april-13 - Lochwinnoch Online

LPIGMany of you are aware of the LochwinnochPlayground Improvement group, have seen ourcharity boxes dotted around the village, read a letter in yourchild’s school bag or even perhaps attended our sell outceilidh. It has come to our attention though that some in thelocal community do not know what we are working towardsachieving so let me explain.The group, better known as LPIG, is made up of a group ofcommunity minded parents with a strong belief in the benefitsof stimulating outdoor play for children. Our aim is to improvethe playground to create an interesting and stimulating playand meeting area that will benefit the community, young andold. We can revive the playground as a focal point for thewhole community by using a mix of natural and recycledmaterials and features, alongside modern, accessible playequipment and adult gym equipment. Local groups andorganisations will also gain an outdoor resource to which theycan bring their members. We wish to create a place within thecommunity of which the residents can be proud.The existing public playground is more than 15 years old, andalthough it has served its purpose well has been well used andloved by the children of the community and surroundingareas, it is now looking tired and past its best. The facilities arevery limited, with nothing to stimulate older children, noprovision for those with disabilities and little adequate seatingfor carers and the elderly.We have been raising awareness of our project and assessingthe needs of the community through surveys, fundraisingevents and articles in the local press. Our logo was designed bythe winner of a competition that we organised with the pupilsof our village school and we have garnered the support andwill be working in partnership with local organisations,businesses and community groups. Our ceilidh was aresounding success and we have a full calendar of events tocome.Examples of what has been said about our plans are“We very much endorse and fully support the improvementsbeing proposed by LPIG. The village as a whole would greatlybenefit from having a pleasant, safe and central outdoorspace…….the playground would become a fantastic resourcewhich Lochwinnoch Playgroup could access and benefit fromon a regular basis”Lochwinnoch Playgroup“The LPIG proposals are not in competition with the park’sservices and facilities. On the contrary, we view the proposeddevelopment of the playground as part of the enhancement offacilities for local people with the additional benefit ofimproving the total 'destination package' offered by village4services and ourselves”Charles Woodward, Clyde Muirshiel Country ParkAlthough we have the full support of all of our localcouncillors, and have been working closely with theDepartment of Environmental Services, Renfrewshire Councildoes not have the financial resources to fund the project. Thecouncil have agreed to undertake the tendering, contractingand construction phases of the park redevelopment process aswell as the maintenance once completed. Therefore, LPIGhave to raise the funds themselves, through fundraising as wellas applying for funding. This will be no mean feat as estimatedcosts for the project are in excess of £200, 000. This is adaunting amount but we are committed to raising these fundsfor the benefit of the community as a whole.If you would like to find out more about LPIG, or get involvedin anyway please email Laura the Chairprettycuckoo@hotmail.co.uk, or Jean the Secretarybrianandjean@hotmail.co.uk.Or check out our Facebook page for updates and meeting info.w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m /LochwinnochPlaygroundImprovementGroupOr our Website is www.lochwinnochplayground.org.uk/You can make a much needed donation to LPIG by emailing toreceive details on how to donate online or pop something inone of our charity boxes.Thank You!Fiddlers ConcertThe ‘Adams House Friends Group’ is presenting a Fiddlers’Concert with the Bearsden Fiddlers inKilbarchan West Churchon Saturday 13 April at 7 pm.There will be tea, coffee and home-baking after the concert.Tickets £6 available fromBobbins Coffee and Craft Shop, Kilbarchan, Sandra Neillands -01505 321908 or at the doorAll proceeds to Adams House Care Home, Elderslie whichprovides a specialist service for people with dementia, pleasecome along and support us.Thank you.House to House for Hospice CareWill you help us make a difference?Can you spare 2 hours to help someone living with a lifelimiting illness?Be part of our very special anniversary year with this fantasticlocal fundraising activity!Your help would mean that St Vincent’s Hospice can continueto provide vital care, totally free of charge, to patients andfamilies in your local community.Door to door collections are something that most peoplewouldn’t think would help raise vital funds for charity, but itreally does make a difference. It is an easy fundraising activity

for any volunteer to get involved in, anddoes not take up a lot of your time. It issimply putting donation envelopesthrough the doors in your street orsurrounding streets, whatever you feelcomfortable doing, then returning at theend of the week to collect them andreturn to the hospice.One of our current door to doorvolunteers Margaret from Elderslie said;“This is a great way for me to beinvolved and help the hospice, I covermy street and the couple of adjoiningstreets which takes no time at all. It alsogives me a chance to catch up with myneighbours and have a good chat.“It is a couple of hours out of my weekto help with some easy fundraising, andin my own way helping to make a realdifference to the patients and familiescared for, it’s a great feeling to be partof it.”Would you be able to help us inLochwinnoch Monday 29th April toSaturday 4th May? Be part of it! Tell uswhat you’d most like to do, on whichdate and at what time. Thank you foryour invaluable support.Ashley MoranTel: 01505 705635Email: ashley.moran@svh.co.ukCastle Semple MemoriesAlthough he was always good withdates, my Father could never rememberwhen he and his Mother moved toCastle Semple. It was after 1934 whenhis Grandfather died that they’d had toleave the Cottage at Blairland, nearDalry. As a 16 year old raised by a singleParent at a time when it was sociallyunacceptable (and financiallyprecarious) he was the sole breadwinnerand recalled my Gran’s Brother (myGreat Uncle Tommy) suggesting thatthey apply for the tenancy of aSmallholding called 2 Low Semple. Atthe time Uncle Tommy had the tenancyof the Shields (or Shiels, depending onhow you want to spell it) just up the hill.We always wondered why it got thisname but I recently read that in thenineteenth century a ‘Sheil’ was a stonehut used by Gillies on Highland Estatesso it’s possible that Great UncleTommy’s Smallholding was built on thesite of buildings once used by employeeswhen the Sempils owned the estate.The Smallholding at 2 Low Semplecomprised a wooden bungalow with twosmall fields attached to it. It was literallya few yards from the old Dalry/Kilbirnie/Lochwinnoch railway line(now long gone) and the only barrierbetween our garden and the railway wasa four wire fence on steel posts. I waswarned by my Mother that I wasn’t to goclose to the fence but could wave to theGuards on the trains that regularlypassed the house. The house wasreached by a road that ran past LowSemple house (then a ruin), pastanother Smallholding occupied by theWilson family then under the railwaybridge. The bungalow didn’t haveelectric light until after my parentsmarried in 1947. It certainly had aflush toilet but I think the sewagewould go into a septic tank. The accessroad carried on past the bungalow,past the Collegiate Church andtapered off at the entrance to what wecalled ‘The Glen’, but today appears onGoogle’s maps as ‘Courtshaw Wood’.My Father had a key to the Churchand would amaze and delight myMother’s cousins (who’d emigrated tothe USA after WW1) with its antiquitywhen they visited us.By the time I was born, my Father wasworking for the Department ofAgriculture who had a Depot justopposite the entrance to the Shields.It’s now a housing development calledSt Brydes Cottages, but then theGovernment used it as a base for allsorts of agricultural equipment thatwas hired out (with operators) to localfarmers to help in the post-war drivefor self-sufficiency. It was a hive ofactivity with tractors and implementscoming and going. One of my jobs wasto hose down the dungspreaders aftercoming off site!I had been born in ThornhillMaternity in Johnstone but my weesister was born at 2 Low Semple. I’mtold that Father took me for a walkdown the Glen during theproceedings.I started school at LochwinnochPrimary in 1954. I’d walk up to theShields each morning and meet mycousin Sandy and often have a cheeryword with Uncle Tommy (Sandy’sGrandfather) who’d be placing themilk churns on the platform ready forcollection by the lorry. We’d walkdown and meet up with DavidDingwall who lived further down thenwait for the school bus at the mainroad. The bus would pick up otherchildren on route including MaryUnwin, and Tommy Anderson atWarlock Gates.5Pre-Marketing AnnouncementLooking for a new house nearLochwinnoch?Luxury 5 Bedroom Farmhouse.Private with Gardens and Views overLoch.Mid Lochhead is currently beingprepared for sale.At the moment the garden (with thepotential for a paddock) is beingorganised.If you would like to chat to the seller,please call David on 07767 755 263He will be happy to chat about aprivate sale & shaping the garden tomeet a new owner’s needs.For me Lochwinnoch Primary was anidyllic place to start school. I don’t haveany bad memories about the place and itwas a shock to my system when myparents flitted on Christmas Eve 1955 toDalry and I had to transfer to DalryPrimary. It would be years later that I rejoinedsome of my Lochwinnochschoolmates such as Peter Dunlop,Norman McGinigle and TommyAnderson when we all went into 1st yearat Dalry High in 1961, but I never forgotmy happy days at Castle Semple. Anadded bonus was when Sandytransferred to Dalry High a few yearslater.A few years ago through work, I metProvost Sloan of South Ayrshire Councilwho told me she’d also been atLochwinnoch Primary (although manyyears after I was there) and she recalledthe same happy memories I had of theplace.I now live hundreds of miles from CastleSemple but the magic of Google allowsme to wander round the place wheneverI want, in and around the Shields whereanother Grandson of Great UncleTommy is now the Farmer.J F Crawford.Lytham St Annes, Lancashire

artist Karen James. Return next Sundaywhen the clay has dried to fire the pots.WHERE: Muirshiel Visitor CentreWHEN: 13.00 - 15.00 hrsMORE INFO: tel 01505 842 803 &bookingsSun 21 Apr John Muir BirthdayCelebration of Nature’s BountyJoin the Rangers for a walk anddiscover the types of useful thingsgrowing near the Greenock Cut CentreWHERE: Greenock Cut Visitor CentreWHEN: 13.00 - 15.00 hrsMORE INFO: tel 01475 521 458 &bookingsSun 28 Apr Pot Making Part 2Time to fire the pot you made last weekand enjoy the outdoors as springreturns to Muirshiel.WHERE: Muirshiel Visitor CentreWHEN: 13.00 - 15.00 hrsMORE INFO: tel 842 803 & bookingsSun 5 May Dawn SafariTake to the water by canoe for thisunique 360 degree surround soundexperience of the dawn chorus. Look forotters or even an osprey flying by or theblue flash from the kingfisher. This 3hour trip includes a bush breakfast.WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor CentreWHEN: 06.00 – 09.00hrs – approx –exact time given on bookingCOST: Adult £45/ Conc £30 per personMORE INFO: tel 842 882 Ex 20 &bookingsThe AnnexeIt has been heard that a mysteriousorganization possibly linked to theSpearmint Rhino Group has submitteda bid to take over the Annexe. While ithas not been possible at the time ofwriting to confirm this, rumoursuggests the intention is to open a‘Gentlemen’s Club’ – that is to say a lapdancing club. The suggestion is thatthese clubs have had licensingproblems elsewhere and this hascaused them to seek a rural location.Opinion is divided as to the suitabilityof Lochwinnoch for such a club thoughwere it to happen it may provide jobsfor more nubile residents.Watch this space!Calder Drama30 years Old !Calder Drama Club is thirty years oldin April 2013. To mark this occasionwe would like to take the opportunityto thank everyone past and presentwho have been associated with the clubduring this time.A drama club is not just all about theacting but to the whole army of peoplewho help to make it happen, theproducers and script writers,musicians, those who have helpedfront of house, in the bar, making teas,taking money at the door and raffleCHATTERBOXChatterbox is produced anddistributed on behalf of LochwinnochCommunity Council, with support andfinancial assistance from localsponsors and advertisers.Lochwinnoch CommunityCouncil welcomes all items forpossible inclusion for publication inprint, web or audio format or anyway as thought appropriate by theeditorial teamAll views are of individuals. TheEditor accepts no liability for errorsor statements and claims made insubmissions.sellers, make-up artists and costumemakers, props, building sets andpainting scenery, doing the lighting,prompting - we thank you all - you arepart of our thirty years !We have performed a variety of playsover the years from drama to farces tocomedies and murder mysteries andmore recently pantomime.We would also like to thank the localshopkeepers and publicans who haveadvertised and sold tickets for our playsand all the McKillop hall keepers pastand present for their help and patienceat our rehearsals.And finally thanks to our audiences fortheir continued support without it wewould be lost.Music at the Clubhousefor LIALochwinnoch Golf Clubhouse will behosting another charity night forLochwinnoch International Aid onFriday 26th April. Appearing will be theentertaining musician Ian Walker- anaward winning Glasgow folk singer/songwriter; Also on stage will be localsinger Fran Schoppler another talentedsinger and songwriter as well as otherlocal musicians helping to make a fullnight of music. All for the low price of£6.00. Doors open 7.30. Guests mightlike to take advantage of the good foodserved by Liz and co. at the Clubhouse(booked separately). Thanks go to themusicians for giving their time andtalents to us.Previous fundraising events have raisedseveral hundred pounds which havegone to help Mama Josephine Bakita inTanzania who runs projects helpingyoung and disabled people. She has sentmessages of thanks to her friends inLochwinnoch for their continued help.Dave Mellor LIABlueWater Dental65-69 High StreetLochwinnochPA12 4ABDue to increasing demand for appointments, and our continueddesire to improve our services; BlueWater Dental are pleased toannounce new opening hoursThe surgery will be open 5 days a week from early morninguntil evening.Mon 8am - 5pmTue 8am - 6pmWed 8am - 8pmThurs 8am - 8pmFri 8am - 5pmPlease call Charlene or Shonah on 01505 843105to book an appointment7

Limestone Quarries AreMiners' MemorialsDuring the 18th and 19th centuries,ghostly figures clad in dirty-whitegarments were often encountered atdead of night in woods and countrylanes around Lochwinnoch.The eerie apparitions were sometimesaccompanied by cart-pulling phantomhorses wending their way along theCastle Semple lochside or through treesat Woodside meadows, Barr Castle andthe Calder Glen. They flickeredfearsomely and glowed grotesquely inthe gloom like disembodied spirits oflong-dead slain soldiers, murder victims,heralds from hell, grim omens of deathand countryfolk who'd died in sadcircumstances.Terrified on-lookers didn't realise thewhitened men, horses and woodenwagons were loading lime from quarriesfor mortar to build cottages, farms,castles, mansions, cathedrals and walls.This was at the beginning of theIndustrial Revolution with theirburgeoning factories and theintroduction of Land Enclosures Actswhich meant fields were to be enclosedand roads and dwellings for workersbuilt.Lime is white in colour and its powderwas what gave workers in the industryand their horses and carts theirfrightening nocturnal luminousappearance.The lime was also used to fertilise andincrease the productivity of fields wherepotatoes, turnips, wheat and barley weregrown to feed an ever-expandingworkforce in cotton mills, flax factoriesand engineering foundries springing upall over the country, especially inRenfrewshire which was a hotbed ofindustrial activity.But lime was a lethal cargo. Its causticpowder, also used as quicklime to burnbodies of executed criminals, coveredfrom head to foot the courageous cartersand horses who worked so closely withthe corrosive chemical.So thousands of lime workers went toearly graves after breathing in its deadlydust or absorbing it through their skin.The process began when limestone wasquarried with gunpowder, picks, shovelsand axes.Following its excavation, the rock wasthen set alight in large stone or earthkilns along with coal.This was to erode the stone and whittleit down into the fine powder whichbecame such an important cog in thewheel in Renfrewshire's development asan industrial county.Although some of these kilns, like onedating from the late 18th century atMidtown Wood near Howwood inLochwinnoch parish, were magnificentstone-arched structures, others weresimply depressions in the groundwhere the lime and coal were left toburn for a few days until the powderwas extracted.Paisley academic Dr Stuart Nisbet hasidentified and provided mapreferences for several areas aroundLochwinnoch where limestone washewn between the 1780s and 1880swhen the industry was at its height. Iam indebted to Dr Nisbet for makingthe results of his research availableand pioneering a previously littleknownfield of study which wasdeservedly rewarded with his doctoratefrom the former University of Paisley.One of the most prolific sites locallywas at the aptly-named Limekilnsplantation (NS341589), near theformer St Joseph’s nursing home onGlenlora road.Although kilns are no longer inevidence at this location, traces of 18thcentury quarries still remain amongthe trees. As always, these must beapproached with extreme care becausedisused industrial sites can beminefields of crumbling masonry, deepholes, dilapidated machinery and,quite literally, other pitfalls.Evidence of lime kilns and quarries hasalso been uncovered at Netherhouses(NS355570) on the south side of BarrLoch; Risk (NS378597) on the mainHowwood to Lochwinnoch road; andPark (NS378597), near Roebank Glen,which is shown on an 1820 canal mapas having an extensive "great limework."The Risk lime quarry is shown on thatsame canal map. I remember manyyears ago seeing metal wagon linesnear the entrance to Lochside Housewhich were probably used fortransporting lime across the fields toLochwinnoch, possibly for rail or canal8transport.There were at least two sites at CastleSemple estate (NS371596 ANDNS372594) dating from around 1720.Although no longer visible following theconstruction of the Macdowall drainagecanal along the south shore of CastleSemple Loch, as well as the mainGlasgow to Ayrshire railway line, therewas still evidence of excavated spoilheaps when I last visited the site.Kerse (NS3356) on the Lochwinnoch toKilbirnie road was the site of a large coaland lime work drained by both waterandsteam-powered engines.The quarries in the Lochwinnoch areawere owned mainly by wealthy landownerslike the Macdowalls of CastleSemple House and the Houstouns ofJohnstone Castle who invested heavilyin their mineral wealth and addedconsiderably to their vast fortunes.But we must never forget the bravequarriers and hewers of the limestonewhose toil laid the foundation of thelairds' and nation's opulence. Their"ghosts" may no longer wander thecountryside around Lochwinnoch wherethey worked in such dangerousenvironments. But their spirit lives on.The disused quarries which were thescenes of their earthly labour are theirshrines.And markings from spades, shovels andpicks still visible on the rocks are theireternal epitaphs.Derek ParkerDerek Parker worked as a countrysideranger at Clyde Muirshiel RegionalPark from 1985 to 1999Food ShockRenfrewshire Council apologises forthe traces of beef found in minceserved at ROAR lunches.A spokesman said “We simply don’tknow how the beef got in there but weare investigating and hope to haveanswers soon.”

What’s OnRegular clubs, classes and groups Advice Works—At the Library byappointment only. Contact 382328 Bokwa Fitness — Masonic Hall,Thursdays, 7—8pm. Places limited.Contact Rachel on 07795 100231 or503362 Boys Brigade—Anchor Boys andJunior Sections meet on Tuesdaynights, Parish Church Hall. Calder Drama Club—Thursdays,from 8pm-10pm McKillop Institute. Calder UF Church—Food forThought. Last Monday of the month7.30pm in church hall Children's Drama Workshops—Thursdays in McKillop Hall 5-8yrs4.30-5.30pm, 9-12yrs 5.30-6.30pmTel: 07814 699127 Email:rocketyouththeatre@gmail.com Drop-in T Bar—LochwinnochElderly Forum. McKillop Institute,10-12 noon . First Friday of Month—SempleTones host an open mike session atLochwinnoch Golf Club, Girls Brigade—1st LochwinnochCompany, Wednesday evenings fromQJ Quinn & sonMemorialsPersonal Service & QualityGuaranteedNew MemorialsAdditional InscriptionsCleaning & RenovationsSALE ITEMS ALWAYS IN STOCK42 MAIN STREETKILBIRNIEPlease Call 01505 68 5455www.quinnmemorials.co.ukMon & Fri 10am-5pmTue-Thur 10am-2pmSat By Appointment6pm-9.15pm at the Parish ChurchHall for various age groups. Hatha Yoga Classes with Laura-Jane Lawson. Wednesday-McKillop Inst 7pm-8.30pm. Alllevels welcome. For furtherinformation contact. Tel: 07999862 162 or Email:ljlyoga@hotmail.co.uk Healing and CreativityWorkshops & Classes—Fordetails or to book a place, pleaseTel Becky: 0141 8816700 or Libbyon: 01505 842604. Jogging Buddies—Tuesdayevenings. Meet at LochbarrFootball Club at 6.30pm. Fordetails, Tel: 0141 887 1357 or07947 763704. Keep Fit—Improving WithAge classes—every Tues from 10-11am at the McKillop. Tel 842136for info.. Kiddies Ceilidh Club—Traditional dancing for you andyour little ones. Thursday 9.30amMcKillop Institute Knit @ The 19th at the GolfClub—Monday 10am-12 noon (orlonger), all levels welcome. Krafty Kids—will be runningagain on Sat 1st September open toall Primary School Children1.30pm until 3pm in the smallParish Church room. For bookingstelephone Katharine Billany on01505 844944 or 07947 075622The 1st of 7 sessions. Liathach Dog Training—(prebookingnecessary). Anne Moss,Tel: 01505 842367, e-mail:dogtraining@f2s.com Linda Margaret School ofDancing—Tuesdays from 4pm-8.45pm, McKillop Institute. Fordetails, Tel: 0141 581 9104. Lochwinnoch Art Group—Meetfortnightly on Monday evenings,7.30pm, McKillop Institute. Lochwinnoch Choral Society—Rehearsals on Monday evenings,Parish Church/ Hall. Juniors 7:15-8pm, and Seniors 8pm-9.15pm. Lochwinnoch CommunityWalks—Mondays (ex. PublicHolidays), meet at 10.30am at TheMcKillop Institute. Lochwinnoch GymnasticsClub—For primary school-agechildren every Monday, 5-7pm atthe McKillop. Phone Coby on:07729 051 615. Lochwinnoch Playgroup—For10children from 2.5—5 years, everyMonday, Tuesday and Wednesdayfrom 9.30-11.30am at the McKillop .New children are always welcome.Please contact Daniela on 07765 695270 or daniela.sime@strath.ac.uk. Lochwinnoch Pre-SchoolGymnastics—(for children from 18months to 5yrs). Fridays, from10.15am - 1.45pm at the McKillop.Further details from Coby on Tel:07729 051615. Lochwinnoch Toddlers—Mondays and Wednesdays from 9.30- 11.30am, McKillop. Lochwinnoch Writers Group—Monday from 2-4:15pm in theLibrary. Contact 873581 Morag’s Keep Fit—Mondays andThursdays from 7pm, in theMcKillop Institute. Positive Thinking Group Meetevery 4 th Wednesday in the BridgendCommunity Centre Kilbirnie. Ournext meeting is Wednesday12thDecember 2012, 7-9pm Cost £3.50For further info telephone Andrea on07890 181 769 ROAR Lunch Club—everyThursday from 11.45am PROMPT atthe McKillop Institute. PleaseNote - ONLY ONE SITTING. Scottish Country Dance Club—Every Tuesday, from 7.30-9.30pm,McKillop Inst. Sequence Dance Class—EveryWed 7.30-9.30 at Bowling Club Slinky Strollers—Thursdaymornings Scottish Slimmers—Thursdays,7/7.30pm, McKillop Inst. TaeKwon-Do—Fitness and Selfdefenceclasses for youths andadults. Tuesdays from 5-6pm,McKillop and Thursdays from 7pm-8pm at Lochwinnoch PrimarySchool. For details Tel: 01259210716. Youth Drama Classes at theMcKillop, Every Wednesday Juniors(5-8 years old) 4.30-5.30 p.m.Seniors (9-14 years old) 5.30 p.m.-6.30 p.m. Contact David: 07812 437559 or at david.ororke@historicaladventures.co.uk Zumba—Mon 6.30-7.30 LochbarrCentre, Wed 7-8pm McKillop InstSat 10-11am Lochbarr Centre Zumbatonic for kids—Fridays4-7 yrs 4 - 5 . 3 0 p m8-14yrs 5 . 3 0 - 7 p m , L o c h b a r rCentre

Upcoming Events Sat 30 Mar—Open forSummer – Castle Semple 10.00 -17.00 hrs daily. Drop in and chatto a Ranger or stop for a coffee andadmire the beautiful countryside Sat 30 Mar—Decorated Eggs &Easter crafts then take part inthe egg rolling competition.Greenock Cut Visitor Centre, 1-3pm Tel 01475 521 458 for info &bookings Mon 1 – Fri 5 Apr & Mon 8 -Fri 12 Apr—Junior MultiActivity Weeks at Castle Semple.An opportunity to try out differentsurvival skills as well as lots ofactivities and watersports! FiveFULL days 10am – 3.30pm oneither week, cost:£145 Advancebooking essential & ASAP to securea place Tel: 01505 842882 Ex 20. Fri 5 Apr—Renfrewshire LocalRSPB meeting 7,30pm,McMaster Centre. DonaldsonDrive, Renfrew PA4 8LX. Anillustrated talk on Bumblebees by amember of the BumblebeeConservation Trust. Sat 06 Apr—Otter SpotterJump out of bed and see if todayyou spot one or more of the localresidents of the loch. Castle SempleVisitor Centre, 06.00 - 08.00 amor until we see an otter. Cost £5/£3.50 Info and booking 01505 842882 Ext 20 Thurs 11 – Sun 14—Apr ClydeMuirshiel Explorer. Themaiden voyage of the ClydeMuirshiel Explorer! Enjoy a 4 daycruise aboard a luxury 45 footyacht exploring the Firth of Clydeand discover its diverse springtimewildlife. Meet at Largs Marina6pm, cost £330 per person Tel:01505 842 882 Ex 20, advancedbooking essential. Fri 12 Apr—Fashion Show byToggery in Lochwinnoch ParishChurch 7 for 7.30pm £6 includes aglass of wine and nibbles. Sat 13 Apr—Arthritis ResearchCoffee Morning 10-12 noon,McKillop Institute. Usual stallsplus tea, coffee and cakes. Sat 13 Apr—Fiddlers’ Concertfeaturing Bearsden Fiddlers inKilbarchan West Church at 7.00pm in aid of Adams House CareHome. Tickets £6 or pay at thedoor. Sun 14 Apr—SpringBeachWatch Lunderston Bay, 1-3pm Help the Rangersundertaken the Spring beachcleaning and survey Tues 23 April—World BookNight at Lochwinnoch Library7.30-8.30pm. Free refreshmentsand gift. Get your FREE invitationfrom the library or usual outlets. Thurs 18 – Sun 21 Apr—ClydeMuirshiel Explorer. Thesecond voyage of the ClydeMuirshiel Explorer, for full detailssee 11 - 14 April. Sat 20 Apr—The Big Day Outin Scotland Castle Semple VisitorCentre. Come and try sailing orcanoeing today and get a 20% offvoucher for a future course. Boat& Bike Hire also available.Hourly sessions starting at 10:00,11:00, 12:30, 1:30 & 2:30. £5 perperson per session. Tel 01505 842882 Ex 20 info & booking. Sun 21 Apr—Pot Making Part1 Muirshiel Visitor Centre 1-3pm.Discover the art of pot making.Produce attractive pieces ofpottery with ceramic artist KarenJames. Return next Sunday whenthe clay has dried to fire the pots.Tel 01505 842 803 info &booking. Sun 21 Apr—John MuirBirthday Celebration ofNature’s Bounty, Greenock CutVisitor Centre, 1-3pm. Join theRangers for a walk and discoverthe types of useful things growingnear the Greenock Cut Centre. Te.01475 521 458 info & bookings Fri 26 Apr—Music atLochwinnoch GolfClubhouse charity event forLIA featuring award winningGlasgow folk singer Ian Walker,Fran Schoppler and other localmusicians. Price £6.00. Doorsopen 7.30. Sat 27 Apr—Otter SpotterJump out of bed and see if todayyou spot one or more of the localresidents of the loch. CastleSemple Visitor Centre, 06.00 -08.00 am or until we see an otter.Cost £5/£3.50 Info and booking01505 842 882 Ext 20 Sat 27 Apr—LEAP ThermalImage and Draught BusterWorkshop, 11-1pm, McKillopInstitute. Sat 27 Apr—LEAP’s OffMains Gas Group first meeting,10-12noon, McKillop Institute Sun 28 Apr—Pot Making Part2 Muirshiel Visitor Centre, 1-113pm. Time to fire the pot youmade last week and enjoy theoutdoors as spring returns toMuirshiel. Tel 01505 842 803 info& bookings. Sun 28 Apr—Beith ArtsConcert light heartedentertainment from “End of thePier” Beith Community Centre,2.30 p.m. £8/£6 for adults and £1for students and children (pay atthe door). Mon 31st Apr – Sat 4th May—St Vincent’s Hospice House toHouse Collection Sat 4 May—Wee Furry BeastieTrapping Come see what weebeasties we have caught overnightin our live small mammal traps inthe woods. Admire and learn abouttheir lifecycles before we let themgo. Castle Semple Visitor Centre,10.00 – 12.00 noon 01505 842 882Ext 20, Booking essential Sun 5 May—Dawn Safari,Castle Semple Visitor Centre, 6-9am approx exact time given onbooking. Take to the water bycanoe for this unique 360 degreesurround sound experience of thedawn chorus. Look for otters oreven an osprey flying by or the blueflash from the kingfisher. This 3hour trip includes a bush breakfast.Adult £45/ Concession £30 perperson. Tel 01505 842 882 Ex 20 &bookings. Sun 12- Sat 18 May—ChristianAid Week Fri 21 June—TCT “Not TheBooze Cruise” £15 for the boatand £5 for the return coach trip toGreenock - payable in advance.Tickets will be on sale after Easter.In the meantime, please emailorder numbers, tojohndelaney@thinkposiitve.co.ukor text 07715 579312.Editorial and Copy forChatterboxLet us have your stories, notices, news,information, events and items of interest– either hand-deliver them to theChatterbox drop-box in the Library orpreferably e-mail them to us at:chatterbox@lochwinnoch.infoElectronic submission with full colourpictures are preferred.To advertise in ChatterboxTel: 01505 842632chatterbox@lochwinnoch.infoCOPY DEADLINE FOR MAY ISSUNDAY 14TH APRIL

EventsSat 06 Apr—Otter SpotterOtters are elusive. Jump out of bed andsee if today will be the day you spot oneor more of the local residents of theloch.WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor CentreWHEN: 06.00 - 08.00 hrs or until wesee an otterCOST: £5/£3.50MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 Ex20 & bookingsWindows on Wildlife –Spring is on the Way!The sun has been out and there aresigns all around that the season ischanging. You will all have noticed thatflowers are starting to grow and thebirds have started singing but whatabout the wildlife that you don’t usuallysee?WoW UpdateThe Windows on Wildlife Project(WoW), based at the Castle SempleVisitor Centre in Lochwinnoch, isoffering opportunities for people todiscover the wildlife that often comesout at night. Using motion sensitivecameras, the project has been filmingbadgers, otters, foxes and many otheranimals in the local area. The badgershave cubs in the sett which willhopefully make an appearance in April,the foxes too have cubs and there is anew otter cub out and about on thelochs.Want to see the Footage and GetInvolved?Much of the footage is available towatch online via the project’s Facebookpage www.facebook.com/WindowsonwildlifeatClydeMuirshieland on the Park’s YouTube channelwww.youtube.com/clydemuirshiel.There will also be opportunities towatch the footage in the VisitorCentre. As well as viewing the footagethere will also be the chance to seesome of the animals for yourself withnew events for the summer such asBadger Watch, Otter Spotter andsmall mammal trapping sessions. Ifyou would like to get more hands onthere are also volunteeringopportunities with the project.More Info…Details can be found on the parkswebsite pagewww.clydemuirshiel.co.uko r b y e m a i l i n gwow@clydemuirshiel.co.uk. TheProject Officer is also available fortalks to groups if you are interested infinding out more about your furry andfeathered neighbours. The Windowson Wildlife Project is part of theSemple Trail Heritage Project and isjointly funded by LEADER and theHeritage Lottery Fund.Sat 27 Apr—Otter SpotterOtters are elusive. Jump out of bed andsee if today will be the day you spot oneor more of the local residents of theloch.WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor CentreWHEN: 05.45 – 07.45 hrsCOST: £5/£3.50 per personMORE INFO: 01505 842 882 Ex 20Sat 4 May—Wee Furry BeastieTrappingCome see what wee beasties we havecaught overnight in our live smallmammal traps in the woods. Comeadmire and learn about their lifecyclesbefore we let them go again.WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor CentreWHEN: 10.00 – 12.00 hrsMORE INFO: 01505 842 882 Ex 20Booking essentialHAYLEY DOUGLAS Windows onWildlife Project Officer – CMRP tel01505 842 882 Ex 25.12

Cllr Andy DoigAt the last meeting of LochwinnochCommunity Council, representatives fromDevelopment Trust Association Scotland,whom I had invited along, gave a verypositive presentation to members aboutthe work they do across Scotland to helpcommunities, like Lochwinnoch, takeassets similar to the Annexe intocommunity control. It was decided to lookat the possibility of a village audit ofamenities which DTA Scotland werewilling to assist with, and I am very muchin support of Lochwinnoch maintainingand utilising as many community assetsas possible and will give this audit myunequivocal support.By the time this issue of Chatterbox hitsthe stands hopefully the Scottish GasRoadworks in Lochwinnoch will befinished. The original workings weretimetabled for ten weeks but followingconcerns raised with me fromLochwinnoch traders I immediatelycontacted Scottish Gas management tolobby them and to tell them that thistimescale was not acceptable, due to theimpact on local traders and the disruptionto the village as a whole. I am pleased thatScottish Gas listened to the concerns ofthe village. Transport links are vital forLochwinnoch and my campaign toimprove disabled access at Lochwinnochtrain station is continuing apace, and atmy request, my parliamentary colleague,Stewart Maxwell MSP, asked a questionon the matter in the Scottish Parliament.On 8th March I was delighted to be ableto attend the opening of the Castle SempleHeritage Trail which is a tremendous newinitiative to encourage walking andrambling to showcase the beautifulcountryside and historic features in andaround Lochwinnoch, various partnershipbodies which made this possible, such asSRANI, Lochwinnoch CommunityCouncil, and the Heritage Lottery Fund,were present, as well as scores ofenthusiastic children from LochwinnochPrimary School.On a less positive note the new Labourcontrolled Renfrewshire Council set theirrecent Council budget which saw themslash free school meals for children inclasses P1 to P3 in the most deprivedareas in Renfrewshire. Interestingly, theCouncil also recently agreed to a new linkup between Renfrewshire and StPetersburg. As our drains are constantlyblocked due to lack of maintenance, andsome potholes are like moon craters, thelast thing we need money spent on isforeign junkets for Councillors.I very much want to make myself availableto local residents in Lochwinnoch and myLochwinnoch advice surgery is on thefourth Wednesday of the month, at8:00pm in the McKillop Institute. You canalso follow me on Twitter atCllrAndy4Ward8. Please come and seeme if you have any issues you wish toraise, or alternately call me on 07534148224, or e-mail me atcllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk.Yours Sincerely, Cllr Andy Doig(SNP)ChristianAid WeekBite back at hungerChristian Aid is a Christianorganisation that insists the world canand must be swiftly changed to onewhere everyone can live a full life, freefrom poverty. We provide urgent,practical and effective assistancewhere need is great, tackling theeffects of poverty as well as its rootcauses.Christian Aid Week gives poorcommunities the tools they need to liftthemselves out of poverty. We arecommitted to making your moneywork as hard as it can for those whostruggle for a better quality of life andfor their voices to be heard.To achieve this we need your helpduring Christian Aid Week anamazing seven days of fundraising,prayer and action against globalpoverty. Add your time, money andvoice this week, and see themmultiplied to make an impact aroundthe world through Christian Aid.LOCHWINNOCH Christian AidGroup will be active in and around thevillage on Christian Aid Week –12th –18th May.Please give generously in your supportwhen the red envelope comes throughyour letterbox.Every pound given will help ChristianAid fund projects throughout theworld where there is genuine need.Take this opportunity to make adifference to the lives of those blightedMobile: 07585 447561Email: info@carolinestewartphotography.co.ukwww.carolinestewartphotography.co.ukwww.carolinestewartphotography.co.uk/facebookby disease, famine and war.Make an even bigger difference byfilling out the Gift Aid part of theenvelope before it is collected. Thissimple act will ADD almost 20% to yourdonation.The Group will be working hard to giveall in the village the opportunity tomake a donation. Please give asgenerously as you are able to do.Christian Aid WeekBite back at HungerIf You Have a Plaid…Not yet confirmed but we’ve heard thatMel Gibson is to make a follow up toBraveheart. Applications for extras tobe accepted in April from the areaaround the village as much of thefilming will be done at Muirshiel.It will be an advantage to look wild, owna horse or highland cattle and be skilledin sheep rustling.Elderly ForumExpected guest speaker from RenfrewCouncil roads department was unableto attend the February meetingdisappointing members who were readywith their questions. However at thetime of writing we anticipate a visitfrom senior management of roads alongto answer these questions at the Marchmeeting.The April meeting on the 25th is theAGM when the office bearers areelected. The meeting will be followed bysandwiches and wee cakes provided byThe Golf Club, marital aids and lingerieby Anne Summers, wine and orangejuice provided by The Forum.We ask those hoping to attend the AGMto add their names to the list in the Tbarand lunch club so we can have an ideafor catering numbers. Membership duesof £3 for year will be collected. Nocharge for the food and drink.13

THE STIRRUPCUPWEST BANKSIDEFARM, GEIRSTON RD,KILBIRNIE,We specialise invintage & modernjewellery, antiques,curios, art and localcraftsGreat for Gifts or treat yourselfwww.thestirrupcup.co.ukAntiques, Curios and CraftsA dynamic selection of oils, watercolours and Limited Edition printsBespoke crafts by local artisans, vintage and contemporary jewelleryWell worth discovering for yourselfThe Barn on the farm, open 10am till late every dayContact Greta Logan on Tel: 01505 683338Email: greta@thestirrupcup.com www.thestirrupcup.co.ukWest Bankside Farm, Geirston Rd, Kilbirnie, KA25 7LQJust opposite the Golf Course on the Largs RdGarnock ValleyAllotmentAssociationIf March was hectic, then April can betruly frantic. This is probably the keymonth of the year for working on theallotment. Fortunately the days aregetting longer so there is plenty ofdaylight to help you get as much doneas possible on the plot.A wide range of crops can be sownoutside, and as the seeds germinate andsprout, there will be lots of thinning outto do (unless you've managed toovercome the curse of oversowing) andgentle cultivation of everything that'sgrowing-and hopefully growing well.There are even more vegetables that canbe sown outdoors with gentle heat.Seedlings of crops sown inside will needpicking into small pots or plug traysand maybe even planting out towardsthe end of the month if theweather's right. Always harden offplants properly before putting themoutside: how would you like it if youwere thrown outside into cold weatherhaving sat in front of the fire for days onend? I know- we do it every yearthrowing ourselves into gardenactivities and finding all those muscleswe had forgotten about- Ouch!Early fruit blossom may needprotection from late frosts; you can saygoodbye to a bumper crop if the youngdeveloping fruit are damaged.Throwing fleece over the plants is allyou need to do- and maybe pegging itdown so it does not blow away.Sadly this month marks the time whenpests and diseases and weeds start tomake their mark. A little regulardiligence will prevent things getting outof control Try to spend a few minutes atevery visit to the allotment checking forproblems and keep the hoe going;dealing with weed seedlings is so mucheasier than fully grown weeds.If you fancy taking up the outdoor lifeand growing your own, come alongand visit us at Sersely Drive, Kilbirnie,visit us on Facebook or our websitewww.gvaa.co.uk. For membershipinformation please contactCath Macdonaldcathmac@lineone.netSave Your Regional ParkDo you remember 2013 is officiallythe “Year of Natural Scotland” – Saveyour Regional Park from beinginappropriately industrialisedRemember an application fromAirtricity for a wind powered powerstation on Corlic Hill at the north endof Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park?After a Public Local Inquiry (PLI), itwas eventually refused by ScottishMinisters in July 2007. Anotherdeveloper, 2020 Renewables, withmany ex-Airtricity staff, is to lodgeanother application on Corlic Hill, butwith a different name. It is calledInverclyde Windfarm this time.This second attempt at ruiningpeople’s enjoyment of the importantnorth end of the park within easywalking distance of Greenock & PortGlasgow would have 10 turbines of upto 110m high & 3MW each.A series of so called ‘consultationexhibitions’ were held by 2020Renewables. As usual, SYRP arrangedto have teams of members outsideeach event, talk to people visiting theexhibitions and take an exit poll.Visitor attendance was very poor andreaders will not be surprised to hearthat of those attending, the majoritywere overwhelmingly against thisdevelopment.The fact that there was a very poorturn out by the public doesn’t reallymatter to the developers whose mainobject is to be able to say that thepublic had the opportunity to attend.The developer also emphasised theproposed ‘Community Benefit’ which isnothing but a sweetener to persuadesupport and compensate the public forhaving to suffer this intrusivewindfarm. The total fund, if 3MWturbines are chosen would be £150,000per year, but nothing can compensatefor the loss of this corner of ClydeMuirshiel and don’t forget, you, as anelectricity consumer would be payingfor this ‘benefit’, and that from everyother Windfarm, through yourelectricity bills. – DO NOT LET THISBLATENT ‘SWEETENER’ INFLUENCEYOU TO SUPPORT THIS PROPOSAL.The developers gave the impressionthat despite the fact that they intend tomake their formal planning applicationto Inverclyde Council in April, they stillhave not decided the final height orprojected rated output of the turbines,merely “up to 110m and up to 3MW”.Visitors were advised that there will bea second round of exhibitions, probablyearly April, prior to their planningapplication being lodged. However,their literature contradicts this sayingthat the exhibitions would be held afterthe application is lodged! The latter ofcourse would confirm that anysuggestions from the secondconsultation would have zero effect onthe application – what a surprise!To remind you why Airtricity’s CorlicHill application was refused we quotean extract from the letter from theScottish Government on behalf ofMinisters – “. The Scottish Ministersconclude that, in view of theunacceptable impacts of the proposalon the safe operation of GlasgowAirport and the recreational use andamenity of Clyde Muirshiel RegionalPark, consent under section 36 of theAct should be withheld and accordinglydo not direct that planning permissionbe deemed to be granted.”It would be foolish of us to becomplacent in thinking that we can relyon a similar reaction from InverclydeCouncil, Ministers and airports withthis new application. Clearly 202014

Renewables consider that they have avery good chance of approval and weneed to gather as many objections aspossible as soon as the application islodged. We will be in touch with youregarding objecting in due course andask all our members and contacts tosupport our campaign to help SaveClyde Muirshiel Regional Park from yetanother inappropriate development.For more information on 2020Renewables seewww.2020renewables.comApplications currently lodged orunder discussionMillour Hill 2, Dalry, CommunityWindpower Ltd – application for 2 x410 ft / 125m turbines. Applicationlodged with North Ayrshire on 4/6/12.SYRP have objectedBlackshaw farm, West Kilbride - onBlackshaw Hill – CommunityWindpower Ltd are preparing anapplication for their biggest turbines yetin CMRP. We expect an applicationsoon for 5 x 492ft / 150m turbines eachrated at 4 MW. These would be justsouth of the Dalry/ West Kilbride roadand would be adjacent to and slightlynorth of, the existing ArdrossanwindfarmInverclyde windfarm – new namefor Corlic Hill 2, Greenock – SeeaboveSkelmorlie Windfarm – Proposalfor either 21 or 16 x 3.5 MW turbinesunder but no further newsLadymuir turbine, Kilmacolm 1 x46m 12/0304/I C by Mr & Mrs JHorseman. Just outside CMRP –SYRP ObjectedCairncurran Farm, Kilmacolm – 1 x53.7m / 176’ turbine – 0.6km / 219 ftoutside CMRP Special Protection Area.SYRP objected Jan 2013.Applications approved orconstructedArdrossan, 15 turbines, 2 of whichare in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.Built and now operated by Infinis.Wardlaw Wood, Dalry – 6 x410ft/125m turbines constructed in2006 by Community Windpower Ltd.OperationalMillour Hill 1, Dalry, 6 x 125m/410ftturbines – Community Windpower. Asecond application to North AyrshireCouncil was approved followingrefusal of the first application and anappeal to the Scottish Government.Operational.Kelburn, Fairlie – After a PublicLocal Inquiry (PLI) Scottish Ministersapproved 14 x 100m turbines againstthe decision of North AyrshireCouncil. Operated by RESMurdieston Farm, Greenock – 2 x22m turbines approved by InverclydeCouncil 8/12/11. OperationalCornalees Farm, Inverkip – 1 x20.6m turbine approved by InverclydeCouncil 24/1/2012. OperationalNational Offshore Wind TurbineTest Facility, Hunterston, Fairlie – 3x 10MW turbines eachup to 651ft /198.5m high and 3 anemometers forfive years. Approval has been given byNorth Ayrshire Council for anApril hath put a spirit of youth in everything—William ShakespeareSpring is Here…. It’s time to come out of hibernationA WIDE RANGE OF GOOD OLD FASHIONED TOYSFROM BALLS TO BUBBLES TO CARS AND SKIPPING ROPESAVAILABLE AT THE POST OFFICEVISIT OUR FLOWER NOOK FOR SPRING BASKETS, BOUQUETS AND BUNCHESOF FRESH FLORIST FLOWERS AS WELL AS OUTDOOR PLANTSFOR MUMS WHO DON’T LIKE TO INDULGE THEIR LITTLE ONES IN TOO MUCHCHOCOLATE, EASTER ARTS AND CRAFTS PRESENTS AVAILABLEREMEMBER WE CAN TRANSFORM ANY PARTY WITH OUR BALLOON DÉCOROR LIGHT UP SOMEONE’S DAY WITH A SINGLE BALLOONVISIT US IN PERSON, CALL US ON 01505 842-257OR ON FACEBOOK“air of distinction balloons” FOR MORE DETAILS.application by Mitsubishi, Siemens andScottish Enterprise in Oct 2011. Theseenormous turbines are just outsideCMRP, they will have a devastatingeffect on the view to Arran and theCumbraes from CMRP and Kaim Hillin particular. Under construction.Garrow Hill, Leitchfield Farm,Greenock – 1 x 47.15m high 100 kWwind turbine approved by InverclydeCouncil August 2012.Kelly Mains, Wemyss Bay – 1 x 19.8mturbine approved by InverclydeCouncil on appeal.Finnockbog farm, Inverkip,Ardgowan estate -2 x 47m turbinesapproved by Inverclyde - 20/11/12Scottish Government arechanging the Planning rules againand holding consultationsSYRP was represented at the ScottishPlanning Policy (SPP), StrategicEnvironmental Assessment (SEA) &the National Planning Framework forScotland consultation in Glasgow on29/11/12. Special pleas were made forthe protection of Regional Parks inaddition to National Parks, by addingRegional Parks to the Landscape andGeodiversity mapping list. Governmentofficials admitted that this was anomission that should be addressed.SYRP also requested that ScottishGovernment obligations under theAarhus convention, adopted by UK in2001 but ignored up to now, beincorporated into the advicedocuments.Additionally, we and otherscommented on the totallyunsatisfactory current arrangementsregarding notification of planningapplications to neighbours (onlynecessary within a 20 metres radius ofthe development and to the generalpublic via Edinburgh Gazette and anysingle local paper).Time will tell what appears in the nextdraft documents.CC ShockIt was an unedifying sight to see ourCommunity Council members brawling,rolling on the floor of the Bowling Club.While it is understandable thatmembers would want to meet the‘Puddytat Dolls’ when they appear inLochwinnoch and only the Chair andVice-Chair have scored ‘backstagepasses’ such jealous behaviour fromother CC members is unacceptable in acivilised society such as ours.Gordon Nicholl is recovering well buthis jacket will never be the same.Gordon’s jacket has our sympathy.15

LEAP isRecruitingLEAP is currentlyrecruiting an additionalEnergy Advisor. Theposition is part time, self employed andsome weekend and evening work will berequired, training will be given. Therole involves working with householdersin Bridge of Weir, Lochwinnoch,Kilbarchan and Howwood. There isscope for renewal of the contract for afurther 12 month period. The closingdate for applications is midnight onWednesday 17th April with interviewsplanned for Friday 26th April and astart date of 13th May, subject todiscussion on any required noticeperiod. For a detailed job description,the application form and to find outmore please go to:www.myleapproject.org/recruitment oremail Carol Gemmell, Project Managerat info@myleapproject.org or scan thisQR code:Thermal Image and DraughtBuster WorkshopsThank you to the many villagers whoattended the Drop in Sessions LEAPheld in Lochwinnoch, Bridge of Weirand Kilbarchan during March. Manycame to speak to Tom Barbour, ofThermal Image UK to find out moreabout the thermal image of their homes,Sunday Roast2 courses £8.95starter & main or main & dessertKids under 10 eat half priceOpen Mic—FRI 12th AprilChange of Date for April only!Play it; Sing it: Say it!Everyone welcomeFood available till late!Ian WalkerAn award winning singer and songwriter fromGlasgow.This entertaining and skilled musician isperforming forLochwinnoch International Aidat the Golf club on April 26 th .Tickets £6Full menu available & bookings being takenWhat’s On at the Golf Cluband to learn more about draughtproofing doors, windows and evenskirting boards, from the LEAP team.If you would be interested in having aThermal Image taken of your homeplease contact the project. We will berunning another similar workshopfrom 11 till 1pm on Saturday 27th Aprilin the McKillop.‘OMG’ ! - LEAP’s Off Mains GasGroup first meeting dateThe first meeting of the Off Mains GasGroup will take place in the McKillopon Saturday 27th April between 10 and12 noon. The group will be discussingmany possible options includingrenewable energy, district heating,mains gas extensions and groupingtogether for better price bulkpurchases. We will be contacted thosewho have already expressed aninterest in getting involved with moredetails. If you’re home is not on mainsgas, you use LPG, Oil, or Coal andwant to find ways to make your homeheating more economical, please get intouch and come along on 27th.Eat Lochwinnoch OrganicFruit and Veg DeliveryClubThe details for the fortnightly DeliveryClub have now been finalised withWhitmuir Organic Farm. The firstdelivery to the LEAP Office on ChurchStreet will be on the Thursday 25thApril. Membership is £3 eachfortnight, which secures a free deliveryslot for the next scheduled delivery ofyour shopping list of organic fruit andvegetables from local growers andsuppliers. For more information,please contact Susie Herteleersusie@myleapproject.orgEaster MenuGood Friday, Saturday & Easter SundaySet menu available from £12.95Kids menu availableNew opening hours Available!Open Friday - Sunday for meals & snacksFor information or bookings of any of the abovecall Liz Callaghan01505 842 153 Ext. 3Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner 7 days a week. Or book for your special occasion.Everyone welcome! 25p daily membership may applyBookings call 01505 842 153Interested in the eating orgrowing of seasonal, localproduce?Lochwinnoch’s Food Group; ‘EatLochwinnoch’ would love to hear fromyou. The next meeting is on the 25thApril, at 4.30pm at the LEAP office, 22Church Street. All welcome, pleasecome along.LEAP Car Club – One Year OnThe Car Club has now been running fora full year, and in that time membershiphas grown to 33 in Lochwinnoch, withanother 5 members in Bridge of Weirwhere the Club opened in January. Ourfirst members are signing up foranother year, and we are grateful to thecommunity for nearly alwaysremembering not to park in the Club’sdesignated spaces behind the McKillop!The Club really is a community affair.Run on a not for profit basis, the Clubhas allowed some folk that wouldn’thave a car otherwise to get about, but atthe same time has enabled a number ofvillagers to sell their cars, getting themoff the road has a consequentialpositive environmental effect.We look forward to another year inLochwinnoch, and thank all ourmembers and the community at largefor their support. If anyone isinterested in finding out more aboutjoining the club, to only pay for a carwhen you need it, please contact Dianediane@myleapproject.orgIf you would like to know more aboutany aspect of the LEAP project , pleasecontact us at info@myleapproject.org,drop in, or telephone the Hub at 22Church St, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4AD,Tel: 01505 842 530EggsellentRenfrewshire Council is said to haveapproved plans for an ostrich farmnear Lochwinnoch.It is hoped that surplus eggs can besold in village outlets and giantomelettes offered in The Junction.Wednesday ClubNext meeting is Wednesday 17th AprilGuest is Hugh Kerr withDIAPORAMAA photographic slide show.16

Flower of the Month - CelosiaAvailable in two different varieties with distinct differences: one beingwavy coral like resembling the human brain, the other tall soft andfeathery giving you the uncontrollable urge to reach out and touch thusmaking it an extremely tactile flower. It becomes available from Aprilto November peaking from May to September and comes in a variety ofrich colours.Celosia is a member of the Amaranthaceae family originating from thetropical regions therefore prefers its environment to be warm so wouldnot fare well on a draughty window ledge; in the right place it shouldhave a vase life of around 4 -5 days making it not the most value formoney for longevity but rather for eye candy.When you get them home re-cut stems, remove all foliage and addflower food; removing the leaves prolongs the flowers’ life. Howeverany good florist should have removed all leaves for you. If not alreadydone, try teaming this very tactile flower with bright vibrant colours orgreen chrysanthemum blooms for the double wow factor.Although not a traditional wedding flower it would add vibrancy andtexture to tied arrangements. Would work well in a tropical theme orteamed with similar vivid colours and foliages maybe for an autumnalwedding.Useless trivia: an edible variety, grown in Nigeria is known as “SokoYokoto” which means “make husbands fat and happy” - every man’sdream.Happy April Fool’s day!Gillian ConnollyThe Quirky FloristCastle Semple Sailing Club - Winter SeriesThis year Castle Semple Sailing Club held its first ever Winter Seriesotherwise known as the " No Wind until the last Sunday Winter Series".The series started in mid February with balmy almost spring typeweather with moderate to light winds, the second and third Sunday'ssaw a gradual deterioration both in temperature and wind and finishedearly March in a blizzard of snow and gusting winds. A total of 13boats and 22 people took part over the four Sundays. The first Sundaysaw 12 boats take to the water with 7 on each of the following twoSundays and finally a mere three boats braved the Arctic weather on 10March.Everyone was grateful for the warming soup and refreshmentsprovided, none more so than Iain Hardy and Arthur Logan whomanned the rescue boat on the final Sunday.The overall winner of the series was Steve Davison (GP14 and laser),second was Crawford Johnstone (Enterprise) and third was JonHasler (Vago). Special mention must be made of young RossMcGlennon (Enterprise) who did well in all the races he took part inand will be someone to watch out for during the coming season. Fullresults on the club website.The Club starts its new season in early April and welcomes newmembers. The Club will be taking part in the RYA Push the Boat OutDay on Saturday 18 May. This is a come and try day for members ofthe public, see in the Centre at Castle Semple Loch for further detailsand website.As it’s the beginning of April and the new season it seems a good idea tosmarten up the fleet while showing a bit of national pride. Members ingood standing are asked to collect Saltire paint from the clubhouse todecorate the hull of their boat.www.castlesemplesc.co.uk17

New TitlesLochwinnoch LibraryNORMAL OPENING HOURSMonday, Tuesday , Friday & Saturday10am – 1pm 2pm – 5pmWednesday2pm-5pm 6pm-8pmCLOSED THURSDAYNew contact number: 0300 300 1188Services available at LochwinnochLibrary: Free Broadband Internet Free document Shredding facility Photocopier & printer (15p per black& white copy) Fax (Charge depending on UK orOverseas destination)Lochwinnoch LibraryBookbug RhymetimeStarting 5th AprilEvery Tuesday at 9.30amCome along and join in the funSuitable for childrenaged birth – 4 yearsBookbug's Library Challenge is a freeprogramme that encourages childrenaged birth to four to discover and enjoytheir local library.On their first visit to the participatinglibrary children are issued with theBookbug's Library Challenge collectorcard. Every time they visit the library thecollector card will be stamped, and yourchild can exchange four stamps for oneof our beautifully illustrated LibraryChallenge certificates.Your child's name will be written on thecertificate to encourage them to feelproud that they have become membersof their local library.There are five different limited editioncertificates to collect. So start collectingnow – it's never too early or too late tojoin your local library... and it’s FREE!Free and online to library members.Everything you need to pass your drivingtheory test.Try Theory Test Pro free from yourhome PC or at your local library andpass the Driving Theory Test on yourfirst attempt.Theory Test Pro allows you to study atyour own pace. It contains the entireofficial test question bank, hazardperception video clips and an onlineversion of the Highway Code. Over thelast 12 months the site has been updatedwith new features such as drivinginstructor test questions. A great way tomake sure you pass first time.If you are logging on from home, or inthe library, you will need your librarycard.www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/librariesFrom the menu select: Computers &LearningUsing our link for the Theory Test Prowebsite, type in the barcode number,with no spaces, to get started.If you are not a library member you canjoin at any Renfrewshire library and getthe full range of library services.Foot-in-Mouth Warning!An outbreak of the dreaded Foot-in-Mouth disease has been detected atChatterbox.To stop the spread of this devastatingvirus, all emails to and from Chatterboxwill require disinfection. Please soak allemails in powerful disinfectant beforesending.Land WantedI’m Looking to buy or lease 1-2 acres ofland, preferably but not necessarilyfenced in and around Lochwinnoch.This is not for building purposes butmust have car access.Please contact:T Gibb 01505 84288518Beith Arts SundayConcertsOur afternoon concert on Sunday, 28thApril, will be the last one of this season.Entertaining us in a very light-heartedway will be "End of the Pier"; a group ofhighly qualified musicians who alsobelieve that a sense of humour added tomusic is a good way to relax. To this end

added value.Just like the slim book you are readingnow. It may surprise you to know that abook can consist of just one page ofwriting. One of my uncles was apublisher and among his many bookswere some beautifully bound singlepage messages of appreciationpresented to him by the Sitwell familyall wrapped in their favourite outercovers he had commissioned.Alan Lovegreenthey will sing songs and monologues byFlanders and Swann, Noel Coward,Joyce Grenfell among others, and playlight instrumental music which we willno doubt join in. Altogether a veryhappy way to end an extremelysuccessful season!This concert will be held, as ever, inBeith Community Centre at 2.30 p.m.,and prices are £8/£6 for adults and £1for students and children (pay at thedoor). All are very welcome.Do take a look at our website -beitharts.org - for details of our ArtExhibition to be held in the first week ofJune - more on this in the nextChatterbox. Also we will soon beposting details of next year`s concertprogramme - our 49th season,beginning in September.FASHION SHOWby ToggeryLochwinnoch Parish ChurchFriday 12th AprilDoors open 7pm from 7.30pmGoods available for purchase on thenightCredit/Debit cards acceptable10% of all purchases go to the church£6 ticket includes a glass of wine &nibbles.You may bring your own bottle if youwish.Phone Catrina 842365 to book tickets,or pay at the door on the nightthe system and then the Ashdown book.However that one book was thedownfall of the Kindle for me. LordAshdown makes lots of notes andwhereas with a real book I can flippages to find them, doing the samething electronically was much moredifficult and then of course I had to getback to my place. I didn't use the Kindleagain and eventually it became holidaypackage within my family. Just beforeChristmas one of my internet suppliersrang up to offer an e-Book at a giveawayprice. There was snow all aroundand the Library was just out of reachbut the Postman got through with thenew device. I am very impressed withwhat the unit can do: nearly all of it waybeyond me and my one e-book has nowlasted several months.Discussing eBooks with Margaret theother day I was not surprised to findthat they have not dented the turnoverof books at the library. These machineshave become must-haves for some andthey are useful when circumstances areright, but nothing beats the feel of a realbook, the expectation on turning a pageand the ease of reference or the carethat goes into every word, all thecontributing effort to bring it frompencil on paper, pen with ink,typewriters, keyboards and speechrecognition systems. Real books are notone man productions. They are teamefforts. All the people involved will havetaken time to think and each will haveGrave Robbers!I lived in Johnstone as a girl and duringthe early 1940's a crypt in the old chapelwas broken into and lead stolen fromthe coffins leaving the disturbed bodiesall over the tomb.Needless to say as young children wetook ourselves up there to see the sight.There was much protest to the councilat the time which took ages to seal theplace up again. I have tried to find somenews reports about this, in vain. I live inAustralia and would appreciate anyhistorical information available.Anne Peachey (née Crozier)Email: apdenmark@hotmail.comLochwinnoch SWRIThe April Meeting of the LochwinnochSWRI will be on Monday 1st at 7.30 inthe McKillop Hall.Winner of the 'plate of 4 hashbrownies'Mrs M Pease-DalyThe competitions are1. New uses for an old thong (anycraft)2. Best decorated garden gnomeWe look forward to welcoming allmembers and friends. Toyboyswelcome. Please remember to bring acup/mug for a cuppa!Real Books and eBooksTwice now I have looked into thesubject of eBooks. The first one waswhen having sold some electronics gearI decided to invest in a Kindle . The ideaat the time was to download PaddyAshdown’s biography. First of all Idownloaded a free book in order to test19

From The Editor’s ChairWell the desk got such a high profile lastmonth that the chair has been consumedwith jealousy since. It can’t compete withthe desk in the glamour stakes – black,wooden arms, castors – but it’s comfy soI wouldn’t want to hurt its feelings.Come April First and people do lots ofcrazy things, some crazier than others.The Chatterbox team are mostly a wellbehavedbunch (chance to misbehavewould be a fine thing) but occasionallytemptation becomes too much. So far,one team member has been restrainedfrom ‘improving’ copy each month butI’m afraid to say this month therestraints didn’t hold (should have usedhandcuffs) and there have been‘improvements’.Computer years are a bit like dog years.My trusty pc is, in human terms,geriatric and like some valued, maturemembers of the community it suffersfrom constipation. Today was a bad dayand with a diet of too many, fat emails itssystem just couldn’t cope and an almostterminal stoppage resulted. I’m afraideuthanasia can’t be far off (but only forthe pc!) unless I can find an electronicequivalent to Senna.We are in the season of Easter which formany means Easter eggs, egg hunts,chocolate (makes me think of Ex-Lax)and a holiday weekend. I hope you enjoythe holiday and manage to avoid trafficjams, snow and sunburn (got to cover allthe bases, given our weather, you neverknow...).30 Shades of BeigeMarieI stood exposed, it seemed, in a swirlingsea of humanity.“Are you ready?” he demanded. Hismanly form raking me with his darklyintense gaze. He seemed to be lookinginto my very soul.I felt heat rise through my body “Notyet!” I pleaded.“Tell me what you want!” he probed,slowly licking his sensuous lips.A shiver ran down my tense spine.“I need some more time, this is difficultfor me” I gasped, blushing.“I think you’ve had enough time now” hegrowled. “I need to know yourpreference. Tell me!” He scowled at meand I shrank from his penetrating eyes.I looked pleadingly at him as he loungedagainst his gently throbbing instrument.“Help me, please!” I whimpered.“It’s not just about you” he said “thereare others you know.”“I’m sorry, but I’m new to this, please bepatient “ I held back the tears ready tospill from my eyes. “You see there’s nogoing back for me once I choose.”He growled.I took a deep faltering breath. I neededthis man, but I didn’t want to.“Perhaps Jamaican Bronze” I quivered.He looked quizzical. “Or maybeLabrador Sands?”He growled again.“Would you say I was more a FrostedDawn or a Nude Glow? “ESTABLISHED 1989He snorted (rather rudely I thought)“Why don’t you just pick up a tin ofMagnolia?”He could be so nasty. Why wouldn’t heforget last week’s little incident!“Okay, make me want somethingspecial” I sighed.He thrust out his toned chest, grabbedmy arm and drew me to his instrument.I’ll give you something special he leeredand you’ll like it! With that, hemanipulated the controls and gleefullyincreased the throbbing. I stood shaking,hoping it would be alright.He thrust it at me: The label said ‘GypsyBloom’“Oh thank you that’s just what I need!” Icried. “I don’t know what I’d do withoutyou but you aren’t at all nice to me.”“Well, you are frustrating. You can’tmake up your mind. Are you sure you’recut out to be an interior designer?” Hechortled.“Well I did think of becoming a nun butthe outfit didn’t suit me.” I chirped“Would you like to come and see howGypsy Bloom looks on my wall?”Scarlette du Lux22 YEARS IN BUSINESS AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS GO ON AND ON…UPVC WINDOWS AND DOORSMAINTENANCE FREE UPVCROOFLINE AND FULLWINDOW REPAIR SERVICEHINGES, LOCKS AND MISTEDAND BROKEN GLASS REPLACEDOUR PRODUCTS ARE INSTALLEDIN OVER ONE HUNDREDLOCHWINNOCH HOUSEHOLDSContact—PETER McGARVEYTel: 01505 614654UPVC DOORS FITTED FROM £43020