternoon Teas 

are always amazingly popular events, and this year we’re putting a different 

spin on things as we bring you an Afternoon with fantastic tribute band, 

Stepz, promising a trip back to the 90s like no other. 

“Tickets are priced just £28 and can be purchased by contacting a member 

of our Fundraising team. Better get there fast as it would be a ‘Tragedy’ if 

you didn’t book your ‘5,6,7,8’ tickets. We promise, if you miss out, you’ll 

definitely be feeling a ‘Deeper Shade of Blue.’” 

For more information, phone St. Vincent’s Hospice on 01505 705 635 or 

email Info@svh.co.uk to get your tickets now. 

National Smile Month: 14th May-14th June 

Happy 60th 

Wedding 

Anniversary 

To David and Beth Millar who have both lived in 

Bridge of Weir all their life. 

Married for 60 years with 3 daughters,5 

grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, with 

another on the way! 

With love from the family. 

by Sheila Macintyre, Kilbarchan Dental Practice 

Dentists are passionate about promoting good Oral Health - it can have so many wonderful lifechanging 

benefits. From greater self-confidence to better luck in careers and relationships, a 

healthy smile can truly transform your visual appearance, the positivity of your mind-set, as well as 

improving the health of not only your mouth but your body too. 

In our practice we support National Smile Month - the UK’s largest and longestrunning 

campaign to promote good oral health. 

National Smile Month highlights three key messages, all of which go a long way 

in helping develop and maintain a healthy mouth. They are: 

• Brush your teeth last thing at night and on at least one other occasion with 

a fluoride toothpaste. 

• Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks. 

• Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend. 

There are lots of ways to get involved in National Smile Month including the “Smiley Selfie Competition” 

(smileys available from the online shop), Online Games, Worksheets and other Activities and Events. 

You can even “Nominate a Smile” - an opportunity to nominate someone who always raises a smile 

to receive the recognition they deserve. It can be someone who has done something amazing in 

the community, gone above and beyond for a patient or a member of the public who brings smiles 

to everyone around them. A winner will be selected each week throughout National Smile Month to 

receive a special prize. 

If you or your group or organisation would like to get involved in National Smile Month visit the website 

at www.nationalsmilemonth.org where you will find loads of information and online resources. 


14 


When will you get your State 

Pension? 

Are you a woman born in the 1950’s affected by the State Pension 

delays? Did you know you will no longer get your pension at 60 and 

could lose up to £45,000. Were you given adequate notice of this? 

WASPI is a campaign group representing almost 3.8 million women 

across the UK with approximately 8000 women affected across 

Renfrewshire alone. If you had little or no notice of the delays to the 

State Pension age of up to 7 years, you can get further information at 

waspi.co.uk or email waspiglas73@Rmail.com where you will be put 

in touch with a local contact in Renfrewshire. 

Find out more by joining the WASPI Glasgow, Lanarkshire, 

Dunbartonshire & Renfrewshire Facebook Group. Join us to get 

Justice for 1950’s Women! Check your Pension at www.gov.uk/statepension-age 

Renfrewshire Chamber B2B 

Register Now for Renfrewshire Chamber’s annual B2B event 

Renfrewshire’s largest free business event returns to Paisley for the 

8th consecutive year on Thursday 10th May at the Lagoon, Paisley. 

“Business Matters in Renfrewshire –your local B2B event” is organised 

by Renfrewshire Chamber and is open to all members & non-members, 

business people, start-ups, senior school pupils and students. 

With 50+ exhibitors and 6 seminars running throughout the day the 

event is sponsored by Paisley.is, the new destination brand for Paisley 

& Renfrewshire. 

Seminar line-up: 

10.15-11.00 “Paisley.is: how your business can benefit” with the 

Paisley.is team & Renfrewshire Council 

11.15-12.00 “Anti-Social Media” with NSDesign 

12.15-13.00 “Start up in Renfrewshire!” with Business Gateway & 

Invest in Renfrewshire 

13.15-14.00 “How to win business using LinkedIn” with fatBuzz 

14.15-15.00 “What you need to know about GDPR” with 

MacRoberts 

15.15-16.00 “Leadership – hoping isn’t good enough” with bfpeople 

Commenting on the event chief exec Bob Grant said “Renfrewshire’s 

largest free business event is an excellent way to engage with the 

wider business community. There is a varied and interesting line-up 

of six informative seminars for you to attend throughout the day so 

please register your free place now. We are expecting 50 + exhibitors 

and where else do you get the opportunity to network with so many 

companies in one go? It’s a great use of time and I would encourage 

you and your colleagues to attend. The free informative seminars are 

an excellent way to learn new skills and refresh old ones. We look 

forward to welcoming you on the day.” 

http://www.renfrewshirechamber.com/event/b2b-exhibition-2018/ 

£145, 000 Technology 

Investment Approved by 

Council 

Inverclyde Council has approved a £145,000 investment to improve and 

develop its online services. 

Currently the majority consist of one way ‘eforms’ which generate an 

email to the Customer Service Centre who pass on the information to 

the appropriate service. 

The Council’s Policy & Resources Committee has approved the 

investment to develop ‘pay for it’, ‘book it’ and ‘report it’ type services 

across multiple platforms and channels. 

Convener and Council Leader Councillor Stephen McCabe said: “The 

vast majority of people now use smartphones or tablets so it is vital we 

do all that we can to improve our digital and online interactions. 

“This investment will allow is to increase the scope of services we are able 

to offer digitally and also provide a more joined-up process – improving 

the online experience of our customers and our own performance.” 

Over 95% of the population of Inverclyde have access to super-fast 

broadband and free Wi-Fi is available in all of Inverclyde’s public 

libraries. 

Weir Networking 

Some readers have been asking when the next Weir Networking 

Business event will take place. These are now held quarterly, on a 

Wednesday in Amaretto, Bridge of Weir. 

Dates as follows: Wed 13th June, Wed 12th September, Wed 5th 

December. Breakfast starts at 9.30am. There is a cover charge of £5. 

Please email colin@magifilms.co.uk or visit their facebook page at 

https://www.facebook.com/Weir-Networking-350783798430333/ 

We look forward to welcoming you all. 



15 


16 


Want to start a business but not sure where to turn or how to do it? 

Business Gateway Renfrewshire can give you practical help, advice and 

support for new and growing businesses in Scotland. 

Contact us on 0141 530 2406 or on Facebook www. 

facebook.com/bgrenfrewshire/, or visit the website at 

www.yourbusinessgateway.co.uk 

New Members at GVRC 

The club is delighted to welcome two new 

members to Rotary bringing the membership up 

to 42, including representatives of the Corporate 

members! Derek Porter is moving from Kilbarchan 

to Houston and Hugh Kerr moved to Houston a 

few years ago. Both are keen sportsmen (tennis and 

kayaking respectively) and keen to support the community whilst 

enjoying participating in club events and meeting old and new friends. 

Prepare for the General Data 

Protection Regulation 

(GDPR) will apply from 25 May 2018. 

Many of the GDPR’s main concepts and principles are much the 

same as those in the current Data Protection Act (DPA), so if you are 

complying properly with the current law then most of your approach to 

compliance will remain valid under the GDPR and can be the starting 

point to build from. However, there are new elements and significant 

enhancements, so you will have to do some things for the first time and 

some things differently. 

The GDPR places greater emphasis on the documentation that data 

controllers must keep to demonstrate their accountability. Compliance 

with all the areas listed in this document will require organisations 

to review their approach to governance and how they manage data 

protection as a corporate issue. One aspect of this might be to review 

the contracts and other arrangements you have in place when sharing 

data with other organisations. 

Some parts of the GDPR will have more of an impact on some 

organisations than on others (for 

example, the provisions relating to 

profi ling or children’s data), so it 

would be useful to map out which 

parts of the GDPR will have the 

greatest impact on your business 

model and give those areas due 

prominence in your planning 

process. 

For full details visit ico.org.uk 

Are you prepared for the 

General Data Protection 

Regulation (GDPR) 

which will apply from 25 

May 2018? 

SPEAKER MEETINGS AT THE RIVER INN 

Wednesday 14th March - Nigel Willis, “The Darien Company” 

Nigel Willis, introduced by Ross Anderson, had started his career at 

Scott’s Shipyard and had later worked in transport and oil services. He 

was known to Ross through his leadership of the fight against windfarms 

in Muirshiel Country Park. His talk entitled “The Darien Company” 

recounted the ills and poverty afflicting Scotland in the1600’s. Poor 

harvests, famine and loss of trade with France and Holland which 

resulted in the rash incorporation of that Company and the investment 

of £400K, up to a third of Scotland’s wealth. The venture to establish 

a trading company in Panama was ill-conceived and poorly planned 

and was a complete disaster with the loss of hundreds of lives through 

fever and hostilities with Spain. It resulted in the near bankruptcy of 

Scotland which brought about the Act of Union with England in 1707. 

After many questions Chairman Andrew thanked Nigel for a most 

informative and knowledgeable talk. 

Wednesday 28th March - Jim Carruth, “Glasgow’s Poet Laureate” 

Introduced by Bob Armstrong, Jim Carruth grew up on the family farm 

in Kilbarchan, studied geology and now works in the NHS. He began 

writing poetry in his thirties and has had several books published, 

the most recent being “Black Cart”. In 2014 he was appointed Poet 

Laureate of Glasgow and is regularly commissioned to write poems 

about matters of the day. Much of Jim’s work is intimately concerned 

with the landscapes, histories and changing agricultural practices of 

rural Renfrewshire, starting with his earliest memories of the milking 

shed as his parents worked. He is a passionate supporter of the 

farming community. 

The audience thoroughly enjoyed Jim’s brilliant readings and engaged 

in lively discussion recalling fond memories of Archie Stewart - Jim’s 

deceased father-in-law (who many knew). 

Wednesday 11th April - Andrew Macleman “A Quiz” 

President- elect Andrew stepped in to fill a gap in the programme and 

tested the brainpower of the members with a quiz! 

Dinner meetings are held in The River Inn, Crosslee at 7.00pm for 

7.30. If you are interested in Rotary and would to like to attend or help 

at any of our events please contact the club via the “contact” button on 

the website www.gryffevalley-rotary.org.uk. 



World’s Largest Thread 

Manufacturer Supports 

Paisley’s Legacy 

17 

Plans for Paisley to build a legacy of its UK City of Culture 2021 bid 

are being fi nancially supported by Coats – the company which made 

the town the centre of a global empire. In the 1880s Paisley was an 

economically thriving town and more than 10% of its 60,000 population 

were employed by the Coats or Clark firms, which came together in the 

1890s to form Coats. 

Members of the Coats Group plc board, including chairman Mike Clasper 

CBE and group chief executive Rajiv Sharma, made the announcement 

during a visit to the town. While here, they were given a tour of Paisley 

Museum and Coats Observatory – both built by the Coats family – and 

Paisley: The Secret Collection – the UK’s first high-street museum 

store and home to many of the items the mill owners bequeathed to 

the town. 

Coats still retains a presence in the town today through its global Colour 

Systems Team, which is based in the Mile 

End Mill building. 

Members of the Coats board were met at the 

museum by Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes 

and by Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine 

Cameron. Cllr Hughes said: “We are delighted 

to have welcomed the Coats board to the 

town and thank them for their contribution 

towards Paisley’s ongoing transformation... 

Just as Paisley made textiles, textiles made 

Paisley – many of the most striking parts of Paisley’s iconic skyline grew 

from the generosity of the Coats family, as did the globally-signifi cant 

collections in our museums. 

Rajiv Sharma, Group Chief Executive, Coats said: ‘Coats is extremely 

proud of its heritage, which is inextricably linked with Paisley. We are 

delighted to confirm that we remain committed to the financial pledge we 

made when we backed the Paisley 2021 bid last year. The tremendous 

energy and focus that emerged during the bid process has created a 

legacy which we want to support.’ For more information on Paisley, visit 

www.paisley 

Primary Schools 

Refurbishment Will 

Start This Summer 

Refurbishment works will start in two 

Renfrewshire primary schools this summer 

as part of a continuing programme to improve 

local schools. 

West Primary School in Paisley will undergo 

extensive works to refurbish the building’s 

roof and windows, while Inchinnan Primary 

School will have its existing electrical wiring 

system replaced and CCTV installed. 

The refurbishment works were approved at 

Council’s Finance, Resources and Customer 

Services Policy Board and are part of a 

programme of maintenance and improvement 

works for Renfrewshire schools. 

Local fi rm Clark Contracts Limited were 

approved as the successful bidders to carry 

out both refurbishments. 

Young people looking to get into construction 

work will also benefi t as the two projects 

will involve a number of work and graduate 

placements. 

Education and Children’s Services Convener 

for Renfrewshire Council, Councillor Jim 

Paterson, said: “We have a continuous 

programme of investment in our schools that 

ensure our children and young people have 

the best possible learning environment. 

“Work on both schools will start during the 

summer, with electrical works at Inchinnan 

Primary School expected to be complete 

by the new school term, and external works 

at West Primary School expected to be 

complete in spring 2019.” 


18 

Gardening Tips for Cat Lovers 

0141 779 3341 

With the growing season around the corner, Cats Protection has 

compiled its top tips to help Scottish cat lovers create the perfect felinefriendly 

garden. 

1. Cats love to nibble grass, and it is believed that it helps them to 

cough up hairballs. A popular variety is Cocksfoot, which has broad 

leaves making it easy to bite. 

2. The ultimate garden treat for fun-loving felines is Catnip (Nepeta 

cataria), a plant which is renowned for inducing a highly excitable 

reaction in cats. As it’s a member of the mint family, it can become 

invasive so is best confined to a pot rather than in the ground. 

3. Lavender is a great herb to plant in a feline-friendly garden, 

providing a bushy and attractive hiding place for cats. 

4. Cats love to lounge in the sun, but, like humans, can be prone to 

sunburn. Those with pale ears may need added sun-protection on 

very hot days. Planting large shrubs also gives cats the opportunity 

to seek shade while still enjoying the warm weather. 

5. Piles of logs make excellent areas for scratching claws, while low 

shrubs make interesting hiding places for cats to snuggle up in for 

an al-fresco snooze. 

6. Avoid plants which can be dangerous to cats. Lilies in particular 

can be lethal. A full list of plants that are dangerous to cats can be 

found on Cats Protection’s website www.cats.org.uk/dangerousplants 

7. Ensure your cat is fully vaccinated before venturing outdoors to 

protect against diseases and parasites. Neutering is also vital to 

prevent unwanted kittens being born and to reduce roaming. 

Rescue Centres 

Dogs Trust Glasgow: 

0141 773 5130 

8. The Cat Protection also 

recommends microchipping as 

a safe way to identify your cat 

should it become lost. 

The charity will be attending 

www.dogstrust.org.uk this year’s Gardening Scotland 

event from 1st - 3rd June. To 

Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue: 

find out more about Gardening 

01505 502415 

Scotland, please visit www. 

www.hessilhead.org.uk gardeningscotland.com. To find 

Johnstone Cat Rescue: out more about Cats Protection, 

please visit www.cats.org.uk 

01505 337321 

Cat Protection: 

www.cats.org.uk/glasgowac/adopta-cat 

Scottish SPCA: 

0141 882 1688 

www.scottishspca.org 

These centres are always on 

the lookout for donations and 

fundraising. If you can help, please 

get in touch with any of the centres 

above. 

Lost Pets? 

If your pet has gone missing and 

you would like to place a notice in 

The Advertizer, please call 01505 

613340 or email info@advertizer. 

co.uk. We can also put updates on 

our website & Facebook. There is 

no charge for this service! 


Re-homing Pets 

Can you offer a home to any of our featured pets? 

Cheeky - 13 y/o female, Domestic short-hair 

My name is Cheeky and I came 

into the centre for the 2nd time 

as I didn’t settle down in my 

new home. I am a loving girl 

and enjoy a good run around. 

I am a very friendly cat and my 

previous owner said I would be ok living with 

older children. I would prefer a home without 

any other cats though and I have never lived with dogs before. My new 

home would need access to a garden. Please ask the staff to speak to 

me. Lots of love Cheeky xxx 

Cardyke Farm, Langmuirhead Road, Auchinloch, Glasgow G66 5LD - Telephone 

0141 779 3341 

Georgia & Rhonda, female Gerbils 

Georgia is looking for a new home with her 

friend Rhonda after they arrived in our 

care through no fault of their own. They 

are both very sweet, well handled and 

very inquisitive. They enjoy coming out 

for a nosy and handling session. They 

like nothing more than constructing new 

tunnels in their substrate and rolling 

around in their sand bath. 

To contact the centre about any animals, 

please call 03000 999 999 or visit www.scottishspca.org/rehoming 

Jayjay, 1 to 2 y/o male, Jack 

Russell Terrier 

Jayjay is your typical terrier, he 

is always on the go and would 

benefit from an active home. He prefers 

company so will need someone around for 

most of the day. With some confidence building 

the time he is left may be gradually increased. 

Jayjay will benefit from having his own garden 

with a secure 5ft fence to continue practicing his training and give him 

somewhere to run off some energy. He could live with another dog but 

not with cats. He will need to live in a home with children over the age of 

14 years. 

It would be best for Jayjay to go to a home that have previously owned 

terriers. He will need to meet his new owners a few times before going 

home. He can bark when he sees unknown people or dogs so will need 

to work on this. 

Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre, 315 Hamilton Road, Uddingston, Glasgow, G71 

7SL. Open: 12noon - 4pm (inc weekends); 12noon- 7.30pm on Tuesdays; closed: 

Wednesdays 

Do you run a local animal charity? 

Want to get the word out about 

fundraising? Contact us on info@ 

advertizer.co.uk or call 01505 613340 

Scottish SPCA 

0141 882 1688 | www.scottishspca.org 

Dogs Trust Glasgow 

0141 773 5130 | www.dogstrust.org.uk 

Cats Protection 

0141 779 3341 | www.cats.org.uk 

Johnstone Cat Rescue 

01505 337321 

Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue 

01505 502415 | www.hessilhead.org.uk 

The Underheugh Ark 

www.underheugharkrescue.co.uk 

Local Animal 

Charities 

Give a Dog a Bone 

www.giveadogabone.net 

Any Dog’il Do 

www.anydogildorescue.org 

Animal Support & Rescue 

www.facebook.com/ASARCharity 

Harvey’s Army Scotland 

harveysarmy.com 

Lamont Farm 

www.lamontfarm.org.uk 

These centres are always on the lookout for donations and fundraising. 

If you can help, please get in touch with them. 



Car Boot 

Sale 

SUNDAY 6th MAY 2018 

Animal Support & Rescue will be 

holding a fundraising Car Boot 

Sale on Sunday 6th May, from 

12noon till 3pm. Tables cost £10 

and must be pre-booked (bring 

your own table please). 

There will also be food and 

refreshments available. 

The event will be held at Mid 

Gavin Equestrian Centre, by 

Howwood which sits just behind 

Mid Gavin Nursery. 

Follow the road signs for the 

Nursery, from the B787 turnoff 

into Howwood from the A737. 

The Centre is not accessible 

from the Belltrees Road. 

Don’t worry about the weather - 

our car boot sale will be in the 

indoor arena. To book a space, 

please call Lynda on 0782 369 

6662 or pop by the stables. 

Donations 

Needed 

The SSPCA are appealing to 

the public to make monthly 

donations if they can. 

An SSPCA spokesperson said, 

“These donations mean we can 

save animals in Scotland today, 

tomorrow and in the months and 

years ahead. 

“We receive no government or 

lottery funding, which means 

donations are all we have. 

“With your support we can give 

abused, abandoned and injured 

animals: 

• Food, warmth and shelter 

• Veterinary care 

• The second chances they 

need 

“Please help save lives by 

making a monthly donation. 

You can also make a one-off 

donation. Any amount helps...” 

Visit https://www.scottishspca. 

org/support/donate/ to donate. 

A Furrytail Wedding for Local Dog Lovers 


With the Royal Wedding this month love is in the air for humans as well as dogs. 

There’s already speculation about whether Meghan’s furry friends will join in the 

celebrations. Having your dog attend your wedding as a V.I.P is now a familiar 

sight with dogs taking on roles such as Ring Bearer. Many wedding venues are 

now dog-friendly and the hashtag #dogsatweddings has gone viral this year on 

social media. 

Local dog lovers who are planning a wedding in the Renfrewshire can now 

involve their beloved pet in their big day too thanks to a specialist dog care 

service. The bespoke dog wedding chaperone service allows the happy couple 

to relax and enjoy their wedding knowing their dog is in safe hands. Their dog 

can then join in the celebrations during the day and this adds to the whole 

wedding day experience which the wedding party and their guests love. This 

chaperone service creates fantastic photo opportunities and treasured memories 

whilst also ensuring the happiness and welfare of the dog. 

Advice for planning a wedding with a canine V.I.P is: 

• Ensure you book a dog friendly wedding venue (or one with an outside 

area for photographs). 

• Carefully consider what role you would like your pet to play in the 

proceedings, according to their nature. 

• If you want your dog dressed for the day then ensure they are 

comfortable in their outfit in advance of the day. 

• Liaise with your wedding photographer, as they will be able to come 

up with some fun ideas for adorable photos. 

• If you would like to find out more about including your dog in your wedding 

plans, Faye from Barking Mad can be contacted on 01505 690391. 

Doggy Dementia 

Dogs are living longer as a result of improved levels of nutrition and 

medical care, with 1 in 3 falling into the “senior” category. This means 

that we see more age related problems in dogs such as heart disease 

and arthritis, and also more age related behaviour changes (similar to 

dementia seen in humans). 

Regular health checks in senior dogs are important to allow early 

diagnosis of age related illnesses, allowing more successful 

management. However, subtle changes in behaviour are difficult to 

detect at routine examinations and are more likely to be noticed by 

owners. 

These behaviour changes can include: 

Disorientation 

• Getting ‘lost’ in the house or on 

walks 

• Difficulty negotiating obstacles 

• Standing wrong side of the door 

to go out 

• Staring at walls, fl oor or into 

space 

Interaction changes 

• Less willing to interact with 

owners/other pets 

• Following owner around the 

house more 

• Personality changes 

• Reduced response to learned 

commands 

• Sleep-wake cycle changes: 

• More sleeping during the day 

• Pacing, barking, whining at night 

House soiling 

• Indoor toileting at random 

sites 

• Decreased signalling of intent 

• 

to toilet 

‘Forgets’ to toilet when 

outside 

Activity changes 

• Aimless wandering or pacing 

• Restlessness 

• Apathy and depression 

Some of these behaviour changes 

can impact on a dogs’ quality of 

life and their relationship with 

the owner. The ageing process 

cannot be reversed, but age 

related behavioural problems can 

often be successfully managed 

with medication and behavioural 

therapy. 

Article by PetVets 

19 


20 


Banner Image: Patagonia Sunset - David Scott, PCPC 

Royal Afternoon Tea Party 

Saturday 19th May 2pm-4pm in the New Community Centre, 

Kilmacolm 

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society are holding a ROYAL AFTERNOON 

TEA PARTY on Saturday 19th May 2pm- 4pm in the New Community 

Centre, Kilmacolm. 

The Royal Wedding in the morning will 

keep many people entertained. But in the 

afternoon - lets get together, celebrate, 

- please join us for afternoon tea, music, 

tombola stalls and the Spring Plant Stall. 

Plus a special Raffle. Pay at the door 

£3.00. Hats are optional ! 

Our highlight of the year is the Annual Flower 

Show which will be held in The Kilmacolm 

Centre on Saturday 8th September. Show 

Schedule will be available from the Show 

Secretary, Jill Russell 01505 872393 during 

May. 

The Show is open to all residents of Renfrewshire and Inverclyde. 

Everyone welcome to join either or both happy events hosted by the 

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society. 

Plant Sale - 

Kilmacolm 

Outside Kilmacolm Library, Lochwinnoch 

Road, 28th April from 10am until noon. 

A selection of plants to suit all gardens from Scotland’s 

Garden Scheme’s Kilmacolm Plant Sale. Proceeds to Parklea Branching 

Out and SGS benefi ciaries. 

Colourful Kilmacolm 

A year ago at this time our 

report was accompanied by a 

photo of tulips in full bloom. No 

such luck this year. Even the 

daffodils, although flowering 

profusely, have so far (mid- 

April) only reached about 

half their normal height. Who 

can blame them, given the 

continuing unseasonably cold 

weather? Despite the weather 

we are optimistic that there will be a summer and so we will very soon 

be planning our displays of summer flowering plants as well as going 

out to tidy up and weed at Market Place and the Pullman area. 

The Market Place garden is improving gradually as can be seen in our 

photo, but there are still gaps. Some will be filled as plants mature, 

others will need plants added. We look forward to improving this area 

still more. 

The planted up embankment at the Pullman should soon be fi lling 

out again, although already some plants are past their best and need 

replacing. Gardening is a continuous process but we are up to the 

challenge! 

Members are reminded that our AGM is being held on 7th May. 

Colourful Kilmacolm is open to everyone. If you have not yet joined, 

the very modest £5 annual subscription will support our efforts. You 

can opt just to be a supporter, or to be an ‘active gardener’ and help 

with planting, weeding etc. It’s also another way to make new friends. 

Membership forms can be downloaded from our website www. 

colourfulkilmacolm.org.uk or you can phone Peter (01505 872448) or 

Liz (07963973031). 

Gateway Garden Free Drop 

In Session 

Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan, every 2nd Wednesday 

Gateway Garden Drop In Sessions, Gateway Garden, Cartside 

Terrace, Kilbarchan from 1pm 

Open Days with gardening and wildlife activities on offer. For more 

information contact 07952169341 or hello@kilbarchansmile.co.uk or 

join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook. 



21 

Saturday 28th, April, 2018 Time: 1-3pm 

Pirate Weekend! 

Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th. So popular we made it for the 

weekend! Dress as a scurvy buccaneer and practice your best Arrg! 

Drama and shouting a plenty. Prize for best dressed pirate. 

Monday 7th, May, 2018 Time: 1-3pm 

May Day – Introduction to Gardening 

Are you the next Alan Titchmarsh? Discover more about our wonderful 

gardens. 

Sunday 13th, May, 2018 Time: 1-3pm 

Mad Hatters Tea Party 

Join the Rangers for tea and the search for the rabbits hole. Come 

as Alice or the Mad Hatter or the Rabbit! Prizes for the best dressed 

boy and girls. 

Sunday 20th, May, 2018 Time: 1-3pm 

Ranger Hike 

Get your kiking boots on and join the Rangers for a hike through the 

woods and up the hill for a fabulous view over the Clyde. 

Saturday 26th, May, 2018 Time: 1-3pm 

Cowboys and Indians 

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th, weekend event! Join the games with 

our Rangers and see if we can break Jesse James out of jail. Prize 

for best dressed. 

Sunday 10th, June, 2018 Time: 1-3pm 

Den Build 

Join the Rangers and see who is a budding Bear Grylls. 


Father’s Day Games 

Games and fun for Father’s Day at Finlaystone! 


Bug Box Making with RSPB Home for 

Nature 

Join our Rangers and make fun bug boxes for your garden. £2.50 for 

materials. 

Saturday 30th, June, 2018 

Time: 1-3pm 

Super Hero Day! 

Saturday 30th and Sunday 

1st Weekend event! Dress 

up as your favourite super 

hero and join the Rangers for 

a fun fi lled day with games 

and prizes for best dressed! 

Brighter 

Bridge of 

Weir 

We’ve been quiet recently, so 

you’ll be forgiven for thinking 

that we haven’t been doing 

anything - but we have. Trowels 

and gloves were replaced by 

pencils and thinking caps as we 

set about planning the coming 

year’s work in detail. And we 

could be in for an exciting time. 

Our plants haven’t been idle 

either. The first snowdrops are 

already out in the Woodland 

Garden and the winter flowering 

plants are still holding up. 

Our picture shows a group of 

snowdrops apparently admiring 

a hardy wee primula growing 

alongside them. 

Help Stop 

Wildlife Crime 

If you witness a suspected 

wildlife crime in action call 999 

immediately and ask for the 

police. 

For all other enquires call your 

local Police on 101. Alternatively, 

contact your local Police Force 

directly. 

If you wish to 

anonymously 

report a wildlife 

crime online 

please contact 

Crimestoppers. 


22 


Welcome to Scotland’s largest Regional Park 

Clyde Muirshiel Monthly Update 

Walking Festival: Explore the Park at a pace you’ll 

enjoy and with a knowledgeable guide. There are 

easy, moderate and longer walks planned. Full list 

on clydemuirshiel.co.uk Places are free but require 

booking. Whether on a guided walk or on your own - 

show us your walking photos #cmwalkfest 

Bat Walk at Castle Semple: Join the Clyde Muirshiel 

Rangers for a night time stroll around Lochwinnoch 

and hear the usually quiet world of bats with our bat 

detectors! Friday 4th May, 8pm - 10pm. £5 per person. 

Book your place online now. 

Outdoor Activity Courses this Summer: If you’d 

like your child to try a new watersport or activity this 

Summer holiday call us or check online now. We offer 

sailing, kayaking, canoeing or our amazing try-them-all 

multi-activity week! If we’re all booked up then why not 

organise your own course, you just need 6 kids. 

Muirshiel Tree Felling: 8000 trees have been removed 

from the Country Park, completely changing the 

landscape – visit soon to see for yourself! There will 

be the opportunity to replant broadleaf trees for future 

generations. Signage is onsite as to which paths are 

open/passable with care over the fallout brashings. 

Clyde Muirshiel Conservation Volunteers: Greenock 

Cut’s group meet 10.30am – 2.30pm every Saturday 

and Castle Semple on Thursdays 12.30 – 3.30pm with 

the odd full day session. See the new spring programme 

online now. 

Are your Colleagues in need of Challenge? Develop 

new relationships, ease office tension, improve 

teambuilding and volunteer with the Ranger Service 

doing tree work or conservation tasks. Email rangers. 

castlesemple@clydemuirshiel.co.uk 

Conservation Bioblitz @ Greenock Cut: The new 

project’s next event, hosted by Greenock Cut Rangers 

and Conservation Volunteers, is a moth evening on 

Saturday 26th May from 9.30pm until late. Book a 

space online today! 

Ride 63 Community Cycle Club: Weekly rides on 

Tuesdays and some Thursday evenings, look on our 

facebook group for the next ride date and meeting 

time. Contact the club by emailing the secretary 

ridesixtythree@gmail.com for a membership form. 

Tag-n-Track Project Update 

Prioject News: The gulls are finally returning to 

Scotland! Gary is back at his nesting site on the police 

station roof in Greenock. During his migration he spent 

time in England before heading to Portugal, via Spain 

then taking an almost exact route home. Gary was 

away for 8 months out of the year. We hope to see him 

find his lifelong mate again so that they can rear more 

healthy chicks. 

In other wonderful news - one of our tags has come back 

online after being offline since the 13th of November. 

Flyback spent the majority of his winter migration in 

Morocco, which is where he was last recorded. Now 

he is taking an entirely new route home. 

The team had an excellent day bird ringing at Hansel 

Village where we caught goldcrests, wrens, dunnocks, 

blue tits, coals tits and great tits. Everyone enjoyed 

seeing the birds up close and particularly enjoyed 

letting them go. In April we visited the RSPB Renfrew 

group and Community Networks. To keep up to 

date with the project and to find out more check out 

www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk/things-to-do/widlife/tag-ntrack/teamgull/ 

or at www.facebook.com/TagnTrack/ 

Gull adoptions: 

Sponsor one of the 

gulls for £25 and in 

return you will receive 

an adoption certificate, 

factsheet, monthly 

email updates, your 

name on our website 

and a fluffy gull to 

call your own. Look 

for details on our 

website or email tnt@ 

clydemuirshiel.co.uk 

to find out more. A 

lovely gift! 

Event News: See our 

native woodland birds 

up close and meet the 

TnT Team at Greenock 

Cut on Saturday 5th 

and at Muirshiel on 

Sunday 6th May at 

Greenock Cut Visitor 

Centre for a weekend 

of Bird Ringing Demonstrations. Drop in anytime time 

between 11am – 3.30pm. 

Volunteer with TnT: One of the project’s aims is to train 

volunteers in the use of our camera traps. The joys 

of camera trapping are that you never know what you 

might capture. We are looking for volunteers to use 

and monitor our camera traps for 3 month periods. All 

training will be provided. Requires a couple of hours 

a week to collect and go through the footage. If you 

would like to find out more then contact us. 

Connect with TnT: Details can be found on the Park’s 

website www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk/tag-n-track or by 

emailing tnt@clydemuirshiel.co.uk. The Project also 

know has its own Facebook Page which can be found at 

www.facebook.com/TagnTrack/ Talks to groups can be 

arranged if you are interested in finding out more about 

the project and its findings as the project progresses. 

Our monthly roundup comes courtesy of Tag-n-Track 

Ranger Hannah Riley. TnT is funded by Heritage Lottery 

Fund, Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde LEADER 

and Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. 

Keep up to speed with events and activities taking place on the Park’s Facebook: facebook. 

com/ClydeMuirshielRegionalPark or Twitter @Clydemuirshiel pages and Instagram pages. 



23 

Bridge Of Weir 

Horticultural Society 

With 40 years’ experience of Edinburgh and 

Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Ewen Donaldson, 

General Manager of Glasgow Botanic Gardens was 

well placed to talk about ‘The First 200 Years of The 

Gardens’. 

The fi rst garden appeared near the High Street, 

a physic garden at Glasgow University. In 1817, 

Glaswegian Thomas Hopkirk, moved it to an 8 

“Scotch acre” site at Sandyford for his collection of 

c. 3,000 local plants. In the 1820s William Hooker 

became Regius Professor of Botany at Glasgow 

University and thus Director of the Botanic Gardens. 

He employed an engaging young botanist, David 

Douglas and together they greatly increased the 

range of species in the Gardens. 

As well as tree specimens, some of which are in the 

arboretum, Douglas sent plants from America such 

as Mahonia and Ribes. During 1839-42 the Gardens 

were decanted to a 25 acre site at Kelvinside, 

moving across glasshouses, stove houses, plants 

and trees, including a Weeping Ash tree, which is 

there today. 

The fi rst members were shareholders who 

promenaded around the grounds, as seen in Ewen’s 

presentation which included illustrated postcards 

of Victorian and Edwardian society enjoying the 

Gardens. In 1891 Glasgow Corporation took over 

the Gardens and these were then open to all. 

Originally forbidden, visitors can now sit on the 

grass and enjoy the sunshine! 

In 1872, John Kibble from Coulport donated his 

grand glasshouse and this was transported via Loch 

Long, the Clyde and the Forth & Clyde Canal and 

brought to Kelvinside. The ‘A’ listed “Kibble Palace” 

is used for numerous events, as well as housing 

a selection of temperate, world-wide plants. In 

addition to keeping visitors warm and informed, 

there is always something in fl ower. 

Next month’s dates: Guest Speaker Paul Matthews 

talking about Alpines on Thursday 10th at 8pm and 

Plant Sale on Saturday 19th from 9.30am, outside 

The Legion. All welcome! 

Glasgow Botanic Gardens 

Scotland’s Garden 

Scheme 

HIGHWOOD - off 

Lochwinnoch Road, 

Kilmacolm PA13 4TA 

(Jill Morgan) 

Woodland walk around 50 acres of 

beautiful native bluebells in a delightful setting 

bordering the Green Water river with tumbling 

waterfalls. Stout waterproof footwear is essential 

as paths can be muddy. Dogs welcome on a lead. 

Fantastic opportunities for lovers of wild flowers 

and photography. 

Directions: Take B786 Lochwinnoch Road out of 

Kilmacolm and continue for approximately two 

miles. From Lochwinnoch take B786 Kilmacolm 

road for approximately six miles. Then follow SGS 

signs. 

Openings: Sunday 13 May, 2pm-5pm 2018 

Admission: £5.00, children free. 

BARSHAW PARK WALLED GARDEN - 

176A Glasgow Road, Paisley PA1 3LT 

(Friends of Barshaw Park) 

The old walled garden, a haven in a busy world 

and one of Paisley’s forgotten treasures, has been 

adopted by ‘Friends of Barshaw’, volunteers, who 

are working to bring it back to its formal glory. 

Designated a Peace Garden, it contains borders 

of colour and interest all year round, from bulbs 

to perennials and glorious bushes. The rest of the 

park with a boating pond and children’s play area, 

can be enjoyed at leisure. The park has a pond 

for sailing model boats, a miniature railway and a 

cafe. 

Directions: From Paisley town centre along the 

Glasgow road (A737) pass Barshaw Park and take 

first left into Oldhall Road and then first left again 

into walled garden car park. Pedestrian visitors 

can also approach from Barshaw Park by mid gate 

in Glasgow Road. Accessible by McGill’s buses. 

Openings: Saturday 19 May, 2pm - 4pm (2018) 


CARRUTH - Bridge of Weir PA11 3SG 

(Mr and Mrs Charles Maclean) 

Over 20 acres of long established rhododendrons, 

woodland with good bluebells, young arboretum 

and lawn gardens in lovely landscaped setting. 

Directions: Access from B786 Kilmacolm/ 

Lochwinnoch road. From Bridge of Weir take Torr 

Road until you get to the B786. Turn right and after 

approximately 100 yards the garden entrance is on 

the right. About 3½ miles from Kilmacolm and 5½ 

miles from Lochwinnoch on B786. 

Openings: Sunday 27 May, 2pm - 5pm (2018) 



24 

LOCAL 

history 


Renfrewshire Tile Works 2 

In rural areas, Brick and Tile Works produced fire clay ‘tiles’ for draining 

fi elds. Like any mineral, fireclay needed skill to identify. Rather than 

the boulder clay which lies under much of the area, fireclay occurs in 

beds, deposited during glaciation, or much longer ago, between coal 

seams. Fireclay was commonly worked speculatively, if encountered 

during the digging of quarries for other minerals, including limestone 

and sandstone. At Seedhill Quarry, fireclay was mixed with sand at the 

top of the quarry, and a little ash, to produce wire-cut bricks. Most tile 

works also produced quantities of bricks. 

Drain tiles were heavy and quite fragile, and before the arrival of the 

railway, they could not easily be carried far, thus had to be made locally. 

Estate owners sought a local 

supply of fireclay to make tiles 

for their own farms. 

Renfrewshire had more than 

thirty fireclay works, the majority 

of which were rural Brick and 

Tile Works. In the lower Gryfe 

area, from the 1830s, tile works 

were set up at Gladston near 

Bishopton, Fauldshead south of 

Renfrew, Fulwood Bridge and 

Glenshinnoch. 

Initially the clay was quarried 

from pits beside the works. At 

the beginning of summer, tile 

production commenced, with softening of the clay and adding sand, to 

get the right consistency for moulding. In the early years the tiles were 

moulded by hand. To prevent distortion when firing, the moulded tiles 

were dried in racks in long sheds with wooden louvered walls. Gladston 

Brick and Tile Work shows the typical features of a tile works: clay pits, 

rows of drying sheds, and the long production shed. Once the demand 

for tiles passed, Gladston (later known as Dargavel Brickworks) 

specialised in brickmaking. Once the open clay pits were exhausted, 

the clay was high enough quality to make mining economic. The site 

was later incorporated into the Royal Ordnance factory. 

Many millions of tiles were produced and most remain hidden under 

fi elds and housing developments. Anybody digging a deep trench in 

their garden will have encountered them. The oldest hand-made tiles 

often contain the fi ngerprints of the folk who made them, nearly 200 

years ago. 

© 2018, Stuart Nisbet, Renfrewshire Local History Forum 

Johnstone History Society 

The History Society’s May meeting is on the 8th as usual at 7.30 in 

the Masonic Hall Collier Street. Professor Richard Oram of Stirling 

University is our speaker and his subject is “Plagues ‘the pluk ‘and 

Precipitation. Disease and Climate in late Medieval Scotland .As this 

sounds like a very interesting topic we would hope for a good attendance. 

Visitors and members will all be made most welcome .Last night’s April 

meeting was both interesting and very enjoyable and well attended with 

one or two new faces. Iain Murray our Chairman having been involved 

in the last project was able to add lots of inside information. 

The Museum is open as usual Wednesday Friday and Saturday from 

10.30 till 4pm. We have a number of books and publications on sale in 

the Museum and these can all be purchased online at johnstonehistory. 

org and can be paid for via PayPal. 

Supreme Sacrifice 

Bridge of Weir and the Great War 

100 years ago this month – May 1918 

Private Ernest Murray, 9th Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) 

Private Edward Shedden, 1st Cameronians (Scottish Rifl es) 

Private William Fulton Houston, Royal Engineers attached 9th Prince of 

Wales’s (North Staffordshires) 

May 1918 was a bad month for Bridge of Weir. The Germans were still 

pushing on with their Spring Offensive, but the rate of advance was 

slowing down. By mid-May Haig began to sense that the worst was 

over and the lines could be held. But the Germans were desperate and 

the fighting continued to be intense and vicious, with gas being used 

liberally. 

Ernest Murray was a joiner, the son of William, a leather worker from 

Arbroath, and Ann Davie. The family later moved to Bridge of Weir. He 

attested under the Group scheme and awaited his call up, which was 

February 1916 when he was 23. By late April 1918 he was with the 9th 

Cameronians in the 9th (Scottish) Division defending the Ypres salient 

at Kemmel Ridge which suffered bombardments of shells and gas. He 

was wounded and died in a Boulogne hospital on 7th May. 

Edward Shedden was born in Glasgow, the fourth of seven sons and 

one daughter born to Robert Shedden, a leather worker from Kilmarnock 

and Emily Kelly from Greenock. By 1914 he was a professional golfer 

at Ralston and playing well enough to enter the Open Championship, 

having previously been assistant at Old Ranfurly. He volunteered in 

November 1914, survived the Somme though wounded, and in 1918 

was with the 1st Cameronians, 33rd Division, in the front line to the 

south-west of Ypres. On the morning of 8th May, a German attack with 

high explosive and gas drove the line back, but the Cameronians were 

ordered to counter-attack the same day. In the engagement they lost 

many men, and their commanding officer was captured, but they played 

their part in holding the line. Edward Shedden’s body was lost in the 

mud, missing presumed dead. 

William Houston’s father was from Wigtownshire, and after an itinerant 

life as a roadman, living partly in Broomward, Bridge of Weir, returned 

to Kirkinner, Wigtown as a farmer. But William, by then a joiner, stayed 

behind and married Elizabeth McIntosh in 1911. They had a son and 

a daughter. William enlisted at the age of 34 as a Sapper, and in May 

1918 was attached to 9th North Staffordshires, a pioneer battalion. On 

the 11th May they were in Fonquevillers between Arras and Amiens 

when 2,000 gas shells were 

lobbed into the town. 59 men died 

immediately, and 140 were taken to 

a Field Hospital, many, like William, 

destined to suffer a lingering death 

a few days later. His father Robert 

died at his Wigtownshire farm less 

than two months later. Elizabeth 

never remarried. 

Read more about Ernest, 

Edward and William’s lives and 

untimely deaths at http://www. 

bridgeofweirmemorial.co.uk and 

in the book “Supreme Sacrifice: 

A Small Village and the Great 

War available from www.birlinn. 

co.uk or Abbey Books, 2 Well 

Street, Paisley, and other major 

bookshops or online. 

Gordon Masterton 



Interested in Photography? 

Our local camera clubs continually supply us with stunning shots which we use throughout the magazine, 

sometimes as banners or even front pages. If you’ve been inspired, why not join them and maybe see 

some of your photographs in print! 

Paisley Colour Photographic Club: 

Thursday evenings at the McMaster Centre, 

Renfrew. www.paisleycolour.co.uk 

Langbank Camera Club: 

Second and fourth Mondays of 

the month. For more information 

please contact Derrick McPherson at 

langbankcc1@gmail.com. 

Gryffe Camera Club: 

Wednesday night at The Carrick Centre, 

Houston between 7.30pm and 10pm. 

Kilmacolm Camera Club: 

Tuesday evening, 7.30pm (October to March) 

at the Kilmacolm New Community Centre, 

Room 1.01. For more information contact: 

Billy Blair, Tel: 873383; Janice Stevenson, Tel 

873595. Website: clikpic.com/kilcamclub/ 

Diaporama: 

Second monday of each month @ 7.30pm in 

the Carrick Centre Houston. 

Taken by Kate Cummings (Diaporama) on the island of Harris 

Taken by Mike Cruise (PCPC) - “Black Grouse at Leck” 

Hedgehog 

Awareness 

Week 

25 

This runs from 6th-12th May 

2018. 

Can you pledge to do even just 

one thing to raise awareness 

of the hedgehogs’ plight during 

Hedgehog Awareness Week? 

You might contact your local 

council or Tool Hire Company 

and ask them to use our free 

Strimmer stickers on their 

machines (see http://www. 

britishhedgehogs.org.uk/ 

hedgehog-heroes-roll-honour/) 

You might organise an event 

such as a coffee morning, cake 

sale, jumble sale, sponsored 

event or fun day. 

You could text HHOG18 £5 to 

70070 to donate £5 to BHPS. 

(You can change amount to 

£1, £2, £3, £4, or £10 donate 

those amounts). You can also 

find our JustGiving Appeal page 

at https://www.justgiving.com/ 

campaigns/charity/bhps/haw18 

and if you are holding and event 

or doing a sponsored something 

you can link in with us there. 

You could display information 

in your local library, school or 

garden centre, etc. 

You could contact your local 

newspaper or radio station 

asking them to help hedgehogs 

by printing a letter from BHPS 

(we can provide a letter to the 

editor on request) or organising 

an interview with us during this 

week. 

Taken by Ross Samson (PCPC) - “That Pool in Glen Rosa” 

Enjoy your walk 

Taken by Frank Donnelly (PCPC) - “Over It” 

Scotland’s outdoors is a great place for dogs and their owners. But please remember you and your dog share 

the outdoors with others. You have the right to be on most land for recreation providing you act responsibly (as 

set out in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code). 

Dogs that aren’t kept under proper control are a real concern for land managers and visitors 

to the countryside. Dogs can worry and injure farm animals, disturb wildlife and can scare 

other people. Dog waste also spreads diseases, especially if the dogs haven’t been regularly 

wormed. 

Find out more about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code at 

www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/ 

You could post leafl ets in your 

area letting people know how 

to help hedgehogs in their 

gardens. 

We can provide leafl ets and 

posters, just email us - info@ 

britishhedgehogs.org.uk or 

download from our website 

www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk 

If you are organising an event 

or display, please let us know so 

that we can keep a list of events 

all across the country. 

Please do at least one thing 

during this week to help 

hedgehogs 


26 


bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir 


Bishopton Art 

Group to exhibit 

in Bridge of Weir 

Tuesday 1st May - Friday 

1st June at The Bridge, 

Bridge of Weir, PA11 3NR 

Between Tuesday 1st May and 

Friday 1st June at The Bridge, 

Community Centre and Post Office, 

63 Main Street, Bridge of Weir, 

PA11 3NR, members of Bishopton 

Art Group will be exhibiting a 

selection of their paintings. 

The paintings will also be available 

for sale. Access to the exhibition 

is free and is available during The 

Bridge’s opening hours. 

This exhibition follows on from 

the Group’s previous successful 

exhibitions at The Bridge. The 

artists use a variety of mediums 

and styles. 

The exhibition at The Bridge is 

open during the Centre’s normal 

opening hours: Monday 9am 

– 5pm, Tuesday 1pm – 5pm; 

Wednesday 10am – 2pm; Thursday 

10am – 2pm; Friday 1pm – 5pm; 

& Saturday 9am – 1pm hours. 

(Sunday closed) 

Jack Watson, Chairman of 

Bishopton Art Group said, 

“Bishopton Art Group is pleased 

to announce that once again we 

will be exhibiting at ‘The Bridge’ in 

Bridge of Weir. The exhibition starts 

on Tuesday 1st May and runs for 

almost 5 weeks. 

"There will be a great selection of 

paintings on display. The paintings 

will also be available to buy. 

Members of Bishopton Art Group 

are grateful for the support that 

they receive.” 


Bridge of Weir Community Council 

Do you wish your voice to be heard by raising concerns, or just be kept up to date on Village issues? Now is the time 

to engage; nominations are open for the Community Council’s Interim Election where 13 places are up for grabs! 

Nomination papers are available from the Chair by emailing sandyclark01@live.co.uk or by calling 01505 613325, they 

are also available in The Bridge, The Pirie Centre and Library. Please consider volunteering - this only takes a few hours 

each month to support your local community. Nominations close on Friday 11th May. 

At the April meeting the Community Council welcomed our Member of Parliament Gavin Newlands and Gordon McNeil 

Renfrewshire Councils Head of Environment and Infrastructure. 

Gordon informed the meeting that Renfrewshire’s roads are the Council’s the most valuable asset being valued overall 

at 1 billion pounds, and this year’s budget approved 7.2 million for capital works. 

The criteria for major road works follows surveys carried out by inspection teams that take into account the use 

perspective, the age, condition and safety of the road. 

Potholes are an ongoing issue for Renfrewshire Council; he explained that due to the weather conditions in Scotland, 

potholes on roads cause significant problems. Currently there is a variety of different products used to fill potholes. 

Renfrewshire Council try not to use cold tar, and in conjunction with other Council’s throughout the country they are 

assessing new techniques. 

He accepted the traffic calming measures on Kilmacolm Road are ineffective and has agreed to work in partnership 

with the Community Council to devise a solution. 

Gavin Newlands MP addressed the meeting stating that he served on the Justices Committee at Westminster and is 

the SNP Group’s spokesman for sport. It is his intention to get round all of his constituency Community Councils. 

Part of his constituency work recently included discussion with McGill’s and SPT regarding the buses. He suggested 

that we write to the SPT and ask if Renfrewshire Council is getting a fair share of SPT revenue. 

He was able to cease the practice of Bridge of Weir residents having to travel to Greenock to make claims for universal 

credits. 

We received apologies from all three Renfrewshire Councillors, however were grateful for the written reports received. 

Councillor Don informed us that Mimosa Road has been inspected by the Community Safety Partnership, and a high 

level of dog fouling was confirmed. A mechanical sweep was requested from Street Scene Services and the street is 

now in a list of targeted enforcement areas. 

In Councillor MacLaren’s report he informed us that progress 

is being made with regards to the request for a dropped kerb 

at Lintwhite Crescent. 

Our Community Police Officers warned everyone to be 

aware of scammers as recently an elderly couple had been 

scammed out of considerable funds; the scammers are 

claiming to be from the Clydesdale Bank. Their advice to all 

was under no circumstances give your account details over 

the phone. 

Since the meeting, the Community Council has learned the 

Right of Way leading to the river at the Bull’s Garage site was 

fenced off on the grounds of health and safety during the 

works to clear vegetation. The owner has agreed to reopen 

the right of way and provide a safe route through to the river, 

and for this to be signed appropriately. 


Bridge of Weir SWI 

At the April meeting we held a 

successful mini show and heard a 

very interesting illustrated talk about 

Scotserve, a charity which provides valuable 

practical support to the NHS. The Duncan Cup 

was won by Pat Allan for a dressed doll; Mabel 

McPherson’s soda bread won her the Muirhead 

Cup and Rhona McLean earned the Woodrow 

Cup with a beautiful flower arrangement in a 

shell. Brenda Lindsay was the points winner with 

Joyce Bennie and Mabel McPherson in second 

and third places. 

There is no May meeting, but on 12th June we 

will be visiting Glamis Castle. 

Your Ward 11 Councillors ... for Bishopton, Langbank & Bridge of Weir 

Advice Surgeries: 

http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ 

councillors 



councillors 



councillors 



27 


Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents 

Association 

The latest meeting of Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents Association 

discussed a number of issues regarding the village, and our thanks go 

to Councillor James MacLaren, Housing Officer Neil McGavin and the 

Renfrewshire Wardens Service for their attendance. 

The police report for the last month showed that their were seven crimes 

committed around the village. These included a vandalism of gardening 

items, a breach of the peace in the car park, a careless driving with no MOT, 

and two frauds concerning bank accounts. 

Councillor Natalie Don contacted TARA to let us know that the much waited 

for replacement ‘Big’ swings for Houston Road were finally on order, and are 

provisionally expected to be put in place the week 14th-21st May. TARA have 

been in communication with the council about these swings for a number of 

months and our thanks go to Councillor Don for chasing this up for us. 

The newly resurfaced A761 leaving the village is causing consternation 

amongst TARA members and the public at large; the new road surface 

would appear to be not up to scratch, and is already breaking up in places. 

Gordon Anderson has informed TARA that he has already sent photographs 

to Dorothy Kerr at Renfrewshire Council regarding the poor resurfacing work 

done on this area of road. 

The Wardens informed us that a number of issues surrounding littering in 

the village are currently being monitored, with the problem being particular 

prevalent from works vans. Dog fouling of pavements and residential grassy 

areas is again a major problem, and as we move into spring the poo bag 

trees are beginning to blossom! It was brought to the wardens attention 

that this is particularly prevalent at the top of Loch Road, and the situation 

will be monitored. Please bag it and bin it! Or if no bin is available, take it 

home with you! 

As usual TARA will be taking a stall on Gala Day, which this year is on the 9th 

June, and we look forward to seeing you there. 

The next meeting of Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents Association will 

be on the 15th May in The Pirie, Freeland Church at 7.30pm. So if you’ve 

got a view about something concerning the village, why not come along and 

air your views. All are welcome. 


Let's hear from our Councillors 

Cllr Natalie Don: 

Litter was the focus of the past month as April saw Renfrewshire’s Big 

Spring Clean kicked off in aid of the Team Up to Clean Up campaign. The 

weekend from the 20th to the 22nd saw many individuals, groups and 

schools out across Renfrewshire helping to tidy up their local areas. I was 

extremely happy to take part in some of these litter picks in Bridge of Weir 

and Bishopton. I understand that many people feel it is not their job to pick 

up litter, however, the Team Up to Clean Up campaign has been all about 

giving people a sense of pride in their community and encouraging people 

not to drop their litter in the first place. After all, if no-one dropped it, there 

would be no need to pick it up. It certainly gives me a real sense of pride to 

see the difference just one litter pick can make to a local area and hopefully, 

after seeing the hard work of so many members of the community during 

the Spring Clean, people will think twice about throwing their rubbish away. 

I also recently joined Derek Mackay MSP for street surgeries in Bishopton. It 

was great to chat to local people face to face and they were very appreciative 

of the chance to speak to two of their elected representatives, from their 

own home. 

Roads are still a concern for many residentsm, and the capital resurfacing 

programme for 2018/19 is currently being finalised. This is due to be 

complete in May and will contain information on which roads will be 

resurfaced in this financial year and when. I am aware of many roads 

throughout Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank which are in a poor 

condition, and I know many people are looking forward to this information 

being released, so please keep an eye on my Facebook page for the most 

up to date news. 

Please get in touch if you have any questions or issues that you would like 

me to raise. 



Annual Bishopton 

Christian Aid Plant Sale 

Saturday May 12th, 10am to 12 noon 

Cornerstone, Greenock Road, Bishopton 

Christian Aid has been helping people in need, no matter their belief or no 

faith at all, for over 70 years. A large range of good quality plants will again 

be supplied by “Branching Out”, Parklea. In addition to selecting plants on 

the day, there will be a Pre-order Service for Plants which is obtainable via 

members of the Christian Aid Committee. 

Cost: Adults £2 (includes a coffee/tea and some home baking) 

Please add your 

community hall 

details to our list 

- email to info@ 

advertizer.co.uk 

churches in Bishopton, Langbank & Bridge of Weir...................... 

Langbank Parish Church: Sunday Services 10am with Sunday School, Crèche and young 

people’s group, the Welcomers. Tea/coffee after the service. Church service starts at 

10am. Come along and meet in the Hall from 9.50am. Charity No. SC015085. 

Freeland Church: Rev KN Gray BA BD. Sunday Morning Service 10.30am. Crèche, Sunday 

School, Lynx and Cornerstone. Sunday Evening Service 7pm www.freeland.org.uk 

St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Johnston Rd, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3EE. St Mary’s Episcopal 

Church is a small, lively and mature Christian community. We are united by our belief 

in Jesus, the One in whom God fully revealed Himself and through whom we have life in 

all it’s fullness. Come and worship with us. Our main Service is held on Sundays at 10am. 

A warm welcome awaits you. Contact: Rev. Heller G. 01505 872961 www.heartlandsec. 

org/BoW 

St Machar’s Ranfurly Church: Sunday morning service 10.30am. 

Hope Hall: Sun 1pm Sunday School, 4.30pm Gospel Service; Mon 6.30pm Investigators for 

Kids, 8pm Bible Study and Prayer. 


28 




Bishopton Day 

Fun Run: Sunday 10 June | Bishopton Day: Saturday 16 June 

Bishopton Week Group are excitedly preparing for this year’s events including 

magic shows, treasure hunt, fun run on Sunday 10th of June with a 5k and 

10k run. Bishopton Day itself is on Saturday 16th of June, with the parade 

leaving from Bishopton Primary School headed by a pipe band, and with 

numerous floats celebrating the theme of “Oceans” this year. Entertainment 

on the day includes the Glasgow Vikings, music, entertainment and food 

stalls. Follow us on Facebook for more information or check our website 

for updates. 


Christian Aid Week 

13th -19th May 2018 

We believe in life before death 

Bridge of Weir residents have been loyal supporters of Christian Aid Week 

over the years. This year the red envelope will drop through your door 

during the week of 13th to 19th May – thanks to an army of 60 volunteer 

collectors. 

Started nearly 70 years ago as a response by Christian churches in the UK 

to the desperate needs of refugees in Europe after the Second World War, 

Christian Aid now operates in nearly 40 countries promoting sustainable 

development, striving for social justice and pursuing a vision of a world 

without poverty. Founded on and guided by the teachings of Christ, Christian 

Aid is committed to supporting poor and marginalised people, whatever their 

beliefs, sexuality, gender and ethnicity. 

Please make a special effort to support Christian Aid Week again this year. 

The recent negative publicity concerning serious Oxfam failings was used by 

some sections of the media to cast a shadow on all overseas aid. But the 

poor, the marginalised and the displaced people of the world need our help 

more than ever. 

If you are a tax payer, don’t forget to fill out the gift aid form – which allows 

Christian Aid to receive an extra 25p for every £1 donated. Perhaps not 

much for one envelope, but multiplied across the whole village it could 

mean up to £1,000 extra for Christian Aid! 

If you are out when the collector calls back later in the week to pick up 

the envelope, feel free to drop it into either St Machar’s Ranfurly church 

or Freeland church. For more information please go to www.christianaid. 

org.uk 


Bridge of Weir Festival Committee 

This year’s Bridge of 

Weir Gala Day will be on 

Saturday 9th June 2018 

in Houston Road Park, 

and kicks off a number of 

events over the following 

week culminating in the 

end of Festival Week 

Ceilidh on Saturday 16th 

June at the Cargill Hall. 

The theme for this years 

Gala Day is “Rumble in 

the Jungle”. 

The Gala Queen for 2018 

and her attendants were chosen recently, with Ava Miller being chosen as 

Gala Queen, and Fiona Ritchie and Claudia Walker chosen as her attendants. 

As per tradition, Ava will be crowned as Gala Queen on Gala Day. 


The Bridge 

What’s on? All the usual activities, - Bridge Classes, Film Showings, Hard of 

Hearing Clinic, Citizens Advice Bureau and MSP/MP surgeries. In addition, 

our cafe affords the opportunity for you to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in 

warm, pleasant surroundings. 

Art Exhibitions: During May, The Bishopton Art Group will be exhibiting 

a selection of their paintings. Please pop in to view and purchase their 

pictures. 

Post Office and Shop: for all your Post Office services, purchases of 

stationery, greeting cards and pocket money toys. Please support your 

Community Centre where our volunteers and Post Office staff work hard to 

meet your needs. Our stock of greeting cards has increased over the last 

few months, with most occasions catered for. We are pleased to announce 

the colourful selection of Scottish themed gifts mainly by Scott Inness is 

proving popular - please do come in to see the display. 

Volunteers: Do you have a spare 4 hours per month? Consider becoming 

a volunteer at The Bridge - become involved in your community and meet 

new friends. The shop within The Bridge is run entirely by volunteers. Their 

contribution enables the Post Office to remain in our village. Please speak 

to any of our volunteers for more information. We look forward to you joining 

our team. 


Senior Citizens Club 

We meet at Cargill Hall every 2nd and 4th 

Wednesday 7pm - 9.15pm. Subscriptions 

are only £6 per year, and £1 each week pays 

for your tea and biscuits. Entertainment 

provided. Previous entertainers include 

a male voice choir & live music. Contact 

Sheila Patterson for further information 

on 01505 690521. 

kilmacolm & quarriers 

Kilmacolm 

Bridge Club 

- Summer 

Duplicate 

If you would like to play 

Bridge during the summer 

months why not come along 

to the Kilmacolm Community 

Centre on Monday evenings? 

Starting on 7th May at 7pm for 

a 7.15pm start 

Come with a partner or come 

alone and hope to 

find one there. 

Further 

information Tel: 

01505 872345 


All 

Things 

Bright and 

Beautiful 


Singing for 

Wellbeing 

A fun, no-pressure choir 

singing feel-good songs 

every Tuesday from 6pm - 

7.15pm and Fridays at 2pm 

- 3.15pm in the Bishopton 

Community Centre. 

Friday 1st-Saturday 2nd June 

Kilmacolm will be in full bloom as St 

Columba’s Church hosts a fantastic 

flower festival over the weekend 

from 10am-4pm. This is a community 

event and all proceeds will be directed to 

Ardgowan Hospice. 

Tickets cost £3.50 and are available from 

Rosie Third (873088) or can be bought on 

the door. Children go free. Why not make 

a weekend of it and pop into the Old Kirk 

on the 2nd to enjoy their Summer Fete 

and barbeque! 



29 


Kilmacolm 

Surgeries 

Every 4th Monday PC 

Jamieson, the local 

neighbourhood officer, will hold a 

surgery in the Community Centre 

between 10.30 - 11.30am. 

Please pop in and see him if you 

want to share any concerns or 

need advice. 


Kilmacolm Community Council 

Inverclyde Local Development Plan 

Overview Meeting Tuesday 29th May 

Inverclyde Council is currently preparing a new Local Development Plan 

for the Inverclyde area to supersede the existing one in 2019. The Local 

Development Plan is the document which sets out the Council’s strategy and 

policies for the use of land and buildings in Inverclyde, and is the basis for 

determining planning applications. For example, it is the Local Development 

Plan that identifies the green belt, housing development opportunities and 

regeneration priorities, amongst other things. 

The current stage in preparing the new Local Development Plan is a 

document called the Proposed Plan, which represents the settled view of 

the Council as to what the final adopted content of the Plan should be. 

The Proposed Plan was approved for publication and consultation by the 

Inverclyde Council’s Environment and Regeneration Committee on 28th 

March and published in April with the consultation period running through 

to June 2018. 

A representative of the Planning Policy team will attend the 29th May meeting 

of the Kilmacolm Community Council to explain the Local Development 

Plan process and provide an overview of the Proposed Plan policies and 

proposals. Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village residents are encouraged to 

attend this meeting to learn about aspects which could affect them and 

village life. 

Advertisement Feature 

Changes At Three Sisters Bake 

We recently asked for feedback on changes our customers would like to see 

at Three Sisters Bake. Here is what you told us…Seats are uncomfy – our 

vintage church pews may be beautiful but they hurt to sit on! Thanks to 

the lovely people at Thistle Upholstery in Paisley we now have custom fitted 

cushion pads for many of our pews! 

More sandwiches…lots of you asked for more sandwiches so we have 

introduced a range of new ones as well as bringing back some old favourites. 

Take a look at our menu at www.threesistersbake.co.uk to see the new line 

up of sandwiches and other new menu items, including our expanded range 

of topped mac n cheese! 

Scones – “don’t ever change!” Many of you were kind enough to comment 

on how delicious our scones are. To celebrate their popularity we have 

included a voucher for a free scone below! 

Afternoon Tea – this has always been our most popular item for a special 

occasion but we had lots of feedback that you’d like to see a simpler version 

that didn’t call for a “special occasion” to enjoy. We’ve now introduced a 

“classic” afternoon tea which will run alongside our existing “luxury” version. 

With our voucher offering 2 for £15, its also a very affordable mid week 

treat! 

We’re excited about the changes and as a thank-you to our local customers 

for your continued support and loyalty, we have included some vouchers 

below to allow you to see for yourself. We look forward to welcoming lots of 

new and familiar faces over the coming weeks! 

Gillian, Nichola & Linsey xxx 



Kilmacolm RBS Mobile Bank Service 

Set for Cuts 

Renfrewshire North & West 

MSP Derek Mackay is 

disappointed to learn that RBS 

plan to cut access to mobile 

banking services in Kilmacolm 

from the end of May. 

The mobile bank service has 

been used to fill the gap left 

by the closure of the branch in 

2015 – giving customers the 

chance to maintain some level 

of face-to-face banking in the 

village. 

At present the mobile banking 

is in the village on Monday’s, Tuesday’s and Friday’s for 1 hour. From May 

29th, this will be cut to just Monday’s and Thursday’s. 


Coffee Morning 

Saturday 9th June 2018 in 

the new Community Centre 

Kilmacolm, 2nd Floor from 

10am to 12pm. Tickets £3. 

Mr Mackay said: “This is 

disappointing news from RBS, not 

only have they reduced the service 

to customers across the area even 

further – they’ve done so by quietly 

changing the timetable as opposed 

to being straight with people. This 

kind of behaviour erodes trust in 

the bank even further after their 

shameful rounds of closures over 

the last few years.” 



30 



Cllr Stephen McCabe: 

PLANNING: The Council’s Environment and Regeneration 

Committee approved the proposed Local Development Plan for 

a period of public consultation at a special meeting on 28th 

March. Council Planners had originally included a site at West 

of Quarry Drive, Kilmacolm in the proposed plan for a 75 unit 

private housing development. I successfully persuaded the 

Committee to remove this site as I was not convinced that the 

release of greenbelt land for housing at this time was justified. 

The Committee also agreed to my proposal that if greenbelt land 

is released for housing development at some point in the future 

around the Inverclyde villages, then a minimum of 25% of the 

units should be for social rent. 

There may well be objections to these and other aspects of the 

proposed Local Development Plan during the consultation period. 

Any objections will be examined by the Scottish Government’s 

Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals. 

ROADS: Ward Councillors have received complaints about 

speeding on Port Glasgow Road in Kilmacolm. I have asked our 

officers to discuss with the Police what joint action we can take 

to address this issue. 

HERITAGE GALLERY: I am delighted to have been asked to open 

the new Heritage Gallery in Kilmacolm Community Centre later 

this month. The Council provided funding of nearly £10,000 

towards the costs of this important initiative by Jim Wood and his 

fellow Directors of the Kilmacolm Heritage Company. Kilmacolm, 

Quarrier’s Village and the surrounding areas have a rich history. It 

is important that this history is documented and shared with this 

and future generations. 

The Council recently suffered the loss of our Corporate Director 

for Education, Communities and Organisational Development 

Wilma Bain at the age of 56 after a brave battle against cancer. 

Wilma was a hugely popular and successful Director. She was 

universally liked and respected in equal measure. I will greatly 

miss her warmth and wise counsel. 

SURGERIES: I have one surgery this month in St Francis’ Primary 

School, Port Glasgow from 6.00 to 7.00 p.m. on Monday 14th 

May. You can contact me directly to discuss any matters that 

are of concern to you by telephone on 01475 712020 (during 

office hours) or by email to Stephen.McCabe@inverclyde.gov. 

uk. Alternatively you can write to me at 10 Victoria Gardens, 

Kilmacolm PA13 4HL. 

You can keep up to date with my work as a Councillor by visiting 

my blog: http://councillorstephenmccabe.blogspot.com/ and 

follow me on Twitter @CllrSMcCabe. 


Kilmacolm Friends of 

Ardgowan Hospice 


Kilmacolm Old Kirk 

Easter at The Old Kirk 


FRIDAY 11th MAY 2.30pm -4.3pm at the 

Kidston Hall 

We’re looking to collect donations of Baking and 

Preserves for our stall at the annual Kilmacolm and 

Port Glasgow Agricultural Show. 

There will be a box in the Cargill Centre for Bottle Donations. If you would like 

any donations collected please contact Aileen 874121 or Peter 872343. 

Easter Day was the one 

gorgeous day in between 

weeks of snow, rain and 

cold. About 50 gathered 

at The Knapps for the 

9.30am celebration with 

communion. It was so 

peaceful there, water 

like glass with beautiful 

reflections of swans and 

hills, birds singing, lots 

of dog walkers, some of 

whom came to join us. 

Later there was the Easter service 

in the Old Kirk, complete with Easter 

Bonnet and Festive Tie competitions, 

children rolling their decorated eggs 

and prizes of chocolate Easter Eggs, 

as well as the solemn celebration of 

communion. A warm, friendly and 

happy morning. 

Social Events 

Outlook is a social community group 

in Kilmacolm that was created to 

welcome everyone from the whole community, young and old, to come 

to share friendship and fellowship together. It is led by the Community 

Issues team of Kilmacolm Old Kirk. The group meets in Kidston Hall 

on the 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoons monthly. The programme 

includes invited speakers, afternoon tea, items of community issues 

for discussion, plus entertaining activities. 

Programme for May: 

3rd May, 2pm-4pm: Gentle Keep Fit with Grace. Back by popular request. 

6th May, 6pm: Night Kirk. A reflective service. 

17th May, 2pm-4pm: Clydeside Singers – favourite songs by our favourite choir. 

19th May: OK Fest (Re-arranged date) 

Poetry and Literature readings, 2pm - 4pm, The Old Kirk. Free entry. 

Riverside Youth Band, 7pm - 9pm, The Old Kirk. Free entry. 

Saturday 2nd June - Summer Fete/Barbeque 

11am–2pm. Entry fee - Adults £1, Children Free. 

Grounds of the Old Kirk Manse, Glencairn Rd. All welcome, fun for the whole 

family. BBQ and Tea Room. Stalls – Tombola, Baking, Plants. Children’s activities. 

Your Ward 1 Councillors ... for Inverclye East (includes Kilmacolm & Quarriers) 


https://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/ 

meetings/councillors/1 









31 


Collections no longer 

taking place 

The annual Christian 

Aid Week house 

to house collection 

in Kilmacolm and 

Quarriers will not take place during 13th - 

19th May. The Christian Aid committee regret 

that we are no longer able to rally sufficient 

collectors to carry out this major task. 

Please respond individually to the 

Christian Aid Week Appeal by sending 

your donations directly to the Christian Aid 

office at Sycamore House, 290 Bath Street, 

Glasgow G2 4JR. Newspaper, television, 

website advertisements will also give you 

full and accurate details of Christian Aid’s 

work and methods of donating. 

We thank you for the huge support given 

to Christian Aid during our thirty years of 

fundraising together - we have made an 

impact, we have made a difference - thank 

you. Phone Jill Russell on 01505 872393. 


Guide Hut to Hire 

A great venue with easy access near to the village centre. Newly refurbished 

main hall, with additional kitchen facilities and outdoor area. Perfect for 

children’s parties, weekly classes and one off special occasions. Anyone 

wanting to hire the Guide Hut please contact Roz on 07584 359007. 

churches in Kilmacolm & Quarriers................................................ 

Kilmacolm Old Kirk: Church of Scotland (Charity no. SC009291). www. 

kilmacolmoldkirk.org.uk. Minister Rev. Dr. Peter McEnhill (01505 873174). 

Morning Worship - Sundays 11am. All Welcome. Tea/coffee served after 

service. Sunday School and Crèche. Solas Bereavement Group 2nd Thursday 

each month at 2pm in Kidston Hall. 

St Columba Church of Scotland: (charity no. SC007992) Morning Worship 

Sundays at 11am. All welcome. Coffee/tea served in the hall after the 

service. 

Grace Church Kilmacolm: in association with Downavale Free Church of 

Scotland (Charity No: SCO38274) - Sunday Service at 10.30am in Kilmacolm 

Guide Hut, Woodrow Avenue, PA13 4QF - all welcome. 

St Colm’s Catholic Church, Smithy Brae Kilmacolm. Rev. Vincent Byrne. Family 

mass Sundays 10am with children’s liturgy, followed by tea and coffee. Eucharistic 

service Thursdays 11am. Rosary Tuesdays 6.30pm. Prayer group meets Thursdays 

7.30pm. Further information and contact details www.stcolmsparish.co.uk. All 

welcome. 

Buddhist meetings: Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. Phone Margaret on 01505 

871343. 

St Fillan’s Episcopal Church, Moss Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4DL. Services on 

Sunday at 11.30am. Wednesday: 10.30am Holy Communion. On the last Sunday 

of the month at 11.30am we welcome families to come and join us for our 

monthly Family Service. We are united by our belief in Jesus, who sustains and 

encourages us in all the ups and downs of life. Everyone is welcome to join us! 

www.heartlandsec.org/KLM/index.html Contacts: Revd. Heller G.P 01505 872961 

/ Maureen Russell (Pastoral Assistant) 01505 872905. 

Mount Zion Church: Rev. Andy Lunn BSc, (01475 791282) Mount Zion Church, 

Law View Road, Quarriers Village, PA11 3FD. Sunday Worship: 10.30am, Bible 

Study and Prayer Meetings: Wednesday at 7pm and Friday at 10 am. “Mozzy” 

Youth Club Thursdays at 6.30pm for young people of high school age. Half night 

of prayer: 7pm – midnight, 4th Friday of each month. ‘The Gatherin’ is at 7pm on 

the fourth Sunday of each month. Maundy Thursday Holy Communion Service 

- 7pm, 29th March. Good Friday Meditation around the cross - 2.30pm, 30th 

March. Easter Sunday Family service - 10.30am, 1st April. Please come and 

invite others: all welcome! 


Any details 

we've missed? - 

email them to 

info@advertizer. 

co.uk 


houston, crosslee & brookfield 

32 

churches in Houston......................................................................... 

Houston and Killellan: Services will be led by Rev. Ian Bell unless stated 

otherwise. 

St Fillan’s, Main St, Houston: Sun Masses: Vigil (Sat) 5pm, 9.30am & 11am. 

Weekday Masses: Mon - Sat 9.30am. Rosary: Tue, Thurs & Sat 9.10am. 

Exposition: Mon, Wed & Fri 9.05am. Confessions: Sat 10am - 10.30am 

and after Vigil Mass. Baptism: By arrangement. Parish Priest: Rev. Joseph 

Burke. Pastoral Assistant: Sr. Mary Frances Collett, RNDM (Tel 01505 613514). 

Address: ‘Abbotsfield’, St. Fillan’s, Main St, Houston, PA6 7EL. T. 01505 612046. 

E. parish@stfillan.org.uk www.stfillan.org.uk 

Houston Baptist Church at Carrick Centre: 11am Family services with SS 

for children age 5 - 12; 6pm Eve Service; Mid-week Home Bible Study; For 

more information contact; Rev. D Snelson 01505 612722. 

Church of the Nazarene: Village Hall, Main St, Houston PA6 7EL. Rev. Benito 

S Coetzee. Family services at 10.30am with full toddler, children & youth 

activities running concurrently with the service. Youth meets at 6.30pm - 

8pm on Sundays. Word and Table Quiet Service held from 9am - 9.30am 

every 3rd Sunday. www.houston.nazarene.org.uk 



Cllr Audrey Doig: 

Many constituents have been contacting me still on the vexed question of the 

new 1 and 1a, and 2 and 2a bus services from McGills which replaced the 

well established no 8 and no 19. The new service is sponsored by the SPT 

and goes from Kilmacolm, Quarriers, Bridge of Weir, Houston, Linwood, and 

Johnstone. Given that Johnstone is the largest town in West Renfrewshire 

with a population of 17,000 I have continually stressed to McGills that it is 

crucial that those without private transport who live in Linwood, Houston, 

Crosslee, and Brookfield have easy access to the town for a myriad of 

reasons. 

What I have also made clear to all those constituents who have contacted 

me is that McGills intend to review the new 1 and 1a, 2 and 2a services in six 

months time so it is crucial that all village residents ensure the new service 

is well used. Many constituents are saying to me that the time when private 

bus companies run the roost should be over as they tend to put the needs 

of commerce before the needs of communities. I agree with this and indeed 

the last full meeting of Renfrewshire Council unanimously agreed that the 

Scottish Government should seriously consider allowing us to oversee local 

bus services, as was the case prior to 1986. 

The Community Councils in my ward, and indeed many other community 

groups, will be familiar with the Local Area Committees which Renfrewshire 

Council established in 2007 to dispense grants to local community groups. 

This framework has been a great success but there have been a few good 

reasons to review their structures and how they operate. 

Up until now Houston, Crosslee, and Brookfield have been in the same LAC 

as large conurbations like Linwood and Erskine, under the new LAC structure 

the villages in my ward will now be in the same LAC as other villages such 

as Kilbarchan, Howwood, and Lochwinnoch. I think this is a positive move 

as there should be a greater focus on the requirements and needs of our 

village communities across Renfrewshire. 


Sewing Class 

Got a sewing machine but never used it or just lost confidence? Do you want 

to know how to raise/lower a hem or change a broken zip? We might just 

have the solution. 

Tuesday evenings from 7pm - 9pm, Brookfield Village Hall Library. Come along 

and learn essential techniques every Beginner or Refresher Sewer should 

know. £10 per class. Places for 6-week block must be booked in advance. 

Contact brookfieldvpa@gmail.com for more information or to book a place. 


H.O.S.T. The Carrick Centre, Houston 

(Houston Old School Trust) 

Monday to Friday 

Woodlands Out of School 01505 615438 

Coffee Shop 

Mon - Fri 9am - 4.30pm Sat 9am - 4pm 

MONDAY 

Yoga (Weekly) @ 1pm - Mary Laidlaw 01505 229112 | Diaporama 14th @ 

7.30pm | Sewing Group (Weekly) @ 10am - 12noon 

TUESDAY 

Paint Pot Tots (Weekly) @ 10am - Dawn Campbell 07789 262350 | Galaxy 

(Weekly) @ 4pm - 7pm | Yoga (Weekly) @ 7pm - M/s Lawson 01505 613690 

| Councillor Surgery 3rd Tues (Lab) @ 12noon -12.30pm | Councillor 

Surgery 5th (Scot Con.) @ 6.30pm - 7pm 

WEDNESDAY 

Big Kids Little Learners @ 10am – 11am - Janine Neil 07870 697010 | 

Gryffe Melody Makers @ 7pm | Community Council 16th @ 7.30pm | 

Gryffe Camera Club (Weekly) @ 7.30pm | Galaxy (Weekly) @ 4pm - 7pm 

THURSDAY 

Gryffe Quilting Group @ 1.15pm - 3.15pm | Primary Colours (Weekly) @ 

3.30pm – 4.30pm | Crafty Friends @ 7.30pm | Folk Club (Weekly) @ 8pm 

- iaintdawson@gmail.com 07786 078952 

FRIDAY 

Yoga (Weekly) @ 10.30am - M/s Lawson 01505 613690 | Big Kids Little 

Learners (Weekly) @ 1pm - 2pm - Janine Neil 07870 697010 | Galaxy 

Dancing (Weekly) @ 3.30pm - 7pm | M.P. Surgery Gavin Newlands @ 

12.30pm - 1.30pm 

SATURDAY 

Galaxy Dancing (Weekly) @ 9.30am - 5pm | Councillors Surgery @ 11.30am 

- 12noon | Fiona Beattie (CEILIDH) 5th @ 6pm -11pm | KIRK CARNIVAL 

12TH - ALL DAY 

SUNDAY 

Baptist Church (Weekly) @ 11am and 6pm | Laura Paterson B/Party @ 

1pm - 3pm 

Booking enquiries to: 

Ian Simpson 01505 612203 Bill Haddow 01505 690693 

Stewart Scally 01505 674277 

hostbooking@outlook.com or The Coffee Shop 


Houston and Killellan Kirk Carnival 

THE BLUE PLANET 

Saturday 12th May 12.30pm at the 

Church West Halls 

This years theme is The Blue Planet 

and we are hoping to emphasise 

the importance of environmental 

issues, promoting awareness of local 

recycling, avoiding waste of any kind 

and generally being conscious of our 

surroundings and helping others to do what they can. 

With many of our usual stalls, and a few new ones too - a nearly new clothes 

stall for under fives, a home produce stall with preserves in glass jars etc, and 

a church stall for information on Church activities and organizations. 

Remember the parade and get your group or organization in and display your 

efforts to save the planet - It's a fantastic way of encouraging people to get 

involved in the community! 

All proceeds from this years Carnival will be for the Church and the 

Community. 

Your Ward 10 Councillor ... for Houston, Crosslee, Brookfield & Linwood 



councillors 



councillors 



councillors 



33 


Houston 

Show 

Saturday 2nd June 

Join us in the Playing 

Fields right in the heart 

of Houston Village for 

our annual show. Gates 

are open from 9am for a 

fun filled family day out. 

See our cattle, sheep 

and heavy horses being 

judged – who will be best 

in show? Watch the horse 

competition taking place all day. Visit 

the secretary’s tent and enter your prized 

pooch into the dog show taking place at 

1pm. See talented local school children 

perform in our very own Houston’s 

Got Talent competition and see all the 

fantastic entries in our craft and baking 

section. 

Enjoy watching different teams compete 

against each other in The Tug Of War cheer 

on your team to win. 

Why not buy a ticket for our prize draw and 

you could be a winner of 1st £100 2nd 

£50 3rd £25. 

Come along and meet people from the Royal 

Highland Education Trust (RHET) and learn more about farming and the 

countryside, and why not have a shot of milking their demonstration cow. 

Enjoy fabulous food by the local 

Fox & Hounds Restaurant. 

Have your ice cream from the ice 

cream van. 

Schedules for all sections of 

the show can be obtained by 

contacting Show Secretary Mo 

Lyle houstonshow@hotmail.co.uk 

or by visiting Facebook Page www. 

facebook.com/houstonshow .or 

contact mobile number 07734 

150445. 

Schedules for the Craft & Baking 

sections can also be picked up in 

the Paper Shop, North Street, The 

Post Office and Strawberry Fields 

Nursery. 


Brookfield Art 

Club Art Show 

Sunday 29th April 

from 

12noon - 4.30pm 

Brookfield Village Hall 

Admission £1.00 

Tea Room with Home Baking 

East Neuk by Kathy Leask 


Crafty Friends 

Crafty Hobbies is what we do 

Come and join our Crafty crew 

Come & learn some Crafty makes 

Followed by some tea and cakes 

We meet the 1st and 3rd 

Thursdays in the month at 7.30pm 

in the Carrick Centre Houston. 

No previous craft experience 

necessary. We are just a group of 

ladies who enjoy making things! 

Contact - Lorna Cairns 612844 or 

Shirley White 610721. 

Advertisement Feature 

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Renfrewshire. We opened our 

doors in January 2018 and have 

an ambition to provide excellent 

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trusted company for personalised home care. 

Our ambition 

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and we want our clients to live happy and fulfilled lives in their own homes. 

We realise that finding suitable care at home is a daunting prospect, yet we 

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Areas covered 

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If you would like some support 

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call Paul Armstrong (Business 

Owner) or Alex MacCallum (Care 

Manager) on 0141 280 8210. 

Or send us an email: info.renfrewshire@homeinstead.co.uk 




councillors 

@GryffeAds www.advertizer.co.uk 


Parlez Vous Francais 

French Conversation group meets every 

Wednesday from 9.30am till 12noon at Fox & 

Hounds. Informal tuition same venue 2pm - 

4pm. Phone 01505 871 343, 07463 570464 

or email avril.forbes2015@outlook.com

kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie 

34 

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie 

Old Library Centre 

Friday 11th May - Jimmy Livingstone 

A great time was had at the Old Library Centre when Auld Hats New Heids 

played to a packed audience. We were all enthralled as we were brought 

back to the Scottish folk music scene of the 60’s and 70’s. Everyone enjoyed 

singing along to well known songs. Altogether a great night. 

So, music lovers, we have another great evening lined up for the 11th May, 

featuring singer/songwriter Jimmy Livingstone. He has played here before 

and is described as having “A timeless voice that will stop you in your tracks”. 

Tickets are £10 each and are available from the Old Library Centre. Doors 

open at 7.30 for an 8pm start. 

All our usual classes are running – Yoga, Pilates, FABS (exercise for over 

60’s), Bridge Club, Book Group, Craft Group and our Music and Movement for 

toddlers. Please contact the centre for more details. 

Remember we also offer office facilities – photocopying, scanning, faxing, 

laminating, and have computers for hire and internet use, all for a very 

reasonable cost. 

The Old Library Centre is a registered Scottish Charity and is run by volunteers. 

For more details please phone 01505 706070, email kipcokil@hotmail.com 

or visit our website www.kipcokil.com 


Car Boot Sale 

Sunday 6th May, 12 noon 

till 3pm 

Animal Support & Rescue will 

be holding a fundraising Car Boot 

Sale. Tables cost £10 and must 

be pre-booked (please bring your 

own table). 

There will also be food and 

refreshments available. 

The event will be held at Mid 

Gavin Equestrian Centre, by 

Howwood which sits just behind 

Mid Gavin Nursery. 

Follow the road signs for the 

Nursery, from the B787 turnoff 

into Howwood from the A737. The 

Centre is not accessible from the 

Belltrees Road. 

Don’t worry about the weather 

- our car boot sale will be in the 

indoor arena. To book a space, 

please call Lynda on 0782 369 


churches in Kilbarchan, Howwood, 

Lochwinnoch & Elderslie............................ 


Kilbarchan 

The group has 3 meetings in May, 

the first being a Hat Night with 

general discussion on a variety of 

topical issues, then “The Origins 

of Famous Songs” and finally 

Superstitions. 

The website gives more details: 

www.nwr.org.uk and the 

Kilbarchan group would be happy 

to welcome new members, phone 

703786. 


Knitting Bee 

Meets fortnightly on a Tuesday 

from 7pm to 9pm at Knit Knax, 

37 High Street Johnstone, also 

weekly Thursday from 2pm to 

4pm. 

Contact: Pamela 07743 156738 

or email bknitting@hotmail. 

co.uk. 

Kilbarchan Parish Church: Services at 11am each Sunday. The Sunday 

School and crèche meet in the halls from 10.45am. All services are followed 

by refreshments in the hall. On Wednesday from 10.30am, the Midweek 

Fellowship takes place in the small hall. All welcome to any or all of these 

services. For further information about the Parish Church and all organisations, 

please see the website: www.kilbarchan-kirk.btck.co.uk 

Howwood Parish Church: Minister Rev May Bell. Sunday Service and 

Sunday School. 10am each Sunday. Prayer meeting held at 3 Bowfield 

Way, Howwood, 7.30pm on Tuesdays. 

Lochwinnoch Parish Church: Mary Jane Bird. Sunday 11am: Morning 

Worship and Sunday School. All welcome. 

Calder United Free Church: (Church Street, Lochwinnoch) Sunday: 11am 

Morning worship with Sunday School and Crèche. 6.30pm Evening Fellowship 

group, 7.30pm ABC’s Teen group. Wed 6.30pm - 7.30pm. 

Spiritualist Church, Lochlip Rd. All services commence 7.30pm. 

Elderslie Kirk: Sunday service every week at 11am. Minister - Rev. Robin 

Allison. All welcome. Weekly meetings:- Monday Club every week from 

12noon - 2.30pm. Light lunch and a varied activity programme. Midweek 

Fellowship will meet every Wed from 10.30am for Tea/Coffee followed by a 

short Service of Worship at 11am. 


Would you know what to do in an Emergency? 

New Dates for 2018!! 

♥ Every week in Scotland, 70 people suffer cardiac arrest. 

♥ More than 3,500 people per year in Scotland are treated by the 

Ambulance Service following a cardiac arrest. 

♥ Only one in 20 people will survive. 

♥ Without resuscitation, cardiac arrest is always fatal 

♥ But, performing CPR could double that person’s chance of survival 

Heartstart courses are free of charge and it only takes two hours to learn the 

skills which may someday save a life: 

♥ Recovery position 

♥ CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) 

♥ Heart Attack 

♥ Choking 

♥ Serious bleeding 

To learn the simple skills that save lives, contact Morag Thow on 07868 

752814 to book onto one of our courses: 

Wed 23rd May 7pm - 9pm Masonic Lodge Lochwinnoch 

Tue 19th June 7pm - 9pm The Boarding House Howwood 


Help Liz and Morag reach 500! 

Liz Simson and 

Dr Morag Thow 

started the 

L o c h w i n n o c h 

and Howwood 

Heart Start 

C o m m u n i t y 

in 2014. Liz 

worked as a 

r e s u s c i t a t i o n 

officer in Western 

infirmary and 

G a r t n a v e l 

hospitals and 

has been a Heart Start instructor since the late 1990s and always had a 

keen interest in teaching life support. Morag has been involved in Cardiac 

Rehabilitation improving the lives of people and their families who have a 

variety of cardiac conditions for over 30 years. 

Liz and Morag reached 400 graduates from their Heart Start Community in 

March 2018 and would like to reach 500 as soon as possible! So please 

sign up to one of their courses - there are two before the summer break, so 

please come and help us reach our goal of 500!!! 


Kilbarchan Parish Church in May 

Friday 1th May: Kilbarchan Boys’ Brigade holds its Annual Inspection and 

Display at 7.30pm in the Parish Church hall. The Inspecting Officer this year 

is Joan McKinnon, representing Messy Church. 

Saturday 12th May: We welcome the Allander Jazz Band at 7.30pm in the 

church hall. Tickets are £10, school-age £5, including a buffet supper and 

can be booked by phoning 01505 703532. This is a BYOB evening-soft 

drinks only please. The band plays a selection of traditional and Dixieland 

jazz. 

Saturday 19th May: Our Pancake Morning runs from 10am - 12noon in the 

hall, entrance £2.50, children £1. Come along and enjoy delicious freshlymade 

pancakes with cream and jam. 

Saturday 2nd June: Lilias Day - make sure you pay a visit to Kilbarchan 

Parish Church stalls in the park 



35 


Kilbarchan 

Singers Annual 

Summer Concert 

Sunday 13th May at 7.30pm 

in Holy Trinity & St Barnabas 

Church, Paisley. 

Conducted by Edwin Hillier, the 

programme includes Handel 

“Messiah” Part II, J S Bach 

“Komm, Jesu, Komm” & music by 

Mendelssohn, Rutter, Chilcott and 

the King Singers. Tickets priced 

£8.50 (under 18 £5) are available 

from Joyce 07960 307569, or at 

the door. 


Scottish Country 

Dance Class 

Tuesdays in the McKillop Hall, 

Lochwinnoch at 7.30pm. 

We always have great fun and it's 

good exercise too! Phone Lorna 

Black 01505 843048 for more 

info. 


Tea and a Tune 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall 

Sunday 20th May from 2pm. 

Kilbarchan Junior Choir 

Primary School Choir 

& Village Voices 

Doors Open 1.30pm. Tickets £5 

/Family £12. Tel: Moira 01505 

704948 or from Bobbins. Booking 

Essential. 


Howwood 

Community 

Council 

Meetings are held on the second 

Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm 

in Howwood Village Hall. Please feel 

free to come along - all welcome. 


Local Group at HEART of their 

Community 

The Howwood Emergency Amateur Response Team (HEART) was formed to ensure 

the local area can continue to operate should an emergency situation occur. During 

the recent severe weather, the 25-strong group cleared and gritted local roads and 

bus stops, ensured the area around the local primary school was free of snow and 

ice and visited elderly residents throughout Howwood . 

HEART volunteer, Joe Graham, said: “In 2012, Howwood Community Council first 

started developing its own Community Response group, referred to as HEART, 

and published its own Community Resilience Plan - delivering a copy of it to every 

household. “Following a number of training events and responses to ‘real’ local 

emergencies we now have over 25 volunteers willing to assist in times of need. 

“In addition to its very practical purposes, Community Resilience helps put pride 

back into local communities allowing residents to take ownership of the hardships 

facing them, and to respond positively for the greater good of the community. You 

also get to know your neighbours better and it can be quite good fun too!” 

Working alongside the Council’s Civil Contingencies Service as part of the 

#RenReady campaign, local communities are encouraged to undertake a variety of 

measures to ensure they are prepared for poor weather or other emergencies. This 

includes preparing an emergency plan, clearing paths around homes, checking in 

on any vulnerable neighbours and keeping an emergency kit in their car just in 

case. 

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, 

Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “Their hard work when faced with 

unprecedented bad weather recently made an enormous difference to the Howwood 

area, and shows what can be achieved when the community comes together.” 


Kilbarchan Messy 

Church 

Saturday 19th May, 4pm–6pm 

Church Halls, Steeple Square. 

Weather permitting we hope to have 

fun and games outside ending with a 

picnic meal. If the sun doesn’t shine, 

we’ll do it all indoors. 

Children, just remember to bring an 

adult with you to join in the fun. This 

will be our last Messy Church until 

September. 


Lochwinnoch Golf 

Club Afternoon Tea 



Calder Church 

Summer Fayre 

Saturday 2nd June, 10am 

- 12noon in McKillop Hall, 

Lochwinnoch 

Stalls include :- Home baking, 

Plants and garden, Jewellery and 

accessories, Books, CDs & DVDs, 

Toys, Bottle, Soft goods, Lucky dip 

and more.... 

Adults £2, Children FREE, includes 

Tea/Coffee and cream scones. 

We are grateful for the support we 

always receive and look forward to 

your continued support! 

Thank you! 

Friday 11th May, 2pm till 4.30pm 

The golf club is very kindly providing a free afternoon tea and entertainment 

in support of Lochwinnoch Dementia Friendly Village. Come and have fun and 

enjoy a lovely afternoon tea with Janice and her team! 

Donations at the event. For more info contact Morag on 07868 752814. 

Saturday 16th June, 1pm - 4pm, Howwood Primary School 

The “How Good is Howwood” team are busy planning the annual 

village fete. It’s shaping up to be another brilliant day, so put the 

date in your diary and come along with all the family. Along with 

the usual craft stalls, there will be a bouncy castle, hot dogs, tea 

room, children’s activities, licensed bar, “beat the goalie”, baking 

competition and a musicals themed fancy dress competition for all 

ages. 

We have some fantastic prizes for the Grand Draw, tickets for which 

are on sale now from any of the team. 

Stall Holders Required 

The Howwood Village Fete is a great way to raise funds for your group 

or promote your business. Stalls cost £20 

For any Fete enquiries/ stall bookings, please contact Lorna: 

lostar78@aol.co.uk or Sarah: sarah.galloway@rocketmail.com 




36 



Cllr Derek Bibby: There has been widespread consternation, and anger at 

the announcement by Renfrewshire Leisure that the Mobile Library has been 

withdrawn. This will have a major impact on Kilbarchan and Howwood, and in 

particular older people who find it difficult to travel to the central libraries, and 

who do not have access to technology. I am particularly dismayed and angry 

that this follows on just weeks after the rural bus services were cut, making it 

even more problematic 

The Council and its partners constantly refer to the need to ensure older people 

have the best quality of life in their communities. Access to such resources as 

mobile libraries and transport are crucial in this regard. Renfrewshire Leisure 

run the Library service on behalf of the Council, and at the next Council meeting 

I will be calling for the service to be reinstated. 

I have had representation from constituents in Howwood and Kilbarchan 

regarding the dearth of, and state of repair of the seats and benches in the 

respective public parks. I hope that funding to improve matters in the parks 

will be provided, either through the green space investment fund, or the 

recently announced village investment fund. 

The road and pavement repair programme is being finalised by the council. After 

months of pressure and postponements, resurfacing of the main road through 

Kilbarchan at Easwald Bank has finally been completed. The funding for this project 

was identified in the budget in February 2017, and it has taken too long to complete 

this work. 

I am questioning what proportion of the £7.3 million identified for 2018/19 is to 

be spent in Howwood, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch. I am very disappointed that 

Church Street in Kilbarchan, which is at the centre of the conservation village will 

not be resurfaced in 2018. The road is in an extremely poor state of repair, and is 

in urgent need of attention. Temporary filling of potholes is not a long term solution, 

and does not auger well for the administrations promise to “fix the roads” 

Please get in touch with me if you have any recommendations on roads and 

pavements that should be included in this year’s programme, as I will continue to 

press for the villages to receive their fair share of resources. 

Cllr Andy Doig: While taking part recently in a community clean up in Howwood 

organised by the Community Council I was able to have a discussion with members, 

when we finished, about the fact I have contacted the Coal Authority to get a historic 

map of the mine-workings and lime-workings in and around Kilnknowe Cottages. 

The map which the Coal Authority furnished me with is an abandonment map from 

1923 which shows the extend and depth of industrial mining which took place in 

and around Kilnknowe Cottages. This is still highly relevant today as many Kilnknowe 

Cottage residents have been contacting me with concerns about the time being 

taken by MacTaggart and Mickel regarding their new development in the area. I 

have been liaising closely with the planning officers at Renfrewshire Council and I 

am happy to talk to any Kilnknowe Cottage residents who still have concerns and 

worries about this matter. 

In the wake of the unsuccessful bid for Paisley 2021 I am upbeat about the heritage 

and cultural offer which Renfrewshire as a whole can exhibit. To get these crucial 

tourist numbers which bring areas like Stirling and Edinburgh a massive income per 

annum, Renfrewshire has to stop being shy about the rich history we have in our 

villages, and proclaim it to the world. In that spirit, I was delighted that my motion at 

the last meeting of Renfrewshire Council to erect a commemorative plaque in Church 

Street, Kilbarchan, to the iconic Habbie Simpson, who is buried in Church Street 

in the former West Kirk Graveyard, was approved unanimously. Habbie Simpson 

popularised a form of writing Scots poetry known as the “Standard Habbie”, and this 

was later taken up by no less a poet than Rabbie Burns, the national bard. 

Earlier this year at Lochwinnoch Community Council I argued the case for the 

establishment of some kind of memorial to the late Roland Eugene Muirhead, a man 

I describe as Lochwinnoch’s forgotten radical. Muirhead was a leading light in both 

the Labour and National movements for the first fifty years of the 20th century and 

had been a fervent Liberal in his youth. Roland was the mentor of Tom Johnstone, 

the war-time Secretary of State for Scotland in the Churchill Government, who did so 

much in relation to ground breaking initiatives such as hydro power. Muirhead was 

born, lived, and died at Meiklecloak Farm, Lochwinnoch. I invite older villagers to 

share any memories they may have of Lochwinnoch’s forgotten radical by contacting 

me and sharing them. 



Lochwinnoch ArtsFestival 2018 

The 17th Lochwinnoch 

Arts Festival was bigger 

and better than ever. This 

year’s festival was dedicated to Anne 

Moore, a beautiful lady and a great 

loss to all her family and friends. In 

addition, the Festival supported St 

Vincent’s Hospice in its 30th year. 

A fantastic 

concert in memory of Anne on Tuesday 13th 

March kicked off the Festival with a fantastic 

array of talent. Many friends of the Moores took 

part, as well as the family, and more than £1700 

was raised for Corseford School where Anne 

worked. On Wednesday, Anne Moore’s husband 

Tom opened the Festival and the Art Exhibition, 

where Simon Cassidy from St Vincent’s thanked 

the Festival for choosing the Hospice as the main 

charity, and gave an insight into the work of the 

Hospice. 

A huge variety of local artists performed across 

the 13 days which culminated in the Grand Finale concert in the Parish 

Church. Here the crowd were richly entertained by Lochwinnoch Choral 

Society Junior Choir and the Lochwinnoch Primary 6s, who sang their 

original composition, ‘The Tree of Life’. The beautiful visual backdrop 

was completed by primary 4 and 5 (along with invaluable help from Clare 

Robertson and Sally Maidment). The fantastic Factory Street Quartet 

were enjoyed by all, followed by beautiful singing by local Outi Smith, and 

excellent local band Clamjamfrie, which brought the 17th festival to a 

wonderful end. 

The course of the festival saw over 3500 people attending or taking part 

in workshops and events. 

Organisers are massively grateful to the sponsors. They would also like 

to thank to each and every helper and volunteer. They festival could not 

run without this support. (The next issue will detail money raised for St 

Vincent’s.) 

Here’s to 2019!! 


Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club 

The club continues to meet on Mondays from 9.15am - 11.30am in the 

hall. There will be holidays on 7th and 28th May. All tots from birth-3 

years, along with an adult are welcome. 

Your Ward 9 Councillors ... for Kilbarchan, Howwood, Lochwinnoch & Elderlsie 



councillors 



councillors 



councillors 



37 

All set for Saturday 2nd June! 

Park opens at 12noon 

This year is an extra special year for Lilias Day as it marks the 50th Anniversary 

of the revival of our long running village fair and historic parade. We have lots of 

fantastic entertainment lined up for you between Lilifest and Lilias Day and plenty 

of opportunities for you to get involved and support your community. 

On Lilias Day itself we have an exciting line-up featuring new acts such as 3sixty bike 

display, Sheboom, Johnny Barr Music Tent and a full programme of entertainment 

in the Kids Tent. Also new this year will be our craft village, zorbing, art show and 

tasty additions to our food village! 

The parade this year also promises to be our biggest yet, with a record number of 

floats, an elusive Batman making an appearance, and the best in local piping with 

Kilbarchan, St Columba’s and Houston Pipe Bands all taking part. We are also 

delighted to have a number of previous Miss Lilias’ in the parade to help us 

celebrate the 50th anniversary. 

As well as our new additions we will also be welcoming back our usual 

stalwarts of Lilias Day - Britannia XIV medieval village and archery, the annual 

tug of war tournament, the local football derby and 50 stalls for our 50th 

anniversary year. 

Our grand finale this year will again be the big prize raffle, when one lucky 

winner will leave the park £1,000 richer. If you haven’t bought your ticket yet, 

you can buy them at local shops throughout the village and on the day at the 

Lilias Day Committee stall. 

As always we are delighted to have the support of the village, local organisations 

and businesses, without whom Lilias Day would not happen. Each year the 

event raises tens of thousands of pounds for charities and good causes. 

Get Involved 

Decorate your house or premises - give the village a real festival atmosphere 

to help us celebrate the 50th anniversary - first prize wins 50 shillings. Let 

us know if you’re taking part so that your masterpiece can be entered for the 

coveted prize of best decorated house. Judging commences at 10am on Lilias 

morning. 

Tug of War - If you fancy something a bit more active you can get together a team 

for the tug of war. Can you beat Kilbarchan Smile, last years winners? If so email us 

with your team name and contact details. 

New for 2018 - Kids Art Competition! 

Calling all creative kids!! Be inspired by Kilbarchan 

and Lilias Day and create a piece of art which 

will be displayed in the Kids Tent. Hand crafted, 

digitally produced and 3D entries all welcome 

This competition is open to children aged 

5 to 11. Submit all entries to Kilbarchan 

Primary School or hand in to Graeme 

Stockton, Glentyan Cottage (beside Coop) 

by Wednesday 23rd May. 

Were you a previous Miss Lilias? 

Miss Lilias - Beth Caldow with 

Fiona Jackson, our 1968 Lilias 

If you were, your carriage awaits 

you! Please join us in the special 

50th anniversary parade. You can 

contact us on Facebook or on the 

email address below. 

Come along and join the fun 

The park opens at 12noon on Saturday the 2nd June with the main 

arena entertainment starting at 2pm. The parade starts at 1pm at 

Tandlehill Rd and proceeds through the village to the Park, picking 

up Habbie Simpson along the way. Entry to the park costs £2.50 for 

adults and 50p for children. 

MISS LILIAS AND THE SCHOOL QUEEN 

The two leading ladies of Kilbarchan’s Lilias 

Day have been announced for the event 

taking place on Saturday 2nd June - Beth 

Caldow is Miss Lilias 2018 and the school 

queen is Ellie McGreish. On the day Miss 

Lilias will be joined by our very first Lilias, 

Fiona Jackson (nee Liddle) 

The Lilias Day committee choose Miss 

Lilias each year based on her contribution 

to the community or good causes. Beth is 

in 5th year at 

St Benedict’s 

High School 

and has 

volunteered 

w i t h 

Kilbarchan 

on the Christmas lights in 

Kilbarchan. 

Every year the most senior 

pupils in Kilbarchan Primary 

School elect a School Queen 

and attendants to represent 

the school at Lilias Day. The 

group takes a leading role in 

the parade, and Miss Lilias 

crowns the School Queen 

as the parade arrives in the 

park. 

Habbie Simpson - 

Archie Sandground 

Miss Lilias - Beth Caldow 

Contact us: info@liliasday.co.uk or message us via Kilbarchan Lilias 

Day on Facebook. You can keep up to date on all the latest news on the Lilias Day website: www.liliasday. 

co.uk Follow on twitter: @LiliasDay 

School Queen - 

Ellie McGreish 

Scout Group, helping out with the Beavers 

since she was 14. She has also volunteered 

at local sports clubs encouraging youngsters 

to participate in sport. Through the scout 

group, Beth has actively been involved in 

the parade for a number of years and always 

loves taking part. As part of her duties, Beth 

will read a proclamation to officially open 

Lilias Day and, later in the year, will have the 

honour of switching 

School Queen Group - Ellie McGreish, 

Rachel Payne and Katie McDonald 

The School Queen this year is Ellie McGriesh and her 

attendants are Rachel Payne and Katie McDonald. 


Kilbarchan Old 

Library - Move it or 

Lose it! 

Some of the ladies from the FABS Fitness 

class at the Old Library in Kilbarchan in their 

Easter Bonnets. 




councillors 


38 


Houston Primary School 

The Primary 7 pupils spent the day at the Scottish Parliament and were given a guided tour of the amazing 

building designed by Enric Miralles. 

They are also looking forward to their 

annual residential trip to Loch Insh, 

where they will learn to windsurf, kayak, 

canoe, sail and raft build to name 

but a few activities that are on offer. 

A wonderful week of adventure lies 

ahead. 

Primary 2, 3 and 4 held open afternoons 

which were very well attended. It is a 

wonderful opportunity for parents and 

grandparents to come and see all the 

amazing work that we do. Thank you 

for all the positive comments in our Visitors book. 

Bee Happy 

Marion Greig from Bee Happy joined us for Assembly to share all the interesting work that the Bee Happy 

group get up to in our village. The pupils learned about the importance of encouraging bees to our gardens 

and green spaces, as well as a number of interesting facts. 

Bees have 5 eyes and 6 legs. 

Honey bees harvest nectar and pollen from flowering plants. 

Male bees in the hive are called drones and they do not have a stinger. 

Honey bees live in large groups called colonies. 

An average beehive can hold around 50,000 bees. 

Underpass Partnership 

The Primary 7 pupils from Houston Primary School and St. Fillan’s Primary are working in partnership to 

design and paint the underpasses in Houston. T his was done a number of years ago, but sadly the vandals 

have spoiled the previous artwork. This project will cheer the underpasses up, while the pupils get to know 

each other in preparation for secondary. 

SAAS Open for 2018 funding applications 

Renfrewshire North & West MSP Derek Mackay is encouraging students to submit their 2018/2019 funding 

applications now. 

SAAS have now opened applications for 2018/2019 full and part time courses. 

To ensure students have their funding in place for the start of their course all students should apply now, 

submitting their complete application along with all the required supporting evidence. 

Visit www.saas.gov.uk now for more information and to access your SAAS Account. 

SAAS Chief Executive, Paul Lowe said: “We are pleased to open funding applications for 

both part-time and full-time students on the same day. 

“Each year SAAS handles over a quarter of a million applications. I would encourage 

students to apply now to ensure they receive their funding in good time. Eligible students 

should apply to us for tuition fees, bursary support and student loans. 

Please visit www.saas.gov.uk.” 

EVERY MO N D A Y 

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers 

McKillop Hall, 9.45am - 11.30am 

£2/family fee incl tea & children’s snacks. 

Kilmacolm Playgroup 

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm, 

9.30am - 11.40am 

Howwood Baby & Toddler Group 

Howwood Parish Church, 10am - 12noon 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, 9.15am 

- 11.30am 

EVERY TUESDAY 

Kilbarchan Tots 

Kilbarchan Scout Hall, 10am-12noon 

£2 contribution. Tea, coffee & biscuits. 

Bridge of Weir Toddlers 

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, BoW 

Pop along and see us from 9.30am - 11.30am 



9.30am - 11.40am 

Howwood Playgroup 

Howwood Church Hall, 9.45am - 11.35am 

EVERY WEDNESDAY 

Kilmacolm Toddlers 


10am - 11.30am 

For children from birth to 3 years. 

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers 

McKillop Hall, 9.45am - 11.30am 

£2/family fee incl tea and children’s snacks. 



EVERY TH U R S D A Y 

Houston Toddlers 

Church Hall, Main Street, Houston 

Pop along and see us from 9.30am - 11.30am 



9.15am - 11.40am 



EVERY FR I D A Y 

Langbank Playgroup 

Langbank Village Hall, 9.45 - 11.45am 

For 2.5 - 5yr olds. 

Contact Jen Burrows 07947 983025. 

Langbank Under 3’s 

Church Hall, Langbank, 10am - 11.45am 

For children from birth to 3 years 

Baby and Toddler Group 

Elderslie Kirk, Main Rd, Elderslie, 

9.30am - 11.30am 

£2 includes children’s snack and tea/coffee. 

Lots of different toys to play with. All welcome. 

Community Bookbug Sessions 

Livingstone Hall at St Columba’s Junior 

School, Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm. 

From 9.30 - 10am 

1ST & 3RD FR I D A Y 

Renfrewshire Inverclyde Twins Club 

McKillop Hall, Lochwinnoch, 

1pm -2.30pm 

£3. Bring a mug along for a cuppa. 

EVERY SA T U R D A Y 

Baby Ballet 

Freeland Church Hall, 9.15am - 10am 

Contact Kirsty McKay on 07793 452060 

or Kirsty McKay School of Dance Facebook 

page. 

Pre-school Ballet 

Freeland Church Hall, 10am - 10.45am 

Contact Kirsty McKay on 07793 452060 

or Kirsty McKay School of Dance Facebook 

page. 



Good News from Howwood 

Primary School 

The Johnstone Club 

run an annual quiz 

event for all the 

Primary schools 

in the Johnstone 

area. Seven schools 

attended and enjoyed 

being challenged with 

some tough questions 

from History to 

Islands. Howwood 

Primary School were 

delighted to come 

first. Our winning 

team were Robbie Meikle, Maisie MacFarlane, Fraser Walker and 

Joseph White. 

Howwood were 

successful again 

at the cluster K’nex 

challenge where the 

winners from each 

class challenge 

came together to 

build a working ferris 

wheel. Mr Fulton 

from Johnstone 

High hosted the 

event and said it 

was really difficult to 

pick the winners and 

runners up. Angus Poole and Fergus Dorrington from Howwood came 

first with a team from Auchenlodment as runners up. Both teams will 

go on to represent their cluster in the Regional final ion May. 


What a lot of busy little bees 

there were at playgroup last 

month creating lots of Easter 

goodies including cards, 

bunnies even some yummy 

chocolate nest cakes. 

It was a sad but proud 

moment for the Playleaders 

as they bid farewell to the 

older children who are 

moving onto their nurseries 

this term. Finally, Playgroup 

is delighted to welcome the lovely Eilidh Wilson to the group as new 

Assistant Playleader. She is sure to be a big hit with the children and 

parents alike. 

Playgroup runs on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. We 

take children from 2 years and 4 months. SPACES AVAILABLE! For 

more information contact Iona on playgroupmembership@googlemail. 

com 

Our toddler group runs on Wednesday from 10am - 11.30am and gives 

0-3 year olds the chance to play while grown ups chat over a cuppa. 

Drop in or contact Fiona on kilmacolmtoddlers@ outlook.com. For 

more info: https:// kilmacolmplaygroupandtoddlers.jimdo.com/ or find 

us on facebook. 

Lochwinnoch Primary School 

Open Afternoons 

The school has been very busy this month hosting class open 

afternoons for parents and carers to come and see all of the children’s 

wonderful work. 

Primary 7, 7/6 and 6 hosted a WW2-themed open afternoon. A WW2 

treasure hunt gave everyone an opportunity to explore the school and 

enjoy the children’s amazing art. 

Primary 5, 5/4 and 4 treated their visitors to a Scottish-themed 

afternoon. The children even had their visitors taking part in some 

Scottish dancing! 

Primary 3, 3/2 and 2 celebrated their Katie Morag topic. They 

performed for visitors in the assembly hall and then invited them back 

to their classes to play games and use the in-class ‘Post Office’. 

Lastly, Primary 1 hosted their healthy eating cafe. Visitors to this open 

afternoon were treated to homemade sandwiches and tasty treats that 

the children had made. 

P7 - Ardentinny Trip 

Primary 7 enjoyed their 

annual trip to Ardentinny. 

The children took part in 

forest walks, night hikes, 

rock climbing, abseiling, 

canoeing, rock hopping 

and gorge walking; as well 

as search and rescue, 

indoor team challenges 

and a disco! The activities 

tested their physical and 

mental capabilities, but 

all members of staff were 

impressed with their 

enthusiasm, resilience and 

encouragement of others. 

Renfrewshire Cross Country Race 

Lochwinnoch Primary School did very well in this prestigious race 

with the Primary 6 boys’ team coming 3rd, the Primary 7 girls’ and 

boys’ teams both coming 2nd and the Primary 6 girls’ team winning 

1st place. Congratulations to Ryan Knights who won 1st overall for 

Primary 7 boys. Well done! 

Arts Festival 

The Primary 5, 5/4 and 4 helped Sally Maidment design a mural for the 

festival called “The Tree of Life” and Primary 6 co-wrote a song with 

Claire Robertson along the same theme. The song was performed 

at the Arts Festival and was a collaboration of ideas centred on new 

beginnings, family and new life. A wonderful project to be part of! 

39 


40 

Strawberry Field Out of 

School Care 

We have all had a very busy Easter completing a number of activities. 

We have been making the most of the dry weather when possible and 

have had great team activities such as obstacle courses, football, hide 

and seek to mention a few. We have also had lots of baking activities 

from sponges to pizzas with some great results. 

We have been consulting with children and have developed a new set 

of golden rules and had lengthy discussions about The Rights of the 

Child. Children were very keen to be involved in further developing 

and implementing these. 

Many of our staff are now in the process of gaining further qualifications 

so study hats are on. 

If you require any further information or require care please contact us 

on sam@sfnursery.com or Tel:01505 615315 

Gryffe High School DofE 

Many pupils have been busy working towards their Duke of Edinburgh 

Awards with the school. 27 pupils have been out on GOLD expeditions. 

These have included Auchengillan. 22 pupils are working on SILVER. 

90 S3 pupils have been out with staff during their Easter holiday, 

including overnight camping. They are working on their BRONZE 

award. Mr. Taylor coordinates the groups, with the help of Duke of 

Edinburgh Instructors, other school staff and also some parents. 

Young Leaders are also being trained. Well done to all of the pupils 

who are really experiencing ALL weathers! 


Lochwinnoch Toddlers & 

Babies 

We meet Monday and 

Wednesday mornings 

from 9.45am (term time) 

in the McKillop Hall, 

Lochwinnoch. Whether 

you want to become a 

regular or join us for one 

of our events, we welcome 

new faces every week. 

We recently enjoyed a visit from Zoo Tots where kids got to meet 

animals up close and the Soft Play bus which was an exciting treat 

when that pulled up outside! 

We have a Summer Party booked for 27th June which will not 

disappoint and a few messy painting sessions in-between. Follow us 

on Facebook for details on our events and regular updates. 

This group is perfect for kids to learn how to make friends and share 

various toys which are set out every session by our helper. She also 

makes the kids healthy snacks and provides hot drinks for us adults in 

a safe cup with a lid. 

Hope to see you soon. 

Local Pupil’s Fund-Razor! . 

16-year-old Gryffe High 

School pupil, Eilidh 

Falconer, has proved she is 

a ‘cut-above’ with her latest 

fundraising idea. On 3rd 

June she has pledged to 

shave her head. 

Eilidh, along with other 

pupils from her school, 

is raising money for an 

educational trip to Bolivia in 

2019 with school expedition 

company World Challenge. 

The group will be away for 

a month. The challenge 

will involve trekking at high altitude, working alongside local people 

in rural villages and teaching local school children. Gryffe students 

will develop valuable skills such as leadership, communication and 

teamwork, whilst greatly benefiting local Bolivian communities. 

As part of the challenge the students must raise £4,300 to fund the 

expedition. Eilidh is also selling handmade brooches on an Instagram 

site called Friday Folk. [ @Friday_folk ] Contact Eilidh at fridayfolk@ 

outlook.com for more info on how to donate. 

Kilbarchan Toddler group 

The children had lots 

of fun in the run up to 

Easter decorating Easter 

eggs and making Easter 

crowns. We often have 

craft activities on the go, 

but the egg decorating 

was the biggest hit of 

2018 so far. Kilbarchan 

Tuesday Tots runs every 

Tuesday term time in 

the Kilbarchan scout hall 

from 10am - 12noon. All 

welcome for a play, cuppa and chat. 

Article Submissions 

First of all, thank you very much to everyone who sends in their articles 

for The Advertizer. Each month we have plenty to choose from and, 

while we try to include as much as we can, some need to be cut back 

due to space restrictions. 

To make things easier for the little elves in the office, could we please ask 

if articles are submitted as text within the email. Ideally, articles should 

be no longer than 300 words, but we do appreciate that sometimes it is 

necessary for more to get your message across and will accommodate 

if we can. 

And if sending in photographs, please send these as separate 

attachments to your email. If they are sent within a word document, 

we are unable to extract these to the high quality required for a good 

reproduction in print. These can be sent as JPG or PDF files, and 

300dpi resolution is best, resized to within 8cm boundaries. 

If in any doubt, please call or email the office and the elves will be happy 

to advise you! 



41 

St Columba’s School News 

FPs and School Rugby and Hockey 

Matches 

We were delighted to welcome Scotland 

rugby player, Finn Russell, man of the 

match in February’s Calcutta Cup, to 

our former pupils’ and school rugby and 

hockey matches on Saturday 24th March. 

Finn Russell took the opportunity to 

participate in coaching sessions with the 

School’s younger rugby players as well as presenting prizes and trophies 

at the presentation of awards following the 

matches. During the coaching sessions 

with our Junior 6, Transitus, Senior I and 

Senior II rugby players the Scotland rugby 

star said, “It’s great to see a lot of talent on 

show…I am trying to give them a few tips 

to help them on their way.” Alongside this 

sporting talent the Scottish School’s Pipe 

Band Champions, St Columba’s Pipe Band, 

was there to parade both rugby and hockey teams onto the pitch and set 

the scene for what was a wonderful morning of sport. Proceeds from the 

sale of the match programme raised £122 for Doddie Weir’5 MND and 

the Glasgow Children’s Hospital charities. 

Junior School Show - Aladdin 

Almost 100 pupils from Junior 5 and 

Junior 6 proved they have some 

serious star quality when they put 

on their production of Aladdin with 

two matinee and two evening shows. 

The performing arts team, pupils and 

teachers worked tirelessly to ensure 

the show was a huge success from the confident characters and colourful 

costumes to the beautifully performed musical pieces. It is definitely safe 

to say that the audiences were blown away! At the time of writing Junior 

5 and Junior 6 continue their performing experience with their Drama trip 

to London. 

Out and About 

Our debaters took part in the Durham Union Society Debating Tournament 

involving 124 teams from both state and independent schools, as well as 

Debatemate teams. Freddie Gilmour, SV, did extremely well and made 

it to quarter finals. Rachael Curry and Jamie Beverstock, SVI, beat 

Westminster School in an excellent semi-final debate and then in the 

final they narrowly lost out to Eton College. 

Our Transitus girls won the Inverclyde Primary Netball Summer Cup by 

winning 7 out of their 8 games, scoring a total of 29 goals. 

Early Years thoroughly enjoyed a visit to Campbell 

Snowdon in Quarriers Village where they had an 

Easter egg hunt, made Easter cards and chatted with 

the residents to spread some Easter cheer. 

We hosted our annual Sports Dinner in Houston to 

celebrate the many sporting successes of the past 

year. Guest Speaker Mr Iain Monaghan, Glasgow & 

West BT Sport Academy Coach for Scottish Rugby 

Union, gave a very inspiring and motivational speech and congratulated 

our teams and winners proving that hard work and dedication pays off. 

Our Pipe Band performed alongside the popular folk group, Skerryvore, 

at The Beacon Arts Centre. You can watch their wonderful performance 

of ‘Call of the Sea’ by visiting the News or YouTube section of our website 

- enjoy! 

We will be out and about at various gala days over the summer, please 

come along and visit us at the Kilmacolm Show on Saturday 12th May. 

Silver Tablet Concert, 11th June 

A date for your diary! The Silver Tablet celebrates the best of musical talent 

from Senior VI pupils who compete for this award by performing musical 

pieces of Grade 8 standard. The concert will be held on the evening of 

Monday 11th June in St Columba Church, Kilmacolm at 7pm. Members 

of the School community, including parents, pupils, former pupils, former 

staff, former parents and friends of the School, and the wider community 

are all welcome to attend this lovely musical celebration. Please contact 

nmckay@st-columbas.org if you wish to attend. 


42 

Duchal 

Nursery 

School 

We have been making the 

most of the occasional sunny 

day and now are proudly 

displaying some wonderful pots 

and planters with gorgeous 

spring flowers. Many thanks 

to Norman Johnstone for our 

lovely wooden planters, these 

are great for the children to 

experience gardening and ties 

in with our spring and summer 

topics that we are following 

this term. 

Houston Primary 

– Inter School 

Winners 


The annual Inter-School Mini Tennis Doubles 

Tournament was won by Houston Primary for the 

seventh year in a row. The competition, which 

was launched for the first time in 2003, was a 

joint venture by Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash 

Club and Active Schools Renfrewshire and has 

firmly been in the local schools’ calendar ever 

since. 

A team of tennis coaches from Strathgryffe 

delivered a four week block of coaching 

sessions, free of charge to all P6 pupils at Bridge of Weir, Houston and St Fillan’s Primary Schools. A team of 

8 boys and 8 girls were then selected to represent their school and participate in a round robin doubles league 

with points being awarded at the end of each round to each winning couple. The competition was held in the 

indoor courts at Strathgryffe on Thursday 22nd March. 

Susan Weanie, Tennis Development Manager commented 

‘We have a great relationship with the local schools. 

Strathgryffe visits them regularly to deliver taster sessions, 

which has resulted in many of the pupils now attending 

our coaching programme.’ 

The children are delighted with 

our new water play area, there 

has been much splashing, 

pouring, tipping and bubble 

making in the nursery recently 

- a great form of interactive 

play ! 

We are delighted to be 

launching our Summer 

Holiday Activity Camps this 

summer, extending the time 

that the children can enjoy the 

Duchal experience and giving 

parents extra childcare at the 

start and finish of the summer 

holidays. These camps will 

be fun activity led days at the 

nursery, the staff and children 

are already excited by this 

new development in Duchal’s 

provision of specialist childcare 

in Kilmacolm. 

With the start of term we will 

be getting very creative with 

egg boxes and stone painting 

for the entries to this year’s 

Kilmacolm Show, we will have 

a stand there too so please 

pop over to say hello! 

Please visit our website for 

more information - www. 

duchal.com and find us on 

Facebook. If you would like 

to come and visit the Nursery 

please get in 01505 874358 or 

email info@duchal.com 

Details for the new summer tennis & squash programmes 

are now available and have classes for both children and 

adults. Non-members welcome. For more information 

please visit our website www.strathgryffe.net or contact 

Head Tennis Coach, Derek Brown on 01505 615301 or 

email derekbrown@strathgryffe.net 

Year of Young People ambassadors help 

shape the ‘once in a life time’ year ahead 

Renfrewshire’s ambassadors for the Year of Young People have met with the Council to discuss what shape 

the ‘once in a life time’ year ahead will take. 

This year has been designated as a 12 month celebration of young people and aims to inspire Scotland 

through celebrating their achievements. 

There are more than 200 young ambassadors who are representing every local authority across Scotland, 

including ten in Renfrewshire. 

Their role is to build awareness of YoYP 2018 activity so their communities know what’s happening. 

Ahead of a year of youth led events, the ambassadors have met with Renfrewshire Council’s Youth Services, 

Council Leader Iain Nicolson and Convener of Education and Children’s Services, Councillor Jim Paterson. 

Cllr Paterson said: “We are delighted to meet with some of the young ambassadors and establish links with 

them to ensure they have a strong local voice. 

“There is an incredibly exciting year ahead of us and we want them to be able to help inform how the Year of 

Young People 2018 will look in Renfrewshire and have them tell us is in their words what they would like to 

do. “ 

Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “It’s vital that our young people are listened to as they have creative ideas 

on how to improve their own lives. 

“In return we have asked what support and training we can offer them and offered the opportunity to meet 

groups such as Renfrewshire Youth Voice.” 

A number of the ambassadors including Olivia Galbraith, Lauren McEwan, Cara Brown, Rebecca Adams, 

Sean Sweeney and Angus Collingridge-Watt attended the meeting and also met with Youth Commission group 

members. 

Lauren McEwan, 17, from Paisley Grammar School said: “This is the first time everybody has come together 

in Renfrewshire and it’s great to meet everyone and share ideas. 

“We are excited to work together to bring a great Year of Young People and make it as good as it can be.” 

To get involved with the Year of Young People 2018 go to young.scot/YOYP2018 



43 

Spring has Sprung at 

Gryffe 

Article by Aaron Mills (S4) 

Just before the school stopped for Easter, Spring officially 

began at Gryffe High School. Attendees of Gryffe’s 

Annual Spring Concert were treated to a collection of 

some of the best musicians we have to showcase. 

Not forgetting a sneak preview of the upcoming Wizard of 

Oz show, this will be held in the school on 20th and 21st June. 

This year’s concert included a cornucopia of music, 

including the pipe band, the senior guitar ensemble, 

the jazz band, the concert band, the choir, as well as 

the debut performance from Gryffe’s newest rock band 

- ‘The Lines’. The winners of this year’s Young Musician 

of the Year (Junior, Senior and Intermediate) also 

performed. The event gave the audience a chance to 

try some Yellow-Brick Cupcakes made by pupils. 

Overall, this year’s Spring Concert was most enjoyable 

and a huge well done is in order to the many pupils 

who took part as well as the Music Department and 

everybody else who was involved. 

Houston Toddlers 

Last month 

we had lots 

of Easter fun 

with crafts 

and snacks 

in Easter 

theme. 

The little ones 

had great 

fun making 

Easter cards, 

pictures and 

stain glass 

hanging decorations. 

We now welcome everyone back after our 

2 week Easter break and we are ready to 

enjoy some fun activities in the lead up to 

summer. 

We welcome all children age between 0 

- 4 years old, together with their parents, 

grandparents or carers to join in with the 

games, crafts and play on offer every 

Thursday. The children can enjoy playing, 

making friends and of course snack time 

while the adults can catch up with a cuppa. 

We meet between 9.30am -11.30am so 

come along when you are ready to the West 

Hall, Main street Houston PA67EL (next to 

the Carrick Centre). Sign in at door and pay 

£2 for one child and an additional 50p for 

other children. 

We look forward to meeting you all 

Kilbarchan Community 

Nursery 

We marked ‘Sports Relief’ in March with the children 

having the chance to learn about two different sports. 

First we had a coach from Strathgryffe Tennis Club who 

showed the children how to develop their co-ordination 

and balance with round bats before moving on to using 

tennis racquets. Maybe we have a future Andy Murray in 

the making? 

Then we had a trainer from the Little Tiger Cubs 

programme who introduced the children to Taekwon-Do. 

This is a programme developed for children aged 3-5 and 

helps to build self-esteem and confidence. 

As we are now in the summer term, the pre-school 

children will soon be meeting their buddies from the 

primary school as well as visiting the classroom as part of 

the transition programme for starting school in August. 

Our summer trip this year is to Heads of Ayr farm park 

on Monday 11th June when we hope for some sunny 

weather. 


44 


Wed 25 - Sa t 28 April 

31st Paisley Beer Festival 

Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley 

Still the biggest beer festival in Scotland, over 

250 beers from breweries in Scotland and 

the rest of the UK, covering a range of styles 

from pale hoppy ales through to darker stouts 

and porters. Whatever your taste, there will 

be a real ale for everyone. Admission £4 for 

CAMRA members and £6 for non-members. 

A commemorative Paisley Beer Festival beer 

glass is included in the admission price. 

Wed 25 April 

St Columba’s School Open 

Evening 

St Columba’s School, Duchal Rd, 

Kilmacolm 6pm to 9pm 

Junior School, Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm 

PA13 4EQ and Senior School, Duchal Road, 

Kilmacolm PA13 4AU There is no better way 

to experience the true atmosphere of St 

Columba’s School than to come and see it for 

yourself. Open Evening provides the perfect 

opportunity for prospective and current 

families to see what makes St Columba’s so 

special. Please do come along from 6pm-8pm 

to visit our Junior School or 6pm-9pm to visit 

our Senior School. Please visit our website for 

more information: www.st-columbas.org 

Th u 26 - Sa t 28 April 

“Who will Survive?” 

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 

Kilmacolm Dramatic Society presents “Murder 

Inn” by Howard Voland and Keith McGregor. 

When a group of tourists make an unscheduled 

stop at the Barnsley Inn a night of mayhem and 

murder ensues. But who survives and lives to 

tell the tale? Well you will need to come along 

to find out! See if you survive The Murder Inn?! 

Tickets will be available from Cross Cafe or 

by contacting Rosie Thirde 01505 873088. 

£12 per adult and £10 for children under 

the age of 14. 

May 

Th u 26 - Sa t 28 April 

“The Vicar of Dibley” 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple 

Street 7.30pm 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Drama Group 

presents the 2-act comedy “The Vicar of 

Dibley” in the church hall on Thursday, Friday 

and Saturday 26-28 April at 7.30pm. The 

play is formed from scenes from the original 

television series and all the well-known 

characters appear. Tickets, £9 and £5 (schoolage) 

are now available from Bobbins, group 

members or by phoning 01505 704048. 

Fri 27 April 

ACCORD Hospice Girls Night 

out with SPLASH 

Normandy Hotel, Inchinnan Rd, Renfrew 

Come along and ‘Dance the Night Away’ with 

the fabulous 80s tribute band ‘SPLASH’. 

Includes Bubbly on arrival and 3 course 

dinner. Tickets £30 available online or from 

the Hospice. 

Decorus 30th Anniversary 

Beauty Party 

Kilmacolm Community Centre, 

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 6.45pm 

Help us celebrate 30 years in Kilmacolm. 

Tickets £25 (partly redeemable against a 

Clarins purchase). Wonderful raffle prizes. 

Everyone receives a Clarins gift. Contact 

Decorus for tickets (limited availability) on 

01505 873636. 

Fri 27 - Sa t 28 April 

Paisley Food & Drink 

Festival 

Paisley - various venues 

Set to be bigger than ever with it taking place 

over two days for the very first time. Tasting 

sessions, street food, live music, farmers 

market, children’s events – you would be 

nuts to miss it! Visit www.paisley.is for more 

information. 

Sa t 28 April 

Kilmacolm Plant Sale 

Kilmacolm Library, Lochwinnoch Road, 

Kilmacolm 10am to 12pm 

Scotland’s Garden Scheme’s Kilmacolm Plant 

Sale. A selection of plants to suit all gardens. 

Proceeds to Parklea Branching Out and SGS 

beneficiaries. 

Kilmacolm Community 

Clean up 

Pullman Car Park 9.45am 

Come along and help pick up letter on the 

approach roads to the village. All ages 

welcome - we will supply bags, litter pickers 

etc. Contact Mike Jefferis on 01505 873357 

or 07712 341109 to volunteer. 

Scottish Model Yacht 

Championships 

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip 

Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm approx 

Watch the International One Metre Yachting 

elite racing at the lochshore. Fore more info: 

www.mya-uk.co.uk 

Beachwatch 

Lunderston Bay, Cloch Road, near 

Gourock PA19 1BB 11am to 1pm 

As part of the Marine Strategy Framework 

Directive help the Rangers & Greenock 

Conservation Volunteers record the sea debris. 

Fore more info: Details & bookings online or 

tel 01457 521 458 

Sa t 28 - Sun 29 April 

Pirate Weekend 

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 

1pm to 3pm 

So popular we made it for the weekend! Dress 

as a scurvy buccaneer and practice your best 

Arrg! Drama and shouting a-plenty. Prize for 

best dressed pirate. 

Sailability Spring Regatta 


Road, Lochwinnoch 10.30am to 4pm 

approx 

Lots of accessible sailing boats will be training 

on Saturday and racing on Sunday. For more 

info: t 01505 842 882 

Sun 29 April 

Art Craft Gift Fair 

The River Inn, Houston Rd, Houston 

12noon to 3pm 

Last Sunday of each month. 30 stalls. Hot/ 

cold snacks. Family day out. Free entry 

Brookfield Art Club Art Show 

Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside Road, 

Brookfield 12noon to 4.30pm 

Tea Room with Home Baking 

Sun 29 April 

Rotary Club 10K 

Houston Kirk West Halls, Main Street, 

Houston. Race starts 1pm 

Registration in the Kirk Hall from 11am until 

12.30pm. Sandwiches, home baking, tea and 

coffee available to runners and spectators 

in the halls at the end of the race. Water 

is available at the halfway mark and at the 

end. Marshals in attendance and distance 

markers at each Kilometre. Entry fees £12.50 

in advance or £15.00 on the day. £5.00 for 

runners 16/17 years of age. A race for all 

abilities from serious runners to novices. 

Th u 3 Ma y 

Outlook 


2pm to 4pm 

Keep Fit with Grace. 

Bridge Evening at KGC 

Kilmacolm Golf Club, Porterfield road, 

Kilmacolm 

Open to any combination of gents and ladies. 

Members and non-members all welcome. 

Prizes for Bridge and raffle on the night. 

There will be a welcome drink and nibbles for 

£40 per table, reserve yours at the bar or call 

Rosemary Hammond on 01505 872345 or 

07757 705188. 

Fri 4 Ma y 

Renfrewshire RSPB local 

Group AGM and Member’s 

Night 

McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, 

Renfrew 7.30pm 

The Annual General Meeting will be followed 

by illustrated talks by Members of the Group 

and a Quiz. All welcome. 

Bat Walk 


Road, Lochwinnoch 8pm to 10pm 

An indoor introduction to bats followed by 

a leisurely walk around Lochwinnoch with 

detectors to listen to the nocturnal hunters. 

Details & bookings online or t 01505 842 

882 

Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow 

Show deadline 

Knapps Loch, Bridge of Weir Road, 

Kilmacolm 

Light Horse classes, including cross country, 

showjumping, showing and games, will run all 

day and entries can be made on showday at 

the Horse Tent at double the fees shown in the 

schedule. Light Horse classes can be entered 

online at www.kilmacolmshow.co.uk at normal 

fees until Friday 4th May. Schedules and entry 

forms for all classes can be downloaded from 

the website - www.kilmacolmshow.co.uk. 



45 

Sa t 5 Ma y 

Tag-n-Track Bird Ringing 

Demos 

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Calder 

Glen Road, Lochwinnoch 11am to 

3.30pm 

Find out how we Tag-n-Track some of the bird 

species in the Park. t: 01505 614 791 during 

office hours 

Elderslie Scouts - Plant Sale 

Elderslie Scout Hall, 101 Main Rd, 

Elderslie, Johnstone PA5 9AZ 10am to 

2pm 

1st Elderslie Scouts hosting their plant sale. 

Come along - all welcome. 

Angel Voices & Voices+ 

Afternoon Tea Concert 

St Fillan’s Church Hall, Moss Road, 

Kilmacolm 2pm to 3.30pm 

You are invited to come along for Coffee, Tea, 

Home Baking, Sandwiches, Scones and Cake 

& Raffle. The Choir will give a little Concert 

of Songs from their Repertoire at 2.30pm. 

Please pay at the door Tickets £4 

Sa t 5 - Sun 6 Ma y 

Bird Ringing Demos 

The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees 

Bridge, Greenock 11am to 3.30 

See our native woodland birds up close 

and meet the TnT Team to see how they 

tag birds. 

Paddlepower Passport & 

Discover Courses 


Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 3.30pm 

Choose your level and look online for details 

and bookings or t 01505 842 882 

Sun 6 Ma y 

Accord Hospice - Bubble 

Rush 

Bellahouston Park, Paisley Road West, 

Glasgow 

A 5K run, walk, jog or toddle with oodles of 

bubbles along the way. Register online now 

at www.accordhospice.org.uk 

Tag-n-Track Bird Ringing 

Demos 

The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees 

Bridge, Greenock 11am to 3.30pm 

Find out how we Tag-n-Track some of the bird 

species around the area. T: 01505 614 791 

during office hours 

Sun 6 Ma y 

Car Boot Sale 

Mid Gavin Equestrian Centre, follow 

signs for Mid Gavin Nursery, Howwood 

12pm to 3pm 

Animal Support & Rescue - Tables cost £10 

and must be pre-booked (bring your own table 

please). Don’t worry about the weather - our 

car boot sale will be in the indoor arena. To 

book a space, please call Lynda on 0782 369 


Push the Boat Out 2018 


Road, Lochwinnoch 

Readers are invited to come and try dinghy 

sailing at Castle Semple Loch - contact dawn@ 

castlesemplesc.co.uk 

Wed 9 Ma y 

Kilbarchan Smile - Gateway 

Community Garden Drop In 

Session 

Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan 2pm-4pm 

For delicious new potatoes and fresh veg later 

in the year, come and join in our easy planting 

in raised beds and grow-sacks. Help the bees 

with wild flower seed planting and support the 

birds with food and nesting materials. Suitable 

for all ages. Refreshments provided. To find 

out more it’s: hello@kilbarchansmile.co.uk or 

07952 169341 OR join the group Kilbarchan 

Smile on Facebook. 

Th u 10 Ma y 

Sòlas Bereavement Group 


2pm to 4pm 

Sòlas Bereavement Group. 

Aspen Planting Event at 

Muirshiel 

Muirshiel Visitor Centre, Calder Glen 

Road nr Lochwinnoch PA12 4LB 

10.30am 

Come along and work with Eadha, Muirshiel 

rangers and other volunteers to plant 350 

aspen trees adjacent to the trail through the 

felled areas. Bring along waterproof clothing, 

stout footwear, packed lunch. Tools and gloves 

will be provided. 

Fri 11 Ma y 

Lochwinnoch Golf Club 

Afternoon Tea 

Lochwinnoch Golf Club Burnfoot Rd, 

Lochwinnoch PA12 4AN 2pm to 4.30pm 

Afternoon tea and entertainment in support 

of Lochwinnoch Dementia Friendly Village. 

Come and have some fun! Donations at 

the event! For more info contact Morag on 

07868752814 

Fri 11 Ma y 


Show deadline 


Kilmacolm 

The Industrial Tent will showcase the domestic 

arts, crafts and baking by adults and children. 

Entry forms and fees must be submitted by 

Friday 11th May. Schedules and entry forms 

for all classes can be downloaded from the 

website -www.kilmacolmshow.co.uk. 

Kilmacolm Friends of 

Ardgowan Hospice 


2.30pm to 4.30pm 

We’re looking to collect donations of Baking 

and Preserves for our stall at the annual 

Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow Agricultural 

Show. There will be a box in the Cargill Centre 

for Bottle Donations. If you would like any 

donations collected please contact Aileen 

874121 or Peter 872343 

Jimmy Livingstone plays the 


Old Library Centre, 9 High Barholm, 

Kilbarchan 

Singer/songwriter Jimmy Livingstone plays at 

the Old Library Centre, Kilbarchan, on 11th 

May. Tickets are £10 each and are available 

from the Old Library Centre. Doors open at 

7.30 for an 8pm start. 

Sa t 12 Ma y 

Annual Bishopton Christian 

Aid Plant Sale 

The Cornerstone, Greenock Road, 

Bishopton 10am to 12noon 

A large range of good quality plants will again 

be supplied by “Branching Out”, Parklea. In 

addition, to selecting plants on the day, there 

will be a Pre-order Service for Plants which is 

obtainable via members of the Christian Aid 

Committee. Ticket includes a coffee/tea and 

some home baking. 

Castle Semple Rowing Club 

Regatta 


Road, Lochwinnoch 

One of the biggest rowing events in the 

Scottish calendar! There will be lots of boats 

and plenty of spectator viewing. On all day. 

More info: www.castlesemplerc.co.uk 

The Allander Jazz Band 


Street 7.30pm 

Tickets £10 includes a buffet supper which 

can be booked by phoning 01505 703532. 

This is a BYOB evening-soft drinks only please. 

The band plays a selection of traditional and 

Dixieland jazz. 


46 


Sa t 12 Ma y 

Th u 17 - Sa t 19 Ma y 

Sa t 19 Ma y 

Sun 20 Ma y 


Show 


Kilmacolm From 9am 

The 183rd Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow 

Agricultural Show. With sheep, cows, horses 

(light and heavy), children’s cattle, and 

dogs. Children’s Pet Show, Industrial Tent, 

Dog Show, sheep shearing & cow milking 

demos, exhibitions, fair rides, food, trade 

and refreshments & lots of entertainment! 

St Columba’s School Pipe Band, dancing, 

Country Capers and much more. Prize Draw 

with fabulous prizes! A great day out for 

the whole family - human and hairy! More 

information, schedules and online entry for 

Light Horses are available on the website www. 

KilmacolmShow.co.uk 

Sun 13 Ma y 

Gourock Highland Games 

The Battery Park Eldon Street Greenock 

PA16 7QG 12noon 

With have pipe band and drum major 

competitions; highland dance competitions; 

heavyweight events; mini highland games; 

children’s entertainment; gift and craft stalls 

– a great day out for all the family. It is free 

entry and open to all. No parking at the site but 

good public transport links. On street parking 

in surround area. 

Kilbarchan Singers Annual 


Holy Trinity and Saint Barnabas 

Episcopal Church, Moss Street, Paisley 

7.30pm 

Conducted by Edwin Hillier, the programme 

includes Handel “Messiah” Part II, J S 

Bach “Komm, Jesu, Komm” & music by 

Mendelssohn, Rutter, Chilcott and the King 

Singers. Tickets priced £8.50 (under 18 £5) 

are available from Joyce 07960 307569 or 

at the door. 

Th u 17 Ma y 

Outlook 


2pm to 4pm 

Clydeside Singers. 

“Abigail’s Party” 

Kilbarchan Performing Arts Centre, 8 

Steeple Square, Kilbarchan 7.30 

St. Paul’s Church Dramatic Society (Amateur) 

presents Abigail’s Party. Mike Leigh’s classic 

stage (and screen) play. Tickets £12 (£10) 

available from Mrs. Linda Rae 07901 334952. 

Mrs Wendy Young 01505 320554 or in person 

at Top Cards, High Street, Johnstone. Www. 

stpaulsdrama.co.uk 

Fri 18 Ma y 

The Arkleston Singers 


Lylesland Church, 123 Rowan St, Paisley 

7.30pm 

Music to suit all tastes ranging from the 

sublime ‘Stabat Mater’ by Paul Mealor, 

through some jazzy numbers to upbeat choral 

arrangements of Adele favourites. With the 

Arkleston Chamber Ensemble and soprano 

soloist Krista Schaeffer. Tickets £10 available 

from 0141 580 6292, from WeGotTickets.com, 

from members of the choir or at the door. 

Advertizer Issue Deadline 

The Advertizer - Neva Place, Bridge of 

Weir 

If you would like anything published in our 

next issue, please email info@advertizer. 

co.uk or call the office on 01505 613340. 

Don’t miss out! 

Sa t 19 Ma y 

Rotary Charity Car Wash 

Beaton Brothers, 1 Station Road, Bridge 

of Weir 

An opportunity to give your car a special treat! 

Proceeds to Rotary charitable causes. 

British Pipe Band 

Championships 

St. James Playing Fields, Paisley, PA3 

2LB 9am to 6.30pm 

Enjoy the spectacle of over 4,000 elite-level 

pipers and drummers competing for some 

of the prestigious titles in world bagpiping. 

Featuring food village, children’s entertainment 

zone, Slug in a Bottle craft market, and much, 

much more. With free event parking and a free 

shuttle bus to and from the event site, it’s easy 

to join us and enjoy this spectacular event. 

OK Fest (re-arranged date) 

The Old Kirk, 40 High Street, Kilmacolm 

2pm to 4pm 

Poetry and Literature readings. 

OK Fest (re-arranged date) 

The Old Kirk, 40 High Street, Kilmacolm 

7pm to 9pm 

Riverside Youth Band. 

Kilmacolm Horticultural 

Society Royal Afternoon Tea 

Party 

Kilmacolm Community Centre, 

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 2pm to 

4pm 

The Royal Wedding in the morning will keep 

many people entertained. But in the afternoon 

- lets get together, celebrate, - please join us for 

afternoon tea, music, tombola stalls and the 

Spring Plant Stall. Plus a special Raffle. Pay 

at the door £3. Hats are optional! 

Family Quiz Night 

St Machar’s Church, Kilbarchan Rd, 

Bridge of Weir 7pm to 9pm 

We invite you to come and enjoy an evening of 

fun and laughter. Tickets: £3 {available from 

Morven on 01505 612286}. BYOB 

Focus Rally 

Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of 

Weir 7pm 

Guest Speaker: Andy Bathgate, CEO Scripture 

Union, Scotland “The King of Love” with 

Freeland Praise Band. Meal provided. RSVP 

Lesley Smith 07872605099 

Kilbarchan Messy Church 


Street 4pm to 6pm 

Weather permitting we hope to have fun and 

games outside ending with a picnic meal. If 

the sun doesn’t shine we’ll do it all indoors. 

Children, just remember to bring an adult with 

you to join in the fun. This will be our last Messy 

Church until September. 

Wheels to Water 


Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 3.30 

Scotland’s only Centre of Excellence for 

accessible sailing will be very busy today with 

limited car parking as lots of people try the 

accessible activities like canoeing, rowing and 

cycling on offer at Castle Semple Centre. Take 

away service only in the café. More info: 

www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk/wheelstowater 

Kilbarchan Parish Church 

Pancake Morning 


Street 10am to 12noon 

Come along and enjoy delicious freshly-made 

pancakes with cream and jam. Entrance 

£2:50, children £1. 

Paisley Philharmonic Choir 

Concert 

Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley 

7.30pm 

Paisley Philharmonic Choir with interim 

conductor Harold Thalange and accompanist 

Tim Lambourn. Performing The Imperial 

“Nelson” Mass and Te Deum for the Empress 

Marie Therese by Franz Joseph Haydn. 

Soloists: Nia Coleman, soprano, Marion 

Ramsay, contralto, Alistair Digges, tenor, and 

Andrew McTaggart, bass. 38 piece orchestra. 

Tickets £10, available from choir members 

and at the door. 

Jump back to the 90s 

Glynhill Hotel, 169 Paisley Road, 

Renfrew 2pm 

St. Vincent’s Hospice are taking you back to 

the 90s as they host an Afternoon with Stepz. 

Starts at 2pm with sparkling drinks reception 

and the chance to browse and shop in their 

vintage stall and range of luxury goods. 

Followed by delicious afternoon tea. Hosted 

by Steve McKenna. Tickets £28. For more 

information, phone St. Vincent’s Hospice on 

01505 705 635 or email Info@svh.co.uk. 


Community Garden Drop In 

Session 

Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan 1pm to 

3pm 










Tea and a Tune 

Kilbarchan Parish Church, Church 

Street, Kilbarchan 2pm 

Kilbarchan Junior Choir & Village Voices offer a 

hugely entertaining afternoon of song and fun. 

Directed by the wonderfully inspiring Moira 

Gray both choirs are open to join to anyone 

interested, no experience necessary 01505 

704948. Tickets: £5 / Family £12. Available 

from Moira on 01505 704948 or in person 

from Bobbins. 

YOUR TICKET TO LOCAL EVENTS 

/GryffeAds 

advertizer.co.uk /content/what-s-on 

01505 613340 info@advertizer.co.uk 



47 

Wed 23 Ma y 


community Garden Drop In 

Session 

Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan 2pm-4pm 










Fri 25 - Mo n 28 Ma y 

Junior Water Sports Training 


Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 3.30 

Look online for details of the paddling and 

sailing courses on over the local holiday 

weekend. 

Fri 25 Ma y 

RAMH 40th Anniversary 

Dinner and Quiz 

Normandy Hotel, Inchinnan Rd, Renfrew 

Join us for RAMH’s 40th Anniversary Dinner & 

Quiz for a fizz reception, 3 course meal plus 

coffee, 8 rounds of celeb-hosted quiz, prizes 

and surprises. Book now: £400 for a team of 

10, and £40 for individual tickets. All Proceeds 

go directly towards mental health services for 

local people. Contact: enquiries@ramh.org or 

phone 0141 847 8900. 

Sa t 26 Ma y 

Moth Night 

The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, 

Greenock 9.30pm to late 

See what moths are found around the Visitor 

Centre and find out how to identify them. 

Details & bookings online or t 01457 521 

458 

Music & Beer Festival 

Habbies, Kilbarchan 9pm 

Habbie’s Bank Holiday Music & Beer Festival 

Featuring explosive Rockabilly and Rock’n’Roll 

from Cherry Red 53 Free 

Sa t 26 - Mo n 28 Ma y 

Clyde Muirshiel Walking 

Festival 

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Calder 

Glen Road, Lochwinnoch 

Join us for a walk in the Park! Walks marked 

as easy, moderate or strenuous. Some last 

1 hour some 4-6 hours. There will be a walk 

for you! Walks start at Visitor Centres or Train 

Stations. More info: www.clydemuirshiel. 

co.uk/walkingfestival 

Sun 27 Ma y 

Erskine Motorbike Meet 

2018 

Erskine Care Home, Bishopton PA7 5PU 

1pm to 5pm 

Afternoon of family fun featuring live music, 

family entertainment, stall village, Motorbike 

stands, Street food, and much more! All are 

welcome to watch the 100’s of motorbikes, 

trikes and scooters turn out with their riders 

to show their support and respect for the 

veterans Erskine cares for! Parade leaves from 

Park Mains High School, Erskine PA8 6EY. 

Muster Time – midday onwards, Departure 

time – 12:40pm, Arrival time at Erskine 

Motorbike Meet PA7 5PU – 13:00pm 

Gateway Garden Party 

Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan 12noon 

to 4pm 

This family fun day will feature a range of 

activities, stalls and performances (TBC). 

Young Habbies can join Kilbarchan storyteller 

Anne Pitcher for some interactive storytelling 

fun (2pm) along with puppets, props, sound 

makers and songs. Food and refreshments 

(while stocks last). Free. Find Kilbarchan 


Music & Beer Festival 

Habbies, Kilbarchan 

Habbie’s (and Trust) Bank Holiday Music & 

Beer Festival Live Music, Bouncy Castle and 

BBQ throughout the day (weather permitting) 

More Live Music continues early evening at 

The Trust Habbies, New Street & The Trust 

Low Barholm. Kilbarchan. Free 

Tue 29 Ma y 

Highland Hustle Ceilidh 

Guide Centre, Barn Green Kilbarchan 

3.30pm 

(Nursery-P3) & 4.15pm (P4-P7) Highland 

Hustle Tots (and Juniors) Ceilidh Special 

Lilifest Ceilidh for mini-hustlers! £4per 

child (£2 for additional siblings) @ 

HighlandHustleKilbarchan on Facebook / 

highlandhustlekilbarchan.com 

Tue 29 Ma y 

Kilmacolm Heritage Gallery 

Official Opening 

The Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 2pm 

The Gallery tells the story of the early settlers 

5000 years ago, notable people of the area 

and deals with key changes in education and 

events including the railway and its impact on 

architecture, farming and employment. 

Book launch 

Old Library Centre, 9 High Barholm, 

Kilbarchan 7.30pm 

Kilbarchan and the Handloom Weavers by 

Helen Calcluth, published by Renfrewshire 

Local History Forum. Kilbarchan and the 

Handloom Weavers covers the history of the 

Kilbarchan weavers from the 17th century to 

the 1950s when the last Kilbarchan weaver 

plied his trade. Some unique photographs 

of village life are included and the book is 

well referenced. See www.lilasday.co.uk for 

more details. 

Th u 31 Ma y 

Big Vern ‘n’ the Shootahs 


Steeple Square, Kilbarchan 7.30pm 

Performing their classic funk, soul and party 

music mixed with some great stage routines 

in a one-off gig at this intimate venue. 

Tickets £15. BYOB (£1 corkage charge) more 

information available online at liliasday. 

co.uk /tickets-scotland.com or in person 

from Bobbins, Kilbarchan. Habbie’s & Trust 

Pre-Gig Food Offer: £6 for a main course or 

2 courses for a tenner (on presentation of 

ticket/proof of purchase) Habbie’s & Trust 

Post-Gig Drinks Offer: ½ price Beer or Wine 

(one per person) 

Lilias Quiz at The Trust 

The Trust, Kilbarchan 8pm 

Special Lilias-Day-themed quiz night to test 

your local knowledge. 

Fri 1 Ju n e 

Thunder Road 

The Trust, Kilbarchan 9pm 

The infamous Thunder Road return to 

Kilbarchan as part of Lilifest. 

Fri 1 - Sa t 2 Ju n e 

Flower Festival 

St Columba’s Church, Duchal Rd, 

Kilmacolm 10am to 4pm 

Fantastic flower festival. This is a community 

event and all proceeds will be directed to 

Ardgowan Hospice. Tickets available from 

Rosie Third 873088, or on the door. £3.50 

(kids free) 


48 


every Mo n d a y 

Lochwinnoch Community Walk 

The Cross, Lochwinnoch 10.30am 

This event will not take place on public holidays. 

FitSteps with Jennifer 

Quarrier’s Village, 6:30pm 

Tel: 07709 340675 for further information 

Pilates Class 

Kilellan Halls Houston 6.15 - 7.15 & 7.30 - 8.30. 

For more information or to book a place call Katie 

on 07972 474965 

Gryffe Voices Community Choir 

Freeland Church, Bridge of Weir 8pm to 9.45pm 

Join us to sing pop, rock, folk, show tunes, gospel. 

Contact gryffevoices@gmail.com 

New Step ‘N’ Tone Class 

Freeland Church, Bridge of Weir 10am 

(commences 16th April) Tel: 07505126416 for 

further details 

every Tuesday 

Bishopton Belles Line Dancing 

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Hall 6.30 - 8.30pm 

Improver class. All welcome. Call David or Mair 

07886 034037. 

Singing for Wellbeing 

Bishopton Community Centre 6pm - 7.15pm 

A fun, no pressure choir singing feel good songs. 

every Wednesday 

Knitting Group 

Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers 10am - 12noon 

Knitters of all levels welcome! 

Skinny Minnies 

Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir 7pm - 8pm 

For a healthier, slimmer, more energetic you! 

every Th u r s d a y 

Weekly Volunteer Group 

Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 12.30pm - 3.30pm 

Conservation Volunteers - adult group. 

Newcomers always welcome. 

every Fr i d a y 

Singing for Wellbeing 

Bishopton Community Centre 2pm - 3.15pm 

A fun, no pressure choir singing feel good songs. 

every Sa t u r d a y 


Greenock Cut Visitor Centre 10.30am - 2.30pm 

Conservation Volunteers, adult group. Newcomers 

always welcome. 

every Su n d a y 


Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 10am - 12noon 

Youth Volunteer Group - age 14 - 18 years. 

Newcomers always welcome. 

Houston Litter Crew 

Co-op Car Park 10am – 11.45am 

All volunteers welcome and all equipment 

supplied. 

2n d & 4th Wednesday 

BoW Senior Citizens Club 

Cargill Hall 7 - 9.15pm 

Tea, biscuits & a raffle each meeting along with 

entertainment. Contact Sheila Patterson for 

further information on 01505 690521. 

1st & 3rd Th u r s m o n t h l y 

‘Outlook’ 

Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm 2pm - 4pm 

Social activities group for the community in 

Kilmacolm. Guest speakers, afternoon tea, local 

issues of interest. Everyone welcome. 

Crafty Hobbies 

Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 7.30pm 

No previous craft experience necessary. Call 

Lorna on 01505 612844 for further details. 

2n d Wednesday m o n t h l y 

Inverclyde Carers Outreach 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 11am - 2pm 

Email enquiries@inverclydecarerscentre.org.uk 

or call: 01475 735180. 

Gateway Garden Drop In Sessions 

Gateway Garden, Kilbarchan from 1pm 

Open Days with gardening and wildlife activities on 

offer. For more information contact 07952169341 

or hello@kilbarchansmile.co.uk or join the group 

Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook. 

2n d Th u r s d a y m o n t h l y 

Sòlas Bereavement Support Group 

Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm. 2pm - 4pm. 

3rd Fr i d a y m o n t h l y 

Hearing Aid Clinic 

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir 1 - 2pm 

Hearing aid batteries and hearing aid checks. 

2n d Sa t u r d a y m o n t h l y 

‘Brunch & Browse’ 

St Fillan’s Hall, Kilmacolm 10am - 2pm 

Soups, baking, tea, coffee, books & lots of stalls 

l a s t Fr i d a y m o n t h l y 

TheTerrace 

St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Hall 

Soups, sandwiches, tea/coffee, biscuits. £4. 

l a s t Sa t u r d a y m o n t h l y 

Table Top Sale 

Linwood Parish Church, Blackwood Ave 11am - 1pm 

This is a free event. Call 01505 328802 for 

details. 

1st SAT 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 

10am - 2pm 

1st & 3rd SUN 

Loch Lomond Shores 

10am - 3pm Tel: 07977 179 861 

2n d THU & l a s t SAT 

Paisley Cross 

10am - 2pm Tel: 01655 770217 

2n d SUN 

Kip Marina, Inverkip 

11am - 4pm www.kipmarina.co.uk 

Come 

and sing 

with Gryffe Voices 

Community Choir 

Monday nights at 8pm (term 

time only). All welcome. More 

male voices needed! 

At Freeland Church, Main Street, 

Bridge of Weir 

Fri 1 - Sun 3 Ju n e 

Scotland’s Gardening 

Festival 

Edinburgh 

Gardening Scotland is a celebration of 

everything to do with the garden, from design 

ideas and inspiration to tools and accessories 

and of course wonderful plants! It’s the 

gardening event of the year! More info: www. 

gardeningscotland.com 

Sa t 2 Ju n e 

Lilias Family Day at Habbie’s 

Habbies, Kilbarchan 2pm 

Outside Beer Garden with fonts, Hog Roast, 

Bouncy Castle & Live music (from early 

evening) 

Calder Church Summer 

Fayre 

McKillop Hall, Main St, Lochwinnoch 

10am to 12noon 

Stalls include :- Home baking, Plants and 

garden, Jewellery and accessories, Books, 

CDs & DVDs, Toys, Bottle, Soft goods, Lucky 

dip and more .... Adults £2, Children FREE, 

includes Tea/Coffee and Cream scones. We 

are grateful for the support we always receive 

and look forward to your continued support! 

Spring Concert 

Bridge of Weir Choral 

Society 

Sunday 29th April, 7.30pm, St 

Columba Church, Kilmacolm 

Conductor: Christopher Barr 

Accompanist: Wilson Chu 

Soloists: Charlotte Mckechnie, Soprano 

and Colin Bryce, Tenor 

The main item of the concert is The Requiem 

by Bob Chilcott and the choir will also sing 

settings of Folk Songs by Chilcott as well 

as Handel’s Zadok the Priest. Robert “Bob” 

Chilcott (born 9 April 1955) is a British choral 

Sa t 2 Ju n e 

Lilias Day Historic Parade 

Kilbarchan Park, Park View, Kilbarchan 

12noon 

Saturday 2 June, park open from 12, parade 

starts at 1pm Lilias Day historic parade 

followed by Lilias Day Events and Celebration 

in Kilbarchan Park. Kilbarchan’s famous Lilias 

Day includes a historic parade followed through 

the village by decorated floats, pipe and brass 

bands. The parade finishes in Kilbarchan 

Park where a host of stalls, activities and 

events take place throughout the day to raise 

thousands of pounds for good causes. Www. 

liliasday.co.uk 

Barchan Mad Comedy Night 


Steeple Square, Kilbarchan 8pm 

This popular comedy night returns on Lilias 

Day featuring a great line up of comedians 

in a great venue. With your host for the 

evening, the indomitable and irrepressible, 

Graham Barrie. Tickets £10 available online 

more info / bookings email badhatcomedy@ 

outlook.com 

Renfrewshire 

Dates 

Doors Open Day in 

Renfrewshire are 

incorrect. This year’s 

Doors Open Days will be 

Saturday 8th and Sunday 

9th September 

www.doorsopendays.org. 

uk/2018-weekends/ 

composer, conductor, and singer, based in Oxfordshire, England. 

He has written a number of substantial sacred works including Salisbury 

Vespers (2009), St John Passion (2013) for Wells Cathedral Choir, and his 

Requiem (2010), which has now been performed in over 16 countries. 

Tickets cost £8.00 and can be bought from any choir member or at the 

door. 

The Allander Jazz Band in 

Concert 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall Saturday 12th May, 2018 at 7.30pm 

Tickets £10 (Children £5) incl. Buffet Supper. Tickets Available from 

Bobbins Coffee Shop or Phone 01505 703532 



Orchard Flooring 

Stylish, Durable: A Floor for Life 

When choosing a new floor for your home, there are a few things to take into consideration. For a lot 

of our clients, having a floor that isn’t going to be ruined by mucky feet, paw prints or spills is a top 

priority. For this reason, light cream carpets can be problematic for many busy households. 

Karndean and Amtico flooring are perfect for any room or situation in the home. They are both 

waterproof, slip resistant and warm underfoot, as well as being a beautiful and luxurious floor to 

be proud of. 

Both are easy to clean and without 

the porous qualities of wood and 

some stone. They bring the ageless 

beauty of natural flooring to your home without the hassle. 

Be it a rustic wood effect in the living room or a sleek and modern stone effect in the kitchen, 

Orchard Flooring can provide expert advice to find the perfect floor for a room. 

With a home sampling service why not give us a call and be on your way to a stunning floor from 

Orchard Flooring. 

You can contact Scott on 0141 334 8731 or 07563 633 432 

E: sjmproducts@hotmail.com website: www.orchard-flooring.com 

49 

SSPCA Rehoming Week! 

During Rehoming Week we have opportunities to fundraise throughout 

most of Scotland and we would be very grateful if locals can get behind our 

appeal and help. 

Door-to-door fundraising can be 

carried out between Monday 7 

to Friday 11 May. While people 

can hold street collections 

on their local high street on 

Saturday 12 May. 

The following council areas 

have seperate collection 

dates: 

• East Ayrshire Council - 

Door-to-door between 30 April to 

4 May & street collection on Saturday 5 May 

• Dundee City Council - Door-to-door between 21 - 25 May & street 

collection on Saturday 26 May 

• Glasgow City Council - Door-to-door between 9 May to 12 May & 

street collection on 11 &12 May. You may even wish to get into the 

fundraising spirit and dress up as your favourite animal or bring your 

canine companion along! 

John Murasev from South Ayrshire is a regular volunteer for the Society. 

John says, “I enjoy raising money to help abused and injured animals in 

Scotland. It’s a great way to chat to people in my local area and you’ll be 

surprised at how generous people are!” 

As an animal welfare charity, we receive no government or lottery funding 

and rely on the generosity of the public to continue our vital work so everyone 

taking part will be helping save lives. 

Even if you can only spare an hour or two to shake a collection tin, your time 

and efforts will be hugely appreciated. 

Family Quiz 

Night 

Saturday 19th May from 

7-9pm, St Machar’s 

Ranfurly Church Hall, 

Bridge of Weir 

We invite you to come and enjoy 

an evening of fun and laughter. 

Tickets: 

£3 

{available 

from 

Morven 

on 01505 

612286}. 

BYOB 


50 

Spring Concert 

Paisley Philharmonic Choir with interim conductor Harold Thalange and 

accompanist Tim Lambourn the choir is busy preparing for its Spring 

Concert in Paisley Town Hall on Sunday 20th May commencing at 7.30pm. 

The works being performed are both by Franz Joseph Haydn: The Imperial 

“Nelson” Mass and Te Deum for the Empress Marie Therese. 

Soloists are: Nia Coleman, soprano, currently studying at The Royal 

Conservatoire of Scotland after graduating from The University of 

Manchester with First Class Honours in Music and Drama followed by an 

MA in Vocal Performance from The Royal Academy of Music. 

Marion Ramsay, contralto, making a welcome return to sing with the choir. 

Originally from Islay, Marion graduated with B Mus Hons. From Napier 

University in 2003 followed by Post Graduate Diplomas in Concert Singing 

and Opera Studies from The RCS. 

Alistair Digges, tenor, from Glasgow studied at The RCS and The Royal 

College of Music. He has covered a vast repertoire as an oratorio soloist 

and is musical director of Opera Bohemia, Fife Opera, Edinburgh Grand 

Opera and Edinburgh Singers and Songbirds. 

Andrew McTaggart, bass, and another welcome returnee. Andrew 

graduated from The RCS Opera School in 2012 and has since sung 

many roles in productions by Scottish Opera, Opera Bohemia and Opera 

Lorraine. 

An orchestra of thirty eight professional players will accompany the choir 

and soloists on what should prove to be an exciting evening of choral 

music. Tickets, priced £10, will be available from choir members and at 

the door. 

Hundreds Help to Change 

Local Decision Making 

More than 250 people have attended a series of 

events and drop in sessions as part of a review 

of community level governance in Renfrewshire, 

with a further 162 putting their views forward 

through online and postal consultations. 

The feedback from these consultations will now 

be reviewed to ensure the proposed changes 

reflect a model that is fully representative of the 

community’s views and requirements. 

Proposals had been put forward to redesign the 

current structure of Renfrewshire’s five Local Area Committees to ensure 

a clearer partnership approach between the Council, other public services 

and the community. 

The consultation outlined nine proposals across five areas, Function, 

Membership, Boundaries, Meetings and Grants, and community groups 

were invited to put forward their thoughts and opinions on whether the 

proposals would make a positive difference. 

Renfrewshire Council Leader, Iain Nicolson, said: “This review is a real 

chance for the community to become further involved in local decision 

making and I’m delighted to see the high number of people come forward 

to have their say. 

“It is extremely important that any changes make a positive difference to the 

current structure and this consultation has allowed people the opportunity 

to make local area committees work better for them. 

Further details of the proposed changes included a drive to make meetings 

more accessible and participative as well as having local grants scheme 

specifically for smaller local projects. 

There would also be a change to the current boundaries which would see 

them come into line with community councils as well as a change to voting 

rights to ensure all areas of the community are involved in final decision 

making. For further information on local area committees, visit www. 

renfrewshire.gov.uk/lacs. 

What: 

When: 

Paisley Food Festival 

27th - 28th April 

What: CAMRA’s Paisley Beer 

Festival 

When: 25th - 28th April 

What: The British Pipe Band 

Championships 

When: 19th May 

What: 

When: 

Sma’ Shot Day 

7th - 8th July 

What: Pagliacci by Scottish Opera 

(at Seedhill Playing fields) 

When: 26th - 29th July 

What: Doors Open Day 

Renfrewshire 

When: 8-9 September 

What: 

When: 

What: 

When: 

What: 

When: 

The Spree Arts Festival 

12th - 21st October 

Paisley Halloween Festival 

26th - 27th October 

Paisley Fireworks 

3rd November 


Get Your Dancing Shoes On 

The OIR Dance Group meet on a Monday at 1.30pm in the Clark Memorial 

Hall, Largs. Dancing consists of Ballroom, Sequence, Old Time and 

Scottish. 

All new members are made welcome, so dust off your 

old dance shoes and come along and join us, come 

alone or bring a partner. 

Contact: Bill Alexander 01475 522043 or Archie 

Adams 01475 649008. 

The Arkleston Singers 

Summer Concert: Serenity 

The Arkleston Singers Summer 

Concert: Serenity 

This year’s annual concert by 

Paisley chamber choir, The 

Arkleston Singers will take 

place in Lylesland Parish 

Church, 123 Rowan Street, 

Paisley PA2 6RZ on Friday May 18th at 7.30 pm. 

The concert will contain the choir’s usual eclectic mix of music to suit 

all tastes ranging from the sublime ‘Stabat Mater’ by Royal Wedding and 

Classic FM favourite Paul Mealor, to upbeat choral arrangements of Adele 

favourites from her album 21. Other highlights will include Ola Gjeilo’s 

serene ‘O Magnum Mysterium’ and a piece composed especially for the 

choir by Juta Pranulyte, a young composer currently attending the Royal 

Conservatoire. As usual, the choir will be accompanied by the highly 

accomplished Arkleston Chamber Ensemble. This year Musical Director 

Marcus Kitchen and the choir are delighted to welcome our soprano 

soloist Krista Schaeffer. 

Tickets, priced £10, are available from 0141 580 6292, from WeGotTickets. 

com, from members of the choir or at the door. 

Renfrewshire unveils dates 

for 2018 events programme 

Renfrewshire 2018 Major Events! 

Paisley and Renfrewshire are in line for another bumper year of major 

events Selected highlights of the 2018 events programme include: 

“With bigger events in the 2018 

programme it is shaping up to be the 

best year yet.” 

(Iain Nicolson Renfrewshire Council Leader) 



51 

An exciting festival of events and activities will 

once again form part of this years’ Kilbarchan’s 

Lilias Day Celebrations. 

“Lilifest” will feature a varied programme that 

includes Live Music, Comedy, Vegan Pop Up 

Cafe, Drama, a Junior Ceilidh and even a Book 

Launch. 

The headline event is a performance by the 

sensational Big Vern ‘n’ the Shootahs who 

will bring their classic funk, soul and party 

music mixed with some great stage routines 

to the intimate surroundings of the Kilbarchan 

Performing Arts Centre for a one-off gig on 

31st May. 

A number of new and one-off events include 

the launch of Helen Calcluth’s Kilbarchan and 

the Handloom Weavers covering the history of 

the Kilbarchan weavers from the seventeenth 

century to the 1950s (29th May); a stage 

production of the Mike Leigh classic, Abigail’s 

Party, by St. Paul’s Church Dramatic Society 

(17th-19th May), Ceilidhs for Tots and Juniors 

presented by Highland Hustle (29th May) and 

a Pop Up Vegan Café that will set up in Habbies 

for the evening on Tuesday 5th June. 

The Kilbarchan Smile Gateway Garden Party 

will once again form part of Lilifest. Taking place 

EVENTS 

Thursday 17 - Saturday 19 May, 7.30pm 

St. Paul’s Church Dramatic Society 

(Amateur) presents Abigail’s Party 

Kilbarchan Performing Arts Centre, 

Steeple Square, Kilbarchan 

Mike Leigh’s classic stage (and screen) 

play. 

Tickets £12 (£10) available from Mrs. 

Linda Rae 07901 334952. Mrs Wendy 

Young 01505 320554 or in person at 

Top Cards, High Street, Johnstone. www. 

stpaulsdrama.co.uk 

Sunday 20th May, 2pm 

Kilbarchan Junior Choir & Village 

Voices: “Tea and a Tune” 

Kilbarchan Parish Church, Steeple 

Square, Kilbarchan 

A hugely entertaining afternoon of song 

and fun. Directed by the wonderfully 

inspiring Moira Gray both choirs are 

open to join to anyone interested, no 

experience necessary 01505 704948. 

Tickets: £5 / Family £12 Available from 

Moira on 01505 704948 or in person 

from Bobbins. 

Saturday 26th May, 9pm 

Habbie’s Bank Holiday Music & Beer 

Festival 

Habbies, New Street, Kilbarchan 

Featuring explosive Rockabilly and 

Rock’n’Roll from Cherry Red 53 

Free 

Sunday 27th May, 12pm-4pm 

Gateway Garden Party 

Gateway Garden, Cartside Terrace, 

Kilbarchan 

This family fun day will feature a range 

of activities, stalls and performances 

(TBC). Young Habbies can join 

Kilbarchan storyteller Anne Pitcher 

for some interactive storytelling fun 

(2pm) along with puppets, props, 

sound makers and songs. Food and 

refreshments (while stocks last). 

Free. Find Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook. 

on Sunday 27th May (12-4pm) the family fun 

day will take in a range of activities, stalls and 

performances including interactive storytelling 

fun with Anne Pitcher featuring puppets, props, 

sound makers and songs at 2pm. 

A series of events will take place at the village’s 

two pubs Habbies and The Trust featuring 

live music (including a mini Music and Beer 

Festival on the May bank holiday weekend 

26th&27th May) whilst Village Voices and The 

Junior Choir will perform their summer concert 

at Kilbarchan Parish Church on Sunday 20th 

May (includes afternoon tea). The popular 

Barchan Mad Comedy night also makes a 

welcome return on the night of Lilias Day 

itself (2nd June) featuring a great line up with 

a special headliner to be announced who will 

join irrepressible compere, Graham Barrie and 

other acts for the evening. 

Lilias Day itself will offer a day packed with 

activities and entertainment on Saturday 3rd 

June with the park opening at 12noon and 

historic parade starting at 1pm. 

The festival will be brought to close with 

Habbie’s Hoolie featuring The Brass Monkeys 

at Habbies on Saturday 9th June when the 

wonderful Brass Monkeys perform classic 

tunes with a big band brass twist. 

For more information about Lilifest and Lilias 

Day including full listings and online booking 

visit www.liliasday.co.uk 

Sunday 27th May 

Habbie’s (and Trust) Bank Holiday Music 

& Beer Festival 

Live Music, Bouncy Castle and BBQ 

throughout the day (weather permitting) 

More Live Music continues early evening 

at The Trust 

Habbies, New Street & The Trust Low 

Barholm. Kilbarchan. 

Free 

Tuesday 29th May, 7.30pm 

Book launch: Kilbarchan and the 

Handloom Weavers by Helen Calcluth 

Old Library Centre, Kilbarchan 

Published by Renfrewshire Local History 

Forum, Kilbarchan and the Handloom 

Weavers covers the history of the 

Kilbarchan weavers from the seventeenth 

century to the 1950s when the last 

Kilbarchan weaver plied his trade. It also 

explores aspects of the social history 

of the village, with some biographical 

information on individual weavers and 

others involved in the local textile trade 

and information on Lilias Days held in 

the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. 

Some unique photographs of village 

life are included and the book is well 

referenced. 

See www.liliasday.co.uk for more details. 

Tuesday 29th May, 3.30pm (Nursery- 

P3) & 4.15pm (P4-P7) 

Highland Hustle Tots (and Juniors) 

Ceilidh 

Guide Centre, Kilbarchan 

Special Lilifest Ceilidh for mini-hustlers! 

£4per child (£2 for additional siblings) 

@HighlandHustleKilbarchan on Facebook / 

highlandhustlekilbarchan.com 

www.liliasday.co.uk 

Thursday 31st May 7.30pm 

Big Vern ‘n’ the Shootahs 

Kilbarchan Performing Arts Centre, 

Steeple Square, Kilbarchan 

The sensational Big Vern ‘n’ the Shootahs 

will perform their classic funk, soul and 

party music mixed with some great stage 

routines in a one-off gig at this intimate 

venue. 

Tickets £15. BYOB (£1 corkage charge) 

and more information is available online 

at liliasday.co.uk / tickets-scotland.com or 

in person from Bobbins, Kilbarchan. Bring 

Your Own Bottle! 

Habbie’s & Trust Pre-Gig Food Offer: £6 for 

a main course or 2 courses for a tenner (on 

presentation of ticket/proof of purchase) 

Habbie’s & Trust Post-Gig Drinks Offer: ½ 

price Beer or Wine (one per person) 

Thursday 31st May 8pm 

Lilias Quiz at The Trust 

The Trust, Low Barholm, Kilbarchan 

Special Lilias-Day-themed quiz night to 

test your local knowledge. 

Friday 1st June, 9pm 

Thunder Road 

The Trust, Low Barholm, Kilbarchan 

The infamous Thunder Road return to 

Kilbarchan as part of Lilifest. 

Saturday 2 June, park open from 12, 

parade starts at 1pm 

Lilias Day historic parade followed by 

Lilias Day Events and Celebration in 

Kilbarchan Park 

Kilbarchan’s famous Lilias Day 

includes a historic parade followed 

through the village by decorated 

floats, pipe and brass bands. The 

parade finishes in Kilbarchan Park 

where a host of stalls, activities and 

events take place throughout the day 

to raise thousands of pounds for good 

causes. 


Saturday 2 June from 2pm 

Lilias Family Day at Habbie’s 


Outside Beer Garden with fonts, Hog 

Roast, Bouncy Castle & Live music 

(from early evening) 

Saturday 2nd June, 8pm 

Lilifest 2018: Barchan Mad Comedy 

Night 

Kilbarchan Performing Arts Centre 

This popular comedy night returns on 

Lilias Day featuring a great line up of 

comedians in a great venue. With your 

host for the evening, the indomitable 

and irrepressible, Graham Barrie. 

Tickets £10 available online more info/ 

bookings email badhatcomedy@outlook. 

com 

Tuesday 5 June, 5pm-9pm 

Pop-Up Vegan-Fairtrade Café 


Return of this popular new happening 

with a choice of dishes featuring 

Fairtrade ingredients. 

Wednesday 6 June, 8pm 

Habbie’s Big Quiz 


Special Kilbarchan-themed quiz night. 

Show off your local and historical 

knowledge at this special quiz night 

with special prizes. 

Saturday 9th June, 7pm-9pm 

Habbie’s Hoolie featuring The Brass 

Monkeys 

Habbies (outdoor stage weather 

permitting), New Street Kilbarchan 

The wonderful Brass Monkeys perform 

classic tunes with a big band brass 

twist on an outdoor stage (weather 

permitting/indoors if not) 



52 


Kilbarchan Bowling Club 

We would like new members! The young seem to think it is for older 

people, the ladies may consider it not for them, but talk to our members 

and they will describe something entirely the opposite, it’s open to 

families too. It is a friendly, sociable pastime with opportunities at all 

levels of the sport. Come on gents get the kids away from their computer 

games take the attitude; ach I’ll give it a try, you’ll not regret it! 

Alternatively why not join as one of our social members. This would let 

you enjoy the bar and other facilities in our club house for a mere £20 

per year. 

Kilbarchan Bowling Club was inaugurated in 1860 by a group of locals, 

who due to a developing trend at that time, were attracted to participating 

in a sport which was not generally available to the common man. 

The club moved to its site in Ladysmith Avenue over 100 years ago. 

In 2010 KBC celebrated our 150th anniversary and is now recognised by 

many as the place to celebrate their weddings, birthdays, retirements, 

christenings and to have fund raising events etc 

KBC is an integral part of the local community not just Kilbarchan, 

but the surrounding area, with countless people, sporting clubs, local 

community organisations, etc, benefiting from its existence! 

If you want to play you will require a pair of flat soled shoes which can, 

in the short term, be provided everything else you require to enjoy the 

game, can be provided. 

There is an introductory membership 

for anyone new to bowls of £65 

for the first year ( normal full price 

£130). 

If you are interested in having a go or 

joining as a social member: - come 

to the club house, talk to a member 

or by contacting secretary: James 

Wallace on: 07913 779276. 

Junior Easter Camps 

Boys and girls enjoyed their Easter camps at Kilmacolm Golf Club 

with professional Iain Nicholson and his assistant David. Everyone got 

to drive, chip and putt and learn a whole lot about the game over the 

three days. The weather wasn’t always kind but it didn’t dampen the 

enthusiasm with lots of fun games, target golf and ‘beat the pro’ to keep 

the kids on their toes. Well done all! 

Kilmacolm Bowling Club 

The new bowling season has 

begun, pictured are President 

Phil Harrison and his grand 

daughters Sophie and Eve 

opening our green on Saturday 

7th April. 

Bowling is a great pastime for all 

age groups and abilities. First 

year membership is only £50. 

Why not come along to our 

Try Bowls taster sessions on 

Saturday and Sunday 5th and 

6th of May between 2pm - 4pm 

and give it a try. All we ask is 

that you bring flat soled shoes, 

we will provide bowls etc. 

For further information please contact the Secretary on 01505 874239 

or e-mail kilmacolmbowlingclub@gmail.com 

LADY MEMBERS WANTED 

Please come along for a try your hand at Green Bowling on any Tuesday 

or Thursday afternoons at 1.45pm. Bowls will be provided, flat shoes 

required. Special membership fee of £50 for the first year. 

For details contact Sandra on 01505 873126 or Diane on 01505 

874265. 

Rotary Club 10K 

On Sunday 29th April, starting at 1pm from 

Kirk Halls, Main Street Houston. 

Registration takes place in the Kirk Hall from 11am 

until 12.30pm. Sandwiches, home baking, tea and 

coffee available to runners and spectators in the halls 

at the end of the race. Water is available at the halfway mark and at 

the end. 

On country roads around the villages of Houston and Bridge of Weir. 

Marshals in attendance and distance markers at each Kilometre. Entry 

fees £12.50 in advance or £15 on the day. £5 for runners 16/17 years of 

age. A race for all abilities from serious runners to novices. Proceeds 

will go to Rotary Charities. 



Ranfurly Castle Golf Club 

Ladies news 

Will Spring ever 

come in 2018? 

The ladies at 

Ranfurly have had 

to accept a slow 

start to the playing 

season but are 

hopeful that there 

will be a good 

summer to come. 

If golf has been 

in short supply 

then social events 

have not. On 

Thursday 5th April 

the Lady Captain 

Marion Munro organised a gin tasting evening in the club which, very 

surprisingly, resulted in a good attendance. Mr Bob Taylor introduced 

the gathering to a selection of Boe Gins. Interesting flavours - Bramble 

Liqueur served over ice or Peach served with Prosecco. Plain gin with 

tonic and a slice of orange and Violet gin and tonic served with a 

bramble and raspberry. 

The flavours were not 

the only interesting 

change, lovely colours 

added to the enjoyment 

as well and needless 

to say a fun evening 

was had by all. Stewart 

catering served delicious 

canapés throughout 

topping off a very good 

night. 

Castle Semple Sailing Club 

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Calder Glen Road, Lochwinnoch. 

Asymmetric Cup Day - 1st April 

53 

After the excitement of the 

Saturday sailing with plenty of yee 

haas and a couple of capsizes the 

wind decided to decrease itself still 

further from the forecast overnight 

to reduce most “races” to a drift. 

With only four boats racing in the morning, increasing to five in the 

afternoon it was almost a case of every boat tells a story........apart from 

the MV2 seeing the welcome return of Alan Falconer - it was good to 

see the Young Falconer partnership back in action keen to regain the 

Asymmetric cup from the Master Vortexer. 

The day saw the launch of the newly acquired club RS Vision with Steve 

C and Heather - unsurprisingly the boat needed a bit of tuning to get it 

up to the standard to challenge MV2 - but a good effort. Meanwhile 

the Hobie 405 had had an invasion of mice over the winter and the 

asymmetric had obviously proved an ideal place for a nest, yes Ok I 

should have checked it earlier but a bit, well most of a roll of spinnaker 

tape actually, more or less did the job of covering the shredded sail! 

- apart from the fact that the actual sail managed to twist itself round 

rendering it fairly useless......a lesson learned...... 

Meanwhile, after the B14 went “sick” on Saturday, the Master Vortexer 

and Young Tony opted for the RS800 however it only survived until 

lunchtime ..........and more boats were required ....even though they 

were now disqualified for changing boats the Master Vortexer and Tony 

hastily rigged the 2 club Fevas. (hopefully someone got a picture of 

Angus in a feva!) and we were off for race 3. 

Race 1 was a shortened course as was Race 4 the other 2 races were 

mostly a frustrating drift but at least the sun shone for most of the day. 

ASN Tennis Festival at 

Strathgryffe 

On Friday 16th March Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash Club hosted 

the 4th Annual Tennis Festival for (ASN) Additional Support Needs 

schools in Renfrewshire. 

This event came at the end of a 2-week programme of tennis activity 

delivered in the schools by Strathgryffe Tennis Coach Brian Knox. 

An encouraging number of 74 enthusiastic pupils from Mary Russell, 

St Paul’s, St Anthony’s and Riverbrae accompanied by their staff all 

took part in varied types of activity at 9 work stations where they were 

assisted by 18 students from West College Scotland and coaches 

Rachel McColgan and Heather Coulton from Strathgryffe Tennis 

Club. 

The morning was led by coaches Brian Knox and James Reid from 

Strathgryffe Tennis Club who on the previous day delivered a training 

session to the students of West College. 

The event was held in partnership with Tennis Scotland, Renfrewshire 

Leisure Sports Services Active Schools and Strathgryffe Tennis Club 

and a very big thank you goes out to all of them along with the support 

from the students from West College and management staff from 

Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash Club who helped to make the morning 

run smoothly. 

A fun morning was enjoyed by everyone! 

The winners were: 

Brian Young and Alan Falconer (RS Vision) 

Steve Davison and Dawn Kyne (Hobie 405) 

Steve Cochrane and Heather Evans (RS Vision) 

Push the Boat Out 2018 - Sunday 6th May 

Come and try dinghy sailing at Castle Semple Loch - contact dawn@ 

castlesemplesc.co.uk 


54 

Renfrewshire athletes 

set sail for Special 

Olympics World 

Games 2019 

The entire Team Special Olympics Great Britain 

(SOGB) sailing squad for the World Games in 

2019 is set to be made up of athletes training in 

Renfrewshire. 

Lewis Nicholson (Paisley), Michael Kelly (Paisley), Jamie Kearns (Clydebank), Shannon McGhee 

(Clydebank), Laura Carrick (Helensburgh, Lothian) and Darren MacGregor (Glasgow) will travel to Abu 

Dhabi as part of a delegation of 129 athletes set to represent Great Britain. 

All six of the athletes who will make up the sailing squad train at Castle Semple and this will form their 

base for their preparations for the World Games next year - supported 

by the coaching team at Castle Semple. 

Councillor Andy Steel, Chair of the Clyde Muirshiel Joint Committee, 

said: “It is a fantastic honour for these athletes to be chosen to represent 

Team SOGB at the World Games and this comes after a fantastic 

performance in Sheffield where they won two silvers and a bronze. 

“We’re extremely proud that these young people are training and 

learning at the top class accessible facilities we have at Castle Semple 

and we will do all we can to facilitate them as they prepare to face the 

best athletes from across the world.” 

The Special Olympics World Summer Games is the biggest global 

event for athletes with intellectual (learning) disabilities and takes place 

every four years. 

Team SOGB are one of 168 countries taking part and around 7,000 

athletes from around the globe will compete in 24 different sports 

between 14-21 March 2019. 

For more information on the Special Olympics World Games 2019 

can be found here: www.specialolympics.org/Games/2019_World_ 

Summer_Games.aspx 

How to beat cravings 

By Lesley Handley, FitSmart Fitness Ltd 

I can’t take your cravings away, nor can I make you crave lettuce and 

spinach instead of chocolate and cakes. I can however suggest some 

ways to help reduce them a little bit for you, hopefully allowing you to put 

up a challenge against them. 

1. Don’t ignore them. If you crave a food, the only sure-fire way to get 

rid of that craving is to eat it. I wouldn’t suggest stopping eating the 

foods you like completely, as it will never work. You end up craving 

it more and more and when you eventually give in you eat up more 

of it than they would have done initially. 

2. Drink plenty of water. Thirst can often be confused with hunger or 

food cravings. If you feel thirsty your body is already in an early 

stage of dehydration. You want to do this consistently throughout the 

day, every day. 

3. Consume more protein. Protein helps you feel fuller and satisfied 

for longer. So, meals that have a higher protein content can stem 

of cravings that can usually kick in not long after you have eaten. 

Studies have shown that an increase in protein can reduce cravings 

by up to 50%. 

4. Avoid letting yourself get extremely hungry. We have all done it, you 

go to the supermarket when you are hungry, and you leave with food 

items higher in fat, sugar and salt. Hunger can be one of the biggest 

reasons we experience cravings. Eat regularly throughout the day. 

5. Don’t buy it. Keep your worst craved food items at a distance. If it 

isn’t in the house – you can’t eat it. Even if you put something in a tin, 

at the back of the tallest cupboard, it is still there and accessible. 

6. Look at alternatives. Can you consume an alternative food that is 

lower in calories and fat/sugar? For example, if you crave chocolate 

digestives… would a non-chocolate digestive stem the craving? If 

you crave a jam filled doughnut… would a ring doughnut stem the 

craving? 

(For the full article go to www.fitsmartfitness.co.uk) 

every Mo n d a y 

Adult Jazz Class 

Bridge of Weir, 10am 

Tel: 01505 690757 for further information. 

Zumba Light 

St Fillan’s Church, Kilmacolm, 10am. 

Tel: 07505 126416 For More Information. 

Adult Beginners Ballet Class 

Bridge of Weir, 11.30am 

Tel: 01505 690757 for further information. 

Kilbarchan Athletic Club 

On-X, Linwood, 7pm 

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990. 

5-a-side Football 

Powerleague Paisley, 6pm 

Tel: Jim on 01505 874215; or jimbretherton@ 

aol.com 

Old Skool Step Class 

Freelands Church (Opposite Amaretto), 

6.30pm. 

Tel: 07505 126416 For More Information. 

Bridge of Weir Ladies Badminton 

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, 7.30pm 

Callanetics 

Brookfield Village Hall, 7.15pm 

Strathgryffe Motorcycle Club 

The Trust Inn, Kilbarchan, 9pm - 10.30pm 

Visit www.strathgryffe.org for details. 

The Shotokan Karate Club 

Woodlands Primary, Linwood, 7-8pm/8- 

9pm 

www.linwoodkarate.co.uk 

Hatha Yoga 

Tweedie Halls, Linwood, 10 - 11am 

Classes available to all levels. Tel: 07968 

207272. 

Pilates classes 

St Machars Church Hall, Bridge of Weir 

9.30am & 10.40am. Kilmacolm community 

centre 6.30pm. 

Tel Yvonne 07786 224367 or yvonne@ 

clydephysiotherapy.co.uk 

Boxercise 

Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm, 6pm - 7pm 

£4 booking reqd 

Tel: 07983 557832 www.sifitness.co.uk 

every Tuesday 

Bridge of Weir Walking Group 

Outside the Co-op, BoW, 10.30am 

1 hour walks. Call Senga on 0141 842 3000. 

Move it or Lose it! 

Cargill Hall, BoW, 10.30am 

West Burn Church, Greenock 2pm 

Fitness for the over 60s. 

Gryffe Badminton 

Strathgryffe Tennis Club, 8pm 

Football Training 

Johnstone High School, 6pm - 9pm 

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details. 

Taekwon-Do 

Johnstone Sports Complex PA5 0LD, 6pm 

Call 07951 365166 for details. 


Bridge Evening 

at KGC 

Kilmacolm Golf Club is delighted to 

host a Bridge Evening on Thursday 

3rd May. The evening is open to 

any combination of gents and ladies. 

Members and non-members all 

welcome. 

Prizes for Bridge and raffle on the 

night. There will be a welcome drink 

and nibbles for £40 per table, reserve 

yours at the bar or call Rosemary 

Hammond on 01505 872345 or 

07757 705188. 

every Wednesday 

Greenock Hockey Club 

Inverclyde Academy, Greenock, 6.30 - 8pm 

Contact Liz Baldwin, mobile 07944 607005. 

Callanetics 

Brookfield Village Hall, 5.15, 6.15 & 

7.30pm 

Hatha Yoga 

Large Hall, St Columba Church, 6.30 - 8pm 

Classes available to all levels. Tel: 07968 

207272. 

every Th u r s d a y 

Kilbarchan Athletic Club 

On-X, Linwood, 7pm 

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990. 

Kilmacolm Walkers 

Birkmyre Park Pavilion, Kilmacolm, 10am 

David 01505 874192 kilmacolmwalkers@ 

talktalk.net 

Callanetics 

Brookfield Village Hall, 9.15am & 10.30am 

The Shotokan Karate Club 

Woodlands PS, Linwood, 7pm & 8pm 

www.linwoodkarate.co.uk 

Football Training 

Johnstone High School, 6pm - 9pm 

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details 

Taekwon-Do 

Johnstone Sports Complex PA5 0LD, 6pm 

Call 07951 365166 for details 

Beginners Adult Ballet 

Bridge of Weir Primary School 7pm 

Call Kirsty McKay: Tel: 07793 452060 

Adult Jazz/Keep Fit 

Bridge of Weir Primary School 8pm 

Call Kirsty McKay: Tel: 07793 452060 

Baby Ballet 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm, Morning 

Call Gail Ashley on 07415 701667 for details 

Move it or Lose it! 

Old Library, Kilbarchan 2.30pm 

Call Fiona on 07811 766672 for more info 

Falun Dafa practice 

Port Glasgow Library 17:00 - 19:00 

With five gentle exercises, Falun Dafa is an 

ancient self-cultivation practice based on the 

principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and 

Forbearance. 

every Fr i d a y 

Callanetics 

Brookfield Village Hall, 9.15am & 10.30am 

Adult Tap Lessons 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm, Evening 

Call Gail Ashley on 07415 701667 for details 

every Su n d a y 

Birkmyre Rugby Club, Kilmacolm 

Youth Rugby Section, 11am - 1pm 

www.pitchero.com/clubs/birkmyre 

info@advertizer.co.uk 

01505 613340 



Kilmacolm Golf Club’s First 

Female Captain 

Jane McDonald has taken on the 

prestigious role of first female Captain 

of Kilmacolm Golf Club in its 127th year. 

This picturesque club has had equal 

membership for 18 years and with over 

130 lady members they are very proud of 

their female section. 

The Mum decided “if you can’t beat them 

join them” when her 2 boys took up the 

sport, 20 years ago, as youngsters. They 

enjoyed learning together and playing as a 

family with husband Douglas in their spare 

time and on Arran in their summer holidays. 

It was a wonderful way to get fresh air and KGC Capt Jane McDonald 

exercise with her children while learning a 

new sport that they could enjoy for many years as a family group. 

Jane who plays off a steady handicap of 20 said “Kilmacolm is such 

a friendly club for all the family and they are very proud of the large 

percentage of female golfers within their 700 members”. Kilmacolm 

caters for golfers of all standards and with a resident Professional 

providing lessons from age 6 years it is the perfect place to base 

yourself if you are a complete beginner or a scratch handicap golfer. 

There are plentiful competitions both at the weekend and mid week and 

the club have been forward thinking in arranging 9 hole competitions to 

suit those with a time pressure. 

Kilmacolm Golf Club continues to embrace the changes in today’s 

golfing world making sure their members are provided with the very best 

membership experiences. From equality to grass- roots golf all the way 

through with exceptional practice facilities and stunning course. 

KGC, Ladies Section 

Social Evening 

On Tuesday, 20th March, our 

Lady Captain, Sara Bishop 

hosted her social evening 

marking the beginning of the 

golf season. The entertainment 

this year were The Alleycats 

(St Andrews University’s 

oldest a capella group, and 

reigning Scottish a capella 

champions) who came to sing 

at the club. They sang a variety of songs (interestingly arranged), to 

a very receptive full house which the ladies thoroughly enjoyed. After 

the entertainment a delicious supper was served. It was lovely to have 

guests from both Ranfurly Castle and Old Ranfurly. Fingers crossed for 

a fun and successful season ahead! 

Old Course 

Ranfurly 

18 of our Juniors attended 

the indoor golf centre in 

Glasgow for their annual 

social event on Sunday 15th 

June. A great day was had 

by all culminating in a pitch 

and putt competition. Thanks to everyone who came along and the 

adults who helped to make the day a great success. 

Our 6th and final ‘Quiz of the Month’ took place on the second Friday of 

April. Over 350 people have attended over the winter period raising well 

in excess of £1,000 for our two charities - Women V Cancer and The 

Accord Hospice. We will confirm the final total in due course. 

We had a warm welcome to some of our new members who managed to 

attend our New Members Evening in the clubhouse - hosted by Captain 

Lyall Campbell and Vice Captain Danny McGarvey. Hopefully everyone 

found it helpful. If you would like to learn more about golf at The Old 

Course, or available memberships, please get in touch. 

Loch Lomond Hike & Bike 

(West Highland Way route) 

Saturday 26th May at 9am – 5pm 

Run/Walk 7.5 miles along the west highland way to Inversnaid and 

pick up your bike. You will cycle 34 miles on quiet scenic roads to 

Rowardennan via Aberfoyle and Drymen. This can be done as an 

individual or as a team of two, husband and wife, parents and children 

or friends and family. The choice is yours! 

What’s included: 

• Event Hub at Rowardennan Hotel 

• Bike and Bag Transport to transition point 

at Inversnaid (Bags returned) 

• Transport Back for relay participants 

• Transition Point Snack Stop – Water and Healthy Snacks 

• Two Water and Snack Stops on the Cycle route 

• Mountain Leader and Cycle Leader briefings 

• Training Guide 

• Equipment List 

• Support Vans and Sweeper Van 

• Fully Signed and Marshalled Route 

• Qualified First Aid Cover 

• Event Manager and at least 6 Sport Ecosse Support Staff 

• Food Stand at Start and Finish. 

To secure a place you only pay £10 on registering and raise a further 

£150 minimum sponsorship. Please call Linda on 0141 848 0308 for 

further details. 

Bridge of Weir United 

55 

Bridge of Weir 2009s and 2010s held a joint Presentation Night in the 

British Legion Bridge of Weir Branch in February, where the kids and 

parents enjoyed great music from the DJ, a lovely buffet prepared by 

parents, and of course the prizegiving. Every child got a club trophy and 

a league medal to recognise their efforts, with special awards for each 

team as follows: 

2009s 

• Players’ Player of the Year – Harris McCoist 

• Most Improved Player – Rory Cox 

• Coaches Player of the Year – Ryan Graham 

2010s 

• Player of the Year – Joe Caldwell 

• Most Improved Player – Oliver Kerr 

We would like to thank parent and football legend Mr Alistair McCoist for 

presenting the trophies. 

Currently, we are hosting 5 pupils from Gryffe High School across our 

teams on volunteering placements for them to work towards their Duke 

of Edinburgh awards. This is something we hope to offer regularly 

in future, especially as they are such a great help to the coaches in 

keeping the kids rounded up! 

Bridge of Weir Utd is open to boys and girls of all ages. The new 

season started in March, but new players are welcome to join any 

time. Currently we have teams for most primary school years. Like 

any voluntary organisation, we desperately need adult helpers. To offer 

more age groups we need players and of course coaches, which does 

require a regular commitment of a couple of hours a week during the 

season, but it is incredibly rewarding as you see the children develop. 

But there are many other ways to help, even just occasionally, so please 

get in touch if you 

would like to know 

more. 

Please contact 

Joe Gibson on 

07514 671904 or 

Ronnie Palin on 

07584 275743. We 

are on Twitter @ 

BridgeofWeirUtd 

and on Facebook 

as Bridge of Weir 

United. 


56 


SITUATIOns Vacant 

Trades and Services 

Property to let 

HOLIDAY HOMES 

HEALTHCARE/ 

BEAUTY 

TUITION 

Business 

MISCELLANEOUS 

CHILDCARE 

Houston registered 

childminders. For an 

informal chat to find 

your best childcare, call 

Elizabeth Waddell T: 

01505 614925 

Kilmacolm/Quarriers area 

registered childminders. 

P/time or F/time 

vacancies for u-5’s and 

after school. 

T: 01505 873839. 

Contact us 

1st Floor, Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN 

t: 01505 613340 m: 07731 923970 

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

@GryffeAds 

Open Tuesday to Thursday 9am-4pm; 

Friday 9am-12:30pm 

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written 

permission is strictly prohibited. The Gryffe Advertizer cannot be 

held responsible for unsolicited materials. The views and opinions 

by contributors in this magazine may not represent the views of the 

publishers. The Gryffe Advertizer takes no responsibility for claims made 

by advertisements in this publication. 



Items For Sale 

Baby Equipment 

Silver Cross Navy Blue 

carriage pram with sun 

canopy. Very good 

condition. £100. Tel: 

01505 872753. 

Wooden rocking crib plus 

bumper and quilt and 

sleeping bag, used twice, 

no mattress, bought for 

grandmas house. £50. 

Tel: 01475 540799. 

Clothes & Shoes 

STAR by Julien MacDonald 

black and white print 

chiffon dress, size 12. 

Never been worn, tag 

still attached. £20. Tel: 

07890 564528. 

Flat Summer Ankle Strap 

Sandals, 2 designs cream 

leather gold snake & 

brown leather with fish 

design. Never Worn. 

Size 6. £15 for both. Tel: 

07971 432684. 

Hein Gericke All in one, 

AllStar waterproofs. 

Black & Silver. Never 

Worn. £30. Tel: 01505 

874103. 

Ellesse Hi Tops. Pink/Grey/ 

Silver. Size 7/40. Never 

Worn. £15. Tel: 07971 

432684. 

Motorbike Thermals, Ladies 

size 12, Leggings and 

long sleeved v-neck top. 

£15. Tel: 01505 874103. 

Puma Hi Tops. Black/ 

Peach. Size 7/40. Never 

Worn. £15. Tel: 07971 

432684. 

Household & Garden 

Limed Oak Fire Surround 

with Black Marble 

Background & Hearth. 

Any offers considered. 

Tel: 07940 127136. 

32 piece Dinner Service. 

8 square dinner plates, 

side, bowls & mugs. 

Avanti Black, still boxed. 

£30. Tel: 01505 874103. 

Hedge Trimmer - Garden 

Groom midi, with 

volume collection bag 

to save time clearing 

up. Lightweight safety 

hedge trimmer that cuts, 

shreds and collects 

cuttings. Good condition. 

£40. Tel: 01505 690426. 

Padded sun lounger. £15. 

Tel: 01505 871343 or 

07463 570464. 

Single folding bed. £20. 

Tel: 01505 871343 or 

07463 570464. 

Pine Bunk beds L 6ft 6 

inch x 3ft 3 inch. Overall 

good condition with minor 

surfaces scratches. Very 

sturdy. Can be separated 

to use as twin beds. £60. 

Tel: 01505 613350. 

Rounded end storage unit. 

Light finish. 2 storage 

shelves takes A4 folders 

& books. (W) 80cm x 

(D) 80cm x (H) 72cm. 

Suitable for office or home 

use. Excellent condition. 

£40. Tel. 01505 613350. 

Traditional upright high back 

2 seater & 2 arm chairs, 

soft heathery colours, 

darks wood arms, very 

good condition. £80. Tel: 

07954 364125. 

Four Wooden Garden 

Chairs. As new condition. 

£12 each. Tel: 01505 

321350. 

Reids coffee table. Light 

wood with glass inlay 

and magazine shelf. 

L110cm W53cm H45cm. 

Good condition. £30. Tel: 

01505 613350. 

McIntosh 1970’s style 

rosewood coffee table 

with small side extensions. 

L107cm W47cm H46cm. 

Good condition. With 

no scratches. £50. Tel: 

01505 613350. 

Sofa Harvey’s 3 seater in 

brown leather. L200cm 

x W90cm. Excellent 

condition. Hardly 

used. £100. Tel: 01505 

613350. 

Swivel Office Chair. 

£20. Contact - avril. 

forbes2015@outlook. 

com or 07463 570464. 

5 x Yorkshire Stone Troughs. 

1ft 8” (L) x 8” (W). £7 

each. Buyer uplifts. Tel: 

01505 612756. 

Garden Table and 4 Chairs 

with 8 thick cushions. 2 

years old. Cost £300, 

accept £75. Tel: 01505 

862609 

Galvanised Metal Motor 

Bike Shed. Approx 8 x 5 

x 6 ft. Fully enclosed with 

metal floor and secure 

bolt for front wheel. Up 

& over front door, 3 

padlocks. British bike 

approved. £400. Tel: 

01505 874103. 

Electrical & Gas 

Singer Sewing Machine. 

Excellent condition. £60. 

Tel: 01505 328246. 

Sewing Machine - Brother 

VX1100 electric sewing 

machine. Very good 


01505 690426. 

Roksan Kandy III CD 

with remote control - 

£350. Roksan Kandy 

III Amplifier with remote 

control & Optimum Glass 

Stainless Steel Unit - 

£450. Mon Audio Silver 

RS6 Cherry Speakers - 

£400. Denon DAB Tuner 

- £100. Will sell as 1 unit 

with a combined price. 

Tel: 07971 432684. 

Dyson Light Ball Animal 

Hoover. Bought 13th Dec. 

‘17 for £220 - receipt 

available. As new, £125. 

Tel: 01505 614900. 

BEKO built under electric 

double oven. Black/ 

stainless. Fits under 

standard worktop. 2 

years old. £70. Tel: 01505 

323209. 

Hi fi speakers, pair for 

80’s hi fi system, solid, 

graphite grey in colour. 

Approx size: 18inch x 

10inch x 10inch. £25. Tel 

or text: 07810 523742. 

Pets 

Bunny hutch & 5 foot run - 

good condition. £50 ono. 

Tel: 07940 127136. 

Sports 

Mountain Warehouse 

Purple Size 10, Extreme 

waterproof breathable 

jacket with pakka over 

trousers and waterproof 

carry bag. Ideal D of Edin. 

£40. Tel: 01505 874103. 

Mountain Warehouse 

Purple Isotherm size 12 

leggings and long sleeved 

top with snow hat. Ideal D 

of Edin. £15. Tel: 01505 

874103. 

Boxing Gloves, brown 

leather Gold’s Gym. Size 

L. Tel: 07971 432684. 

PowerHouse BodyCraft 

Rack, Bench & Weights. 

Chest, squat & arm bars 

with end cuffs. Weights 

20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5 & 1.5kg. 

Weight Rack for storage 

included. £490. Tel: 

01505 874103. 

BMX bike, classic, old 

school, retro, all working 

well. 20inch wheels. 

£40. Tel or text: 07810 

523742. 

Bowls Taylor Ace, Colour 

- Red. Size 0ne. VGC, 

rarely used. Price: £55. 

Tel: 01505 614492. 

Reebok Exercise Bike - 

Model XB0009 Console. 

Excellent condition. £200 

ono. Tel: 01505 871810. 

Exercise Bike Body 

Sculpture BC1510, barely 

used, as new £40. Tel: 

01505 872187. 

Road Runner Pivot Blades, 

streamline roller blades. 

Red & Black, memory 

foam inserts. Size 36. 

Almost new. £20. Tel: 

07971 432684. 

His & hers retro Peugeot 

road bikes (1980s). 

£40 each. Tel: 07954 

364125. 

1 ladies tweed hacking 

jacket, size 10/12 - as 

new. £20. 1 ladies black 

show jacket, size 10/12 

- as new. £20. Tel 07802 

248507. 

Technical & Games 

Thunderbirds tracey island, 

boxed, hardly used, great 

condition, £40. Tel or text: 

07810 523742. 

Other Items 

Artists starter pack or 

stock replenishment. 

Oils, canvases, brushes 

and palette in carry case. 

Brand new. £15. Tel: 

01505 874103. 

Clifton Desk Top Electric 

Drum Set, Ideal for Nat 5 

& Higher practise. £25. 

Tel: 01505 874103. 

Admiralty ‘Forth and Clyde’ 

leisure chart. Third edition. 

Never been used. £15 

ono. Tel: 01505 873140. 

Samsung WB210 Camera 

- World’s 1st 21mm 

Super Wide angle 

compact zoom camera 

with 14.0 megapixels, 

12 x optical zoom, 3.5” 

super bright smart touch 

screen, smart filter and 

HD movie. Excellent 


01505 690426. 

Fish Tank and Cabinet 

in black wood. 30” (L) 

complete with 6 mature 

Goldfish, filter and 

ornaments. £40 ono. 

Tel: 07528 019296. 

Set of 4 16” BMW wheels. 

£50. Tel: 07954 364125. 

Lord of the Rings, Gollum 

statue. Excellent 

condition. £35. Tel: +44 

07535 135177. 

Lord of the Rings, head 

statue - Peregrine Pippin 

Took. Excellent condition, 

boxed. £30. Tel: +44 

07535 135177. 

Lord of the Rings - Gandalf 

and the Balrocollectable. 

Boxed. Excellent 

condition. £90. Tel: +44 

07535 135177. 

2 x Urban Escape mummystyle 

childrens’ sleeping 

bags, purple/black. £5 

each. Tel: 07876 

585391. 

Artists Starter Pack, 24 

Acrylic paints, black carry 

case 12 various sized 

brushes & mix palette. 6 

blank canvas and t shirt 

decorating kit. Never 

Used. £15. Tel: 07971 

432684. 

Set of 4 15” BMW wheels. 

£30. Tel: 07954 364125. 

Homebrew kit for sale, 20l 

pressurised plastic keg 

with gas canister and 20l 

brewing bucket. £20. Tel 

or text 07810 523742. 

Brand new steel car wheel 

6JX15H2 and new Jinyu 

tyre 185/60 R15. Stored 

as spare wheel only. £80. 

Tel: 07736 067169. 

Wanted Items 

Westclox Big Ben alarm 

clock. Call: 07756 

981917. 

Cash paid for Music CDs 

(a few or a lot). Tel: 

0141 882 5594 or 07765 

115347. 

Old records Wanted 45`s 

& LP`s CASH Paid. Tel: 

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. 

57 

CONTENT OF THE GRYFFE ADVERTIZER 

CANNOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT PRIOR 

CONSENT FROM THE PUBLISHER - 

The Gryffe Advertizer is a magazine published by The Gryffe Advertizer Ltd 

Advertising throughout The Gryffe Advertizer: 

Definitions: “Standards” means the British Code of Advertising Practice and 

the provisions of any law applicable to advertising including, but not limited to, 

the Trade Descriptions Act, 1968, the Consumer Credit Act 1974, the Control 

of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988, the Financial Services Act 

1986, the Business Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977 and all amendments 

and replacements. 

It is hereby agreed that: 

• The placing by the Advertising Client of an Advertisement is deemed to be 

acceptance of these Conditions of Acceptance of Advertising. 

• All Advertisements in this Publication must not contravene the Standards. 

• Insertion of Advertisements and/or Editorial is strictly at the discretion of 

the Publisher. 

• The Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage incurred by the 

Advertising Client as a result of any failure, negligence or omission by any 

party in the course of the distribution or circulation of the Publication in which 

the Advertisement is scheduled to appear. 

• In the event of any error, misprint or omission by the Publisher in the printing 

of an Advertisement, the Publisher will either re-insert the advertisement, 

adjust the cost or provide a refund. This does not apply if the Advertisement 

has been approved by the Advertising Client prior to publication. The total 

liability of the Publisher for such an occurrence shall not exceed the amount 

of a full refund for that particular Advertisement. 

• The Advertising Client agrees to indemnify the Publisher in respect of all 

costs, damages or other charges falling upon the Publisher as the result of 

legal actions or threatened legal actions arising from the publication of the 

Advertisement, or any one or more of the series of Advertisements, published 

in accordance with the copy instructions supplied to the Publisher. 

• Readers are reminded that when purchasing items or services advertised 

in the Publication that the Publisher cannot be held in any way responsible 

for the quality or correctness of the items or services included in the 

Advertisement. 

Editorial throughout The Gryffe Advertizer: 

The opinions of the Contributors to this Publication are not necessarily the 

official views of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to edit or refuse 

any material submitted for publication. 

TRADES & SERVICES - CARS FOR SALE 

- PROPERTY & HOLIDAY HOMES (Black & 

White ads only) 

Lineage: up to 20 words £14.00* 

Boxed ad: £7.75* per column cm 

Photo: add £7.75* (colour) *all prices subject to VAT 


58 


Advertizers - A to Z 

Accountants & Financial 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 14 

CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 45 

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 17 

Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk 

Architectural Services 

Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Automotive Services 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

ARC Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 59 

Bathrooms 

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 

Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11 

G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 

Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17 

Bedrooms 

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 10 

Blacksmith & Metalwork 

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 12 

Building Services 

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 

B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 39 

BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 11 

Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 31 

JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 

KC Building & Roofing . . . . . . 4 

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 49 

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 

MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 46 

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 35 

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 49 

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 33 

Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 39 

Business Services 

Hutton Creative Design . . . . . 16 

Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 39 

Care Services & Homes 

Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 10 

Home Instead Senior Care . . . 33 

Catering 

Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 47 

Cleaning & PowerWash 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 47 

Eclipse Rug Spa . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 49,8 

Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 


Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Coffee Shops 

Three Sisters Bake . . . . . . . . . 29 

Computer, Web & 

Graphic Design 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 



by category 

Driveways 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Gryffe Driveways . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Driving Instructors 

AL Stewart - Driving School . . 47 

Education 

St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 41 

Electricians 

Delta Electrical Services . . 33 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Russell Milne Electrician . . 11 

Fencing 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 


Firewood & Logs 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Funeral Services 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 13 

Garage Doors & Gates 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Garden Service & Design 

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 23 

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 23 

Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 20 

Care & Repair Gardening Servci . . 23 


Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 22 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 21 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 20 


M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 23 

MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

R Williams Tree Services . . . 21 

SP Groundcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 20 

Gas & Heating Services 

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 13 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 43 

Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 28 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Glazier 

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 

Cloudy2Clear Windows . . . . . . . 5 

JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 5 

TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Hairdressers & Barbers 

Adele Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 29 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Health, Beauty & Fitness 


Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 50 

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 36 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13,Bk 

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Linda Stewart - Slimming World . . 43 

New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 38 

Home Hardware 

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . .5,12,38,45,47 

Home Improvements 



Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 9 



Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk 


Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 


Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 49 

Home Interiors 




Home Security 

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 44 

Joiners 


CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 4 





McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 45 




TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 43 

Kilt & Dress Hire 

Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 6 

Kitchens 







Leisure & Recreation 

Kilmacolm Show . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Locksmiths 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Painters & Decorators 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 43 

Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 44 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Gryffe Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 

John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Pest Control 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 49 

Pet Services & Training 

Barking Mad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Dog Vacation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 19 

Walkies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Plasterers 

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 45 



Plumbers 



GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 




The Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . 27 

Property, Sales & Let 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Removals 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 43 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Retail 

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . .5,12,38,45,47 

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 28 

Roofing 












Solicitors 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 


Special Occasions 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Stoves 


Taxis & Minicoach hire 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 59 

Tiling 

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 12 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

Travel Agents 

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Tree Surgeon 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 


Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 23 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

TV & Satellite 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 47 


Upholstery Services 



Window Cleaners 




Matthews Cleaning Services . . 47 

Window, Consv & Repair 



TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 43 



A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 43 


A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 23 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Adele Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 14 


AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

AL Stewart - Driving School . . 47 

Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 9 


ARC Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 


B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 39 

Barking Mad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 


Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 44 




Care & Repair Gardening Servci . . 23 


CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 45 

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 


Cloudy2Clear Windows . . . . . . . 5 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 44 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 10 

Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 22 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Delta Electrical Services . . 33 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 47 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 21 

Dog Vacation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 



Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 


Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 50 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 17 


Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . 5,12,38,45,47 


Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 12 

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Gryffe Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Gryffe Driveways . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 59 


Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 6 

Home Instead Senior Care . . . 33 







James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 




John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 13 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 59 

Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 47 


Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 23 


Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 36 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13,Bk 


Kilmacolm Show . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 


Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 


LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Linda Stewart - Slimming World . . 43 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 


M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 23 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Matthews Cleaning Services . . 47 


McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 45 


MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 29 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 38 




PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 


Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 49 

Russell Milne Electrician . . 11 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 19 


SP Groundcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 

St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 41 

Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk 



TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 28 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

The Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . 27 


Three Sisters Bake . . . . . . . . . 29 

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Walkies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 20 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 43 

Important dates for our June ‘18 Issue 

Deadline: 18th May Delivery: 29th May 

Bishopton: 

Woodrow’s Store, 

Library 

Bridge of Weir: 

Gibb Stuart, Bernie’s 

Cafe, Lochnagar, The 

Bridge, Library (Cargill 

Hall) 

Erskine: 

Garden Centre, Library, 

Sports Centre, 

Swimming pool 

Pick up a Copy 

Houston: 

Co-op, Carrick Centre, 

Post Office, Newsagent 

Howwood: 

Village Store, 

St Vincent’s Hospice 

Johnstone: 

Henderson Kilts, 

Papa Mac’s, Library 

Kilbarchan: 

Sheridan’s Store, 

Post Office, Campbell’s, 

Newsagents, Bobbins, 


Langbank: 

Finlaystone Visitor 

Centre 

Kilmacolm: 

Newsagent, Cross Café, 

Gibb Stuart, Library, 

Community Centre 

Lochwinnoch: 

Keystore, Library, 

Dolce Vita, 

Castle Semple Centre 

Quarriers: 

Three Sisters Bake 



5 

59 

£7.2 Investment To transform Roads 

The largest ever single year investment in Renfrewshire’s roads is set to 

be delivered in 2018/2019. It will include the resurfacing and improvement 

of a number of high profile strategic routes and also a large number of 

busy rural and residential streets as part of the continuing physical and 

economic regeneration of the area. 

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of 

Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, 

Land and Environment Policy 

Board, said: “There are areas within 

Renfrewshire which are in urgent need 

of repair and we will prioritise those 

roads in what will be a comprehensive 

programme of upgrades.” 

The roads resurfacing programme will 

coincide with an enhanced schedule 

of pot hole repairs which will tackle 

the effects severe weather has had on 

Renfrewshire’s roads. Any excessive pot holes which have developed 

will be temporarily repaired and then undertaken as part of the larger 

roads resurfacing programme. 

Councillor McEwan added: “We recognise there is a significant issue 

regarding pot holes which is affecting our roads due to the severe weather 

we faced this winter. This is an issue which has been seen nationally, 

even occurring on our motorways, and we have invested accordingly to 

ensure our teams can carry out the necessary repairs...We recognise the 

frustrations of road users and want to assure them that we are committed 

to providing a roads network which is fit for purpose and will work hard to 

address all problems across the area.” 

The full programme of roads resurfacing works is being finalised with 

initial repairs already underway and more extensive resurfacing work set 

to begin shortly. 

For more information on roads services in Renfrewshire, visit www. 

renfrewshire.gov.uk/roads 

Erskine Motorbike Meet 2018 

Join us for the annual Erskine Motorbike Meet on Sunday 

27th May, from 1pm to 5pm at Erskine Home. 

Now in its 12th year, the Erskine Motorbike Meet has become a highlight 

of Erskine’s year. Join us for an afternoon of family fun featuring live 

music, family entertainment, stall village, Motorbike stands, Street food, 

and much more! All are welcome to watch the 100’s of motorbikes, trikes 

and scooters turn out with their riders to show their support and respect 

for the veterans Erskine cares for! 

Parade leaves from Park Mains High School, Erskine PA8 6EY. Muster 

Time – midday onwards, Departure time – 12.40pm, Arrival time at 

Erskine Motorbike Meet PA7 5PU – 1pm 

A737 Roadworks 

Bridge of Weir Community Council reports that Renfrewshire Council’s 

Service Coordination Manager informed them that the previously 

postponed works to improve the A737 east bound on-ramp at Barrochan 

Road, Johnstone are now due to commence on 30th April. 

Barrochan Road will have traffic restrictions, resulting in only one lane 

of traffic and this will be carried out using supervised traffic lights and 

during peak times they will be manually controlled. 

The works are scheduled to last 10 weeks. Officers from Renfrewshire 

Council will work closely with the developer to ensure the works run as 

smoothly and timeously as possible. The later stage of the works will 

also involve weekend working due to the nature of the works at that 

time. 

Immediately following these works, resurfacing works will take place on 

Barrochan Road including the area of road over the A737. 

Whilst these roadworks will cause delays in the area, we will work with 

the developers to ensure these are minimised as much as possible. 

This is the final stage of the roadworks for the Merchiston Development 

and the improved junction will aid the traffic flow on Barrochan Road 

once complete. 

CarFest 2018 

Saturday 16th June, 10am to 4pm in Paisley Town 

Centre 

This year’s event aims to be bigger and better after the success of last 

year. Introducing all manner of vehicles no matter how old, how big or 

how many wheels. Loads for the whole family to do with stalls, games 

and music. Everything from Mini’s to Muscle. 

This is a fundraising event for St Vincent’s Hospice in Howwood. Proudly 

organised by MaxSafe. Training and sponsored by Paisley First. Keep 

an eye out on www.carfest.net for further info. 


t: 01505 613340 e: info@advertizer.co.uk 

you can contact us @GryffeAds using #Advertizer 

or by email info@advertizer.co.uk or phone 01505 613340 

Distributed to: • Bishopton • Bridge of Weir 

• 

Brookfield • Elderslie • Houston • Howwood• Kilbarchan • Kilmacolm • Langbank• Lochwinnoch • Quarriers

284 May 2018 - Gryffe Advertizer

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