307 APRIL 2020 - Gryffe Advertizer
The Advertizer - Your local community magazine to the Gryffe area. The Advertizer is a local business directory including a what's on guide and other local information and an interest mix of articles. The Advertizer - Your local community magazine to the Gryffe area. The Advertizer is a local business directory including a what's on guide and other local information and an interest mix of articles.
In business for 25 years! 13,500copiesMONTHLYNo.307April 2020Read our new Insight Insert inside!Kilmacolm Misty Morning by Bill CrookstonGryffeAds GryffeAdsinsight__magazine InsightGryffe |GryffeDistributed to:• Bishopton • Bridge of Weir • Brookfield • Elderslie • Houston • Howwood • Kilbarchan • Kilmacolm • Langbank • Lochwinnoch • Quarriers
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- Page 16 and 17: Q&A with LORNA MARTIN:writer of ‘
- Page 18 and 19: Easter Egg rollingat Dunrod Hillby
- Page 20 and 21: nightmare neighboursadvice from Kin
- Page 22 and 23: BeEchGrove garden’s top tipsBeech
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In business for 25 years! 13,500
copies
MONTHLY
No.307
April 2020
Read our new Insight Insert inside!
Kilmacolm Misty Morning by Bill Crookston
GryffeAds GryffeAds
insight__magazine InsightGryffe |Gryffe
Distributed to:
• Bishopton • Bridge of Weir • Brookfield • Elderslie • Houston • Howwood • Kilbarchan • Kilmacolm • Langbank • Lochwinnoch • Quarriers
Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
Advertising Feature
Spring time turns our attention to pressure washing and
softwashing ready for the Summer ahead. With over 20 years
experience of exterior cleaning systems, we are your local
qualified and experienced cleaning company with the state of
the art equipment, knowledge and experience to achieve the
best results. Whether it is soft-washing moss on roofs, algae
from render, pressure washing decking, patios, monoblock drives
or anything in between, please give us a call for free, friendly
information on our services or for a free quotation.
01505 863 863 www.nutechcleaning.co.uk
Inside
this issue
Legendary artist and
playwright John Byrne is in
line to receive his hometown’s
highest honour – the Freedom
of Renfrewshire. More details
inside!
John Byrne
p4
Don’t miss our new INSIGHT
Inside section which starts on
p15 - all your favourite articles
from INSIGHT magazine, now
included in your monthly
Advertizer.
In this issue, Beechgrove
Garden’s Kirsty Wilson gives
us her gardening tips for the
spring season.
Jumping with joy, local
sportsman, Leo Harris Downes
has won the gold medal at
the NDP qualifying round for
double mini trampoline in
Perth.
Kirsty Wilson
p22
As we ran up to our print date,
the news was updating almost
by the minute with the current
Covid-19 outbreak. Sadly, some
of the events we have in this
issue may be postponed or
cancelled.
We’ll try to keep you updated
on Facebook, but best to
check with the venue ahead of
time to avoid disappointment.
Leo Harris Downes
p48
Next deadline: Wednesday 15th APRIL!
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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 April 2020
INSIGHT
inside
all your favourite
articles from
Insight Magazine
now included in your
monthly advertizer
FULL INDEX
find our full list of
advertisers on p58,
listed by category
and in an A to Z list
13,500
magazines
hand-delivered to
homes & Businesses
every month
Contents...
features ............................. 4-13
History ......................................14
Insight ................................ 15-23
what’s on ...................... 24-29
village news ................ 30-41
pet news ..................................42
outdoors ..........................43-47
sport news ....................48-50
school news ...................51-55
business classified ...........56
sales & wants .....................57
advertizer directory .....58
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Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
Feature NEws
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
JOHN BYRNE
in line for honorary Title
Legendary artist and playwright John Byrne is in line to receive his
hometown’s highest honour – the Freedom of Renfrewshire. The
Freedom of Renfrewshire is an honorary title and is the highest
civic honour that can be bestowed upon an individual or group. It
has only been awarded five times previously.
John Byrne was born in Ferguslie Park in Paisley in 1940 and is
best known for writing The Slab Boys Trilogy – a set of plays telling
the story of young-working class Scots in Paisley and inspired
by his own experiences working in Stoddard’s Carpet Factory in
Elderslie.
Alongside being an accomplished writer of stage and screen, John
Byrne is known for his distinctive painting style and continues to
paint and exhibit new work regularly.
John returned to Paisley on Saturday 22 February to celebrate his
80th year as part of the inaugural Paisley Book Festival. The soldout
event in Paisley Arts Centre featured readings from his plays
and live music.
He will also bring his new musical play, Underwood Lane, to Paisley
Arts Centre from 25-28 June for its world premiere, in partnership
with Renfrewshire Leisure and Tron Theatre. The play tells the tale
of a young skiffle band trying to make it and is written in memory
of John’s Paisley buddy, Gerry Rafferty, who was born and brought
up on the street.
Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “John is a celebrated playwriter,
painter, printmaker and theatre designer and has put Paisley on
the map. He continues to be committed to our local community
and is treasured by citizens of Ferguslie Park, past and present,
as well as the wider Renfrewshire community and its civic leaders.
I’m delighted to offer him this honour and thank him for the
contribution he has made to Renfrewshire.”
If approved, the Freedom of Renfrewshire will officially be awarded
to John Byrne later this year. Find out more about the Freedom of
Renfrewshire at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/freedomofrenfrewshire
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
We would like to take this opportunity to advise our clients
and readers as to our short-term approach to the current
Coronavirus outbreak.
The Gryffe Advertizer is a small business with a staff of only 5,
all part time employees. Our delivery is carried out by a team of
individuals from each village in our distribution area. We have
been following Government and Public Health Department
advice with regard to the continued service we offer.
We are also reliant on a supply chain and changing
circumstances mean we may need to reconsider our publication
and distribution. In the meantime, we hope to continue to
bring you your local news and events (yes, some are still going
ahead) over the coming months.
As most of our clients are aware, we can be contacted over
email and by telephone and you can also contact us through
social media. All our contact details can be found on our
website and on p2 of this magazine.
Our office is currently open and will remain so for the
foreseeable future, unless we are either forced to close by the
Government or one of our staff becomes ill with the virus.
www.advertizer.co.uk
www.facebook.com/GryffeAds
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Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
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Christian Aid
For one week every May we see
the posters & bunting, and a red
donations envelope drops though
our letterbox to be picked up later in
the week by a volunteer collector.
But what is Christian Aid? Why does
it exist? What does it do?
At outset it is perhaps worth
clarifying what it is not. It is not
“aid for Christians”! Christian Aid
is committed to supporting poor
and marginalised people, whatever
their beliefs, sexuality, gender and
ethnicity. It is a signatory to the
international Code of Conduct which
sets ethical standards for aid work
and, among other things, promises
that aid will not be used to further a particular
political or religious standpoint.
These days it is not even limited to “aid from
Christians”. Because of its excellent record in
tackling poverty and the causes of poverty,
Christian Aid is now funded by generous
donations from a wide variety of people with
diverse religious beliefs.
But there is a core belief running through
everything that Christian Aid does. Christian
Aid believes that everyone is equal in the sight
of God. Poverty is an outrage against humanity.
It robs people of their dignity and lets injustice
thrive. But together we have the power to
transform lives.
Started 75 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. It works with local
partner organisations which not only have
first-hand knowledge of the practical needs
of the poor in their area, but are also able to
ensure the sustainability of initiatives to lift
communities out of poverty.
Christian Aid is also prepared to challenge
governments and systems on the underlying
causes of poverty. It played a leading role in
securing international Government agreement
to cancel the debt burden which was crippling
some of the poorest countries in the world. In
many countries, Christian Aid has been able to
champion the status of women and unleash the
huge contribution they can make to lifting their
communities out of poverty. Today Christian
Aid is not only addressing the very real and
immediate impact of climate change on some
of the poorest communities in the world but
also challenging governments on their response
to the climate crisis.
More information about this year’s Christian
Aid Week in next month’s issue – and get ready
for that red envelope!
For more information visit: www.christianaid.
org.uk
Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley
WEEKLY MEETINGS
Since its formation, in 1995, Gryffe Valley Rotary Club has met weekly on Wednesday
evenings. All speaker/dinner meetings are at the River Inn, Crosslee starting at 7pm
with dinner at 7.30pm and usually a speaker at 8.30pm and a final toast to Rotary at
before 9.30pm. There is no longer a strict obligation on attendance and whilst some
members enjoy attending every week others are there less frequently. Most of the
business of organising fund raising and Community Service and Youth Service events
is done by committees that meet as necessary 6pm to 7pm and approximately once
a month the committees report on their plans and seek approval from the club.
Guests who are interested in finding out more about Rotary or the specific topic are
very welcome. Prior booking is necessary by email to gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com
Bridge of Weir Hillwalkers
February was literally a washout for the BoWHWers as three walks were cancelled by
various storms and monsoons.
We did manage to start March on a better foot with a walk along the Forth & Clyde
canal to lead us on to the Antonine Wall and a walk back in time to the Roman
Empire’s outermost defence line.
The day stayed (Mainly) dry and coffees were back at the Boat House at Auchinstarry
Marina.
The rest of March will see two hill walks in Argyll and by April we will be heading for
three walks in Perthshire. Details: donwwsmith@gmail.com
After the sodden winter, we can only hope that things get better as we hit Spring.
6
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Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
Stock market falls…putting things in
perspective
by Carl Melvin, Affluent Financial Planning Ltd
The Corona Virus pandemic is all over the newspapers and TV news.
Reports of individuals panic buying hand sanitiser and toilet rolls is
surely evidence of people acting irrationally. The world won’t end,
but investors are very concerned about how their investments and
pension funds are being impacted by current events. What do you
do when the stock market is falling sharply?
1. Why are world stock markets falling? Stock markets rise and fall
in line with 3 things – economic news (companies make profits or
losses), world events like war, pandemics, etc and finally, Investor
sentiment – how people react to what is happening. If people
are optimistic then stock markets rise and if fearful then stock
markets decline.
2. Stock markets are resilient – they can handle good news or
bad news, but uncertainty is what causes stock markets to fall
sharply. The lack of certainty causes people to be fearful and this
is magnified until a degree of calm returns.
3. Stock markets recover - it may take time for markets to recover
from a heavy fall but recover they will – and the long-term investor
will be rewarded for her patience.
4. History teaches us a lesson – previous falls are often followed by a
strong recovery within the following 12 – 18 months, so selling out
in the heat of a big fall in share prices is a folly.
5. Think of this as an opportunity – if the prices in the supermarket
were lower than last month, you would call this a sale – the stock
market is currently on sale with prices lower than before, so
for those seeking to invest it offers an opportunity to buy at a
discount.
6. For every seller there is a buyer – if you sell your investments out
of fear, then remember that there must be someone willing to buy
your investment – unless you bought a poor-quality investment or
illiquid asset in the first place.
7. Buy low and sell high – is the key to investment success. This
means when prices are lower (as they are now) then you should
invest more, and when prices are high you should take your
profits.
8. Diversify – one should not have all one’s eggs in a single basket –
a highly diversified global portfolio offers less risk and the scope
for long term growth. A portfolio should be rebalanced at least
annually to capture investment gains.
9. The falls are temporary – and the rise of stock markets is
permanent over the longer term – history tells us this. Think long
term, not short term.
10. It’s too late to react – the falls have already occurred, and markets
may fall further before they recover. Now is not the time to change
your investment strategy or try to second guess the market
movements. Sit on your hands and let the market recover in time
– rash decisions now could cost you dear in the future.
This information is not financial advice. If you require advice you should consult a professional adviser.
The first meeting is normally free and there is no obligation. Call us for a FREE financial review on
01505 59 50 60 or email: info@affluentfp.co.uk Alternatively, pop into the Affluent office opposite
Amaretto restaurant on Main Street, Bridge of Weir. www.affluentfp.co.uk
The value of an investment and the income from it could go down as well as up. The return at the end
of the investment period is not guaranteed and you may get back less than you originally invested.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
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Better access to justice for victims of accidents by Dallas McMillan, Solicitors
Incoming Scottish legislation will greatly improve access to justice
in 2020 for victims of accidents seeking compensation for their
injuries and losses.
At present when injured claimants raise a court action against the
party believed to be responsible, they face being liable for the legal
expenses of the defending party if they ultimately lose their case.
This liability for legal expenses can be very considerable, and whilst
sometimes this risk can be covered by insurance, insurance policies
are not always available, carry various exclusion clauses, and can
be expensive.
Under the incoming legislation (exact date of commencement
awaited) personal injury claimants will benefit from Qualified Oneway
Costs Shifting (“QOCS”). Under QOCS, a successful Defender
will not normally be able to recover any legal expenses from the
claimant even if the claimant loses the case at trial. Instead, the
claimant will only be liable to a successful Defender:-
(a) Where fraudulent conduct by the claimant,
(b) Where claimant has behaved in a manifestly unreasonable
manner, or
(c) Where claimant’s conduct amounts to an abuse of process.
These tests are expected to be difficult for Defenders to establish.
The imminent introduction of QOCS is expected substantially to
improve access to justice for claimants. Currently, many deserving
claims are rejected by wealthy employers and/or insurers, and are
then abandoned by claimants fearful of the risks of proceeding
with litigation. With the new legislation, QOCS and the reduced
risks for claimants, however, solicitors will have greater scope to
advise claimants to press on into litigation to secure justice and
compensation due for their injuries and losses.
Anyone injured in an accident (whether at work, in a road accident
or in a public/private place) are advised to instruct specialist
personal injury claim solicitors as soon as possible.
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Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley Youth Competitions
Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
The Regional Finals for Young Chef and Youth Speaks were held in
Stirling on Saturday 7th March. With winners and runners up in the
District Finals, the Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley was represented in
both events.
YOUNG CHEF
In Young Chef we were represented by Ellie Shaw of Gryffe High;
she had to cook a three- course meal for two in two hours within
a budget of £20. We are grateful to Gibb Stuart Home Hardware
who sponsored our initial Club Competition at the start of the
process and to Jason Andrews of The River Inn who sponsored
Ellie’s “whites” for the later stages.
YOUTH
SPEAKS
In Youth Speaks
we were represented in both Intermediate and Senior age categories
by teams from St Columba’s. Each Youth Speaks team is comprised
of a Chairperson, Proposer and Opposer who argue opposing views
of their chosen topic. The Intermediate team of Kierandeep Nijjer,
Emma Ventham and Orla O’Rourke discussed “Make do and Mend”
while the Senior team of Mark Morgan Clelland, Elliot Nixon and
Bronte Marritt debated “We are too Sensitive”.
All the young people performed well but only the winners of
the Regional Finals go forward to the National Finals ….so very
special congratulations to the Senior Team from St Columba’s who
won their final with a very creditable performance and head to
Birmingham for the National Finals in May.
The St Columba’s Senior Team, winners of
the Regional Final and going forward to
the National Final
How Often Should We Have Our Eyes
Checked?
Ellie Shaw, in her “whites”, sponsored by The River Inn
The St Columba’s Intermediate Team
by Kerry Taher, New Vision Opticians
Many people ask at what age should children start having their
eyes examined. There is in fact no specific age.
Babies have their eyes checked at birth, then 6 weeks later by
the Health Visitor. This is followed by a large 3-4 year gap before
the preschool check at around 4 years of age. Children tend to
complain about their sight only when they are really struggling, so
many smaller but important problems can easily go undetected in
these 3-4 years.
Routine eye tests can start from about 6 months of age, but if there
are any concerns then babies/children can be seen at any age. Most
of the crucial development of our visual system occurs before the
age of 7, so any treatment must be started as early as possible.
Even if you have no concerns, we recommend an eye examination
before starting school.
Under normal circumstances annual checks are typical up to 16
years of age, after which it becomes every 2 years. However, in
some cases annual checks may still be required – for example,
over 40’s with a family history/risk of Glaucoma, all patients with
Diabetes, certain types of macular changes etc.
If you have an eye infection, a GP or pharmacist will give good
advice. However, with the specialised equipment we have in
practice, an optician should be your first port of call.
If you have any concerns at all about your eyes, you should contact
your optician regardless of when you last had them checked. If you
are unable to attend your local practice due to mobility or health
issues, many opticians will come to your home. The NHS pay for all
practice and home eye examinations for everyone who is eligible.
For further information, please call: 01505 614 700.
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Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
Packed U3A for Paisley tunnel talk
Over 100 curious people packed Paisley & District’s U3A March
meeting to learn how Paisley came to have Scotland’s finest and
best preserved medieval tunnel.
Guest speaker and excavation leader Bob Will of Guard-Archaeology
answered questions from a large audience on future plans to allow
more visitors to the Big Dig site.
U3A Chair Kathleen O’Donnell said: “This has been a fascinating
and inspiring talk. The different relics discovered beside Paisley
Abbey each tell their own story about life lived from the 14th
century onwards. Many people here today would love to visit the
tunnel. We’d support any plans to enable this to happen. Just now
there is a public ballot for Doors Open Day in September. Perhaps
in the future, Paisley will develop an all year round visitors site.”
Mary’s Meals representative, Mary Moran will give a presentation on
the international charity’s schools feeding programme and other
vital work at Paisley & District U3A’s next monthly meeting. This
free event is on Thursday 2nd April, at 2pm in the Salvation Army
Hall, Mill Street, Paisley, PA1 1ND.
More details at: https://u3asites.org.uk/paisley/welcome
Photo 2: Paisley tunnel underground, courtesy of Paisley.org.uk
COVER & BANNER PHOTOS WANTED - please email your
hi-res images to info@advertizer.co.uk
Coronavirus
Helpline
for Scottish
Businesses
A new helpline has been
launched to supply
Scottish businesses
with tailored advice
on coronavirus. It will
be open Monday to
Friday from 08:30 to
17:30, based at Scottish
Enterprise’s call centre
in Clydebank.
Call handlers will
answer questions from
businesses related to
Covid-19 as well as
relaying the challenges
faced by businesses
to the Scottish
government.
It comes as the UK
enters the second phase
of virus management.
The helpline number is
0300 303 0660
Renfrewshire recognises inspiring local heroes
Renfrewshire has honoured local groups and volunteers for their work in the community at the Provost’s
Community Awards.
Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron was joined by comperè Libby McArthur to help celebrate the
achievements of devoted community members who go above and beyond to make Renfrewshire a better
place to live and work.
The award winners were invited to a special ceremony at the Normandy Hotel in Renfrew after being
chosen from more than 50 outstanding nominations submitted by their peers in the local community.
Renfrewshire Schools Clarsach Group provided music as guests arrived at the ceremony. Preceding the
presentation of the awards, guests were entertained by Starlight Youth Music Theatre Group who performed
a selection of Motown Classics.
The recipients of this year’s awards were:
• Arts and Culture (sponsored by Renfrewshire Council) – Catherine Craig
• Carer’s Award (sponsored by former Provost Nancy Allison) – Linda Clark
• Community Group (sponsored by City Gate Construction) – Rays of Hope
• Community Volunteer (sponsored by Glasgow Airport Ltd) – David Love
• Employee of the Year (sponsored by UNISON Renfrewshire) – Pamela McKechan
• Sporting Achievement (sponsored by Acre Industrial Services Ltd) – Harrison Lovett
Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “The Community Awards recognises those who really go the
extra mile to make Renfrewshire a better place without looking for reward or recognition.
“These winners were all nominated by their own communities and I’m honoured to be able to reward them
for their dedication and commitment.
“Congratulations to all our winners, your hard work does not go unnoticed.”
The Provost’s Community Awards were first established in 1997 by former Provost Nancy Allison, who
continues to sponsor the Carers Award today.
The awards have been continued by each subsequent Provost and have recognised more than 100 deserving
community members for their commitment and devotion.
For more information on the Provost’s Community Awards, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/provostawards.
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Water Flossing
by Sheila Macintyre, Practice Owner at Kilbarchan Dental Practice
Whilst there has been some debate in the dental community
around whether it is better to floss or use inter-dental brushes the
reality is that no matter how well you brush small particles of food
do get stuck between your teeth and gums. This can lead to the
development of plaque and a build-up of tartar, tooth decay and
gum disease.
It is important, therefore, that inter-dental cleaning is built into
your dental health regime one way or another and it is often down
to the individual as to what works for them - for instance if teeth
are very close together it may be more difficult to use an interdental
brush.
We often find that patients find it hard to stick to string flossing or
using inter-dental brushes as it can be tricky and time consuming.
If this is the case for you it may be worth considering an alternative
such as water-flossing which uses a high-pressure jet of water
to clean in between your teeth. There are certainly a number of
studies that support their effectiveness and, personally, I have been
impressed with some of the results I have seen so far.
There are a wide variety of water-flossing machines available these
days as they have become more popular. Countertop machines with
water reservoirs are bigger but depend on an electrical supply close
to a sink which isn’t always available. Cordless battery-powered units
are also available and are great for travel or
where you don’t have a mains supply but
may not be as powerful. If either option
gets you doing something rather than
nothing it is certainly a step in the
right direction.
If you would like any more advice visit
us at Kilbarchan Dental Practice,
call 01505 704969 or click www.
kilbarchandental.co.uk where
you’ll find lots more free tips.
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Local history
14
Semple Stories
Lochwinnoch’s Glories is Searching for The Past.
It is extraordinary just how much hidden history there
is within the community and long may it last and be
treasured.
I was contacted on Facebook by a man who found a
Struthers American cream soda bottle while exploring
underneath his house. Resplendent with an image of a
Native American Chief in full-feathered headdress and
tunic, the bottle, stopper and label were in near perfect
condition.
I reposted the images on the project Facebook page –
Lochwinnoch Glories – and other people began sharing
their family heirlooms. Other designs of Struthers
bottles, glass milk bottles for Lochwinnoch produced
milk, curling stones handed down through the family,
furniture, rugs and even a Struthers bright orange crate
for holding half-a-dozen
bottles. All of this, the
evidence of a wee village’s
big industrial past. It was
like a regular Antiques
Roadshow!
People have so generously
opened their homes and
lives, to share memories
of people, events and
family treasures and
I am very grateful for
this contribution to the
project.
Semple
Stories,
Lochwinnoch’s Glories
is a project funded by
the Renfrewshire and
Inverclyde LEADER and
the Heritage Lottery
Fund.
Johnstone History Society
We now move onto our April meeting which will be held
on the 11th of the month in the Masonic Hall in Collier
Street at 7.30pm.The speaker on this occasion will be
Graham Fulton and his subject is “The Paisley Civil War”.
Graham Fulton is a poet from Paisley and he has had
several books published .At our meeting he will be telling
how the American Civil War impinged on Paisley .A good
attendance is hoped for by members and visitors. All will
be made welcome and may stay and enjoy a cup of tea
or coffee..
The Museum continues to open Wednesday Friday and
Saturday from 10.30am to 4pm .We have a wide selection
of books pamphlets and maps on sale ,these can also be
purchased online from our website at johnstonehistory.
org and an be paid for via PayPal. If you have not been in
recently you will find we may have had display changes
so another visit may be interesting.
William Cuninghame, 8th Laird of Craigends
Over one hundred years before John Cuninghame, 13th Laird of Craigends
kept a diary (see March issue), William the 8th Laird, too, kept a diary. Unlike
the 13th Laird’s very personal diary, William Cuninghame’s diary was mainly
in the form of an account book of his household expenses, but it still gives an
interesting insight into his life and activities.
At the time of writing, William was heir to his father, Alexander, and was
known as Master of Craigends. He married his first wife, Anne, daughter of
Lord Ruthven, in April 1673. William and Anne lived in the old Craigends House
with Laird Alexander and his wife. Although the couple had no children,
William was trustee to Anne’s son, William, from her previous marriage to
Cuninghgame of Cuninghamehead.
William’s diary is complete from November 1673 until December1680. Every
item of William’s household expenditure is meticulously itemised and dated.
He regularly paid his father the cost of boarding in the household. Boarding
expenses ‘for horses and all’ amounted to over five hundred pounds sterling
each year. William also gave money to his wife, ‘the lady’, for her expenses,
and paid his own personal servants. William and Anne made regular visits to
Anne’s family at Freeland in Perthshire and William, on occasion, travelled to
Edinburgh to attend to legal matters on behalf of Anne’s son. The expenses
incurred on these ‘voyages’ are recorded in detail, including board and
lodgings, cost of servants on the journey, stabling and feed for his horses and
gratuities given to servants at inns. At home, William frequently gave money
to beggars and to ‘poor men at the gate’.
William was a frequent visitor in Kilbarchan village. In 1675 he appointed
James King, to erect a ‘leaping-on-stone’ (used to assist in mounting a
horse) close to the Parish Church. He gave regularly to the Parish Church,
paid for repairs, and contributed to the parish schoolmaster’s salary. As
staunch Presbyterians, the Cuninghames were opposed to the imposition
of Episcopacy on the Church of Scotland. William’s diary entries include
financial support given to Presbyterian ‘outed’, ministers expelled from the
church for their beliefs.
Like all country lairds, William went hunting. This pursuit entailed expense
for saddles, bridles and shoeing horses. His other leisure pursuits included
bowling, curling, tennis and the ancient game of bullets. With the exception
of tennis, which was played in Paisley, he appears to have engaged in these
sports with his servants or tenants. His main expense was the money he lost in
wagers, including twelve shillings ‘lost in tennice with Rossyth, in September
1675.
William dressed well and made numerous payments to tailors and shoemakers.
His wardrobe included, a coat and breeches of purple cloth, fixed with ties
made from fifteen ells of purple ribbon; suits adorned and fastened with
silver buckles and buttons, and silver-buckled shoes. He wore a periwig and
used bone and timber combs, a little pocket brush and a supply of sweet hair
powder for his hair. His sword and scabbard were held in place by a belt.
William became the Laird on the death of his father in 1690. He married his
second wife, Christian, the daughter of John Colquhoun of Luss, and had five
children, including a daughter Lilias (b 1791). Lilias, is still celebrated in the
village today in the annual historic pageant known as Lilias Day. William died
in 1727 and was succeeded by his eldest son Alexander.
© Helen Calcluth, Renfrewshire Local History Forum
Our next lecture “Clyde Defenses and Clyde Burials” by Tam Ward,
North Clyde Archaeological Society, will be held in the McLean
Building, Room D137/9, University of the West of Scotland, on 9th
April at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome.
April 2020
INSIGHT
Lifestyle & culture in your area
culture • lifestyle • arts • family
Emma Davis:
british contemporary art award
Local artist Emma S Davis has won the British Contemporary Art Award 2020 with her
painting ‘Moonlit Moorings Crinan’
Early in January Emma was shortlisted in the final with another 9 British artists for the
award, the voting then went to the public. It was announced at the end of February
that Emma had won the award.
Emma has been painting full time since she graduated from Glasgow School of Art in
1998. She works from her studio in Quarriers and exhibits in galleries throughout the UK
and her work is in many private collections worldwide. This award is a great accolade
and means she will be represented by the British Contemporary Art Gallery for the
next year. Well done, Emma!
15
Q&A with LORNA MARTIN:
writer of ‘Rose’
Lorna Martin is an Edinburgh based playwright, award-winning journalist,
former Scotland editor of The Observer, mother and author of critically
acclaimed comic memoir ‘Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown’.
She spoke with Rona Simpson about her play ‘Rose’ which will be part of
the Oran Mor: A Play, a Pie and a Pint series.
16
1. Who is Rose Reilly and what makes her story remarkable?
Rose Reilly is arguably Scotland’s most successful footballer and
the only Scot ever to have scored in a World Cup final. Despite
this, Rose’s isn’t as widely known as she should be. Her story is
remarkable and inspiring because she faced non-stop obstacles;
barriers that would have floored most of us. But with superhuman
passion and determination, she pushed expectations, judgement,
discrimination, and disappointment aside and battled on. Nothing
would stop her pursuing her dream of being a girl who wanted to
play football. This was when the prevailing attitude in Scotland was
that football simply wasn’t a game for girls. Rose Reilly was having
none of that.
2. You seem drawn to stories that are based on real events.
Your comic memoir ‘Woman on the Verge of a Nervous
Breakdown’ was drawn from your own experiences in
psychotherapy. How different was it to be exploring
another person’s life and personal experiences and did
you feel that there were any events or areas of Rose’s life
that you decided to leave alone?
When I was younger I wrote quite a lot about my car crash romantic
life, but as I’ve got older, and hopefully a little wiser, that part of
my life is now too boring to write about. Also, as a journalist (I
previously worked for the Herald and the Observer) I always loved
interviewing people and writing about other people’s lives and
stories, which were always much more interesting and fascinating
than my own! With Rose, and the wider world of women’s football
in Scotland in the 70s and 80s, it has been a real joy to delve into.
Nothing was out of bounds.
WATT a Result: refurbished
greenock museum shorlisted for
Scottish architectural prize
GREENOCK’S Watt Institution has been
shortlisted for a national architectural award
following a major £2.1 million refurbishment.
3. What is your favourite scene in the play?
I like the sad bits! But there’s also a lovely scene which takes place
in Greenock. In 1972, for the first official Scotland versus England
women’s international, the SFA refused to allow the match to be
played on any of their official pitches. Instead, it was played at
Ravenscraig Park, in November, in a snow storm.
4. Why should people come and see Rose?
People should come and see Rose because it’s a funny and
at times poignant story about a young girl from Ayrshire who
became an accidental feminist and transgressor, who refused
to play by society’s rules and who was eventually named the
greatest female footballer in the world. It’s the most empowering
and inspiring story I’ve ever had the privilege and pleasure of
telling.
A Play, A Pie & A Pint: Rose by Lorna Martin was due to take place at the
Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock in April.
Currently the Beacon Arts Centre is suspending all activities until further
notice, to support measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.
The Kelly Street building, incorporating the McLean Museum
& Art Gallery, Watt Library and Watt Hall, is in the running for a
prestigious honour from The Royal Incorporation of Architects in
Scotland (RIAS).
It is one of 18 buildings from across the country in the running for
an award having been selected from 80 entries.
Councillor Jim Clocherty, Inverclyde Council’s Convener of
Education & Communities, said: “To be shortlisted for such a
prestigious honour from The Royal Incorporation of Architects in
Scotland is testament to the hard work of everyone involved, from
our designers at Collective Architecture to council staff across a
variety of departments.
“The Council has invested a lot of time and money in not only
preserving but greatly improving the Watt Institution to ensure
future generations can continue to learn about the area’s rich history.
The Watt Institution is a great opportunity to discover Inverclyde’s
history and heritage and just a fortnight ago we welcomed visitors
from Norway, who were impressed with the building and displays
during a tour.”
The Greenock arts facility was rebranded the Watt Institution – its
original and legal name, which has been brought back into everyday
use – to coincide with the bicentenary of the death of James Watt
in 2019 following a £2.1m refurbishment of the interior and exterior
by Inverclyde Council.
The museum reopened in October last year following completion
of the renovation.
Inverclyde Council funded the majority of the work with Historic
Environment Scotland contributing £300,000.
Judging for the RIAS Awards 2020 is due to take place at the end of
March, with Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Edinburgh
on May 28. These dates may be due to change.
April 2020
MISSING TEETH?
No-one needs to know
Missing teeth or loose dentures affects people from every background, often
resulting in embarrassment or difficulty eating. Fortunately, there is a local
practice that may have the perfect solution.
Dr Philip Byrne, Implant Dentist and owner of Erskine Dental Care- Dental
Implant Centre understands that every patient’s situation is unique and aims
to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs. Philip first became involved
with Dental implants in 2007 and thousands of patients have benefited from
his expertise. He is one of a handful of Scottish Dentists with a Postgraduate
Qualification in Dental Implants and is an expert in helping his patients
achieve a natural smile. Dental Implants allow patients to have anything
from a single missing tooth to a full set of teeth to be replaced. Philip was
shortlisted for the ‘Clinician of the Year’ award in Scotland in 2019, giving
you peace of mind that your care will be provided by an experienced and
highly qualified implant dentist.
At Erskine Dental Care, we use advanced dental implants to achieve fantastic
results. We have invested in the facilities required to provide comprehensive
patient care including a CT scanner, 3D Printing and 3D Digital Scanners
allowing your care to be planned and delivered with precision. We are the
only practice in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde equipped with a CT Scanner.
We also offer a free consultation and the option of payment plans.
Mrs AB, said: “Just a small appreciation for the kindness and professionalism
I received during my recent implant. I couldn’t have asked for better! A
special thanks to Philip and Stacey for all their kindness.”
If you think you might benefit from dental implant treatment or would like
more information, you can call our friendly reception on 0141 812 8420 and
arrange your free consultation.
Dental Implants can be used to help
patients suffering from a variety of
conditions. If you are affected by any
of the following conditions, dental
implants may be the answer:
• Missing teeth or gaps
• Failing crowns or bridges
• Loose dentures or teeth
• Worries about having dentures or
jawbone loss
• Dislike of denture adhesive
• Difficulty chewing
• Gum disease
• Mouth infections
17
Easter Egg rolling
at Dunrod Hill
by Rona Simpson
Start/Finish: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre
OS Map: Landranger 63
Grid Reference: NS 227 738
Grade: Strenuous
Distance: 5km, 3 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Route Overview: A short steep grassy climb or decent for hilltop
vistas over the Firth of Clyde. Route uses old reservoir gravel
tracks over open moorland. Potentially boggy in places!
Easter picnics were a staple in the Simpson household when
I was growing up. Each year we’d be given our boiled eggs to
decorate in the morning then be wrapped up in our hat and
scarves (standard Scotland in spring attire) and frog marched up
to a precipice on the Campsie Fells - clinging on to boulders to
avoid being blown off the side of the hill - to roll said eggs back
down. And, I bloomin’ LOVED it. It was great fun! My partner is
from the south of England. Picnics down there are pretty Enid
Blyton-esque affairs. She was not ready for the endurance test of
picnicking in Scotland at Easter and has never really got into the
swing of this tradition, preferring sandwiches being consumed
by burbling brooks under endless blue skies at temperatures
that won’t give you frostbite. I can’t think why. Anyway, if you are
looking for a good hill to climb with the sprogs armed with eggs
this month, give this one a go.
route
The Route: Start at the top left corner of Clyde Muirshiel visitor
car park and go over the stile; follow the informal trail up the
hill. There is the option to go straight up or follow the zig zag
trail to the right. At the top of the slope turn right to reach the
summit cairn of ‘Hillside Hill’ (297m). From this carin head ‘west’
to the gate in the fence line before heading up to the trig point of
‘Dunrod Hill’ (298m). Now a Site of Special Scientific Interest at it
is part of the Clyde Plateau Lavas*. From the trig point head north
east downhill to the metal field gate to join a wee path, then jump
the burn to follow the reservoir track. At the junction, go straight
on to the telephone mast at Scroggy Bank. Keep the mast on
your left. At the lay-by there are great views of all the big named
reservoirs in the area. Follow the track downhill, taking a sharp
right onto the loose gravel of the ‘Overton Track’. Loch Thom will
be on your left and the Visitor Centre straight ahead. Enjoy!
Special Scientific Interest
Dunrod Hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is
nationally important because it contains outcrops of volcanic
rocks that belong to a sequence of lavas. A volcano erupted
during the early part of the Carboniferous Period, about 340
million years and the lava rock remains. These are known as
the Clyde Plateau Lavas.
18
CRAFTY easter egg IDEAS
How to ‘Dye’ Your Eggs:
• Fill a container with a cup of water, one teaspoon of white
vinegar, and about twenty drops of any food colour. You will know
that you’ve used enough liquid if the egg completely submerges in
the water.
• Fill several containers if you will be using different colours.
• You can dye the egg two colours by dipping only one section of
the egg in at a time. Hold one half of the egg so that only half of it
is submerged in the dye. After about five minutes, submerge the
other half of the egg in another colour.
Other ideas:
• Acrylic paint is ideal for eggs because it covers them well and
adheres nicely. You can use any brand and colour of acrylic paint
that you’d like. Use a paintbrush to create fun designs – ladybirds,
pigs, spiders – the list is endless!
• Painting eggs with glue solution and dipping and rolling in glitter
then leaving to dry creates a snazzy sparkly egg!
April 2020
Review:
gleddoch Hotel, spa & Golf
Gleddoch Hotel, Spa & Golf – one of the most prestigious, luxury
hotels in the Glasgow area. Featuring a top-quality golf course
and an award-winning Imperia Spa, Gleddoch is so much more
than just a hotel. Thanks to excellent amenities, outstanding golf
and spa facilities, not to mention the convenient location just
10minutes from Glasgow Airport, Gleddoch offers the whole
package for those looking to relax and get away from it all.
The championship 18-hole golf course is second to none in the
Glasgow region. Guests can enjoy a few rounds out on the course
before heading over to the award-winning spa for ELEMIS & ishga
treatments, making use of a full range of leisure facilities to relax
and unwind, including a new outdoor spa pool, which is coming
this Spring. Finish off the day in style at VISTA restaurant, The
Nineteenth bar or Dram whisky and gin bar, before heading up to
one of 70 luxurious en-suite rooms for the perfect night’s sleep.
We are also very excited to announce the opening of a brand new
state-of-the-art 16 bay, floodlit driving range, with two custom fit
studios and a golf simulator with an indoor putting green.
20% off at gleddoch with the gryffe advertizer
19
nightmare neighbours
advice from Kingsley Wood Solicitors
Just as the saying goes about family, you can’t choose your
neighbours. Everyone has a story about a nightmare neighbour,
would you not agree? A devil dog that barks all night, the couple
next door that have raves on a Wednesday, or the family that
think the driveway is a mechanics yard. All this is enough to make
you want to phone in the estate agents; however you might want
to rethink, there are other options.
In Scotland these types of situations are dealt with under the law
of delict. This area of the law deals with wrong doings that have
been done intentionally, as well as unintentionally, by a party. Most
cases are dealt with by common law and are decided on a case by
case basis. The key element is being able to show loss or damage
has been incurred.
One legal remedy we have under statute is what is called an
interdict. An interdict is used to stop a party from continuing their
actions that is causing loss to you. For example, this could be a
neighbour who is stopping you from selling your home by causing
a nuisance, or a neighbour who is cutting down trees without the
relevant permissions.
When thinking about the law of delict, almost everyone in the
legal world will tell you about the case of Donoghue v Stevenson.
This is more commonly referred to as “the snail” case. Here, Mrs
Donoghue was drinking a bottle of ginger beer in a café when she
discovered a dead snail at the bottom of the bottle. As the bottle
was not clear she did not know it contained the snail. As you can
imagine she had severe stomach pains. This case established that
we all owe a duty of care to our neighbour, not injure or cause
loss to them. The term neighbour goes beyond just the literal
meaning of the word in that it means anyone who would be
directly affected by your actions.
This “duty of care” responsibility we all have to one and other is
key when establishing a delict. But how far does this duty go?
As mentioned above, all cases depend primarily on the facts. For
example, in the case of Bolton v Stone it was found that there
was no breach of the defenders duty of care, despite the pursuer
being injured by a cricket ball that had been hit over the fence
of a cricket ground, as it was not reasonably probable that this
would happen.
Unlike other areas of the law there is no clear-cut answers in
delict. You have to be able to show the damage or loss that you
have incurred. If you can relate to
anything mentioned above or would
like some further advice on the
matter, then please get in contact
with either Kingsley Wood or Dionne
Hunter at our Kilmacolm office on
01505 874114 or email us at mail@
kingsleywood.co.uk
St Columba’s School
Update
pipe band
St Columba’s School Pipe Band Win at the Scottish School
Championships
On Sunday the 8th of March, our School Pipe band competed at
the Scottish School Pipe Band Championships. St Columba’s took
the Novice Juvenile B category by storm. With 21 school bands
competing, this was an absolutely outstanding achievement
in what was the most significant category of the day. Our
largest band (37 members!) from J6 to SVI competed and we
are extremely proud of them - the Scottish Schools Pipe Band
champions!
20
sporting wins
1st XI hockey Team Bring Back Win After 24 Years
Wednesday the 4th of March saw the girls 1st XI team take part
in the Hutchesons’ Grammar School hockey tournament. Playing
consistently well in all their matches, the team were in to the final
against The High School of Glasgow. The final match became a
close call after running into extra time and penalties thereafter.
However, the St Columba’s girls kept their cool and claimed
victory with a score of 2 -1. The team put on an outstanding
performance. The tournament had last been won by the school
in 1996, so we are very proud of our team for bringing back this
well-deserved win.
April 2020
world book day
Junior School Celebrate World Book day
The beginning of March always brings with it the delightful event
of World Book Day, and we were thrilled to see all of Junior
School swap their uniforms for creative and imaginative costumes.
There was such a colourful array of different characters: Cat in
the Hat, Gangster Granny and A Very Hungry Caterpillar amongst
them! Continuing to promote cross-school learning, J5 pupils
took the time to read books with the Early Years children. It was
lovely to see everyone in the room enjoying a book and seeing the
children looking after one another so well.
public speaking champs
Public Speaking and Quiz Competition Success
The month of March has seen many local and regional
competitions taking place including the Regional Finals of the
‘Youth Speaks’ Rotary Club Public Speaking competition. St
Columba’s was represented by both a Senior and Intermediate
team, both choosing to speak on important current issues. The
Intermediate team consisted of Kierandeep N (Chair), Emma V
(Proposer) and Orla O (Opposer), with the Senior team consisting
of Mark C (Chair), Elliot N (Proposer) and Bronte M (Opposer).
Putting on an impressive display of knowledge, the Senior team
became the clear winners, with our intermediate team coming
close runners-up. The Senior team now progress to the National
Finals in Birmingham this May.
Transitus pupils also brought back success as Tanisha, Robbie,
Oliver and Freddie entered the Gryffe Valley Rotary Club Primary
School Quiz. Hosted at the Houston Bowling Club on the 10th of
March, 5 local primary schools competed in 10 different rounds.
Despite 2 demanding final rounds, our team were victorious,
scoring a staggering 87 points. The Transitus team now look
forward to the district heat in April.
21
BeEchGrove garden’s top tips
Beechgrove Garden’s Kirsty Wilson gives us
her gardening tips for the spring season.
Q. When should we start sorting out our gardens so they are
beautiful for spring and summer? Anything that needs seen to
before frost/after frosts?
There is nothing quite like starting our gardens in early spring
when the delicate blossom, spring bulbs and delightful birdsong
entice us back outside. Now is the best time to get outdoors and
start getting your garden ready for the next few months. Our
garden plants can survive late snow and frosts, anything tender
should have been overwintered in a greenhouse.
1. Cut back Cornus (dogwood)
Prune these colourful winter stems down to a few centimetres
above the ground now to ensure bright colourful stems next
winter.
2. Dig up and divide herbaceous perennials
This is a good time to rethink your borders and move plants and
split perennials which have become woody or congested in their
centre.
3. Overhaul the lawn
Remove thatch and moss with a wire tooth rake and edge it. You
might also want to feed your lawn during a mild spell with blood,
fish and bone meal to encourage a green healthy lawn.
4. Sow seeds
Start seeds in a greenhouse or on a windowsill, or even outdoors
when weather permits. Hardy annuals such as Calendula and
Nasturtiums are robust plants that can provide wonderful colour
in your garden during the summer months.
Q. What are the best plants and flowers to have in the garden
for those of us who are less green fingered; require minimal
effort and maintenance?
If you don’t have time to cut areas of your lawn, convert the
area into a perennial wildflower meadow which only requires a
cut once a year and helps encourage wildlife into your garden
including pollinators. Wildflowers meadows can provide a display
of flowers for many months and thrive on poor soils. You can
even purchase wildflower turf with the wildflower species already
established, which means less effort.
Q. Where are the best places to source plants, flowers, soil etc
for those on a budget?
Sharing divisions of herbaceous perennials with your friends and
learning how to take cuttings of a vast range of plants are both
great ways to get plants for free.
Make your own compost from the dead plant material from your
garden and kitchen vegetable and fruit waste. Once the compost
is ready, you can spread this as mulch on your borders. This will
help feed your plants, suppress weeds and seal moisture in the
soil.
Q. Do you have ideas for fun things that kids could be doing in
the garden?
• Bright sunny sunflowers look great in your garden – have a
competition and see who can grow the tallest sunflower this year!
• Make a floral crown from flowers and foliage in your garden
• Make a bee hotel – bee numbers are in decline so build a home
for them and help encourage nature into your garden and help
bee populations this year.
Q. Are there any upcoming events at RBGE for those new to
gardening or families?
Yes! The Big Botanics Birthday Party on Sun 14 June 2020.
Visitors will be invited to celebrate the Garden’s 350th anniversary
at a special birthday party. With a focus on its global influence,
the Botanics will create a world festival featuring music, dance,
food and a big birthday cake. Celebrations will also take place at
the Regional Gardens at Benmore, Logan and Dawyck during the
summer months. Obviously at the time of print, we are not sure
if this will still take place. Please check with organisers or on the
website www.rbge.org.uk
Watch BBC Scotland Beechgrove for more advice, inspiration and
tips for your garden. The first episode starts on BBC Scotland on
April 9th at 8.00pm – to 8.30pm.
Kirsty Wilson
Herbaceous Supervisor at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh,
Beechgrove
Garden Presenter and Garden Designer.
22
April 2020
cala homes: helicopter park
CALA Homes (West) has teamed up with Houston Play Park
Improvement Group to help plans for a ‘Helicopter Park’ take off
in the village.
The group received £1,000 from the award-winning housebuilder
after it became aware of their exciting aim to improve village
youngsters’ play experience and deliver a transformed South
Mounds site next to the Compass Centre. The name ‘Helicopter
Park’ pays tribute to a piece of play equipment which was once
part of the site, leaving only a slide and swings.
Its members – made up of local parents – have ambitious plans
including the delivery of facilities for children who have impaired
mobility as well as multi-gym equipment for all ages. They plan
to heighten access to the South Street park with a new ramp,
install picnic benches, and introduce raised vegetable beds in a
community garden setting.
The group has set itself a summer 2021 target to deliver on the
plans which it hopes to fulfil through wide-ranging fundraising
initiatives and a JustGiving page. Details below.
The group was first inspired by a successful campaign to improve
Crosslee Swings Park which was completed in 2015 after an
£80,000 fundraising drive – and the Houston fundraisers are
hopeful of emulating that target.
They now plan to hold further events such as an afternoon tea,
an Easter Egg Hunt on April 12, and even want to publish a
cookbook, including a recipe from celebrity chef Tom Kitchin.
Group chair Sam Love said: “It’s really important to us that we
improve facilities here as there isn’t much for little ones. The park
is simply crying out for new equipment and so we set out on this
journey to do as much fundraising as possible while applying for
grants and charitable help.
“Donations are therefore vital and we’d like to thank CALA for
its £1,000 contribution which has represented a big step forward
in our fundraising ambitions. We’re now a lot closer to where we
want to be.”
Andrew Duncan, land director at CALA Homes, commented:
“Supporting fantastic initiatives like Helicopter Park is essential to
the communities in which we work and we look forward to further
building our relationship with the village.
“The group have been really welcoming and we’ve been
impressed by the depth of their ambition. They want to create a
wonderfully inclusive environment which will impact generations
to come. We now look forward to hearing how the park develops
and firmly believe the sky is the limit for Helicopter Park. www.
justgiving.com/crowdfunding/houstonplayparkgroup
23
Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
What’s on
BoW Hillwalkers Forth & Clyde Canal
Covid-19
The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is already
being felt, but will increase in its severity over the next few weeks.
Urgent action is now required to protect the capacity of our public
services during this time.
The First Minister announced on 12 March 2020 that, from 16 March,
mass events should not take place, in light of their potential impact
on public services.
The events listed in our magazine are subject to change at short
notice due to the current situation. Please keep up to date via
Facebook and we’ll try to keep our website as up to date as we
can. Best bet is to try to contact the event organisers to check if
this is going ahead.
Sunday Continental
Sunday Continental is a new monthly live music event at Paisley
Arts Centre Workshop from 11am - 1pm. A laid back daytime event
with live music and refreshments. Listen, chat, dance, read, play.
Enjoy. For everyone: age 0 – 100+.
Upcoming Dates: 19th April, 17th May
For more details, visit https://renfrewshireboxoffice.ticketsolve.
com/shows/1173600567
Fundraising Race Night
1st Bridge Of Weir Scout Group
Saturday 28th March from 7.30pm, Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Crescent,
Bridge of Weir. Tickets - £5 Inc. Buffet. You are welcome to sponsor
(in advance): Race for £25 | Horse or Jockey for £5
Prizes to be won. Spaces are limited. Please contact your Section
Leader or Teresa McQuarrie on 07444 886 154 for tickets/sponsor.
CANCELLED
FARMERS MARKETS
1st SAT
Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 10am - 2pm
1st & 3rd SUN Loch Lomond Shores 10am - 3pm Tel: 07977 179 861
2nd SAT & last SAT Paisley Cross 10am - 2pm Tel: 01655 770217
2nd SUN
Kip Marina, Inverkip 11am - 4pm www.kipmarina.co.uk
24 ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
PLEASE NOTE:
This diary was compiled prior
to the impact of the Covid-19
outbreak.
A number of events have already
been cancelled, with more likely
to be cancelled over the coming
days.
Please keep up to date via
Facebook or contact the
organisers directly for more
information.
march
WEDNESDAY 25TH
Inverkip – Wemyss Bay walk
linear (8.3mls/13kms)
Inverkip Railway Station,
Inverkip, Greenock PA16 0BB
11am
A walk from Inverkip via the Leapmoor
forest to Wemyss Bay. Hopefully we
will see lovely views over the Clyde
Estuary. For more information contact:
Renfrewshire Walking Network or
Rangers 01505 843271.
THURSDAY 26TH
Movie Night
The Old Kirk, 40 High Street,
Kilmacolm
7pm for 7.30pm
Free entry and the offer of a glass of
wine. Donation if desired to support
the creation of a Pilgrim Pathway in
Kilmacolm.
FRIDAY 27TH - SUNDAY 29TH
Scottish Golf Show
SEC, Exhibition Way, Glasgow
Bringing together the biggest brands
in golf, over 100 exhibitors, a range
of interactive golf challenges and
thousands of golf enthusiasts from
across Scotland and the UK. The
show has something for golfers of all
abilities. Tickets are available now!
For full ticketing information visit
www.thescottishgolfshow.co.uk
SATURDAY 28TH
A Cèilidh, with Fèis Phàislig
and Caolas
Wynd Theatre, 6 School Wynd,
Paisley, PA1 2DB
7.15pm
Traditional music and song from the
students and tutors of Fèis Phàislig.
They will be joined by the group
Caolas, senior students at Sgoil
Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu. Places MUST be
booked in advance. Contact fios@
clanngaidhlig.org or phone 07854
061793. Tickets £5 (U16 - Free)
e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 April 2020
SATURDAY 28TH
Alison McNeill and Sasha
Savaloni
Carrick Centre, Main Street,
Houston
8pm
The Carrick Night Spring concerts
continue! Alison and Sasha have
established themselves as the
foremost voice and guitar duo in
Scotland. 2 course meal (table service)
available before the concert in our
Café. 2 courses £15 a third course is
available at extra cost (BYOB) Tickets:
Single Concert: £12 (Adult) £5 (Child/
Student). For more information and
tickets please call 01505 229597 or
email: thecarrickcentre@gmail.com.
SUNDAY 29TH
Mother’s Day Walk
Finlaystone Country Estate -
Langbank
1pm to 3pm
A gentle stroll through the forest with
moderate slopes, followed by a cream
tea in our garden’s tearoom. Sturdy
footwear and warm layers required.
UNTIL MONDAY 6TH APRIL
The Bridge Art Exhibition
The Bridge, Main Street, Bridge
of Weir
Exhibiting the work of Gary McIlkenny
- featuring oil paintings with a mainly
urban theme inspired by local scenes
and his travels in France and the
USA.
WEDNESDAY 1ST APRIL
Talk with a solicitor for free!
St Vincent’s Hospice, Midton Rd,
Howwood
11am to 1.30pm
St. Vincent’s Hospice is offering
a friendly, legal advice service
completely free of charge to any
adult in Renfrewshire thanks to the
voluntary support of local solicitors.
The service provides an introduction
to confidential professional advice
and information to help you plan for
the future, such as writing your Will
and arranging Powers of Attorney.
Many local people recommend the
service very highly. To book your
appointment, please contact June
Burgess, Legacy Officer at St. Vincent’s
Hospice on 01505 705 635 or email:
june.burgess@svh.co.uk
April
WEDNESDAY 1ST - SUNDAY 19TH
Dinosaur Egg Hunt! –
Explorer’s Trail
RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch
10am to 4pm
Explore the trail and look for dinosaur
eggs. Cost: £4 per child / RSPB
members £2. [Normal trail fees apply
for adults]
THURSDAY 2ND
Bug Box-Making
Finlaystone Country Estate -
Langbank
1pm to 3pm
Keep the woodlice, ladybirds and
caterpillars in your garden cosy at
night by crafting a bug box! £3 for
materials; pre-booking essential.
OUTLOOK
Kidston Hall, High Street,
Kilmacolm 2pm to 4pm
Indian Travelogue – Colin Houston
– amazing photography - unique
adventures.
FRIDAY 3RD
RSPB Local Group Illustrated
Talk
McMaster Centre, Donaldson
Drive, Renfrew 7.30pm
Tom Byars - the Ardeer sand dunes
All Welcome
SATURDAY 4TH
Kilbarchan Parish Church
Easter Extravaganza
Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall,
Steeple Street 10am to 12noon
The Easter egg hunt will take place
in the grounds - weather permitting!
There will be a decorated egg
competition and also an Easter bonnet
competition for the children. Entrance
is £3, children £1, which includes
coffee and hot cross buns. There will
also be a home-baking and preserves
stall and a stall selling Easter gifts.
Spring Charity Coffee Morning
Kidston Hall, High Street,
Kilmacolm 10am to 12noon
Come along and join West Renfrewshire
young farmers at our charity coffee
morning! Meet the lambs! Meet
the Alpacas! Glitter Face Paints.
Educational Drawing corner for kids.
Jewellery stand In aid of the Calum’s
Cabin Charity. Everyone is welcome to
join us for what is sure to be a lovely
morning out with friends and family!
SATURDAY 4TH
Craft Fair and Coffee Morning
Langbank Parish Church, Main
Rd, Langbank
10am to 12noon
Langbank Church Halls, Main Road,
Langbank All welcome, entry £4/2
to include coffee and cake. Local
craft items for sale, including artwork,
postcards, homewares, jams chutney
and delicious home baking.
ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
25
Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
Gryffe Valley Rotary Charity Car Wash
The 2020 Car Wash organised with the help of Beaton Bros will
take place on Saturday 25th April 9.30am to 4pm at 1 Station Road
PA11 3LH. This is a chance to see Rotary in action, give your car a
treat and support local Rotary charitable causes!
Cars on the Campus 2020
Sunday 3rd May from 10.30am to 4.30pm
St Joseph’s Academy Campus, Grassyards Road, Kilmarnock KA3
7SL.
It’s the event we like to think of as the ‘season opener’ for Vintage,
Classic, Retro & Modern car enthusiasts - Cars on the Campus
returns for 2020 with a great selection of vehicles for the visiting
public to enjoy as well as the indoor displays you’ve come to love.
If you’re looking to book in your own vehicle or you wish to book
for a club, just visit our website by clicking the link below!
Https://ayrshireclassics.com/cars-on-the-campus/
We can’t wait to welcome you!
Https://www.facebook.com/events/145037169931205/
Clydesdale Classic Cars – Spring Open
Day 2020
Due to last years great success, Clydesdale Classic Cars will be
holding an open day on Saturday 18th April from 9am to 4pm!
Open to the public - have an inside look at the amazing cars that
are worked on and also see the progress of some of the restorations
you may have seen last year.
With a wide variety of vehicles in the workshop, all at different
stages of the restoration process, and a small selection of vehicles
on show that will be for sale.
With knowledgeable staff on hand on the day who will be happy to
answer any questions you may have or point you in the direction of
someone who can help. They can talk you through what processes
they use and also what tools and machinery are used to bring these
amazing cars back to life!
Snack van in attendance serving food and drinks and much much
more so make sure to get the date in your diary and invite your
friends!
ROADWORKS UPDATES
Visit the following sites for regular updates of upcoming
roadworks:
• http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/2331/Roadworks-andclosures
• https://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/environment/roads-lighting/
road-works
• https://www.roadworksscotland.org/
• https://trafficscotland.org/roadworks/
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
Your car costs over £100 a week on
average.
• Join LEAP Car Club from £5 a
month.
• Hire by the hour 24/7
• Pay-As-You-Go
• Cut your car costs.
26 ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
SATURDAY 4TH
Kilbarchan Parish Church
Easter Extravaganza
Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall,
Steeple Street
10am to 12noon
The Easter egg hunt will take place
in the grounds - weather permitting!
There will be a decorated egg
competition and also an Easter bonnet
competition for the children. Entrance
is £3, children £1, which includes
coffee and hot cross buns. There will
also be a home-baking and preserves
stall and a stall selling Easter gifts.
SUNDAY 5TH
Kilbarchan Community Spring
Clean Up
Car Park opposite Bog Park by
traffic lights, Kilbarchan -
2pm to 4pm
Please come along and ‘do your
bit’ by joining in the Keep Scotland
Beautiful Spring Clean. Equipment,
including litter pickers, hi viz vests,
bags, hoops, gloves and antibac
supplies will be provided. Well earned
treats will be available following the
event. Email:hello@kilbachansmile.
co.uk or ring 07952 169341 for more
information.
MONDAY 6TH - SUNDAY 19TH
Spring Family Fun & Easter
Weekend
Summerlee Museum of Scottish
Industrial Life, Heritage Way,
Coatbridge ML5 1QD
Join us during the school holidays for
lots of family activities, including arts
and crafts and a daily Easter egg trail.
Plus special activities over the Easter
Weekend. https://culturenl.co.uk/
summerlee-museum-events/
TUESDAY 7TH
Den Build
Finlaystone Country Estate -
Langbank
1pm to 3pm
Know your lean-to from your tripod.
Learn how to build a solid den and
try your hand at fire-lighting with the
rangers!
THURSDAY 9TH
Bird Box-Making
Finlaystone Country Estate -
Langbank
1pm to 3pm
Make perfect bird housing to take
home - a great garden addition! £4 per
bird box; pre-booking essential.
Sòlas Drop In Bereavement
Group
Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm
2pm to 4pm
SATURDAY 11TH - SUNDAY 12TH
Easter Weekend
Finlaystone Country Estate -
Langbank
1pm to 3pm
Join us for our Easter bunny hunt,
prizes for best-dressed egg and best
fancy dress.
SUNDAY 12TH
Kilmacolm Litter Pickers
Meet at Gryffe Road, Kilmacolm
(the BOW Rd end)
1.30pm
e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 April 2020
SUNDAY 12TH
Egg Decorating and Rolling
The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees
Bridge, Greenock
1pm to 3pm
Come along and see how far your egg
will roll. £5.
Easter Egg Hunt
The Compass Centre, South
Street, Houston PA6 7ET
11am to 3pm
Join us for a day of family fun and
help raise funds to build a new play
area in Houston’s Helicopter Park.
With face painting, refreshments,
baking and balloon animals. £5 per
child with proceeds going to the
Houston Playgroup Improvement
Group. Charity No SC044143). Tickets
on sale at the door or online at
eventbrite.
MONDAY 13TH
Easter Games
Finlaystone Country Estate -
Langbank
1pm to 3pm
Join the rangers for all things chocolate
with Easter-themed games like the
Easter egg and spoon race!
THURSDAY 16TH
OUTLOOK
Kidston Hall, High Street,
Kilmacolm
2pm to 4pm
Crosses around the world – Jim
Holmes.
FRIDAY 17TH
Fashion Show by Taylor
Fashions
Langbank Village Hall, Langbank,
PA14 6XB
7.30pm
This event is always a big success,
come and update your Spring
wardrobe. Many items are from well
known brands at greatly reduced
prices. Tickets includes tea cake and
a raffle. Details of where to buy tickets
are on all the village noticeboards, or
just pay at the door. £5.
SATURDAY 18TH
Clydesdale Classic Cars –
Spring Open Day
Clydesdale Classic Cars, Rear
Unit A, 1 Glenburn Rd, East
Kilbride, Glasgow G74 5BA
9am to 4pm
Have an inside look at the amazing
cars that are worked on and also see
the different stages of the restoration
process. Knowledgeable staff can talk
you through the various processes,
the tools and the machinery used to
bring these amazing cars back to life!
Snack van. Get the date in your diary
and invite your friends!
SATURDAY 18TH
Ship Ahoy!
Summerlee Museum of Scottish
Industrial Life, Heritage Way,
Coatbridge ML5 1QD
Whether you are a model boat
enthusiast of simply enjoy Scotland’s
rich shipbuilding and steamer history
then you will find something of
interest here for the whole family.
https://culturenl.co.uk/summerleemuseum-events/
SUNDAY 19TH
Wildlife Photography
Workshop: Intermediate Level
RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch
10am to 4pm
Learn how to take great outdoors
and wildlife photographs with your
own camera, then see your results
on screen. The workshop will be
led by wildlife photographer David
Palmar (www.photoscot.co.uk). An
excellent opportunity to hone your
skills. Advice, encouragement and
ideas will be freely given! Booking
required. Cost: £42 or £33.50 for RSPB
members
MONDAY 20TH - THURSDAY 30TH
Treasure hunt - Crazy Ducks
RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch
10am to 4pm
Come and explore our woodland trails
and take part in our treasure hunt.
When you find all the hidden ducks
and unscramble the letters to find the
ducky word. Come back to the visitor
centre to claim your prize. Cost: £4
per child /RSPB members £2 {Normal
trail fees apply for adults}.
SATURDAY 25TH
The Masqueraders
St Machar’s Church Hall,
Kilbarchan Road, Bridge of Weir
7pm
Back by popular demand - an evening
of amazing talent and entertainment
with tea/coffee and home baking after
the show. This years chosen charity
is “Rays of Hope” a Cancer Support
Group based in Elderslie. Book early
to avoid disappointment. Tickets
available from the beginning of April
from any of the group. Phone 614943
to book. £5
Gaelic Singing Workshop
Church of the Holy Trinity and St.
Barnabas, Back Sneddon Street,
Paisley PA3 2AB
9.30am to 1pm
Some knowledge of Gaelic would be
helpful. Places are limited so advance
booking is essential Contact : e-mail:
fios@clanngaidhlig.org Tel. 07805
918509. Tickets £10.
SATURDAY 25TH
Houston and Killellan Kirk
Walking Group
The Erskine Bridge
Take part in the Bridge Cross Challenge
to support Christian Aid. All welcome
- parents, children, grannies and the
family pet to join us on. Put in your
diary and look out for full details in the
April edition of the Kirk Record.
ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
27
Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
Paisley & District U3A Monthly Meetings
This self help education organisation for older people meets on the
first Thursday of the month in the Salvation Army Hall, Mill Street,
Paisley. Tea and coffee served from 1.30pm with presentations
beginning at 2.15pm. Some dates for your diary:
2nd April: Mary Moran : The Charity Mary’s Meals
7th May: Philip Caine, Author “Barrow to Baghdad & back again.”
4th June: Joyce Bunton: The Body as Energy. Healing Body, Mind
and Spirit
2nd July: Emma Louise Livingstone (and “Serge” the dog) Dog
Trust Talk
For more details visit our website: https://u3asites.org.uk/paisley/
welcome
Talk with a solicitor for free!
St. Vincent’s Hospice, Midton Road, Howwood PA9 1AF
Wednesday 1st April - Appointments available between 11am &
1.30pm
St. Vincent’s Hospice is offering a friendly, legal advice service
completely free of charge to any adult in Renfrewshire thanks to
the voluntary support of local solicitors. The service provides an
introduction to confidential professional advice and information to
help you plan for the future, such as writing your Will and arranging
Powers of Attorney. Many local people recommend the service very
highly. To book your appointment, please contact June Burgess,
Legacy Officer at St. Vincent’s Hospice on 01505 705 635 or email:
june.burgess@svh.co.uk
Gaelic Singing Workshop in Paisley
Saturday 25th April, 9.30am - 1pm
Church of Holy Trinity and St. Barnabas, Back Sneddon Street,
Paisley, PA3 2AB
Gaelic Singing Workshop (some knowledge of Gaelic would be
helpful)
Cost : £10
Places are limited so advance booking is essential
Contact : e-mail: fios@clanngaidhlig.org Tel. 07805 918509.
Got NEWS?
Got any local news? Please send your news in to info@advertizer.
co.uk.
Pictures are welcome but we do ask that they be at least 1MB in
size, .jpg files, and no smaller than 5cm in width or height.
If you have group images we like them to be even bigger so that
faces are visible!
This is all to ensure that pictures are printed clearly and not blurry
or pixelated!
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
SATURDAY 25TH
Scottish Gardens Scheme
Kilmacolm Spring Plant Sale
Outside Kilmacolm Library,
Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm
10am to 12noon
Admission by donation. 60% of monies
raised goes to Pancreatic Cancer
Scotland. www.scotlandsgardens.
org/kilmacolm-plant-sale/
Gryffe Valley Rotary Charity
Car Wash
Beaton Brothers, 1 Station Road,
Bridge of Weir
9.30am to 4pm
Organised with the help of Beaton
Bros. This is a chance to see Rotary
in action, give your car a treat and
support local Rotary charitable
causes!
SATURDAY 25TH - SUNDAY 26TH
Pirate Weekend
Finlaystone Country Estate -
Langbank
1pm to 3pm
Dress as a scurvy buccaneer and
practice your best ‘Arrgh!’ Drama
and shouting a-plenty with great
pirate themed races. Prize for best
dressed!
SUNDAY 26TH
Family Volunteering
RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch
1pm to 3.30pm
Who says that volunteering is only for
grownups! Kids bring the grownup in
your life to our reserve. Come and do
a day’s practical volunteering at our
beautiful reserve and help us to give
nature a home. Please book as places
are limited. Free event.
Classic Car Show
Summerlee Museum of Scottish
Industrial Life, Heritage Way,
Coatbridge ML5 1QD
Over 80 vintage cars on display and
family fun including tombola, dancing
displays and music. In aid of Glasgow
City Mission and Glasgow Children’s
Hospital Charity. https://culturenl.
co.uk/summerlee-museum-events/
Kilmacolm Litter Pickers
Meet at Gryffe Road, Kilmacolm
(the BOW Rd end)
9.30am
Brookfield Art Club Art Show
Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside
Road, Brookfield
12noon to 4.30pm
Come along and see fantastic work on
show. Tea Room with Home Baking.
Admission £1.
Guided Wildlife Walk
RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch
1pm to 3pm
Explore the wonderful wildlife to be
found at Lochwinnoch! Whether you
have a general interest in wildlife, or
would like to hone your birdwatching
skills, then this is the walk for you! At
the end, come back to the centre for
a warm drink and a biscuit! Footwear
and clothing suitable for the outdoors
are strongly recommended. Please be
advised this walk may not be suitable
for under 10’s. Booking required.
Cost: Adults: £10; Children: £5 (RSPB
members: £8/£4)
28 ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 April 2020
SUNDAY 26TH
Family Volunteering
RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch
1pm to 3.30pm
Who says that volunteering is only for
grownups! Kids bring the grownup in
your life to our reserve. Come and do
a day’s practical volunteering at our
beautiful reserve and help us to give
nature a home. Please book as places
are limited. Free.
Map & Compass Course
The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees
Bridge, Greenock
10am to 4pm
Ideal for beginners or for those wanting
to refresh their skills. Provides a basic
introduction to map reading and
navigation skills. Classroom based
in the morning and out on the hill in
the afternoon. Map and compasses
are provided on the day. For further
details and to book go to the parks
website. £60.
THU 30 APRIL
Movie Night - Grease
The Old Kirk, 40 High Street,
Kilmacolm
7pm for 7.30pm
This will be the one that you want!
MAY
SUNDAY 3RD MAY
Community Day
Houston Bowling Club
1pm to 5pm
An opportunity for residents of our
local community in the Houston,
Bridge of Weir and surrounding
areas to sample the Club’s facilities
and to try their hand in this sport
in a friendly and supportive
atmosphere. Everyone welcome.
Anyone interested but unable to
attend contact ISABEL GILCHRIST to
make alternative arrangements:
isabelgilchrist@btinternet.com
Cars on the Campus
St Joseph’s Academy Campus,
Grassyards Road, Kilmarnock
KA3 7SL
10.30am to 4.30pm
It’s the event we like to think of as the
‘season opener’ for Vintage, Classic,
Retro & Modern car enthusiasts -
Cars on the Campus returns for 2020
with a great selection of vehicles for
the visiting public to enjoy as well
as the indoor displays you’ve come
to love. If you’re looking to book
in your own vehicle or you wish to
book for a club, just visit our website
by clicking the link below! https://
ayrshireclassics.com/cars-on-thecampus/
We can’t wait to welcome
you! https://www.facebook.com/
events/145037169931205/
ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
29
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Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
WHAT’S
HAPPENING
THIS MONTH
Howwood Community
Council
Second Tuesday of each month
at 7.30pm in Howwood Village
Hall. All welcome.
Community Coffee Shop
First Friday monthly - Howwood
Parish Church from 10am -
12noon. Adults £2 | Children
free. All welcome.
Monday Strathgryffe
Motorcycle Club
The Trust Inn, Kilbarchan,
9pm - 10.30pm. Visit www.
strathgryffe.org for details.
Thursday Volunteer Group
Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch
12.30pm - 3.30pm
Conservation Volunteers - adult
group. Newcomers welcome.
Thursday Memory Café
Active Communities Hub, 16
Quarry Street, Johnstone, 1pm
- 3pm. For people living with
Alzheimer’s, or any type of
dementia, their families, friends
& carers.
Sunday Volunteer Group
Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch
10am - 12noon. Youth Volunteer
Group - age 14 - 18 years.
Newcomers welcome.
Knitting Bee
We meet at Morrisons
alternative Tuesday evening
form 7pm to 9pm. Contact
Pamela on 07743 156738 or
email bknitting@hotmail.co.uk
for further details.
Cuppa and a Chat
Pop in to Kilbarchan Parish
Church hall on the first Monday
of the month between 1.30pm
and 3pm for a “cuppa” and a
chat - all welcome.
Gryffe Scottish Dancing
Club
Thursdays from 8pm to 10pm,
Kilbarchan Guide Centre
Come along and have fun
whilst enjoying good company,
music and exercise. Whether
experienced or a new dancer,
all welcome. Tuition given
for beginners, we don’t go
overboard and it’s a very
relaxed atmosphere. For
further information just phone
Les Lambert at 01505 704398.
Knitting Bee
We meet at the Lynnhurst Hotel
on Thursdays from 2pm to 4pm.
For more information contact
Fay: 07780 748430.
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
Kilbarchan | Howwood | Lochwinnoch |
Elderslie
The Council’s budget for 20/21 was approved on 9th
March. Among the proposals will be investment in road
and pavement resurfacing, the School estate, as well
as support for green space, a top up for the village
investment fund, finance set aside for the upgrade
of kitchens in Community halls, and a spending
commitment to Renfrewshire Cemeteries.
There will also be money set aside for a feasibility
study designed to examine opportunities to improve bus services
across Renfrewshire, an issue I have regularly supported.
I will strive to ensure that the villages of Kilbarchan, Howwood
and Lochwinnoch get their fair share of the identified resources.
For example, having secured improvements for Lochwinnoch
Cemetery I will be making the strongest case for similar
improvement work in Kilbarchan Cemetery.
There is always a bittersweet element to any budget.
Council Tax will rise by 4.64% and council rents by 2% and there
will be increases of a minimum 2% for all council services.
In addition, the accompanying projection in the budget papers
from the Council’s Director of Finance reveals a continuing
financial risk to the Council.
This will have an impact across Council services, for example
in terms of demand for older people services, and within the
children’s sector, which may result in longer waiting times for
those with additional support needs, and the tightening of
eligibility criteria in the provision of resources.
The full details of the budget can be found on the Council’s
website at http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/
I have been concerned for some time regarding the ability of
the Council to cope with extreme weather events such as that
experienced in the villages of West Renfrewshire on the weekend
of 21st -23rd February. While the ferocity of the rain on that
occasion was unusual, there have been a number of recent
episodes which have called into question Renfrewshire Council’s
drain and gully cleaning programme and general response to
these events.
I have asked that the current programme and the Council’s flood
prevention strategy be reviewed and priority given to areas in
Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch that are particularly
prone to flooding.
My advice surgeries are on the first Saturday of each month at
9am in the McKillop Institute Lochwinnoch, 10am in Howwood
Village Hall, 11am in the Steeple Hall Kilbarchan, and 12.30pm in
Johnstone Town Hall.
Meantime please contact me anytime at cllr.derek.bibby @
renfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 0300 300 1274 or 07534 156007.
Churches in Kilbarchan, Howwood, Lochwinnoch & Elderslie
KILBARCHAN PARISH CHURCH: Easter in Kilbarchan Parish Church. On Maundy
Thursday 9th April, the service is at 7pm, led by the choir and on Good Friday the
service is also at 7pm. On Easter Sunday, there will be a short time of worship
at the Weavers’ Cottage at 8.30am followed by rolls and sausage in the church
hall. The main service is at 11am - all of these services will be conducted by Rev
Stephen Smith and Mrs Dorothy Wallace. Junior Church and the crèche meet in
the halls from 10.45am each Sunday. All welcome. Members continue to support
the Paisley food bank every week.
HOWWOOD PARISH CHURCH: 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. Reverend G. Gray Fletcher
is now with us. 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.
30 ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
Kilbarchan Parish
Church Easter
Extravaganza
Saturday 4th April from 10am -
12noon in the hall and grounds
where the Easter egg hunt will
take place-weather permitting!
There will be a decorated egg
competition and also an Easter
bonnet competition for the
children. Entrance is £3, children
£1, which includes coffee and hot
cross buns.
There will also be a home-baking
and preserves stall and a stall
selling Easter gifts.
How Good is
Howwood Village
Fete
Saturday 20th June, 1pm -
4pm, Howwood Primary School
Plans for the 2020 How Good
is Howwood Village Fete are well
under way, and it is shaping up to
be another brilliant day. Put the
date in your diary and come along
with all the family.
As well as the usual stalls there
will be a fancy dress competition,
children’s entertainer, hot dogs,
bouncy castles, bar, tea room and
much more.
Tickets for the grand draw will be
on sale soon from village groups
and committee members.
We still have stalls available at a
cost of £20. To book your stall
or for any fete enquiries, please
contact Lorna: lostar78@aol.
co.uk or Sarah: sarah.galloway@
rocketmail.com
Kilbarchan National
Women’s Register
The Diamond Anniversary lunch
in Glasgow at the end of February
was a great success. During the
month of April, the Kilbarchan
group has 2 speakers-the first,
deferred from December, is
on the subject “Ecclesiastical
Embroidery”, with guests from
Houston NWR. Our second
speaker will talk about Mary
Queen of Scots. For further
information, please phone 01505
348627 and visit the website:
www.nwr.org.uk New members
will be welcomed.
e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 APRIL 2020
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Following negotiations with the current Administration
I was delighted to use my casting vote to push through
their recent proposals at the annual Budget meeting of
Renfrewshire Council on the basis that it incorporated
investment proposals for my ward.
I was pleased to support more money for the very
successful Village Improvement Fund which has started
to readdress, by proposals like the renovation of both the
Steeple Hall in Kilbarchan and the McKillop Institute in Lochwinnoch,
a historic bias towards Paisley. There is also to be a second tranche
of monies in cemeteries and as last year I voted for Lochwinnoch
Cemetery to receive such a much welcome upgrade so this year I
stressed that Kilbarchan Cemetery should receive similar monies to
bring it up to standard in the coming financial year.
I also voted for new monies to establish a new Schools Estates Fund
which will see a new Thorn Primary built in the Johnstone North
part of my ward, as well as an upgrade for the playgrounds at both
St Margaret Primary in Johnstone and Lochwinnoch Primary, for
which the Parent Council at Lochwinnoch has been campaigning
for over a significant period of time.
I am pleased to report that the Budget included new monies to
upgrade and refurbish the kitchens in Howwood Village Hall. I also
negotiated more money for priority road markings to put in new
safety features at the notorious Bowfield Country Club junction
which has been the scene of many accidents. As part of my support
for the Administration Budget I also negotiated a clean out of the
gullies in Bowfield Road and the resurfacing of George Street. This
represents the biggest tranche of council investment in Howwood
for many decades.
Contact Details for Cllr Andy Doig –
Kilbarchan Advice Surgery- 2nd Wednesday of Month, 7.30pm,
Steeple Hall
Howwood Advice Surgery – 4th Wednesday of Month, 6.30pm,
Howwood Village Hall
Lochwinnoch Advice Surgery – 4th Wednesday of Month, 7.30pm,
McKillop Institute.
I can always be contacted on e-mail: cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.
gov.uk or telephone: 07534 148224.
ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
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Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
Lochwinnoch International Aid
Fairtrade Fortnight has been and gone. We marked the occasion
with a Fairtrade wine and chocolate tasting evening; The Co-op
stocks a big range of Fairtrade wines and we used these as the
basis of our testing. All of them, both red and white, proved to be
very tasty. We also sampled fair trade chocolate, again very tasty!
About 20 people attended both LIA members and guests. It is
interesting to note that Renfrewshire Council has allocated £10,000
to support Fairtrade activities over the coming year. LIA thanks
them for their support of our activities, past present and future.
The evening raised over £250 to be used for a project in Nepal being
run by Womankind Worldwide – an international campaign group.
This was our small contribution to International Women’s Day.
Inequality based on caste and gender is widespread in Nepal. Many
women have experienced discrimination and violence. Women
from low castes such as the Dalit caste are especially vulnerable
because they don’t have access to their own money, housing or
land. More information from Womankind’s website.
We have also donated £75 towards Medical Aid for Palestine
(MAP) who are raising money for a mammogram machine for use
in Occupied Palestine. The treatment available to cancer patients
in this area are drastically less than in Israel itself. Challenges posed
by restrictions on the right to movement for both patients and
doctors, shortages of essential medicines, and the shortcomings
of the health system in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), all
constitute obstacles to continuous and effective treatment and
care for Palestinian women with breast cancer. You can get more
information from MAP’s website.
Future fundraising: At the time of writing we are uncertain as to
what impact Corona virus will have on public events. We had
planned a music night towards the end of April, but we have
postponed this for the time being. We look forward to hearing the
Midlife Blues Band later in the year.
Would you know what to do in an
emergency?
♥ Every week in Scotland, 70 people suffer cardiac
arrest.
♥ More than 3500 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:
♥ CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
♥ Heart Attack ♥ Recovery position
♥ Choking
♥ Serious bleeding
To learn the simple skills that save lives, contact Morag Thow on
07868 752814 to book onto one of our courses in 2020:
Tuesday 28th April 7pm - 9pm Lochwinnoch Masonic Lodge
Tuesday 26th May 7pm - 9pm Lochwinnoch Masonic Lodge
Tuesday 23rd May 1pm - 3pm Lochwinnoch Masonic Lodge
If you have a group in the Lochwinnoch/Howwood area that would
like a Heart Start Course, Liz and Morag are pleased to come to
your group to deliver the course.
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
Howwood Community Council
April, and hopefully Spring, has arrived with a bit less rain.
No doubt some thoughts are turning towards the work needed to be
done in the garden or around the home. Perhaps a bit more walking
around the village in weather where you can actually see without
having to peer out from behind the rain battered hood of a damp
jacket. Howwood looks a lot brighter. Here’s to a bright Spring!
One thing you may notice is The Howwood Community Garden
opposite The Boarding House which has developed well over the
past few years. There is still a lot to be done here in finishing the
paths and creating a pleasant green space for us all to enjoy. The
tubs will need replenished with new flowers, the grass will continue
to require cutting and the shrubs trimmed. This area is planted and
maintained by a local group of volunteers called Howwood Wildlife
and Woodlands (Not The Wild Bunch!) They also look after the
flower tubs at each entrance to Howwood and the flower beds in
“The Triangle” in the centre of our village opposite the Coffee and
Cream coffee shop and are hoping for some new flower tubs this
year as the current ones are just a wee bit dilapidated.
If you have time for an odd hour or two and would like to muck in
(nothing too energetic, honest), or just stand around a bit with a
hoe, a rake or a brush and just blether (it has been known!), please
make yourself known to Bill David on 01505 703500.
On another note, new fire and smoke alarms legislation was
introduced in February 2019 which should come into effect in 2021.
There may have been various pieces of literature delivered through
your door in recent months to this effect. Please take note: Our
advice from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is to treat these with
caution.
Firstly, Renfrewshire Council tenants should already be in the
process of having this legislation adhered to. If you are a council
tenant and in doubt, please contact Renfrewshire Council for their
advice and help.
If you are a home owner the ScottishGovernment.gov.scot site is
worth a look. Just enter smoke alarm legislation Scotland and you
should find it ok.
Alternatively, The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will be able to
help. They will in fact visit your home if you wish and carry out a
fire safety survey. They will make any suggestions and, if necessary,
supply and fit - free of charge - stand alone smoke alarms. These
may or may not be up to the forthcoming requirements but will at
least provide a safe stopgap.
Call one of the local fire stations in either Johnstone on 01505 336301
or Paisley Canal Street on 0141 889 0022. They are very helpful.
Again, just a reminder - There are 3 defibrillators in Howwood.
One at the entrance to the Howwood Hall in Station Road.
One at the side of Christ The King Church at the top of Bowfield
Road.
One in The Boarding House during opening times.
Your Ward 9 Councillors
Andy Doig, Derek Bibby, Bill Binks, Emma Rodden | Advice
Surgeries: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/councillors
Community Council Visitors welcome at monthly meetings
Howwood: Village Hall: 2nd Tues at 7.30pm. | www.howwood.com/
community-council.php
Kilbarchan: Steeple Hall: monthly at 7.30pm. | www.kilbarchan.info/
community_council.html
Lochwinnoch: Bowling Club: 1st Tues at 7.30pm
Community Halls to Let
Kilbarchan, Guide Centre. Tel: 702758.
Kilbarchan, Old Library Centre. Tel: 706070
32 ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 APRIL 2020
It’s full steam ahead in Lochwinnoch now that the new
Community Council has had their first two meetings.
The meeting on the 3rd March was addressed by the
guest speaker, Mark Tokeley representing Renfrewshire
Leisure, who gave an update on proposed alterations
and improvements to the McKillop institute. As you may
gather there were more questions than ready answers,
but Mark did his best. The outcome was, that a meeting
is to be organised which will allow all invited users and groups to
meet at the McKillop for a further question and answer session,
hopefully in mid-March.
A resident in Lochead Avenue, Lochwinnoch, reported a case of
flooding caused by a blocked drain outside of their house. Despite
it being reported and inspected the problem had not been resolved.
The suggestion was that it was a slow drainer! This does not help
when it continues to pour down non-stop for two or three days.
I have asked for another inspection and action to improve the
drainage.
While we are on about drains, I reported the concerns of a resident
in Howwood about a ‘Floating’ drain cover on the path in Midton
road near the junction of Bowfield Road. I have been told that
the manhole is collecting surface water from a road gulley at the
bottom of Bowfield Road and overflows during heavy rainfall. In
response Road Services are currently investigating a possible long
term solution to the problem.
At long last potholes have been filled and an improvement has
been made to the junction from the main road in Howwood and
George Street. It still remains for residents to find out from the
Land Registry who actually owns George Street.
There are still real concerns about the lack of action regarding
carrying out necessary repairs and upgrading of Howwood Village
Hall. It is eighteen months since I first organised a viewing and
assessment as to what needs to be done, and we are still no further
forward. In the recent 2020 budget a sum of £50,000 has been
set aside to provide a programme of small kitchen refurbishments
works in community facilities. Howwood CC can apply to this fund
but it is nowhere near enough for the whole of Renfrewshire.
While we are talking about the Renfrewshire budget:-
Council tax for Band D is to increase by 4.64%.
A 2% increase in charges for services is to be implemented.
Directors of all departments are to be given free licence to increase
charges for goods and services by 2%.
Johnstone station is one of the six stations in Scotland which have
been selected for an Access for All project. Designers are looking
at options for ramps or lifts to be installed to make Johnstone a
step free station. It is hoped that a design will be presented to
Johnstone CC by the end of March. Probably not many people
realise but Johnstone Station is the fifth busiest, by numbers of
passengers, using the station in Scotland.
Email: cllr.bill.binks@renfrewshire.gov.uk Tel: 0300 300 1423
Week 1 Tuesday LOCHWINNOCH McKillop institute 6pm/7pm.
Week 2 Tuesday HOWWOOD Village Hall 6pm/7pm.
Week 3 Wednesday JOHNSTONE Sandyflats Hub 6pm/7pm.
Week 4 Wednesday KILBARCHAN Steeple Hall 6pm/7pm.
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Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club
We’re on holiday on Mondays 6th and 13th April and will resume
from 9.15am - 11.30am on Monday 20th in the church hall, off
Steeple Square. All welcome.
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Houston and Killellan Kirk Carnival
Saturday 6th May 2020
Not long now until Houston will become invaded by a wide variety
of animals, Saturday 6th May our Carnival will be in full swing and
everybody will be having a great day. There will be a wide variety
of stalls, home-baking, face painting, tombola, preserves, white
elephant, toys, raffle prizes, plants and much more.
The Plant Stall is always on the lookout for donations; when you
are in the garden preparing for planting please don’t forget shrubs,
cuttings etc. are always welcome at the plant stall. Contacts for this
stall are Norma McBeath (01505 613763) and Peter McKerrell (01505
872448) who can arrange collection of donations.
The White Elephant Stall are looking for items for their stall, no
large furniture items and no electrical items, if you would like items
uplifted please contact Mary Reid (01505 613770) or Kathryn
McCartney (01505 613741).
The Baking Stall is very popular as Houston Home Baking is always
in demand.
The Tearoom is a must- somewhere to have a rest and meet some
friends, enjoy tea/coffee and some tasty cakes. Donations are
always very welcome; please bake and hand in to the Tearoom
ladies. Moira Dunlop (01505 331309) and Jean Mills (01505
614326).
There are many more stalls looking for donations, toiletries, soft
toys, and tombola. Chocolate in any form for the chocolate stall
very popular.
Wipe Out is a new side show which we hope will prove very
popular.
Not forgetting the ever popular food stalls, we will have hotdogs,
vegetarian hot dogs, beef burgers and a new addition a variety of
street food.
CARNIVAL KING AND QUEEN
This year Summer Pinkerton Lamb is Carnival Queen and her
attendant is Belle Wilkie. The King is Kirk Gray and his attendant is
Noah Joyce. We look forward to seeing them resplendent in their
regal outfits.
Stall Conveners
Food Stalls: Ina Jefferson (01505 612962)
Lorna Kinloch(01505 4159)
Non Food Stalls: Heather Hughes (01505 612962)
Tearoom Conveners: Moira Dunlop (01505 331309)
Jean Mills (01505 614326)
Sideshows: Charles Green (01505 690107)
Carnival Coordinators: Kirsty Fowler and Kat Hodge
Houston Village Hall
MONDAYS
Grants School of Music &
Performance (Vocals, Piano,
Violin, Acoustic Guitar,
Accordion & Fiddle Lessons)
3.30pm - 9pm
Taekwon-Do - Little Tiger
Cubs (age 3-5 yrs) 5.30pm -
6.15pm.
Taekwon-Do – (6yrs plus)
6.30pm - 7.30pm.
Table Tennis Club – (Adults)
7.30pm - 9.30pm
TUESDAY
Grants School of Music &
Performance (Vocals, Piano,
Violin, Acoustic Guitar,
Accordion & Fiddle Lessons)
3.30pm - 9pm
Zumba (Adults) 7pm - 8pm
WEDNESDAY
Grants School of Music &
Performance (Vocals, Piano,
Violin, Acoustic Guitar,
Accordion & Fiddle Lessons)
3.30pm - 9pm
SATURDAY
AGAPE (Seniors Afternoon
Tea & Fellowship) 1st Saturday
every month.
SUNDAY
Church Service with all age
Sunday School 10.30am -
11.30am.
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
Brookfield Events & Activities
MONDAY
Monday 6th April: 10.30am -
11.30am - ARTventurers Family
THURSDAY
Callanetics (Weekly) 9.30am
- 10.30am
Holiday Class - Peter Rabbit Art Club (Weekly - Sep to
inspired. Sarah: 07511 029830 Apr) 12noon - 3pm
or email: sarah@artventurers.
Ballroom Basics (Weekly)
co.uk
7pm - 8pm Beginners / 8pm -
Yoga (Weekly) 5.50pm - 9pm Improvers
6.50pm - Laura Kiani: 07474
Stewart Wilson: 07710 464969
443505 or Energise with Laura
or email: ballroombasics@live.
email: laura@gmail.com
co.uk
Callanetics (Weekly) 7pm -
Thursday 9th: Cllr Audrey
8pm - Gwyneth Bell: 07850
Doig Surgery 7pm - 7.30pm
382238
(Library)
TUESDAY
Brookfield Community Council
Zumba (Weekly) 6.30pm Meeting 7.30pm - 9pm
- 7.30pm & Core Strength & (Library)
Stretch (Weekly) 7.30pm -
8.30pm: Gemma McNaughton:
07909 993423
Tue 21st: Cllr Alison Dowling
FRIDAY
Callanetics (Weekly) 9.15am -
10.15am / 10.30am - 11.30am
Surgery 10am - 10.30am Friday 17th: Tom Arthur MSP
(Library)
Surgery 11.30am - 12noon
WEDNESDAY
SATURDAY
Baby ARTventurers (Weekly) Ballroom Basics (Weekly
9.30am - 10.30am
except Sat 18th) 11am -
Little ARTventurers (Weekly)
12.30am Mixed Ability
11.30am - 12.30pm
Saturday 4th - Brookfield
Callanetics (Weekly) 5.15pm
-6.15pm / 6.15pm - 7.15pm /
Bowling Club Opening Day
Saturday 18th - ARTventurers:
7.30pm -8.30pm
‘Frozen’ inspired Family
ARTventure 10.30am -
11.30am
SUNDAY
Sunday 26th - Brookfield Art
Club Annual Show 12noon -
4.30pm
Facebook: brookfieldvillage.org Twitter: @BrookfieldVPA
e-mail: brookfieldvpa@gmail.com
Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday 12th April from 11am - 3pm
Join us for a day of family fun and help raise funds to build a
new play area in Houston’s Helicopter Park. With face painting,
refreshments, baking and balloon animals. £5 per child with
proceeds going to the Houston Playgroup Improvement Group.
Charity No SC044143).
Hop along to the Compass Centre on South Street, Houston. Tickets
on sale at the door or online at eventbrite of you can support our
charity at Just Giving (search for Houston Playpark).
Your Ward 10 Councillors
Audrey Doig, Scott Kerr, Alison Jean Dowling, James Sheridan
Advice Surgeries: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/councillors
Community Council Visitors welcome at monthly meetings
BROOKFIELD: Brookfield Village Hall: 2nd Thursday 7.30pm
February, April, June, August, October and December.
HOUSTON: Carrick Centre: 3rd Wednesday at 7.30pm |
houstoncommcouncil@yahoo.co.uk
Community Halls to Let
Brookfield, Village Hall. Tel: 335562
Houston, Carrick Centre. Tel: 690693 / 614039 / 674277
Houston, Compass Centre. Tel: Gillian Peters - 07879 407574 or
01505 613759.
Houston Village Hall: Tel: Helen 07980 155281
Linwood Masonic Hall. Tel: 07825 222944
34 ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 APRIL 2020
WHAT’S
HAPPENING Houston | Crosslee | Brookfield
THIS MONTH
Kirk Young Singers Group
The young folk in Houston &
Killellan Kirk have the exciting
opportunity to develop
their singing skills under the
leadership of the talented
Laura McKee. This is open
to all Primary and Secondary
school children, meeting in
the Kirk on Thursdays (except
school holidays) 7pm – 8pm.
There are no fees – so kids,
why not come and give it a try?
No prior booking required – so
just turn up! Follow the Kirk’s
Facebook for updates.
Wednesday French
Conversation
Fox and Hounds, Houston
at 9.30am till 12noon and
alternate Tuesday from 2pm -
4pm. Details: 07463 570464
or email avril.forbes2015@
outlook.com
Crafty Friends
Chat with sewing/knitting/
cross stitch or anything you
like. First and third Thursday
in the month. Contact Lorna
Cairns - 01505 612844. Shirley
White - 01505 610721
Table Top Sale
Linwood Parish Church,
Blackwood Ave 11am - 1pm.
Last Saturday in the month.
Call 01505 328802 for details.
Sunday Houston Litter
Crew
Co-op Car Park 10am – 11.45am
All volunteers welcome and all
equipment supplied.
Acoustic Night
First Sunday of the month,
8pm - 10pm, Upstairs bar,
River Inn, Houston. If you’re
interested in playing at future
nights contact Rab on 07415
119754.
Churches in Houston
Houston & Killellan
Agricultural Society
The Annual Show will be held on
Saturday 6th June 2020. Schedules
for the Baking and Craft Section
are available from committee
members, the PaperShop, the
Post Office or from Isabelle Stuart:
issistuart@gmail.com
Acoustic Night
Acoustic music night with local
musicians “Scowling Wolf”
8.00pm - 10.00pm, Sunday 5th.
April 2020, Brierie bar, River Inn,
Houston. Special guest - Houston
Singer/guitarist Peter McAllister
We are on the first Sunday of each
month and are looking for local
musicians - If you wish to play
contact Rab on 07415 119754.
Houston & Crosslee
SWI
Our next meeting is our AGM and
Spring Show which will be on 15th
April at 7.30pm. Please note this
is a week later than usual. On May
13th we will have our annual charity
MacMillan Tea & Chat evening.
Please come and join us, everyone
will be made very welcome. We
meet in the Compass Centre,
South Street, Houston on the
second Wednesday of each month
at 7.30pm. If you wish further
information please contact, Arlene
MacKay on 07932 459994.
HOUSTON AND KILLELLAN KIRK: All Services will be led by the Rev Gary Noonan
unless otherwise stated. Sunday 5th April – 10.30am Palm Sunday walk followed
by the Service at 11am. Monday 6th – 7.30pm First Holy Week Service at Houston.
Tuesday 7th – 7.30pm Joint Holy Week Service at Houston. Wednesday 8th April –
7.30pm Joint Holy Week Service at Linwood. Thursday 9th April – 7.30pm Maundy
Thursday Holy Communion at Houston. Good Friday – 9.30am Breakfast rolls at West
Halls. 7.30pm Good Friday Service at Houston. Holy Saturday – 6.30pm Service of
Reflection of Holy Week so far at Housto. Easter Sunday – 8am Easter Day Open
Air Service at Houston. 11am Morning Worship with Easter Egg Hunt for the children.
You can find out more about us at www.houstonkillellankirk.org
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:- Adoration
of Most Blessed Sacrament Mon & Wed 9.10am - 9.30am. Confessions: Thurs 8pm -
8.30pm, Sat 10am and after Vigil Mass or on request. Baptism - by arrangement. Parish
Priest: Monsignor Andrew McFadden. Pastoral Assistant: Sr. Mary Frances Collett,
RNDM (Tel 01505 613514). Address: ‘Abbotsfield’, St. Fillan’s, Main St, Houston, PA6
7EL. T. 01505 612046. E. StFillan@rcdop.org.uk www.stfillan.org.uk
HOUSTON BAPTIST CHURCH: Carrick Centre: 11am Family services with SS for children 5
- 12; Crèche provided; 6pm service; Mid-week Home Bible Study; For more information
contact; Rev. D. Snelson 01505 612722.
CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE: Village Hall, Main Street, Houston PA6 7EL. Rev Tim
Burton. Family service at 10.30am. Crèche available. Communion service first
Sunday of the month. Tel: 01505 320168 or M: 07500 439266.
I am delighted to announce that I have been
appointed as the new Convener of Clydemuirshiel
Regional Park Authority. Clydemuirshiel is
one of the most popular visitor attractions in
Renfrewshire, and certainly one which we as a
family used to frequent, particularly when our son
was small. The decision was taken recently at the
full council meeting of Renfrewshire Council as the
previous Convener had to stand down for various reasons.
Council budgets are very tight; it is not just always about
money but a new approach to things. As someone who was in
the leisure field for nearly forty years in Renfrewshire, I think I
have a particular skills set which means a fresh pair of eyes may
see opportunities for development that have been overlooked
before. For example, I want to meet as many community groups
as possible that are within the ambit of the Park boundary to
get their views on the way forward, but I would also welcome
views from residents in Houston, Crosslee, and Brookfield on
how they would like to see the Park develop.
But Clydemuirshiel is not just important as a leading leisure
attraction, although it is one of the top three visitor attractions
in Renfrewshire, there is also a massive moral duty for us all
to re-green our communities as a way of facing the climate
challenge and the Park is key in this. ClydeMuirshiel Regional
Park is the emerald jewel in the crown of Renfrewshire’s leisure
assets and I am delighted to have the responsibility of taking it
forward in the months and years ahead.
Contact Details for Cllr Audrey Doig
Brookfield Advice Surgery – 2nd Thursday of the month at
Brookfield Village Hall, 6.30pm
Houston Advice Surgery – 4th Wednesday of the month at the
Carrick Centre at 7.15pm. I can always be contacted on e-mail:
cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk or telephone: 07768
130935.
Houston Community Council
For many months members of Houston Community Council
have been working on two projects which we believe will bring
major benefits to our village, and the planning for these has
now reached the stage where we would like to seek the views
of our residents before proceeding further.
The first involves connectivity within Houston, and between
Houston and adjacent villages, primarily Bridge of Weir. We
have recently been awarded funding from Sustrans for a
feasibility study to look at connecting Houston with Bridge
of Weir via a shared use path as well as the network within
Houston. This would also give our residents access to the
National Cycle Network Route 7 and would also encourage
local journeys between the two areas as well as improved links
to the High School. A further benefit would be that it would
also encourage visitors to our village.
The second is a pico-hydro electricity generating unit on the
Houston Burn in the woodland opposite the Houston and
Killellan Kirk. The construction costs would be met by grants
from the Scottish Government and the electricity generated
would be sold to the National Grid. Both a feasibility study
and an environmental impact study have been completed and
are favourable. All future profits would be used for projects to
benefit our village and its residents.
We invite all residents of Houston whose main residence falls
within the Community Council Catchment Area to come along
to a Public Consultation Event to be held in the Carrick Centre,
Main Street, Houston on Sunday 26th April 2020 between
1.30pm and 5pm. Members of Houston Community Council will
be there to answer your questions and listen to your views. All
opinions expressed will be taken into account when we make
our decisions on how to move these exciting projects forward.
We look forward to seeing you there and listening to your
views.
ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
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Houston & Killellan Kirk
40 for 40 Lent Challenge Success
Houston & Killellan Kirk congregation’s Lent challenge has been
not to give up but to “take up” the 40 for 40 challenge for the
40 days of Lent. From Wednesday 26th February until Thursday
9th April families have been asked to spend 40p each day of Lent
(excluding the Sundays) on food for the Foodbank. Well, so far
they have been smashing the challenge – with a large boot load
going to Paisley every Monday! Rather typical of the members of
this congregation.
Busy Easter at Houston & Killellan Kirk
As is traditional, a busy programme of meaningful events is planned
for the Easter period at Houston & Killellan Kirk:
Sunday 5th April – 10.30am Palm Sunday walk with palm branches
from West Halls to the Kirk by the children of the Sunday Club.
However, the reluctant donkey is likely to give it a miss! This is
followed by the Palm Sunday Service at 11am.
Monday 6th April – 7.30pm First Holy Week Service at Houston.
Tuesday 7th April – 7.30pm Joint Holy Week Service at Houston.
We d n e s d a y 8 t h A p r i l – 7. 3 0 p m J o i n t H o l y We e k S e r v i c e a t L i n w o o d .
Thursday 9th April – 7.30pm Maundy Thursday Holy Communion at
Houston.
Good Friday – 9.30am Breakfast rolls at West Halls, followed by all
generations walk round the parish.
7.30pm Good Friday Service at Houston.
Holy Saturday – 6.30pm Service of Reflection of Holy Week so far
at Houston - Les Miserables (Session “Les Miserables”?!)
Easter Sunday – 8am Easter Day Open Air Service at Houston
followed by breakfast rolls & tea or coffee. 11am Morning Worship
with Easter Egg Hunt for the children & the fixing of daffodils to
the Cross.
Walking Group
The Walking Group has up to four walks a month, usually two walks
on a Saturday which are around 5 to 6 miles and two walks on
Monday mornings (the Wee Walk) which are around 3 to 4 miles
with a coffee somewhere in the proceedings. We usually meet at
the Kirk at 9.30am and then head off to our walks. Everyone is
welcome to join us, no experience is necessary and it is a good
occasion for a chat. Details of future walks can be found in the
Sunday intimations at the Kirk or on the Kirk website.
On April 25th we will be having a Saturday walk with a difference. It
will be in the afternoon instead of the morning and we will be taking
part in the Bridge Cross Challenge to support Christian Aid. Our
bridge is the Erskine Bridge and we will probably do two crossings,
which will total just over 3 miles. Even if you do not come out with
the Walking Group we would encourage anyone, including parents,
children, grannies and the family pet to join us on that day and raise
a little bit of money for Christian Aid. Put the25th April in your diary
and look out for full details in the April edition of the Kirk Record.
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
H.O.S.T. THE CARRICK CENTRE
(HOUSTON OLD SCHOOL TRUST)
Monday to Friday Gryffe Manor Out of School 01505 615438.
Dance West Scotland enquiries@dancewestscotland.co.uk
Coffee Shop: - Mon/Wed 9am - 4pm, Thurs 9am - 4.30pm, Fri
9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 3.30pm. Last hot food orders 1 hour before
closing time. Coffee Shop/Centre 01505 229597.
MONDAY
Yoga (Weekly) - 11am & 1pm
Mary Laidlaw 01505 229112
Handiwifes 20th - 7.30pm
DWS – 3.30pm
Diaporama 13th – 7.30pm
TUESDAY
Paint Pot Tots (Weekly) -
10am Dawn Campbell 07789
262350
Yoga (Weekly) - 7pm M/s
Lawson 01505 613690
Councillor Surgery - 11am
(21st) Allison Dowling
DWS – 3.30pm
WEDNESDAY
Gryffe Melody Makers - 7pm
12th /26th
Community Council - 7.30pm
19th
DWS(Weekly) MH – 3.30pm
- 7pm
DWS(Weekly) R2 – 6pm –
7pm
Baby Class (MOO MUSIC)
Weekly - 10am
Camera Club (Weekly) –
7.30pm
Councillors Surgery – 7.15pm
Cllr A Doig
A Portable Defib Unit is available at the West Halls (Church) on
Main Street
Centre Patrons PLEASE ADVISE date or time changes due to
Holidays to Centre Management
Booking enquiries: Bill Haddow 01505 690693,
Stewart Scally 01505 674277, Barry Walker 01505 614039
Email : thecarrickcentre@gmail.com or hostbookings@outlook.com
Brookfield Art Club Art Show
Golden Fields by Joan Smith
THURSDAY
Gryffe Quilting Group – 1pm -
3pm (16th - 10am)
Primary Colours (Weekly) –
3.30pm – 4.30pm
Crafty Friends – 7.30pm (2nd)
Folk Club (Weekly) - 8pm
davemellor@gmail.com 07523
129122
Move It Or Lose It (Weekly) –
10.30am – 11.30am
FRIDAY
Yoga (Weekly) – 10.30am M/s
Lawson 01505 613690
DWS (Weekly) MH – 3.15pm -
7pm
DWS(Weekly) R2 - 5pm –
7pm
Gavin Newlands M.P. Surgery –
12.30pm – 1.30pm (10th Public
Holiday)
SATURDAY
DWS (Weekly) MH – 9.45am -
5pm (22nd 12noon)
Dance West Scot(Weekly) R2
– 9am – 1.30pm
Councillors Surgery – 11.30am
– 12noon (4th) Jim Sheridan
SUNDAY
Baptist Church (Weekly) - 11am
and 6pm
Sunday 26th April, 12noon - 4.30pm
Brookfield Village Hall
Tea Room with Home Baking Admission £1
36 ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 APRIL 2020
WHAT’S
HAPPENING
THIS MONTH Bishopton | Bridge of Weir | Langbank
Bridge of Weir Lace Group
Fortnightly Tuesday mornings
(10am - 12noon). If you’d like to
try lacemaking we can provide
materials & tuition. For further
details phone (01505) 613967.
Gryffe Voices Community
Choir (Mondays)
Freeland Church, BoW 8pm to
9.45pm. Sing pop, rock, folk,
show tunes, gospel. Contact
gryffevoices@gmail.com
Bridge of Weir Choral
Society (Tuesdays)
Small Hall, St. Columba Church,
Kilmacolm 7.30pm - 9.30pm.
All welcome.
BoW Senior Citizens Club
2nd & 4th Wednesday Cargill
Hall 7pm - 9.15pm
Tea, biscuits & a raffle
each meeting along with
entertainment.
Hearing Aid Clinic
3rd Friday each month The
Bridge, BoW. 1pm - 2pm
Hearing aid batteries and
hearing aid checks.
The Terrace
Last Friday in the month St
Machar’s Ranfurly Church Hall
Soups, sandwiches, tea/coffee,
biscuits. £4.
Fashion Show by
Taylor Fashions
Friday 17th April at 7.30pm.
Langbank Village Hall,
Middlepenny Road, Langbank
This event is always a big
success, come and update your
Spring wardrobe.
Many items are from well known
brands at greatly reduced
prices.
Tickets are £5 and this includes
tea cake and a raffle.
Details of where to buy
tickets are on all the village
noticeboards, or just pay at the
door.
Double Trouble
Come and hear two cellos in
concert at Langbank Church,
PA14 6XP on Sunday 17th May
at 2.30pm.
Donation ticket £5 available at
the door on the day.
Programme comprises music
ranging from 17th to 21st
centuries.
Affluent FP launches Community Fund
The multi award winning Financial
Planning firm, Affluent Financial
Planning, based in Bridge of
Weir has launched a Community
Fund to provide funds for local
community groups and charities
to support them in various projects
that will help the people of West
Renfrewshire and surrounding
areas.
“It is our way of giving back to
our local community” explained
Carl Melvin, Managing Director of
Affluent FP.
There are many groups who do
good work locally and Affluent
FP is keen to help them. Often
smaller charities and community groups struggle for funding and as a result, worthy projects are
delayed or shelved completely. The new Community Fund is designed to help these smaller groups,
where even modest funding can make a big difference.
The Community Fund is open to all groups in the local area and applications will be reviewed quarterly
by the Board of the Community Fund, with awards made throughout the year.
To apply to the Community Fund for an award, applicants should download an application form from
https://www.affluentfp.co.uk/community-fund and return it for consideration.
We are delighted to announce that the first recipient of an award from the Affluent FP Community
Fund is Brighter Bridge of Weir – a small band of volunteers who do such a sterling job of keeping the
village looking great.
We at the Advertizer will keep you updated on the development of the Community Fund and highlight
future recipients as the year progresses.
So, if you, or someone you know, is involved in a community group or small charity then why not make
an application to the Affluent FP Community Fund for funding?
The Masqueraders
Back again by popular demand
Saturday 25th April at 7pm in St
Machar’s Ranfurly Church Hall
The group is rehearsing very hard and
you will again experience an evening
filled with amazing talent to entertain
you. Not content with amazing
entertainment you will also be refreshed
with tea/coffee and home baking after
the show.
The chosen charity this year is “Rays of
Hope” a Cancer Support Group based
in Elderslie. It was established in 2015
in order to provide a safe, confidential
environment for cancer sufferers and
their families during and after treatment.
They have many regular activities;
exercise classes, craft activities, a
walking group, creative writing, knitting
and crochet to name but a few. They
also have a choir for both ladies and
gentlemen.
With the success of the last show, tickets
are sure to be in high demand. Numbers
are limited due to the size of the hall so
get in early to avoid disappointment.
Tickets, priced £5, will be on sale from
the beginning of April from any of the
group. In order not to miss out on tickets
for this highly entertaining evening.
Phone 614943 to book.
Bridge of Weir Gala
On Saturday 7th March the Festival Committee chose
the Gala King and Queen for the Gala Day. Gala Queen -
Amelie Robert-Rocher Gala King - Calan McMath.
Organising for the Gala Day on 13th June is going ahead.
The Bridge of Weir Primary School will be involved with
designing the Poster material inspired by the theme
‘characters from Children’s books’. Invitations have gone
out to the village shops to take part in the Best Dressed
Window competition with a £100 prize for charity to the
winner.
We still could do with more help. If you wish to be involved
with the Gala do come to the next meeting on Tuesday
14th April at 7.30pm in the Cargill Hall.
ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
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Bishopton
Community Centre
Gledstane Road, Bishopton
PA7 5AU. Tel: 01505 863354
For full information and contact
details please check out: www.
bishoptoncommunitycentre.com
MONDAY
Ladies Badminton: 10am – 12noon
Bridge: 1pm – 3pm
Yoga: 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Tai Chi: 3pm – 4pm
French: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Rainbows: 6pm – 7pm
Brownies: 6pm – 7.15pm
Guides: 7.30pm – 10pm
Trefoil Guild: (1st Monday in
month) 7.30 – 10pm
TUESDAY
Toddlers: 10am – 11.30am
Crochet: 1pm – 3pm
Brownies: 6.15pm – 7.30pm
Singing for Wellbeing: 6pm –
7.15pm
Ladies Badminton: 8pm – 10pm
WEDNESDAY
Slimming World: 8am – 11.30am
Toddlers: 1.15pm – 2.45pm
Karate: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Bridge Club: 7pm – 10pm
Yoga: 8pm – 9pm
THURSDAY
Toddlers: 10am – 11.30am
Dancing: 3.30pm – 9pm
FRIDAY
Friday Funtime: 10am – 11.30am
French: 2pm – 3pm
Clyde Judo: 6pm – 8pm
SUNDAY
Karate: 10.30am – 11.30am
Kettlebells: 12noon – 1pm
Model Bus Federation Meeting:
(Once a month) 1pm – 4pm
Langbank SWI
Our end of season prize giving
dinner will be held at Gleddoch
on Thursday 16th April at 7pm.
Please contact the President
Marion Dornan for further
details.
Bridge of Weir Community Council
The Community Council welcomed a small
delegation of residents from the Clevans
Road area of the village to the meeting where
they addressed us on a number of matters of
concern.
On their behalf the Community Council Chairman
and Councillor MacLaren will contact Renfrewshire
Council officials to determine if road repairs,
blocked gullies and damaged pavements can be
programmed for repair or upgrade.
The Secretary will contact the Community Police
requesting vehicle speed traps at this location, as
drivers are often seen to be exceeding the speed
limit.
The Secretary was asked to contact the Education
Authority demanding they put a stop to the
School bus sitting outside premises on Clevans
Road for up to 20 minutes in the mornings.
The Secretary reported she had received a
reply from Neil Bibby MSP who had forwarded
information he had received on our behalf from
Scottish Water regarding the sewerage issues at
the Main Street approach to The Glen. Scottish
Water stated this area has already been prioritised
by them and a project is being progressed as
part of their high priority 200 external sewer
flooding areas and in their response they said: “I
can inform you that we are progressing with a
project to investigate the longer term flood risk
reduction to the issues your constituents are
experiencing. This project is currently at a very
early stage in its lifecycle, and we are currently
undertaking detailed investigations which
will assist in establishing potential options to
resolve the sewer flooding your constituents are
experiencing. I can confirm we are currently going
through the process of replacing 18 manhole
covers on this section of sewer, which will allow
safe access for surveys to be carried out as part
of the investigation. Road closures are required
for 3 of these manhole cover replacements,
which 3 month notice time is required and we
are working with the Local Authority to complete
this process”. The full report can be seen on our
Got NEWS?
Got any local news? Please send
your news in to info@advertizer.
co.uk.
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ask that they be at least 1MB in
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Churches in Bishopton, Langbank & Bridge of Weir
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
LANGBANK PARISH CHURCH: Sunday Services 10am with Sunday School, Crèche and young people’s group, the Welcomers.
Tea/coffee after the service. Come along and meet in the Hall from 9.50am.
FREELAND CHURCH - Morning service at 10.30am and Evening service at 7pm. For details please check website: www.
freelandchurch.org.uk
ST MARY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Johnstone Rd, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3EE. Sunday Service 10am. Contact: Rev. Heller G. 01505
872961 www.heartlandsec.org/BoW
ST MACHAR’S RANFURLY CHURCH: Regular Sunday morning services at 10.30am, everyone welcome. Junior Church meets
1st, 8th and 29th of March. Link seated service: Friday 13th March at 2pm in the Session Room. All Age service Sunday 15th of
March at 10.30am. For more info check out our website: stmacharsranfurlychurch.org.uk and Facebook.
HOPE HALL: Sun 1.15pm Sunday School, 4.30pm Gospel Service; Mon 6pm Investigators for Kids, 7.30pm Bible Study and Prayer.
www.bridgeofweirchurch.co.uk
BISHOPTON PARISH CHURCH: Sunday Services: 9.45am Early Bird Service @ The Cornerstone. 11.30am Morning Worship at The
Church (Erskine Ferry Road). Please see our website Bishoptonkirk.org.uk or Facebook for further details as we have Family
Services at the beginning of each month which alternate between Church and Cornerstone.
38 ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
Facebook page. The Community Council has
asked we are kept informed of progress.
After following up on a complaint by a resident
on trees covered by TPO’s the Community
Council has been informed by Renfrewshire
Council Planning that an Officer has been out on
site at Gryffe Castle and noticed that a total of 4
substantial trees and two small trees had been
the subject of tree works. They have written to the
owner and asked for an explanation, requested a
tree report and the proposals for replanting.
Further reports to the Community Council have
suggested that Green Belt land at Gryffe Castle
has also been encroached and have asked
Renfrewshire Council Planners to carry out an
inspection of the area.
We were informed action has been taken by the
Police against speeding drivers on the Johnstone
Road.
The Community Council has received a number
of requests to have the bus shelter replaced at
Prieston Road / Main Street, we have now been
informed the delay is due to the shelter not
meeting the standard height measurements due
to the roof having to be lower than the wall at the
rear. The meeting expressed concerns that this is
yet another excuse for delay and asked Councillor
MacLaren to request Council Officials arrange for
an immediate replacement.
The Community Council representative to the
Renfrewshire Forum of Community Council’s
reported that Renfrewshire Council Planners are
willing to attend Community Council meetings to
discuss the new Local Place Plans we will invite a
speaker to attend one of our meetings.
The Christmas Lights Sub-Committee has been
rearranged and all members of the Community
Council have been given a role in the new setup.
The Christmas Light Switch on Event grant
application has been sent to the Local Partnership
for consideration at their April meeting and we
hope they will look at it favourably.
Langbank Community Council
LCC meets on the second Wednesday of each month and these
meetings are open to all, indeed we would welcome members of
the community coming along and sharing their views and ideas. At
these meetings we discuss the issues which are important to the
village such as; the dreaded roundabout, parking issues, flooding,
street lighting, lack of amenities and improvements to outdoor
spaces. We also organize village events like the Christmas Tree
Light Up, Village Clean Up Day and the Gala Day (Saturday 20th
June this year).
If you would like more information or are able to help with the Gala
Day please contact us on: info@langbank-community.com
e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 APRIL 2020
It easy to blame the bad weather for the condition of the
roads but we all know that there are numerous gullies
(drains) in the road that have been blocked for years.
The Council needs to realise that water and roads don’t
mix well. Potholes are opening up within a month of
being filled. Here are the roads in my ward that will be
resurfaced this coming year under the 2020/21 Roads
Capital Programme:
Bridge of Weir: Carruth Road, Hazelwood Road, Ranfurly Road
(Kilbarchan to Hazelwood), Kilgraston Road (Part), St Andrews
Drive (Part).
Bishopton: A8 - Greenock Road (at Kingston Rd), A8 - Greenock
Road (at Nether Southbar), Station Road, Bruce Road.
Langbank: Middlepenny Road.
I will pass on the list of the pavements as soon as I am advised by
the department. My understanding is that there will be more works
to resolve flooding issues. It would certainly be worthwhile digging
out the ditches and checking all the culverts thoroughly.
A group from Bridge of Weir recently visited the St Mirren Men’s
Shed and were inspired, and a small committee has now been
formed to take things forward, the initial thoughts are to build
a temporary structure in the Coal Year. It is a case of watch this
space!
With so much news about the Coronavirus at the moment it was a
surprise to me that I had to introduce an emergency motion at the
recent full Council meeting to get any information of the Council’s
plans; however the lack of hand cleansing stations in the building is
pretty negligent I think.
Council tax is going up by 4.64% in Renfrewshire and council
housing rent by 2%. The Conservative Group voted with the Labour
Group for a council tax freeze. We feel that more money should
be coming out of Scottish Government to support councils as we
are being asked to do more but not being given the funding to
support this.
Please note my surgery details:
• Langbank Parish Church Hall - 1st Monday of month (6.30pm)
• Bridge of Weir Cargill Hall - 2nd Monday of month (6.30pm)
• Bishopton Community Library - 3rd Monday of month (6.30pm)
For further information on any of the above, please contact me
by phone on 0300-300-1291 or by email to cllr.james.maclaren@
renfrewshire.gov.uk . Check out my Facebook page for more
information and copies of my community council reports etc. www.
facebook.com/councillormaclaren
Working with you and improving our local area. Please feel free to
contact me with any of your concerns, and I am happy to meet with
you at a mutually convenient time. If there is something that you
would like me to write about more often then please drop me a line.
It is always good to get feedback, particularly of the positive kind.
Your Ward 11 Councillors
James MacLaren, Natalie Don, Colin McCulloch |
Advice Surgeries: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/councillors
Community Council Visitors welcome at monthly meetings
BISHOPTON: Primary School: 1st Thursday at 7.30pm
www.bishoptoncouncil.com
BRIDGE OF WEIR: 1st Tuesday, Cargill Hall: 7pm
www.bridgeofweir.org
LANGBANK: Church Hall: 2nd Wed at 7.30pm
Community Halls to Let
Bridge of Weir: Freeland Church. Tel: 612245
The Bridge
Shop News – An extensive range of Greeting Cards are on sale
to cover most special occasions. Our usual stationery items are
always in stock. We also have pocket money items which will keep
young children amused.
Post Office - Going on holiday soon? Ask our Post Office staff for
a leaflet on Travel Insurance. Euros are available for purchase and
other currencies can be ordered.
Help is at Hand within your Community Centre – Do you have any
issues to resolve? An appointment with one of your local elected
representatives could be the answer. Please call in to find out the
times of their surgeries.
An evening out at The Bridge – Twice monthly, you can enjoy a
film along with complimentary refreshments at The Bridge. Please
collect a Programme.
Web Site – Our website gives useful, up to date information, about
the services available at The Bridge.
Books –We have a selection of pre- loved books available for
purchase at modest prices. Please come in and have a look.
Cafe - Please visit our cafe where a warming cup of tea or coffee
and biscuits can be enjoyed in comfortable surroundings.
As always we wish to thank our dedicated team of volunteers who,
through their commitment, enable The Bridge Community Centre,
Shop and more importantly Post Office to serve the village.
ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
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WHAT’S
HAPPENING
THIS MONTH
Monday Bridge Club
Cargill Community Centre
7pm. For information contact
the Club Secretary, Sheena
Clayton, on 01505 873802.
Local Police Surgeries
4th Monday - local
neighbourhood officer surgery
in the Community Centre
10.30am - 11.30am.
Tuesday Crafty Play Café
Quarriers Village Café, Faith
Avenue 10am-12noon; 12noon
-2pm; 2pm - 4pm. £2 for kids
craft materials (optional)
Wednesday Knitting Group
Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers
10am - 12noon.
Babies, Bumps and Boobs
St. Columba’s Church Lesser
Hall, Duchal Road (term-time).
1st Wednesday in the
month. Contact playgroup
membership@gmail.com
Inverclyde Carers Outreach
Cargill Centre, 11am - 2pm. 2nd
Wednesday in the month.
Email: enquiries@inverclyde
carerscentre.org.uk or call:
01475 735180.
‘Outlook’
Kidston Hall, 2pm - 4pm. 1st
& 3rd Thursday in the month.
Guest speakers, afternoon tea,
local issues. All welcome.
Sòlas Bereavement Support
Group
Kidston Hall, 2pm - 4pm. 2nd
Thursday in the month.
Movie Night
Old Kirk, 7pm for 7.30pm. Last
Thursday in the month.
Saturday Volunteer Group
Greenock Cut Visitor Centre
10.30am - 2.30pm
Conservation Volunteers, adult
group. Newcomers always
welcome.
Guide Hut to Hire
Main hall, kitchen facilities
and outdoor area. Perfect for
children’s parties, weekly classes
and one off special occasions.
Contact Julie: 07967 371595 or
e: guidehutbookings@gmail.
com.
Kilmacolm | Quarriers
Easter at Mount
Zion Church
Mount Zion Church, Law View
Road, Quarriers Village, PA11 3FD
Holy week is the most important
time in the Christian Calendar,
when we remember the death
and the resurrection of the Lord
Jesus. Thursday and Friday are
usually quiet, meditative services,
and Easter Sunday is an all age
celebration. You would be made
very welcome at these meetings.
April 5th at 10.30am
Palm Sunday Service
April 9th at 7pm
Maundy Thursday Communion
April 10th at 2.30pm
Good Friday Meditation
April 12th at 10.30am
Easter Sunday Family Service
Knapps Show Cancelled
Churches in Kilmacolm & Quarriers
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
Kilmacolm Dramatic Society
Rehearsals are now in full swing for Kilmacolm Dramatic
Society’s production of popular playwright Alan Bennett’s
farcical comedy Habeas Corpus. The play, which is brimful of
Bennett’s razor sharp wit, is directed by Alison Holliman, who
also directed the Society’s hugely successful production of
Calendar Girls.
If you are looking for a really good night out and a lot of
laughter, don’t miss it. It’s a classic farce of ill manners, featuring
dropped trousers, mismanaged (and generally thwarted) lust
and a veritable merry-go-round of mistaken identities. It all
takes place in the home of the outwardly respectable Wicksteed
family.
The cast of five women and six men includes some new faces,
as well as many familiar ones. They are: John Gilchrist, Liz Davie,
Kevin Curran, Claire McClatchie, Claire Fraser, John Watson,
Jean Simpson, Ruth Quigley, Paul Donnachie, Joe Robinson and
Hugh Gorman.
As with every KDS production, a host of essential people are
also working hard behind the scenes. Headed by Stage Manager
Angus Black, they have roles in lighting, sound, set, costumes,
make-up, props, print design, front of house hospitality and
publicity.
There will be three performances of Habeas Corpus in
Kilmacolm’s Kidston Hall – at 7.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday
and Friday 22nd - 24th April. Doors open at 7pm and tickets
(£12, including refreshments) are available from the Cross Café
in Kilmacolm or from Rosie Thirde - tel 01505 873088 or on
rosiethirde33@gmail.com - or Claire Fraser on claire.fraser@
scotech.ltd.uk
If you’re interested in joining KDS - either to act, or to help
backstage in any way - or would like some more information
about us, just contact Claire or Rosie.
Postponed - we will update you once we have more information
Following discussion with the Directors it was agreed that the board would take the difficult decision
to cancel the Show this year. As you will be aware from the media, the situation with Corona virus is
expected to worsen over the coming weeks. The Scottish Government are advising events involving
500 people and over do not go ahead due to medical resources being required for public health duties.
We have been advised that other local shows have sadly taken the same decision as ourselves.
We have a duty of care to our volunteers, helpers, exhibitors, judges, competitors and visitors and do
not wish to add to the building pressure the NHS is already experiencing. We feel that we would be
neglecting our duty to allow the Show to proceed by having crowds of people in close proximity. We
are not confident that we would have the attendance required to fund the day, if we cancel now we
can avoid some of our costs to ensure we can continue in 2021.
Thank you to all of our supporters, sponsors and advertisers who we will be in touch with, over the
next few days.
We hope to see you all next year.
Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow Agricultural Society
KILMACOLM OLD KIRK: Church of Scotland (Charity no. SC009291). www.kilmacolmoldkirk.org.uk. Morning worship: Sundays at
11am. 5th April - Palm Sunday. 6th - 10th April - Holy Week services at 7.30pm in Old Kirk except Thursday 8th in St Columba.
12th April - Easter Sunday. 9.30am Knapps Loch Holy Communion. 10am - Easter Crafts for children in Kidston Hall. 11am - Easter
Worship with Holy Communion. Sòlas Drop-in Bereavement Group is held in Kidston Hall on the 2nd Thursday each month at
2pm. Outlook on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 2pm. Tea and coffee served after every service.
ST COLUMBA CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: (Charity no. SC007992) Morning Worship Sundays at 11am. All welcome.
GRACE CHURCH KILMACOLM: in association with Downavale Free Church of Scotland. Sunday Service at 10.30am in Kilmacolm
Guide Hut, Woodrow Avenue, PA13 4QF.
ST COLM’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Smithy Brae Kilmacolm. Rev. Vincent Byrne. Family mass Sundays 10am with children’s liturgy.
Eucharistic service Thursdays 11am. Rosary Tuesdays 6.30pm. Prayer group meets Thursdays 7.30pm. Further information and
contact details www.stcolmsparish.co.uk
BUDDHIST MEETINGS: Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. Call Margaret on 01505 871343.
ST FILLAN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Moss Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4DL. Service of Eucharist on Sundays at 11.30am except the
first Sunday of the month at 11.30am is the Service of Matins: Wednesday 10.30am Holy Communion: On last Sunday of the month
6pm (Said) Evensong: Clergy: The Revd Heller Gonzalez (01505-2961); Pastoral Assistant Maureen Russell (01505-872905).
Find us on www.heartlandsec/org/KLM/index.html
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 10am.
40 ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 APRIL 2020
Kilmacolm Old Kirk News
‘OUTLOOK’ is a social community group, formulated for friendship
and fellowship. It is led by the Community Issues team of Kilmacolm
Old Kirk. The group meets In Kidston Hall, 2pm - 4pm. Everyone is
most welcome.
Programme for March
2nd April Indian Travelogue – Colin Houston – amazing
photography:unique adventures
16th April Crosses around the world – Jim Holmes
30th April Movie Night Grease - 7pm for 7.30pm @ The Old Kirk
Free entry and the offer of a glass of wine. Donation if desired to
support the creation of a Pilgrim Pathway in Kilmacolm.
SOCIAL MEDIA In addition to the website - kilmacolmoldkirk.org.
uk, you can follow the Old Kirk on Facebook at Kilmacolm Old
Kirk@kilmacolmold, and Twitter and Instagram @kilmacolmold
Kilmacolm Litter Pickers
Our first three outings have been a great success and have seen us
haul in 32 bags of litter from the roadside verges on the Bridge of
Weir Road (from the village exit to the ‘big carpark’ at the Knapps)
and Port Glasgow Road (from Auchenbothie Gardens along to the
secure dog play business).
By the time you read this, we will have cleared the remainder of the
roadside verges on the Bridge of Weir Road (along to the Quarriers
village turning), Lochwinnoch Road and Finalystone Road, along
with maintaining the cleanliness on the stretch of the Port Glasgow
Road that has already been cleaned.
We’ve had a few weather storms to contend with but we are a stoical
bunch and clearing up the litter around Kilmacolm is our mission! If
you would like to help, then all you need is a litter pick, Hi Vis vest
and waterproofs. These can be bought in a certain hardware store
in Bridge of Weir or online! Bags supplied by Inverclyde Council
and collected from outside Kilmacolm Library.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our fortnightly clean ups
sometime soon.. Jenny x
Dates for April: – Sunday 12th April at 1.30pm and Sunday 26th
April at 9.30am meeting at Gryffe Road, Kilmacolm (the BOW Rd
end). I can be contacted by email – JennyMeadows10@outlook.com
*At the time of writing, we are unclear as to the extent of the spread of
COVID-19. I also post on the Kilmacolm Wanderers Facebook page and
will update the page if we need to cancel. You can also check-in with me
via the above email address. Many thanks.
Spring Charity Coffee Morning
Come along and join West Renfrewshire young farmers at our
charity coffee morning!
Saturday 4th April, 10am - 12noon in The Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm
Meet the lambs! Meet the Alpacas! Jewellery stand
Glitter Face Paints Educational Drawing corner for kids
The event will be held in aid of the Calum’s Cabin Charity. Calum’s
cabin is a phenomenal charity that provides holiday homes on the
Isle of Bute for children who have been affected by cancer. They
also provide accommodation for long distance families while their
child attends hospital in Glasgow.
Everyone is welcome to join us for what is sure to be a lovely
morning out with friends and family!
Your Ward 1 Councillors
David Wilson, Stephen McCabe, Christopher Curley | Advice
Surgeries: http://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/meetings/councillors/
Community Council Visitors welcome at monthly meetings
Last Tuesday at 7.30pm, Kilmacolm Cargill Centre
www.kilmacolmcc.co.uk
Community Halls to Let
Kilmacolm, Cargill Centre. Tel: 873994
Kilmacolm, Brownie/Guide Hut. Contact Julie on 07967 371595 or e:
guidehutbooking@gmail.com.
Kilmacolm, Masonic Hall. Tel: 873059
It never fails to amaze me the litter deposited around
the village. Last year as part of the Community Council
initiative organised by Mike Jefferis I collected 45 half
and quarter bottles of High Commissioner Whisky down
the Smithy Brae. The Community Council is doing it
again this year. The Council litter picks the verges twice
a year and the help from the KCC and the newly formed
Kilmacolm Pickers is much appreciated.
The Kilmacolm Primary Parent Partnership is very active and
the fund raising arm realised some £6,000 last year to be used
for the good of the school and primarily the pupils. There is a
comprehensive Parental Engagement strategy and it is proven that
parental involvement can help raise attainment and have positive
effects on behaviour and attendance. Simone McCredie attends
all the Partnership meetings and recently reported on after school
clubs -- archery, dance and netball, and the children’s support of
the Inverclyde foodbank. The Chair Emma Bilsland updated on the
Valentine Disco and the coming spring quiz. A really good school
with great parental support.
The Kilmacolm Civic Trust held its, well attended AGM in the Cargill.
We heard reports from the Chair Nicol Cameron, Archivist John
Hamilton and Treasurer John Hunter. The Trust is in good fettle.
Much of the work in the past year was taken up with opposing
large planning applications in the village, but I was quite taken by
the work being done on the capture of oral histories from some of
the more mature residents of the village. I cannot wait to hear Sam
McGinn’s reminiscences.
Officers visited the Institute building site following complaints
about the bin store and the compound at the rear. They had
difficulty contacting somebody with hands on responsibility for the
development and are pursuing a further lead.
It is very sad news that the Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow Agricultural
Show which would hav taken place on 9th May has been cancelled.
This is due to the current Covid-19 virus.
A record number of school leavers in Inverclyde are moving into
employment, education or training according to official figures. We
are eighth in the school leavers league table with 95.8% of our
694 leavers in positive destinations. There is no doubt that our
£270m investment in the school estate over the past 10 years is
paying off and is money well spent. Our teaching staff and talented
young people are to be complimented.
Our monthly average of crimes in the village is 11 with 50% offences
relating to motor vehicles. The average community warden calls
are 3 per month. Inverclyde is 487 and 111 respectively. Warden
and Police management meet at 8am every morning to compare
intelligence. I can also report that the part of Port Glasgow in my
ward is quiet also.
The Greenock Windfarm is unfortunately progressing. A vast
acreage of CO2 absorbing peat is being destroyed on the moors
near Corlic Hill to create the
massive foundations and 11km of
roads Permission was given by
the Scottish Government against
the wishes of 700 objectors.
This industrial plant should really
be offshore. At Clyde Muirshiel
Regional Park we are worried
about the Ospreys which nest
nearby.
My surgery is 2nd May at the
Cargill 10am - 11am. I can be
contacted at: david.wilson@
inverclyde.gov.uk 01475 741969,
712975 and 07766 992294.
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Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
PET NEws
Microchip Details
Its always worthwhile to take a minute to check your pet’s details
so your furry friend can always be returned safely should they
wander away..
If you have changed any of your contact details such as your phone
number or you have moved house, don’t forget to update your pets
microchip details.
It could be what helps reunite you with them if they are lost or
stolen.
MISSING PET?
We can post on
Facebook for you!
Send details to:
info@advertizer.co.uk
01505 613340
Indentibase
Petidentity UK
Petlog
Pet Protect
Pettrac
Smarttrac
0190 448 7600
0800 975 1960
0129 633 6579
0800 077 8558
0800 652 9977
0844 542 0999
Choosing a Puppy
Finding the right puppy for you and your family is something that
should be done with a great deal of thought and care.
Before starting to look for a pup consider:
• Whether you want a pedigree or crossbreed.
• If choosing a pedigree, find out everything you can about the
breed including any health issues.
• How much space you have in your home and garden.
• How much time you have to spend with your dog and what
level of activity you are able to offer.
• The type of coat you want, whether they shed and how much
grooming will be required.
Once you have decided on the type of dog you want and have
located a breeder it is a good idea to speak to the breeder on the
phone initially and ask some questions. These should include:
• Where are the puppies kept?
• Will you be able to see the parents?
• Have the mum or pups had any health problems?
• If a pedigree, have the parents been screened for any inherited
health problems?
• Have the puppies been treated for worms?
• Have the pups had any vaccinations?
• If a pedigree, are the parents Kennel Club registered and are
the puppies registered?
Good breeders should be approachable and happy to provide
answers to all your questions. If you are happy with the answers
provided arrange to visit the puppies at their home.
When visiting the pups important points to note include:
• Are the pups kept in a family home or in a kennel
environment?
• Do the mum and pups appear clean, healthy and happy?
• Is the mum forward and friendly or nervous?
• Are the pups forward and friendly or nervous and shy?
• Do the pups have exposure to normal background noises in
the home and frequent exposure to human contact?
Never feel pressured to choose a pup on your first visit. Don’t be
afraid to walk away if you feel it’s not the right pup for you.
If you do decide to go ahead and take one of the pups arrange
to collect the pup from the breeders home. Ask the breeder to
provide:
• Written instructions on feeding routine.
• Written information on any worming and parasite treatments.
• A veterinary certificate for any vaccinations given.
• Kennel Club paperwork if the pup is Kennel Club registered.
Taking some time at these initial stages helps ensure you end up
with the right dog for you and your family, and that the pup ends
up with the right home to meet his needs too!
42 ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 April 2020
ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
43
Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
outdoors
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!
Here’s a list of local meetings:
Gryffe Camera Club : Wednesday nights
The Carrick Centre, Houston between 7.30pm & 10pm
Paisley Colour Photographic Club : Thursday evenings
The McMaster Centre, Renfrew, from 7.30pm. www.paisleycolour.com
Diaporama Meeting : 2nd Monday in the month
7.30pm in the Carrick Centre, Houston. For further information
contact Hugh Kerr at 01505 612687 or hughkerr14@gmail.com
Langbank Camera Club : 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month
For more information please contact Derrick McPherson at
langbankcc1@gmail.com.
Bridge of Weir Horticultural Society
In April, garden plans should be well under way. Hopefully tips from
our recent talk ‘Getting to Know Your Soil’ will have proved useful.
On Thursday 9th at The Bridge at 8pm, we have a creative “Easter
Make & Take” evening, involving horticultural and decorative
handicrafts.
Guest, Louise Bustard, Ethnobotanist and Education Officer at
Glasgow Botanics, gave a fascinating insight into poisonous
garden plants and weeds. From Fairy Tales, Shakespeare and
Agatha Christie we know plants have a dark side and “Who done
it?” poisons favoured by writers are Digitalis from Foxgloves, Ricin
from Castor Oil Plants and Cyanide which is present in Laurels,
Almonds and also Apple pips! Cyanide smells like “bitter almonds”.
Remember this when cutting your hedge! Mandrake, Monkshood/
Wolfsbane and Hemlock are well-known poisons. So are some of
our most beautiful: Laburnum pods produce Cytosine and within
the much-loved Lily of the Valley are Glycosides and Saponins
which affect the heart or cause gastric poisoning. Cyanide is also
present in the Rose family.
Many plants are used positively in medicines. Herbalists were the
go-to people for remedies before Science stepped in with plantbased
cures. Recently, Scientists discovered poisonous Taxine,
from Yew Trees, can be used in cancer-treatments, so clippings
now go to the Lab and not the bonfire. Native Americans used
the inner bark and leaves from the Salix/Willow Trees to extract
Salicylic Acid, used in Aspirin. A ‘brew’ of leaves and bark would
relieve fevers.
Opthalmologists use Atropine which is extracted from Deadly
Nightshade. Doctors use Hyoscine from Henbane to treat travel
sickness and stomach problems. Toxic Colchicine, from Colchicum
corms and seeds is used to treat gout. Beautiful Opium Poppies
produce pain relieving Morphine and Coca Bush leaves produce
Cocaine and finally, we have Monsieur Nicot to thank for bringing
Tobacco to the world. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – but
beware.
Kilmacolm Spring Plant
Sale
outside Kilmacolm Library, in the centre
of Kilmacolm
on Saturday 25th April
from 10am – 12noon
Admission by donation.
60% of monies raised goes to Pancreatic
Cancer Scotland.
www.scotlandsgardens.org/kilmacolmplant-sale/
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
Green Corner
Green Corner: Homemade Lemongrass
and Lavender Hand Sanitiser
Not able to get your (very clean)
hands on any extra hand sanitizer?
Here is a lovely homemade recipe
from the Moral Fibres website.
(Find tips on living sustainably and
stylishly.)
Properties of chosen ingredients:
Witch Hazel is a great product. It is
proven to protect against HPV and
herpes and also influenza A. It is also
quite gentle. If you can’t get witch
hazel, then you could substitute with
cheap vodka. Alcohol, although a
little more expensive, is a great germ
killer.
The lemongrass essential oil was
chosen because of its antibacterial
and anti-germ properties. (See scientific study*.) It also smells
wonderful. If you have sensitive skin, consider tea-oil instead.
Lavender oil has been proven to work against MRSA and E-coli**. It
also smells wonderful and is said to promote calmness.
*www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1995764510601290
**www.researchgate.net/publication/284572262_Antibacterial_
Effect_of_Lavender_Lavandula_Flavor_VolatileJournal_of_Food_
Science_and_Engineering
You will need:
100 ml spray bottle (Glass if possible. Essential oils can deteriorate
plastic over time, but if there’s less chance of it breaking in your
bag then it’s a better choice).
60 ml witch hazel (You can get this from most chemists and some
supermarkets.)
10-15 drops Lemongrass essential oil
10-15 drops Lavender essential oil
1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil (optional – added for its moisturising
properties. Can buy from Holland and Barrett and other wholefood
places.)
40 ml cooled boiled water
Method:
If you are using the vitamin e oil, then add it to your clean, dry
empty bottle, before adding your essential oils. Otherwise, simply
add your essential oils to the empty bottle. Next add the witch
hazel and cooled boiled water, and add the spray nozzle.
Usage and Storage:
Do a patch test on a small area of your skin, to test for sensitivity.
Leave for 24 hours just to. Shake well before use. Do not use on
broken skin.
It will have a shelf life of around 6-8 weeks, but if it starts to look
funny before then, it’s best to discard it and make a new batch.
If you want to use on children (2 and upwards), it is advisable to do
a little reading on essential oils before you get started. Use no more
than 10 drops of each essential oil (which gives a 1% dilution). Do
not use on broken skin.
44 ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 April 2020
Got NEWS?
Got any local news? Please
send your news in to:
info@advertizer.co.uk
Pictures are welcome but we
do ask that they be at least
1MB in size, .jpg files, and no
smaller than 5cm in width or
height.
Kilmacolm Horticultural Society
The last of our winter lectures was presented by the ever popular
Louise Bustard, senior curator at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Her
descriptions and pictures of the gardens surrounding the Italian
Lakes left us all wishing that our next holiday could be to these
wonderful gardens.
It is time to take a break now by looking forward to the Spring and
Summer activities - the KHS Outing on Wednesday 13th May will be
to Geilston Gardens, the Ardardan nurseries and farm shop, then
in the afternoon we visit The Hill House at Helensburgh. Further
details from Jill Russell on 01505 872393.
Our annual Coffee morning will be held in the Kilmacolm Village
Centre on Saturday 16th May from 10am to 12noon. The Plants
stall should be bursting with quality plants for sale, provided by
Parklea Nurseries, plus other stalls, entertainment and tea/coffee
refreshments. Ticket entry of £3.50.
Happy gardening through the summer, pay the Kilmacolm Flower
Show a visit on Saturday 5th September.
www.kilmacolmhorticultural.com
Brighter Bridge of Weir
LET THE SEASON BEGIN
Goodness, it’s been a difficult start to 2020 for
Brighter Bridge of Weir. At the time of writing,
the Group has only managed a few hours here
and there. The first real outing was in the middle of
March, when they were able to do a good half day’s
work on the Torr Road garden. With luck, by the time you read this,
they’ll have been out much more.
Regular followers will know that Brighter Bridge of Weir has
branched out, so to speak, and are now planting trees as well as
flowers and shrubs. So the Group was delighted to be contacted by
Emyr Algieri of Forest and Land Scotland, who asked if they would
like some small trees for planting. And that is how several bags of
young oak, blackthorn, rowan and hazel arrived, almost magically,
in the driveway of one of the Group’s members. Also provided were
stakes and trunk protecting tubes. So they’re going to be busy for
a while!
You can follow the Group’s progress on Facebook, and their newlook
website which is soon to be launched.
The Kilbarchan Spring Clean Up
Sunday 5th April 2pm - 4pm
Meet in the car park by the traffic lights, opposite Bog Park.
To make a difference to the village, please come along and ‘do
your bit’ by joining in the Keep Scotland Beautiful Spring Clean.
Equipment, including litter pickers, hi viz vests, bags, hoops, gloves
and antibac supplies will be provided. Well earned treats will be
available following the event.
Email:hello@kilbachansmile.co.uk or ring 07952 169341 for more
information.
ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
45
Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
Finlaystone in April
Spring is fully sprung at the estate,
both in the woodland and in the
gardens. The daffodils and bluebells are beginning to adorn all
corners of our paths and trails.
Our events leaflets can be
picked up from the Visitor
Centre for free and annual
memberships for singles,
families, grandparents
and concessions can be
bought too. Please see
our website for more
details! We have lots
of great events on this
month during and around
the Easter break.
Thursday 2nd - Bug Box-
Making 1pm - 3pm
Keep the woodlice, ladybirds and caterpillars in your garden cosy
at night by crafting a bug box! £3 for materials; pre-booking
essential.
Sunday 5th - Introduction to Orienteering 1pm - 3pm
Ranger-led. Learn to navigate in our woods using your wit, compass
and map provided. £3 per person; pre-booking essential.
Tuesday 7th - Den Build 1pm - 3pm
Know your lean-to from your tripod. Learn how to build a solid den
and try your hand at fire-lighting with the rangers!
Thursday 9th - Bird Box-Making 1pm - 3pm
Make perfect bird housing to take home - a great garden addition!
£4 per bird box; pre-booking essential.
Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th - Easter Weekend 1pm - 3pm
Join us for our Easter bunny hunt, prizes for best-dressed egg and
best fancy dress.
Monday 13th - Easter Games 1pm - 3pm
Join the rangers for all things chocolate with Easter-themed games
like the Easter egg and spoon race!
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th - Pirate Weekend 1pm - 3pm
Dress as a scurvy buccaneer and practice your best ‘Arrgh!’ Drama
and shouting a-plenty with great pirate themed races. Prize for best
dressed!
The tearoom will be open at weekends and bank holidays from
10am- approx. 4pm. Any woodland/garden volunteers are always
welcome and are a valuable help year-round! Soft and hard firewood
log bags available too, with discounts for bags of 4 and superb value
for money.
As always, feel free to follow us
on our social media:
Facebook – Finlaystone
Country Estate Twitter - @
finlaystonepark Instagram - @
finlaystonecountryestate
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
Clyde Muirshiel
Information for April
issue
Muirshiel Country Park visitor centre and Greenock Cut visitor
centre re open for the summer season on Saturday 11th April. They
will be open every weekend until the end of September. Opening
hours are 11am - 4pm.
A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped with planting
4000 trees at Muirshiel Country Park. We have been planting a
variety of native trees to replace the sitka spruce that was felled a
couple of years ago. These have gone along the upper trails in the
park and include Rowan, Scots Pine, Alder, Grey Willow and Birch.
Easter Holidays: Throughout the Easter holidays there are 2 day
and 5 day Junior Multi Activity course. These are for 10 -15 years
old and activities may include mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking
and raft building. 2 day course £70, 5 day course £170. Book online
at the parks website.
Sunday 12th April Egg decorating and rolling at the Greenock Cut
Centre 1 - 3pm Cost £5.
Map & Compass Course: A one day course on Sunday 26th
April based at the Greenock Cut centre 10 - 4pm. It is ideal for
beginners or for those wanting to refresh their skills. It provides a
basic introduction to map reading and navigation skills. Classroom
based in the morning and out on the hill in the afternoon. Map
and compasses are provided on the day. Cost £60.00 For further
details and to book go to the parks website.
Pedal the Park 2020: Is taking place on Sunday 3 May, online entry
is open for this popular 100km sportive, sign up, get cycling or save
the date and donate to the home baking efforts for the food stop
at the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre. Entry is £20 with a £7.50 CLIC
Sargent donation included via the British Cycling website.
Active Adventurous: 2020 course dates are online! Book via our
website for sailing and paddlesport courses for adults including
2 hour evening tasters, 1/2 day long tuition and recognised
powerboating qualifications. For the kids there are our school
holiday (hugely popular!) Junior Multi Activity Weeks or days
in Spring, Summer and Autumn. There are also child specific
paddlesport and sailing 2 day courses. If current dates don’t suit
get your friends together and contact us asap to book your own
activity session or course.
Clyde Muirshiel Conservation Volunteers: The Greenock Cut
Volunteers are every Saturday 10.30 -2.30pm; Duke of Edinburgh
Volunteers are every Sunday morning 10am-12pm; Castle Semple
Volunteers are on Thursday afternoon12:30 – 3:30pm occasionally
a full day and can be either at Castle Semple or Muirshiel. For
further details programmes are online.
Dates for the Diary: The 3rd Clyde Muirshiel Walking Festival will
take place on Saturday 23 until Monday 25 May and Classic Car
Show on Sunday 18 Oct 2020.
Ride 63 Community Cycle Club: As the weather improves look on
their facebook for details of DIY weekend runs. Contact the club by
emailing the secretary ridesixtythree@gmail.com for a membership
form.
CMRP Online: Keep up to speed with events and activities taking
place facebook.com/ClydeMuirshielRegionalPark, @Clydemuirshiel
Twitter and Instagram pages.
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RSPB Lochwinnoch
Here we are in April already - hopefully the
storms have subsided, and warmer weather has
arrived. So, with warmer weather, daffodils and
longer days, birds will start nesting, tadpoles hatching and lots of
insects emerging from their winter hibernation.
But it’s a busy time for us at the reserve too, with lots of events
this month for families and adults alike. Come along with your
little explorers and take part in our self-led events anytime during
the month, there will always be something on. Just come into the
visitor centre and ask one of our friendly staff or volunteers and we
will set you on your way with a backpack and instructions – all you
need to do is follow the woodland trails at your own pace.
For our adult visitors we have our very popular wildlife photography
workshop, with our intermediate level course running on the 19th
April. Not forgetting our younger visitors, we have our dinosaur
egg hunt (Explorer Trail) starting on 1st until 19th April, then
following that we have our crazy ducks treasure hunt from 20th -
30th April.
And if that’s not enough fun, we have our family volunteering and
our wildlife guided walk, both on the 26th April.
For further information on all our April events please see the events
listings.
For bookings and further information: Email. lochwinnoch@rspb.
org.uk Tel. 01505842663
Colourful Kilmacolm
Our bulbs and plants are springing into life,
despite all that the long, wet winter threw at
them. The half-standard hollies in the centre
of the village took a bit of a hammering from
the gales and have required some support, and
one planter again became waterlogged, but these
are minor niggles and we can look forward to another
colourful season as the days lengthen. At Market Place groups of
snowdrops and daffodils are gradually bulking up and the display
improves with each year.
Local Explorer Scouts continue to help us by collecting litter and
tidying up in general. Being younger and more agile than many
(most/all!) of our members, their ability to scale the heights of the
Pullman/Carriages garden is particularly valuable. Any families
with adventurous children would be very welcome to help at our
monthly tidy-up sessions. Just get in touch.
Having seen how well our bulbs have flowered in their second and
third years at Duchal Nursery School we will try to get at least
a second year from ours
next time and thereby
save a little money.
If you would like to be
involved, either actively
or by donating, visit
www.colourfulkilmacolm.
org.uk or phone Peter
(01505 872448) or Liz
(07963 973031) for more
information.
ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
47
Stella McCardie ©Gary Thomson
Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
Sport NEws
Ranfurly Castle Golf Club
New Junior Memberships
Ranfurly Castle Golf Club have launched new Junior Memberships
with exciting new price points, aimed at encouraging kids to get
into golf and take up the game. The club are pleased to announce
that they will be offering FREE memberships to any children aged
8 – 11, with ages 12 – 14 paying just £25/year and ages 15 – 17 paying
only £50/year. The club also plan to roll out a series of coaching
programmes, allowing children access to expert PGA Professional
advice and guidance. The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment and
any children interested in trying golf should contact the General
Manager for more details 01505 612609.
Club News
With the incessant rain keeping us from playing golf, it was lovely
to have an afternoon tea for a get together. On 19th February 34
ladies enjoyed an amazing spread of sandwiches, scones and cakes
with a cup of tea or coffee. All food hand made by our caterers
Simon and Mandy. Judging by the volume of chat, it was a very
successful afternoon.
On 26th February the ladies held the club’s annual Bridge Afternoon
and were delighted to welcome 17 tables of players on the day.
Afternoon tea was prepared and served by a number of the lady
members while our caterers kindly donated the proceeds from
the cost of tea, coffee and scones to the fund raising raffle. The
Bridge produced a number of Small Slams but the main prize went
to Robin Scott and partner Alistair Forsyth who had a Grand Slam
- congratulations.
The individual winners on the day were :- 1st Kay Black - 2700
points, 2nd Elspeth Osbourne - 2650 points,
3rd Dorothy Simpson - 2307 points. Well done to everyone. Finally,
a cheque for £255.00 has been sent to Glasgow
Samaritans. The club would like to thank everyone who supported
this event.
On Sunday 1st March the club held the first ever Swing Sunday
afternoon which was a sell out event. George Cormack was the
King of Swing on the day and those lucky enough to get tickets
were raving about the afternoons entertainment, along with dinner.
Roll on the next event on Sunday 5th April.
Castle Semple Sailing Club
Photo © Alex Workman Castle
Jemma Reekie Beats 800m World
Champion
Jemma Reekie has had an unbelievable few months and a fantastic
start to the running calendar.
The 21-year-old Kilbarchan AAC star smashed the UK indoor 800m
in Glasgow, and then broke two further British records in New York
a week later. This extraordinary start to the season continued with
another victory last month over world champion Halimah Nakaayi
in Lievin, France.
Reekie powered past Nakaauyi on the final lap to win over a second
and half clear at 2.00:34. Reekie believes she has a lot more to give.
In an interview with The Guardian (19/02/20) she explained:
“It was a tough field out there – I would have liked to have gone a
bit faster because I know what shape I’m in but I’ll take the win,”
Jemma Reekie shocked herself in February at an invitational race
at the 4J Scottish Masters Championships in Glasgow she clocked
a time of 1:57.91 for her 800m race, sprinting past her teammate
Laura Muir yards from the finish. It is the fastest time in the world
since 2006.
Her coach Andy Young has been quoted in saying that he’s rarely
seen anyone with such a special kick.
These recently victories and the soaring confidence from the
Reekie camp suggest she is certainly in with a chance of a medal at
the Tokyo Olympics. We wish this local lass all the very best!!
Gryffe Valley Rotary 10K Run
SAVE THE DATE
The 2020 Gryffe Valley Rotary 10K Run will take place on Sunday
17th May. The club is delighted that ARNOLD CLARK will support
the event and funds raised by sponsored runners will be donated
to ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND – Scotland’s dementia charity. Entries
are now open. The club are especially keen to encourage teams
of sponsored runners from villages and clubs. Perhaps there could
be a team from each village in the Gryffe area this year? Register
at https://entries.runabc.co.uk/e/rotary-club-of-gryffe-valley-10k-
980 .
Leo qualifies
for British
and Scottish
championships
Leo Harris Downes takes gold
medal at the ndp qualifying
round for double mini trampoline
in Perth over the weekend. With
a personal best score of 119.9.
This qualifies Leo to represent
Scotland at the British team
finals in Birmingham in June
and the Scottish championships
in September. Dynamite
gymnastics had the most
qualifying gymnasts over the
competition.
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Kilmacolm Golf Club
As the green shoots of spring appear, we are looking forward to
a great golfing season. Whatever your goals are this year, our
new Head PGA Professional, Stuart Roberts, will be on hand to
help you achieve them. Having qualified as a PGA Professional in
2013, learning from some of the finest PGA Professional’s in the
UK at clubs including Bothwell Castle, Glenbervie & Kilmarnock
(Barassie), Stuart will be hosting a variety of coaching sessions
throughout the year.
Introducing young players to the sport and junior coaching is a real
focus of the club and David, our assistant professional, has been
delivering sessions at St Columba’s school to children in primary
4,5 & 6. Renfrewshire Girls also had fun perfecting their putting, in
spite of the weather, on an improvised indoor putting course.
For those with a passion for practice our new Range Membership
gives ample opportunity, with unlimited range balls on our 300-
yard driving range for just £35 for the year.
New brands have also arrived at the proshop including Adidas,
Proquip, Glenmuir, Footjoy and Sketchers, and with a Wilson Staff
fitting day scheduled for Friday 1st May 1-5pm, you’ll be set for the
season. Spaces are sure to fill quickly so contact Stuart to book
your place.
If you fancy joining us on the course too, we have lots of new
member offers available to suit everyone, including no joining fee,
free range balls and reciprocal arrangements to play other clubs.
Keep up to speed with the latest news and events - follow us on
Facebook www.facebook.com/KilmacolmGolf/
Kilmacolm Bowling Club
The Opening Day of the Kilmacolm Bowling Club for male members
and their guests takes place this year at 2pm, Saturday 4th April.
The Ladies Opening Day will be held at 2pm on Tuesday 7th April.
Weather permitting at both openings a friendly game of bowls
takes place followed by afternoon tea..
Our club is a very active club participating in many internal and
external competitions, the Greenock & District League, Bowls
Scotland & West of Scotland competitions.
Friendly internal Wapenschaws are held on the following days-
Mixed Wapenschaw Monday night 7pm
Mixed Wapenschaw Saturday and Sunday afternoons at
2.30pm
Gents Wapenschaw Wednesday afternoon 2.30pm
Gents Wapenschaw Thursday night 7pm
Ladies Wapenschaw Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at
2pm
These matches give plenty of opportunities to come along socialise
and enjoy a relaxing game of bowls. So we look forward to seeing
you on one of the best kept greens in the West of Scotland.
To encourage new membership the annual fee for the first year
remains at £50. Bowls are available, all we ask is for you to bring
a pair of flat shoes. Bowling is open to all ages Gents, Ladies and
Juniors. For further information please contact Bruce on 873787
or Diane on 874265.
J.G. Fleming Bowling Club Houston
In line with Bowls Scotland’s national Try Bowls initiative John
G Fleming Bowling Club in South Street, Houston is holding
a Community Day on Sunday 3rd May between 1pm and 5pm.
This day will be an opportunity for residents of our local community
in the Houston, Bridge of Weir and surrounding areas to sample the
Club’s facilities and to try their hand in this sport in a friendly and
supportive atmosphere.
Club members will be on hand to show you around the club and
help you try bowling. Please bring a pair of flat soled shoes/trainers
with you - all other equipment will be supplied by the club.
Everyone is welcome no matter whether you have never thrown a
bowl before in your life or you are an experienced player - all will be
made equally welcome - and there is no upper or lower age limit.
Anyone who decides to join the club at this Community Day will be
entitled to specially reduced membership rates which are available
for individuals, couples and
families. Also the Club will
provide free of charge coaching
sessions for new members and
several social bowls events
during May to September.
We look forward to welcoming
you to John G.Fleming Bowling
Club on the day - and for anyone
who is interested however are
unable to attend on the day due
to prior commitments - simply
contact ISABEL GILCHRIST by
email to make alternative
arrangements: isabelgilchrist@
btinternet.com
Ladies Open At
Ranfurly Open
Ladies Open at The Old
Course, Runfurly Golf Club will
take place on 2nd July 2020.
Maximum individual Handicap
- 36. Starting times between
10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. Entry
Fees:- £18.00 per couple or
single entries £9.00 per person.
Final Entry Date - Monday 29
June 2020. Call 01505 613214
for more info on how to enter.
ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
49
Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
REGULAR meets
KEEP FIT
Move it or Lose it!
Old Gourock and Ashton Church -
Mondays at 1.30pm
Bridge of Weir, Tuesdays at 10.30am
Greenock - Tuesdays at 1.30pm
Houston - Thursdays at 10.30am
Kilbarchan - Thursdays at 2pm
More than just a fitness class for the over
60s. Contact Fiona 07811 766672 to book
Zumba Light
St Fillan’s Church, Kilmacolm
Mondays at 10am
All the fun and energy of Zumba but at
a lighter pace! Fabulous music, full of
fun - a fantastic class for for all levels.
Contact Mo 07505 126416
Rebok Step Class
Freeland’s Church Hall, Bridge of Weir
Tuesdays at 10am - all levels
Tuesday at 6.45pm - all levels
A brilliant new Reebok Step class.
Lots of fun, fab music and a fantastic
workout. Why not come along and give
it a go? Booking essential. Contact Mo
07505 126416
Zumba
Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm
Tuesdays at 7.45pm
Entry level class suitable for all fitness
levels. Come dance yourself fit at
Zumba, no experience necessary!
Contact Diane 07943 862775
Pilates classes
St Machars Church Hall, Bridge
of Weir - Mondays at 9.30am &
10.40am
Kilmacolm Community Centre -
Mondays at 6.30pm
Tel: Yvonne 07786 224367 or yvonne@
clydephysiotherapy.co.uk
Kilellan Halls Houston, Monday
Evenings at 6pm - 7pm/ 7.20pm -
8.20pm/ 8.30pm - 9.30pm
For more information or to book a place
call Katie on 07972 474965.
Jennifer Sloan Physiotherapy
Led Pilates
Kilmacolm Community Centre,
Wednesdays at 6.15pm - 7.15pm &
7.30pm - 8.30pm
For more information or to book a class
call Jennifer 07731 303709 or email
jennifer-mcghee@hotmail.co.uk
Trigger Point Pilates
Elderslie Scout Hall, PA5 9AZ
Tuesdays at 10am - 11am (Ladies only)
Thursdays at 5.30pm - 6.15pm
(Everyone welcome)
Relax and release your body while gently
strengthening your core muscles. Trigger
Point Pilates uses prickly balls and foam
rollers combined with Pilates exercises
to help improve joint mobility and ease
tight muscles. Come and experience it
for yourself. £5 per class, contact Train
with Alexis on FB: @TrainwithAlexis
Email: trainwithalexis@virginmedia.com
or Text: 07729 914631
ATHLETICS
Kilbarchan Athletic Club
On-X, Linwood
Mondays & Thursdays at 7pm
All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990
DANCE
Bishopton Belles Line Dancing
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Hall
Tuesdays at 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Improver class. All welcome. Call David
or Mair 07886 034037.
MARTIAL ARTS
The Shotokan Karate Club
Woodlands Primary, Linwood
Mondays & Thursdays at 7pm-8pm/
8pm - 9pm
www.linwoodkarate.co.uk
Taekwon-Do
Johnstone Sports Complex PA5 0LD
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6pm
Call 07951 365166 for details.
Clyde Judo Club
Park Mains High, Tuesdays at 7pm - 9pm
Bishopton Community Centre, Fridays
at 6pm - 8pm
Children and young adults from the age of 6
-18 are welcome. (www.clydejudo.org.uk)
SPORTS
Bridge of Weir Ladies Badminton
BoW Primary School, Warlock Road
Mondays at 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Gryffe Badminton
Strathgryffe Tennis Club
Tuesdays at 8pm
Greenock Hockey Club
Inverclyde Academy, Greenock
Wednesdays at 6.30pm - 8pm
Contact Liz Baldwin 07944 607005
Birkmyre Rugby Club
Youth Rugby Section, Kilmacolm
Sundays at 11am - 1pm
www.pitchero.com/clubs/birkmyre
FOOTBALL
5-a-side Football
Powerleague Paisley, Mondays at 6pm
Tel: Jim on 01505 874215; or
jimbretherton@aol.com
Football Training
Johnstone High School
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6pm - 9pm
Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details.
WALKING
Kilmacolm Walkers
Birkmyre Park Pavillion, Kilmacolm
Thursdays at 10am
David 01505 874192 kilmacolmwalkers@
talktalk.net
Lochwinnoch Community Walk
The Cross, Lochwinnoch
Mondays at 10.30am (excl. public holidays)
Bridge of Weir Walking Group
Tuesdays Outside Co-op at 10.30am
1 hour walks. Call Senga on 0141 842 3000
yOGA
Energise with Laura
Brookfield Village Hall, Mondays at
5.50pm – 6.50pm
Freeland Church, Bridge of Weir,
Wednesdays at 10am – 11am
The Carrick Centre, Houston,
Thursdays at 7pm – 8pm
Come and join us for a new type of Yoga.
Workout stretches and strengthens every
muscle in your body, improving flexibility,
durability and overall energy. First class
£5. All abilities welcome.
To book contact: energisewithlaura@
gmail.com, Tel: 07474 443505, facebook@
energisewithlaura or instagram
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club
Thursday 27th
February saw our
ladies section hold
their first social
of the year. It was
very well supported
with around 50
attending. Also
invited were ladies
from our other
local golf clubs,
Ranfurly Castle and
Kilmalcolm Golf
Club.
The night was
introduced by the
new captain of the ladies section, Suzanne Smith. Ladies enjoyed an
excellent buffet supper, followed by a quiz and the night culminated
with a raffle - all proceeds going to our chosen charity for this year,
the Alzheimer’s Society. Altogether a very successful evening.
In other fundraising news - Campbeltown’s lifeboat station is almost
£2,000 better off thanks to the efforts of past captain, Jennifer
Owen. Jennifer chose the Campbeltown station due to her strong
family connections with Kintyre and the RNLI. She wishes to thank
members and friends of the Old Course for their help in raising the
money.
New lady members who wish to take up golf are always made very
welcome at Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club. As with previous years
a 6 week course of ‘taster’ classes are open to any ladies who are
thinking to take up golf. They are held at the club and cost £10 in
total. And we wish all our lady members good luck in the season to
come. All we now need is some better weather!!!
Castle Semple Sailing
Sadly this year has not been a good start for sailing at the Loch
for Castle Semple Sailing Club; it has seemed like every Sunday,
another storm. One week there was even a kayaking expedition
down the flooded loch shore path.
Our five week Winter Series resulted in only one day of sailing on
the last Sunday of the event. We managed two races. The winds
were variable with some strong gusts down the loch. We had Mark
in the Dart, Steve C and Angus in the Xenon and Tom in the Vago
on his own for the first race joined by Jon for the second race.
In the first race on the second lap Tom was almost at the point
of taking off down the loch in the Vago, making a good gain on
the Xenon until he knew he had to gybe* and then lost some time
taking down the kite and avoiding a capsize. Mark spent some time
in the reeds; he alleged rescuing a cat but the race officer was
having none of it... Meantime the Xenon was back in action - kite
flying high!
The second race was a poor (dampish) start for Tom and Jon when
the centre main came apart resulting in an untimely capsize at the
start line, but providing good spectator sport! They started as they
meant to go on and a few more capsizes followed! It has to be said
that everyone was happy to be back out on (or in some cases ‘in’)
the water. Well done to Steve C and Angus in the Xenon for winning
(with no mishaps!)
Once the season warms up we will be starting up our Saturday
Social/Family days again for further info see website.
www.castlesemplesc.co.uk
*When you ‘gybe’ you are turning the boat in wind so the opposite
side of the boat is being presented to the wind.
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Gryffe High School MADD Show
School NEws
REGULAR GROUPS
every Monday
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 - 11.30am
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
9.30am - 11.30am
Kilmacolm Playgroup
St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm
9.30am - 11.30am
Howwood Playgroup
Howwood Church Hall 9.45am -
11.35am
every Wednesday
Kilmacolm Toddlers
St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm
10am - 11.30am
For children from birth to 3 years.
Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers
McKillop Hall 9.45am - 11.30am
£2/family incl tea & children’s snacks.
Howwood Playgroup
Howwood Church Hall
9.45am - 11.35am
every Thursday
Houston Toddlers
Church Hall, Main Street, Houston
9.30am - 11.30am
Kilmacolm Playgroup
St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm
9.30am - 11.30am
Howwood Playgroup
Howwood Church Hall
9.45am - 11.35am
every Friday
Langbank Playgroup
Langbank Village Hall
9.45am - 11.45am
For 2.5 - 5yr olds. Contact: Lisa
McFadden 07940 313094.
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
St Columba’s Junior School,
Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm
9.30 - 10am
1st & 3rd Friday
Renfrewshire Inverclyde Twins
Club
McKillop Hall, Lochwinnoch
1pm -2.30pm
£3. Bring a mug along for a cuppa.
@GryffeAds
@GryffeAds
Gryffe High News
MADD Show
Pupils and staff worked tirelessly to transform the cavernous
games hall into a twinkling hub of creativity for our Eco themed
“MADD Show” – an annual celebration of Music, Art, Drama and
Dance at Gryffe High School. Come 7pm, visitors were welcomed
into the building by a sea of skill and dedication in the form of our
National 5 and Higher Art folio display in the concourse. When the
visitors reached the games hall they were greeted with: a wealth of
unique artwork created by our junior pupils (including a sparkling
miniature cardboard city) an interactive printmaking station, and
an eco-friendly “Swap Shop”. When the show began, pupils and
staff alike made their mark on the catwalk modelling eye-catching
upcycled clothing and accessories. We were also treated to breathtaking
vocal performances, stunning dance routines, and rousing
speeches to inspire us all to be more eco-friendly – all of which
was seamlessly presented by two of our senior pupils. During the
interval there were immersive “pop-up” drama performances, and
a video which showcased some the incredible drama skills here at
Gryffe.
What an inspiring night!
Digital Ninjas Team Shortlisted!
Well done to a team from the Digital Ninjas group who have made
it to the final of the #DigiInventors competition with their app that
aims to tackle bullying and mental health issues in young people.
The team members are Calum, Robert, Sam (all S2) and Euan (S3).
The #DigiInventorsChallenge, in association with Glasgow Warriors
and the Digital Health & Care Institute (DHI) is on a mission to
find smart new ways to help Scotland’s young people keep active,
staying healthy and happy, now and in the future. We wish the team
luck as their entry is judged!
**** Picture:GHS x 3
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51
Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
St Fillan’s Primary
My goodness, where does the time go. Despite the terrible weather,
the sun shone on our, “Sharing the Learning” afternoon and we had
one of the busiest ever. This was our opportunity as a St. Fillan’s
family to showcase all our hard work this term. All our visitors
took the time to complete the evaluation board and everyone was
“tickled pink” on the day.
It was wonderful to celebrate the beginning of Lent at mass with
the parish of St. Fillan’s and Father Andrew on Ash Wednesday, and
then to continue the morning with a Special Assembly by Rachel
from SCIAF for our “Wee Box” appeal.
World Book Day
Are you sitting comfortably?
It was wonderful to celebrate World Book Day at school when
everyone came to school dressed for a bedtime story. The staff
and pupils enjoyed the day and I’m sure we all needed an early
night by the end of it!
Nil By Mouth Workshop
As part of a P7 novel study we had a workshop from the charity,
Nil By Mouth which seeks to challenge sectarianism within Scottish
society and eliminate sectarian attitudes and behaviour. The P.7
pupils enjoyed this thought provoking and informative session.
STEM Week
It’s been a busy,
exciting STEM
Week in St Fillan’s
Primary! To
celebrate British
Science Week,
a wide range of
activities have
taken place to
develop pupils’
understanding
of STEM
subjects and
their application
in the world
today, as well as
developing skills
for learning,
life and work.
Several classes
took part in ‘My World of Work Live!’ workshops, where pupils
were involved in programming robots to simulate driverless car
technology. Parents supported learning by coming into classes to
talk about their work in STEM related careers. Children also enjoyed
sessions led by St Benedict’s High staff and STEM ambassadors, as
well as a science lesson from a visiting specialist. Throughout the
week children could be found engaged in a wide range of class
based STEM activities and challenges. It was certainly a week of
creativity, curiosity and imagination!
Hold on to your hat!
At St. Fillan’s we aim to Unleash Creativity with our ‘eggciting’
family craft opportunity. Pupils can create an Easter Bonnet to
model at our school Easter Parade before the holidays. I’m sure it
will be hats off to the parents and carers for getting involved and
having fun before the holiday.
Have a lovely Easter everyone!
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
Houston Primary
Young Musician of the Year
Pupils from Primary 6 & 7 who have a passion for music were
invited to attend Gryffe High School’s annual music competition.
The pupils were blown away with the local talent.
Scottish Celebrations
Each year all classes learn a selection of Scottish poems and songs
to celebrate Scottish culture. This year our gym hall was decorated
with animals which feature in Scottish poems, ranging from a ‘ wee
moose’ to a ‘dug’. We had Highland dancers, bagpipes, singers and
of course our poetry recital competition. Former head teacher,
Myra Hamilton joined us for this wonderful afternoon. Well done to
all of our finalists and our overall winner Ethan McCay.
Fairtrade
Our school was the first school in Renfrewshire to achieve Fairtrade
status. We have recently received the John McDowell award for our
effort and commitment over the years.
This year Fairtrade Fortnight is 24 Feb - 8 March with the focus this
year on cocoa farmers and their families.
We will also be working in partnership with Houston Kirk, by
hosting a community Fairtrade event, ‘Chocolicious’ on Tuesday 3
March at 10.15-11.45 in Houston Primary with an extensive selection
of Fairtrade hot chocolate, tea and coffee on offer. Can we tempt
you to join us ?
Technology Challenge
Our Primary 7 pupils have been learning a wide range of skills in
order to complete their working car model for the annual Technology
Challenge. Following feedback, it is slightly different this year with
the models being tested out on a variety of terrains and gradients.
The winners who demonstrated great skill when wiring and looping
their circuits were Emma McDevitt, Aimee Munro, Struan Hewitt,
Charlie Smith, Millie Wilson and Hannah Wilson.
CAMEO Club Visit
A selection of our very talented pupils performed Scottish music,
dance and poetry for members of the local community club. An
enjoyable afternoon was had by all.
Kirk Carnival
This year Houston’s Kirk Carnival will be held on Saturday 2nd May.
The Carnival King, will be our very own Kirk Gray, with his Carnival
Queen, Summer Pinkerton-Lamb. They will be supported on the
day, by attendants Noah Joyce and Belle Wilkie. The pupils and
staff from Primary 7 voted for them to take on these important
roles as they knew that they had the qualities required to do a great
job. Let’s hope the sun shines for them.
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Kilbarchan Primary School
Kilbarchan Primary currently has a lot of work going on just now,
with fences being put up around our blaze pitch and playground.
This is due to work that will be shortly commencing, to build a
new roof onto our school. When work begins, some of our classes
will have to move into special units that are being built on the
blaze pitch. Work will also be commencing to extend Kilbarchan
Community Nursery to add more room onto their building.
On World Book Day, pupils dressed up as a characters from Alice
and Wonderland or chose to wear their comfy clothes to read
and enjoy books with a pillow! At lunch we had a Mad Hatters Tea
Party! P3b loved reading books with hot chocolate and P2 enjoyed
swapping books with each other.
Primary 4 and 5 have been very lucky to have a visit from
Strathgryffe Tennis Club. They really enjoyed learning new tennis
skills and we think we have the next Andy Murray in our school! We
are very grateful to them for coming out and coaching us, thank
you Strathgryffe Tennis Club!
Primary 2 went on a school trip to Scotland Street School. It is a
very old school and they enjoyed seeing what it was like to go to
school a very long time ago. Harrison enjoyed learning about the
belt and said he would hate to have that at Kilbarchan Primary!
P3b are writing to American pen pals. Laurie has a pen pal called
Alice. She lives in Florida and Laurie is going to ask her next time
if she has ever visited Disneyland because she would like to go
there.
P5 are also writing to their pen pals who live in Val d’Isere, France.
They told us all about their pen pals and how they lived at their
fantastic Primary 5 assembly. All of their parents came in to see the
assembly and listened to their excellent French song.
Primary 1 and 2 are continuing to learn lots of new things about
dinosaurs. They made fossils out of clay! Primary 2/1 have been
busy practising for an assembly for parents. They are going to
teach them all the facts they have discovered about dinosaurs!
By P1-3 Media Club
Lochwinnoch Primary School Parent Council
Pupils, parents and staff from Lochwinnoch Primary are appealing
for the community to help them improve their playground.
The school has been working with volunteers from the parent
council to organise a community clean up day called TEAM
(Together Everyone Achieves More) Playground.
The event will take place at the school on Saturday, May 16th and
head teacher Julie Bell appealed for local businesses to get involved
and for the community to come out and lend a hand on the day.
She said: “I am so excited about the TEAM Playground project and
so grateful to our Parent Council for driving this forward.
“I see the enjoyment the children get in better weather when we
can open our front and back playgrounds and they are able to play
in greener space.
“However during very wet months we can only access the main
playground which at the moment is rather uninspiring.
“We would love to see all areas of the playground brightened up
for the benefit of all, both children here in school and in our wider
community, and hope the whole community will get behind us to
help make TEAM playground day a huge success.”
The day will aim to improve the school garden, bring some colour
into the grey concrete playground, plant bright flowers, create
raised beds and plant pots, and generally make the area more
enjoyable and inspiring for the children.
The school would also love to hear from local trades who could
help repair and improve their old outdoor school toilets to turn
them into useful storage.
Any parent who wants to lend a hand or local businesses who
think they can help can contact the team behind the day at
lpsteamplayground@gmail.com
The group is also welcoming donations towards the playground
project at www.gofundme.com/team-playground.
Gryffe Manor Nursery
Here at Gryffe Manor Nursery we have enjoyed celebrating the
world of literature in the past month, gaining some lovely accolades
along the way! We would like to start with a great big “Thank You”
to the families who took part in our Usbourne Books Read-a-thon.
We raised over £400 to be spent on new books for our children,
that’s a whopping amount! That will lead to many happy hours of
reading!
We also gained an award from Early Years Scotland for being
an Early Years “Story Setting” Nursery who are spearheading a
national campaign to ensure that every child hears a story every
day throughout their time with us here at Gryffe manor Nursery.
World Book day was a success also as we encouraged the children
to bring their favourite stories from home to share with their friends
(we had all sorts from monsters to fairies) and a great day was had
by all!
As the Springtime
approaches the
children have been
enjoying helping to
maintain our fabulous
outdoor area. We have
checked our outdoor
fire tent is secure with
all the stormy weather
recently and are pleased
to announce that our
ambient learning area
is looking fantastic! So
much so our children
had fun building a den
with all the sticks they
found around the area,
even clearing the woodland is fun! This is a wonderful learning tool
for our children and no matter what the weather throws at us we
always have happy children.
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53
Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
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Duchal Nursery
In a desperate attempt to entice Spring into our lives (will it ever
stop raining???) we have been discussing the various seasons and
enjoyed some walks during the break in the weather, discovering
the snowdrops and crocuses pushing their way through the
soil. The children were inspired by this to create some lovely
snowdrop paintings.
The children are thoroughly enjoying our mini-beast topic,
especially with the “show and tell” of creepy crawlies that have
been coming in to nursery – the teachers are slightly wary of
what new additions will be arriving each morning!!
There’s been great excitement in nursery in anticipation of the
arrival of our “mystery readers”. This new initiative has really
taken off as the children love hearing different stories being read
by different people, and not knowing in advance who is arriving
makes it even better. Thank you to the mums, dads and grans
who have entertained us bringing books to life!
We are now offering places for the intake in August 2020. If your
child will be of nursery age after the summer and you are looking
at your pre school options, please do get in touch to have an
informal look around. We are open daily 8.15am – 3.30pm during
term time.
Duchal Nursery has been established in Kilmacolm for over 50
years and is a fantastic place to begin your child’s pre-school
education. As an independent nursery our children move on to
various schools in Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Glasgow. 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
Gryffe Valley Rotary Primary School Quiz 2020
The annual quiz competition for local
Primary schools was held on 10th March at
the JG Fleming Bowling Club in Houston.
Five primary schools were represented
(Bridge of Weir, Houston, Lochwinnoch,
St Columba’s, and St Fillan’s) each with a
team of four pupils.
There were ten rounds of six questions
on subjects as diverse as The Animal
World, Science and Technology, Famous
Buildings, Colours, General knowledge,
Recent News…. Judging by the number of
points scored on each question the level
was set just right, differentiating between
the teams whilst always providing
encouragement to the participants.
Lochwinnoch Primary School raced away
to a strong lead at the halfway stage
when teas and coffees were served to
the parents and friends whilst the pupils
enjoyed juice and the contents of their
goody bags, which had been kindly
donated by Gibb Stuart. In the second
half, Lochwinnoch faltered and Houston,
Bridge of Weir and St Columba’s came up
strongly while St Fillan’s recovered from
their shaky start. Finally, St Columba’s
Primary team (Robbie G, Freddie M,
Tanisha L and Oliver M) emerged as very narrow winners with
Bridge of Weir Primary the runners-up.
President Hamid Khatib congratulated all the participants. He
presented the teams with their certificates and the trophy to St
Columba’s who will go forward to the Rotary District final. He
thanked the Rotary Club Youth Services Committee for their
excellent organisation of the event and the Bowling Club for the
use of their very pleasant hall.
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Kilmacolm Playgroup
It’s been a busy time
at Playgroup, all our
new children have
settled in well and
enjoying playgroup
life. We have been
looking at 2 classic
stories, The 3 little
pigs and Little
red riding hood.
The children have
enjoyed fun crafts
with this, learning
and summarising the
story and even a bit of
acting out the story
too. Lots of sensory
play in our fun topic
Space has kept the
children busy.
We have been enjoying weekly yoga sessions with Jackie and little
down dogs yoga , incorporating our weekly themes with fun yoga
poses, the children have been doing so well with this .
Its never too early to get your child’s name down for playgroup to
ensure they can start at 2 years and 4 months. Email us for more
details.
Playgroup is open to all children from 2 years 4months and
operates on a Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 0930-1130. Spaces
available, please email playgroupmembership@gmail.com for
further information.
Are you a new parent, or new to our village or surrounding
villages, our baby & toddler group is open as a drop in session
every Wednesday morning from 10-1130am. Pop in for a hot drink
and cake while your child enjoys a play, a healthy snack is also
provided for children .A great chance to meet new friends and find
out all about our fabulous group. Open to all parents, carers and
Grandparents.
The first Wednesday of every month within the toddler group is
our brand new BBB (babies, bumps and boobs) group. This is a
group for all new parents, expectant mums to attend. Each month
we have breast feeding coordinators and other useful information
available.
For more information on any of our groups have a look at our
new website on www.kilmacolm-playgroup.com or find us on our
Facebook for latest information.
Houston Toddlers
Our Grannies have been out enjoying themselves and enjoying a
well deserved meal. Meanwhile we have had lots of fun at Toddlers,
Jackie from Little Down Dogs Yoga was back and we had great
fun baking and flipping our pancakes , all exercises with Jackie.
We are looking forward Hartbeeps coming along with some music
for us more good fun. Easter Crafts will keep us busy, hopefully
making something nice for our families. We all have great time on
Thursday mornings in the West Halls you would love it please come
along and join us from 9.30am until 11.30am. Don’t forget your cup
(with a lid) and a cup for the children. Everybody welcome.
Bridge of Weir Primary School
At Bridge of Weir Primary we continue to raise awareness of
Fairtrade. The news team made a film for assembly to let us know
all the good things which are coming to our school.
Primary 6 made 400 gingerbread men and sold them to all the
classes in the school. To make the gingerbread they used lots of
Fairtrade ingredients, including ginger, flour, cinnamon, and sugar.
They also added butter, syrup, brown sugar, and honey. Each
gingerbread man cost 50p. Alexander gave it a big thumbs up and
said, “It was great, it was delicious.”
Divine chocolate bars were also sold for £1 each. P6 made a profit
on both sales, which support better working conditions and fair
pay for farmers across the world.
Primary 6 has also taken part in the annual Euroquiz. They entered
a team into a SEET run competition where teams were quizzed
on Europe. The team consisted of Cormac Lowry, Lewis Elliot, Lily
Irvine and Jessica Peters. They came 4th out of 19 teams and the
school is very proud of them. Cormac said, “I was very scared on
the day”. Houston Primary came first by 3 points so the BoW team
was REALLY close!
Primary 7 had a
very successful
Bring and Buy
and cake sale.
They made
£1000 for
St Vincent’s
Hospice and
£400 for
the Beatson
Teenage and
Young Adult
Cancer Service.
Niamh from
Primary 6a
said, “It was
awesome and
had some great
deals!” People
particularly
liked the cakes
and getting
their hair
done. Charlie
admitted “I
enjoy spending money.”
Written by Jack McGinlay and Cormac Lowry, Primary 6
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55
Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
Business classified
ADVERTISING RATES
TRADES/ SERVICES/ PROPERTY/ VEHICLES
BOXED AD
£8.00* per column cm
PHOTO
£8.00* (vehicle/property sales only)
* Prices subject to VAT
The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 - the Law requires that Advertisers selling goods in
the course of a business MUST include the word Trader, Dealer, Agent, Breeder or appropriate wording in
the Advertisement to distinguish from private advertisers.
TRADES AND SERVICES
PROPERTY TO LET
Office to Let - Bridge
of Weir Area. 3
separate offices, toilet
& kitchen area. £400
pcm. Tel: 07940
729385.
LINEAGE ADVERT
£18.00 (INC. VAT)
FOR 20 WORDS
RUN OF 4 - £57.60
(INC VAT) & 20% DISCOUNT
BUSINESS
TUITION
HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY
MISCELLANEOUS
H o u s t o n re g i s t e re d
childminders. For an
informal chat to find
your best childcare,
call Elizabeth Waddell
T: 01505 614925
CHILDCARE
Kilmacolm/Quarriers
a r e a r e g i s t e r e d
childminders.
P/ t i m e o r F/ t i m e
vacancies for u-5’s and
after school. T: 01505
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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
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It is hereby agreed that:
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ITEMS FOR SALE
BABY EQUIPMENT
Mothercare Darlington fixed side cot.
VGC. From smoke and pet free
home. £40. Tel: 01505 872800.
Philips Avent Steriliser. Rarely used,
excellent condition. Including classic
and natural bottles. From smoke
and pet free home. £10. Tel: 01505
872800.
Silver cross linear freeway travel
syste m . P ra m (co nve r t s to
pushchair), car seat, ISOFIX base,
foot muff & rain covers. Excellent
condition. From smoke and pet free
home. RRP £600, selling for £100.
Tel: 01505 872800.
CLOTHES & SHOES
Slaters Blue Slim Fit Three Piece Suit.
Jacket & Waistcoat 30s and Trousers
28s. Excellent Condition. £40. Tel:
07879 519516.
Golf Shoes Adidas Size 3.5. Excellent
Condition. £10. Tel: 07879 519516.
Shoes - Leather Brown Brogue Shoes
Size 4 £10. Tel: 07879 519516.
MOB/Wedding Outfit. Catherine’s of
Partick Inspirato colour Platinum and
Pearl. Size 12/14 Dress with Matching
Hat. Immaculate condition. £330
ono. Tel: 07752 845685.
HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN
New Bosch Rotak 370ER Lawnmower.
Still in box, never used. 3 years
manufacturer warranty. Cost £129,
sell £99. Tel: 07986 812483.
Stonehill Furniture Sunburst Teak
Coffee Table, mid 1970s. Striking
teak veneer sunburst grain. Circular,
34inch diameter, 4 teak legs, 16inches
high. Attractive retro furniture. VGC.
Minor signs of wear only. £50. Tel.
07528 362930.
Internal copper canopy measuring:
(H) 137cm (W) 33cm (top) (W)
89cm (bottom). Featuring a horse’s
head, finished in both brushed &
natural copper. £40. Tel: 07592
430924.
Belling Electric Double Oven, Grill
& Hob (Black). £200. Tel: 01505
871829.
Recliner armchair. Electric. One year
old. Excellent condition. £149. Tel:
07986 812483.
New G tech cordless mower, original
box and unwrapped. Runtime up
to 40 minutes* / charge time 1 hour.
It automatically adjusts its speed to
tackle thicker, longer grass. 50 litre
grass bin. Cost £400+ sell £250.
Contact: 07891 218985.
Bosch AXT2000HP corded garden
shredder – excellent condition. £85.
Tel: 01505 612266
B&Q corded garden blower vac - £15
Tel: 01505 612266.
Bosch Serie 2 white 6 Piece / Slimline
Dishwasher. £100. Tel: 01505 871829.
Shed Roofing Felt 9m length x 1 m
width. Brand new. £10. Tel: 07900
918392.
SPORTS
Golf Clubs - 9 Lynx Black Cat Irons,
Putter + 3 Woods, Bag, Caddy Car &
extras. £112. Tel: 01505 326262.
Gents Mountain Bike, excellent
condition. £70 ono. Tel: 07881
734273.
Gul size 7 wetsuit shoes. VGC. Rarely
Worn £10. Tel: 01505 872800.
Gul 3x3 Shorty Adult Wetsuit. Medium.
VGC. £25. Tel: 01505 872800.
Used golf balls, but good clean
condition, Titleist 1,2,3&4. Many Pro
V 1’s. 2 x boxes of 12 balls. £10 per
box. Also Srixon 1,2,3&4, 1 x box of
12 ball, £5. Tel: 01505 872800.
Exercise Bike, as new. £100 ono. Tel:
07881 734273.
Raleigh ‘Nightshade’ bike for age 6+,
purple and white, in great condition,
£25. Tel: 07799 451150.
Dawes ‘Vixen’ teenagers bike, pink and
white colour, requires new handle
bar grips, £30. Tel: 07799 451150.
Junior Golf Clubs Size 57 WT-15U. US
Kids Golf Set of 6 Clubs £75. Tel:
07879 519516.
Raleigh ‘Atlanta’ ladies bike, green
colour, looks good, may need
service/check up as hasn’t been used
for over 2 years, £50. Tel:07799
451150.
Bowling Bag complete with 4 Black
Thomas Taylor Bowls. Size 5. £30.
Tel: 01505 326262.
Zoggs Child Bobin Swim Jacket.
Rarely used. VGC. £10. Tel: 01505
872800.
TECHNICAL & GAMES
Wii games console, balance board,
a number of controllers and 15+
games, £100. Tel: 07799 451150.
TOYS
Wee Ride Front Mounted Childrens
Bike Seat. Good Condition. £15. Tel:
01505 872800.
Micro Scooter suit 7+, pink colour
with brake, stand, adjustable height
settings for handlebars and easy
folding, £15. Tel: 07799 451150.
OTHER ITEMS
Brand new steel car wheel 6JX15H2
and new Jinyu tyre 185/60 R15.
Stored as spare wheel only. £80.
Tel: 07736 067169.
FISH POND
Anyone interested in constructing
a garden fish pond? I am giving
up on mine this spring and wish to
sell the fish.
Coy carp, ranging from 10/12ins.
to 24ins. long. Offering the fish
together with all the water pumps,
filters, air pumps, heater, pondvac,
ultraviolet filter, and all the other
bits and pieces.
Offered as a package or as individual
items. Contact Jim on 07831
503500.
PAIR of Continental Contisport
Contact 5 235/50/R18 SUV Extra
Load tyres. 15,000 miles only on
rear of Ford Kuga. Top quality tyres
with plenty of tread and no damage/
repairs. £40. Tel. 07528 362930.
Spydog Collection of Books by
Andrew Cope (10 Books). £5. Tel:
07879 519516.
Collection of 25 Disney DVD’s. £10.
Tel: 07879 519516.
Hyundai I30 Wiper Motor (Reg Year
2007-2009). £40. Tel: 07879
519516.
Sunsport 4 person Inflatable. As
new. £499. Tel: 01505 502370 or e:
wyliejock@talktalk.net
Mariner 10HP Outboard Engine. As
new. £999. Tel: 01505 502370 or e:
wyliejock@talktalk.net
Collection of 32 Scooby Doo DVD’s.
£10. Tel: 07879 519516.
Ladies Coach handbag black new
15”x11”. £35. Tel: 01505 614503.
WANTED ITEMS
Cash paid for Vinyl Records and Music
CDs (a few or a lot). Tel: 01505
324683 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.
FREE for uplift, two sheets 2440x1200x
100, one sheet 2440x 1200x50
Jablite insulation. Contact Adam on
07939 692722.
usefuL NUMBERS
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Police/Fire/Ambulance 999
or 101 (non-emergency)
Gas Emergency 0800 111 999
Scottish Water 0800 077 8778
SEPA 0300 99 66 99
Floodline 0345 988 1188
Pollution Hotline 0800 80 70 60
Flytipping 0845 2 30 40 90
HOSPITALS
NHS 24 111
Royal Alexandra 0141 887 9111
Inverclyde Royal 01475 633777
Queen Elizabeth 0141 201 1100
Gartnavel 0141 211 3000
COUNCILS
Inverclyde 01475 717171
www.inverclyde.gov.uk/
Renfrewshire 0300 300 0300
www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/
POLICE
Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
Police Scotland 01786 289070
ROADS
R.A.L.F 0800 37 36 35
Traveline 0871 200 2233
HELPLINES
Alcoholics Anon 0800 9177 650
Childline 0800 1111
Citizens Advice 0808 800 1007
Consumer Direct 0808 800 9060
Financial Conduct Authority
0800 111 6768
Missing People 116 000
ParentLine 0800 028 2233
Renfrewshire Care 24 0141 314 7148
or 0141 314 7147
Samaritans 116 123
Trading Standards 03454 04 05 06
Victim Support 0800 160 1985
ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
Local Public
DEFIBRILlATOR SITES
BISHOPTON
The Cornerstone, Greenock Road
Bishopton Community Centre
BROOKFIELD
Brookfield Village Hall Main Entrance
BRIDGE OF WEIR
Co-Op
Old Ranfurly Golf Club
Ranfurly Castle Golf Club
The Gate House, Bridge of Weir
Leather Works
ELDERSLIE
Elderslie Golf Club
HOUSTON
Outside Church Hall, Main Street
Co-Op
Strathgryffe Squash & Fitness Club
(Reception)
HOWWOOD
Howwood Hall, Station Road
Christ the King Church, Bowfield Road
The Boarding House (opening hours)
JOHNSTONE
Keystore, Spateston
Keystore, Corseford
Johnstone Town Hall
Scottish Fire and Rescue, Thorn Brae
KILMACOLM
Kilmacolm Golf Club
St Columba’s Senior School
Gym, Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm
Kilmacolm Library (rear of New Surgery)
KILBARCHAN
Scout Hall
Kilbarchan Bowling Club
LINWOOD
Onyx Leisure Centre
Spar, Clippens Road
Asda
Asda
PAISLEY
Russell Institute
QUARRIERS
William Quarriers House at entrance
to Faith Avenue
Country View
Some of these may have limited access
Please check with venue for full details
57
Next deadline - Wednesday 15th April
Business directory
ACCOUNTANTS & FINANCIAL
Affluent Financial Planning . . 8
Brewin Dolphin Glasgow . . . . . 8
CLA Accountancy Services . . . 8
Innovative Estate Planning Ltd . . 8
Stewart Independent Financial . . 1
ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7
Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk
AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1
Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
BATHROOMS
Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7
G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 11
Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5
BEDROOMS
Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 12
BLACKSMITH & METALWORK
McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 27
BUILDING SERVICES
B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 31
BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 31
Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 7
I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2
James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 25
JBC Joiners and Builders . . . Bk
KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4
Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 28
M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3
Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 29
SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2
SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 24
Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 3
Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 53
CARE SERVICES & HOMES
Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 9
Home Instead Senior Care . . . 31
CATERING
Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 26
CLEANING & POWERWASH
Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 28
Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 3
Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 24
Gryffe Carpet Cleaning . . . . . 33
Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6
KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4
Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Platinum Cleaning Services . . 29
COFFEE SHOPS
Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 39
CYCLE REPAIR
David Gillanders Photography . . 49
DENTISTS
Erskine Dental Care . . . . . . . . . .17
EDUCATION
Malcolm Errington . . . . . . . . . 53
St Columba’s . . . . . . . . . . . 21
ELECTRICIANS
GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Contact us!
JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3
Lumicom Electrical Services . . 33
MAS Electrical & Security . . 2
Russell Milne Electrician . . 25
EQUESTRIAN
Integrated Animal Therapy Vets . . 42
FENCING
Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 27
FIREWOOD & LOGS
LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 29
W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 47
FUNERAL SERVICES
Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 13
John Roach Funeral Directors . . 7
FURNITURE RESTORATION
Chairbird Upholstery . . . . . . . 41
GARAGE DOORS & GATES
Garolla Roller Shutter Doors . . 5
Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
GARDEN SERVICE & DESIGN
3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 44
A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 47
Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 47
Care & Repair Gardening . . . . 45
CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7
Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 45
Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 47
I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2
Lady Grafters Garden Services . . 46
MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
R Williams Tree Services . . . 45
Scotlawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 47
West of Scotland Landscape . . 45
GAS & HEATING SERVICES
C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 29
Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 5
GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 52
Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 55
KAL Plumbing Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 11
Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 28
Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1
GLAZIER
1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3
Cloudy2Clear Windows . . . . . . . 7
TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
HAIRDRESSERS & BARBERS
Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 40
Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 41
HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS
Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 40
Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 25
Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13,Bk
LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 11
HOME HARDWARE
Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 44
Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 9
BY CATEGORY
Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 47
CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7
Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk
Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5
Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 25
Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Renfrewshire Handyman Hire . . 27
The Bath Works . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
HOME INTERIORS
Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 12
Chairbird Upholstery . . . . . . . 41
Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 29
HOME SECURITY
Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 29
HOTELS
Gleddoch Hotel Spa & Golf . . . . . 19
JOINERS
CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 55
James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 25
JBC Joiners and Builders . . . Bk
JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1
M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3
McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2
SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 24
Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 3
TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
KITCHENS
Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7
Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 12
G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 11
Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5
JBC Joiners and Builders . . . Bk
Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 3
LEISURE & RECREATION
Erskine Golf Club . . . . . . . . . 49
LOCKSMITHS
Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
PAINTERS & DECORATORS
A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 28
Andrew Hay Painter & Decorator . . 29
Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 54
David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3
James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3
John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
SL Painter & Decorator . . . . . 25
PC, WEB & GRAPHIC DESIGN
ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
PEST CONTROL
RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 27
PET SERVICES & TRAINING
Fields of Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Integrated Animal Therapy Vets . . 42
PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Waggys Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . Bk
PLASTERERS
Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 25
James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 25
Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 28
1st Floor, Neva Place
Bridge of Weir, PA11 3PN
01505 613340
www.advertizer.co.uk
info@advertizer.co.uk
@GryffeAds
Office Hours: T u e s d ay - T h u r s d ay 9 a m - 4 p m
Friday
9am - 12:30pm SCAN ME
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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.
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
PLUMBERS
C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 29
G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 11
Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 5
GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 52
Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 55
JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1
KAL Plumbing Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 11
Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 28
PROPERTY, SALES & LET
Cala Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 9
Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1
Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk
REMOVALS
@ease Removals & Transport . . 29
RESTAURANT & BARS
Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 39
RETAIL
Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 39
ROOFING
Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 31
Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 25
Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 7
Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6
I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2
KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4
Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 28
SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2
SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 24
Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 53
SOLICITORS
Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3
Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 9
Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk
SPORTS CLUBS & EVENTS
Erskine Golf Club . . . . . . . . . 49
STOVES
Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 29
TAXIS
ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk
TILING
Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 24
Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
TRAVEL AGENTS
Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3
TREE SURGEON
Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 47
Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 45
LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
R Williams Tree Services . . . 45
W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 47
TV & SATELLITE
Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 3
Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 27
Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 25
UPHOLSTERY SERVICES
Chairbird Upholstery . . . . . . . 41
Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 3
Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 24
WINDOW CLEANERS
DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 28
Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 24
Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6
Matthews Cleaning Services . . 27
WINDOW, CONSV & REPAIR
1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3
TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
13,500 magazines
58 ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
hand-delivered to homes every month
A TO Z
@ease Removals & Transport . . 29
1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3
3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 44
A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 28
A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 47
ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk
Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3
Affluent Financial Planning . . 8
Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7
AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1
Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 9
Andrew Hay Painter & Decorator . . 29
Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 47
Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 40
B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 31
Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 39
Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Brewin Dolphin Glasgow . . . . . 8
Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 31
Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 29
Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 25
Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 12
C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 29
Cala Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Care & Repair Gardening . . . . 45
Chairbird Upholstery . . . . . . . 41
CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7
CLA Accountancy Services . . . 8
Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 3
CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 7
Cloudy2Clear Windows . . . . . . . 7
ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 54
Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 9
Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk
Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 45
Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 9
David Gillanders Photography . . 49
David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3
Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 27
DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 55
DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 28
Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 3
Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Erskine Dental Care . . . . . . . . . .17
Erskine Golf Club . . . . . . . . . 49
Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 24
Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 25
Fields of Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 11
Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Garolla Roller Shutter Doors . . 5
Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 5
GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Gleddoch Hotel Spa & Golf . . . . . 19
Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 47
Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 24
Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Gryffe Carpet Cleaning . . . . . 33
Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6
Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Home Instead Senior Care . . . 31
I & J Building & Roofing . . . 2
I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 52
Innovative Estate Planning Ltd . . 8
Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5
Integrated Animal Therapy Vets . . 42
Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 55
James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 25
James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3
JBC Joiners and Builders . . . Bk
JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1
John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
John Roach Funeral Directors . . 7
KAL Plumbing Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 11
Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 26
KC Roofing & Building Services . . 4
Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 45
Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 25
Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13,Bk
Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 28
Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1
Lady Grafters Garden Services . . 46
Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3
LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk
LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Lumicom Electrical Services . . 33
M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3
M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 28
Malcolm Errington . . . . . . . . . 53
MAS Electrical & Security . . 2
Matthews Cleaning Services . . 27
McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 26
McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 27
MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 11
Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 41
Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 29
PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1
Platinum Cleaning Services . . 29
Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
R Williams Tree Services . . . 45
Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 27
Renfrewshire Handyman Hire . . 27
Russell Milne Electrician . . 25
Scotlawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SL Painter & Decorator . . . . . 25
SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 2
St Columba’s . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Stewart Independent Financial . . 1
SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 24
Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 3
TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
The Bath Works . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 39
Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 53
Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3
W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Waggys Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . Bk
West of Scotland Landscape . . 45
e: info@advertizer.co.uk | t: 01505 613340 APRIL 2020
ALL EVENTS AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO COVID-19
59
DISTRIBUTED TO: • BISHOPTON • BRIDGE OF WEIR • BROOKFIELD • ELDERSLIE • HOUSTON • HOWWOOD • KILBARCHAN • KILMACOLM • LANGBANK • LOCHWINNOCH • QUARRIERS
PICK UP A free COPY
Bishopton:
Woodrow’s Store, Library,
May’s Coffee Shop
Bridge of Weir:
Gibb Stuart, Bernie’s Cafe,
Lochnagar, The Bridge,
Library (Cargill Hall),
Bunty’s General Store
Erskine:
Garden Centre, Library,
Sports Centre,
Swimming pool
Houston:
Co-op, Carrick Centre,
Post Office,
Newsagent
Howwood:
Village Store
Johnstone:
Papa Mac’s, Library
Kilbarchan:
Bobbins, Old Library Centre,
E. Williams & Son Butchers
Kilmacolm:
Newsagent, Cross Café,
Library, Community Centre
Langbank:
Finlaystone Visitor Centre
Lochwinnoch:
Castle Semple Centre,
Keystore, Library, Dolce Vita
LANGBANK
KILMACOLM
BISHOPTON
QUARRIERS HOUSTON
BRIDGE OF WEIR
LOCHWINNOCH
BROOKFIELD ELDERSLIE
KILBARCHAN
JOHNSTONE
HOWWOOD
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