Chatterbox - Lochwinnoch

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CHATTERBOX
No 177 September 2008
www.lochwinnoch.info
Community newsletter produced by lochwinnoch publicity committee for lochwinnoch cc
What’s On
As we have a special story to feature on the
front page of Chatterbox this month and
our list of What’s On events is growing
larger, you will find this month’s details on
the following pages -
See centre pages for
village events, classes and activities
See back page for RSPB and
Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park
events, activities and contact details.
CHATTERBOX
Chatterbox is a free community newspaper,
produced and distributed every
month by volunteers. The aim of those
involved is to produce an informative and
entertaining journal for those who live,
work and visit in this area.
The Editor welcomes all items for
possible inclusion but will reserve all
rights over them, i.e. the right to shorten,
edit or not publish any item.
Special request - when writing to us,
please provide your name and contact
details in order that we may get in touch
with you for clarification on any items for
Chatterbox. Your personal details will not
be published unless you ask us to do so.
Please note, all views are of individuals
and the Editor accepts no liability for editorial
errors or statements and claims
made in advertisements.
Thank you.
Editorial & copy for Chatterbox
Let us have your stories, notices, news,
information, events & items of interest —
either hand-deliver them to the Chatterbox
drop-box in the Library or e-mail to:
chatterbox@lochwinnoch.info
To advertise in Chatterbox
Tel: 07899 746403 or e-mail:
chatterboxaccount@btinternet.com
Copy Deadline for October
Issue is
Monday 29th September ‘08
WE DID IT !
MATTHEW NEW & SONS
ROOFING - ROUGHCASTING - BUILDING MAINTENANCE
Emergency Repairs, Storm Damage
Insurance Work, New Roofs, Flat Roofs
Roughcasting –UPVC Cladding—Guttering
Tel No 01505 843400
FMB Certificate No 26366
ASIST
Anti-Social Investigation
Team
Office 8:45am – 4:45pm
Ask for David McLaren or
Barrie Anderson
Tel: 01505 325 030
I am happy to report that Des and I managed to complete the 95 miles of The West
Highland Way from Glasgow to Fort William without serious mishap. My knee held up
and we were blessed with fair weather most of the time. We did carry all our own gear
throughout the 5 days, although I doubt if at any point we looked like real men!
Thanks to your help, Des and I have raised over £6,000 so far from the West Highland
Way walk for Teenage Cancer Trust. In addition to the online donations, we have received
fantastic donations and support from Scotland and Ireland. We still have some
outstanding pledges to be collected, therefore, please get in touch with us if you signed
a sponsorship form but have yet to pay. Contact details given below.
If you haven't sponsored us yet, please consider doing so, as we need to raise a total of
£350,000 for the new TCT Unit in the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Yorkhill.
It’s simple to donate online using a credit or debit card. Just visit -
http://www.justgiving.com/johndelaneytct and send our Justgiving page on to anyone
else who might like to donate. Justgiving sends your donation straight to Teenage Cancer
Trust and automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you're a UK taxpayer.
For more details about the TCT Yorkhill Appeal, contact me, John Delaney,
on 01505 844801 or visit our website at: www.justgiving.com/tctyorkhillappeal
I hope you'll join us in supporting Teenage Cancer Trust.
Thank you.
John and Des

Bad Weather Ahead
Auld Simon stared into the branches
of a rowan tree and said: ‘Aye, it’s going
to be a bad winter. I’ve rarely seen
the rowans so heavy with fruit, a bad
sign if there ever was one.’ Other
signs the handsome old sage directed
me to were moles, worms and acorns.
‘In the run up to a bad winter the
moles dig deep, so do worms and
you’ll find the oak heavy with acorns,
dear, dear’.
I asked how a wee furry creature could
make a long-term weather forecast
when the scientists in the Met. Office,
armed with gigabytes of sophisticated
computer software, can hardly predict
what the weather will be like over the
next few days.
‘Animals and plants have millions of
years of forecasting behind them and
throughout all these years they have
been exposed to all the elements.’
Perhaps man has lost the art because
he scurries indoors at the first dribble
of rain.
‘Look as the tsunami a few years ago.
Tragic event, no doubt, but there were
few casualties among the animals.
Why? Because they sensed the deluge
was on its way and headed for shelter.
My old cats Wipey and Darcy deBum
never go over the door if rain is on the
way. They stay by the fireside and
wash each other.’
‘I’ll tell you another thing,’ Auld
Simon said, ‘it’s going to rain today’.
As the sun was shining as bright as a
button, there was hardly a cloud in the
sky and I was keen to tap into the fine
old sage’s superior knowledge.
I asked: ‘How on earth do you know?’
‘Heather the Weather.’ he said, then
he tipped his hat and made his way to
The Cross.
Thankyou
Dan and Irene Morrison would
like to thank everyone for the
lovely cards, flowers and
presents they received for their
60TH
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY.
All money received
was donated to
MacMillan Cancer Support.
Village residents, Mary Currie
and Billy Craig, reminisce about
the June day when the Royal
Navy Sea King helicopter landed
on Viewfield Rovers’ football
pitch, after it developed a crack to
its windshield. They recall being
awakened to the sound of the
helicopter flying around before
landing on the football pitch next
to Billy’s. Ealonour said -
“the pilot requested he would like
to land there in an emergency”.
She replied, “Yes, you can and
I’ll open the bar!”
POETRY
A’ the lare was tapselteerie
Wi’ foumarks keekin’ O’er the leerie
Hoots man it’s gettin’ stoorie
Ah doot it’s doon
ye’ll hae tae coorie.
ANON
Councillor Arthur’s
Report
After requests from dog owners, I am
delighted that I have secured from
Environmental Services the supply,
fitting and servicing of two new Dog
Bins within the village. Lets hope that
they are well used.
Just prior to their fitting I was walking
the village streets with the Animal
Warden and, judging by the evidence
around, we still have a problem with
some dogs (accompanied by their irresponsible
owners) fouling our pavements.
If you witness dog fouling taking
place then report the owner and
the dog to the Animal Warden Service
on 0141 840 3106. It’s easier than
you think to find out where the culprits
live.
It is very heartening to see that the tea
room drop-in within the McKillop
Hall, which is run by our Elderly Forum,
continues to be very popular
with people. This is a wonderful community
facility, organised and run by
terrific volunteers. If you haven’t visited
the tearoom yet then make a point
to do so. Tea/coffee, biscuits and a
good natter are always on the menu
every Tuesday from 10am - 1pm.
The recent Maich Dam incident is one
that I never want to see again. Having
been kept fully briefed at all times by
the services handling the incident and
having attended the location on a few
occasions to see the situation first
hand, I have nothing but praise for all
the services involved who handled a
difficult situation extremely well. It’s
times like these that you think, ‘boy
aren’t we lucky to have such dedicated
people available to call upon in a time
of need’.
In the run-up to the primary school
stopping for summer in July, parents
and grandparents were excellent in
responding to pleas not to park their
cars on the zigzags at the school gates.
Hopefully this trend will continue for
the new term and we don’t see the
safety of the children being compromised.
My next Surgery is on Saturday 20 th
September but there is no need to wait
for a Surgery if you require my help;
you can contact me on 843507 and we
can agree a time when we can meet.
Councillor David Arthur

ESTABLISHED 1989
19 YEARS IN BUSINESS AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS GO ON AND ON …
UPVC WINDOWS AND DOORS
MAINTENANCE FREE UPVC
ROOFLINE AND FULL
WINDOW REPAIR SERVICE
HINGES, LOCKS AND MISTED
AND BROKEN GLASS REPLACED.
LOCHWINNOCH
COMMUNITY
COUNCIL
‘The condition of the roads round
here is appalling’
‘Isn’t anybody going to cut back
those weeds?’
‘Don’t get me started on the dog poo!’
‘I didn’t know they were going to
change that shop into flats.’
Ever said or thought anything like
that? If you want to know more about
what’s going on in your village and
get something done, then come along
and join Lochwinnoch Community
Council.
Meetings are on the first Tuesday,
every month, at 7.30 in the Parish
Church hall. The next meeting is on
Tuesday 7th October.
The CC deals with planning matters,
liaises with the police and the SRANI
path group and deals with the council
on matters relating to roads and pathways.
But we could do more if we
had more members!
Right now, the CC also really needs a
Treasurer. Not an onerous task - you
need to be methodical and be able to
get to an RBS bank every so often.
Without a Treasurer, the CC is in dire
straits! If you’ve ever thought of
becoming involved, now’s the time to
do it!
If you have matters to bring up to the
Community Council, please either
attend a meeting, send a letter to the
Secretary at 79 High St or email us at
cc@lochwinnoch.info
It’s your village …. make it
your community council.
UPVC DOORS FITTED FROM £430
Lochwinnoch
Historical Society
The 2008-2009 syllabus
is complete.
We begin the new season on
Thursday 18th September with
Colin Campbell, who will talk
about his book “Can’t shoot a
man with a cold”. This is the
story of Lt. E. Alan Mackintosh
MC 1893-1917, poet of the
Highland Division.
The book, by Colin and his coauthor
Rosalind Green, aims
to give this little known First
World War poet’s life and
works more of the publicity
they deserve.
The meeting takes place in the
Guild Room of the Parish
Church, beginning at 7.30pm.
Tea/coffee and biscuits will be
served. Membership for the
year is £8, Evening visitor £2.
OUR PRODUCTS ARE INSTALLED
IN OVER ONE HUNDRED
LOCHWINNOCH HOUSEHOLDS.
Contact - PETER McGARVEY
Tel: 01505 614654
Lochwinnoch
Art Group News
The Art Group is due to start again
on Monday 8th September at the
usual time of 7.30pm. As yet, on
going to print, we are unable to confirm
the venue. However, as soon
as details are confirmed we will post
these in the window of Crafts of
Calder Gallery.
We are pleased to announce that
Lochwinnoch Art Group will be holding
their forthcoming exhibition in
the Library Room from Wednesday
24th September until Saturday
18th October. The Exhibition is
open to the public during Library
hours only.
For further details and information
please Tel: 01505 844980/842139.
THANK YOU
To LMEG (Lochwinnoch Millenium Events Group) for the donation of the nice new
benches at the library. Library staff and customers are delighted with the new seating
and they make a huge difference to the outside space and the elderly find them far more
comfortable than the old benches that had no backs or arms.

J Quinn & Son Memorials
Personal Service & Quality Guaranteed
New Memorials Cleaning & Renovations
Additional Inscriptions Indoor Showroom
4a Dalry Road, KILBIRNIE
Please Call 01505 685455
Teenage Cancer
Trust
As you will know from last month’s
Chatterbox, Karl Jenkins is making
another appearance at the Glasgow
Royal Concert Hall on Armistice Sunday
(9th November) with his award
winning piece -
'The Armed Man'
Those of you who have heard his work
on Classic FM will know this is an incredibly
emotive piece. Coupled with
the beautifully romantic Concerto de
Aranjuez for guitar by Rodriguez, this
promises to be another outstanding
evening.
I urge you to get a group of friends
together and book tickets quickly for a
spectacular night out for a most
worthwhile cause. Profits will go directly
to building a second Teenage
Cancer Trust Unit at Yorkhill.
Tickets are on sale now from either
the Royal Concert Hall’s website -
http://www.glasgowconcerthalls.com/
whatson/event/72453 or from the Box
Office on Tel: 0141 353 8000.
Wondering about transport to the concert?
John Delaney will be organising
a coach from Lochwinnoch. To book a
seat on the coach, contact John as
soon as possible on Tel: 01505
844801 or by e-mail at:
johndelaney@thinkpositive.co.uk
And finally, here’s a very popular
event to put in your diaries. The 3rd
Annual Ladies Champagne Tea and
Fashion Show for TCT will take place
at Mar Hall on Sunday 26th October.
Tickets are £25 and are available from
Karen Kelly Designs on 01505 705767
(9am-3pm) or 01505 843286
(evenings).
Thank you.
Karen
www.TeenageCancerTrust.org
Mon 10am‐5pm, Tue‐Fri 10am‐2pm
Evening & Weekends by Arrangement
SHELTERED HOUSING
GLENPARK ROAD
LOCHWINNOCH
Complaint
The presence of teenagers passing
through the complex is very disturbing
to most of the elderly and not so elderly
residents.
If these teenagers were quieter and less
animated, I’m sure this ongoing problem
would not have reached the state it has
grown into.
A large sign is quite prominent at one
end of the Complex, clearly stating that
entry is for residents only, but this is
clearly ignored.
The other many entries are not signposted,
though I’m quite sure that if they
were to contain a ‘Don’t Trespass’
notice, these same young people would
just accept this as a challenge!
What action could be levied against
them anyway?
It is not just boys who create a disturbance.
Girls’ raised excited squeals are
often heard over the raucous music they
have, but don’t ever seem to be listening
to!
Some adults, who are not tenants, frequently
pass through our complex.
They invariably proceed to their destination
without disturbing anyone.
Recently, two young boys persistently
rode bikes through the front lawns and
then completed a circle to come back
and do the same thing again and again.
They had enough sense not to come
back a fourth time. This stupid invasion
was very disturbing. It was as if they
were goading the tenants with their
mindless bravado.
In the past, damage has been done to
plants and garden furniture by some
mindless unwanted visitors.
SCOTTISH SONGS QUIZ
The quiz was won by PC Baird and PC
Davidson from Kilmarnock Police Station
and they receive the prize of £20. Thanks
to all who purchased and completed the
quiz and, apart from the odd spelling mistake,
there were no wrong answers!
There were a couple of mistakes on my
part with the printing so where these errors
occurred (Q19 and Q24) I discounted
the questions and entered them if returned
completed.
Quiz sheets came back from England,
Buckie and Rothes in the north, Muasdale
and Lochgilphead in the west, Kincardine,
Sauchie and Alloa in the east and Dumfries
in the south - as well as the local
areas.
I managed to raise over £300
with the quiz sheets, so well done to all.
The answers are as follows:-
1. Ally bally, Ally bally be
2. A fond kiss and then we severed
3. A Gordon for me, a Gordon for me
4. A wee cock sparra’ sat oan a tree
5. A Guid New Year tae ane an a’
6. By yon bonnie banks and by yon
bonnie braes
7. Gin a body, meet a body
8. Hark when the night is falling
9. O ye canny fling a piece oot a twenty
storey flat
10. The northern lights of old Aberdeen
11. Westering home and a song in the air
12. Step we gaillie on we go
13. Speed bonnie boat like a bird on the
wing
14. I sing of a river I’m happy beside
15. I love a lassie, a bonnie, bonnie lassie
16. O isle of my childhood, I’m dreaming
17. O flower of Scotland
18. My love is like a red, red rose
19. Flow gently sweet Afton among thy
green braes
20. O ye canny shove yer granny aff
a bus
21. There was a soldier, a Scottish soldier
22. Ye banks and braes o’ bonnie Doon
23. Should auld acquaintance be forgot
24. Is there for honest poverty
25. Will ye no come back again.
I would like to say a huge thank you to
my sister, Catherine Adam, for selling so
many quiz sheets for me and to everyone
who bought them. Thanks also to the very
kind people who donated to my fundraising
efforts. I was humbled by the
kindness and generosity of people I don’t
think I have met and whose names I don’t
even recognise.
Nan Morrow

Maich Dam
The Maich Reservoir was built over
100 years ago and consists of 2.2
acres of water held behind an earth
dam and was used to provide the public
water supply to those living near
the western side of Lochwinnoch parish.
The Renfrewshire/North Ayrshire
border/ march is across the middle of
the reservoir (north/south), which was
originally mid-stream in the burn prior
to the building of the dam.
The burn was diverted to the west of
the reservoir and higher than the level
of the dam with a holding wall to control
the flow of water from the burn to
the dam.
Some years ago the reservoir was
sold by West of Scotland Water to a
private buyer who then became responsible
for its upkeep. The reservoir
holds just below the area of water that
requires an annual inspection of the
dam, which is calculated on the basis
of the surface area rather than the
volume of water.
There were dramas with the Maich
dam resulting from the heavy rainfall
that caused the bad flooding in
Kilbirnie on the 1 st August.
On Sunday 3 rd August, the first local
residents knew of a problem with the
Maich dam was when the Police helicopter
was seen flying up and down
the Maich burn and landing to tell people
to keep clear of the burn because
the dam was likely to burst! Some
residents were evacuated from their
houses and all roads in the area were
closed.
Picture of the dam on 5th August showing
the damage. The plastic sheeting is on the
reservoir side of the earth dam and the
water had been running over the top,
which caused the landslide on the ‘down’
side.
5 Church Street, Lochwinnoch
Tel: 01505 842047
Setanta Live Football - 50” Plasma screen
Beer Garden Open - Families welcome.
Lounge available for private functions.
Renfrewshire Council Roads
Department organised a battery of
powerful pumps to pump the water
out so as to reduce the pressure on
the dam, while North Ayrshire Roads
Department helped from the Ayrshire
side of the Maich.
The burn was put into two large
pipes and the breached wall was
blocked with bags of sand and
gravel in an attempt to stop the flow
of water into the reservoir.
The pumps at work
Despite the success of the pumping,
further heavy rain fell during
Wednesday and by early 7 th August,
the reservoir was full again after the
pipes burst and the burn’s retaining
wall was breached again. The
pumps couldn’t keep up!
At 3 a.m. on 7th August, the Police
‘phoned local residents to tell them
that once again the dam was likely
to burst and several residents were
evacuated again.
Meals Served daily
Monday & Wednesday from 12noon - 3pm, Thursday from 12
noon - 7pm
What’s on
Every Wednesday - POKER LEAGUE,
starts on Wednesday 3rd September at 7.30pm - free to play !
Every Tuesday - FREE POOL/DARTS
Saturday 6th September from 9pm - KARAOKE NIGHT
(see sandwich boards/posters for dates and details of other events)
The broken pipes and breached dam.
During Thursday, about 5 metres was
taken off the top of the earth dam to
allow water to drain away into the
Maich burn, relieving the pressure.
Despite the contractors’ best efforts
this inevitably sent an enormous
amount of silt down the burn plus a
totally unacceptable quantity of litter
which had been allowed to accumulate
by the Fishery management. The
quantity of litter at the fishery has to be
seen to be believed, it is disgraceful.
Local residents’ thanks have been
sent to Renfrewshire Council Roads
Dept, The Police, the Fire Brigade and
North Ayrshire Council Roads Dept for
their considerable efforts involved with
this ‘near’ disaster.

LOCHWINNOCH
WRITERS September 2008
TWO POEMS ABOUT THE VILLAGE AT ITS BEST
The Lane Beside The Calder
Geoff Cooper
Perfect perfect shimmersway of sunlit leaves,
hayscent and heavensent this morning - is it for you,
is it for me,
under soft hoops of leaning grass, the birds and wind
have stitched the lane with tiny flowers?
It is summer now, shaded, shadowing,
those flowerfloods of spring
and the bright-maned hedges of the hawthorn fade
and the bluebell withers, and the beech has darkened
just to green
Beyond the lane the oldest tree
forces out a few thin leaves
high in the flaking coppice of old stems
a living henge, how many thoughts
- loving, hurting, nonsensical, routine -
were framed and lost in that heaven-clasp?
Once no one knew
how beyond the bank the river flows
and the heron, sharp and slender, fishes there,
deadly, beautiful
Yes, deadly before
it was ever beautiful, the heron silhouettes
against the swag of leaves - and once the songs of
birds
were lonely in the perfect sky
and the wind knew no bitter rumours
Hayscent and heavenscent this morning
perfect perfect shimmersway of sunlit leaves
Poised on the crumbs of ancient mountains
a heron fishes through the wordless day.
THE WRITERS ARE BACK FROM THEIR
AUGUST HOLIDAY-
NEXT MEETING
MONDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER,
LIBRARY 9.30-11.30AM
Hidden Depths Ginny Davis
First impressions,
A long, stark, straight street
Running through a quiet village.
Narrow pavements edging the doorstep,
As sandstone houses huddle close,
Some rendered and painted,
Each one coloured a different hue, but
As you penetrate deeper,
A bubble of activity emerges.
Around chip shop, grocer and bakery,
The daily rituals begin to show.
A group of men gather on the corner,
While women with baskets bustle about.
Cut by a crossroad, a country view
Leads high up into the hills.
At this junction a cafe sits;
The buzz and heart of the place,
Where poets and artists reflect,
Friends and neighbours collect.
A meeting place for coffee and chat,
A hub of activity and tittle-tat.
There we savour the rich aroma
Of dark, creamy espresso, while
Being inspired by the talk of the day.
There we experience the fun of jazz and wine
On many a Thursday night, what may.
This is the Italian element,
Enriching a silent Avalon.
This is cosy cosmopolitan life,
That nestles amongst the nature,
Prolific in this village by the loch.
Swans in their dozens fight for food
Amongst mallards and coots,
As children bring bread,
While the hungry heron sits and waits,
Preferring fish on his menu,
Body so still, poised on one leg, head tilted
One eye glued to the rippling water,
As tall rushes whisper in the wind.
So much to experience,
So much to think about, to talk about,
In a perfect country village.

NEWS FROM
JOHNSTONE HIGH
SCHOOL
Pupils from Lochwinnoch were
amongst those who collected
awards in the year 2007/2008.
Awards in S1
Katy Dominy
Erin Hair
Jade Wishart, and
Nicole Gilmour
Awards in S2
Emma Brander
Paul Reilly
Kirsty Stewart
Louise Hiddleston, and
Robbie Scarff
Mathematics Challenge
Gillian Brown
Kirsty Stewart, and
Emma Brander
Awards in S3
Mala Stewart - 1st in Physics
Kirsten Holmes - 2nd in Physics
Mala Stewart - 2nd in French
Stephen O’Neill - 2nd in Graphic
Communication
Angus Collins - 2nd in Craft and
Design
Mala Stewart - 2nd in Maths.
Stephen O’Neill - 2nd in English
Kirsten Holmes - 1st in English
Johnstone Festival -
Young Artists
Laura-Ann Phillips was among the
‘Best in Category’ winners in the
annual Art competition.
Karate
Nicole Hiddleston is a Scottish
champion in Karate, in addition to
being in the Scotland Team.
Awards in S4
Gareth John - 1st in German
Simonas Stilius - 1st in Art,
1st in Graphic Communication
and 2nd in Physics.
Claire Hiddleston -
1st in Mathematics, and
2nd in Biology
Marcus Guy -
1st in Chemistry, and
1st in Modern Studies
Paul Williamson - Merit Award in
Graphic Communication.
Awards in S5
Duncan Holmes -
1st in Information Systems
Kerri Dock -
Merit award in History
Gordon Reilly -
Merit in Physical Education
Laura-Ann Phillips -
2nd in Art
Caron Dunn -
2nd in Physical Education
Bethany Nicholls -
Merit award in English
Awards in S6
Helen Turner -
1st in Biology, and
1st in Chemistry.
Other awards
Toni Duck - Paired Reader
David Stevenson - Befriender,
Paired Reader, and
Coaching in the Community
Rebecca Pietryga -
Millenium Volunteer, and
Befriender Volunteer
Rachel Holmes -
1st in Physics
1st in Mathematics
Befriender Volunteer, and
Millenium Volunteer
Rebecca Colbron -
2nd in Human Biology
Befriender
Volunteer Paired Reader
Mairi Collins -
1st in Human Biology
Chloe Patterson -
1st in Geography
Befriender Volunteer
Millenium Volunteer
Paired Reader
Coaching in the Community
Vicki Waddell -
Befriender Volunteer
Millenium Volunteer
Paired Reader
Megan Robertson -
Befriender Volunteer
Paired Reader
Holly Wiszniewski -
Befriender Volunteer
The Matt Carruth Trophy
was won by Rachel Holmes for
sporting achievement.
(Well done to all—we hope we
haven’t missed anyone out. Ed)
BEITH
DOMESTICS
54 Main Street, Beith
New domestic Appliances
Reconditioned Appliances
Spares and Repairs
Dyson specialist
• SAME DAY callout
• FREE estimates and advice
• NO CALL OUT CHARGE
for local customers
Phone George on –
Tel: 01505 500009
Modern Cookery
Hello darlings.
I love bread, all kinds, but especially
these long, shiny slightly suggestive
French baguettes. Actually, I prefer
the long thin ones, they call flutes,
they are slightly harder than the conventional
baguettes. My friend Passion
Flower (pass the sick bag – she
was too young to protest) prefers the
fatter baguettes; but, there again, she
had rickets as a child.
I used to make all my own bread by
hand, but the old fingers, as Cyril has
recently noticed, are not as supple as
they used to be; a touch of arthritis. I
now use a breadmaking machine. A
marvel of modern technology, pour in
the water, flour and odds and ends
switch on, a couple of hours later,
voila, a hot freshly baked loaf.
One problem, though. Cyril and I
can’t eat the amount of bread I make,
so most of it has to go out to the birds.
The birds around Chez Fishslice are
now so big they can’t get into the air;
they are grounded like the dodo. Just
as well, darlings, when you see the
size of their droppings. Kill an ox if
they hit one!
Anyway, happy cooking, darlings.
Fenella Fishslice

What’s On
• Lochwinnoch Community
Walks - Mondays (ex. Public
Holidays), 10.30 am at The
Cross.
• Kickjitsu for Kids - Monday
nights, from 5pm-6.45pm in the
Parish Church Hall.
• Lochwinnoch Gymnastics
Club - for children of Primary
school age. Every Monday from
5pm-7pm at the Annexe. All
abilities welcome. Details from
Coby on: 0772 9051615.
• Morag’s Keep Fit - Mondays
from 7pm, McKillop Institute.
• Advice Works - Tuesdays
10am -12.30 at the Library. *
• Drop-in T Bar - Lochwinnoch
Elderly Forum. Tuesdays from
10am-1pm, McKillop Institute.
All welcome. For details, call
Reta on: 01505 842054.
• TaeKwon-Do Fitness and Selfdefence
classes for beginners,
children and adults. Tuesdays
from 5-6pm, McKillop Institute.
For details Tel: 01259 210716.
• Linda Margaret School of
Dancing - classes include ballet,
tap, poms, freestyle, etc.
Tuesdays from 4pm-8.45pm,
McKillop Institute. For details,
Tel: 0141 581 9104.
• Girls Brigade
1st Lochwinnoch Company
Evenings recommence from
Wednesday 3rd September,6pm-
9.15pm at the Parish Church
Hall for various age groups.
• Yoga Classes - Wednesdays,
7.30pm, McKillop Institute.
• Morag’s Keep Fit - Thursdays
from 7pm, McKillop Institute.
• Slinky Strollers - on Thursdays
(see back page for details).
• Happy Harminis - Fun for pre
-school children. Thursdays
from 10am in the McKillop Institute.
Contact Frankie Plater for
details: 01505 612248.
• Calder Drama Club—
Thursdays, from 8pm-10pm
McKillop Institute.
• Scottish Slimmers - Thursdays
from 7/7.30pm, McKillop
Institute. Register for free.
• Lochwinnoch Pre-School
Gymnastics for children from
18 months to 5 years. Every Friday,
from 10.15am - 1.45pm at
the Annexe. Details from Coby
on: 0772 9051615.
• Tai Chi for Beginners -
Friday nights, 6.45-7.45pm, The
Room, Lochwinnoch Library.
* * *
Dates for your diaries
• Monday 1st September—
Lochwinnoch Choral Society
rehearsals recommence on Monday
evenings, Parish Church/
Church Hall. Juniors from 7-
7.30pm, Intermediates 7.30-
8.30pm and Seniors from 8pm.
• Tuesday 2nd September
Scottish Country Dance Club
evenings recommence, then
every Tuesday from 7.30-
9.30pm, the McKillop Institute.
• Wednesday 3rd September
Jogging Buddies - Open Evening
at 6.30pm, McKillop Institute.
(Beginners course starts on
10 September.) *
• Saturday 6th September
Meditation/Creativity Workshop
from 9.30-1.30pm. Call Libby
for details: 01505 842604.
• Saturday 6th September -
Come and see ‘Elvis’ Live at 8pm
at Lochwinnoch Bowling Club.
• Monday 8th September—
Lochwinnoch Art Group evenings
due to recommence. *
• Thursday 18th September
Lochwinnoch Historical Society
meeting at 7.30pm in the Guild
Room of the Parish Church. *
• Friday 19th September
Garpel House Bingo Night at the
Masonic Club (see posters for
details).
• Saturday 20th September
Councillor Arthur’s Surgery from
11.30am at the McKillop Institute.
*
• Wednesday 24th September
- Saturday 18th October—Art
Exhibition, Library Room. *
• Thursday 25th September—
Jazz at the Junction with Richard
Mulhearn from 7.45-10.15pm. Tel:
01505 842225 for details.
* See inside this issue of
Chatterbox for further details.
Parish Church
Bi-Centenary
Celebrations
All are welcome to
join in with any or all
of the events.
Saturday 4th October
Concert in the Parish
Church, at 7.30pm. The
theme of the concert will be
music over 200 years. Organist
John Langdon. Tickets
- £5 for adults, £3 for
children and these will be
available soon from Church
Members or pay at the door.
Sunday 5th October
Bi-Centenary Service at
11am in the Parish Church.
Dedication of the two quilted
and embroidered banners by
the Moderator, The Right
Rev. Dr. David Lunan.
Bi-centenary Exhibition
This will open in the Church
on 5th October and will be
open for visitors at specified
times during October; look
out for details nearer the
time. The exhibition will
move to the Library Room
for the month of November.
Updates and further
details will be published
in Chatterbox.
VILLAGE EVENT
PLANNER
Lochwinnoch Post Office has a wallmounted
calendar, where members
of the public can enter details of
forthcoming events.
Please use this calendar to avoid any
clashes when planning dates of
events and, of course, to help publicise
your events within the village.

Lochwinnoch
Library
Thank you
The staff at Lochwinnoch Library
would like to thank everyone who
supported the "Cancer Research
Tea Party" which took place on
Thursday 28th August. Everyone
seemed to have a really good
time…….. lots of chat and laughter.
We raised an amazing £350.
“Your Village”
Want to find out more?
Why not browse through our
collection of local photographs
and step into a very different
world that was … Lochwinnoch.
Renew and Reserve
at
www.renfrewshwire.gov.uk/libraries
Library members can view, renew and
reserve their library loans online. All
you need to get started is your library
membership number and a password.
If you don’t have a password just ask
at any library.
New Books coming soon
to Lochwinnoch Library.
Why buy when you can borrow?
More details in next month’s
Chatterbox.
ADVICE WORKS
Tuesdays 10am –12.30pm
Advisors are on hand to help fill
in claim forms, check and advise on
welfare benefits/money problems.
Advisors can provide expert advice
on a wide range of debt related
topics, such as credit card, mort-
gage arrears, council tax, etc. The
service is FREE, confidential and
open to all Renfrewshire residents.
LIBRARY OPENING HOURS :
Monday, Wednesday and Friday:
2pm–5pm & 6pm–8pm
Tuesday and Saturday:
10am–1pm & 2pm–5pm
Closed Thursday.
Godspell
In this issue of Chatterbox, you will
read of the celebrations planned for
the bi-centenary of the Parish
Church building in Church Street.
The celebrations will continue well
into next year and a major event will
be a production of the Rock Musical,
‘Godspell’ on the 26 th and 27 th
March, in the McKillop Institute.
Godspell (an old fashioned spelling
of the word gospel) was written by
Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael
Tebelak and premiered in New York
in May 1971.
The play follows the stories told by
Jesus (most famously played by
David Essex) and contains well
known songs, such as Prepare ye
The Way of the Lord and Day By
Day. While written for 10 characters,
the beauty of Godspell is there
is a place for anyone who wishes to
take part. Castings will take place
later in the autumn for our own production
of the musical and a role
will be found for all who come
along.
In the meantime, we need to put together
our backstage crew, therefore
a meeting will be held in the Parish
Church on Wednesday 22 nd October
2008, for anyone interested in taking
part in any way.
While Godspell is a minimalist production
and as such is very simple to
produce, we need help with stage
management, scenery, choreography,
costume, make-up, props,
prompting, catering, publicity and a
myriad other tasks. If you have ever
wished to be part of a production
crew, but don’t know where to start,
then Godspell is the answer. Simple
choreography; outlandish costumes
made up of clothes we all have hidden
away; outrageous make-up,
which is simple to design and apply;
straightforward props all go towards
creating a production that stimulates
senses.
If you can help in any way, please
come along to the Parish Church, on
Wednesday 22 nd October at
7.30pm. Many thanks.
Eat Fresh !!
Eat Local !!
Cucina Minucci
at the Junction,
Lochwinnoch.
NEW MENU
NEW HOURS*
Same Values
Same Passion for Food
Mon to Wed 9am to 5pm
Thursdays 9am to 7.30pm
Fri & Sat 9am to 8.30pm
Sundays & B/H 10am to 4pm
*As of the 18 th of September
To book call:
01505 842225
www.cucinaminucci.co.uk
Lily
Rose
Bridal
Now Open !
Designer Bridal gowns by
Allure, Sweetheart Gowns,
Linea Raffaelli, Trudy Lee,
Nicola Anne and Sophia Tolli.
Also stocking bridesmaid and
prom. gowns, jewellery, tiaras,
veils, shoes, hats and fascinators.
Contact Heather on 07834
419585 for an appointment.
30 Church Street,
Lochwinnoch PA12 4AD
www.lilyrosebridal.co.uk

Approved Licence No.
Contractor WML/0220082
WANTED SCRAP CARS
TOP PRICES PAID
All Registration Documents Destroyed On Uplift Of
Car. All Cars Destroyed Through DVLA Regulations.
BEITH SALVAGE CO., MAINS ROAD, BEITH
01505 504949
DOORSTEP SCAMS
A Lochwinnoch resident has asked
us to make readers aware of the
continuing problem of doorstep
clothing collections by bogus
charities. Without naming
names, if you receive a notice
through your letterbox from any
organisation purporting to be collecting
household goods, clothes,
books, bric-a-brac etc in the name
of a UK or Overseas charity or
good cause, here’s some useful advice
to follow before you part with
your possessions.
◊ Look for the charity registration
number on any literature that you receive
and check it out. This number
should be displayed on all advertising
or fundraising material if the charity
has an income of more than £1,000 a
year.
◊ Details of all registered charities in
England and Wales can be found on
The Charity Commission website.
Registered charities in Scotland appear
on the website of the Office of the
Scottish Charity Regulator and you
can check out charities registered in
Northern Ireland by contacting the
Department of Health and Social Services
in Belfast.
◊ Fundraisers approaching you in
the street should wear an ID badge
and be able to prove that they have
permission to collect on behalf of a
charity.
◊ Fundraisers contacting the public
by phone should be able to provide the
charity’s registration number.
◊ You can access charity accounts
and other data by visiting a userfriendly
website called Guidestar UK.
◊ Don’t forget, many absolutely
worthy and legitimate voluntary organisations
are not registered charities.
Just because an organisation
chooses to make donations to charities
and good causes, this does not
necessarily mean that the entity itself
is a registered charity.
If you are in doubt, take a note of
their contact details and check them
out in the appropriate way. For example,
if they are a registered company,
they can be researched
through Companies House. Ask the
organisation or person contacting
you how the company is set up and
why is it set up in this way.
This guidance comes from The Office
of the Scottish Charity Regulator and
The Charity Commission for England
and Wales websites. Here are
some useful websites and phone
numbers –
England & Wales Charity
Commission
Tel: 0870 333 0123
Website –
www.charity-commission.gov.uk
Office of the Scottish Charities
Regulator
Tel: 01382 220446
Website – www.oscr.org.uk
Northern Ireland Charities Branch,
Dept. of Health & Social Services
Stormont, Belfast
Tel: 028 90 522 78
Trading Standards Office, Glasgow
Tel: 0141 842 500
Trading Standards Division,
Renfrewshire Council, Paisley
Tel: 0141 840 3184
e-mail: tradingstandards@renfrewshire.gov.uk
Local Police – Tel: 01505 404000
Open Evening
on Wednesday 3 September at
6.30pm at McKillop Institute.
New Beginners 10 week course
starts on 10 September
Our aim is to help to improve your
quality of life. Come along and find
out how you can have a big impact on
your long-term helath and wellbeing.
Discover a whole new world
of increased energy, feeling better
about yourself and eating things you
enjoy - there can be gain without
the pain!
For more details, e-mail:
info@joggingbuddies.co.uk or
Tel: 0141 847 1357.
USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
Strathclyde Police – 0141 532 5900
Johnsone Police – 01505 404000
Johnstone Community Safety
Office – 01505 404023
Trading Standards – 0141 840 3233
Care and Repair – 0141 812 4111
Renfrewshire Council -
Tel: 0141 842 5000
Anti-social Behaviour Investigation
Team (ASIST) - 01505 325030
Victim Support – 0141 887 0328
Nuisance Support & Advice
Helpline – 0800 169 1283
Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111
Community Safety Office,
Johnstone Police Station.

Antiques, Curios and Crafts
A dynamic selection of oils, watercolours and
limited edition prints.
Bespoke crafts by local artisans, vintage and
contemporary jewellery.
Well worth discovering for yourself.
The Barn on the Farm, open 10am till late every day
Contact Greta Logan on Tel: 01505 683338
Mob: 07786 720586
e-mail: greta@thestirrupcup.co.uk
www.thestirrupcup.co.uk
Hello,
We would like to introduce ourselves to you, the good
folk of Lochwinnoch and surrounding area, to The Stirrup
Cup our Antiques, Curios and Craft shop. You can find us
in a stone-built 18th century barn at West Bankside Farm,
Kilbirnie. We are located on the outskirts of Kilbirnie just
300 yards off the Largs Road, opposite the golf course, on
a tarmac road.
The Stirrup Cup promotes an eclectic mix of antique furniture
and jewellery, vintage ceramics and glassware, a diverse
selection of original oils, water colours and limited
edition prints. Specially made crafts by local artisans and
contemporary jewellery, plus a variety of curios, add up to
a quirky mix of items to suit all tastes and pockets.
West Bankside has been in the Logan family for 3 generations
and was a dairy farm until 1986 when John changed
career to work in development agencies. In 2002 he returned
to self-employment as a freelance business consultant,
establishing Bankside Business Services.
ACCA
Bankside Stables is a family run livery yard,
approved by the British Horse Society,
with 24/7 supervision.
Full-time, Part-time and Assisted Livery
at DIY rates offered.
For further details,
please contact John Logan
Tel: 01505 685371 Mob: 07990 501240
E-mail: john@thestirrupcup.co.uk
www.banksidestables.vpweb.co.uk
West Bankside Farm, Geirston Road, Kilbirnie, KA25 7LQ
Just opposite the Golf Course on the Largs Road.
Upper Floor
32 High Street
Lochwinnoch PA12 4AA
Tel: 01505 843083
Fax: 01505 843045
E-mail: info@stranvillejohn.co.uk
Web: www.stranvillejohn.co.uk
We converted the redundant byres and sheds into livery
stables and individual tack areas. Bankside Stables has recently
been accredited by the British Horse Society as an
Approved Livery Yard.
Greta inherited her interest in antiques and collectables from
her Grandmother who used to trade in Glasgow. Our barn
was the one remaining undeveloped building and we revitalised
it to provide the premises for The Stirrup Cup.
Like every start up The Stirrup Cup has had its ups and
downs. But, overall business has been very encouraging.
Already, we are lucky to have had a number of customers
from Lochwinnoch.
Surrounded by a mature garden and overlooking the
Garnock Valley we are extremely fortunate in our idyllic
location. Please call in and you will be assured of a warm
welcome.
Thank you
Greta and John Logan.
We opened the office at the side of our house on the
High Street in November 1998. We cannot believe
that we are fast approaching our 10th Anniversary
and now have fantastic new offices—just along the
road at number 32!
We would like to thank everyone who has supported
us over the years. Lochwinnoch has proved to be an
excellent location for the business and a delightful
place to live.
Steven and Janet

Lochwinnoch residents -
Can I help? If so, please don’t
hesitate to get in touch.
Douglas Alexander, Lochwinnoch’s MP
Write to: 2014 Mile End Mill, 12 Seedhill Road, Paisley, PA1 1JS
Tel: 0141 561 0333. E-mail: dalexandermp@talk21.com
or come to one of my advice surgeries.
WEE ARCHIE'S
GHOSTLY PLAYMATE
by Derek Parker
During my 15 years as a countryside
ranger at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, I
heard many uncanny ghost stories. My
rural work-place seemed haunted by the
restless spirits of headless horsemen,
drowned heiresses, mad monks, phantom
drummer boys and strangled dairy maids.
One tragic tale remains evergreen in my
memory. It was told to me by a family
who lived in an 18th century farmhouse in
the conifer-crested, moorland hills above
Lochwinnoch and reed-fringed Castle
Semple Loch.
Like many of the farms and cottages in the
countryside around the village, the house
where my informants lived had been renovated
and modernised. But 100 years
earlier, it was just a grey-walled hovel,
with a sable-slated roof and kailyard garden.
The humble dwelling was occupied
at that time by a poor farm labourer and
his wife and son, who was about 6 years
old.
One day the new occupants, who had a
small son of their own aged about 6, heard
their little lad chattering away excitedly in
the back garden. Initially, they thought
Wee Archie (not his real name) was blethering
to himself, as children of that age
often do when fantasising about childhood
adventures like fighting dragons and exploring
distant lands.
But the curious parents were surprised
when the boy announced he had a playmate
called Johnnie. The couple knew
there was no one of that name in the
neighbourhood. Besides, they hadn't seen
any other child when they looked out of
the open window and saw Wee Archie
playing alone in the garden.
During the next few weeks, Wee Archie
and Johnnie continued to meet in the garden.
But, try as they might, the mystified
husband and wife could never catch a
glimpse of their son's mysterious pal.
But their son did tell them that Johnnie's
ragged clothes were always muddy and
wet and that he gave off a fishy smell.
He spoke a peculiar dialect and was always
barefoot, with tufts of sodden
grass, leaves and water weeds dangling
from his shoulders, hair and neck.
Then one day Wee Archie's face whitened
and he started to weep as he told
his bewildered parents: "Johnnie keeps
telling me to stay away from the loch
because something terrible happened
there. Then he starts crying and runs
away."
Some time later, the family were out
walking in the fields near their home. As
they made their way through a small
wood, they came across a flat, mosscovered
stone half-hidden among the
undergrowth. It was roughly carved
with an inscription which they could
scarcely decipher. But when they were
able to read what was written on the
rock, they recoiled in horror.
Because, chiselled on the slab, was an
eerie epitaph lamenting the death of a
child drowned in the the deep waters of
Castle Semple Loch a century earlier.
Suddenly, it all made sense. Shuddering
and shivering with fear, the horrorstruck
mother and father remembered
their son's wet, bedraggled playmate, his
old-fashioned speech, the water weeds
wreathing his small, frail body and his
chilling warning to their own son to stay
away from the loch 'because something
terrible happened there.'
Because the name on the lichenmantled
memorial was 'Johnnie' - their
son's phantom playmate. It revealed that
the drowned child's home was the cottage
where they now lived - and that the
little boy was buried beneath the stone.
From that day on Wee Archie always
played alone - and he never saw Johnnie
again.
RSPB
LOCHWINNOCH
NEWS
NEW !
Subscribe to the
Lochwinnoch Blog!
For weekly updates about what
is happening at the reserve, visit:
http://blogs.rspb.org.uk/
lochwinnoch/default.aspx
and subscribe using the RSS link.
Twilight Talks 2008
Last year, the RSPB’s evening events
included talks from reserve managers
at (upland) Inversnaid and (lowland)
Baron’s Haugh RSPB Nature Reserves,
a fascinating Hawkwatch USA
powerpoint presentation, the premiere
of the RSPB’s new film “Waterlands”,
and a wonderful slideshow of wildlife
in Tanzania by RSPB Lochwinnoch
Reserve Manager Zul Bhatia.
This year, don’t miss our evening
events with a twist during the remainder
of 2008. Get thinking about your
wildlife question time stumpers, sit
back and enjoy an award winning film
and relax and listen to the reserve
manager’s African Tales.
Tuesday 7th October
Wildlife question time
7.30-9.30pm
Tuesday 11th November
Shopping and a movie - 5-9pm
Film: “The Flying Dustbin -
a portrait of the fulmar”.
(film show time 7.30-9pm)
Tuesday 16th December
Twilight Talk:
Serengeti National Park
7.30-9pm
Book in advance for all evening
events. £2 for RSPB members,
£4 for non-RSPB members.
Tel: 01505 842663

From the Parish
Church
All people that on earth do dwell,
sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
Him serve with mirth, His praise forth
tell,
come ye before him and rejoice.
Psalm 100, verses 1 & 2
Psalm 100 is one of my favourite
Psalms. It is a great marriage of
words and music. Ralph Vaughan
Williams arranged the tune (Old
100 th ) for choir and orchestra for the
coronation of the Queen in 1953. On
Sunday 31 st August it was sung at an
open air service at the Collegiate
Church in Castle Semple, a service
to which all our friends in the village,
regardless of church allegiance,
were invited. It is a very appropriate
Psalm to sing on such an occasion.
All people are invited to sing and to
sing cheerfully – not necessarily
tunefully, but with gusto and joy!
As you will read elsewhere in Chatterbox,
this service is just one of
many events taking place to celebrate
the bi-centenary of Lochwinnoch
Parish Church in Church
Street. Everyone in the village is
invited to all of these celebrations
for the Church is not there just for
the members. All Churches exist for
all who wish to worship. The
Church of Scotland in particular has
enshrined in its founding documents,
not just a desire, but a requirement to
serve and care for all people in Scotland
regardless of their creed, race,
or where they live. In other words,
no matter who you are, no matter
what your background, the Church
of Scotland exists to serve you and
to help care for you and your
family.
As a minister, people often say to me
that they are not sure what to wear to
Church or if they would be welcome.
I can assure you that you
would be made most welcome at all
the churches in Lochwinnoch and as
far as what to wear?
Come as you are.
It is hard for people like me who
have grown up attending church to
know just how big a step it is to
cross the threshold of somewhere
unknown.
Our anniversary celebrations offer
an opportunity for anyone who has
not been in the Church before to
come alone and share with us, either
on a Sunday or at one of our other
events.
It is hard to believe that there has
been a Christian presence in Lochwinnoch
for over 800 years. In the
passing years parishioners have worshipped
in many different buildings,
the last one before Church Street
being what is now known as Auld
Simon.
Two hundred years ago, the congregation
paraded from their church in
Johnshill down to Church Street to
lay the foundation stone for our present
Church. Last September some
of our members, led by a pipe band,
re-enacted that parade. On that day,
we were welcomed and encouraged
by our friends from Our Lady of
Fatima and many of our neighbours
in the village as you came out onto
the streets to wish us well and cheer
us on our way. We were so heartened
by the support you all gave to
us on that occasion. We would be
delighted if you could join with us at
any of our celebrations.
On Sunday 5 th October, the Right
Rev. David Lunan, the Moderator of
the General Assembly of the Church
of Scotland, will be leading worship
in the Parish Church. The congregation
will also be joined by many of
our elected representatives.
So please accept this invitation from
all the members of Lochwinnoch
Parish Church to join us at our anniversary
service. We cannot think of
a better way to celebrate.
Yours,
Rev. Christine Murdoch
Kilbarchan Chiropody
& Ferrington’s
Therapies
INVESTORS IN PEOPLE
10 Steeple Street,
Kilbarchan, PA10 2JE
Clinical & Medical
Hypnotherapy ~ Reiki ~ NLP
~ Osteopathy ~ Swedish
& Hot Stone Massage ~
Kinesiology ~ Private GP
~ Huna ~ Physiotherapy ~
Paraffin Wax Treatments
To arrange an appointment
or a free consultation with
any of our practitioners
please call us now on 01505
705 112.
Acknowledgement
EMIL McNAB
Sincere thanks to all friends and
family for their practical and
emotional support during Emil’s short
illness.
Thanks too, to all who attended his
funeral, visited and sent cards and
flowers in sympathy following Emil’s
death.
Special thanks to Dr Waterston, Anne
Miller and staff at Lochwinnoch
Surgery; Dr Gray, Mairi Ranald and
staff at Wards 19 and 28 of the Royal
Alexandra Hospital; Joe Hughes,
humanist celebrant; Co-op Funeral
Care for funeral arrangements and
staff at the Hungry Monk for funeral
catering.
Also, particular thanks to officers from
Johnstone Police Station for peace of
mind by ensuring safe and disruptionfree
passage of the funeral cortege
from East Hills.
With many thanks.
Elizabeth

Summer Events at
Muirshiel Centre
This summer saw a few different things
happening at Muirshiel during the Nature
Notes and Wildlife Watch events run by
the Ranger Service. The Hen Harrier
day resulted in some giant ‘nests’ being
constructed on the ground near the path to
Windy Hill, as children tried to create
their own nests after watching the Hen
Harrier live cameras at the Centre.
The Water Wildlife event had several
families exploring the ‘dipping’ pond at
Muirshiel and producing many squeals of
delight when they uncovered what they
had caught – Dragonfly larvae and Great
Diving Beetles being the largest creatures.
Hidden Worlds encouraged the participants
to look closely at their surroundings
– trying to find numerous hidden objects –
including a couple of the Rangers who
were camouflaged to the point where the
group walked right by them when they
were hidden! The session finished off
with a little face painting.
Natural Artworks was a session inspired
by the art of Andrew Goldsworthy and the
group managed to construct three sculptures
from the sticks left behind after the
rhododendron clearance at Muirshiel.
The poor weather this summer didn’t deter
everyone and the Rangers would like to
thank all those who came along to the
sessions and joined in the fun.
“New Homes Constructed
at Muirshiel Centre!
On Wednesday the 13th August 2008,
several new homes were constructed in a
very short time at Muirshiel. They are
highly desirable and will no doubt
attract a lot of attention, especially in the
spring.
This was the final event in the
Wednesday Wildlife Watch series and
was fully booked.
The construction crew consisted of 16
children with 4 adults and some of the
Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Rangers,
and the new homes are nestboxes suitable
for a variety of birds from Blue
Tits, Great Tits, Robins and Spotted
Flycatchers.
The nestboxes will be put up in suitable
sites around the Park over the next
couple of weeks, ready for occupation in
the spring. Each box has been
numbered so that the ‘builders’ will be
able to identify their boxes.
This is part of the plan of woodland regeneration
at Muirshiel, gradually replacing
the old conifer plantations and
former rhododendron areas with native
trees, to encourage a diversity of wildlife
in the area.”
Pirate Day
at Castle Semple Centre
On Sunday 10th August 2008, several
hundred pirates ‘invaded’ the
sleepy village of Lochwinnoch.
Castle Semple Visitor Centre was renamed
pirate headquarters Port
Royale for the day as 50 families
searched for clues in the Treasure
Hunt competition. The treasure was
a full day of visits to the hills and
beaches of the Regional Park and
water sports activities.
The clues were to be found by scaling
the Fire Mountain; rowing out on
the loch to search for the message in
a bottle; walking the plank over a
shark infested tarpaulin; solving
the Pirate Crossword; decoding the
treasure map and finally discovering
the last clue at the top of the
Lookout Tower.
The winners were the Farquhar family
from Foxbar.
Contestants dressed like pirates and
each chose a suitable name for their
pirate passport; such as Griff the
Gruff, Freya the Fierce, Erin the Enchantress
and Cutthroat Pete Pintle.
Face Painters Isobel McColl and her
niece Kate Dowson were kept busy all
afternoon. There was an exhibition on
‘How to Talk like a Pirate’ and a ‘Best
Dressed Pirate’ competition.
The event was a joint venture featuring
the Regional Park’s Rangers and
Instructor staff, and Andy Pollock of
North Boat Hire.
It was such a success that a further
event is being contemplated.

SAVE
YOUR REGIONAL
PARK (SYRP)
Campaign
www.saveyourregionalpark.com
Kelburn Public Local Inquiry
(PLI)
This commenced on 10 June and finally
wound up on 7 July and those in
the team are saying thank the Lord it
is finished and let’s hope we don’t
have to go through another; that is
probably wishful thinking! A huge
thank you to all those who turned out
in support. The size of the public attendance
was noticed by the Reporters
as being greater than the Trump
golf course PLI in Abedeenshire, so it
made an impression. Thank you also
to members and supporters who participated
in the ‘Hearing of Individuals’.
SYRP campaign and the Scottish
Council for National Parks (SCNP)
joint submissions were led by Robert
Maund who also covered his involvement
with setting up CMRP, planning
aspects and what we considered the
dereliction of duty towards the Regional
Park by Scottish Natural Heritage
(SNH) which withdrew its objection
at the last minute and refused to
appear at the Inquiry.
James Fraser (a generous volunteer
Consultant from Dunblane) covered
Tourism; members, Ross Anderson
covered the visual and landscape issues;;
Sybil Simpson covered the Parliamentary
petition, the importance
of CMRP to people and the natural
environment; Nigel Willis covered
LWFAG / SYRP’s involvement with
the public, Community Councils,
Councils, Structure Plan organisations,
MSPs & MPs.
All built their cases around the need
to preserve CMRP from inappropriate
industrial development for current
and future generations and the fact
that the placing of Wardlaw Wood
windfarm in CMRP was already one
development too far.
Each group’s final submission can be
downloaded from
http://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/ click
p followed by planning and on the
3 rd line click on New, Kelburn
Wind farm public Inquiry.
Windfarm Roundup
Leapmoor, Inverkip – application
still with Inveclyde Council Planning
Dept.
Kelburn, see across.
Wings Law, Kilbirnie – Wind Hydrogen
Ltd have lodged a planning
application with North Ayrshire
Council (No 08/00576/OPP) for the
construction of an electrolysis plant
for the production of Hydrogen at
Longshore, Glengarnock. It would be
close to Kilbirnie Loch but outwith
CMRP. Despite the Advertising Standards
Authority ruling reported recently,
their advertisement re: the
application could still be easily misconstrued
to mean that the Hydrogen
plant is connected to Wings Law
by a direct cable and we would remind
people that, if built, the electricity
produced by Wings Law
would be sold through the National
Grid and electricity for the Hydrogen
plant purchased through the Grid.
Therefore, the windfarm could be
situated anywhere and doesn’t need
to be in CMRP.
Millour Hill, Dalry – No new news,
application still with North Ayrshire
Council Planning Dept.
Ardrossan, No further news
Waterhead Moor, Largs – Planning
application still with the Scottish
Government, however, not all
the required documentation has
been lodged so we cannot lodge objections
yet. New proposals are expected
to be lodged in autumn 2008.
Kaim Hill. Here we go again! This
application is for 5 x 3 MW turbines,
each 125m/410’ high on Kaim Hill,
(near to Wardlaw Wood and the proposed
Kelburn and Millour Hill
windfarms.
We have until 20th September to
lodge objections. Please act now by
addressing objection letters to:-
Mr Ian Mackay, Assistant Chief Executive
(Legal & Protective Services),
North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame
House, Irvine, KA12 8EE and
headed:- Fred Olsen Renewables Ltd
/ Natural Power Ltd – Kaim Hill
windfarm, Fairlie; 5 turbines, access
roads, quarries, cable trenches,
anemometer mast & substation etc
– Application No 08/00662/PP
You can also object online at
www.saveyourregionalpark.com
click objections then Kaim Hill,
complete the form and click send.
The objection will go direct to North
Ayrshire Council.
CHATTERBOX
SPECIAL DELIVERY
One of our readers has written in
to us with a great suggestion to make
Chatterbox more accessible to those
village residents who are not able,
personally, to collect a copy of
Chatterbox from the various outlets
around the village and visitor centres.
We know that some of our readers are
unable to negotiate the steep hills in
the village and/or perhaps live alone
and would like to keep up-to-date with
village life and local news and depend
on friends, family or neighbours to
deliver Chatterbox to their homes.
If you fall into this category and you
would like to have a copy of future
issues of Chatterbox delivered to your
door by our volunteers, please complete
the coupon below, cut it out
(after you have finished reading Chatterbox,
of course!) and either hand it
in or have a friend or neighbour handdeliver
it to the Chatterbox Drop Box
in Lochwinnoch Library for our collection.
Chatterbox is a free publication and
we are not in a position to post copies
out to readers. For those living further
afield, Chatterbox is also available in
electronic form on the Lochwinnoch
village website, at -
www.lochwinnoch.info/chatterbox
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News & Events at
RSPB, Muirshiel,
Cornalees & Castle
Semple Centres
• Thursday 4th September
Slinky Strollers - regular Thursday
morning walks recommence,
starting at 10.30am from Castle
Semple Centre.
• Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th
September - Adult Dinghy
sailing course - Level 1 from
9.30am-4pm at Castle Semple
Centre. To book, Tel: 01505
842882, Ext 20.
• Saturday 6th, 13th and 20th
September - Art classes taught
by local artist, Kate Lilley. At the
RSPB Centre, from 10am-12 noon.
For details and to book in advance,
Tel: 01505 842663.
• Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th
September - Marine Weekend.
Visit the RSPB Centre between
11am and 4pm to find out more
about the ‘Safeguard our Sea Life’
campaign and how you can help.
• Sunday 7th September -
Lochwinnoch Autumn Farmers
Market at Castle Semple Centre
from 11am to 2.30pm or until sold
out.
• Wednesday 10th September -
Roller Stroll. A relaxed, informal
skate along the cyclepath. Meet at
Castle Semple Centre at 7.30pm.
For details and to check that the
skate event is on, please contact
Don Morton on: 07733 276 902.
• Friday 12th September -
Guided Bat Walk. Meet at Castle
Semple Centre, from 7pm till late.
Tel: 01505 842882, Ext 20 to book
• Sat 13th and Sunday 14th
September - Renfrewshire Open
Doors. Castle Semple Visitor Centre
Lookout tower open to the
public from 2pm-4pm. Also view
the full-size copy of the 18th century
Semple Estate Plans.
Chatterbox is produced for the Community
Council of Lochwinnoch through
financial assistance by Lochwinnoch
Community Council and local sponsors
and advertisers. The editor welcomes all
items for possible inclusion but will reserve
all rights over them.
All views are of individuals. The editor
accepts no liability for errors.
For All Your Garage Door Needs
Garage Doors . Remote Control Openers
Installation . Repairs . Spares
FREE ESTIMATES 0141 950 1423 GLASGOW
FREE SURVEYS 01505 842176 AYRSHIRE
FREE INSURANCE REPORTS 01786 820130 STIRLING
The Cross, Lochwinnoch PA12 4DB
(10 mins from Glasgow Airport on A737)
• Saturday 13th September -
Greenock Cut Tours, starting
from Cornalees Centre at 11am
and 1.30pm. Tel: 01475 521458
for details.
• Saturday 13th September -
Second-hand Natural History
Books and Optics Sale . Pick up
some bargain books and optics
or dispose of your old ones. Sale
starts at 10am, RSPB Centre.
• Sunday 21st September -
Amazing Autumn. Join RSPB
staff to celebrate autumn at Castle
Semple Centre from 11am-3pm
• Sunday 21st September -
Beach Watch at Lunderston Bay
from 1pm. Help with the beach
clean-up and record finds.
Gloves and equipment provided.
• Wednesday 24th September
Feeling Fitter Walks
Guided Level 1b 4 mile/6.4km
circular walk. Starts at 1pm
from Castle Semple Centre to
Parkhill & Collegiate Church and
return; and
Guided Level 2 linear walk (10
miles/16 km). Starts at 10.50am
from Dalry Railway Station,
cross country to Fairlie Railway
Station. Tel: 01505 842882 Ext
22 for more information on
these walks.
• Saturday 27th and Sunday
28th September - Amazing
Autumn. Join RSPB staff to celebrate
autumn at the RSPB Reserve
between 11am and 4pm.
• Saturday 27th and Sunday
28th September. Adult Dinghy
Sailing Course—Level 1, from
9.30am to 4pm at Castle Semple
Centre. To Book, Tel: 01505
842882. Ext 20.
* * *
STOP PRESS
Hen harrier update !
The 3 hen harrier chicks, born in June
of this year, are now fully fledged and
hunting in the local area. This year,
the CCTV nest camera captured a very
impressive 7 weeks of nest and feeding
activity as the fledglings returned to
the nest from time to time.
The team at Clyde Muirshiel Regional
Park would like to say thank you to all
the landowners, farmers, volunteers,
rangers and many more helpers for
their support and co-operation in
making this year’s breeding programme
such a success.
A talk with CCTV footage of this year’s
hen harrier family will take place on
Sunday 9th November, between 2 and
3pm at Muirshiel Centre. More details
to follow next month.
VISITOR CENTRES
OPENING HOURS AND CONTACT DETAILS
Castle Semple Centre Open daily, 1000-1700 hrs Tel: 01505 842882
Cornalees Centre - Open daily, 1100-1600 hrs from April to October.
(Toilets open daily.) Tel: 01475 521458
Muirshiel Centre - Open daily, 1100-1600 hrs from April to October.
(Park and toilets open daily.) Tel: 01505 842803
RSPB Reserve - Reserve is open at all times; the Visitor Centre is open
daily from 1000-1700 hrs. Tel: 01505 842663.