258 March 2016 - Gryffe Advertizer

March 2016 No.258 

FREE 

COPY 

1 

Distributed to: 

• Bishopton 

• Bridge of Weir 

• Brookfield 

• Elderslie 

• Houston 

• Howwood 

• Kilbarchan 

• Kilmacolm 

• Langbank 

• Lochwinnoch 

• Quarriers 

FOLLOW US 

GryffeAds 

‘Sunset at The Knapps’ by Ruth McKirdy 

Gryffe 

ADVERTIZER 

your LOCAL community magazine March 2016 No. 258 

PLEASE TAKE A FREE COPY OF YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

2 the advertizer t: 01505 613340 e: info@advertizer.co.uk 

EXPERT JET-WASHING 

With Spring now here this is the time of year we are busiest cleaning 

driveways, patios etc’ ready for Summer. If you are thinking of having your 

driveway cleaned then it is crucial it’s done correctly to prevent problems in 

future. If there are a lot of weeds these should be treated before jet-washing 

and after a high-pressure industrial clean that removes dirt, moss and a 

little sand it is critical to re-sand with kiln-dried sand, a Biocidal treatment 

will then resist future growths. Give us a call for free friendly information on 

this service or for a free quotation. 01505 863 863 www.nutechcleaning. 

co.uk 

Before 

After

www.advertizer.co.uk march 2016 

3 3


This Month 

contact us 

The Gryffe Advertizer 

Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN 

t: 01505 613340 or e: info@advertizer.co.uk 

For more information please call us on 01505 613340 

or check our website at www.advertizer.co.uk 

Next Issue: No.259 April 2016 

Deadline: Friday 18th March 2016 

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without 

written permission is strictly prohibited. The Gryffe Advertizer 

cannot be held responsible for unsolicited materials. The views and 

opinions by contributors in this magazine may not represent the 

views of the publishers. The Gryffe Advertizer takes no responsibility 

for claims made by advertisements in this publication. 

contents 

local news..........................8-12 

dental blog.............................13 

what’s on.............................14-23 

business news.....................24-27 

financial blog.........................24 

it blog..................................24 

local history...........................26 

on the road........................28-29 

pets...............................42-43 

pet blog ............................42 

village news....................30-41 

outdoors..........................44-49 

photography hints & tips ............46 

sports & clubs news.............55-59 

sporting blog..........................57 

schools news.....................50-54 

advertiser directory................63 

business classified...........60-61 

church listings....................61 

deadlines dates...................61 

property classified.................61 

sales & wants......................62 

ROADS 

In Bishopton this summer there will be improvements to the park & ride at the 

train station which are part of the proposed Dargavel Village development. 

These works are estimated to last around 18 weeks and while this will no 

doubt cause disruption for villagers, the developer will be working to keep this 

to a minimum. Also, Renfrewshire Council are hoping to improve the crossing 

from St Mary’s Church and the car park and line the entry to the Old School 

in Bridge of Weir. 

In Kilmacolm, planned roadworks on Port Glasgow Road will be starting on 16 

March. The stretch from Auchenbothie Road junction to Woodrow Avenue will 

be resurfaced and while there will no doubt be signifi cant disruption during 

the period of these works, hopefully it will all be worthwhile. 

Drivers have been concerned about the danger of water running across the 

Johnstone Road at the bend between the farm road and the cemetery. This is 

caused by water running onto the road from the fi eld, and in freezing weather 

the water turns to ice. Bridge of Weir Community Council has written to the 

Roads Department regarding this. Ironically, the stretch of road on the other 

side of Bridge of Weir at Scart Farm, which one winter was the most troublehit 

for water problems, has been trouble-free all winter! 

PLANNING 

There are a number of planning proposals in the pipeline and our local 

Community Council members and Councillors are busy checking the details. 

A major development of 267 houses has been approved for land at the old 

Merchiston Hospital site just outside Brookfi eld. This will most certainly have 

an impact on the road system and traffi c, which is already very busy at peak 

times, will become much busier as a consequence. 

In Bridge of Weir, there is a proposal by Gladman Developments to develop 

the Green Belt site lying to the north of Kilmacolm Road for housing. Bridge 

of Weir Community Council advise us, “This application is for planning in 

principle and does not offer any information of the fi nal number or the style 

of houses being planned. However, it is a large site and is likely to have a 

signifi cant impact on the village.” Residents are urged to make their thoughts 

known on this proposal and details of how to do this are on p32 in the BoW 

CC report. They also advise that with regard to the Bull’s Garage site and 

Whitelint Gate, there are no applications at the present time. 

On Tuesday 15 March, there will be a public consultation meeting in the 

Old Library, Kilbarchan from 2pm to 8pm. This is to present a prospective 

major residential development at the ground behind the Quarry, Low Barholm 

and Barrhill Crescent, Kilbarchan, although this is not a specifi c planning 

application for permission. Cllrs Doig and Bibby are both concerned about 

the impact of this proposal on village resources and again villagers are urged 

to attend if they can and to consider carefully the proposed plans. 

Next deadline Friday 18 March! 

Send in your news and photos to: info@advertizer.co.uk, 

or by post to The Gryffe Advertizer, 1st fl oor, Neva Place, 

Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN. 

Rona


5 5


Don’t Stop Me Now! 

Don’t Stop Me Now Scotland is 

a Community Interest Company 

based in Burnhouse, Ayrshire, 

which specializes in Equine Therapy 

for both children and adults who 

are diagnosed with a Neuro- 

Sensory condition, such as Autism, 

ADHD, ADD and Anxiety, using both 

Horseboy and Eagala methods of 

learning. 

We are holding an Open Day on Wednesday 6th April ; 1pm-5pm. 

Come along, meet our team & our horses. 

Enjoy what our centre has to offer and maybe 

try the bouncy castle or get your face painted. 

Try our tasty home-made tablet and cakes or 

get a hot snack at our barbecue. Relax on our 

home made chairs or enjoy our tractor tire 

sandpit. BUT most of all relax knowing your 

child is happily playing safely in our purpose 

built sensory centre. 

Groups are welcome in the morning, we 

have specifi c slots available - give us a call 

on 07415 767746, email AmyMcintyre@ 

dontstopmenowscotlandcic.co.uk or message 

on the facebook page to arrange a specifi c 

time, and give it a LIKE while you’re there! 

Https://www.facebook.com/ 

DontStopMeNowScotland/ 

http://www.dontstopmenowscotlandcic.co.uk


7 7 

Overnight Ghost Hunt at 

Renfrew Victory Baths 

Will you see the woman in white in the tunnels or the small boy who is said 

to have died in a freak incident more than 80 years ago... Will he come out to 

play? We have witnessed poltergeist activity fi rst hand here with a large group of 

guests witnessing a box moving by itself! There have been strange temperature 

changes, disembodied voices and much more... Even staff at the baths have 

witnessed strange activity with us. 

Join us as we try to uncover the mysteries and search out what lurks in the 

shadows and communicate with the dead... We have access to the main 

pool areas, the dance studio, upper gallery and the very dark and spooky 

basement.... 

Dare you take part in our spooky 

experiments, or do a lone vigil... Will you 

come face to face with a Renfrew Baths 

ghost? 

(Over 18s only and no pregnant ladies) 

Friday 12th March, 9pm to 3am. 

Inchinnan Rd, Renfrew PA4 8ND. Price: 

£39. Call 07817 408580.


Why we celebrate Mother’s Day 

5 interesting facts: 

1 - Mother’s Day, sometimes known as Mothering Sunday, is held on the fourth 

Sunday of Lent. It is exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday and usually 

falls in the second half of March or early April. 

2 - It was originally (and still is) a time for families to reunite. People returned 

to the church, in which they were baptized or where they attended services 

when they were children. 

3 - In time, it became customary for young people who were working as servants 

in large houses, to be given a holiday on Mothering Sunday to visit their own 

mother and take her a small gift. 

4 - Traditionally, people observed a fast during Lent and did not eat from sweet, 

rich foods or 

meat. However, 

the fast was 

lifted slightly 

on Mothering 

Sunday and 

many people 

prepared a 

Simnel cake to 

eat with their 

family on this 

day. 

5 - A Simnel cake 

is a light fruit 

cake covered 

with a layer of 

marzipan and with a layer of marzipan baked into the middle of the cake. 

Traditionally, Simnel cakes are decorated with 11 or 12 balls of marzipan, 

representing the 11 disciples and, sometimes, Jesus Christ. 

Erskine Cheque Presentation 

from Ingliston Country Club 

We celebrated Burns at Ingliston Country Club having a corporate evening within 

our Salerno Suite with top Burns speakers and managed to raise £1250.00 for 

Erskine, which is our chosen charity. 

Photo - left–right: Steven McManus – Corporate & Events Fundraising Manager; 

Derek Kirkaldy – Ex-Tank Commander and now Community Fundraising Officer; 

Ian Maxwell, General Manager; Executive Head Chef, Donald McInnes from 

Ingliston Country Club. 

Great night had by all.


9 9


trust again. 

Parliament to Dissolve - On the 23rd March the Scottish 

Parliament dissolves ahead of the election on May 5th. As 

part of the dissolution process there will be no MSPs until 

after the election. Therefore, as I will no longer be an MSP – 

albeit hopefully only temporarily – I am under Parliamentary 

rules unable to take on any new constituency casework from 

that date. With this in mind I would urge any constituent who 

has an issue they feel I may be able to help with to contact my 

office on 0141 885 2076 as soon as possible. Alternatively, 

they are welcome to attend any of my surgeries, please call 

my office for full details of times and locations. As you will 

know I will be standing for re-election as constituency MSP 

in May and will spend the dissolution period speaking to as 

many voters as humanly possible to ask for their support and 

Funding for new Kilmacolm Primary School - Inverclyde Council will receive 

a share of £230 million from the Scottish Government to replace Kilmacolm 

Primary School. The Scottish Government is working hard to improve educational 

standards across the country to make sure that every child in Scotland has the 

ability to achieve their potential. Part of that is making sure children have the 

right physical environment to learn in. The announcement from the Scottish 

Government of a new school for Kilmacolm is fantastic - a modern building that 

pupils, teachers and the whole community will enjoy for generations to come. 

In addition to the educational benefits of the new school, it will also provide a 

boost to the local economy, creating many construction jobs and apprenticeship 

opportunities. 

£20m backing to ease argriculture cash flow concerns - The Scottish 

Government is taking further action to ease cash flow issues in Scottish 

agriculture. Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has announced a scheme 

- backed by £20 million Scottish Government funding - to enable more farmers 

and crofters to access loans whilst waiting for their Common Agricultural Policy 

(CAP) payments. The Scottish Government fully recognise the cash flow issues 

facing Scottish agriculture as a result of difficult market and weather conditions 

coinciding with the biggest CAP reform ever. 

The LEAP BIKE SWAP, held at the Annexe, was a great success 

on Saturday 6th February, despite the cold and rainy 

Lochwinnoch weather. Lots of lovely bikes were donated, with 

19 bikes finding new homes and excited owners. On booking 

her new bike out, one girl saw her old bike being chosen, 

so had the 

pleasure 

of 

meeting its new owner and wish 

them fun and enjoyment on 

their new bicycle! Look out for 

future BIKE Swaps by visiting 

the LEAP website at www. 

myleapproject.org or check out 

our facebook at www.facebook. 

com/myleapproject 

Help your environment LEAP welcomes your Pledges 

At LEAP are interested in the actions and changes 

you are making in your daily lives to reduce energy 

and our carbon footprint. For some people it’s about 

changing 6 of their bulbs to LED, cycling to work 2 

days a week rather than driving, switching off their 

games consoles instead of leaving them on standby, 

turning the heat thermostat down one notch, 

car sharing, insulating lofts, joining a car club, growing vegetables, recycling 

clothes and furniture, swapping bicycles and many more. To celebrate this leap 

year, LEAP will be sharing this information and showcasing some of the small 

and bigger actions individuals, groups and communities are already involved in 

taking. For more details visit www.myleapproject.org or our facebook page at 

www.facebook.com/myleapproject 

Mhairi Black MP and Councillor Mags MacLaren visit LEAP 

LEAP were very pleased to host Mhairi Black MP and 

Councillor Mags MacLaren for a visit in February to meet 

some of our LEAP team and see first-hand how we help our 

community. We spoke at length about the issues affecting 

local residents and Mags and Mhairi were very interested 

in the help we provide in particular the practical actions 

thermal imaging, draught testing, installing energy saving 

measures and help with fuel bills, LEAP YEP! and LEAP Car 

Club. We also toured the most recent solid wall insulation 

scheme LEAP has completed in Bridge of Weir. To find out 

more about this scheme and other help we provide please 

see: http://www.myleapproject.org/energy-advice/ 

A BIG THANKS from LEAP to everyone who took part in 

our Feedback Survey! 

During February, LEAP invited our local residents, local groups, organisations 

and partners to take part in the LEAP Feedback Survey. We wanted to find 

out more about the actions you have taken as a result of LEAP’s information 

and advice services and our work with young people, schools and community 

groups across our villages and in Renfrewshire. We’ve had a tremendous 

response, thank you! We were really excited to get people’s opinion on the 

value of what we do and to find out about all the changes you have made 

and the social, physical, economic and environmental benefits you have gained 

from your own actions and the support you have accessed from LEAP. Looking 

into the future, asked how LEAP can help individuals and our community in 

future and how you would like to get more involved. If you didn’t get a chance 

to complete our on-line survey, we’re always keen to find out your ideas. Thank 

you for all your support and a big thanks to The Advertizer for helping LEAP keep 

you informed. We’ll publish the results of our survey online with a summary in 

The Advertizer. In the meantime keep in touch through the LEAP website at 

www.myleapproject.org at www.facebook.com/myleapproject, or get in touch 

with the LEAP team by phone on 01505 842530 or 01505 612034. 

Dinner & Dance 

Every Saturday night from 8pm - 11pm at Willow 

Bank Hotel, 96 Greenock Road, Largs. Booking 

essential. Call 01475 675435 for further 

information.


The RAMH Dinner and Quiz 

Friday 13 May, Normandy Hotel, Renfrew 

Local mental health charity RAMH is teaming up 

with the University of the West of Scotland to produce an exclusive Dinner & 

Quiz raising crucial funds for mental health services. 

This will provide a fantastic opportunity for either corporate hospitality or a great 

night out with friends and family. Tickets cost just £35 per person and guests 

will enjoy a fizz reception, three course meal and eight rounds of celebrity 

hosted quiz. The quiz finishes at midnight and dancing continues until 1am. 

The event aims to raise £15,000. RAMH Chief Executive Stephen McLellan said 

“We’re delighted to have headline sponsorship from the University of the West 

of Scotland. Their support really enhances our efforts and the collaboration 

emphasises the importance of mental health within our communities. It’s a 

brilliant night and we encourage everyone to get involved”. 

RAMH helps 5,000 people across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire with all 

mental health diagnosis from depression to bipolar disorder. 

Book now by contact 0141 847 8900 or enquiries@ramh.org 

5 top tips if you are worried about a friend’s mental health 

1. Listen: Listening is the most powerful thing you can do for your friend. Give 

them your time and continue to do so throughout the recovery journey. 

2. Be non-judgemental: Your friend may worry what people will think of them. 

Listen without judgement. It’s OK to say “I don’t have experience of what 

you’re going through but I will stand right by you”. 

3. Ask how you can help: Work together to find out what could make life a little 

easier for your friend. Try different things and go back to check what’s 

most beneficial and what small changes make a big difference. 

4. Seek support: 

Along with finding ways to self-help, seek 

professional support both for your friend and for 

you. RAMH services do not require a GP’s referral; 

contact 0141 8478900 or enquiries@ramh.org for 

more information. 

5. Stick by them: 

It’s often challenging to support 

someone with mental ill health but even the small 

things, such as occasional text messages, will mean 

a lot to your friend. 

Inverclyde 

Santa Dash 

Inverclydes Santa Dash biggest 

fundraiser for the fifth year in a row 

was Lesley Roberts. Out of the £1580 

raised, £1530 of that was raised by 

Lesley. 

Lesley donated the money to the 

Royalheart Greyhound Rescue and the 

Beth Fund which was set up by the Abbey Vets to 

help pay for animals who are ill or injured and dont 

have a family to pay the bill. 

Lesley would like to thank Stuart McMillan MSP, 

seen above as well as Derek McKay MSP, Gavin 

Newlands MP, Eddie Devine Councilor and Robert 

Moran the Provost for Inverclyde for sponsoring her 

and helping the charities. A special thanks also 

goes to the staff and customers at the Kilbarchan 

Vets who also helped raise money. Lesley would 

also like to thank all her friends, and colleagues 

who sponsored her. 

Information 

required 

On Thursday 28 January 2016, Bernie’s Cafe/Deli 

in Bridge of Weir was burgled around 10.30pm. 

Not much was taken and there was minimal 

damage, but as so often with these robberies, the 

disruption caused with call-outs and consequent 

repairs required was considerable. 

Two men, one of slim build, one of heavier build, 

both wearing dark hooded tops or jackets, came 

with the appropriate tools to break in. If anyone has 

information, please contact the Police on 101. 

11 11


PCPC 2nd Bimonthly Competition Results 

Paisley Colour Photographic Club welcomed experienced photographer Roy 

Gibson from Ayr Photographic Society to judge the second of the session’s three 

bimonthly competitions held last month at the McMaster Centre in Renfrew. 

In this competition club members could submit up to three images and 

Roy gave detailed consideration to each of the images in turn. There were 

almost a hundred entries and the standard in this bimonthly competition was 

particularly high in all three sections - introductory, intermediate and advanced. 

Roy admitted that he was given a very difficult task ranking the wide range 

of entries which included some great detailed natural history images and 

spectacular sports action shots. 

In the intermediate section Linda Rodger’s portrait images “Mia” and “Tiger” 

were in second and third place respectively. The top image in this section was 

“Kelpies Reflection” by Tony Barr. 

Third place in the introductory section was awarded to Ken McArthur for his 

image “In Reflection”. Frank Donnelly’s close up image “The Fly” was second 

whilst the top image in this section was judged to be “Please Come Home” by 

Ken McArthur. 

Old photos of Bridge of Weir 

The top three images in the advanced section were all landscapes. In third place 

was the powerful graphic composition “Wilderness Dawn” by Duncan McEwan. 

In second place was the beautifully lit and dramatic image of “Bryce Canyon” 

by Bill Melvin. The worthy winner of this year’s second bimonthly competition 

was judged to be Robert Fulton for his atmospheric and beautifully coloured 

autumnal landscape image “Clearing Mist”. 

For further details about PCPC and updated members galleries please view at www. 

paisleycolour.co.uk 

There have been a number of wonderful photos 

of old Bridge of Weir appearing on Facebook. The 

page is ‘Our Village Bridge of Weir’ and many of 

these images have been posted by Terry O’Hara 

who gave us permission to share with you. 

The photos here are of Main Street, one looking 

back towards the Torr Road junction, and the 

other looking down past what is now the bus 

stop and the corner at Bernie’s Cafe, with our 

offices above that.


Dental Blog 

13 

by Sheila Macintyre, Practice Owner, 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice 

Lip Service 

Lip treatments have become increasingly popular with patients in recent years 

with facial rejuvenation therapies now offered by many dental practices. It is 

an area we have been getting a lot of enquiries about as patients want to find 

out exactly what is involved. 

Firstly, it makes a lot of sense for a medically-qualified professional to provide 

these services. Dentists spend 5 years studying the anatomy of the face, 

building an in-depth understanding of muscles, how to prevent infection and 

avoid the complications you read so much about in the media. 

Together with great teeth, the shape of your lips can certainly help enhance 

a smile and boost confidence. “Lip reshaping” or “Lip Enhancement” is a 

relatively simple non-surgical process that involves injections to make lips 

appear fuller. Hyaluronic Acid, a naturally occurring sugar produced by the 

body is a commonly used “dermal filler” for lip treatments. Dermal fillers 

often contain an anaesthetic but dentists can help make the experience pain 

free by administering a dental block and prior to treatment the skin is prenumbed 

for a few minutes with a cream. There is usually some mild swelling 

immediately after the treatment but this should subside after a day or two. 

Lip treatments normally take less than half an hour with the effects generally 

lasting for around 6-9 months – although this can vary depending on the type 

of filler and can also be affected by an individual’s metabolism and lifestyle. 

If you would like to find out more about the facial rejuvenation services 

offered by dentists don’t hesitate to visit us at the practice, call us on 01505 

704969 or check out our website at kilbarchandental.co.uk


March events 

Sun 28 February 

Mothers Day Gift and Craft Fair 

Kilbarchan Guide Centre, Barn Green, 

Kilbarchan 1pm to 4pm 

There will be a variety of stalls to make your 

Mother’s Day special from local artists, beaded 

and silver jewellery, pottery, make-up, cushions, 

cakes, candles, homebaking, confectionary and 

much more. Entry includes Tea and Coffee: Adults 

£1.50 Children £0.50 

Beginners Spoon Carving 

Workshop 

The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, 

Greenock 10am to 3.30pm 

Learn how to carve a wooden spoon! A very 

rewarding skill to master, come away with a hobby 

and product at the end of the day! COST: £25. 

Must be 16 or over to take part for more info call 

01475 521 458 booking essential 

Fri 4 March 

World Day of Prayer 

St Columba Church Hall. Kilmacolm 

1.30pm 

We are delighted that the children from St 

Columba’s Junior School will be able to join 

us with their singing and music. There will 

be refreshments after the Service. Everyone 

welcome! If you want to know more about the 

event, please call. Maureen Russell Convenor 

(telephone 872905). 

RSPB Local Group 

McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, 

Renfrew 7.30pm 

There will be an illustrated talk entitled Whitesands 

Quarry Restoration Project - a wetland habitat 

development by Mark Mitchell. All welcome. 

Girls Night Out 

Gryffe High School, Old Bridge of Weir 

Road, Houston 7pm to 10pm 

Gryffe High School PTA invite you to our fantastic 

evening to raise funds for the school. Exhibitors 

include Mothers Day gift bags, cosmetics, 

handbags & jewellery, skin and tanning products, 

raffle prizes and lucky prize envelopes. Bar with 

snacks. £5 Under 18’s £3 

Weir Networking Event 

Amaretto Ristorante and Pizzeria, 60 

Main Street, Bridge of Weir 9.30am 

Speaker: Andrew Laing, Director of Hunter Laing 

Whisky, a single cask bottler in his own right. He 

knows the importance of selecting the choicest 

casks – there are few more knowledgeable 

consumers of a product than the single malt 

consumer. All businesses welcome - just £5 

per person! 


Slouch @ Bernie’s 

Bernie’s Cafe Deli, Neva Place, Bridge 

of Weir 

Slouch Returns! Friday night late openings return 

from March 4th. Open until 11pm with a relaxed 

menu, great wines & chilled beers. 

Sat 5 March 

MND Coffee Morning 

Kilmacolm Community Centre, 

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 

10am to 12noon 

Coffee morning to raise funds for MND (motor 

neurone disease). Ticket £3. 

Kilbarchan Singers’ Coffee 

Morning 

Kilbarchan Steeple Hall, Steeple Square, 

Kilbarchan 10am to 12noon 

Tickets £2.50 Various stalls, books baking, 

tombola etc. 

700th Anniversary Concert 

Paisley Abbey, Abbey close, Paisley 

7.30pm 

Tickets: £15 (Nave), £20 (Gallery), £5 (student) 

on sale at the Abbey Shop; Abbey Office (0141 

889 7654); at the door. 

Annual Lochwinnoch Arts 

Festival: Children’s Poetry 

Competition 

RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 


Families welcome! Prizes: £30, £20, £10. All 

entrants will also win a family ticket to the Grand 

Finale on Sunday 27 March, in the Parish Church, 

where the poems will be performed. Cost: FREE 

Poems should be illustrated by the children and 

their families, and will be displayed at the RSPB. 

NB: Adults are very welcome at the workshop, 

but attendance is obligatory for children wishing 

to enter the competition. 

Swan Chat 

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip 

Road, Lochwinnoch 2pm to 3pm 

There’s more to our swans than eating bread and 

chips by the lochshore… drop in anytime to find out 

more! MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 Ex 20


15 15 

Sun 6 March 

Mothering Sunday 

Why not treat your mum (or someone else’s) to 

something special today? 

Kilbarchan Fairtrade Fortnight 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple 

Street 12noon to 1pm 

There will be a Fairtrade stall to which all are 

welcome. Please come along and support 

producers in the developing world by giving them 

a fair price for their products. 

Tues 8 - Sat 12 Mar 

The Lyric Club Presents 9 to 5 

The Musical 

Kings Theatre, Glasgow 

Maureen Todd from Kilmacolm is delighted to 

be playing Violet Newstead, the Lily Tomlin role, 

in this production. If you fancy a fun, laughter 

filled girls or work night out or just a night out 

with your other half, please get in touch as we 

will be running a bus from Kilmacolm/Bridge of 

Weir to the Thursday evening performance. The 

cost is £23 for the ticket and the bus. Tickets are 

selling fast already and the bus is filling up so let 

Maureen know if you’d like to come along to any 

performance on 07789 077749 or 872094. 

Wed 9 March 

No Smoking Day 

Why not try stubbing out your last cigarette? Visit 

the website site for help and inspiration www. 

nosmokingday.org.uk 

Wed 9 - Sun 27 Mar 

Lochwinnoch, Arts Festival 2016 

Lochwinnoch Cross 

Details of the submissions for the Lochwinnoch 

Arts Festival Art Exhibition can be found on the Arts 

Festival website at www.lochwinnochartsfestival. 

co.uk 

Thu 10 - Sun 27 Mar 

Glasgow Comedy Festival 

Visit the website at www.glasgowcomedyfestival. 

com for a full programme of events. 


Stargazing Evening 

Muirshiel Visitor Centre, Calder Glen 

Road near Lochwinnoch 7pm to 9pm 

The best dark sky site in the west of Scotland! 

Join us and Coats Observatory staff for galactic 

exploration. MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 

Ex 20 

Church of Scotland Quiz Night 

Langbank Village Centre, Middlepenny 

Road, Langbank 7.30pm 

Tickets, costing £5 are available from Church 

members, details will be on the Village Notice 

Board. This is a BYOB evening, so remember to 

bring along your preferred refreshment, nibbles 

and a light supper are included in the ticket price. 

This is always a very popular evening so please 

buy your ticket as soon as possible. 

Fri 11 - Sat 12 March 

The Steamie 

Johnstone Town Hall 

By Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group. 

Performances 7.30pm both nights and a 2.30pm 

matinee on the Saturday. Tickets £12 (£10 

conc) available from the Ticket Hotline - 07748 

817727. 


Rapid Departure 

McKillop Hall, Main St, Lochwinnoch 

Lochwinnoch Arts Festival in partnership with 

Renfrewshire Leisure and Paisley arts centre will 

present Rapid Departure - tickets £8 (con £5). See 

main article in this issue’s Village news. 

Paisley Abbey Recitals 

Paisley Abbey, Abbey close, Paisley 

12.30pm 

Peter Wilson - Tenor. Tickets £5 at the door. 

Cloister Cafe with baking open from 10am. 

Kilbarchan Lilias Day - Quiz Night 

Guild Hall, Kilbarchan 7.30pm 

We are hitting the ground running thanks to Seona 

Hart and her fantastic fundraising Quiz Night in 

support of Lilias day. Please come along to what 

will be a great night and support Lilias Day.





Hessilhead Wildlife Hospital 


12noon to 3pm 

Come and learn about the wonderful work 

done by the local Hessilhead Wildlife Hospital. 

Meet some of their patients and hear about the 

different things the staff deal with at the hospital. 

Cost: FREE 

National Disabled Access Day 

Castle Semple Sailing Club 

11am to 2.30pm 

Join us for a day showcasing our accessible 

outdoor and countryside activities. MORE INFO: 

tel 01505 842 882 Ex20 

Kilmacolm Playgroup & Toddlers 

Relaunch Party 


Lochwinnoch Road. 11am to 1pm 

To celebrate our relaunch, we invite you to join us 

for a morning with Maria Cairney, author of the 

fabulous Blitzy Boy books about a naughty terrier. 

There will be puppets, singing, crafts and a light 

lunch. Families welcome. Suitable for children 

aged 0 - 6 approx. (older siblings welcome). 

Free entry. Lunch included. Any queries contact: 

Victoria.finningan@hotmail.com. Free entry 

Charity Car Wash 

Beaton Brothers, Station Road, Bridge of 

Weir 9am - dark 

Bring your car(s) in for a professional hand-sponge 

wax-wash, and make a donation towards the 

Therapeutic Toy Library Project - get a really clean 

car and help make a difference for disadvantaged 

children. 


Paisley Philharmonic Choir - An 

Evening of Concert Classics 

St Mirrin’s Cathedral House, Incle St, 

Paisley 7pm 

Tickets £10 at door. Guest Soloist: American 

mezzo soprano Jane Monari, graduate of the 

Juilliard School of Music, New York and the Royal 

Academy of Music, London. 

Wedding Fayre 

Ingliston Country Club, Old Greenock 

Road, Bishopton 

Free admission with complimentary canapés 

and sparkling wine on arrival. Email general@ 

ingliston.com or tel: 0845 301 1010 for further 

information. 

Tue 15 March 

Kilbarchan Lilias Day - Stall 

Holders meeting 

Old Library Centre, 9 High Barholm, 

Kilbarchan 

The date has been set! Come and book your stalls. 

Stalls booked on the night receive 10% off. 

6 Legal Must-do’s for older 

people 

Langbank Village Hall, Langbank 

7pm to 8.30pm 

A free 45 minute talk everyone over 50 should 

attend! Discussing Wills, Power of Attorney and 

Advance Directive. Please call Kingsley Wood & 

Company, Solicitors on 01505 874114 to book a 

place or for more information. 


Former Pupils’ AGM 

St Columba’s School, Duchal Rd, 

Kilmacolm 7.30pm 

Former Pupils’ AGM at St Columba’s Senior School 

- please come along, all welcome. 

Thu 17 March 

St Partrick’s Day 

Saint Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, 

is a cultural and religious celebration occurring 

annually on 17 March, the death date of the most 

commonly-recognised patron saint of Ireland, 

Saint Patrick. 


Advertizer Deadline 

The Advertizer - Neva Pl, Bridge of Weir 

If you want something placed in the next issue, 

either send an email to info@advertizer.co.uk 

or call the office on 01505 613340. Don’t 

miss out! 

Astronomy Evening 


7.30pm to 9pm 

Come and hear about the stars and galaxies 

up in the night sky! If the weather is kind to us, 

we’ll go outside and see some of these wonders 

for ourselves. The speakers will be from the 

Astronomical Society of Glasgow. Please book, as 

places are limited and due to the popularity of this 

event, please pay at time of booking. Cost: Adults: 

£6; Children: £3 (RSPB members: £3/£2) 

Fri 18 - Sat 19 March 

Kilmacolm Art Class Annual 

Exhibition 


Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 

Friday 18 March (10am – 5.30pm) and Saturday 

19 March (10am - 4pm). There will be a large 

selection of paintings beautifully framed and 

displayed for sale in oil, delicate water colours and 

palate knife all to tempt the discerning art lover, 

with prices to suit all budgets. Entrance-Adults 

£1, Children over 5 years- 50p . Contact Janice 

Sinclair, Secretary Tel-01505 873141 or ask at 

the Exhibition for more information. 

Fri 18 - Sun 20 Mar 

Sport Relief 2016 

Visit the website at www.sportrelief.com and find 

out how you can raise money for this fantastic 

cause. 


Wildlife Explorer Group: Barking 

Mad! 



Calling all children! Come along and learn about 

nature, but most importantly, get dirty and have 

fun doing it! We’ll be learning all about all things 

bark. Do we mean trees, animals, or both? Come 

along and find out! Please wear suitable clothing 

for being outdoors. Ages: 5 to 14 years. Please 

note that all children aged 8 and under must be 

accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. Cost: 

£5 (£3 RSPB members) (adults go free) 


Kilbarchan Parish Church Easter 

Eggstravaganza 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple 

Street 

There will be an Easter egg hunt and egg/bonnet 

decorating competitions for the children. Entrance 

is £2.50, children £1 and includes tea/coffee and 

hot cross buns. There will be stalls with homebaking, 

preserves and Easter gifts. This is the 

first fundraising event of the new Parish Church, 

please come along and enjoy the fellowship. 

Winter Concert Series 

Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 

A concert with a performance by the Barochan 

Quartet. This is a string quartet of local talent, 

all professional musicians, and members of the 

BBC Symphony Orchestra. Ticket prices are £12 

with concessions for children and students £5. To 

request tickets or register your interest in helping 

out please call the Carrick Centre 01505 229597 

or e mail - thecarrickcentre@gmail.com . 

Bishopton Art Group Spring Art 

And Craft Fair 

Bishopton Community Centre, Gledstane 

Road, Bishopton 10am to 3pm 

Local amateur artists and crafts people will offer 

for sale a variety of products that will make ideal 

gifts for someone special. This year’s event will 

feature some new artists. Visitors can vote for their 

favourite painting. Admission is free. Tea, Coffee 

and delicious home baking will be available. 

Sat 19 - Sun 20 Mar 

Brookfield Art Club Show 

Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside Road, 

Brookfield 

Saturday- 6.30pm - 8.30pm, Sunday - 12noon 

- 4.30pm. All welcome. Refreshments available. 

£1 entry. 


Story Telling with TV presenter: 

Rory!! 


11am to 3pm 

Come along to sample everything the reserve has 

to offer, as well as listen to animal themed stories 

read by TV presenter (& RSPB employee), Rory 

Crawford! When you’re not listening to stories, 

try out some pond dipping (if it’s not covered in 

ice!), go for a walk, watch some wildlife or do the 

treasure hunt. Cost: FREE!


17 17 

Reliable Service Meets 

Reliable Flooring 

Getting your floor refitted can be a stressful time, especially if you are not in the 

right hands, be it for your home or place of business. 

Whether your old floor is water damaged, fitted badly or simply needing a 

breath of fresh air, we understand that the process should be as smooth as 

possible for you. That is why Orchard Flooring’s professional fitting services 

have been recommended by 

customers for busy homes 

and businesses in the Gryffe 

area for many years. 

When it comes to Karndean 

and Amtico, laying the sub 

floor correctly is crucial 

to ensuring a successful 

refit and here at Orchard 

Flooring we always say that 

preparation is paramount. 

Orchard Flooring 

have over 15 

years’ experience 

in fitting 

Karndean and 

offer a reliable 

and efficient 

service. We make 

sure that the very 

best materials 

are used and that 

the relevant time 

and expertise are 

applied to your 

floor. 

We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and clear communications. We 

want to walk out that door knowing that, not only do you have a floor that looks 

and feels spectacular, but that will continue to do so for many years to come. With 

a home sampling service, why not give us a call and be on your way to a stunning 

floor from Orchard Flooring? You can contact Scott on 01505 229584 or 07563 

633432 E: sjmproducts@hotmail.com web- www.orchard-flooring.com 

The Masqueraders 

Invite you to an evening of Light Entertainment 

followed by tea and cakes. We are raising funds for 

St Vincent’s Hospice. 

On Saturday 16th April at 7.30pm at St Machers 

Ranfurly Church Hall. 

Tickets £5/more info phone 612472. Come along 

and have a laugh. 

Paisley 

Philharmonic Choir 

An Evening of Concert Classics 

Sunday 13th March in St Mirin’s Cathedral, Incle 

St Paisley at 7pm. Tickets £10 at door. 

Guest Soloist: American mezzo soprano Jane 

Monari, graduate of the Juilliard School of Music, 

New York and the Royal Academy of Music, 

London. 

Renfrewshire and 

Inverclyde Games 

Society 

Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Games Society 

(RIGS) is a friendly group of board and card game 

enthusiasts who meet every fortnight on Thursday 

evenings in the upstairs café bar of Amaretto in 

Bridge of Weir. 

The games we play offer a wide variety of themes 

and styles and can cover anything from attempting 

to lose an election and social standing, building 

the best garden in the Alhambra or expanding your 

civilisation in the ancient world. 

Above all these are games where you are in control 

of your moves and your decisions are central to 

your game. 

Our meetings in March are on the 10th and 24th at 

8pm in the upstairs café bar at Amaretto in Bridge 

of Weir. 

If you have any questions or would like more 

information then please call Keith on 07789 

501605. 

If you intend to come along then please also let us 

know, using the same phone number, so that we 

can ensure that there is a good supply of games.


Luke Danskin - Psychic Medium 

the 

Audiences are left utterly speechless and amazed at his 

capability to give detailed messages with amazing accuracy. 

Since taking to the stage Luke has sold out every show. 

Tuesday 8 Mar - £15 NOW SOLD OUT!!! 

The Last Laugh 

Why should you never date a comedian? This hit Fringe 2015 

show mixes stand-up, theatre and storytelling in a tale about 

two people discovering whether being funny is as important 

as being happy. 16+ strong language 

Thursday 10 Mar - 8pm - Beacon Studio - £8 to £10 

SCDA - Western Division One Act Finals 

The best of the Western Division of The Scottish Community 

Drama Association come together to provide 3 nights of 

quality drama and comedy as they compete to represent the 

West in the Scottish Finals. 

Thursday 17 Mar - Saturday 19 Mar - 7pm - £12 

High School Musical 

Based on Disney’s Emmy Award-winning TV movie and 

adapted for the stage by David Simpatico, Disney’s High 

School Musical transports audiences to East High and into 

the story of two clique-crossed lovers: basketball star Troy 

and brainy new student Gabriella. 

Wednesday 23 Mar - Saturday 26 Mar - 7.30pm - £10 to £14 

BEACON ARTS CENTRE, CUSTOM HOUSE QUAY, GREENOCK, PA15 1HJ 

INFO@BEACONARTSCENTRE.CO.UK TELEPHONE: 01475 723723


Kilmacolm Dramatic Society 

19 19 

President’s Blog: 

We are now well into rehearsals for our Spring 

Production of two One Act Plays - ‘Slim Chance’ 

by Peter Gordon and ‘The Fat Lady Sings in Little 

Grimley’ by David Tristram. For all you Slimming 

Club members out there ‘Slim Chance’ will resonate with you all 

and will generate a lot of laughs! ‘The Fat Lady Sings’ is about 

a drama group rehearsing for a play which will conclude a great fun night out. 

Please come along and support us on 21st-23rd April at 7.30pm in the Kidston 

Hall, Kilmacolm, where a warm welcome will await you and a glass of wine at the 

interval will complete your evening out! 

As we do 2 shows a year, April and November, we are always looking for volunteers 

to help with any production either back stage, on stage or front of house so please 

let us know if you are interested in helping in any way. Check out our FaceBook 

Page - Kilmacolm Dramatic Society and leave a message or contact myself or 

any member you may know. Its always lovely to hear from new members and I 

am thrilled we have several in our Spring Production. We also have a few existing 

members taking on larger roles for the first time so it is all very exciting and I 

hope you all take the time to come along, support us and enjoy a local night out 

of theatre on your doorstep! 

We will be releasing details of our November production very soon for all you 

budding actors / actresses / singers - watch this space - in the meantime I look 

forward to seeing you, our Audience, in April. 

Kate Watt, President 


Evening Talk: Feathered Friends 


7.30pm to 9pm 

Are there dinosaurs in your garden?” by Simon 

Cuthbert Dinosaurs have long fascinated us with 

their huge size and fearsome appearance. Their 

fossils were originally thought of as “Terrible 

Lizards”, but recent amazing discoveries have 

revealed that they had much in common with 

birds. Is that a dinosaur on your bird feeder.....? 

Please book as places are limited. Cost: Adults: 

£5; Children: £3 (RSPB members: £3/£2) 

Thu 24 March 

Former Pupils & School Hockey/ 

Rugby Matches 

Birkmyre Park, Broomknowe Road, 

Kilmacolm 2pm to 3pm 

Former Pupils & School Hockey/Rugby Matches, 

14:00 Astroturf, 15:00 Birkmyre Park 

Fri 25 - Mon 28 Mar 

Easter Weekend 

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Calder 

Glen Road, Lochwinnoch 

Enjoy great access to beautiful countryside this 

Easter. Climb Windy Hill, walk the Greenock 

Cut, cycle to Lunderston Bay or paddle on or 

walk at Castle Semple Loch. MORE INFO: www. 

clydemuirshiel.co.uk or tel 01505 842 882 

Ex20 


Binocular & Telescope Open Day 


10am to 4pm 

Come and peruse a range of telescopes and 

binoculars, with knowledgeable staff on hand to 

help you find the right one for you! Our optics are 

competitively priced, with the added bonus that 

you are helping conservation. Cost: FREE 

Quarriers Spring Fayre & Easter 

Egg Trail 

Sommerville Weir Hall, Faith Avenue 

Quarriers Village 10.30am to 2.30pm 

Follow the clues in our Easter Egg trail. Tea, coffee 

& home baking. £3 Easter egg trail (inc egg), free 

entry into Fayre. Come along for what is sure to 

be a very ‘eggciting day’! 

From Sat 26 Mar - 

Sun 10 April 

Edinburgh International Science 

Festival 

Edinburgh (various) 

A mix of world-leading scientists, artists, authors 

and innovators that will join audiences at venues 

including Summerhall, the National Museum of 

Scotland and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. 

The 2016 event will focus on “the fertile space 

where science meets the arts”. For more visit 

www.sciencefestival.co.uk 


Easter Egg Hunt 

Weaver’s Cottage, Kilbarchan 2pm-4pm 

A family event enjoyed by children. 

Mon 28 March 

Easter Eggstravaganza 


12noon to 3pm 

We have plenty of wildlife-themed Easter activities 

for children of all ages, including egg decorating, a 

treasure hunt, face painting and the ever popular 

Egg Drop Challenge! No booking necessary. Cost: 

£6 (RSPB members £3). Adults go FREE! 

Canines Against Cancer Dog 

Walk 

Gryffeside Farm, Blackholm Road, 

Kilmacolm 11am to 1pm 

We would love you to bring your dog to our farm on 

Easter Monday and enjoy a walk over our hill (big 

fields to run around). To help us raise funds we are 

asking for a £10 donation (payable on the day). We 

can also tell you everything that we have planned 

for Canines Against Cancer in 2016. 

Tue 29 March 

6 Legal Must-do’s for older 

people 

Bishopton Community Centre 

7pm to 8.30pm 

A free 45 minute talk everyone over 50 should 

attend! Discussing Wills, Power of Attorney and 

Advance Directive. Please call Kingsley Wood & 

Company, Solicitors on 01505 874114 to book a 

place or for more information.


Paisley Entertainment 

30:60:80 

Suitable for ages 14+ 

30:60:80 is an invitation to three landmark birthdays to 

meet three remarkable birthday girls. Written and produced 

by Amy Conway in association with Platform. 

Tuesday 8th March - 7.30pm - Paisley Arts Centre - £10 & £6 

Call 0300 300 1210 

Blazin’ Fiddles 

With a Blazers performance comes the rare opportunity to 

hear the regional expressions from Scotland’s Highlands and 

islands, and the individual style from each fiddler - in a blend 

of ensemble and solo sets. 

Saturday 13th March - Paisley Arts Centre - 7.30pm - £14 & £12 

Call 0300 300 1210 

Thomas Coats Memorial Choral Society 

Annual Concert 

This will be a great opportunity to hear some wonderful music 

in the beautiful setting of Coats Memorial Church and we are 

sure it will be a memorable occasion for everyone! Tickets 

are available from choir members; email coatschoral@ 

btinternet.com; phone 01505 816110 or 01505 612874; at the door. 

Saturday 13th March - Thomas Coats Memorial Church - 7.30pm - £10 & £5 

Tickets are available from choir members; email coatschoral@btinternet.com; phone 01505 

816110 or 01505 612874; at the door. 

Stowaway 

Suitable for ages 14+ 

A Boeing 777 begins its descent towards Heathrow. The 

wheels unfold out of the belly of the plane. The frozen body of 

a stowaway is tipped out and cuts through the clear morning 

sky. In the car park of B&Q, Andy looks up. Something is falling out of the sky. A 

man crash-lands on the ground in front of him. 

Wednesday 16th March - Paisley Arts Centre - 7.30pm - £10 & £6 

Call 0300 300 1210 

Ken Mathieson’s Classical Jazz Orchestra 

Classic Jazz Orchestra play everything from Jelly Roll Morton 

to Charles Mingus and Duke Ellington to Louis Armstrong 

with boundless energy and sheer joy. 

Friday 18th March - Paisley Arts Centre - 7.30pm - £10 & 

£8 

Call 0300 300 1210 

Daffodil Tea 

Enjoy a wonderful time of tea, fellowship, praise, 

entertainment and glorious music with Paisley Salvation 

Army! To avoid disappointment contact Pauline Alexander to 

book a ticket 0787 603 1431 or e-mail, paulinesalexander@ 

gmail.com 

Saturday 19th March - Paisley Salvation Army Corps, Mill Street, Paisley 

PA1 1ND - 4pm - £5 

Call 07876 031431 

A Buddy Good Laugh 

Neil Dougan headlines Dead Sheep Comedy’s Buddy Good 

Laugh with support from Jojo Sutherland & Owen MacGuire! 

Thursday 24th March - Paisley Arts Centre - 7.45pm - £10 

& £8 

Call 0300 300 1210 

Hue & Cry 

A fantastic Paisley dayout to see Hue and Cry and their full 

band and at the same time raise money for Loud n Proud. 

Saturday 26th March - Paisley Town Hall - 7.45pm - £25 

www.tickets-scotland.com (0141 204 5151 /0131 220 3234) 

every Monday 

Lochwinnoch Community Walk 

The Cross, Lochwinnoch 10.30am 

This event will not take place on public 

holidays. 

every Tuesday 

Bishopton Belles Line Dancing 

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Hall 6.30 - 8.30pm 

Beginner/Improver class. All welcome. Call David 

or Mair 07886 034037. 

every Wednesday 

Knitting Group 

Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers 10am - 12noon 

Knitters of all levels welcome! 

Skinny Minnies 

Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir 7pm-8pm 

For a healthier, slimmer, more energetic you! 

every Thursday 

Weekly Volunteer Group 

Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 12.30pm - 3.30pm 

Conservation Volunteers - adult group. 

Newcomers always welcome. 

every Saturday 


Greenock Cut Visitor Centre 10.30am - 2.30pm 

Conservation Volunteers, adult group. Newcomers 

always welcome. 

every Sunday 


Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 10am - 12noon 

Youth volunteer Group - age 12 - 18 years. 

Newcomers always welcome. 

1st & 3rd Thurs monthly 

‘Outlook’ 

Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm 2pm-4pm 

Social activities group for the community in 

Kilmacolm. Guest speakers, afternoon tea, local 

issues of interest. Everyone welcome. 

Crafty Hobbies 

Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 7.30pm 

No previous craft experience necessary. Call 

Lorna on 01505 612844 for further details. 

2nd Wednesday monthly 

Inverclyde Carers Outreach 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 11am-2pm 

Email enquiries@inverclydecarerscentre.org.uk 

or call: 01475 735180. 

2nd Thursday monthly 

Solas Bereavement Support Group 

The group meets in the Kidston Hall. 6.30pm 

to 8.30pm. Everyone welcome. 

3rd Friday monthly 

Hearing Aid Clinic 

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir 1-2pm 

Personnel are at The Bridge for the issue of 

hearing aid batteries and hearing aid checks. 

2nd Saturday monthly 

‘Brunch & Browse’ 

St Fillan’s Hall, Kilmacolm 10am-2pm 

Home made soups, home baking, tea, coffee, 

books & lots of stalls. Great value! Disabled 

access. £4. 

last Saturday monthly 

Table Top Sale 

Linwood Parish Church, Blackwood Ave 11am- 

1pm 

This is a free event. Call 01505 328802 for 

details. 

1st Sunday monthly 

Messy Church 

Freeland Church, Bridge of Weir 4pm-6pm 

Free entry for all ages. Meal included. Just turn 

up. Tel: Catherine 07980 649377. 

1st Saturday 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 

10am-2pm (“The Square”) 

1st & 3rd Sunday 

Loch Lomond Shores 

10am-3pm Tel: 07977 179 861 

2nd Thur & last Sat 

Paisley Cross 

10am-2pm Tel: 01655 770217 

3rd Saturday 

Erskine Garden Centre 

10am - 2pm Tel: 0141 814 4626


21 21 

Sat 5th March 

Wed 9th March 


Sun 13th March 

Thurs 17th March 

W O R K S H O P 

Family Poetry writing competition 

RSPB Lochwinnoch 

Time: 11am - 12noon 

Free 

Art Exhibition 

sponsored by Calder Gallery and 

Framing 

NB: Opening event 7pm on 

Wednesday 9th by invitation only. 

Thereafter open to all during library 

opening times. 

Wednesday 9 March - Saturday 19 

March at Lochwinnoch Library. 

Free 

Right Lines Productions present 

Rapid Departure 

A play which could have been written 

for Lochwinnoch!! 

McKillop Institute Lochwinnoch 

Time: 7.30pm 

Price: £8 Conc £5 

NB Tickets for this particular show can be 

purchased via the Renfrewshire Council 

website OR via the Arts Festival tickets 

outlets noted on the site. 


Lochwinnoch Strictly Come Dancing 

Lindy Hop - Jazz dance / Jive. 

Ballroom with Louis Fecou 

Lochwinnoch Bowling Club 

Time: 10am - 12noon Lilndy Hopping. 

1.30pm - 3.30pm Ballroom 

Price: £3 

each session. Must be booked in advance. 

Calder Drama present 

Ladies Day 

by Amanda Whittington 

Sponsored by Mistylaw Medical Practice 

Thursday 17 & Friday 18 March 

McKillop Institute 

Time: 7.30pm 

Price: £6 Conc: £4 

Jamming @ The Junction 

A night of good food, good company 

and good Indie country/folk music 

- jazz and blues from Business Trip 

- a three piece acoustic band with 

a calming indie and country sound. 

A great night of bluesy/soul from 

Jade Wishart (vocals), Craig Murray 

(Muzzy) (percussion) & Jonny Jeffrey 

(guitar). www.cucinaminucci.co.uk 

Time: 7.30pm 

Price: £17.95 2 courses £19.95 3 

courses BYOB £3 corkage 

NB: Must be booked in advance with The 

Junction 

Fri 18th March 



Festival Friday Live Music 

Sean Middleton hosting an open 

invitation fiddle and accordion 

session @ The Corner Bar 

Penny Dogs @ The Brown Bull 

Supported by Fran Schoppler 

Time: 8pm (Corner Bar) 9pm (Brown 

Bull) 

Willie Gamble and friends @ The 

Three Churches 

Time: 9pm 

Free 

Author Ron Ferguson talks to 

Ruth Wishart 

sponsored by Anchorage Education 


Time: 10.30am 

Price: £5.50 Conc: £3 

Craft Fairs 

Saturday 19 (McKillop Institute) 

& Saturday 26 March (Parish 

Church) 

1pm - 4pm. 

Free entry. Free tea & coffee 

Dougie MacLean & Katee Kross 

Sponsored by The Quirky Florist 

Lochwinnoch 

The McKillop Institute 

Time: 7.30pm Doors open 7pm. 

Price: £15.50 


Photography with Robert Trevis-Smith 

Robert is from Stirling and works for 

the RSPB - Inner Forth Landscape 

Initiative Communications Assistant. 

Saturday 19 March & Sunday 20 

March 

RSPB Lochwinnoch 

Time: 1pm 

Price: £10 

Places must be booked in advance. NB 

Please book via the RSPB 


Celtic Music Workshops with Nigel 

Gatherer - Mixed instruments 

Chris Waite - Bodhran 

Sponsored by Creative Renfrewshire 


Time: 10am - 12 noon 

Price: £5 

NB: These are 2 separate workshops 

running in parallel. Contact us to book 


The Great Lochwinnoch Pottery 

Throwdown. 

Pottery workshop with Wendy 

Kershaw. Make and keep your own 

pot, book a 30 minute session. 


Time: 10 - 4 (each session is 30 mins long) 

Price: £5 per session 

Places must be booked in advance. 

Contact us to book 

Wed 23rd March 

Tues 22nd March 

Mon 21st March 


A Classical Evening 

with Hazel McBain & Eirlys Myfanwy 

Davies, Melville Quintet, Flute 

Phonics 

Sponsored by Rosemount Garden and 

Landscaping services 

Lochwinnoch Parish Church 

Time: 7.30pm 

Price: £5.50 Conc £3 

Lochwinnoch Writers present 

Ronnie Browne (of Corries fame) 

and the Lochwinnoch writers 

with Professor Rowena Murray in the 

chair. 

They will be discussing his book That 

Guy Fae the Corries. Books will be 

available for purchase and signing. 

Rowena’s second hand books will 

also be there. 

Sponsored by Renfrewshire Council 


Time: 7.30pm 


The Witches’ Brew 

@ Lochwinnoch Elderly Forum Dropin 

T Bar. 


Time: 11am 

Free 

Scottish Evening 

with the Jimmy Blair Accordion 

Orchestra, Govan Gaelic Choir, 

Alistair McCulloch, Siobhan Miller 

Sponsored by Bluewater Dental. 


Time: 7.30pm 


The Small Fezzes Ukulele group 

Charity singalong concert with a 

number of their ‘friends’ who have 

played with them over the past 2 

years. 


Time: 7.30pm 

Price: £3 

Photo Exhibition 

Sponsored by Now and Then 

Wednesday 23 March - Sunday 9 

April 

Lochwinnoch Library 

Time: 6pm - 7.30pm 

Free 

NB the Opening of the exhibition on 23 

March is by invitation only. Otherwise open 

to the public during library opening hours. 

Thurs 24th March 

Fri 25th March 



Capitol Big Band 

Sponsored by The Corner Bar 

Capitol Big Band & Factory Street 

Quartet 


Time: 8pm 


Calder Church Production 

Lochwinnoch Easter Passion Pt I 

Beginning in Lochwinnoch Park, a 

group of local volunteers, of all ages, 

will journey through Lochwinnoch 

enacting in word and music, the story 

of Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion and 

burial. 

Part I: around the village 

Time: 12 noon 

Lochwinnoch Easter Passion Pt II 

At in Calder church, the moving story 

of Good Friday will be portrayed, 

set to music, poetry and including 

a number of locally written original 

songs and some well known items. 

Part II: Calder Church 

Time: 7.30pm 

Dominic Snyder & Nina Enemark 

perform Wired 

A movement and dance presentation 

from directly observed experimental 

and free flowing drawing. 

Lochwinnoch Masonic Hall 

Time: 7.30pm 


Craft Fairs 

Saturday 19 (McKillop Institute) & 

Saurday 26 March (Parish Church) 

1pm - 4pm. 

Free entry. Free tea & coffee 

Rose Room Witches Brew 

Sponsored by Cucina Minucci at the 

Junction 

Lochwinnoch Golf club 

Time: 7.30pm 



Krafty Kids 

Lochwinnoch Parish Church hall 

Time: 1.30pm - 3pm 

Price: £5 

Must be booked in advance. Contact 

Katherine on 07947 075 622 or 

khardie24@hotmail.co.uk 


Celtic Music Workshop 

Alastair McCulloch - fiddle 

Ian Muir - Accordion 

Music workshops sponsored by 

Heritage Farmers Market shop 


Time: 2pm. Book in advance. Contact 

us to book. Intermediate level. 

Price: £5 

These workshops will run in parallel 

Festival Finale 

Sponsored by John Delaney IFA 

Children s poetry results 

Lochwinnoch Choral Society 

Freshwater 

Wireless 

Lochwinnoch Parish church 

Time: 7.30pm 

Price: £6 con £4 

For further information, or to book, please visit. 

www.lochwinnochartsfestival.co.uk


Viewing Nights at Coats 

Observatory 

Winter Viewing Season will run Every Tues and Thurs until 24 March. 

Please note that the Pre-viewing Planetarium Show takes place on 

Thursdays only during this period. 

Telescope Viewing 

Our Winter Viewing Nights operate every 

year from the end of October to the end of 

March, allowing visitors the opportunity 

to view the wonders of the night sky 

up close through powerful telescopes 

housed in the building. These events are 

free, with no booking required. 

Telescope viewings need clear skies 

and low wind. If a scheduled telescope 

viewing can’t go ahead for some reason, alternatives like planetarium shows 

will be arranged. 

Every Tuesday and Thursday, 6.30pm - 9pm (last admission 8.45pm). Free, no 

need to book in advance. 

Planetarium Shows 

Transport yourself to a galaxy far far away... Experience constellations, distant 

galaxies, nebulae and star galaxies in incredible detail through our state of the 

art digital planetarium. 

Free shows run every Thursday, 6pm to 6.30pm between October and March. 

Maximum of 15 places, please book these evening slots in advance at Paisley 

museum on 0300 300 1210. 

(If the skies are clear planetarium films will be shown in advance of the viewing 

night instead of the tour of the night sky guided show.) 

49 Oakshaw Street West, Paisley PA1 2DE - Tel: 0300 300 1210 


What’s on at Paisley Museum 

Textile Collection 

Originating in Asia, the ‘teardrop’ design known now as the Paisley Pattern 

became popular in Europe in the 19th century, where the town of Paisley 

became the production centre of the Paisley Pattern Shawl, producing more 

shawls here than anywhere else in the world. 

Although the exotically patterned, delicate woollen shawls went out of fashion 

in the 1870s, there has been a recent re-surgence in the Paisley Pattern, 

with fashion designers such as Vivienne Westwood 

including the teardrop pattern in her collection. 

Hand loom weaving was a traditional industry in 

Renfrewshire throughout the 18th and 19th centuries 

and examples of original hand looms are housed in 

our Loom Gallery. 

The Paisley Shawl Collection is a Recognised 

Collection of National Significance to Scotland. 

Local History Collection 

The local history collection at Paisley Museum gives 

a fascinating insight into the social and industrial 

heritage of the town. 

From the story of the textile industry in Paisley, to 

the history of the old jail in County Square, and the 

devastating effects of both world wars, reminders of 

Paisley’s social and industrial past are represented 

here. 

One of the most poignant sections of this collection 

is the memorabilia relating to the Glen Cinema 

disaster, where 71 children died in a fire in 1929. 

Artefacts such as a projector reel, a pair of shoes and 

telegrams from all over the world are displayed here 

in a reminder to the tragedy. 

Visit: Paisley Museum, High Street, Paisley, PA1 2BA 

The Barochan Quartet - Saturday 19 March - Carrick Centre, Houston 

Held by Houston Old School Trust (HOST), the Barochan Quartet is a string 

quartet of local talent, all professional musicians, and members of the BBC 

Symphony Orchestra. 

Ticket prices are £12 with concessions for children and students £5. Option is 

also available to have a 2/3 course meal (table service) before the concert in 

our cafe. Two courses + coffee £15. Third course available at extra cost (bring 

your own booze). 

We are also looking to enlist support from a working committee to help 

organise/promote suture concerts. 

To request tickets call 01505 229597 or email thecarrickcentre@gmail.com


23 23 

Manicures in March 

at The Lounge 

OPI Gel Polish Hands & Toes £40 

Love Your Hands Manicure £28 

A good old fashioned manicure. 

Your nails & cuticles are prepared, 

bathed in a warm milk solution, then 

exfoliated, a hand masque is applied 

and your hands are dipped in paraffin 

wax before being placed in heated mitts. 

A coat of polish is applied and a sumptuous hand massage to conclude. 

When booking quote “March Manicures” 

Gift Vouchers 

are a great 

solution to 

show someone 

you care. Pop 

into the Lounge 

to collect or simply phone 

01505 690090 and we will post one 

to you. 

37 Main Street 

Bridge of Weir 

01505-690090 

07872-929798 

Manicures ~ Pedicures ~ Waxing ~ Tinting ~ Massage 

Facials ~ LVL Lashes ~ Spray Tanning


Financial Blog 

by Carl Melvin, 

Affluent Financial Planning Ltd 

High Earners set to pay more Tax 

The Government needs money and high earners are 

in its sights. Government raises cash by increasing 

taxes, reducing allowances and disallowing deductions 

against tax. For 40% or 45% taxpayers, you may be hit 

very hard, especially if your earnings exceed £100,000 per year. Here are 

some tax planning measures you may consider before the opportunity is 

lost. 

• Pension Contributions - Higher Rate income tax relief on pension 

contributions is very likely to be reduced, so you will pay more income 

tax in future. 

• Reduction in Pension limits – the amount you can invest each 

year and the maximum lifetime pension value you can hold are being 

reduced. Big tax penalties if you breach these limits. 

• Buy to Let – property investment is now much less attractive due to 

extra costs and reduction in tax relief. 

• State Pension Deferral – the benefi t is now much less attractive. 

• Dividend Tax is changing – those with big dividend income will pay 

more tax 

• Savings Allowance – this will save tax on interest from cash deposits. 

• Use ISA allowance – to shelter assets from tax. You can use cash or 

assets to make your subscription. 

• Transfer Personal Allowance – consider transferring allowance to 

your spouse/civil partner to save tax. 

• Use Capital Gains Allowance – realise tax free profi ts from assets of 

up to £11,100 per person. 

The reduction in tax relief and pension limits will particularly impact high 

earners who are members of public sector pension schemes like NHS, 

Local Government, Civil Service, etc – You should take professional 

advice before tax year end and the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Budget 

which is set for 16th March 2016. 

This information is not fi nancial advice. If you require advice you should consult a 

professional adviser. 

Achieving fi nancial independence does not happen by accident – it is planned. Consider 

taking professional advice. The fi rst meeting is normally free and there is no obligation. 

Call for a FREE fi nancial review on 0871 702 9490 or info@affl uentfp.co.uk. 

Alternatively, pop into the Affl uent offi ce opposite Amaretto restaurant on Main 

Street, Bridge of Weir. www.affl uentfp.co.uk 

with Colin Fyfe of Colcom 

Windows 10 has been bedding in for well over 6 months now 

and as it does so, the temptation to upgrade your computer to 

the most recent O.S. may be getting too much to bear before 

Microsoft cease their free upgrade offering later this year. 

Among the computer users that I talk to that have invested 

in Windows 10, the general opinion of it is fi ne. My personal 

opinion of Windows 10 is that it is as good as Windows has ever 

been. Nobody is particularly happy with the new start menu, as 

fancy as it may be, but nearly everyone can put up with it. We 

maybe don’t realise it but we are all becoming more and more 

au fait with the tech giant’s tricks as they frivolously tweak our 

software navigation habits. For what it’s worth, I still swear by 

the classic shell; go to www.ninite.com/classicshell and enjoy 

the Windows 10 start menu as it should have been. 

If your computer is running OK and is older than 7 years on 

Windows 7, then I see no point in running the update other than 

curiosity. 

The ever shrinking 

(but still surprisingly 

numerous) group of 

Windows Vista users 

out there may have 

noticed a pop up 

in Google Chrome 

recently spelling the 

end to their support of the dated O.S. Both 

XP and Vista are falling off of the browser’s radar along with 

Mac OS X 10.6, 10.7, and 10.8 in coming weeks so I would 

advise caution as security fi xes will stop. Perhaps Firefox will 

provide a safe haven for a while before the shutters come down 

completely on the pure ancient and utterly decrepit software fi rst 

provided and sold to us less than ten years ago.


25 25


GRYFFE VALLEY ROTARY 

THRILLS FOR YOUNG CARERS 

Young Carers are children 

whose lives are affected by 

the need to act as carer to a 

parent or sibling. Each year 

Gryffe Valley organises an 

evening off for groups of such 

youngsters in Renfrewshire 

and this year around 6 groups 

of 14 were taken to The 

Experience at Hillington – 

Scotland’s only indoor electric 

LOCAL 

history 

The Ness of Brodgar, Orkney 

On Thursday 10th March, Renfrewshire Local History Forum’s Archaeology 

Lecture is anticipated to be one of the most exciting and interesting lectures 

of the season - or perhaps of the decade! Antonia Thomas, a professional 

archaeologist who specialises in Neolithic rock art, is our speaker. She has 

been working at the excavation at Ness of Brodgar in Orkney for a number 

of years and we are delighted that she agreed to speak at our meeting. 

The Ness of Brodgar excavation covers an archaeological site of 6.2 acres. 

It is situated in the Orkney World Heritage site between the Ring of Brodgar 

and the Stones of Stenness. This huge site dates from the Neolithic period 

possibly as early as 3500 BC and was in use for more than a millennium. It 

predates the domestic site at Skara Brae. 

The Ness of Brodgar excavation is an on-going investigation which began 

in 2003. In 2008, the fi rst structure uncovered at the complex was a huge 

temple with fi ve metre thick walls. Since then further excavation in the 

surrounding area has revealed a massive stone wall surrounding the site, 

and numerous ritual and domestic buildings within. 

Finds include Neolithic pottery, cremated animal bones, stone tools, 

and polished stone mace heads. Some stone slabs are decorated with 

geometrical lozenges typical of other Neolithic sites. Others are painted, 

giving the fi rst evidence of paint being used in Britain to decorate buildings. 

The site also provides the fi rst definitive evidence of tiles, rather than turf, 

skin or thatch, being used in Neolithic roof construction. 

According to the project manager, Nick Card, discoveries and finds at the 

excavation are unparalleled in British prehistory and many professional 

archaeologists consider that the site could be more important than 

Stonehenge. 

The lecture, Art and Architecture in Neolithic Orkney: the view from the 

Ness of Brodgar by Antonia Thomas, University of the Highlands and 

Islands, takes place in Paisley Museum on March 10th at 7.30pm. We will 

be delighted to welcome visitors. 

Renfrewshire Local History Forum 

Johnstone History Society 

Our March meeting is on Tuesday 8th in the Masonic Hall Collier Street at 

7.30pm. This month is our AGM followed by a slide show of pictures of old 

Johnstone. We will also be holding a raffle that evening and any donations 

of consumables would be gratefully received. 

On the 19th January, we had a very successful Fish and Chip evening 

followed by a quiz and Dutch Auction. Fish and chips were supplied by 

Andy’s in William Street and were enjoyed by the large group that attended. 

Visiters and new members will always be made welcome at any of our 

meetings. 

The Museum situated in Morrisons at the Collier Street end and opens 

Wednesday Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 4pm. We still have a few 

Johnstone Calendars left and are now reduced to £3 a great bargain. 

go-karting arena which has 

been developed by Kibble 

– one of Scotland’s oldest 

charities. After donning their 

racing gear, and with a spot 

of instruction, they were soon 

off zooming round the track. 

A top speed of 35mph may 

not sound much, but when 

you are only a few inches off 

the ground the experience was truly described as ‘awesome’! With a full 

buffet supper at the Academy restaurant, and the chance to sample some 

of the other hi-tech facilities like the Laser Experience and Slot Car racing, 

the Young Carers enjoyed a great night off and they just can’t wait to go 

back! 

ROTARY 10K RUN 

It’s that time again 

when Gryffe Valley 

Rotary is organising 

its annual 10K run 

around the villages 

of Houston and 

Bridge of Weir and 

the club is inviting 

runners of all ages and abilities to join in the fun and to help raise funds for 

the Therapeutic Toy Library Project. Working with Capability Scotland, this 

is a really worthwhile cause to help establish a library at Corseford school 

in Johnstone to enable children with special needs in Renfrewshire and 

Inverclyde to borrow and try out toys and other therapeutic resources – 

these can make a significant difference to their wellbeing, experience, play 

and development opportunities. 

Now is the time to put Sunday 24th April into your diary and to start your 

preparation for the 10K. If you’ve run in it before, then this year is the chance 

to establish a personal best for the course. If you haven’t run before, then 

it’s your chance to join in the fun to make a contribution to the project – why 

not enter with some friends, perhaps as a pub or club team? The entry fee 

of £12.50 (£15 if you enter on the day) makes a good contribution and in 

addition everyone is encouraged to try and arrange personal sponsorship. 

This is a fun day with medals and goodie bags for all! Apart from the coveted 

cups for the overall male and female winners, there will be special prizes 

for age groups (including the over 60s!), for the most personal sponsorship 

raised, for the best group/team entry etc. The day is rounded off with a 

splendid array of sandwiches, cakes, tea/coffee and juices, and families 

and spectators are invited to join in. Full details on the event and on how 

to enter, to register, to pay and to raise sponsorship are included on our 

website (Gryffe Valley Rotary) and on our special Gryffe Valley 10K Run 

facebook page. 

CHARITY CAR WASH Saturday 12th March 

from 9am till it’s dark! 

at Beaton Bros, Station Road, Bridge of Weir 

Once again, Gryffe Valley Corporate members 

Beaton Bros are hosting a Charity Car Wash 

on Saturday 12th March at their premises in 

Station Road, Bridge of Weir. 

Bring your car(s) in for a professional handsponge 

wax-wash, and make a donation 

towards the Therapeutic Toy Library Project as described above. They 

will be open all day from 9am till it’s dark, so why not pop in, get a really 

clean car and help make a difference for disadvantaged children.


27 27 

Weir Networking 

Next SOPS Presentations: 

6 Legal MUST-DOs for older people 

Tuesday 15 March 

Langbank Village Hall, Langbank from 7.00pm-8.30pm 

Tuesday 29 March 

Bishopton Community Centre from 7.00pm-8.30pm 

A FREE 45 minute talk everyone over 50 should attend, discussing Wills, Power of 

Attorney & Advance Directive. 

Landlords Workshops - coming soon! 

These workshops are aimed at Landlords to include information/advice on 

setting up a residential tenancy; landlords obligations; legislation – costs & 

implications; repairs & taxation; management issues and controls. 

Also, advertising; management and documentation preparation; tenant 

credit referencing; lease preparation; regular property inspections; 

Bespoke letting and marketing recommendations for properties. 

Contact our office to book your place at our next events! 

The next Weir Networking Business group meeting will be on Friday 4 

March when we are delighted to have Andrew Laing, Director of Hunter 

Laing Whisky, as the main Speaker. 

Andrew at Hunter Laing is 

a single cask bottler in his 

own right. He knows the 

importance of selecting the 

choicest casks – there are 

few more knowledgeable 

consumers of a product than 

the single malt consumer. 

It is their goal that in the 

years ahead Hunter Laing 

& Co. Ltd will continue to be 

regarded as one of the most respected and trusted names in the scotch 

whisky market, a Family owned Company going from strength to strength. 

Come along on Friday morning, at 9.30am, to find out more and see what 

we can do to help you and your business. We meet for breakfast and a chat 

in Amaretto Ristorante, 60 Main Street, Bridge of Weir. 

All businesses welcome - just £5 per person! 

Kingsley Wood & Co, Solicitors & Notaries, Burnside Chambers, Kilmacolm PA13 4ET 

Tel: 01505 874114 Email: mail@kingsleywood.co.uk Web: www.kingsleywood.co.uk


Transport Scotland 

Monte Carlo Classic Rally 

Thousands of people went car crazy in Paisley as vintage vehicles again 

took over the town centre for the only UK start leg of the Monte Carlo 

Classic Rally. 

Paisley was hosting one of world motorsport’s most glamorous events for 

the third year in a row, as the town’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 gathers 

pace. 

More than 70 classic cars dating back as far as the 1920s gathered outside 

the iconic backdrop of Paisley Abbey before being flagged over the start 

ramp by Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall. 

Paisley is just one of fi ve start cities for the rally from across Europe, with the 

others being Barcelona, Oslo, Reims and Bad Homburg, near Frankfurt. 

Many cars were starting out on the 2,688km trek over the Alps to Monte 

Carlo as part of the official Rally Monte Carlo Historique, while others were 

heading off on shorter heritage runs to Balmaha and Dumfries. 

Entrants included a 1950s London taxi piloted by a Belgian crew, and a 

Paisley for UK City of Culture 2021 branded Chrysler Sunbeam driven by 

a local driver. 

This year saw a number of vehicles leave from John o’Groats, honouring 

the 90th anniversary of Scot Victor Bruce’s winning campaign, which started 

in the Caithness village back in 1926. 

Visitors were able to get up close to the cars during the day, with Renfrewshire 

Council also laying on a programme including street entertainers and music 

from Clyde 1 DJs. 

There was also kids entertainment in Paisley Town Hall including a giant 

Scalextric set and Sega rally simulator. 

The national transport agency for Scotland, delivering the Scottish 

Government’s vision for transport - find us at www.transport.gov.scot 

Transport Scotland is responsible for maintaining trunk roads and bridges 

and structures - we prioritise repairs and improvements to ensure safe 

travel and steady movement of traffic. We have contracts in place with the 

Operating Companies BEAR Scotland, Amey and Scotland Transerv to 

deliver this work. 

If you notice any defects along any parts of the trunk road network or have 

any other queries relating to the management of the trunk roads you can 

contact our customer care telephone number: 0800 028 1414. This is free 

to call from landlines. 

To report faults on trunk roads, you can also contact the relevant Operating 

Company through their websites: 

• North East and North West Scotland: http://roadworks.bearscot. 

com/#defect-form-panel 

• South East: http://scottishtrunkroadsse.amey.co.uk/report-a-problem/ 

• South West Scotland: http://www.scotlandtranserv.co.uk/contact-us/ 

defect-reporting-form/ 

Faults on local roads should be reported to your local road authority: 

• Renfrewshire Council: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/webcontent/ 

home/Services/Transport+and+Streets/Road+and+street+lighting/ 

• Inverclyde Council: http://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/forms/ShowForm. 

asp?fm_fid=375 

If you are not sure whether the road is a trunk road, you can check our map 

of the trunk road network and official list of trunk roads on our website. 

Election bosses issue 

registration reminder 

Renfrewshire residents have been reminded this month of the voter 

registration deadline ahead of May’s Scottish Parliament elections. 

Voters in Renfrewshire will go to the polls on 5 May and must be listed on 

the electoral register by Monday 18 April to be eligible to vote. 

16 and 17 year olds will be able to vote for Scottish Parliament for the fi rst 

time and a National Voter Registration Drive was launched this week. 

Alasdair MacTaggart, Electoral Registration Officer for Renfrewshire, said: 

“Anyone not yet registered to vote should do so as soon as possible so they 

can have their say on issues that affect their day-to-day lives. 

“I’d urge people living in Renfrewshire to use National Voter Registration 

Drive to spread the message amongst family and friends that it only takes a 

few minutes to complete the form and register to vote online.” 

Sandra Black, Returning Officer for the three constituencies of Paisley, 

Renfrewshire North and Renfrewshire South and Regional Returning Officer 

for the West of Scotland Region, said: “Everyone involved in preparing 

for and conducting the elections wants to make it as easy as possible for 

people to get advice and information and that applies to making sure you 

are able to vote. 

Anyone seeking to register to vote can do so online at www.gov.uk/registerto-vote. 

Renfrewshire residents can get a paper copy of the registration 

form by contacting the electoral registration office on 0300 300 0150. 

The National Voter Registration Drive will be active on social media from 

this week and can be followed via the Twitter hashtag #NVRD.


29 29 

Car Clubs are playing their part in helping people to change 

the way they travel. Join LEAP Car Club and choose a 

more affordable way to travel. Based in Lochwinnoch, 

Bridge of Weir and Kilbarchan, LEAP Car Club has over 

50 members and provides convenient access to pay as 

you drive vehicles including plug-in electric vehicles (EVs). 

It offers people the opportunity to reduce their car overheads 

and use a car just when they need it. To find out more about community 

car hire or to become a member, contact LEAP’s Car Club Co-ordinator on 

01505 842530 or email mike@myleapproject.org


The Glen & Pow Burn, Bridge of Weir 

by Fiona McEwan from PCPC 

bishopton, langbank 

& bridge of weir 

..................................................... 

Bridge of Weir Festival 

At the AGM of Bridge of Weir Festival held on 9th Feb, the following Committee 

members were re-elected, Gordon Lethorn as Chairman, Brenda Lethorn 

as Treasurer and Meg Millar as Secretary. The following general committee 

members were re-elected, M Dymond, R Gibson, C Gilzean, C Haddock, A 

Johnstone, R Lawler, A Matthews, J Matthews, P Matthews, S Millar, M Preece, 

R Smith & A White. 

Our next scheduled meeting is on Tuesday 8th March at 7.30pm in the Cargill 

where we will be selecting the theme for this years Gala Day parade and 

to discuss the various proposed events for Gala Day and Festival Week. All 

interested parties and groups are welcome to attend. 

Why Good Friday?! 

As a result of a desire to do more to mark such 

a crucial event in world history, members of 

Freeland Church in Bridge of Weir are providing 

an opportunity for those who wish to take time 

out to quietly reflect on personal circumstances 

and the significance of Easter! On Friday 25th 

March commencing at 2pm an audio visual 

programme of Easter related songs/hymns 

and YouTube clips will be interspersed with 

interviews of church members, conducted by 

the minister Kenneth Gray, on the significance 

of this annual event. The church will be open 

for visitors to pop in any time during the first 

three quarters of an hour and refreshments 

will be served at around 3pm in a room 

adjacent to the church. For those with young 

children, supervised entertainment will also be provided in our church hall from 

2-3pm. Again from 3pm the church will remain open till 4pm for anyone who 

would like to take the opportunity for quiet contemplation and/or prayer. There 

will also be prayer box provided for those who would like to request prayer from 

the minister or elders or alternatively make anonymous requests for prayer. 

Situated in the centre of the village, a friendly welcome will be given to all who 

wish to take advantage of this opportunity at Freeland Church. 

STOLEN Go- 

Kart in Bridge 

of Weir 

Quiz Night 

Friday 11 March 

Langbank Church of Scotland 

are holding a Quiz Night on 

Friday 11th March. 

It will take place in Langbank 

Village Hall at 7.30pm and 

tickets, costing £5 are available 

from Church members, details 

will be on the Village Notice 

Board. This is a BYOB evening, 

so remember to bring along your 

preferred refreshment. Nibbles 

and a light supper are included 

in the ticket price. 

This is always a very popular 

evening so please buy your 

ticket as soon as possible. 

Sometime between 1.20am and 4.14am 

on Saturday 30th January, a break in 

occurred to a secure container at the 

rear of Burndale Workshop, Johnstone Road, Bridge of Weir and a Etheridge 

TKM 4 Orange Go-Kart, chassis number 1378, Engine number K0303 along 

with spare parts was stolen valued in excess of £8,000. 

Police in Johnstone are seeking any information in relation to this crime, 

including who is responsible and the Go-Karts current whereabouts and if 

anyone was seen acting suspiciously in Johnstone Road, Bridge of Weir in the 

early hours of Saturday morning. Please contact Police Inspector Cassie Glass 

on 101 or report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Smoking out the culprits 

On Sunday 14 February 2016, some time between 7pm and 9pm, 3 wheelie 

bins were taken from a driveway on Horsewood Road and set on fire in the Glen 

down at the swings. 

Luckily someone phoned the fire brigade and it was put out safely. This incident 

has been reported to the police. 

Anyone who was involved in this incident would most likely come home smelling 

of smoke. If you have any information relating to this incident, please call the 

Police on 101. Not only is this highly dangerous to those taking part, there is a 

huge inconvenience and expense for police and fire brigade call-outs. 

Langbank SWI 

For our penultimate meeting of the session we will be holding 

a `TRAMPS SUPPER`- Fish Supper Evening. Once again please 

remember to forego your evening meal. There will be a prize for 

the Best `Tramp`. Competitions for the evening :- 1) Favourite Salt and Pepper. 

2)`Tramping` Photograph. 3) Three Potato Scones. Thursday, March 17th at 

7.30pm in The Village Centre.


31 31 

Bridge of Weir Tenants and 

Residents Association 

The latest meeting of Bridge of Weir TARA was once again well attended, with 

a number of topics concerning the village discussed, and our thanks go to Cllr 

James MacLaren and the Police for their attendance. 

The Police report for the past month showed there were eighteen crimes 

committed within the village of which four have been detected to date. There 

were five reported thefts, two due to housebreakings, one business broken 

into and two involving motor vehicles. A separate reported break-in was at the 

Cargill Hall over the weekend 13th/14th February where charity donations and 

monies from the library were stolen. For the second month running there have 

been a spate of vandalism within the village. Garden walls were kicked down 

in Kenbank Road, cars have been scratched, a number of bottles have been 

smashed in the Glen at the kids play area and the 4th green at Old Ranfurly 

Golf Course has had a motor vehicle driven over it. This is your village and the 

Police need your help, if you see or hear anything suspicious, please phone the 

Police immediately on 101. 

There are growing concerns within the village regarding the reliability of the 

hourly McGills Buses service No.19 to Paisley. There have been a number of 

incidents of this service running late or not turning up at all. TARA wish your 

feedback on this issue so that we may built up a more comprehensive picture 

of the reliability of this service. With this in mind we are proposing to install 

reporting sheets regarding the No.19 bus in the Bridge and the Cargill Hall, 

dates and times it was late, didn’t turn up or any breakdowns concerning this 

service. We hope to have these reporting sheets installed as soon as possible, 

but in the meantime Cllr. MacLaren has kindly offered to except any feedback 

via email at cllr.james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk which he will pass onto 

TARA. 

The drainage works continue in Houston Road Park with tangible progress 

now being seen for the Council’s endeavours, although it may still take some 

time for the works to be fully completed given the continuing bad weather. The 

badly rutted footpath in the Glen, TARA have discovered is not under Council 

ownership and they are currently working in conjunction with Cllr. MacLaren to 

find out who does own it, and to hopefully get them to accept responsibility to 

get it repaired. 

The next meeting of Bridge of Weir TARA will be held in the Pirie Centre at 

Freeland Church on Tuesday 15th March at 7.30pm. Why not come along and 

air your views on any concerns you have regarding the village or just to join in 

the general discussion. All are welcome. 

Reverend Retirement 

Rev Suzanne Dunleavy has retired as the Minister of St 

Machar’s Ranfurly Church, Bridge of Weir after more 

than 23 years of dedicated service. 

At a special service on Sunday 31st January, she received 

a retirement memento from a very grateful congregation 

and a particularly loving send-off from the children! The church will now be 

calling a new minister. 

During the vacancy period all services and activities will continue as normal. 

Find us online at http://stmacharsranfurlychurch.org.uk/, or on Facebook. 

Come along. All welcome. 

BoW SWI 

Bishopton Art Group 

Spring Art and Craft Fair 

Saturday 19 March from 10am to 3pm 

Bishopton Community Centre, Gledstane Road, Bishopton 

Local amateur artists and crafts people will offer for sale a variety of products 

that will make ideal gifts for someone special. This year’s event will feature some 

new artists. Visitors can vote for their favourite painting. 

Admission to the Spring Art and Craft fair on Saturday is free. Tea, Coffee and 

delicious home baking will be available. The venue is a 5-minute walk from 

Bishopton railway station. There is ample free car parking. 

Linda Mitchell, organiser of Bishopton 

Art Group’s Spring Art and Craft Fair 

said, “The Spring Art and Craft Fair is 

an annual event. Admission is free. Tea 

coffee and home baking is also available 

at a nominal cost. There is always a good 

selection of arts and crafts available for 

sale and at exceptional value.” 

“There is good access for all to Bishopton 

Community Centre and free parking. The 

Centre is only 5 minutes walk from the 

railway station.” 

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir 

Thank you to all our customers who took part in the Survey during the month of 

February. We shall review the results over the next couple of weeks. 

Mother’s Day is celebrated on the 6th March. Show how much your Mum means 

to you by sending a card from our selection. 

Easter Sunday is celebrated on 27th March. Brighten up someone’s day by 

sending an Easter Greetings card from our colourful display. 

Postcards: postcards printed from photographs used in the 2015 and 2016 

calendars are proving popular. These are an ideal way of showcasing our village 

to friends and relatives. 

Stationery: Over the last few weeks we have changed some of the display areas 

and increased our range of products. Please feel free to suggest to our volunteers 

other items we could stock. 

Post Office: The usual postal services are provided during opening hours by 

Donald, Pat and Anne. 

Volunteers: Do you have a spare 4 hours once a month? If so, please consider 

becoming a volunteer in The Bridge. You can be assured old friendships will be 

reignited and new friendships formed. Do not worry about lack of experience as 

another friendly volunteer will be only too happy to assist. 

Trustees Annual Report: the Trustees Report & Accounts for the fourth year of The 

Bridge were approved by the trustees on 27th January. A copy is available at The 

Bridge for your perusal. 

(Opening Hours: Mon – 9am to 5pm (PO closed 12 noon to 12.30pm); Tues & 

Fri – 1pm to 5pm; Wed & Thu – 10am to 2pm; Sat – 9am to 1pm) 

We look forward to an evening with Scottish Water on Thursday 

March 3rd. The subject will range from water at home to Scottish 

Water’s involvement in bringing clean water to less developed parts of the 

world. 

We meet at the British Legion hall in Bridge of Weir at 7.15 for 7.30pm and 

guests as well as members will be made most welcome.


DARGAVEL: Improvements to the park and ride facility at 

Bishopton Train Station are planned and will take place 

over the summer. These works are part of the parcel of 

improvements coming from the development of Dargavel 

Village. The improvement work is likely to last around 18 

weeks and inevitably there will be disruption – the developer 

is working to keep this to a minimum. I have asked that 

residents and motorists are given as much prior notice as 

possible and commuters are asked to use other park and 

ride facilities in the area where possible. If they cannot can I 

politely request that motorists respect those that live in the 

vicinity of the station. 

DRAINAGE: It is good to see improvements to the drainage on Station Road 

in Langbank. It was clear that an upgrade was required and I’m pleased the 

council has been able to invest here. I am aware the council needs to address 

many other areas – this is becoming more challenging given the cuts to the 

council budget – but we will be asking the Scottish Government for additional 

funds to help address the danger of flooding across Renfrewshire. 

LIGHTING: Several faulty streetlights were reported and repaired. There was 

a backlog of repairs as the contractor disputed the contract – but the council 

managed to resolve the issue using emergency powers. The council are seeking 

to improve the crossing at St Mary’s Episcopal Church and the car park on 

Bridge of Weir Rd and to line the entrance to the Old School in Bridge of Weir. 

E-mail: cllr.michael.holmes@renfrewshire.gov.uk Surgeries: 4th Monday: Langbank PS 

(from 6pm) and Bishopton Library (from 6.45pm) and Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir 4th 

Wednesday (from 6.30pm). Tel: 0300 300 1295. 

Bridge Of Weir Comm Council 

PLANNING: Fraser Carlin, Head of Planning and Housing Services at 

Renfrewshire Council attended the February meeting giving a presentation and 

update on the current Local Development Plan, the timescale and the role the 

Community Council will have in the consultation process. 

A considerable number of members of the Public came to hear of the proposed 

Gladman’s Development on the Kilmacolm Road, this amounted to a lengthy 

debate. The Community Council agreed to write to Gladman Developments 

Ltd expressing our concerns on the proposals to develop the Green Belt 

site lying to the north of Kilmacolm Road for housing. This application is for 

planning in principle and does not offer any information of the final number 

or the style of houses being planned. However, it is a large site and is likely to 

have a significant impact on the village. Residents wishing to make comment 

on this proposal should write to Gladman Developments Ltd, 2 Eliburn Park, 

Livingstone, EH54 6GR quoting application reference POAN15/0787/NO or by 

e.mail to planningscotland@gladman.co.uk. 

Concerns were raised that the old Bull’s garage is fast becoming an eyesore 

in the village. Fraser Carlin informed us that no planning application has been 

received for development at this site. The Community Council will contact 

Renfrewshire Council Planning to explore any options that may exist for this site. 

Likewise there has been no further proposals for Development at the Whitelint 

Gate site. 

The Community Council was informed that a planning application has been 

lodged by Ranfurly Castle Golf Club for the development of seven properties on 

land within the green belt at Clevan’s Road. 

POLICE REPORT: The meeting welcomed Inspector Glass who reported that 

the police are seeking information after a break-in to a trailer parked at the 

rear of Burndale Workshops, Johnstone Road in the early hours of 30 January 

resulting in the theft of a distinctive Go-kart valued at £8,000. She reported 

that sneak thieves are operating in the area entering unlocked properties and 

making a quick getaway. People are leaving themselves vulnerable to this by 

leaving doors and windows unsecured. 

WASTE COLLECTIONS: The brown bin service operates from 

1 March. Your brown garden waste bin is collected every 

two weeks, and is collected on the same day as your blue 

recycling bin. At around October time, there is likely to be a 

change to the way your food waste is collected. Your bagged 

food waste can then be put in the brown wheelie bins along 

with your garden waste. The brown wheelie bins will then be 

collected all year round. This process should keep this waste 

out of landfill and the process of anaerobic digestion should 

create an energy source as well as digestate for use in such 

areas as agriculture. 

ROADS: Thanks to everyone who has contacted me either by 

email or through my pot hole watch forms. The roads are in a terrible state and 

a number of cars have received punctures. I will keep reporting pot holes and 

hopefully some of the poorest roads in the ward will be resurfaced soon. 

I have submitted a motion to Renfrewshire Council to have the flooding issues 

in Langbank addressed. The community council has written a comprehensive 

report of the recent flooding events for which I am grateful, and I am sure this 

will be very useful. 

OTHER: Nest boxes increase both bird numbers and breeding success. Here 

are some tips for making one: A wooden box is fine but the material that will 

attract most birds is woodcrete: concrete reinforced sawdust. Don’t stray from 

the traditional round entry hole; tits much prefer that shape, also, different birds 

prefer different colours. Don’t provide nesting material as they probably won’t 

use it. Have the box facing northeast (avoid southwest-facing boxes) and clean 

out once a year. 

Surgeries: Bishopton Community Library - 1st Monday of every month (6.30pm), 

Cargill Hall - 2nd Monday of every month (6.30pm), Langbank Parish Church Hall 

- 3rd Monday of every month (6.30pm). 

Contact: 0300-300-1291 or email cllr.james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk . 

Also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/councillormaclaren 

“Working with you and improving our local area”. Please feel free to contact 

me with any of your concerns, and I am happy to meet with you at a mutually 

convenient time. 

Acknowledgement: Graham (Davie) 

Morag and the family would like to thank all relatives, friends and neighbours 

for so much kindness and support during recent weeks. The Rev. Susanne 

Dunleavy for her spiritual comfort and the doctors, nurses and staff at the RAH 

Paisley for their caring attention. 

The generous collection was donated to the Beatson Cancer Charity. 

Reports of speeding traffic on Kilgraston Road and Crosslee Road will be 

investigated by the Police. 

The Community Council has written to the Roads Department asking for speed 

restriction or speed warning signs on Crosslee Road at the entrance to the 

Cycle Path. 

SCHOOLS: Councillor M Brown reported that the cabin in the playground of the 

Primary school was there so that classes could be decanted while electrical 

works were carried out. Building work has started on the extension to the 

Nursery. 

ROADS & PAVEMENTS: Councillor Maclaren reported Livery Walk recycling bins 

are well used and the council is reluctant to remove them. He is seeking to have 

them repaired, tidied up, emptied and will request that the site is kept tidy. 

The meeting heard of dangerous road conditions on the Johnstone Road at the 

bend between Burndale Workshop and Kilbarchan Cemetery the cause is water 

penetrating onto the roads from the fields. In freezing weather the water turns 

to ice. A letter has been written to the roads department to resolve this. 

A member of the public raised the issue of haulage vehicles parked in lay by’s in 

the vicinity of the village the Community Council will look into this matter. 

The meeting heard there is an issue between the contractor responsible for 

street lighting and Renfrewshire Council resulting in repairs to faulty street 

lights not being carried out. The Community Council hopes this matter will be 

resolved as soon as possible before it becomes a public safety issue. 

It has been brought to the attention of the Community Council that the unadopted 

pavement on Clevan’s Road at the boundary wall of Ranfurly Castle 

Golf Club is in a dangerous condition. Pedestrians have to venture on to the 

road, surely an unsafe practice. A letter has been written to Renfrewshire 

Council asking them to use whatever powers they have to rectify the problem. 

Kilgraston Road from Ranfurly Place to Lawmarnock Road will be closed from 

Monday 14 March till Sunday 17 April. This is to allow the installation of an 

electric cable. Diversion route: Ranfurly Place, Prieston Road, Lawmarnock 

Road or Vice Versa. 

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 1st March at 7pm in the Cargill Hall.


houston, crosslee 

& brookfield 

..................................................... 

Brookfield Art Exhibition & Sale 

Jimmie Macgregor MBE 

Brookfield Art Club is delighted Jimmie Macgregor is opening 

its annual exhibition in the Brookfield Village Hall at 7pm on 

Saturday 19 March. 

Jimmie, a well-known entertainer and broadcaster, is a 

graduate of Glasgow School of Art. He was a huge influence 

in the revival of folk music, performing all over the world with his late partner, 

Robin Hall. The duo reached a national TV audience in the early sixties 

appearing on the ‘Tonight’ programme and Jimmie’s later radio programme 

‘Macgregor’s Gathering’ ran for ten years. 

Jimmie is still going strong, with a sell-out concert in 2016 Celtic Connections 

and bookings for his one-man show. Having returned to his early training 

Jimmie has recently taken up watercolour painting, selling some of his work in 

a local exhibition. 

With over 100 paintings by local artists the Brookfield Art Club Exhibition and 

Sale is open for 2 days, Saturday 19 March, 6.30-8.30pm and Sunday 20 

March, 12noon-4.30pm, admission £1. Refreshments. 

H.O.S.T. (Houston Old School Trust) 

The Carrick Centre, Houston 

What’s on March 2016 

Monday to Friday, Woodlands Out of 

School 01505 615438 

MONDAY 

Embroiderers Guild (Weekly) 10am 

– 12pm 

Yoga (Weekly) 1pm Mary Laidlaw 

01505 229112 

Rockstar Tumbling Class (Weekly) 

4:15pm Roz Hart 07734 714 131 

Young Farmers 14th 7:30pm 

Diaporama 14th 7:30pm 

Handiwives 21st 7:30pm 

WEDNESDAY 

Leap Energy (Weekly) 10am – 3pm 

Paint Pot Tots ( Weekly ) 10am Dawn 

Campbell 07789 262 350 

Galaxy Dance (weekly) 4pm Lauren 

07974 285102 

Councillors Surgeries 16th 6:30pm 

Gryffe Melody Makers 2nd & 16th 

7pm 

Camera Club (weekly ) 7:30pm 

Houston Community Council 16th 

7:30pm 

SATURDAY 

Galaxy Dancing (weekly) 9:30am 

Lauren 

SUNDAY 

Baptist Church (weekly) 11am and 

6pm 

TUESDAY 

Musical Theatre (Weekly) 3:30pm 

5:45pm 

Yoga (weekly) 7pm M/s Lawson 

01505 613690 

Gryffebank Residents 1st 7pm 

Crawford Road Residents 1st 8pm 

WRADS 8th 7:30pm 

Clyde & Central YF 7pm 

THURSDAY 

Burlex Fitness (Weekly) 9:15 – 10am 

07944 815 298 

Gryffe Quilting Group (Weekly) 1:15 - 

3:15 17th 10am -3pm 

Crafty Friends 3rd & 17th 7:30pm 

Folk Club (weekly) 8pm Paddybullen@ 

live.co.uk 

FRIDAY 

Yoga (Weekly) 10:30am M/s Lawson 

01505 613690 

Galaxy Dancing (weekly) 4pm 

Lauren 

MP Surgery (11th) 12:30 – 1:30pm 

Booking enquiries to Ian Simpson, 01505 612203 Sandy Young 01505 

331488 Bill Haddow 01505 690693 

hostbooking@outlook.com or The Coffee Shop 

Brookfield Village Council AGM 

As all residents of Brookfield have an equal share in the land and property 

owned by the village, including the Village Hall itself, it is important to have your 

say, so we would really like to encourage as many residents as possible to join 

us on the evening of Friday, 18th March. 

We will be discussing the important issues of the year, sharing news from 

the various Clubs and Associations, as well as garnering opinion on some 

constitutional items. However, please don’t think this is all serious stuff, as 

following the AGM we will be enjoying a fun social evening with our friends and 

neighbours, so please do come along. 

Houston & Crosslee SWI 

On the 9th March we welcome Hamish McKelvie, who will talk 

to us about “The World of Cactus Growing”. In April we have our 

AGM and Spring Show. 

All our meetings are held in The Compass Centre, South Street, Houston at 

7.30pm. Come along and join us, you will be made very welcome. For further 

information please contact, Arlene McKay on 0141 884 6210. 

Houston and Killellan Kirk 

Carnival 

Star Wars is coming to Houston on Saturday May 14th - May the force be with 

you! It is that time of year again when on the horizon the Kirk Carnival starts to 

appear. This year the theme is STAR WARS which will appeal to young and not 

so old. With a new film released recently this should give everyone fresh ideas 

as to what their apparel will be on the grand day. 

This is an immensely successful event but in order to achieve this there is a 

tremendous amount of hard work involved by organisers, contributors, helping 

hands and all who take part. It is now the time for those with green fingers 

thinking about sowing seeds and getting the flowers and shrubs ready for the 

plant stall. Don’t forget donations of toiletries, jewellery, homebaking will all 

be gratefully received. Unfortunately we cannot accept electrical items or large 

pieces of furniture. All proceeds will go towards the new extension fund. 

..................................................... 

DAMAGE: I was shocked by the number of bus shelters around 

the villages that have been damaged recently. Is the damage 

being caused by accident (brittle panels in cold weather), the 

recent high storms or acts of vandalism? You can decide. 

LITTER: This is an on-going problem in many areas of the 

villages and I will continue to chase Community Resources for 

a more frequent clean up including to and from the shopping 

areas to the local schools. It would help to improve the village 

image if litter was deposited in the many bins provided and 

not thrown away. 

STREET LIGHTS: Due to a dispute there is a backlog in repairs 

to the unprecedented number of street lights out throughout 

Renfrewshire. Work is currently being undertaken to reduce 

the backlog, and bring our street lights back on as soon as possible. 

ELECTIONS: To vote in the upcoming Scottish Parliamentary Elections on 5th May 

2016 a person must be registered to vote. Some people may think that they are 

already on the register as they have voted previously but this might not be the 

case.You can check if you are registered by phoning the Electoral Registration 

Helpline on 0300 300 0150. It only takes a few minutes to register to vote. Go to 

www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or by phone to the registration helpline. 

To vote you must be registered by 18th of April. As it says on the slogan YOUR 

VOTE MATTERS - DON’T LOSE IT! 

AWARD CEREMONY: The winners of this year’s Provost’s Community Awards will 

be announced at an awards ceremony in the Paisley Town Hall on 11th of March. 

This year there were no nominations in any of the five categories from Houston, 

Crosslee or Brookfield although neighbouring villages are represented. Maybe 

next year. 

BRIDGE REPAIRS: Repairs to both sides of the stone bridge over the River Gryffe 

in Crosslee have been rescheduled with the work now expected to be undertaken 

week beginning 15th February. This may cause some traffic disruption at peak 

times. 

My surgeries are held on the second Tuesday of the month in the Brookfield 

Village Hall from 6pm to 6.30pm then in the Houston Village Hall from 7pm to 

7.45pm. I can be contacted by phone on 01505 610018 or by e-mail at cllr.allan. 

noon@renfrewshire.gov.uk or through Renfrewshire Council on 0300 300 1265. 

33 33


houston, crosslee 

& brookfield 

..................................................... 


Houston Old School Trust (HOST) is holding a series of classical music concerts 

in the Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 

this coming winter (2016/17). As a preview 

to this we are holding a concert on Saturday 

19th March 2016 with a performance by the 

Barochan Quartet. This is a string quartet of 

local talent, all professional musicians, and 

members of the B B C Symphony Orchestra. 

Music Programme - Mozart D Minor Quartet 

K421 Alexander Glasunov “Quartet Slav"; 

Puccini “Chrysanthemum"; a selection from 

“the shows”. 

Also for the night we are pleased to present 

Paula Barron, a semi professional mezzo 

soprano who hails from Paisley with her 

accompanist Jim Drennan with a programme 

of Light classical repertoire/ songs from the shows. 

Ticket prices are £12 with concessions for children and students £5. Option is 

also available to have a 2/3 course meal ( table service ) before the concert in 

our café. Two courses + coffee £15. Third course available at extra cost ( bring 

own booze ) 

We are also looking to enlist support to form a working committee to help 

organise /promote future concerts. 

To request tickets or register your interest in helping out please call the Carrick 

Centre 01505 229597 or e mail - thecarrickcentre@gmail.com 

kilmacolm 

& quarriers 

OUTLOOK meets in the Kidston Hall at 2pm twice monthly. 

Everyone welcome to attend the OUTLOOK social afternoon 

group for the community of Kilmacolm. On 3rd March we 

welcome a volunteer speaker from the Scottish charity 

‘Mary’s Meals’, the work has expanded in the past ten 

years but its aims remain the same - a cooked meal for 

every schoolchild in the poorest countries of the world. On 17th 

March we are delighted to welcome Rev Heller Gonzalez, and his wife Montse, 

to our group. Heller will share with us the traditions of Easter in his homeland 

of Spain. Plus, at each meeting, discussion of community issues, dates for the 

diary and Afternoon Tea. Friendship and fellowship are the basics of OUTLOOK, 

we hope you will give us a try! 

‘Our Village’ Exhibition finds 

new home 

Kilmacolm Civic Trust are delighted to announce that ‘Our Village’, the 

exhibition of images created last spring by pupils from Kilmacolm Primary and 

St Columba’s Junior School, is now on permanent display in the first storey 

corridor at the Cargill Centre. Our thanks go to the Board of Kilmacolm New 

Community Centre for hosting the exhibition. Check out the pictures and see 

how much the village has changed in the last year! 

Coffee Morning 

Saturday 5 March from 10am - 12 noon in 

the New Community Centre, Kilmacolm (upstairs). 

For MND (motor neurone disease) - Ticket £3. 

Ladies Charity Night Raises £1670 

The ladies who are embarking on the Houston & Killellan Kirk Pilgrimage to 

The Holy Land organised a very successful Ladies Charity Night. This event was 

held in the JG Fleming Bowling Club on Friday 22 January and its purpose was 

to raise funds for The Al-Shurooq School for blind children in Bethlehem. Many 

thanks to all those from the congregation and friends who donated prizes, 

provided home baking and helped out on the night. 

A special thanks to Robert & Joanne Craig for providing the disco free of charge, 

this was greatly appreciated. A special thanks to The Ladies Section of the 

bowling club for donations and Smartie tubes! Thanks to Irene McLaughlin for 

her Bingo skills and to Jean Gray for the Lucky Dips and Jackie Taylor for her 

paintings! The evening and other fundraisers made the magnificent total of 

£1670 which we will hand over to the school when we visit in February. 

Senior Citizens - On the 9th March Irene MacKenzie will be taking us to Canada 

with a talk on the her travels to the wonderful country. Moira Dunlop will be 

along on Wednesday 23rd March and will be showing us the art of papercraft. 

Guild - The Guild are nearing the end of their session. On Friday 4th March 

we will be hosting the World Day of Prayer in the Church at 7.30pm. A warm 

welcome to everyone. Mr David walker will be our guest speaker on March 1st 

at 7-30pm in the West Halls, he will be giving an insight to Glasgow’s Hidden 

Treasures. Please come along and enjoy. To end the current session we will be 

holding our AGM on Tuesday 15th March at 7.30pm. 

..................................................... 

Mount Zion Church 

Prayer at Mount Zion Church 

Jesus came to bring us life in all its fullness. 

We believe Jesus can heal us physically and 

emotionally through prayer. If you would like to 

receive prayer for any difficulty, please contact 

Pastor Andy for an appointment by email, 

pastorandy.lunn@ntlworld.com, or come to see us 

on a Sunday morning at 10:30am, or at our Bible 

Study and Prayer Meetings on Wednesday at 7pm 

or Friday at 10am. We will be privileged to pray 

with you. There is no charge for any pastoral help 

given at Mount Zion Church, Law View Road, Quarriers Village, PA11 3FD. 

Youth Club 

For any high school age young people, our youth club has table tennis, pool, 

air hockey, and table football. We also play ball games, practice short dramas, 

and many other activities; every week we have a short talk on how the Bible 

can help us with our lives. Youth Club is from 6:30pm-8:30pm on Thursdays 

and it’s free. 

Easter at Mount Zion 

Church 

Please join with us as we 

celebrate Jesus death 

for our sins and His 

resurrection for our life! 

March 20 at 10.30am 

Palm Sunday Service; 

March 24 at 7pm Maundy Thursday Communion; March 25 at 2.30pm Good 

Friday Meditation; March 27 at 10.30am Easter Sunday Family Service followed 

by and Easter Brunch in aid of Mercy Ships; March 27 at 7pm The Gatherin’. 

The Gatherin’ 

The Gatherin’ is for people to come together who hunger for more of the 

presence of the Lord and to be fed from His word. The Gatherin’ is at 7pm on 

the fourth Sunday of each month, at Mount Zion Church in Quarriers Village. 

Please come and invite others: all welcome!


35 35 

Kilmacolm Art Class Annual 

Exhibition 

Friday 18 March (10am – 5.30pm) and 

Saturday 19 March (10am - 4pm). 

This year it is again being held in The New Community 

Centre, Kilmacolm, which is an exciting venue, and 

we hope that even more people than usual will come 

along to view this excellent show. 

There will be a large selection of paintings beautifully 

framed and displayed for sale in oil, delicate water 

colours and palate knife all to tempt the discerning art lover, with prices to suit 

all budgets 

Whether you are looking for contemporary, abstract or just an original art work 

to brighten your home, this could be the ideal opportunity. Please do come 

along and support the exhibition. 

“Haymaking - 

Tuscany” 

One of Jim Wood’s latest original oil 

paintings which can now be viewed in 

‘Threads’, Kilmacolm. 

Entrance-Adults £1, Children over 5 

years- 50p 

The art class meets on Thursday 

morning and afternoon in St Fillans 

church hall with a resident retired art 

teacher (Tom Murray) in attendance 

to help and give advice or moral 

support. New members at all levels 

would be most welcome for the 

next session. The morning class is 

currently full and applicants would be 

placed on a waiting list. There are a 

few vacancies in the afternoon class 

beginning in October 2016. Contact 

Janice Sinclair, Secretary Tel-01505 

873141 or ask at the Exhibition for 

more information. 

Diaporama 

February was Gerry and Hugh’s night. 

Between them they had 12 audiovisual 

sequences for us to see - some 

old, others new. They mainly covered 

different topics but where the subjects 

did overlap there was a very different 

approach. They decided to alternate 

the shows. We started with a look at 

the history and making of ‘Whisky’ 

including making whiskey in the 

USA! We then went to warmer areas 

of the world visiting ‘San Francisco’ 

to look at the streets. Buildings, 

ships and Alcatraz , ‘Petra, the Rose 

Red City’ in Jordan with its beautiful 

buildings, and ‘Curacao’ seeing its 

colourful town. We went sailing in 

an ‘Caribbean Odyssey’ going round 

the islands and visited the Greek 

islands in the ‘Ionian Sea’. We had 

a tour round ‘Barbados’. We saw two 

very different gardens -’Butchand 

Gardens’ on Vancouver Island and 

‘St Vincent Botanical Gardens’ - both 

very interesting but very different. 

Back home we saw beautiful vintage 

cars at Holyrood House in ‘Concours 

of Elegance’. And took to the sea in 

‘Kayak in the Isles’. We went very 

close to home with ‘Irn Bru’ - a look 

at the Sustrans volunteers clearing 

up the rubbish and collecting the 

glass Irn Bru bottles. Each bottle 

returned gave 30p back and this 

was put towards the Christmas meal 

- unfortunately this (30p) doesn’t 

happen any more! 

The March meeting sees ‘Les Girls 

risqué reprise’ - should be a funfilled 

evening!! It is held in the 

Carrick Centre, Houston on Monday 

14th March at 7.30pm. Everyone 

welcome. 

Photos all by Hugh Kerr 

Kilmacolm Spiritualist Church 

Kilmacolm Community Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm. 

Help every Tuesday @ 7.30pm (doors open 6.45pm)


kilmacolm 

& quarriers 

..................................................... 

Grace Church 

Kilmacolm is on the 

move… 

From Sunday 3 April 2016 onwards Grace Church will meet 

for worship at 10.30am in the Kilmacolm Guide Hut, off 

Woodrow Avenue. 

We wish to express our sincere thanks to the Kilmacolm 

Scouts for allowing us the use of their Hut on Barr’s Brae 

over the past 8 months. Our final service in the Scout Hut 

will be our Easter Service at 10.30am on Sunday 27 March 

2016, when Mr Innes Macsween (student for ministry in the 

Free Church) will be our guest preacher. A warm welcome is 

extended to all to join with us at any of our services. 

Grace Church is a preaching station under the supervision of 

Dowanvale Free Church of Scotland, Glasgow (a registered 

charity in Scotland: SC038274). 

Kilmacolm Civic Trust – AGM 

The Kilmacolm Civic Trust (KCT) Annual General Meeting will take 

place at the Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm on Tuesday 22nd March, 

starting at 7pm. 

7pm - 7.40pm - Formal AGM Business, all members are invited to attend, 

followed by: 7.45pm - 8.45pm an illustrated talk by the renowned Scottish 

sculptor, Dr Andy Scott, creator of ‘The Kelpies’ as well as numerous public and 

private commissions in the UK 

and around the world. He’ll 

be talking about his artwork, 

concepts and commissions that 

are on display in Scotland. 

The talk is open to all members 

of the KCT and to residents of 

Kilmacolm, Quarriers Village 

and the surrounding area 

who are not members of the 

Kilmacolm Civic Trust. Nonmembers 

will be 

very welcome and 

should join us just 

after 7.40pm. 

Despite the recent fire, work is progressing well and on 

schedule on the refurbishment of Kilmacolm Primary School. 

Despite press reports to the contrary, the £4.3m cost of these 

works is being fully underwritten by the Council at present. 

We have been promised some funding from the Scottish 

Government but the extent of it is as yet unknown. 

Work on the resurfacing of Port Glasgow Road, Kilmacolm 

from the Auchenbothie Road junction to Woodrow Avenue 

is due to commence on 16 March. There will obviously be 

significant disruption during the period of these works but 

we’re sure it will be worth it. 

The Council has taken the unprecedented decision to delay 

setting its budget until 10 March to allow us more time to find ways of mitigating the huge funding 

cut of £6.6m imposed on us by the Scottish Government. Normally the Council sets its budget in 

February. 

We are endeavouring to protect jobs and frontline services as best we can for the next two years. 

Beyond that there will undoubtedly be severe cuts unless the people of Scotland are prepared to 

pay more in tax to fund the current levels of public services. 

The Council did take the decision on 18 February to freeze the Council Tax for 

the ninth successive year. You will however see your bills rise as the Scottish 

Government has approved an increase in Water and Sewerage charges. The 

Council simply acts as a collection agent for Scottish Water and has no control 

over the level of charges. 

Councillor McColgan 

My surgeries this month are on Tuesday 1 March, 6–7pm, in Kilmacolm 

Community Centre and Tuesday 15 March, 6–7pm, in Boglestone Community 

Centre, Port Glasgow. 

You can reach me on 01475 712727 (during office hours) and 07881280016 

(anytime) or by emailing me at james.mccolgan@inverclyde.gov.uk. Alternatively 

you can write to me at Inverclyde Council, Municipal Buildings, Greenock PA15 

1LY. You can keep up to date with my work as a Councillor by visiting my 

website: http://jamesmccolgan.com. You can also follow me on Twitter @ 

jamesmccolgan. 

Councillor McCabe 

I have one surgery this month are on Tuesday 22 March, 6-7pm, in Boglestone 

Community Centre, Port Glasgow. 

You can also contact me directly to discuss any matters that are of concern to 

you by telephone on 01475 712020 (during office hours) and 871368 (home) 

or by email to Stephen.McCabe@inverclyde.gov.uk. Alternatively you can write to 

me at 10 Victoria Gardens, Kilmacolm PA13 4HL. You can keep up to date with 

my work as a Councillor by visiting my blog: http://councillorstephenmccabe. 

blogspot.com/ and follow me on Twitter @CllrSMcCabe. 

................................................................. 

It was great to see that the Scottish Government announced that they are 

providing funding for the refurbishment of Kilmacolm Primary School as part 

of their continuing commitment towards the building of new schools and 

refurbishments of others throughout Scotland. KPS will receive a share of the 

Scottish Government’s £230 million investment, as part of the final phase of the 

£1.8 billion “Schools for the Future” programme. This funding shows that the 

Scottish Government are continuing to work hard alongside councils to improve 

educational standards and provide good quality learning environments. 

Sadly in many parts of Ward 1, I hear a number of complaints about dog dirt not 

being lifted by owners. As a dog owner myself I am dismayed when I hear this. 

The council have put up a number of dog bins throughout the district and I have 

also been told if there are no dog bins nearby then black bins can be used. 

I have again received complaints from residents on Park Road in Kilmacolm that some parents are 

parking their cars across driveways while dropping off/picking up children from St Columba’s Junior 

School. I would urge drivers to be more considerate and not park across residents driveways. 

The recent storms with heavy rain and strong winds made it was difficult for many people to get on 

with their daily lives but we should spare a thought for many council staff who worked long hours to 

ensure we were able to keep moving. I would like to thank them for all their hard work. 

My next surgeries in March will be advertised in the local newspaper, on the Inverclyde Council 

website and my surgery posters. I can be contacted between surgeries on 01475 712727 or my 

mobile 07747 765 839 or email: jim.macleod@inverclyde.gov.uk or writing to me at Inverclyde 

Council, Municipal Buildings, Greenock, PA15 1LY.


37 37 

My wife, Lorraine , and I officiated at the Festival Final Concert 

in Greenock Town Hall at the conclusion of the two weeks of 

the nationally recognised Inverclyde Music Festival, now in 

its 91st year. Throughout there were considerable numbers 

of competitors from Kilmacolm Primary, Port Glasgow High 

School and St Columba’s senior and junior. There were some 

outstanding performances notably from Cameron Stark 

(piping), Rowan MacKillop and Catriona Faint (singing), Poppy 

Pitts (instrumental), Nicola Craig (brass) and Mathew McIlree 

(piano) who all won major awards. Mathew won the Andrew 

B Cockle Trophy for the best performer in the Festival. His 

winning piece by Ginastera brought the audience to its feet. 

St Colms are fortunate to have Mathew playing the organ at 

their services. 

I attended a Steel Cutting Ceremony at Ferguson’s Yard in Port Glasgow. The 

Dunnet family kept shipbuilding operating in the lower Clyde for many years and 

the mantle has now been passed on to Jim McColl. We wish him good fortune in 

what will be a battle to compete internationally for ship orders. 

TOXICARIASIS is an infection of the eye caused by roundworm in parasites spread 

to humans via dog dirt. A constituent’s son has contracted the disease and has 

been in danger of losing the sight in one of his eyes. He has attended both IRH 

and Yorkhill Children’s Hospital. His GP, Dr Mike Mutch said “The youngster could 

have lost his eyesight if this infection had not been diagnosed. Once the damage 

is done, it’s done”. The family does not have a dog and it is likely he contracted 

the infection when playing in common grass areas. There is only a small minority 

who nowadays do not pick up their dog’s dirt especially in common grass areas 

and woods where children are liable to play. The current fine is £40, and given the 

dangers of infection, I am campaigning for a £100 fine. 

My Conservative colleague in Renfrewshire Council, Cllr James McLaren, has 

joined the Board of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park as one of Renfrewshire’s 

representatives. As vice-chair, I welcome James, and as a keen cyclist he will 

be able to contribute to the Park’s ambitious plans for cycle access throughout 

the Park. No news yet about the public inquiry into the windfarm in the Park at 

Corlic Hill. 

I have attended far too many funerals recently but it never fails to amaze me that 

no matter how well you think you know somebody there is always a surprise or 

two in the eulogy. 

Kilmacolm Golf Club is celebrating its 125th Anniversary this year and Marcus 

Humphrey House in Quarriers its 25th. I look forward to attending functions at 

both and wish Captain Colin McGinn and the management at the Home Gods 

speed in their important year. 

The Burns season is almost over, my last event is the Immortal Memory at the 

Bishopton Rangers Supporters Club annual Burns Supper which is being held in 

Inchinnan. I know the other speakers and it should be a right good night to finish 

off the season. 

My surgeries are 17th March Cargill 11-12 and 22nd March St Francis Primary 

5-6. I can be contacted at david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk and 01475 712727 

and 741969 and 07766 992294. 

Kilmacolm Community Cleanup 

Saturday 2 April - car park outside the Pullman, 10am 

Why not come along and help clean up a few areas in and around Kilmacolm? 

Volunteers of all ages (“under-16s” please be accompanied by an adult) 

welcome, to spend a couple of hours picking up rubbish along the roads 

leading into the village. Inverclyde Council will provide litter pickers, bags, 

hi-viz clothing, and disposable gloves. Depending on how many we are, we’ll 

split into teams, and each team will be assigned to clean up a specific and 

reasonably sized area. I’m also looking for 3-4 volunteers with vehicles to help 

with transportation to and from outlying locations. 

Meet in the car park outside the Pullman, just at the entrance to the cycle track, 

at 10am. Wear weather-appropriate clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty, 

and comfortable walking shoes. You may also want to bring heavier work gloves, 

and mobile phones. If the weather brings horizontal rain (or other abysmal 

conditions), we’ll cancel; otherwise, be prepared for sun (we can hope!), wind, 

light rain, etc. Please call Karen on 874656 to sign up -- especially if you can 

be a driver -- so we can plan for the areas we’ll be able to cover. 

Kilmacolm launches Heritage 

Centre company 

Following presentations to Kilmacolm New Community Council and Kilmacolm 

Civic Trust and with the backing of all four Councillors and extensive local 

discussions, an application was made to form a company with the Registrar 

of Companies, who has now issued a Certificate of Incorporation in respect of 

Kilmacolm Heritage Centre Company, a company limited by guarantee. 

The company’s objectives are: 

• To support the stimulation of local and Inverclyde economic, social and 

cultural regeneration. 

• To form a single issue community organisation committed to setting up and 

running a physical heritage presence and focus in Kilmacolm and Quarriers 

Village and environs. 

• To encourage and maintain community interests and enthusiasm and 

reconnect it with its heritage in Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village and 

environs. 

• To advance education. 

• To assist in developing the tourist trade. 

• To assist in generating and encouraging business in Kilmacolm and 

Quarriers Village. 

• To promote and encourage community cohesion. 

An Executive Board is being established, made up mainly from the principal 

community organisations including Inverclyde Council, Kilmacolm Civic Trust, 

Kilmacolm Community Council, Kilmacolm New Community Centre Company 

Ltd and Quarriers. 

It is anticipated that the inaugural meeting of the Board will take place within 

the next three to four weeks to confirm the appointment of Board Members, 

etc. It is intended that Kilmacolm and Quarriers communities will be regularly 

kept abreast of developments. 

Copies of the Certification of Incorporation and Memorandum and Articles of 

Association can be obtained from Kingsley Wood & Co, Solicitors, Burnside 

Chambers, Kilmacolm. 

Joy for St Fillan’s 

Angel Voices Choir! 

The Children’s Choir gave a good performance at the Inverclyde Festival of 

Music with their two songs and retained the Peter Pan Chalice for the Under 

11’s Mixed Choir Class. The Choir gained higher marks than last year showing 

year on year progress. There were also successes for members of the choir 

in the individual solo classes. New members of boys and girls from around 

7years upwards are always welcome to join. Rehearsals 6-7pmFridays in St 

Fillan’s Church Hall, Moss Road, Kilmacolm – contact Maureen Russell 01505- 

872905 or email: maureenmrussell@hotmail.com


howwood 

& elderslie 

..................................................... 

A couple of days before I wrote this article, the council came 

to an agreement over this years budget. I will update readers 

on the details in April's issue of the Advertizer. 

I recently attended an event showcasing the work of Active 

Communities. They are a mainly voluntary organisation that 

involve local people in activities that stimulate the mind and 

body and its great to see people who wouldn’t normally take 

part in these type of things enjoying them, so well done to 

everyone involved. 

As you know new shops are about to open in Spateston and 

one of the shopkeepers has applied to open Post Office 

services within their shop. Although not based in the village 

I'm sure it will be well used by the people of the village. 

ANNUAL VILLAGE CLEAN-UP - Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April 

The annual village clean up organised by the Community Council is being held 

on the weekend of 16/17 April any help would be greatly appreciated. 

A wee word of warning. Whilst out leafleting for the Scottish elections I have 

noticed a lot of mail hanging out of letter boxes and post boxes so I would urge 

people to keep an eye on this for obvious reasons. 

I’ll close now by reminding you my monthly surgery is held in the village hall on 

the 4th Thursday of the month between 6pm and 7pm. 

Howwood SWI 

Tuesday 15th March - Colourful Gardening by Douglas Fraser, 

Dundonald Garden Centre. Competition - Flower Ornament; 

Hostesses - Morag Wills & Nana Glen; Vote of Thanks - Nana Glen. Meetings in 

Howwood Village Hall at 7.30pm. Subscription £18 per annum 

kilbarchan 

& lochwinnoch 

..................................................... 

SCHOOL CROSSING: Following a recent traffic incident I have 

asked Renfrewshire Council to review the operation of the 

informal crossing at Kilbarchan primary school which was 

established in October 2014. I have asked that the school, 

parents and local residents are involved in the review. 

ROAD REPAIRS: I am pleased to report that a significant 

stretch of Wheatlands Drive in Kilbarchan was completed 

at the beginning of the month. This was held over from the 

autumn due to bad weather but residents have reported that 

they are pleased with the results. 

ATM PROBLEMS: In Lochwinnoch there have been problems 

caused by the recent failure of the ATM cash machine. At the 

time of writing, there seems to be a dispute about whose 

responsibility it is for repairs. I have written to RBS to seek clarification and 

reassurance regarding the ATMs reliability in the future. 

PROSPECTIVE DEVELOPMENT CONSULTATION - Tue 15 March: Renfrewshire 

Council has informed me that it has received a proposal of application notice 

regarding a prospective major residential development at Barrhill crescent 

Kilbarchan. This is not a specific planning application for permission. 

The prospective developers are required to hold a public consultation and this 

will take place on Tuesday 15 March between 2pm and 8pm at the Old Library. 

I would urge as many villagers as possible to attend the event, and to take the 

opportunity to consider carefully what is being proposed, and to express their 

views direct to the applicant. 

FLOODING: I have been made aware of the issue of episodes of flooding on the 

approach to Lochwinnoch station, which has meant some passengers being 

unable to use the station. I have asked both Scotrail, and Renfrewshire Council to 

look into the matter to ascertain what can be done to ease the problem. 

My next surgeries will be on Saturday 5th March 9am in the Mckillop Institute and 

10am in the Steeple Hall. 

Meantime please contact me at cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 

0300 300 1274 or 07534 156007. 

Kilbarchan Lilias Day - 

Fundraiser 

Well it’s that time of year again and 

plans are well and truly on the way 

for an amazing Lilias Day 2016! 

We are happy to announce that 

Victoria Thompson has agreed 

to be Miss Lilias for 2016 as she 

didn’t get to carry out her duties in 

2015. 

We are hitting the ground running 

thanks to Seona Hart and her 

fantastic fundraising events. 

Miss Lilias 2016 - Victoria Thompson 

Seona is running a quiz night on 

12th March at 7.30pm in the Guide Hall in support of Lilias day so we can put 

on an even better show. Please come along to what will be a great night and 

support Lilias Day. 

Stall Holders meeting - Tuesday 15 March 

The date has been set! 

Come and book your stalls on Tuesday 15th March at Kilbarchan Old Library 

Centre. Stalls booked on the night receive 10% off.


39 39 

Scottish Country 

Dance Classes 

Lochwinnoch 

SWI 

Kilbarchan Parish Church 

Easter Eggstravaganza 

Tuesdays in the McKillop Hall, 

Lochwinnoch at 7.30pm. 

We always have great fun and it's 

good exercise too! Phone Lorna Black 

01505 843048 for more info. 

Coffee Morning 

Guide Centre, Kilbarchan 

Saturday 2 April - 10am-12 Noon 

Hosted by OES Glentyan Chapter 

-Tickets £2.50 - adults, Under 12s - 

Free (Children must be accompanied 

by an adult). Crafts, Home Baking, 

Raffles and more. Come and enjoy 

a coffee, home baked cakes and a 

browse round our craft/sales tables. 

Easter in Kilbarchan 

Parish Church 

Our next meeting of 

the Lochwinnoch SWI 

is on Wednesday 16th 

March in the McKillop Hall at 7.30. 

This month we are indulging in a bit of 

nostalgia when Isobel Montgomerie 

will be giving a talk on “Rural 

Memories”. This will be interesting to 

both new and old members. 

We look forward to welcoming 

members and guests with tea and 

cake as well. 

Any further information please 

contact, Elma Richmond Tel : 843193 

or richmond32@tiscali.co.uk 

Do you want the skills to help 

save a life?? 

Lead by Lochwinnoch and Howwood Heart Start 

We have more dates available for the FREE two hour course in 2015. 

Tuesday 15th March 2-4pm, Masonic Lodge Lochwinnoch 

If you are inserted in attending contact Morag on morag.Thow@gcu.ac.uk or 

01505843183 

The course is practical and deals with; 

• An unconscious casualty 

• Cardiac arrest 

• How to use a AED 

• Suspected heart attack 

• Choking 

• Serious bleeding 

Dr Morag Thow 

The Senior Choir, along with members of the Junior Choir will lead the Maundy 

Thursday Service on 24th March at 7pm, when John Rutter’s “Mass of the 

Children” will be sung during worship, followed by the Sacrament of Holy 

Communion. 

There will be services at 7pm on Good Friday, 25th March and on Easter 

Sunday, 27th, at 11am. 

This popular event takes place on 

Saturday 19th March in the church 

halls and grounds, off Steeple Square. 

There will be an Easter egg hunt and 

egg/bonnet decorating competitions 

for the children. Entrance is £2.50, 

children £1 and includes tea/coffee 

and hot cross buns. There will be 

stalls with home-baking, preserves 

and Easter gifts. This is the first 

fundraising event of the new Parish 

Church, please come along and enjoy 

the fellowship. 

Kilbarchan 

Habbies’ 

Annual Art 

Exhibition 

Kilbarchan Habbies art class will be holding their annual art exhibition on 

Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th April. The exhibition will be held, as usual, in 

the Guide Centre, Barn Green, Kilbarchan. Opening times are Saturday 10am - 

5pm and Sunday 10am - 4pm. 

There will be our usual display of over 100 paintings in various mediums 

which our members have worked on throughout the year. If you are looking 

for something to fill that empty space on the wall, a special unique gift for 

someone, or just want to while away a pleasant hour or so, this is the place to 

be. There are prices to suit all pockets. In addition, you will also find some very 

attractive crafts for sale. 

We have a wonderful array of home baking in the tea room, so sit and have a 

chat and a reviving cup of tea or coffee. You can also try your luck in the raffle 

/tombola. There are lots of really lovely prizes to be won. 

We are looking forward to seeing you there. 

Kilbarchan 

The NWR group meets fortnightly on Wednesdays. On our 2nd meeting in 

March, the Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire will speak and we have invited 

guests from Bridge of Weir, Bishopton, Houston and Beith. This will take place 

in Kilbarchan Parish Church hall, off Steeple Square at 8pm. We also have an 

evening talking about the colour “green” and just before Easter, we are going to 

the National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh. For further information, please 

contact the website: www.nwr.org.uk


kilbarchan 

& lochwinnoch 

..................................................... 

PLANNING: Planning issues are very much to the fore 

currently in relation to both Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch, 

and recently the Planning Board of Renfrewshire Council 

rejected an application for two solar farm developments 

outwith Lochwinnoch. Although I am in favour of the 

principle of renewable energy this has to be appropriate so 

I think the Planning Board did the right thing rejecting this 

specific application. 

The Planning Board at the same meeting approved a major 

development 267 houses on the old Merchiston Hospital 

site just outside Brookfield. I am very concerned about the 

major impact this will have for Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch 

commuters trying to access the A737 at rush hour, and I hope that this decision 

is not one which will be regretted in years to come. Currently outstanding are 

prospective applications for both the Branscroft and Barrhill Crescent areas of 

Kilbarchan, this could add to the real risk of traffic chaos at the A737, if both 

are approved, so I ask all constituents to make their views known, either for or 

against, if these applications become live. 

I am in no way opposed to new housing per se as housing is vital but we need 

a blend of both private and social housing and this is a key priority for me as an 

Elected Representative. I have written to the Housing Minister calling for more 

targeted social housing for village and rural communities to allow young people 

to stay in the communities they grew up in. 

My advice surgery in Kilbarchan is on the 2nd Wednesday of the month in the 

Steeple Hall at 7:45pm, and my advice surgery in Lochwinnoch is on the 4th 

Wednesday of the month in the McKillop at 7:30pm, excluding July. But I am also 

always available to constituents who can call me on 07534 148224, tweet me on 

CllrAndy4Ward8 or e-mail me at cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk. 

Kilbarchan Coffee Morning 

Saturday, 5th March, 10am-12noon in Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall 

Hosted by Kilbarchan Singers from 10am ‘til 12noon in Kilbarchan 

Parish Church Hall, Steeple Square, Kilbarchan. 

Tickets £2.50 Various stalls, books baking & tombola. 

Kilbarchan Fairtrade Fortnight 

There will be a Fairtrade stall in Kilbarchan Parish Church’s hall (Steeple 

Square) on Sunday 6th March from 12 noon until 1pm, to which all are 

welcome. Please come along and support producers in the developing world by 

giving them a fair price for their products. 

Cash Boost for 

Kilbarchan Smile! 

A Kilbarchan community group has raised thousands 

of pounds in funds to help make improvements to the 

village. 

Kilbarchan Smile, which was only set up last year, was 

successful in an application for funding from the Stalled Spaces initiative 

designed to bring disused areas back into use by local communities. The group 

will use the money to kickstart a community garden project at the entrance to 

the village on the site of an old petrol station. In addition to this the group had 

their application for the Co-op Local Fund accepted and local co-op members 

subsequently voted for the group to receive funding to support their activities. 

Joint Chair of the Kilbarchan Smile, Damon Scott said: “We are delighted with 

the initial fundraising successes that will help us start to realise some of our 

ambitions for village improvements. Initially it will enable us to buy equipment 

and materials to make a start on the community garden by putting raised beds, 

shrubs and other planting areas in place.” 

Kilbarchan Smile is always looking for volunteers to help with the various projects 

it is undertaking. To get involved contact Gail Scoular on 07985749220, email 

gailscoular@gmail.com or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook.


Kilbarchan Old Library 

41 41 

MARY BARBOUR EXHIBITION: We hope you were able to find the time to visit the Mary Barbour 

exhibition in the Old Library. It was arranged with very short notice and we did our best to advertise 

the event. The makettes of the contesting sculptures were on display and a public vote for the 

favourite was being taken to decide which would be made into the statue of Mary. Each sculptor 

provided an informative text about their work. The exhibition came from the People’s Palace and 

was going from Kilbarchan to the Glasgow City Chambers. 

PROSPECTIVE DEVELOPMENT EXHIBITION: The next public event will be another display from 

prospective builders wanting to breach our Green Belt. This time it is the ground behind the Quarry. 

Low Barholm and Barrhill Crescent. If you do not want to see the Green Belt breached it is important 

that you attend the exhibition on Tuesday, 15th March in the Old Library open 2pm – 9pm. This 

will be the third building group to wish to build on the Green Belt. 

REGULAR ACTIVITIES: The Library activities are following the usual timetable. Details are on our 

web, our windows and the Community notice board. A new Computer Group is being formed and 

we hope to have sufficient names for a start in March. The professional tutor worked with us before 

and was very popular and well respected. He hopes to begin by enabling his class to progress 

their basic computer skills. When this is done he, being an enthusiastic photographer, wishes 

to encourage them to join him in taking satisfactory photographs and then using a computer to 

produce a pleasing image. 

Contact the Centre if you are interested in this new class or any of our other classes. Tel. 01505 

706070 www.kipcokil.com or visit 9 High Barholm. Kilbarchan open 10-12 & 2-4 Mon to Friday. 

Weaver’s Cottage 

NEW SEASON BEGINS: The new season at the Weaver’s 

Cottage begins on Friday 25th March. The Cottage will be 

open from 1pm to 5pm Fridays to Tuesdays until the end 

of September. It contains many examples of 19th century 

domestic furniture, paintings of weavers by the late Mary Armour and a 200 

years old working loom, which belonged to the last Kilbarchan weaver, Willie Meikle. A unique 

feature is a showcase filled with tartan samples-as shown in the photograph. If you haven’t visited 

the Weaver’s Cottage, make a point of putting on your summer schedule-there’s more to it than it 

seems from the street. And it’s a great place to bring visitors from overseas. 

EASTER EGG HUNT: On Sunday 27th March, from 2pm to 4pm there is the 

Weaver’s Cottage Easter Egg Hunt, a family event enjoyed by children. 

Lilias Day 2016 

As preparations continue for Lilias Day 2016 on Saturday 4 June local charities 

and organisations are being reminded of the ways they can get involved in this 

years’ event and the important events, dates and times coming up: 

Take a stall 

Charities and local groups can secure a 10% discount by coming along to the 

stall-holders night on Tuesday 15th March, 7pm, at the Old Library. Please note 

that this year (just in the case of adverse weather) contingency plans have been 

made to accommodate stalls in the numerous indoor venues in Kilbarchan. 

Be part of the parade – all welcome! 

Costume fittings - Sunday 20th March, 

12–3pm, The Old Library – including 

new characters such as the Statue 

of liberty and William Brodie (the 

stonemason who laid the foundation 

stone of the statue of liberty who was 

from Kilbarchan), Mary Barbour and 

Robert Semple. 

Book a table at the fundraising 

quiz night 

Saturday 12th March 7.30pm, The Guide Centre, £5 per head, BYOB 

Enter a street / local organisation float 

Make sure your street/ local organisation doesn’t miss out on the fun and the 

chance to compete for the coveted title of best float (£100 first prize). 

Decorate your house or premises 

Decorate your house or premises to brighten up the village. Make sure you 

notify us to ensure that the judges see your masterpiece. 

Enter the Raffle 

Buy a book of Lilias Day Raffle tickets with £1000 cash prize. Tickets on sale in 

local shops from 1st March. 

For more information email info@liliasday.co.uk or message us from the 

“Kilbarchan Lilias Day” page on Facebook. 

Kilbarchan Parish 

Church 

Services on Sundays begin at 11am and are conducted by 

Rev Stephen Smith. Sunday School and the crèche meet in 

the large hall from 10.45am. All children will be made most 

welcome. The Mid-week Fellowship meets in the small hall 

on Wednesdays from 10.30am. 

During the week, there are a great many church organisations 

using the halls: 

• Mondays: Tots’ Club, Junior Choir, Drama Group and Men’s Club 

• Tuesdays: Guild, Stitching Group, Country Dancing 

• Wednesdays: Mid-week Fellowship, Church Choir, Stage crew 

• Thursdays: Badminton 

• Fridays: Boys’ Brigade 

The church is also used by the Choir on Wednesdays, Kilbarchan Singers on 

Mondays and Village Voices on Tuesdays.


‘Wizzi’ is 

Missing! 

‘Wizzi’ escaped from a car 

beside Kilbarchan Vets on 

Friday 5th February. Reports 

have been made of possible 

sightings in various parts of the 

Village, and as far as Spateston, 

but so far he has not been recaptured. 

Please contact Ailsa 

Russell 07970 126366 with any 

information at all. 

Lamont Farm Appeal 

Please support your local Community 

Charity, Lamont Farm Project, by 

donating to its “Pledge a Pound” 

Appeal and sharing this appeal on 

its behalf. The Farm’s situation is 

becoming desperate and it urgently 

needs your support to help it through 

this very difficult time. Please pledge 

whatever you can and help it reach its 

target of £1000 by the end of this month. 

Have one less bag of crisps, one less 

coffee, one less drink at the pub, take 

in a packed lunch rather than buying 

one. Instead, please consider donating 

the money you save to help support the 

Farm. To the animals here that small 

individual donation will have a huge impact. 

You can donate quickly via PayPal to trish88.tc@gmail.com. You can also 

donate by cash, cheque or bank transfer 

(call us on 0141 812 5335 for details). 

Helping 

Guide Dogs 

We have lots of 

opportunities to 

volunteer with us: 

FUNDRAISING - 

HELPING A PERSON 

WITH SIGHT LOSS 

GET OUT AND ABOUT 

Do you have an hour spare time? 

We would really appreciate your 

help in this area. Please contact 

Anne Ferguson 01505 705602. 

Local West Renfrewshire Support 

Group 

To feed all those animals that you love to 

come and visit costs a lot of money. Goat, 

sheep, llama and pig food costs £10 to £15/ 

bag and lasts ONE animal about 10 days. 

Horse feed is £15 per bag. Haylage is £30/ 

bale, straw for the animals’ bedding £20/ bale and shavings £8/ bale. 

Please help our animals and donate whatever you can. Thank you - Kate Admin 

Pet Blog 

by PetVets 

Hypertension in Cats 

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. It is a common 

condition in older cats. This can be a primary condition but is more 

commonly secondary to other underlying disease such as chronic kidney 

disease or an over active thyroid. 

Persistent high blood pressure causes damage to sensitive organs. 

Organs affected include: 

• Eyes: Bleeding inside the eyes and changes in the retina including 

retinal detachment which can lead to vision damage or blindness. This 

is often irreversible. 

• Brain and nervous system: Bleeding in these areas can cause 

neurological signs including odd behaviour, abnormal gait, seizures and 

dementia. 

• Heart: Thickening of the heart muscle which can lead to congestive 

heart failure in some cases. 

• Kidneys: Damage to the kidneys can lead to kidney failure and can 

make existing kidney disease significantly worse. 

Cats with hypertension can be depressed, lethargic and withdrawn at 

times. This is possibly due to severe headaches similar to those suffered 

by humans with hypertension. 

The most common reason for cats with hypertension being presented to 

a vet is sudden loss of vision. 

Early recognition and treatment 

of hypertension is important to 

minimise damage to the sensitive 

organs. 

Diagnosis is made by checking the 

cat’s blood pressure using a blood 

pressure monitor. Blood pressure 

should be checked regularly in 

cats with predisposing conditions 

such as chronic kidney disease, 

hyperthyroidism or heart disease. It should also be checked in cats 

with clinical signs consistent with damage to the sensitive organs e.g. 

blindness or neurological signs. 

Treatment of hypertension is with 

lifelong medication and regular 

monitoring to achieve a normal 

blood pressure. It is also important 

to test for underlying diseases, 

usually involving blood and urine 

tests, and to treat any conditions 

found. 

As early detection minimises 

damage ideally all senior cats 

should have regular blood pressure 

checks. In cats over 10 years of 

age we would recommend annual 

checks and in cats over 15 years 

a check every 6 months would be 

beneficial.


43 43 

43 

Re-homing Pets 

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

Moses - 6 year old male 

domestic cat 

Moses is a darling big boy with a 

lovely nature. He is a very cuddly 

boy. He loves playing with catnip 

and loves to eat ‘Dreamie’s’. He 

can be homed with older children, but no other 

cats or dogs. He will need access to a garden as 

he love to potter about outside. 

Buster - a 3 year old male domestic cat 

Buster is such a sweet natured big chap and 

is so loving and affectionate. He needs an 

Indoor home only as he is a FIV boy which 

just means my immune system is lower. 

He can be homed with older children, other 

FIV cats, but don’t know about the doggy 

thingies. 

Cardyke Farm, Langmuirhead Road, Auchinloch, 

Glasgow G66 5LD - Telephone 0141 779 3341 

Rascal & 

DJ - 1-2 year 

old male 

Guinea Pigs 

Rascal and DJ are a very inquisitive 

pair and one of their favourite pastimes 

is to run from one den to the next. They 

are a really friendly duo who love to 

be cuddled. These guys would make a 

great addition to any family willing to give them the love and attention 

they deserve. 

Woody - a 2-3 year old male domestic cat 

Woody needs access outdoors as he 

loves to sit outside. He is a young boy 

who would enjoy playing and exploring. 

All Woody wants is a fun life and 

someone to love him. He would thrive 

on attention and would suit a home with 

older children. 

To contact the centre about any animals, 

please call 03000 999 999 or visit www. 

scottishspca.org/rehoming 

Oscar - an 8+ year old 

male Crossbreed 

Oscar is a gorgeous boy 

who still loves to play 

ball games. He loves attention and a 

nice treat! Oscar can live with children 

who are 14 years old or over and needs 

his own secure garden to potter in and 

practice his training. A home who is 

around all day with quiet areas to walk in would benefit him as he can 

be worried when left alone. Oscar is ok with other dogs, but would need 

careful introductions to new friends. 

Sheba - a 1-2 year old female German Shepherd 

Sheba is the most beautiful big girl. 

She loves games with toys and carrying 

teddies! Sheba can live with children 

who are 16 years old or over and needs 

her own secure garden with a high fence 

to practice her training in. Someone 

who has experience of owning German 

Shepherds before would benefit her and 

help her settle. She is a bit worried in 

new situations so would need a calm, 

quiet home to give her the time and 

space she needs to settle. 

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

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

Wednesdays 

Dogs & Mogs 

A charity that trains guide dogs 

in Scotland has welcomed some 

unusual new arrivals – two 20-weekold 

kittens. The strange pairing 

came about after Guide Dogs charity 

contacted Cats Protection before 

Christmas looking for two cats to 

come and live at its school in Forfar 

where they would become part of the 

training programme for new dogs. 

Following 

discussions with Cats Protection’s Arbroath 

and Clackmannanshire branches, a confident 

pair of kittens called Arthur and Charlie were 

found to replace cats Belle and Tinker who were 

formerly at the centre. 

Sharyn Wood, Co-ordinator for Cats Protection’s Arbroath & Carnoustie 

Branch, said: “It was an unusual request but Arthur and Charlie are such 

cheeky boys we were sure they would be ideal. As many of us know, dogs 

and cats can live in harmony if the right training is in place so this is a great 

idea.” 

Those wishing to adopt a cat from Cats Protection (dog friendly or otherwise) 

can visit www.cats.org.uk or call the charity’s helpline on 03000 12 12 12 to 

find the nearest branch or adoption centre. For more about Guide Dogs, 

visit www.guidedogs.org.uk. 

Canines Against Cancer Dog Walk 

Please come and support our dog walk on Easter Monday (Monday 28th 

March) from 11am - 1pm at Gryffeside Farm, Kilmacolm. 

We have been running our Buck Off Cancer campaign for 3 years now and 

have raised £27,000 for Cancer Research UK. To help us take this figure to 

£40,000 in 2016 we have formed Canines Against Cancer. We would love 

you to bring your dog to our farm on Easter Monday and enjoy a walk over our 

hill (big fields to run around). The scenery and views are stunning and there 

is the added incentive of Easter eggs to keep you going! You can also have 

some fun trying our ‘have a go’ agility course. Throw in a hot drink and some 

homebaking and Bob’s your uncle! 

To help us raise funds we are asking for a £10 donation (payable on the day). 

We can also tell you everything that we have planned for Canines Against 

Cancer in 2016. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE SHORT PARTS OF THE ROUTE 

WHERE ALL DOGS MUST BE KEPT ON LEADS AS THE WALK WILL TAKE 

YOU CLOSE TO HEAVILY PREGNANT SHEEP.


Challenge yourself with Pedal the Park 2016 

Support CLIC Sargent on Sunday 24 April 

After the success of the first Pedal 

the Park event in April 2015, Clyde 

Muirshiel and Ride 63 Community 

Cycling Club are excited to confirm the 

date for 2016, Sunday 24 April. Back 

again will be the sportive ride, with new 

longer alternative option and para cycling time trials. 

The organisers are delighted to be welcoming charity 

partner CLIC Sargent to the event with £5 of the £15 

entry fee going to help children and their families 

suffering from cancer. 

CLIC Sargent Fundraising Manager for Inverclyde, 

Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire & the Scottish Borders 

Katie Grier 

said: “It is 

exciting to 

be involved 

in an event 

that sees 

the local 

community 

coming 

together 

for children 

and young people with cancer. Between April 

2014 and April 2015 CLIC Sargent were able 

to support 29 families across Inverclyde and 

Renfrewshire alone.” 

Pedal the Park is a cycling event comprising 

of a number of different rides to suit the 

intermediate to advanced cyclist. For the road 

bikers there will be a ‘Classic 75km’ sportive 

and new for 2016 a ‘Challenge 100km’. Both 

routes go roughly around the Regional Park 

boundary, taking in the beautiful moorland 

and Clyde coast scenery. 

Also returning for Pedal the Park 2016 will be the para 

cycling ride, this ride opens the event up to a wider 

audience and includes a time trial route along the level 

cycle track participants will use a wide range of adapted 

cycles such as trikes and handbikes. 

How do you enter? The British Cycling online 

entry is https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/ 

details/137500/Pedal-the-Park-Sportive-2016 or search 

‘Pedal the Park 2016’ on google or British Cycling (BC) 

website. Participants don’t need to join BC but must 

register (it’s free) on the site to book their place. The 

sportive has been graded as ‘Challenging’ by the British 

Cycling Grading system. There is also a postal entry 

method. All of the ride options and prices are on the 

event homepage hosted by Clyde Muirshiel - http:// 

www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk/things-to-do/cycling/pedalthe-park/. 

Pedal the Park 2015 was the first big event organised 

by recently established community cycling club based 

primarily in Lochwinnoch, Ride 63. Since its conception 

in October 2013, the group have held regular ride outs 

and social gatherings. They are made up of enthusiastic 

local mountain bikers, road cyclists and a couple of 

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park’s Outdoor Activity Team. 

Ride 63 was set up to help develop new off road trail 

rides for cyclists in the area covered by Ordnance 

Survey map 63, where Clyde Muirshiel lies.


45


Kilmacolm Camera Club 

Our season continued with another 

internal competition, the subject being 

“Flowers.” This was judged by Douglas 

Harris, of Queen’s Park Camera Club. 

In the Print Section, Janice Stevenson 

came first, with “Fern Head”. Bill Ham was 

second, with “Daffodil Field.” Janice also 

came third, with “Hellebore.” 

In the 

Digital 

Section, 

Bill Ham 

was first, with “Snowdrops.” David Addison 

came second, with “Echinacea and Bee.” 

John Watson was third, with “Fife Field.” 

The digital images are all shown here. 

It was encouraging to see a nice spread 

of names on the Roll of Honour, not to 

mention, a nice reminder of what flowers looked like (summer seems a 

long time ago!). 

Last month, we also had a show from David Walker. He showed us a 

selection of topics, designed to illustrate how to a) improve “lost cause” 

images; b) to get “action” into your shots; and c) to just have fun with your 

hobby. 

Too many “lost cause” images in your portfolio? Come along and find out 

how to improve them. 

Venue: Kilmacolm New Community Centre, Room 1.01; Tuesday evening, 

time 7.30pm. Contacts: Billy Blair, Tel: 873383; Janice Stevenson, Tel 

873595. Website: clikpic.com/kilcamclub/ 

Langbank Camera Club 

The print competition for February was “Glorious Glasgow”. We had many 

excellent images of Glasgow submitted for the competition ranging from 

city/street views to river views plus a few exceptions to add to the variety. 

Two images submitted by Derrick McPherson were awarded first place, 

“Buchanan Street” and “Glasgow Harbour”. Third place was awarded to 

James Goodall for his image of the Monteath Mausoleum in Glasgow’s 

hilltop necropolis. 

PHOTOGRAPHY HINTS & TIPS 

With The Studio 

Bridge Of Weir 

WHITE BALANCE - The colour of light. 

You will have noticed that on a cold, snowy, winters day your pictures reflect 

that look and appear slightly blue. 

When photographing sunsets or sunrises there is a lovely orange / red glow 

to your images. 

When photographing inside your house without using flash everything take 

on an orange cast, while turning on the flash makes things a little bit more 

blue and cold looking. 

This is because the “COLOUR” of daylight is not a constant and varies 

depending on the time of day, your location on the planet with respect to the 

equator, and the prevailing weather conditions. 

The same goes for artificial light - Tungsten bulbs have an orange tinge, 

Fluorescent tubes have a green tinge, Street lights have a yellow tinge. 

Your camera flash is meant to simulate “Standard Daylight” at noon outside 

Kodak’s factory in the USA. 

In the days of film you had to use the correct type of film for shooting in 

different lighting conditions or add filters to correct for the colour cast of 

artificial lighting. 

Your modern digital camera measures the colour of the light it sees and 

corrects for it automatically using a feature called WHITE/ COLOUR 

BALANCE. 

You can choose an automatic setting or you can choose a variety of 

presets. 

Daylight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, Tungsten, Fluorescent. 

Daylight Cloudy Tungsten Fluorescent 

If you choose a preset you need to remember that you have set it. Even if 

you switch your camera off and on again it will remember your setting. 

The above image was shot in DAYLIGHT conditions then the white balance 

was adjusted to show the impact of shooting on the wrong setting. 

The camera’s AUTO setting is usually very accurate. But sometimes 

choosing CLOUDY or SHADE when shooting in daylight warms the image 

up slightly. See the difference between the first and second shot. 

Every Month The STUDIO – Bridge of Weir (07904 419578) will bring you hints and tips to 

improve your photography - regardless of what kind of camera you have. 

More detail on each tip can be found on the Advertizer web page 

http://www.advertizer.co.uk/blog 

This month’s presentation was a whistle stop tour of mainland Indonesia 

and the island of Bali. Phil O’Brien, one of our members, has spent many 

years in Asia and provided us with a look at local life and the fantastic 

scenery from this part of the world. 

Our PDI (digital) meeting provides a different forum for our members 

where we showcase images on the big 

screen. We also discuss many topics 

and aspects of photography with 

tutorials and videos in support. 

The March (print) meeting will be held 

as usual on the second Monday of the 

month, 14th March at 7.30pm. The next 

PDI meeting will be held on 28th March 

at 7.30pm. The print competition topic 

for March is “ Green with Envy”. 

Club meetings are held in Langbank Church Halls, Langbank. Visitors are 

always welcome at any of our evenings. 

Membership of the club is only £10 for the first year. If you wish to find 

out more about Langbank Camera Club please visit our website: www. 

langbankcameraclub.weebly.com or contact Derrick McPherson at 

langbankcc1@gmail.com with your enquiries.


47 47 

Kilmacolm Horticultural Soc 

KHS will hold their March Lecture on 

Wednesday 16th March at 7.30pm in 

Kilmacolm New Community Centre. Louise 

Bustard, senior curator at Glasgow Botanic 

Gardens returns as our very special guest 

speaker. The lecture is entitled ‘Holland - 

Home of Horticulture’ and promises a wealth 

of vivid spring colours in fi elds of flowers, 

plus the history of growth of the Dutch flower industry. The KHS Spring 

Bulb Competition will take place following the lecture - bring along your 

exhibits of daffodils, tulips, spring bulb selection - to be judged by the 

illustrious Louise who will present the Jimmy Whittet Trophy to the winner. 

Refreshments served. Everyone welcome, come along, bring your friends 

to enjoy this superb evening, an event not to be missed! 

Kilbarchan Beekeepers 

Depending on the weather, March is when we start to see Honeybees 

more active as they collect nectar and pollen from early sources, such as 

aconites, crocus and hellebore. This allows the queen to start laying eggs, 

producing the new honeybees that are needed to replace the older dying 

ones who have overwintered in the hive with her. 

February’s Kilbarchan and District Beekeeping Association (KBA) meeting 

welcomed a few new members to the group and enjoyed a presentation by 

Alan Riach, the Scottish Beekeepers Association Education Convener, on 

Honeybee Anatomy. After the presentation, Alan awarded Peter Stromberg 

his Expert Beemaster Certifi cate, which is the 

highest certifi cate awarded by the SBA for 

completing 8 separate module exams and an 

advanced practical. Well Done Peter! 

Interested? 

If you are interested in beekeeping for yourself 

or the whole family, Contact Helena Jackson, the Kilbarchan and District 

Beekeepers Association Secretary via e-mail Helena.Jackson72@sky.com 

if you would like to know more! 

KBA hold evening meetings during Autumn & Winter months in The Steeple 

Halls, Kilbarchan between 7.30–10pm. To fi nd out more about Honeybee 

husbandry and related topics, drop in to fi nd out more at one of the remaining 

winter season meetings below, or contact us to come along to one of the 

Apiary visits in the Spring. 

Evening Programme 2015/16 Daytime Programme 2016/17 

8th March - A to Z of Swarm Control Phil 

McAnespie 

8th May - Apiary Visit 1 Ian Craig 

5th June - Apiary Visit 2 Duncan MacGilp


Welcome to Scotland’s largest Regional Park 

Pedal the Park 2016 – Sun 24 Apr 

We are proud to announce that this year Pedal the Park’s official charity 

partner is CLIC Sargent with £5 from every entry going to children’s 

cancer. There’s 2 sportive options Classic 75km and a Challenging 

100km to choose from - just £15 entry fee. Also returning will be para 

cycle ride. Sign up through British Cycling online and join the 100 riders 

already booked on! 

If you would like to get involved but don’t fancy the cycling part then the 

event organisers are also looking for volunteers to marshal the sportive 

rides in particular. These people are essential to ensure the rider’s safety 

along the route. If you would like to help then get in touch with the event 

organisers by emailing routes@clydemuirshiel.co.uk 

New CMRP Branching Out Leaders Trained 

The Regional Park’s Ranger Service have delivered 17 hugely successful 

woodland activity programmes for mental health referrals since 2010. In 

February we delivered our second course for Leaders of the programme, 

training up 12 new leaders! Is mental health your profession? Contact us 

about programmes for your clients. 

Easter Multi-Activity Courses 

Sign up your little adventurers for some kayaking, canoeing, sailing, 

archery and more! Full day sessions from Mon 4th – Fri 8th Apr and Mon 

11th – Fri 15th Apr. £160 for 8-15 yr olds. 

Last Stargazing of the Season on March 11th 

Join us at Muirshiel Country Park from 19.00 – 21.00 hrs for some cosmic 

exploration at Renfrewshire’s darkest sky. Last chance until next season! 

Volunteer Marshals Wanted! 

Interested in cycling but not enough time to train for Pedal the Park? Be a 

volunteer marshal for the day! Even if you only have a couple of hours on 

Sun 24th Apr email routes@clydemuirshiel.co.uk with your availability. 

Duke of Edinburgh Programmes at Clyde Muirshiel 

The Park has expanded our range of expeditions and skills to suit 

Duke of Edinburgh participants of all abilities. Get in touch with dofe@ 

clydemuirshiel.co.uk if you know of a group of 14-24 yr olds who could 

benefi t from a tailored programme! 

Ride 63 Club News 

We now have a list of main ride for 2016 the season, from Applecross to 

Arran and everything inbetween!. Email the Secretary at ridesixtythree@ 

gmail.com to become a member, we can send you a form – it’s FREE. 

Windows on Wildlife 

The Clyde Muirshiel Windows on Wildlife Project aims to bring people 

closer to wildlife, gaining a unique insight to the furry & feathered 

inhabitants of Castle Semple Country Park. Countryside Ranger Hayley 

Douglas gives us an update 

Wildlife News 

Well the snowdrops and daffodils have bloomed and the herons have 

built their nests at the top of the Johnshill. Is it safe to say that spring 

has come? The roe deer still have their winter coats and I was reminded 

recently at how effective they are at blending into their surroundings as 

one walked off the Muirshiel track into the piles off dead bracken and 

rosebay willowherb. 

Brown hares are a common sight in and around Parkhill Woods and now 

is the time we see the females boxing off the males in what is known as 

the ‘Mad March hare’s dance’. Hares and rabbits are two species that 

are often overlooked in wildlife coverage. The group dynamics, especially 

with rabbits, shows that they aren’t always the harmonious creatures that 

we tend to believe. 

The foxes and the badgers should now have cubs. I have never managed 

to film at a fox earth as the foxes in the area are alot more nervous of 

humans than in the towns and cities. If they detect a human presence 

they will often move the cubs to another earth and I avoid any known 

earths to stop this from happening. We did have foxes breeding in the 

badger’s satellite sett back in 2013 but the male badger paid a visit and 

the foxes weren’t seen again. The badgers don’t mind me visiting the sett 

to see how they are getting on and hopefully we will see signs that Tufty 

has successfully had cubs on the cameras soon. 

Events 

The next Swan Chats, where you can pop along and find out more about 

the swans and wildfowl at Castle Semple Loch, takes place on Sat the 5th 

and Sun the 5th of March between 14.00 and 15.00 hrs. Keep an eye on 

the website and notice boards in the Park as returning later in the year 

will be Otter Spotter and After Dark walks and some new wildlife themed 

activities including camera trapping workshops. 

More Info… 

Details can be found on the Park’s website page www.clydemuirshiel. 

co.uk or by emailing wow@clydemuirshiel.co.uk. Footage can be viewed 

on the Park’s Youtube channel or on the WoW Facebook page. Talks to 

groups can be arranged. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: 

HAYLEY DOUGLAS Countryside Ranger – CMRP tel 01505 842 882 Ex 

25. 

CMRP Online 

Keep up to speed with events and activities taking place on the Park’s 

Facebook facebook.com/ClydeMuirshielRegionalPark or Twitter @ 

Clydemuirshiel pages. 

Regular Events 

Mondays (but not public holidays) - 

Lochwinnoch Community Walks 

meet 10.30 hrs at The Cross, 

Lochwinnoch. 

Weekly Volunteer Groups - 

Newcomers always welcome! 

Thursdays 

Castle Semple Conservation 

Volunteers, Adult group, from 12.30 

– 15.30 hrs. 

Saturdays 

Greenock Cut Conservation 

Volunteers, Adult group, 10.30 – 

14.30 hrs. 

Sundays 

Castle Semple Young Volunteers, 

12-18 yr olds, 10.00 – 12.00 hrs 

Keep up to speed with events and activities taking place on the Park’s Facebook facebook.com/ClydeMuirshielRegionalPark or 

Twitter @Clydemuirshiel pages.


49 49 

With the Spring fast approaching, the snowdrops have 

started to flower, making them a delightful addition to the 

woodland trails. The common snowdrop can grow as high 

as 15cm tall and flowering between January and May in the 

wild. Although the snowdrop is often thought of as a native 

British wild flower or to have been brought to the British Isles 

by the Romans, it was introduced or “naturalized” around 

the early sixteenth century. 

With the weather starting to change towards a slightly 

warmer climate, the sensory garden in front of our visitor 

centre will begin to bloom again. From our soft leaf holly 

bush right through to the lemongrass and famous curry 

plant, it really is a treat for the senses that should 

be explored on arrival at the reserve. 

Easter comes early this year and we have 

our annual Easter Eggstravaganza event 

on Easter Monday. Head out on a treasure 

hunt and see what treasures lie within the 

woodland trails that you can find. Decorate 

your egg and see if it can survive the 

dreaded Egg Drop Challenge. How will 

you decorate yours? 

Bridge of Weir Horticultural Society 

Popular speaker, Paul Matthews gave members tips and advice 

on how to prune our plants and look after our pruning tools. 

Pruning is the cruellest cut of all so some thought should be 

given before the work begins. Maintenance pruning is necessary 

after storm damage, or if the plant is diseased, overgrown or 

in an awkward position. Positive pruning is required to shape 

plants and encourage fl owers and fruit. 

A sharp pair of secateurs is essential and Paul still uses the 

trusty Felco secateurs which he has had for nearly 40 years. 

Replacement parts are easily available and maintenance of 

Felco pruning tools is straightforward. A sharp cutting edge is 

essential for a good, smooth cut and therefore the sharp edged 

blade should be against the branch which is to remain. This 

slices neatly through the stem and against the thicker, anvil 

blade. The other way around and you will end up with a mashed 

edge. When pruning larger branches a pruning saw is best. Look 

for the collar-like branch bark ridge and, close to the uppermost 

ridge, saw straight through. To aid a clean cut the strain can be 

removed by coming out from the final cut position a few cm and 

first cutting up about halfway through the branch. A second cut 

from above this time and 2 or 3 cm further out will release the 

branch. A fi nal 3rd cut will then allow removal of the stump with 

perfect control hence the name “three point cut”. 

When pruning to encourage new growth, be sure that the angle 

of the cut is on the opposite side of the bud and sufficiently above 

it so there is no damage to the bud’s base. Also make your cut 

at an angle so that rainwater will not sit on the cut edge and instead drain away from the bud base. 

Pruning to shape is necessary when a plant becomes too tall, or flowers appear only at the top. Cut 

back to a suitable bud/node and growth will then develop from this. 

The mantra for pruning is “Dead, Diseased, Damaged, Decaying, Crossing and Rubbing” and if you 

notice any of these, then get out the secateurs. Before shaping a shrub etc., check against this list and 

deal with all these fi rst. Deciduous shrubs and trees are dormant through winter and pruning can be 

carried out at this time with the minimum of damage but avoid 

frosty days. Try and finish your pruning by the end of March. 

Optimistic gardeners anticipate warmer weather and lighter 

days will bring garden plants back to life! 

Paul’s talk was very interesting and informative and he even 

brought along a large selection of pruning tools and cleaning 

materials. He recommends wire wool and methylated spirit 

for cleaning. The spirit will also prevent disease spreading, 

particularly if you clean your blades between plants. 

Our March speaker will be Lorna Campbell and “My Travels”. 

We meet on Thursday 10th March at 8p.m. In The Legion and, 

as always, guests are welcome.


Kilmacolm 

Girlguiding 

St Benedict’s High School 

Business Brunch 

every Monday 

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers 

McKillop Hall. 9.30am-11.30am £2/ 

family fee includes tea & children’s snacks. 

Kilmacolm Playgroup 

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm, 

9.30am-11.40am 

Howwood Baby & Toddler Group 

Howwood Parish Church. 10am-12noon. 

Kilbarchan East Tots Club 

East Church Hall. 9.15am-11.30am 

every Tuesday 

Bridge of Weir Toddlers 

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, BoW 

Pop along and see us from 9.30-11.30am 

Baby Social 

Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers Vill. 11am 

Meet mums, drink coffee & eat cake. 



9.30am-11.40am 

Howwood Playgroup 

Howwood Church Hall 9.45am-11.35am 

every Wednesday 

Kilmacolm Toddlers 


10am - 11.30am 

For children from birth to 3 years. 

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers 

McKillop Hall. 9.30am-11.30am 

£2/family fee includes tea and children’s snacks. 



every Thursday 

Houston Toddlers 

Church Hall, Main Street, Houston 

Pop along and see us from 9.30-11.30am 



9.15am-11.40am 



every Friday 

Langbank Under 3’s 

Church Hall, Langbank 10am-11.45am 

For children from birth to 3 years 

1st & 3rd Friday 

Renfrewshire Inverclyde Twins 

Club 

McKillop Hall, Lochwinnoch 10- 

11.30am 

£3. Bring a mug along for a cuppa. 

We are delighted to announce 

that Kilmacolm Girlguiding are the 

lucky group who will receive £500 

from the Co-op Local Fund to go 

towards the development of our 

outside area. 

We could not have done this without 

the support of all our parents, 

friends, family and local supporters. 

So a big thank you to all of you that 

took the time to vote for our cause, 

and to the Co operative for giving 

their funds from plastic bag sales 

back into the community. 

Once spring has sprung, we 

will be back in action to get the 

development progressing again and 

look forward to some dry weather to 

enjoy using this great space. 

1st B’ of Weir 

Scout Group 

The Beavers meet on a 

Wednesday night and have 

been working on Tesco’s Farm 

to Fork healthy eating project. 

This culminated in a visit to 

Tesco to hear all about the food 

journey. The will be going ten 

pin bowling shortly. 

The cubs have been really 

busy! They also visited Tesco 

and also went on a fact finding 

mission to Glasgow Airport. 

They have had a Burns Supper 

and are involved in the Districts 

100 years of Cubs celebrations. 

The Scouts are braving their 

first weekend under canvas at 

Auchengillon’s Sub- Zero event 

along with 750 other Scouts 

from around Scotland. They are 

also planning and fundraising 

for their first over seas camp this 

summer - lots of fun activities 

coming up soon. Watch this 

space! 

St Benedict’s High School hosted its first ‘Business Brunch’ event on the 

26 January 2016. This provided a platform to develop links for the school’s 

employability programme. 

St Benedict’s reached out to its 

local community to seek help 

and they responded. A total of 24 

different businesses braved the 

adverse weather conditions to 

attend this exciting and innovative 

event. 

The school wanted to publicise both 

its Employability programme and 

the Youth Philanthropy Initiative 

(YPI) which the school offers to S3 

pupils. The event featured short 

presentations from Head Teacher 

Mr O’Neil, Employability Project 

Leader Lynne Methven and YPI 

Coordinator Alistair Andrew to 

inform the guests of how they 

could help the school. 

The event provided an excellent 

networking opportunity not only 

for the school but for those in attendance as well. 

The event received an overwhelmingly positive response from the guests 

and many are now keen to get involved with the school to help develop its 

young workforce. 

Duchal Nursery School 

We have been very lucky to have 2 visits recently from parents who have 

shared their knowledge of China, helping us get immersed into our Chinese 

New Year celebrations! We have learnt about the huge size of China and the 

Great Wall that can be seen from the moon, the colourful costumes, how to say 

our names in Chinese, and how to use chopsticks – a rather messy, but fun, 

snack time! 

The Duchal experience has been extended 

this term, we are now having a double helping 

of lunch club that now runs twice a week until 

1.30pm thereby extending our hours. This 

is being enjoyed both by children (who love 

lunching with friends and the extra Duchal 

time) and parents for longer childcare hours!! 

If you would like to come and visit the Nursery 

and meet the teachers please contact Head 

Teacher Jean McCarthy on: Tel. 874358. 

Also visit our website at: www.duchal. 

com and find us on Facebook to keep up 

to date with all the latest news 

We are now taking registrations for the 

summer and the new academic year, so 

if you have a child that is coming up to 

nursery age please get in touch to arrange 

a visit and out more about us.


Kilmacolm Primary 

51 51 

It’s hard to believe that January is long gone and February is nearly over. 

Already this session P4 visited the Science Centre and 

P5 have visited Amazonia in relation to their topic work 

in class. Some of our boys & girls took part in a Cross 

Country event, returning exhausted and completely muddy 

from their run. Well done to all the pupils, parents and staff 

who braved the wind, rain and freezing temperatures. 

At this time of the year we have a variety of entries to 

Inverclyde Music Festival. Our nursery, P1 and P2 classes 

all took part in the Action Songs and as usual performed 

confi dently, making us so very proud. Our P1 class were 

exceptional and won their class, excitedly bringing home a 

shiny trophy to display. 

Samantha Todd P7 and Poppy Paterson P6 took part in the 

vocal solos and both sang beautifully, with Samantha earning 1st place and 

earning us our second trophy! Well done to both girls. 

Anna McGowan P7, won 1st place with her violin solo, Samantha Todd & Anna 

M c G o w a n 

took 1st & 

2nd place 

respectively 

in the verse 

sight reading, 

with many 

of our P6 & 

P7 pupils 

p e r f o r m i n g 

c o n f i d e n t l y 

in a class 

we had not 

e n t e r e d 

before. 

In vocal duets four of our P6 girls, Ruby, Camilla, Elenka & Jessica competed 

against second year pupils and more than held their own. Well done girls. 

Kirsty Simpson P4, won her class in Verse Speaking P3 & under. 

Our fi nal entry was to vocal solos where Lauren, Lillianna, Megan & Camilla 

performed. Well done to Lauren Adams who earned 1st place. 

P4 have been involved in their Micro Tyco Challenge, which is an enterprise 

topic, where the children plan, organise and carry out a series of fundraising 

activities to raise money for third world countries, to allow them to start up new 

businesses. So far P4 have planned, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, a Coconut 

Shy, Beat the Goalie and a car wash, to name just a few. They even had the 

local fi re engine to wash, phew, what a job! P4 has worked so hard to raise 

funds and we look forward to fi nding out their total. 

Abbey Nursery 

Welcome to our March update which is being written as the sun is out and 

the children are running around outdoors having fun. This is a busy time 

for our Grasshopper room just now with the weekly Forest Schools outings 

starting up again as well as Active Kids sessions where the children are 

learning athletics skills this term. The children also celebrated Mardi Gras 

with a riot of colour and activities from festival food to mask making and 

costumes and ‘best’ performers each day. 

We are continuing this ‘Colours’ focus across all key groups just now with 

children participating in a range of activities that stimulate their learning 

through the use of colour mixing, abstract art and patterns, linking through 

to books and stories. A big thank you to all the children for sharing their 

knowledge and skills during Puzzle Week which showed how well children 

can communicate and cooperate together. 

Our Bunnies have also been busy having fun in the snow (let’s hope that’s 

Rainbow Guides to grow 

seeds from space! 

Girls at Kilmacolm Rainbows are preparing to become space biologists and 

embark on a voyage of discovery by growing seeds that have been into 

space. 

In September, 2kg of rocket seeds were fl own to the International Space 

Station (ISS) on Soyuz 44S where they will spend several months in 

microgravity before returning to Earth in March 2016. The seeds have been 

sent as part of Rocket Science, an educational project launched by the RHS 

Campaign for School Gardening and the UK Space Agency. 

Kilmacolm Rainbows, the youngest section of GirlGuiding UK, will be one 

of up to 10,000 schools/groups to receive a packet of 100 seeds from 

space, which they will grow alongside seeds that haven’t been to space 

and measure the differences over seven weeks. The Rainbows won’t know 

which seed packet contains which seeds until all results have been collected 

by the RHS Campaign for School Gardening and analysed by professional 

biostatisticians. 

The out-of-this-world, 

nationwide science 

experiment will enable 

the girls to think more 

about how we could 

preserve human life on 

another planet in the 

future, what astronauts 

need to survive longterm 

missions in space 

and the difficulties 

surrounding growing 

fresh food in challenging 

climates. 

Heather Pearson, one of the Girlguiding leaders, says: “We are very excited 

to be taking part in Rocket Science. This experiment is a fantastic way of 

teaching our Rainbow Guides to think more scientifi cally and share their 

fi ndings with the other Girlguiding units, families and the wider community. 

Rocket Science is just one educational project from a programme developed 

by the UK Space Agency to celebrate British ESA astronaut Tim Peake’s 

Principia mission to the ISS and inspire young people to look into careers 

in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects, including 

horticulture. 

Applications to take part in Rocket Science are still open and will close in 

March or until all packs have been allocated. Schools and educational groups 

can apply at rhs.org.uk/schoolgardening. Follow the project on Twitter: @ 

RHSSchools #RocketScience 

the end of this now!) and are busy preparing for World Book Day in March by 

looking at and talking about their favourite story characters – or animals. 

In our Little Ladybirds playroom the children have been having fun exploring 

and investigating new textures through play. They have been using their 

hands, feet and mouths to discover the properties of a variety of materials 

such as sand, mashed potato, dry pasta, porridge, wet and dry cotton wool 

and marshmallows. The children are also developing their fi ne and gross 

motor skills as they practise using 

their pincer grip to pick up smaller 

materials with their fingers and used 

spoons or spades to scoop or fill and 

empty buckets and pots. We also 

set up a textured assault course 

where they could walk, crawl and roll 

across different textured obstacles 

as well as use their hands to explore 

the textures.


Kilmacolm Nursery Class 

The children in the nursery have 

been learning about the sequence 

of stories and healthy eating. 

Houston baby and toddler 

group 

We have had lots of fun this month playing with our toys making valentine 

cards and having a sing along with the parachute. 

We will be having a fundraising coffee morning, Saturday 23 April 

from10am-12noon in the West Church Hall, Main St, Houston. Please 

come along and join in the fun and cakes! 

They have experienced participating 

in acting out stories and choose ‘The 

tiger who came to tea’ as their story of 

the month. Children had a special visit 

from the tiger as they had snack in the 

house corner which was turned into a 

café. Children made their own stories 

and used their imagination creating 

characters using puppets. 

The children learned about different 

fruits are were eager to try a variety of 

fruits at snack time. They made their 

own fruit cocktail and sandwiches to 

take home with them. Children have 

been able to identify different food 

groups. Children shared their healthy 

food with their teddy bears who they 

brought to nursery for our teddy bear 

picnic. 

Children participated in Inverclyde Music Festival and received a Special 

Recognition Award. 

St Fillan’s Primary School 

Everyone at St Fillan’s Primary is continuing to enjoy taking part in the daily 

mile! Due to the high winds and extremely inclement weather it has been 

the 2 or 3 times a week mile! 

Our P7 class are working 

hard on their production 

of the Theresa Breslin 

novel “Divided City”. The 

children are collaborating 

with staff from the Citizens 

Theatre and pupils from 

Houston Primary. They 

are looking forward 

to performing for their 

parents on 8th March. 

P6 pupils Euan, Orla, 

Louise and Christopher 

will be representing our 

school at the Renfrewshire 

Euroquiz competition 

which takes place in 

Bishopton Primary. 

The other P6 children 

trained for the road race 

which took place on 25th 

February in Renfrew. 

In P5, P4 and P3 pupils 

have been learning some 

Gaelic songs from our teacher Joy who visits us on a Tuesday. 

P2 enjoyed eating pancakes and afterwards concentrated hard on their 

sewing and weaving. Thank you to the mums who came in to help with 

this. 

In P1 our children have been improving their ball skills when doing P.E. 

We meet every Thursday between 9.30am - 11.30am (term time) in the 

West hall, Main Street, Houston, PA6 7EL (next door to the Carrick Centre) 

– pop along when you can. We look forward to meeting you. 

Lesley, Sharon & Fiona. (lesleyannjackson@outlook.com) 

Bridge of Weir Primary 

There was much love in the air in February at Bridge of Weir Primary! 

P2b headlined at the Valentine’s assembly where the children performed 

an acrostic poem, which is a type of poetry where each letter of the word 

‘LOVE’ was used to spell out a phrase. Miss Mead confirmed that the 

children ‘loved’ taking part and that it was lovely to see their confidence 

growing on stage. Jessica said that her favourite part was singing ‘My love 

is like a red red rose’ and she was quick to point out that this was written 

by Robert Burns. 

Keeping with the Scottish theme, the Parent Council organised a Ceilidh 

which took place on 5th February. This was well attended and raised a 

great deal for the school. One parent commented that the band were great 

with the children and adults alike – providing lots of instruction and humour 

for the dancing. 

The nursery has embarked on a very fierce new project – PIRATES! The 

children are having lots of fun with this topic however they have been 

sailing quite close to home recently with visits to the local Co-operative 

store where they made pancakes and also managed to visit some animals 

at the vet en route. 

The school said a fond farewell to Suzanne Dunleavey, minister at St 

Machar’s Ranfurley in Bridge of Weir, as she retired from her post at the 

church at the end of January. We have had a long association with Miss 

Dunleavey and are very appreciative of all the support she has shown 

us over the years. We were delighted that she was able to join us at an 

assembly where she was presented with a gift and bouquet of flowers from 

the children and staff. We wish her all the very best for the future.


53 53 

St Columba’s School 

Inverclyde Music Festival 

We are delighted that so many pupils took part at 

the annual Music Festival again this year. A full list of 

winners will be published on the School website at stcolumbas.org. 

Pipers’ Success 

Two members of the Pipe Corps of the School’s Pipe 

Band have received the good news of successful 

auditions, representing signifi cant accomplishments. 

Pipe Corporal Jack Guthrie has been invited to join the 

National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland’s Development 

Band, and Pipe Corporal Finlay Frame has now 

graduated from the Development Band to a place in the National Youth 

Pipe Band of Scotland’s Senior Band, a wonderful achievement for such a 

young piper and a fi rst in St Columba’s history. 

Development 

Staff and pupils are delighted at 

the continuous progress of the 

development of the Senior School 

campus. As this presents a unique 

opportunity for pupils who are 

interested in architecture and 

engineering to be engaged with a 

‘live’ building project that is both close 

at hand and of significance to them, 

considering what it will offer when it is completed, the School has now 

launched an Education Programme linked to the development. Working 

in partnership with architects Burnet Bell and main contractor Thomas 

Johnstone, as well as our own Estates and Construction Adviser, Mr Allan 

McWhirter, this exciting programme will provide twenty pupils from SIV, 

SV and SVI not only meaningful links with key aspects of National 5 and 

Higher Graphic Communication syllabuses, but also allow these pupils to 

closely track the progress of the development from the laying of foundations 

through to the commissioning and occupation of the completed facility. 

What is more, the chance to interact with professionals 

from a wide range of disciplines (including 

architecture, quantity surveying, mechanical, 

electrical and structural engineering, landscaping 

and project management) is likely to be the most 

rewarding aspect of the programme, as the plan is 

that the pupils involved will receive presentations 

from the various ‘trades’ over the coming months and 

attend a number of site visits at key stages in the 

building development, with each visit focusing on a 

different aspect of the construction process. 

Applying to St Columba’s 

While entrance examinations have been held in January, parents can 

request an appointment to visit the School 

and apply for a place throughout the year. The 

main points of entry to the School are Junior 

1 and Transitus (Junior 7), however due to 

the wide range of Advanced Highers that the 

School offers entry at SIV, SV and SVI is not 

uncommon. Arrangements can be made for 

a pupil to enter the School at other stages if 

places become available, and means-tested 

bursaries are available. For more information 

on how to apply please visit www.st-columbas. 

org/page/Admissions.aspx. 

You can read more news at www.st-columbas.org


Kilmacolm Playgroup & 

Toddlers 

To celebrate our relaunch, Kilmacolm 

Playgroup and Toddlers invite you to 

join us for a morning with Maria Cairney 

author of the fabulous Blitzy Boy books 

about a naughty terrier. There will be 

puppets, singing, crafts and a light 

lunch. Families welcome. Suitable 

for children aged 0 - 6 approx. (older 

siblings welcome). Saturday 12th 

March Kilmacolm Community Centre 11am - 1pm. Free 

entry. Lunch included. Any queries contact: Victoria. 

finningan@hotmail.com 

At Playgroup, we love it when the dressing-up clothes come 

out and our new Princess and Frozen dresses are proving 

very popular! Dressing up allows imaginations to take over 

and leads to some lovely conversations and role-play around 

the characters we become. It also helps us learn how to dress 

ourselves and put on our shoes again when we are finished! 

Thanks to our friends at the Bank of Scotland whose grant 

helped purchase these outfits. 

For more information on our Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 

Playgroup sessions, please contact Emma at emma@ 

kehoes.com, or for details of our Wednesday morning Toddler 

group, contact Claire at clairedean1@btconnect.com. 

Gryffe High School 

S6 Pupils give Blood 

29 S6 pupils 

responded to 

the opportunity 

to give blood 

recently when 

the mobile 

Blood Donor 

unit visited the 

school. Mr Adam 

Findlay, PT 

Pupil Support 

for Mackintosh 

House was 

delighted with 

the response. ‘It is great that the pupils listened to the appeal from the 

Blood Donor Service at a recent assembly. They are well aware of the 

importance of giving blood and the impact that it can have on others. 

In addition to the many pupils who gave blood in the visiting unit, many 

other S6 pupils have given blood too recently and could not give on 

the day. The mobile unit was busy all day. Hopefully the S6 pupils will 

continue to take the time to give blood in the future.’ 

Scottish Schools Radio Station 

We are really proud to announce that 

Gryffe High School now has a radio team 

which broadcasts regular shows on the 

Scottish Schools Radio network. 

The team, of around 15 budding journalists and djs, undertook a day’s 

training session with broadcast journalist Colin Kelly in November. Here 

they learned the skills of writing, interviewing, presenting and editing. 

Since the training day the team have been meeting regularly in ICT with 

Mrs Baker and Mr Deans to plan, write, record and edit their shows. 

They have interviewed pupils, teachers and visiting authors and have 

broadcast two shows so far. 

The show includes a 

mix of the latest hits 

and old classics as well 

as features on school 

life, films, books and 

careers. 

You can listen at www. 

scottishschoolsradio. 

com or via the Tunein 

App. 

Bridge of Weir Boys’ Brigade 

These boys are busy! March see’s another 

fun filled programme at Bridge of Weir 

Boys’ Brigade with the county football 

competition (9 & 16 March), visits from 

guest speakers from Rwanda, Cuba and 

Bolivia, and outdoor courses as part of the 

Queen’s Badge and Duke of Edinburgh. 

Adding to that a February packed with 

games, three-weeks of First Aid training 

by Dr Alan Bennie, winning medals at 

the Battalion swimming competition and 

Junior Section topping the Paisley district 

points table. In fact it’s been all-go at BB 

since January saw completion of the First World War badge ran in conjunction with the 

“Bridge of Weir in the Great War” exhibition hosted by The Bridge. A harrowing subject 

made relevant and vivid by Paul Birch, BB Captain, with research from his forthcoming 

book, “Supreme Sacrifice; A small village in the Great War” recounting the lives of Bridge 

of Weir soldiers during the First World 

War. Each of the boys researched a 

soldier from the Bridge of Weir War 

Memorial (bridgeofweirmemorial.co.uk) 

and all passed with flying colours. 

Every evening includes a speaker or 

skill followed by an hour of intensive 

sport and gymnastics. Sports include 

football, indoor hockey and dodgeball; 

fast paced and very competitive. 

First World War badges - Cailean Simpson, Calum 

Robertson, Mark Semple, Jonathan Gray, Alfie 

Sidebotham, Euan Mullen, Craig Turner 

Gymnastics includes vaulting; a sport 

too strenuous for adults but absolutely 

loved by thrill seeking BB! 

Anchor Boys (5 - 8 years old) meets 

on a Thursday, Friday night - 8-11 years old at St Machars and 11 years+ at 

Freelands Church. All welcome. Http://firstbowbb.co.uk 

Will Mullen, Bridge of Weir Company Section, will.d.mullen@icloud.com 

Johnstone High School 

Lego Productions 

Swimming Awards - Alfie Sidebotham, Calum 

Robertson, Euan Mullen, Cailean Simpson 

S5 pupil, Morgan Spence, has recently wowed BBC 

Worldwide and America with his Lego production 

company. Morgan creates detailed animations using 

custom-made Lego figures. His animations have come 

to the attention of the likes of Jimmy Kimmell and the 

BBC. After appearing on The Jimmy Kimmell Show last 

year for creating an Oscar themed production, used to 

advertise a Lego designer’s new book, BBC Worldwide 

also recognised Morgan’s talent. He created two online 

promotional videos for them; one to advertise Dr Who and the other for the 

BBC’s Christmas advert. We are very proud of all of Morgan’s hard work and 

delighted that his talent has been recognised. 

Sporting Success 

The girls from S4 to S6 have now made it to the quarter finals of the Netball 

Scottish Cup for the first time in living memory. This fantastic achievement 

has been made possible by the effort and dedication of the girls as well as 

the extraordinary commitment from their coach Miss Still. The girls defeated 

Porthlethen Academy from Aberdeen and have now progressed to the next 

round. We await the winners of games in the previous round to know who 

stands in our way to get to get to the semi-finals. 

Charlie MacLeod, Cara Hendricks, Chloe Love, Jack Miller and Alistair Edgar 

recently participated in the annual badminton championships at the ON-X in 

Linwood. All pupils performed extremely well and no one placed lower than 

fourth in both the girls’ and boys’ tournaments. Charlie and Jack achieved 

joint third place and the girls secured 3rd and 4th. Alistair managed to win the 

boys’ tournament in a tight final. This completes a remarkable achievement from 

Alistair in his time at Johnstone High as he has now won this tournament 5 of his 

6 years at the school- his only defeat coming to the flu in 5th year rather than any 

opponent. Well done to all who competed!!! 

Junior Rocks 

After auditioning with 39 other candidates, Zoe Tait, S3, and 7 others 

were successfully chosen to form the ‘Junior Rocks Crew’, a music 

group who went on to record and release their own album, ‘Junior 

Rocks’. The album is available to download or buy in all major music 

stores. She is definitely a future MTV Superstar in the making. 

Well done, Zoe!

Brookfield www.advertizer.co.uk Curling Club 

march 2016 

. 

55 55 

hy not fi ll up those long winter evenings with a new sport or revive old skills? Interested in taking up Curling? All standards welcome. For information, telephone 0 

14080. 

Amputee Mum’s efforts in the gym inspire Charity Cycle 

A personal trainer from Paisley has set his sights on cycling in South Africa 

in a bid to raise funds for local charity Finding Your Feet, after being inspired 

by the charity founder’s efforts in the gym. 

Lloyd Stevenson (21), a personal trainer at David Lloyd Renfrew, will join 

a team of 15 riders to head out to Cape Town in March to take part in 

the notorious Cape Town Cycle Tour in support of Finding Your Feet, a 

charity set up by single mum Corinne Hutton who lost her hands and feet 

to septicaemia in 2013. 

The Cape Town Cycle Tour is the 

largest timed cycle race in the world 

with around 35,000 participants 

expected to take part. The challenging 

course sees riders tackle a 109km 

route which sets off from the city and 

takes them around Table Mountain 

and the national park. 

Lloyd has been helping Corinne, who 

founded the charity which supports 

amputees, to regain confidence and 

fitness in the David Lloyd centre in 

Renfrew. And so taken by her cando 

attitude and determination to 

help others, he felt compelled to do 

his own bit for the charity which has 

raised more than £250,000 to help 

amputees since its inception in 2014. 

Corinne (44) from Lochwinnoch 

in Renfrewshire, who walks on 

prosthetic legs and has a bionic hand, 

runs the charity which supports those 

who need help finding their feet after 

amputation or loss of limb function. In 

the two years since Corinne’s illness 

she has run up the ‘Rocky Steps’ in 

Philadelphia, cycled 10miles round the 

Scottish isle of Cumbrae, delivered a 

TED talk to 800 people, cycled in the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome, taken up 

skiing and ballroom dancing lessons, met the Prime Minister, carried the 

Commonwealth Games baton and learned to fly a single engine propeller 

plane. She has also helped countless other amputees to regain confidence 

and independence through 

In July 2015, Corinne, mum to Rory (7), became the first female quadruple 

amputee in history to conquer Ben Nevis before breaking another record in 

becoming the fi rst quadruple amputee to abseil a staggering 140 metres. 

Corinne is currently awaiting the UK’s first double hand transplant, a 

procedure that will make medical history. 

On the challenge that lies ahead, Lloyd commented: “I was the kids club 

coach at David Lloyds and taught Corinne’s son Rory four years ago at 

Brookfield 

Curling Club 

Why not fi ll up those long winter 

evenings with a new sport or revive 

old skills? Interested in taking up 

Curling? All standards welcome. 

For information, telephone 01505 

614080. 

Sat Sweep Curling 

Every Saturday until 2 April, from 11.45am - 2.15pm at intu 

Braehead, Renfrew. Price: £10 in advance and online only. £15 

on the day, subject to availability. Ticket includes introduction to 

curling, warm up and game. Please bring a warm jumper, clean 

pair of trainers and a sense of fun! The curling rink is located on 

the upper mall of Braehead Shopping Centre between McDonald’s 

& Pizza Hut. Open to all standard of curlers from beginners up to 

expert level. 

football, badminton and basketball. After her illness, Corinne was in the 

gym on crutches and prosthetics and by then I was a Physical Training 

Instructor. I was keen to help as it was so difficult for her to hold the 

equipment and work the machines but she wasn’t for giving up. I found that 

very humbling. 

“When I heard how her charity Finding Your Feet helps amputees who 

are in that same position, I wanted to help. Training for the event involves 

cycling on the static Watt bike and in spin class. I’m in the right place for 

that! I’ve never done anything like this before - travelling to Cape Town with 

a crowd I don’t really know, to do the largest cycling event in the world. It’s 

quite daunting. 

“The hardest part will be the heat and the distance as well as my lack of 

technical knowledge on the mechanics of a bike. I’ve only ever been on 

mountain bikes before, never a road bike, so there’s a whole new learning 

curve for me. However, it’s really hard for amputees just to find their feet so 

I won’t complain. Thanks to the two sponsors I’ve got via David Lloyds, I’m 

getting the chance of a lifetime and I’ll be thinking of Corinne cycling when 

I’m struggling up the hills.” 

Corinne commented: “Before my illness, I loved taking on challenges for 

charity and completed numerous marathons. You never think the tables 

will turn and that you will become the charity. I am so grateful to all the 

fundraisers and challengers out there who are helping others who fi nd 

themselves in my position. If some good can come of my illness, it’s the 

opportunity to give something back to those who need a support network 

like that which I benefited from. I wish Lloyd and the lads all the best in 

South Africa and look forward to welcoming them home.” 

Anyone wishing to support Lloyd can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/ 

Lloyd-Stevenson1/ or by dropping in to David Lloyd in Renfrew. 

Football Training 

Tuesday & Thursday nights at Johnstone 

High School astro between 6pm and 

9pm - football training for players of 

all age groups & abilities. For further 

details please call Ali McMaster on 07775 

578795, e: Glentyanthistlefc@gmail.com 

or visit our website: www.glentyanthistle. 

co.uk


HOWWOOD CURLING CLUB 

Come and Try Bonspiel 9 th March 

bto Scottish Orienteering 

Urban League 2015 

Howwood CC are always looking for new curlers to join our club. 

Following our successful Come and Try Bonspiel in January we 

are holding a further session on the 9 th March at 7:30pm at 

Greenacres curling rink. 

This is an opportunity for new beginners to experience curling 

with qualified coaching and those that came to our first session 

to get more practice. We will also organise a curling match 

during this session. The cost is £5 and refreshments will be 

provided. 

Following this session we will invite those that are to be 

interested to our end of season Bonspiel which takes place in 

the 1 st week in April and then to consider joining our club to 

take part in the new 2016/17 season. 

If you are interested please contact: 

Lachie Carmichael – lachiedcarmichael@hotmail.com / 01294 823643 

The awards ceremony for the 2015 Scottish 

Orienteering Urban League sponsored by Glasgow 

based bto solicitors took place in Edinburgh in 

January after race 1 for the 2016 series. It was 

a good year for local orienteering club Clydeside 

Orienteers (CLYDE) who took two first places and 

3 second places in the series of races across 8 

Scottish towns and cities. CLYDE are members 

of the Linwood and Gryffe Community Sports Hub 

and have members across Renfrewshire. 

Top prizes went to Houston Primary pupil Michael 

Paterson (pictured) who won the mens under 12 

series, and 

Donald 

Petrie, 

also of 

Houston, who won the men’s over 

55 category, despite a lengthy 

injury layoff. Michael also won the 

prestigious UK Urban League by 

competing in races across the 

UK from as far afi eld as Forres to 

Chester and Milton Keynes. 

CLYDE are hoping to stage an 

event in this year’s series in 

Paisley on their new map funded by 

SportScotland and Renfrewshire 

Council. Check out the website for 

details 

www.clydesideorienteers. 

org.uk 

The other CLYDE successes 

were: 

Kirsten Robertson 2nd under 12 

women 

Alice Wilson 2nd under 16 women 

Dave Robertson 2nd over 40 men 

Photo’s Crawford Lyndsay 

(ESOC) 

Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club 

- A night with Alex Gray 

The ladies section of OCRGC hosted their first social event of the year with 

‘A night with Alex Gray’. 

Alex Gray is an international award winning crime writer who entertained 90 

members and guests to the story of her career so far and tales of researching 

her 12 novels based around Glasgow and its surrounding area. 

Alex finished off the evening by reading an excerpt from her current novel 

and 

answering 

questions 

from 

the 

assembled 

audience. 

A 

thoroughly 

enjoyable evening 

was experienced 

by all.


57 57 

EVERY MO N D A Y 

KI L B A RC H A N ATHLETIC CL U B 

ON-X, LI N W O O D, 7P M 

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990. 

5-A-S I D E FO O T B A L L 

PO W E R L E AG U E PA I S L E Y 6P M 

Tel: Jim on 01505 874215; or jimbretherton@aol.com 

BR I D G E O F WEIR LA D I E S BA D M I N T O N 

CA R G I L L HA L L, LINTWHITE CR E S, 7.30P M 

CA L L A N E T I C S 

BRO O K F I E L D VILLAGE HA L L, 7.15P M 

STRATHGRYFFE MO T O RC YC L E CL U B 

TH E TR U S T IN N, KI L B A RC H A N 9P M-10.30P M 

Visit www.strathgryffe.org for details. 

TH E SH O T O K A N KA R AT E CL U B 

WO O D L A N D S PR I M A R Y SC H O O L, LI N WO O D, 7PM - 8PM 

& 8P M - 9P M. 

www.linwoodkarate.co.uk 

EVERY TUESDAY 

BR I D G E O F WEIR WA L K I N G GR O U P 

OU T S I D E T H E CO-O P, BOW 10.30A M 

1 hour walks. Call Senga on 0141 842 3000. 

GRYFFE BA D M I N T O N 

STRATHGRYFFE TE N N I S CL U B, 8P M 

FO O T B A L L TR A I N I N G 

JO H N S T O N E HI G H SC H O O L 6P M-9P M 

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details 

EVERY WEDNESDAY 

GREENOCK HO C K E Y CL U B 

IN V E R C LY D E AC A D E M Y , GREENOCK, 6.30P M-8P M 

Contact Liz Baldwin, mobile 07944 607005 


BR O O K F I E L D VI L L A G E HA L L, 5.15, 6.15 & 

7.30P M 

New Members welcome 

Kilmacolm Golf Club will be hosting an Open Day on Sunday 17 April, when 

they invite prospective new members to come along and see what the Club 

has to offer. 

Kilmacolm’s Captain, Colin McGinn, told The Advertizer, “We are celebrating 

our 125th year since the formation of the Golf Club. To mark this occasion 

we are offering a unique opportunity for those who have thought about 

joining a golf club, or for those thinking of moving club, to come along and 

get a tour of the Clubhouse and facilities. For those wishing to try the Golf 

Course, we’ll be offering a half price special (£20) for a round of golf and 

a light lunch; although places for this will be limited, therefore it’s best to 

book in advance. 

For all those attending, there will be special promotional offers available to 

join the Club on the day, and more details on this will be provided in next 

month’s Advertizer.” 

Meantime, if you require any additional information on the Open Day, or 

anything else regarding the Golf 

Club, then please contact us on 

01505 872139 or email secretary@ 

kilmacolmgolfclub.com. 

Table Tennis 

Houston Village 

Hall on Monday 

nights from 7.30pm 

- 9.30pm. 

All welcome. 

Donation £2. Call Mark on 07968 

052538. 

EVERY TH U R S D A Y 

KI L B A RC H A N ATHLETIC CL U B 

ON-X, LI N W O O D, 7P M 

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990. 

KILMACOLM WA L K E R S 

BI R K M Y R E PA R K PAVILION, KILMACOLM 10A M 

David 01505 874192 kilmacolmwalkers@talktalk.net 


BRO O K F I E L D VILLAGE HA L L, 9.15A M & 10.30A M 

TH E SH O T O K A N KA R AT E CL U B 

WO O D L A N D S PR I M A R Y. LI N W O O D 

7P M - 8P M & 8P M - 9P M 

www.linwoodkarate.co.uk 

FO O T B A L L TR A I N I N G 

JO H N S T O N E HI G H SC H O O L 6P M-9P M 

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details 

EVERY FR I D A Y 


BRO O K F I E L D VILLAGE HA L L, 9.15A M & 10.30A M 

18 MOVEMENT (TA I CH I) CH I KU N G 

ST FILLANS CH U R C H HA L L, MO S S RD, KILMACOLM 

10.15A M-11.15A M 

Gentle, relaxing exercise class. 0141 954 2456. 

EVERY SA T U R D A Y 

AD U LT TA P LESSONS 

CA R G I L L CE N T R E, KILMACOLM. L U N C H T I M E. 

Call Gail Ashley on 01475 531336 for details 

EVERY SU N D A Y 

BI R K M Y R E RU G B Y CL U B, KILMACOLM 

YO U T H RU G B Y SE C T I O N 11A M-1P M 

www.pitchero.com/clubs/birkmyre 

Sporting Blog 

Motivation.... 

What Are You Aiming at? 

“If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” 

The general flow of human life tends to be toward 

ease and comfort. One day flows into the next, and 

many of us never quite get around to turning our good 

intentions into reality. 

Those ‘good intentions,’ while no doubt admirable, 

tend to remain unrealized, mainly because they are 

too vague - vague ideas are impossible to focus on 

and aim for. 

Without setting specific goals, your good intentions 

are exactly like a moving target. You would like to lose 

some weight, feel a little better, make a change in your 

diet - but without clearly defined goals and methods, 

you can’t focus and make it happen. 

The way to steady the target is to define your goals 

and write them down: 

• How much weight do you want to lose? 

• What kind of changes do you want to make in your 

diet? 

• How many days per week do you want to exercise? 

• Which article of clothing do you wish would fit your 

body again? 

by Lesley Handley 

• How much weight would you like to lift while strength 

training? 

Once you know where you want to end up, you are 

much more likely to get there. 

But you have to start moving toward your goals. That 

is where momentum comes in. 

Sometimes, the hardest part of reaching a goal is just 

getting started. That first day of doing things differently 

or the first experience of bypassing an unhealthy treat 

in favour of a food that will give you more energy can 

be daunting. It isn’t easy and it certainly isn’t fun. 

It is hard to change lifelong habits on your own. You 

need radical motivation that sometimes comes from 

involving others in your efforts. Setting deadlines, 

making commitments and entering events all provide 

an external motivation that will carry you through even 

the toughest temptations. 

Once you get started, you will find that the momentum 

kicks in and it becomes easier and easier to keep 

going. 

Lesley 

For more information on Personal Training or nutrition contact me on 

0773 627 4925 or e-mail lesley@fitsmartfitness.co.uk.


Quarriers United FC 

12 Years On and Time for New Blood 

Quarriers Utd FC started in 2004 with a vision to establish 

a fl ourishing local football club. We have had 12 years of success with the 

first under 8 team still going strong now at under 19!! Other age groups 

beneath them have started and developed but only the 2005 age group are 

thriving along with a small 2007 group, so now let’s promote youth football 

locally. 

The club itself has continually developed, having our own pitches at both 11- 

a-side and 7-a-side and changing rooms and a very supportive committee 

to keep the club running. However to push on into the next period for the 

club we need to fi nd local parents who want to assist in providing local 

developmental football for children. 

The club are happy to support people who want to volunteer by helping 

them with coach development and team set up. Over the years we have 

supported young coaches who are keen to learn, with local lad Nick 

Loftus starting his coaching at Quarriers and now a professional coach in 

Norway. 

“It has been a fantastic journey thus far and it is amazing to watch the under 

19’s go from wee boys to now playing as young men understanding football 

and also learning the important life skill of teamwork.” says coach Graham 

Robertson. 

Developmental football is both for girls and boys and the club have had 

some success developing both girls and boys who have gone on to play 

football within the professional set up. 

“Quarriers Utd has built up a great local presence and is admired within local 

football. It is now time for another generation of parents and volunteers to 

step forward and help to provide local football for young people. We have 

the infrastructure and we are prepared to support volunteers in every way 

possible to ensure the club continues to flourish and children get a chance 

to play locally” says QUFC Chairman Stewart Cumming. 

If you are keen to help in anyway please call Stewart Cumming on 01505 

610689 or Graham Robertson on 01505 615344 or 07764 287005. 

Adult Tap Lessons 

Learn a new skill and have fun 

exercising. Suitable for beginners 

upwards. Saturday lunchtime: The 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm. PA13 4LE. 

For more information please contact, Gail Ashley (MBATD) on 01475 

531336. 

www.gailashleyschoolofdance.co.uk 

Email: contact@gailashleyschoolofdance.co.uk 

Castle Semple Sailing Club 

With the club’s unofficial Winter Winchester Whacky Pursuit Series drawing 

to a close, the official winter series started in late February. The winter 

sailing has brought plenty of entertainment and some challenging weather 

conditions and sometimes not so challenging but members were desperate 

to take part and prepared to endure often freezing damp conditions just to 

be out on the water. The commitment and camaraderie has been brilliant 

over an otherwise dull and damp winter. 

However for 2 members, Rear Commodore Arthur Logan and his wife 

Fiona, sunny Barbados beckons. At the end of March, Arthur and Fiona 

will be fl ying off to the sun to represent the club at the GP14 Worlds in 

Barbados and we wish them all the very best of luck However, rumour has 

it that Fiona is more concerned about the stories that sharks lurk in the seas 

surrounding the sailing area rather than the actual winning of races. I am 

sure that Arthur will soon have her focussing on the race once they are they 

there. The boat has already been packed up and put in a container ready 

for the voyage. Over 100 boats are expected to take part in the event, lets 

hope it doesn’t make the news for the wrong reasons as the event held in 

2014 did at Strangford Lough when a number of boats capsized when a 

sudden squall broke out. We are sure they will have a great time and wish 

them all the very best of luck. 

50th Anniversary - Sunday 29 May 

The Club will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year and will be holding 

a fun sailing day Sunday 29 May. If you would like to come along and join us 

please email via our website www/castlesemplesc.co.uk 

Burns Supper 

Laughter is said to be the best medicine and along 

with a fine meal and music, there was certainly plenty 

of all when Ranfurly Castle members enjoyed a host of 

outstanding speakers at their Annual Burns Supper. 

Included on the top table was Eleanor Cannon, 

Chairperson of Scottish Golf, and member of Ranfurly 

Castle who gave a very entertaining reply to The 

Toast to the Lassies. Ian McCosh, past president of 

Renfrewshire Golf Union addressed the haggis and 

was given a standing ovation for his flawless recital 

of Tam o’ Shanter, especially his dancing, having only 

had a plaster cast removed from his ankle earlier in the 

day. Rev Ian Miller, “Freeman of West Dunbartonshire” 

gave an excellent and amusing Immortal Memory, 

without even referencing the fact that he shares 

Dunbartonshire Freeman status along with Rabbie Burns. While past club 

Captain Alan Gordon toasted The Lassies and had everyone in stitches of 

laughter with a barrage of witty stories and jokes, Club captain Paul Morrell 

presided and kept the evening flowing. Club member Ronald Aitchison 

piped the haggis and 

captivated the audience 

with his rendition of Holy 

Willy’s prayer, suitably 

attired in full length 

night gown and hat. 

Musical entertainment 

was provided by 

John Armit, singing 

without instrumental 

accompaniment and some 

questionable harmonising 

from his audience! 

Left to Right: Paul Morrell - Club Captain, Eleanor 

Cannon - Scottish Golf Chairperson & Joy McLeod - 

Lady Captain 

New Catering Franchise - Stewart Catering 

We are delighted to announce that Heather and Louise, operating as 

Stewart Catering, have been appointed as our new Catering and Bar 

Management partner. 

Stewart Catering are already a very successful and popular feature at 

Old Course Ranfurly and have 

been looking for avenues to expand 

their business. Having already 

experienced their talents and skills 

for the recent Burns Supper, we look 

forward to seeing them spread their 

ideas and enthusiasm throughout the 

membership when they officially start 

on February 29th. 

Heather and Louise — Stewart Catering 

45th Celebrate Cubs’ 100th 

Birthday in Style 

In February, 45th Greenock and District (Quarriers Village) celebrated the 

Cubs’ 100th birthday with a night of campfire songs and star gazing. 

The Cubs invited Beavers, Scouts and Explorers to join them along with 

parents and friends as they did a night hike to the field near Bridge of Weir 

where the party was being held. 

The 45th enjoyed hotdogs and burgers with homemade soup and, of course, 

smores. Later they joined in campfire songs and did some star gazing before 

a fantastic firework 

display to round off the 

evening. 

Thanks very much to 

everyone who helped 

make the evening 

such a success and 

especially Steve and 

Anna Newman for the 

use of the field for the 

party.


59 59


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April ‘16 ISSUE: 

• Deadline: 18 March 

• Delivery: 1 April 

May ‘16 ISSUE: 

• Deadline: 15 April 

• Delivery: 29 April 

CHILDCARE 

Kilmacolm/Quarriers area regis- 

tered childminders. P/time or 

F/time vacancies for u-5’s and 

after school. T: 873839. 

Houston registered childminders. 

For an informal chat to 

fi nd your best childcare, call 

Elizabeth Waddell T: 614925 

churches 

BRIDGE OF WEIR 

Freeland Church: Rev KN Gray 

BA BD. Morning Service 

10.30am. Crèche, Sunday 

School, Lynx and Cornerstone. 

Eveing Service 7pm 

www.freeland.org.uk 

St Mary’s Church Scottish 

Episcopal Church: Delighting 

to praise God; Showing 

Christ’s love; Growing in faith. 

Services Sundays at 10am. 

we have a regular cycle of 

prayer for those who live and 

work in Bridge of Weir. For 

further information, to ask for 

special prayers, or in pastoral 

emergency, please call the 

Rector on 01475 705378 

St Machar’s Ranfurly Church: 

Sunday services 10.30am, 

Junior Church & Youth Church, 

hearing aid loop system. For 

more information on activities 

and events fi nd us online – 

stmacharsranfurlychurch. 

org.uk or Facebook. Come 

along – all welcome. 

Hope Hall: Sun 1pm Sunday 

School, 4.30pm Gospel 

S e r v i c e ; M o n 6 . 3 0 p m 

Investigators for Kids, 8pm 

Bible Study and Prayer. 

ELDERSLIE 

Elderslie Kirk: Sunday service 

every week at 11am. Minister - 

Rev Robin Allison. All welcome. 

Weekly meetings:- Monday 

Club every week from 12noon 

- 2.30pm. Light lunch and a 

varied activity programme. 

Midweek Fellowship will meet 

every Wed from 10.30am for 

Tea/Coffee followed by a short 

Service of Worship at 11am. 

HOUSTON 

Houston Baptist Church at 

Carrick Centre: 11am Family 

services with SS for children 

age 5-12; 6pm Eve Service; 

Mid-week Home Bible Study; 

For more information contact; 

Rev D Snelson 01505 

612722. 

PROPERTY 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TO RENT 

Houston and Killellan Kirk: 

Church of Scotland, Scottish 

Charity no SC 012822. www. 

houstonkirk.org. 4th March 

7.30pm - World Day of Prayer 

Ecumenical Service Liturgy 

from the women of Cuba. 

6th March 11am, 2pm & 

6.45pm - The Sacrament of 

Holy Communion (See note 

below). 13th March 11am 

- Morning Worship Guest 

Preacher: Mary Jane Bird. 

20th March 11am - Palm 

Sunday Morning Worship The 

Sacrament of Baptism The 

Annual Stated Meeting will 

follow at the end of Morning 

Worship. Holy Week Services 

- All Services begin at 7.30pm. 

Mon - Houston & Killellan 

Kirk; Tue - Joint Service with 

Linwood Parish at Houston; 

Wed - Joint Service at Linwood 

Parish Church. Maundy Thu 

- The Sacrament of the Last 

Supper; Good Fri - Houston 

& Killellan Kirk. 27th March 

8am - Early Morning EASTER 

Service The Sacrament of 

Holy Communion Bacon 

Butty Breakfast after this 

Service in the Killellan 

Halls. 11am Easter Morning 

Family Worship: Service of 

Blessing. Note:- We celebrate 

Holy Communion on the 

first Sunday of March and 

October. There are 3 services 

on each day 11am, 2pm and 

6.45pm. A common cup is 

used for elders on duty and 

available to any members of 

the congregation who wish 

to use it. It is served in the 

front two rows of the church. 

Fortifi ed wine is used in the 

common cup. The rest of 

the congregation are served 

bread and wine in individual 

glass thimble containers 

using non-alcoholic wine. 

HOLIDAY HOMES 

St Fillan’s, Main St, Houston: 

The World Day of a Prayer 

Service will held on Friday 

4th March at 7.30pm. All 

are welcome. Sun Masses: 

Vigil (Sat) 5pm, 9.30am & 

11am. Weekday Mass: Tues- 

Sat 9.30am except Thurs, 

7pm. Reconciliation: Sat 10- 

10.30am and after Vigil Mass; 

Thurs 7.30-8pm. Exposition: 

As announced. Baptisms: 1st 

& 3rd Sunday of the month by 

arrangement. Parish Priest: 

Rev Daniel J McLoughlin, Dip. 

Th.,MA Pastoral Assistant: 

Sr Mary Frances Collett, 

RNDM (Tel 01505 613514). 

“Abbotsfield”, St Fillan’s, 

Main St, Houston, PA6 7EL. 

T: 01505 612046, F: 01505 

610556. E: parish@stfillan. 

org.uk. www.stfi llan.org.uk 

Church of the Nazarene: Village 

Hall, Main St, Houston PA6 

7EL. Rev Benito S Coetzee. 

Family services at 10.30am 

with full toddler, children 

& youth activities running 

concurrently with the service. 

Youth meets at 6.30pm-8pm 

on Sundays. Word and Table 

Quiet Service held from 9am- 

9.30am every 3rd Sunday. 

www.houston.nazarene.org.uk 

HOWWOOD 

Howwood Parish Church: 

Sunday Service will start at 

10am and there will be a 

prayer meeting at 3 Bowfi eld 

Way on Fridays at 7.30pm. 

KILBARCHAN 

Kilbarchan Parish Church 

Minister: - Rev Stephen Smith. 

The Senior Choir, along with 

members of the Junior Choir 

will lead the Maundy Thursday 

Service on 24th March at 

7pm, when John Rutter’s 

“Mass of the Children” will 

be sung during worship, 

followed by the Sacrament 

of Holy Communion. There 

will be services at 7pm on 

Good Friday, 25th March 

and on Easter Sunday, 27th, 

at 11am. 

CONTENT OF THE GRYFFE ADVERTIZER CANNOT 

BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT PRIOR CONSENT 

FROM THE PUBLISHER 

The Gryffe Advertizer is a magazine published by The Gryffe Advertizer Ltd 

Advertising throughout The Gryffe Advertizer: 

Defi nitions: “Standards” means the British Code of Advertising Practice 

and the provisions of any law applicable to advertising including, but not 

limited to, the Trade Descriptions Act, 1968, the Consumer Credit Act 

1974, the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988, the 

Financial Services Act 1986, the Business Advertisement (Disclosure) 

Order 1977 and all amendments and replacements. 

It is hereby agreed that: 

• The placing by the Advertising Client of an Advertisement is deemed to 

be acceptance of these Conditions of Acceptance of Advertising. 

• All Advertisements in this Publication must not contravene the 

Standards. 

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Advertising Client as a result of any failure, negligence or omission by 

any party in the course of the distribution or circulation of the Publication 

in which the Advertisement is scheduled to appear. 

• In the event of any error, misprint or omission by the Publisher in 

the printing of an Advertisement, the Publisher will either re-insert 

the advertisement, adjust the cost or provide a refund. This does 

not apply if the Advertisement has been approved by the Advertising 

Client prior to publication. The total liability of the Publisher for such 

an occurrence shall not exceed the amount of a full refund for that 

particular Advertisement. 

• The Advertising Client agrees to indemnify the Publisher in respect 

of all costs, damages or other charges falling upon the Publisher as 

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Editorial throughout The Gryffe Advertizer: 

The opinions of the Contributors to this Publication are not necessarily 

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or refuse any material submitted for publication. 

KILMACOLM 

Kilmacolm Old Kirk: Church 

o f S c o t l a n d ( C h a r i t y 

no. SC009291).www. 

kilmacolmoldkirk.org.uk. 

Minister Rev Dr Peter McEnhill 

(01505 873174). Morning 

Worship - Sundays 11am, all 

welcome Sunday School & 

Crèche available. 

St Columba Church of Scotland: 

(charity no SC007992) 

Morning Worship Sundays 

at 11am. 

St Colm’s Catholic Church, 

Smithy Brae Kilmacolm. 

Rev Vincent Byrne. Family 

mass Sundays 10am with 

children’s liturgy, followed by 

tea and coffee. Eucharistic 

service Thursdays 10.30am. 

Rosary Tuesdays 6.30pm. 

Prayer group meets Thursdays 

7.30pm. Further information 

and contact details www. 

stcolmsparish.co.uk. All 

welcome. 

Grace Church Kilmacolm: in 

association with the Free 

Church of Scotland - Sunday 

Ser vice at 10.30am in 

Kilmacolm Scout Hut - all 

welcome. 

Buddhist meetings: Buddhism 

of Nichiren Daishonin. Phone 

Margaret on 01505 871343. 

St Fillan’s Episcopal Church 

(in Anglican Communion): 

Everyone welcome at our 

Church in Moss Road. The 

Rector is the Revd David 

Gifford and the Associate 

Priest the Revd Heller 

G o n z a l e z ( r e s i d e n t i n 

Kilmacolm Rectory). Regular 

Sunday Service 11.30am 

with monthly Evensong on 

last Sundays at 6pm. Family 

Service 11.30am on the last 

Sunday of the month. Contact 

Maureen Russell (Pastoral 

Assistant) 01505 872905. 

LANGBANK 

Langbank Parish Church: Rev Dr 

Ken Forrest. Sunday Services 

10am with Sunday School, 

Creche and young people’s 

group, the Welcomers. Tea/ 

coffee after the service. 

Church service starts at 

10am. Come along and meet 

in the Hall from 9.50am. 

Charity No SC015085. 

LOCHWINNOCH 

Parish Church: Rev May Bell. 

11.30am Morning Service 

Sunday School and Crèche. 

Calder United Free Church: 

(Church St Lochwinnoch) 

Sunday: 11am Morning 

worship with Sunday School 

and Crèche. 6.30pm Evening 

Fellowship group, 7.30pm 

ABC’s Teen group. Wed 

6.30pm-7.30pm. 

Spiritualist Church,Lochlip 

Rd: All services commence 

7.30pm. 

QUARRIERS 

Mount Zion Church: Law View 

Road, Quarriers Village. Rev 

Andy Lunn BSc, Please join 

with us as we celebrate 

Jesus death for our sins and 

His resurrection for our life! 

March 20 at 10.30am. Palm 

Sunday Service; March 24 

at 7pm Maundy Thursday 

Communion; March 25 

at 2.30pm. Good Friday 

Meditation; March 27 at 

10.30am Easter Sunday 

Family Service followed by and 

Easter Brunch in aid of Mercy 

Ships; March 27 at 7pm The 

Gatherin’ 

follow The Advertizer on 

twitter and facebook 

for regular updates 

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61 61


ITEMS FOR SALE 

BABY EQUIPMENT 

Koochi pink buggy and travel 

bag. Retails at £99.99. Sell 

for £10. As new. Tel: 07340 

707471. 

Britax Car Seat black forward 

facing, 15-36 kg, good cond. 

£15. Tel 01505 874870. 

Philips Avent combined baby 

food steamer and blender with 

instructions. Smoke & pet free 

home. £30. 01505 672175. 

CLOTHES & SHOES 

Very Stylish, gents 3 piece suit 

44 inch chest, 38 inch waste, 

light grey worn once, cost 

£200. Gents shoes black 

brogue size 12 Locke make 

never worn, cost £160. Selection 

of designer ties and 

scarfes free with shoes and 

suit, £50 for the lot. Can supply 

photos. Tel: 07928 661869. 

Tap shoes pink junior size 10. 

£10. Tel: 01505 874870. 

Ballet shoes pink junior size 9. 

£5. Tel: 01505 874870. 

Women’s Nike running jacket. 

Lightweight, black, size medium. 

Exc cond. £20. 01505 

672175. 

Marks and Spencer men’s charcoal 

suit. Chest 48ins, waist 

38ins, inside leg 31ins. Wool 

rich blend, exc cond. £25. 

01505 672175. 

Men’s Dehavilland black coat. 

Wool/cashmere mix, hardly 

worn and in exc cond. Chest 

48ins. £50. 01505 672175. 

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN 

3 seater and 2 seat brown 

leather couches with pouffe. 

VGC. £300ono. Pick up only 

from Houston. Tel: 07780 

671618. 

Quality secondary glazing unit, 

3 panel horizontal slider, style 

is Protec SS3 Reveal Fix with 

6mm glass. Colour is Light 

Oak. Unit size is 115cm x 

173cm. £50 Ono. Tel: 01475 

540110. 

Grandfather clock, dark wood, 

Westminster chimes. £200 

Tel: 01505 345629. 

TV table, smoked glass, oval 

shape, suit up to 32” TV. Cost 

£45. Accept £20. Tel: 01505 

872334. 

‘Adjustomatic’ Single Bed (John 

Lewis). £80. Tel: 01505 

872755. 

Wrought Iron Headboard & 

Footer. £65. Tel:01505 

321028. 

Cream leather 2 seater settee. 

£50. Tel: 07986 118479. 

Aston Swivel Recliner chair with 

footstool. Black leather with 

wood base. Good cond. £40. 

Tel 01505 614943. 

Kitchen table: White & light 

wood (Habitat) gate leg table 

with 2 folding leaves. Length 

45” when extended 8” folded. 

Width: 31” As new. 2 basket 

weave kitchen chairs. (IKEA) 

£45 for both or £30 table, £20 

chairs. Tel: 01505 321691. 

Pair of matching beige/cream 

three-seater sofas, one sofa 

bed. Approx 190cm wide x 

90cm high x 93cm deep. 

£60 for the pair. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

Brand new unused M&S king 

size duvet still in box. 13 tog. 

Smoke & pet free home. £55. 

Tel: 01505 672175. 

5 piece corner sofa dark brown 

half leather. Exc cond. £150. 

Buyer collects. Tel: 01505 

871374. 

DFS black leather 3 seater sofa 

and matching chair. Great 

cond. Collection only. £150. 

Tel: 07792 722429. 

Cintique patterned two seater 

settee with armchairs, good 

cond, Collection only, £50. Tel: 

01505 328044. 

Cotbed (Toysrus) with mattress 

in exc cond, £30, Tel: 01505 

328044. 

4 Dining Room Tall Back Chairs, 

Exc Cond, Crushed Velveteen 

Material, 2 x Brown/Mocha/ 

Beige & 2 x Brown/Pink/Beige 

stripes. £50 each. Tel: 01505 

673229. 

Dark Brown Leather High Back 

chair for study desk. £25 ono. 

Tel: 01505 673229. 

3’ Square Dark Brown Leather 

Pouffe, VGC. Cost £150 sell 

£75 ono. Tel: 01505 673229. 

Cherry wood John Lewis coffee 

table with shelf under. Exc 

cond. £150 ono. Tel: 07986 

118479. 

ELECTRICAL & GAS 

Hotpoint Ultima Washing Machine, 

free-standing, graphite 

colour. Exc cond. £90. Tel: 

0788 778 4162. 

Logik gas hob, stainless steel - 

exc cond. £40. (new kitchen 

forces sale) Tel: 0788 778 

4162. 

Washing Machine perfect Working 

order Hotpoint. £50. Tel: 

07791 688240. 

Cast Iron Stove Gas Fired Coal 

unused Baxi Windermere. 

£150. Tel: 07791 688240. 

Beko sliver fridge freezer. VGC. 

£120ono Tel: 01505 614719 

evenings. 

PETS 

Small hamster cage and wheel. 

£10. Tel: 07940 740542. 

SPORTS 

Full set Slazenger Golf Clubs. 

Good cond. £40. Tel: 01505 

329137. 

Ping G25 12 degree Driver with 

super soft shaft and a Ping 

G25 23 degree Rescue Club 

also with a super soft shaft. 

Both superb cond. Fixed price 

£140 for both. Tel: 01505 

842950. 

Hill Billy Power Trolley with battery. 

£45. Tel: 01505 873051. 

Western saddle brand new for 

sale £150 Tel: 07931 360915 

after 5pm. 

Adidas, size 8 Techstar Allround 

3 Track and Field running 

spike shoes. Never worn. 

Unwanted Xmas present. £25 

Tel: 01505 690995. 

Kids bike (20”) ideal age 5-8. 

Exc cond, good as new. Cost 

£100 sell for £20. Tel: 01505 

690658. 

Toddler Bicycle helmets (44-48 

cm) pink x 2, suits appr. 1-5 yrs 

old, good cond. £5 each. Tel: 

01505 874870. 

Dainese large size matt black 

ski/snowboard helmet. Good 

cond. £20. 01505 672175. 

Raleigh High Quality Mountain 

Bike. VGC. £60. Tel: 07791 

688240. 

Raleigh Girls Mountain Bike 18” 

frame. Exc cond. £50. Tel: 

07791 688240. 

Vintage Gents Bicycle Rudge 

1950s usable condition 

rod brakes Sturmey Archer 

Dynohub. £150. Tel: 07791 

688240. 

TOYS/GAMES/DVD 

Bouncy Zebra sit-on toy. Suitable 

for girls, age 1-4years. 

Retails £80. Sell for £20. Tel: 

07340 707471. 

Sylvanian Family Hotel. Exc 

cond. Few extras. £55. Tel: 

01505 702903. 

OTHER ITEMS 

Brand new leatherette briefcase. 

Unwanted gift. £20. 

Tel: 01505 328734 or 07760 

155692. 

Lightweight Wheelchair. Good 

Cond. £70. Tel: 01505 

872755. 

1 x 4 wheel & 1 x 3 wheel Rollator. 

£30 each. Tel: 01505 

872755. 

Manfrotto MK393-PD tripod, 

Manfrotto MMC3-01 monopod 

& Jessops Tecno camera bag 

all brand new along with two 

seldom used Jessops studio 

lights. All for £70. Tel: 07980 

144576. 

Set of Mini Countryman R60 

steel wheels with Bridgestone 

Blizzak winter tyres/caps £150. 

Tel: 01505 613091. 

Apple I Phone black includes 

extras Red Leather Flip Case 

Desk Charger Spare Battery 

new good used cond. £140. 

Tel: 07791 688240. 

Lexmark Interpret 405 wireless 

4 in 1 printer (fax, copy, scan, 

print). Exc cond. £30. Tel: 

01505 672175. 

Genuine BMW Mini Countryman 

roof rack used once complete 

with instructions & tools £60. 

Phone 01505 613091. 

Apple iPad Mini 32GB Wireless 

& 4G complete with Box/Cables 

plus Belkin Leather Case 

£100. Tel: 01505 613091. 

4 Wheel Rollator with fold down 

seat and bag. VGC. £50. Tel: 

01505 842977. 

Assorted terracotta chimney 

pots which make excellent 

planters. From £10. Tel: 

01505 672175. 

Pay as you go EE Vouchers 

(bought in error). £30 value 

for £20. Tel: 07913 481101. 

Yamaha PSR150 Electric Organ. 

£45. Tel: 01505 872334. 

Set of 4 genuine BMW winter 

wheels, tyres and rims. Came 

off my BMW Series1 Cabriolet. 

Will probably fit other 

Series. In great condition with 

loads of tread. 195/55 R16. 

£180. Tel: 07812 493999. 

WANTED ITEMS 

Black leather or faux leather 

couches or chairs. Free or 

cheap please! Can uplift. Tel: 

07456 503996. 

Black dining room table. Tel: 

01505 506385. 

Old records Wanted 45`s & 

LP`s CASH Paid. Tel: 07710 

777571. 

Cash paid for Music CDs ( a few 

or a lot ). Tel: 0141 882 5594 

or 07765 115347. 

Cash paid for Copy of book 

Castles and mansions of Renfrewshire 

and Buteshire by AH 

Millar. Tel 01505 331094. 

Wooden barrels, glass bottles, 

cider making equipment, apples. 

Tel: 07928661869 

Old boats and old boat parts, 

anything nautical, for collector. 

Tel: 07928 661869. 

Old pocket watches - in any condition 

– working or not cash 

paid, Tel: 07887 621598. 

FREE CYCLE 

Ikea tractor seat stool, height 

adjustable, castor wheels & 

black plastic seat. Contact 

07732066967. 

Maxi-Cosi EasyBase for use 

with Cabriofix or Pebble baby 

car seat. Secured with seatbelt 

only, no isofix attachments. 

Tel: 01505 672175. 

ADVERTISING 

sales & wants ad rates: 

UP TO £200 ....... FREE 

£201 to £500 ..... £5.00 

£501 to £1000 ... £10.00 

OVER £1000 ..... Call for details. 

Use our Sales & Wants form and post to 

The Gryffe Advertizer, Neva Place, Bridge 

of Weir, PA11 3PN. 

or email your items to info@advertizer.co.uk 

The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS 

The Law requires that Advertisers selling goods in the course 

of a business MUST include the word Trader, Dealer, Agent, 

Breeder or appropriate wording in the Advertisement to 

distinguish from private advertisers. 

LOCAL INFORMATION 

community council 

Visitors are welcome at these monthly meetings. 

BISHOPTON: Primary School: 1st Thurs at 7.30pm 

www.bishoptoncouncil.com 

BRIDGE OF WEIR: Cargill Hall: 1st Tues at 7pm. 

www.bridgeofweir.org 

BROOKFIELD: Brookfield Village Hall: 7.30pm 

in February, April, June, August, October and 

December on 2nd Thursday of the month. 

HOUSTON: Carrick Centre: 3rd Wed at 7.30pm 

www.houstoncommcouncil@yahoo.co.uk 

HOWWOOD: Village Hall: 2nd Tues at 7.30pm. 

www.howwood.com/community-council.php 

KILBARCHAN: Steeple Hall: monthly at 7.30pm. 

www.kilbarchan.info/community_council.html 

KILMACOLM & QUARRIERS: Last Tues at 7.30pm, 

Kilmacolm Cargill Centre (NB: No meetings: July or 

Dec) www.kilmacolmcc.co.uk 

LANGBANK: Church Hall: 2nd Wed at 7.30pm 

LOCHWINNOCH: Bowling Club: 1st Tues at 7.30pm 

community halls to let 

Bridge of Weir, Freeland Church. Tel: 612245 

Brookfi eld, Village Hall. Tel: 335562. 

Houston, Carrick Centre. Tel: 612203 / 331488 

Houston, Compass Centre. Tel: 615441 / 612617 

Kilbarchan, Guide Centre. Tel: 702758. 

Kilbarchan, Old Library Centre. Tel: 706070 

Kilmacolm, Cargill Centre. Tel: 873994 

Kilmacolm, Brownie/Guide Hut. Tel: 874428 

Kilmacolm, Masonic Hall. Tel: 873059 

Linwood Masonic Hall. Tel: 07825 222944 

Please add your community hall details to our list - 

email to info@advertizer.co.uk 

local councillors 

RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk 

Ward 7 - Johnstone South, Elderslie & Howwood: Cllrs 

John Caldwell, John Hood, Stephen McGee and 

Iain McMillan 

Ward 8 - Johnstone (North), Kilbarchan & Lochwinnoch: 

Councillors Derek Bibby, Andy Doig and Christopher 

Gilmour 

Ward 9 - Houston, Crosslee, Brookfi eld & Linwood: 

Councillors Stuart Clark, Audrey Doig, Anne Hall 

and Allan Noon 

Ward 10 - Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank: 

Councillors Maria Brown, Mike Holmes and James 

Maclaren 

INVERCLYDE COUNCIL: www.inverclyde.gov.uk 

Ward 1 - Inverclyde East (P.Glasgow, Kilmacolm and 

Quarriers Village): Cllrs David Wilson, Jim MacLeod, 

Stephen McCabe and James McColgan


63 63 

Accountants & Financial 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 24 

Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 16 

Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk 

Architectural Services 

Architectural Drawings . . . . . 16 

Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Art, Gifts & Flowers 

Crafts of Calder Gallery . . . 14 

Automotive Services 

AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

Chips Away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 29 

Bathrooms 

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 

Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11 

G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 

Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17 

Bedrooms 

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 2 

Blacksmith & Metalwork 

Iron House Stoves Limited . . 7 

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 11 

Building Services 

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 

B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 39 

BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 38 

JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 6 

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 14 

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 

MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 40 

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 15 

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 37 

Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 51 

Business Services 

Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 27 

Care Services & Homes 

Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 40 

Catering 

Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 16 

Charity 

Quarriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

C l a s s i fi e d 

Rent A Bloke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Cleaning & PowerWash 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 16 

Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 15 

MattVac Carpet & Upholstery Cl . . Bk 

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 35 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Quick Drain Clear . . . . . . . . . 39 

Coffee Shops 

Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 30 

JoJo’s Cakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

Computer, IT & Web 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 


Driveways 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Victoria Driveways Landscapes . . 47 

Driving Instructors 

Alistair McMahon Driving . . . 10 

Alistair Stewart - Driving Ins . . 3 

never miss an issue again! 

visit www.advertizer.co.uk or 

http://free.yudu.com/library/18833/Gryffe-Advertizer-issues 

http://issuu.com/gryffeadvertizer/docs 

BY CATEGORY 

Education 

St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 53 

Electricians 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Fencing 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 


Firewood & Logs 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 11 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

Framing 


Funeral Services 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 13,29 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 6 

Garage Doors & Gates 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Garden Service & Design 

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 47 

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 44 

Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 44 

Care & Repair Gardening Servci . . 49 


Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 49 

Crawford Landscapes . . . . . . . . 47 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 49 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 44 

Gowanlea Nurseries . . . . . . . . . 9 


MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 48 

SP Groundcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 44 

Gas & Heating Services 

A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 15 

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 5 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 37 

Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 14 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Glazier 

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 

Cloudy2Clear Windows Glasgow . . 5 

JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 15 

TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Hairdressers & Barbers 

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 35 

Ashes Hair & Beauty . . . . . . . . 36 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 36 

Health, Beauty & Fitness 



Beginners Yoga - Sara Marijuan . . 57 

Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 3 

Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 40 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13 

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Lauras Nail & Beauty Lounge . . 23 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 35 

Skinny Minnies . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 35 

Home Hardware 

First Domestics . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Gibb Stuart Ironmongers . . . . 9, 45 

Home Improvements 


Ideal Flooring Service . . . . . 3 

Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 17 

Home Interiors 

Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 



The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 35 

Home Security 

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 6 

Joiners 

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 38 



JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 


McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 16 




TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 15 

Kilt & Dress Hire 

Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 5 

Kitchens 







Leisure & Recreation 

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club . . 59 

Locksmiths 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Houston Locksmiths . . . . . . . . . 3 

Painters & Decorators 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 15 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Ian Livingston Decorating . . 16 

James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 

John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 

McDonald Decorators . . . . . . . . 36 

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

Pet Services & Training 

Happy Rambles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 43 

Plasterers 

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 4 

Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 5 



Plumbers 




GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 


JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 


Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Property, Sales & Let 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Removals 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 6 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Restaurant & Bars 


Retail 

Gibb Stuart Ironmongers . . . . 9,45 

Saks & Hart Country Living . . 38 

Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 


Wild Rose Flowers Ltd . . . . . . 9 

R o o fi n g 










Social Care 

Quarriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Solicitors 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 


Special Occasions 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Sports Clubs & Events 


Taxis & Minicoach hire 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 3 

Tiling 

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 16 

Kerr McAuley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Travel Agents 

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Tree Surgeon 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 


LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

TV & Satellite 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 7 

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 

Upholstery Services 

P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 2 

Window Cleaners 



Window, Consv & Repair 


Art Window & Doors . . . . . . . . . Bk 


TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

All rights reserved. 

Reproduction in whole 

or in part without written 

permission is strictly 

prohibited. The Gryffe 

Advertizer cannot be held 

responsible for unsolicited 

materials. The views and 

opinions by contributors 

in this magazine may 

not represent the views 

of the publishers. The 

Gryffe Advertizer takes no 

responsibility for claims made 

by advertisements in this 

publication. 

ADVERTIZERS - A TO Z 

@ease Removals & Transport .. 6 


3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 47 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 15 

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 44 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 


ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 24 


AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

Alistair McMahon Driving . . . 10 

Alistair Stewart - Driving Ins . . 3 

Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 44 

Architectural Drawings . . . . . 16 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 


Art Window & Doors . . . . . . . . . Bk 


B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 39 

Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11 

Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 13,29 

Beginners Yoga - Sara Marijuan . . 57 


Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 

BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 


Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 6 




Care & Repair Gardening Servci . . 49 


Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 5 

Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Chips Away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Cloudy2Clear Windows Glasgow . . 5 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 40 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 


Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 49 

Crawford Landscapes . . . . . . . . 47 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 7 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 49 


Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 3 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 16 

First Domestics . . . . . . . . . . . 14 


Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

Gibb Stuart Ironmongers . . . . 9,45 


Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 16 

Gowanlea Nurseries . . . . . . . . . 9 

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 29 


Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Happy Rambles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 

Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 

Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 5 

Houston Locksmiths . . . . . . . . . 3 

contact us 



Ian Livingston Decorating . . 16 

Ideal Flooring Service . . . . . 3 


Iron House Stoves Limited . . 7 


James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 



JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 6 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 3 

JoJo’s Cakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 16 

Kerr McAuley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 40 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13 



Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 


LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Lauras Nail & Beauty Lounge . . 23 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 


M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 


MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

MattVac Carpet & Upholstery Cl . . Bk 


McDonald Decorators . . . . . . . . 36 

McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 16 


Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 11 

MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 36 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 35 

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 


Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 17 

P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 2 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Quarriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Quick Drain Clear . . . . . . . . . 39 

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 48 


Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

Rent A Bloke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Saks & Hart Country Living . . 38 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Skinny Minnies . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 43 


Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 35 

SP Groundcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 53 

Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk 



TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 


The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 


Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 44 

Wild Rose Flowers Ltd . . . . . . 9 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 15 

The Gryffe Advertizer 

Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN 

t: 01505 613340 or e: info@advertizer.co.uk 

For more information please call us on 01505 613340 

or check our website at www.advertizer.co.uk 

Next Issue: (#259) April ‘16 

Deadline: Friday 18th March

64 

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

you you can can contact us @GryffeAds us using using #Advertizer 

or or by by email email info@advertizer.co.uk or phone or phone 01505 01505 613340 613340

258 March 2016 - Gryffe Advertizer

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