259 April 2016 - Gryffe Advertizer

April 2016 No.259 

FREE 

COPY 

1 

Distributed to: 

• Bishopton 

• Bridge of Weir 

• Brookfield 

• Elderslie 

• Houston 

• Howwood 

• Kilbarchan 

• Kilmacolm 

• Langbank 

• Lochwinnoch 

• Quarriers 

FOLLOW US 

GryffeAds 

Sunset at Barr Loch by John McNeil 

Gryffe 

ADVERTIZER 

your LOCAL community magazine April 2016 No. 259 

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 april 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.260 May 2016 

Deadline: Friday 15th April 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..........................8-13 

dental blog.............................11 

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

business news...................25-30 

financial blog.........................25 

it blog..................................25 

local history...........................35 

on the road...........................24 

village news....................36-45 

opticians blog .........................41 

pets...............................46-47 

pet blog ............................46 

outdoors..........................48-53 

photography hints & tips ............53 

schools news.....................54-58 

sports & clubs news.............59-63 

sporting blog..........................60 

advertiser directory................67 

business classified...........64-65 

church listings....................65 

deadlines dates...................65 

property classified.................65 

sales & wants......................66 

Spring Cleaning: Howwood villagers are organising their annual Spring Clean 

on 16/17 April - details on p43. And Brighter Bridge of Weir will be doing the 

same on 14/15 May - details on p51. Houston Community Council plan to 

hold regular clear-ups around the village and details are available on their 

Facebook page. Or, if you haven’t time to help out in a group, why not just keep 

around your own home clear, imagine if everybody did that! And to save your 

hands getting too dirty, Gibb Stuart’s sell litter-pickers, gloves and bin bags. 

These litter picks are hugely successful, with Brighter Bridge of Weir 

volunteers telling me they collected 16 large bags of litter in one afternoon, 

and that’s just along one stretch of road in Bridge of Weir. Similarly, Houston 

CC organised a general litter-pick day recently and picked up a similar quantity 

from a relatively small area. A great achievement, but it’s sad that it has to be 

done at all; there seems to be an attitude prevailing nowadays that someone 

else will attend to it. And to continue the rant, it’s great to see dog owners now 

bagging it, but if that bag doesn’t make it to a bin, there seems little point in 

the exercise (excuse the pun!). 

Bull’s Garage: There has recently been some ground work investigations at 

the former Bull’s Garage site. Apparently a potential purchaser had requested 

a ground contamination report, and the sellers have decided to have this 

carried out as it’s likely that any purchaser will require such a report. 

Kilmacolm Co-op: There is now lots of activity at the former Institute site in 

the centre of Kilmacolm. The hold-up was due to the fact that the building plot 

has no other land associated with it and therefore the developer had nowhere 

to site their utility cabin and equipment. This has now been resolved utilising 

some land, for the duration of the build, slightly further down Smithy Brae. 

Hopefully progress will now accelerate. 

Brookfield 30mph: A few weeks ago the Traffic Police had a field-day in 

Brookfield, with a speed trap at the Merchiston entrance, catching motorists 

as they came into Brookfield from the roundabout. The trouble with this 

stretch of road is that it had been 40mph for such a long time. Even though 

it changed to 30mph a couple of years ago, the speed limit signs are sparse. 

Perhaps a few more signs and the speed painted on the road would help? 

Plant Theft: Margaret, of the BoW Brighters, told me that the group had spent 

a great deal of time tidying up the embankment opposite the Gibb Stuart car 

park in Bridge of Weir, laying boulders and red stone chips, and putting in a 

number of plants. Only to find a day or 

so later that some devious scoundrel 

(I’m being polite here!) had decided to 

help themselves to a large quantity of 

said stones and plants. Shocking! 

Save a hedgehog: And finally, elastic 

bands. Now I know with so many 

letters and parcels to carry our 

Posties, who do a sterling job, find it 

difficult to keep track of flying lackybands. 

What I hadn’t realised was 

that hedgehogs are picking these up 

and eating them, thinking they are 

worms. They then get stuck in their 

gut causing a painful death. So, 

finishing as I started, please pick it 

up and pop it in the bin. 

Rona


5 5 

Cloudy2Clear Announce 

Trusted Trader Partnership 

Which? have now added themselves to the thousands of customers who 

recognise that, in Cloudy2Clear you are dealing with a business that you can 

really trust. Cloudy2Clear, who recently celebrated their 10th Birthday, replace 

misty glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window. 

Glasgow manager Peter Brummitt believes that Which? have endorsed 

Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering a trustworthy and 

credible service at all times. “Our service is simple - if your double glazing has 

steamed up we can replace the glass at a fraction of 

the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and 

with a new 5 year guarantee.” Peter continues “We 

also GUARANTEE that an average quotation will take 

no longer than 20 mins, with little or no disruption 

to your home. These things seem simple, but not 

enough companies do it and it’s great that someone 

like Which? has endorsed our philosophy.” 

Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Wider Gryffe area. 

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or 

damaged give Peter a call for a free quotation on 

0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!


Daffodil Day 

Sunday 17 April 

Come and see the exhibition of Daffodils 

from the 600 varieties growing at Greenbank 

Garden! 

11am - 4.30pm - Greenbank House and 

Garden, Flenders Road, Clarkston G76 8RB 

- Ticket price is included in admission cost. 

Call 08444 932201. 

After seeing the display why not go out 

around the garden and see them growing 

naturally in the garden and woodland. 

Change lives in 2016 by 

Volunteering with Quarriers 

Would you like to volunteer and be a part of an organisation 

that makes a real difference to people’s lives? Quarriers is 

a social care charity providing practical care and support 

for vulnerable children, adults and families who face extremely challenging 

circumstances. 

We welcome volunteers to our organisation because of the unique qualities 

they bring. Volunteers enrich the lives of the people we support by bringing 

specialist skills and knowledge, new ideas and flexibility. We have various 

opportunities, befriending, swimming/support hobbies, gardening, driving, IT, 

fundraising and many more 

Volunteering is a worthwhile activity that will enhance your life and aid personal 

development. By volunteering with Quarriers you can gain new experiences, 

learn new skills, do something of special or personal interest, make a difference 

in the community, try something new and meet new people and have fun! 

A few hours a week will make a difference not only to the lives of the people we 

support, but in your life too. 

Quarriers is a unique organisation and can provide something for everyone, 

even you. If you want to be part of something amazing and volunteer with 

Quarriers, get in touch and make it happen. 

Tel: 01505 616109 or email volunteer.centre@quarriers.org.uk 

For more information on Quarriers work visit our website www.quarriers.org.uk


7 7 

Rainbow Turtle 

The Fairtrade Foundation asked people 

to ‘make their breakfasts count’ for this 

year’s Fairtrade Fortnight which finished 

on Sunday 13th March. Supporters all 

over the UK ‘Sat down for breakfast and 

Stood up for farmers’ as they ate in their 

own homes or at organised community events and registered their meal or 

event to ‘make it count’ with the Fairtrade Foundation. 

As Martin Luther King famously said, ‘before you finish eating breakfast in the 

morning, you’ve depended on more than 

half the world’. Despite our dependence 

on farmers and workers for the foods, 

drinks and products that we love, about 

795 million people are undernourished 

globally. 

The people who grow the food we take 

for granted can’t always feed their own 

families. 

When people are paid a fairer price, 

they can have more control over their lives when times are hard, and worry 

less about how they will feed their families. Whether it’s the extra cash in their 

pockets or being able to expand their farms to grow more food to eat, Fairtrade 

means many farmers and workers are able to fulfil a basic human need – to put 

enough food on the table for the people they care about, all year round. 

Individuals, schools and community groups around Renfrewshire have been 

organising breakfasts to help raise awareness and support farmers and 

workers to put food on the table for their families by harnessing the power of a 

Fairtrade breakfast. 

Rainbow Turtle, Renfrewshire’s only 

dedicated Fair Trade charity and retail 

outlet came up with a novel idea of 

creating a ‘living window display’ with 

supporters of Fair Trade taking turns 

to eat breakfast in the window of the 

shop on the two Saturdays of Fairtrade 

Fortnight. Mhairi Black MP kicked off the 

proceedings eating a delicious array of 

goodies provided by Redss Catering. She was followed by representatives from 

schools, churches, Fairtrade towns and villages, the local council, Rainbow 

Turtle staff and volunteers and other community groups. 

It was a fun way of getting the serious 

message across to people about how 

simple it is to change lives just by 

changing your shopping habits. 

For more information on supporting Fair 

Trade in Renfrewshire contact info@ 

rainbowturtle.org.uk


Diaporama 

It was ‘Les Girls risqué reprise’ in 

March. It was not quite as risqué 

as last year but was still a fun night 

enjoyed by all including our visitors. 

We divided the evening into two. In the 

first part we saw the sequences. Liz 

showed ‘Cunard Salute in Liverpool’ - 

a celebration of the 175th anniversary 

of the three ships - Victoria, Queen 

Elizabeth and QE 2, in May 2015 at 

Liverpool. We had a good look at the 

ships themselves, how the docks had 

been decorated, the Red Arrows fly 

over and the people celebrating this great landmark. 

For Val’s sequence ‘Postcards from Paraguay’ 

she had chosen the music and then selected 

suitable images to compliment it. She had 

very cleverly made the images change to 

match the beat of the music to make it even 

more effective. Sue showed a sequence that 

was quite old but appropriate for the evening. 

It was pre-digital so the slides had been 

scanned so they could be used in a modern digital format. It was called ‘Suzie’s 

Dream’ where she daydreamed about her husband doing the household chores 

- washing, ironing, vacuuming etc. but ended with her coming back to reality! 

Kate took the traditional song ‘Ten Green Bottles’ and took images to match 

each part of the song including the broken bottles! She found lots of different 

walls, decorated the bottles with grasses, flowers etc. - a simple idea with great 

results. 

Fiona’s was called ‘Woodville Grand Priz 

2015’ and covered her nephew’s interest 

in motor bike racing. She used AC/DC 

music to get the rhythm and the sounds 

associated with motor bikes (also her 

nephew featured likes AC/DC!) 

After the tea break, we had a ‘technical 

session’ with the software used for making 

audio-visual shows. We looked at ‘collating the images’ as part of a sequence 

(Proshow Gold) and ways to build a sound track adding sound effects (Audacity) 

rather than just using a simple music track. 

Our next meeting, ‘Baker and Crookston Return’, is on Monday 11th April at 

7.30pm in the Carrick Centre, Houston. Visitors always made welcome. 

photos: bike rider - Fiona, Crowds beach - Liz, Queen Mary & Lizzie - Liz, postcards - Val 

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 2016. 

Wednesday 27th April from 7-9pm in the Masonic 

Lodge Lochwinnoch 

If you are interested 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 

LEAP Electric Bike hire kickstarts 

residents’ cycling 

experience 

There are many different reasons why 

residents opted to hire a LEAP electric bike 

or E-Bike in the last year. Some hirers wished 

simply to start cycling again or to embrace 

a healthier lifestyle, others wanted to start 

cycling to work or to replace a car drive. While all these factors differed, opting 

to trial their cycling experience on an e-bike helped to kick-start a new cycling 

experience. Half of the residents who hired out LEAP e-bikes replaced car 

journeys, or tested out the distance of their commute to the main train stations 

in the villages before they looked into getting their own bicycle. Others hired an 

e-bike to kick-start or re-kindle their interest in and experience of cycling. If you 

would like to find out more about LEAP E-bike hire, call LEAP on 01505 842530 

or 612034 or at www.myleaproject.org/contact. 

Donating blood is safe, simple and takes 

only an hour. 

Every minute of every day someone in 

Scotland is receiving blood as part of a 

life-saving or life-enhancing treatment. Yet, 

only 5% of the population are active blood 

donors. 

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion 

Service (SNBTS) must welcome 5000 blood 

donors every week to meet the needs of 

patients in Scotland. 

Come along to one of our donating sessions 

if you can - the only thing you will feel is 

good about yourself! 

‘Sit down for breakfast, 

stand up for farmers!’ 

This year during Fairtrade Fortnight (29 Feb-13 Mar) 

people and groups were being asked to sit down for 

breakfast and stand up for farmers, choosing Fairtrade to 

make their breakfast count and using the power of their 

shopping baskets to support a fairer deal for farmers and workers. 

Millions of farmers and workers in developing countries work hard to grow the 

food we eat every day. Yet many don’t know where their next meal is coming from. 

As Martin Luther King famously said, 

‘before you finish eating breakfast in 

the morning, you’ve depended on 

more than half the world’. 

LEAP was invited to take part in the 

‘sit down for breakfast, stand up for 

farmers’ at the Rainbow Turtle shop 

in Paisley as part of the events held 

across communities and schools in 

Renfrewshire. 

Photo of LEAP and Rainbow Turtle’s 

Director 

Community Centre, Greenock Road, 

Bishopton PA7 5AU 

Friday 1 April - 4pm - 7.30pm 

The Town Hall, Clyde Square, Greenock 

PA15 1LY 

Sunday 3 April - 12pm - 3.30pm 

Monday 4 April - 2pm - 3.45pm & 5.15pm - 

7.30pm 

Linwood Sports Centre, Brediland Road, 

PA3 3RA 

Monday 25 April - 4pm - 7.30pm 

Glasgow Blood Donor Centre 

8 Nelson Mandela Place, Glasgow G2 1BT 

Open 6 days a week 

Mon, Fri, Sat: 9am - 3.30pm 

Tues, Wed, Thurs: 12.30pm - 7pm 

Sun: Closed 

To ensure you are not faced with unnecessary waiting, you can make an appointment by calling 03453 017270 or online. 

If you prefer, you will always be welcome to drop in to give blood during the following opening times.


9 9


Paisley Abbey Recitals 

Saturday 23 April at 12.30pm - Abbey Strings. Tickets 

£5 at the door. Cloister Café with baking from 10am. 

Paisley Abbey (Church of Scotland) – Registered Charity 

No. SC007633 

Calling all Artists! 

Local artists and designers are invited 

to take part in Paisley’s BIGGEST ever, 

public participation art event and 

enjoy a chance to create something 

special for The Pride of Paisley. 

Wild in Art events provide a unique and 

high-profile platform for the talents of artists and local 

creative communities. For The Pride of Paisley, 3D fibreglass lion sculptures 

provide the quirky canvas for artistic expression. The sculptures, which will 

be sponsored by local businesses, lend themselves to a raft of multimedia 

approaches. 

What makes the WIA experience special for the artistic community is the 

opportunity to be part of an event that celebrates the mass appeal of public 

art – made accessible and fun. 

Taking art out of traditional arts venues and onto the streets, for everybody to 

enjoy interacting with, can popularise art and encourage a wider appreciation 

of artistic techniques. 

It is anticipated that The Pride of Paisley will attract thousands of visitors and 

generate an incredible amount of media attention during its ten-week run in 

the summer of 2016. 

If you feel inspired to create a design for a Pride of Paisley ‘big cat’, download 

the artist pack from www.prideofpaisley.co.uk/artist. The closing date for 

submissions is by 5pm on the 15th April. 

LEAP Community Survey 

Thank you to all the local residents, charities, community organisations, 

groups and schools who completed LEAP’s feedback surveys in 

February. We received a tremendous response and are truly grateful to 

get your feedback about the benefits LEAP’s work and services have brought to our 

villages, residents, families, school pupils, and partner organisations over the last year. 

We are delighted to learn that a resounding 99% of survey respondents support the 

continuation of LEAP and would recommend LEAP to friends, family, colleagues, groups 

and other organisations! While we are working on collating the survey reports, we have 

presented a snapshot of quotes. 

‘LEAP’s visits helped to bring class topics to life and engaged pupils in practical demonstrations, 

creating opportunities to ask questions from experts and make links between school based 

learning and the practical applications of this.’ 

‘I’ve got greater awareness of how I can reduce my carbon footprint (and save money) by taking 

practical steps to reduce energy consumption in the home.’ 

‘LEAP events like the Bikeswap and Clothing swap have made me more aware about the 

products I buy and what I can re-use instead.’ 

‘LEAP has made a significant contribution to reducing the 

carbon footprint of residents through awareness raising, advice, 

and the provision of services and physical works to properties 

and homes.’ 

‘LEAP has become a fixture in our villages. The car club, its cars 

and the shop-fronts are the most noticeable features, as LEAP 

has become part of the local fabric.’ 

For details of all our services, please get in touch with LEAP 

by phoning 01505 842530 or 612034, or visit our website at www.myleapproject.org. 

‘Musical’ The Musical 

Wing & A Prayer presents the musical 

theatre comedy, ‘Musical’ The Musical, at 

Paisley Arts Centre from Thursday 12th to 

Saturday 14th May at 7.30pm. Price: £12 

and £10 (concessions) 

When there’s nothing left in life......there is 

always the theatre. 

The owner of a small broken-down theatre 

in New York became the owner of a small 

broken-down theatre in New York through 

a gambling debt......She now wishes she’d 

let the debt go. 

“Musical” The Musical is an original 

musical theatre comedy written and 

directed by Charlie Marx and produced by 

Alma Mearns. 

(Parental Guidance is required as this 

performance contains adult humour that 

may not be suitable for young children) 

Energy Bill 

Surgeries get the 

Green Light 

How much is your home energy costing you 

per year and could you make savings? LEAP 

has held a number of Energy Bill Surgeries 

to help residents to find out more about 

how to reduce their energy bills across 

the year. We also recently invited along 

Citrus Energy, a registered charity that 

offers tenants and home owners who are 

considering switching energy suppliers, 

more information about the availability of 

different energy suppliers. There will be 

more surgeries organised this spring. Get 

the green light from LEAP’s Energy Bill 

Surgeries and lower your energy bills! Watch 

this space for the upcoming dates across 

our villages, or get in touch with LEAP at our 

website www.myleapproject.org/contact, or 

on 01505 612034 or 842530.


Dental Blog 

11 11 

by Sheila Macintyre, Practice Owner, 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice 

Baby Dental Care 

Becoming a mother for the first time is amazing and it will naturally be a time 

when you have questions about your own and your baby’s wellbeing. It is really 

important that you make your dentist aware of your pregnancy so they can help 

you prepare and ensure the best possible dental care for you and baby. 

It is a good idea to take your baby with you to your own routine check up to 

get them used to the surroundings – you’ll find some practices like ours have 

dedicated play rooms and activities to make your baby’s visit a fun experience 

too. Your baby’s own check-ups can start any time from about 6 months to 

when the first tooth comes through. As soon the baby teeth do start to come 

through you will need to begin your baby’s oral health regime. Initially you might 

find it easier to use a piece of gauze or cloth wrapped around your finger to 

clean your wee one’s teeth but, as more appear, a baby toothbrush will be 

needed. A smear of toothpaste is enough but make sure it contains at least 

1,000ppm fluoride. 

It is normal for most babies to experience teething pains and they may also get 

a temperature and flushed cheeks. Your dentist will be able to advise you about 

teething gels (some containing mild painkillers) and teething rings that can 

be cooled to provide relief. If possible, try and avoid dummies and discourage 

thumb sucking as these can affect how your child’s teeth develop. 

Prolonged bottle feeding can also lead to dental problems later so try and teach 

your baby to drink from a baby cup by the time they are 6 months old. When 

your baby is weaned avoid food and drink that contains sugar – savoury foods 

such as cheese, pasta and veg are a much healthier option as are water and 

milk to drink. 

If you have any queries visit us at Kilbarchan Dental Practice, call 01505 704969 or click 

www.kilbarchandental.co.uk where you’ll find lots more free tips and advice.


SOUTH AFRICA TO SCOTLAND: 

Glasgow Property duo take on Cape 

Town Challenge for charity. Two 

Glasgow property moguls have joined 

forces in a pledge to raise more than 

£10,000 for charity, by signing up to 

two of the world’s most testing cycling 

challenges. 

Scott Campbell, director of Glasgow 

based commercial developer 

Standard Real Estate Ltd, and Davy 

Hutton, the larger than life principal of 

Quicksale Property Auctions, recently 

teamed up to lead a group of 15 

riders on the Cape Town Cycle Tour 

in a bid to raise funds for Glasgowbased 

amputee charity, Finding Your 

Feet. And just eight weeks later, the 

duo will face far cooler climes when 

they take on the Caledonia Etape 

to raise further essential funds for 

the charity. For the Cape Town Cycle 

Tour, the duo will be joined by a team 

of nine budding cyclists from the 

Glasgow office of international law 

firm Ashurst and four other Glasgow 

based businessmen when they jet 

out from Glasgow to South Africa. 

Scott (41) and Davy (48) are both 

Trustees of Finding Your Feet, a 

charity set up by Davy’s sister Corinne 

Hutton, a single mum 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. At the other 

extreme, the Etape Caledonia sees 

more than 5,000 riders loop up into 

the hills from Pitlochry, Scotland over 

an 81-mile course taking in some of 

the most breath-taking views of the 

Scottish Highlands. 

Scott commented: “I’m really looking 

forward to the challenge that lies 

ahead. I’m proud to be a part of 

the amazing work that Finding Your 

Feet are involved in. Corinne is a 

truly inspirational figurehead for the 

charity and it was a privilege to be 

asked to become a trustee of the 

charity when she set it up.” 

Corinne commented: “Before my 

illness, I loved taking on challenges 

for charity and completed numerous 

marathons. I am so grateful to all 

the fundraisers and challengers out 

there and wish Scott, Davy and the 

rest of the lads all the best in South 

Africa and look forward to welcoming 

them home.” 

Anyone wishing 

to support the 

team can do 

so at www. 

justgiving.com/ 

ScottCampbellCycle

Mhairi 

Black MP 

visits St 

Vincent’s 

Hospice 


(l-r) Brona McGee, Director of Care; Kate Lennon, Chief 

Executive; Mhairi Black MP; Elaine Rae, Family Support 

Services Team Lead; Mags McLaren 

13 13 

Staff and patients were 

delighted to welcome a 

local MP to St Vincent’s 

Hospice in Howwood. 

Mhairi Black MP was 

visiting the Hospice for 

the first time and during 

her visit spent time talking 

with patients and staff 

in St Vincent’s In-Patient 

Unit. 

Mhairi Black (centre) was shown around the In-Patient 

Unit by Brona McGee, Director of Care (left) and Kate 

Lennon, Chief Executive (right) 

Carers Centre Day at the Pirie 

The Pirie Information Centre at Freeland Church in Bridge of Weir is delighted 

that Christine Melville from Paisley Carers’ Centre will be at the Pirie on the 

morning of Monday 25th April starting at 10am. 

Christine will give a presentation on services and rights for Carers. This will be 

followed by an opportunity to ask questions and speak individually to Christine, 

who is development manager at the centre. 

We hope this event will be of interest to local families who either have caring 

responsibilities, or who feel it could be useful for friends or neighbours. We will 

be serving refreshments on the morning and our usual Pirie information on 

local events, bus timetables, passport forms etc will also be available.


April events 

Until Sun 10 April 

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 

Fri 1 April 

Renfrewshire RSPB 

McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, 

Renfrew 7.30pm 

At the next meeting of your Local Group there will 

be an illustrated talk entitled Clyde Area Birds - a 

30 year update by Iain Gibson. 

Sat 2 April 

Summer’s Here! 

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Calder 

Glen Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 5pm 

Castle Semple 10am - 5pm daily. Muirshiel and 

Greenock Cut 11am - 4pm at weekends. 

Sat 2 - Mon 11 April 

Wild Challenge: We’re going on a 

bear hunt! 

RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 

10am to 4pm 

Visit different stations along our main trail to 

go on a bear hunt! When you’ve finished, come 

back to the centre to complete the challenge 

and tell us all about it! Cost: £3 per child (RSPB 

members £1). Email: lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk 

Tel: 01505 842 663. 

Sun 3 April 

Fitness Fun Day 

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 

1pm to 3pm 

Join our fitness Ranger Kirsty for fun fitness 

and games 

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. 

Mon 4 - Fri 8 April 

Junior Multi Activity Week 

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip 

Road, Lochwinnoch 

A full week of activities for 8-15 yr olds to get 

active, learn new skills and make new friends, on 

land and water! Get 6 or more children together 

and book your own course. Cost for 5 full days 

£160. Tel 01505 842882 Ex 20 

Mon 4 April 

Make Your Own Mondays: Bird 

Food Feast! 


11am - 1pm or 2pm - 4pm. We will learn about 

how hard birds work to feed their chicks – and get 

out some binoculars to see what species we can 

spot! Booking essential. Cost: £5 (RSPB members 

£3) - Adults go free! Email: lochwinnoch@rspb.org. 

uk Tel. 01505 842 663 

Tue 5 April 

Innocence 

Johnstone Town Hall 2pm 

Innocence is a magical theatrical journey for ages 

0 - 7 led by the talented Scottish Dance Theatre 

dancers! Price: £3 + booking fee - 0300 300 

1210 - Suitable for ages 0 - 7 

Bug Box making 


1pm to 3pm 

Join our Rangers and make fun bug boxes for your 

garden. £1.50 for materials 

Wed 6 April 

Open Day - Equine Assisted Therapy 

Equine Assisted Therapy Centre, 

Burnhouse 1pm to 5pm 

Come and meet the ponies and staff - information 

on methods used - barbeque - facepainting - 

bouncy castle - raffle - sweets, cakes and craft 

stalls. Groups are welcome in the morning, 

we have specific slots available - give us a 

call on 07415 767746, email AmyMcintyre@ 

dontstopmenowscotlandcic.co.uk 

Thu 7 April 

Woodland Art 


1pm to 3pm 

Make your very own “Art Attack” out of materials 

you find in our wonderful forest. 


Ladies Night 

Bernie’s Cafe Deli, Neva Place, Bridge of 

Weir 6pm to 8pm 

Fun, Food and Games 6pm-8pm with Friday Night 

“Slouch” ‘til 11pm. Free Glass of Prosecco!, Grand 

National Ladies Day Hat Competition, Naughty 

Party Games, Free Raffle Ticket, Free Fun-filled 

Goody Bag, Charcuterie / Cheese / Fruit Platter, 

Fabulous Wines and Spirits. Tickets £15pp 


Scottish Model Yacht 

Championships 


Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm 

Watch the International One Metre Yachting elite 

racing at the lochshore. MORE INFO: tel 01505 

842 882 Ex 20 

Sat 9 - Sun 10 April 

Habbies’ Annual Art Exhibition 

Kilbarchan Guide Centre, Barn Green 

Saturday 10am - 5pm and Sunday 10am - 4pm. 

There will be our usual display of over 100 

paintings in various mediums.


15 15 


Pirate Day 


1pm to 3pm 

Dress as a scurvy buccaneer and practice your 

best Arrg! Drama and shouting a plenty. Prize for 

best dressed pirate. 


Make Your Own Mondays: Clay 

Creatures 


11am - 1pm or 2pm - 4pm. We will make clay 

creatures and green man tree faces, then 

create and decorate stick mobiles to entice 

woodland sprites! Booking essential. Cost: £5 

(RSPB members £3) - Adults go free! Email: 

lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk Tel. 01505 842 663 

Mon 11 - Fri 15 April 

Junior Multi Activity Week 


Road, Lochwinnoch 

A full week of activities for 8-15 yr olds to get 

active, learn new skills and make new friends, on 

land and water! Get 6 or more children together 

and book your own course. 5 full days £160. Tel 

01505 842 882 Ex 20 

Tue 12 April 

Mini Beast Hunt 


1pm to 3pm 

Six legs, eight legs, 100’s of eyes, a tube to sip 

nectar or mandibles to rip prey. Forget Pokémon, 

let’s catch some real mini monsters. 

Tue 12 - Sun 17 April 

Wild Challenge: Let’s go 

hunting...for food! 


10am to 4pm 

Visit different stations along our main tail to go 

on a bear hunt! Then, come back to the centre to 

complete the challenge and tell us all about it! 

Cost: £3 per child (RSPB members £1). Email: 


Wed 13 April 

Gryffe SCD Club Charity Dance 

Kilbarchan Guide Centre, Barn Green, 

Kilbarchan 7.30pm to 11pm 

We will be holding a Scottish Country Dance with 

music by Marian Anderson. Dancing, lovely music, 

good company, a supper and a raffle - all for £7. 

Proceeds from the dance will go this year to the 

RNLI. Contact Les Lambert for details, tickets etc 

at 01505 704398. 

Wed 13 - Thu 14 Apr 

Sticks ‘n’ Scones & Fishy Moans 

Wynd Theatre, 6 School Wynd, Paisley, 

PA1 2DB 7.30pm 

The new hospital has finally opened, but who 

makes it run smoothly? Join the team for an 

evening of nonsense, laughs, and a peek at their 

unbelievable lives. Tickets £13 (incl booking fee) 

from www.punch-productions.com 

Thu 14 April 

Bird Box making 


1pm to 3pm 

Join the Rangers making bird boxes. £2.50 to 

make one for the forest, £4 to take it home for 

your garden. Pre booking essential. 

Open Day 

Kilmacolm Bowling Club, Castle Hill 

Road, Kilmacolm 2pm 

For details call Diane on 01505 874265 or Morag 

on 01505 872218, or just come along and have 

some fun - all welcome. 


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! 

Weir Networking with Gerry 

McDade 

Amaretto Ristorante and Pizzeria, 60 

Main Street, Bridge of Weir 9.30am 

Speaker Gerry McDade - broadcaster, writer, afterdinner 

speaker. Come along to find out more and 

see what we can do to help you and your business. 

Breakfast and a chat - only £5 per person. 

Closing date - Paisley Artists 

Paisley - various venues 5pm deadline 

Local artists and designers are invited to take part 

in Paisley’s BIGGEST ever, public participation art 

event and enjoy a chance to create a design for a 

Pride of Paisley ‘big cat’. 


Former Pupils School Hockey/ 

Rugby Matches 

Birkmyre Park, Broomknowe Rd, 

Kilmacolm 

Hockey 9.15am Astroturf. Rugby 10.30am 

Birkmyre Park (both School match and FP match 

kicks off 10.30am). Refreshments and prize giving 

at Junior School following the matches. For further 

information please contact: Sylvia Lavizani, 

Marketing Officer Tel: 01505 874772.



The Masqueraders 

St Machar’s Church, Kilbarchan Rd, 

Bridge of Weir 7.30pm 

Light Entertainment followed by tea and cakes. 

We are raising funds for St Vincent’s Hospice. 

Tickets £5 more info phone 612472. Come along 

and have a laugh. 


Cowboys and Indians 


1pm to 3pm 

Join in the games with our Rangers and see if 

we can break Jesse James out of the jail. Prize 

for best dressed. 

Daffodil Day 

Greenbank Gardens, Flenders Road, 

Clarkston G76 8RB 11am - 4.30pm 

Come and see the exhibition of Daffodils from 

the 600 varieties growing at Greenbank Garden! 

Ticket price is included in admission cost. Call 

08444 932201. 

Westies Walk 


Road, Lochwinnoch 11am 

West Highland White Terrier Owners meet for 

a walk. Donations to West of Scotland Guide 

Dogs. 

Thu 21 - Fri 22 April 

Early Years Assessments for 

Session 2016-2017 

St Columba’s School, Duchal Rd, 

Kilmacolm 

Early Years Assessments for Session 2016-2017 

by arrangement. Call 01505 872768 to find 

out more. 

Thu 21 - Sat 23 April 

KDS Presents ‘Kidston Nights’ 

Kidston Hall, High St, Kilmacolm 7.30pm 

A double bill featuring two plays: ‘Slim Chance’ 

by Peter Gordon and ‘The Fat Lady Sings in Little 

Grimley’ by David Tristram. For tickets please visit 

the Cross Cafe in Kilmacolm or contact Rosie on 

01505 873088. 


Twist & Hit Cheerleaders: Dream. 

Believe. Achieve! 

Park Mains High School 7pm to 9pm 

Watch them flip, throw basket tosses and build 

pyramids as they debut their routines for the 2016 

competition season! Price: £10 pp (under 2’s go 

FREE) - Call 07912 228276 

Kilmacolm Plant Sale 

Kilmacolm Library, Lochwinnoch Rd 

10am to 12noon 

Free entry, donations welcome. Beneficiaries - 

Parklea “Branching Out” receives 40%, the net 

remaining to SG Beneficiaries. 

Houston Toddler Group Coffee 

Morning & Craft Fair 

Houston Kirk West Halls, Main St 


Tickets £2 / £1 Child. All welcome. 

Lochwinnoch Explorer Group: Reintroductions... 



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). Email: lochwinnoch@ 

rspb.org.uk Tel. 01505 842 663 

Afternoon Tea 

Salvation Army, Mill Street, Paisley 2pm 

See main poster on page 21 of this issue. 

Sat 23 - Sun 24 April 

Icebreaker Sprints 2016 

Clyde Marina, Ardrossan 9.30am 

This event is OPEN to all members of RYA affiliated 

clubs. Up to 5 races per day, on the water coaching 

and sail trim/rig advice. Free event berthing 

and sportsboat cranage. For info call Clyde 

Marina on 01294 607077 or contact secretary@ 

fairlieyachtclub.org.uk 


Finlaystone Games 


1pm to 3pm 

Join in all our favourite Finlaystone Games. Sack 

Race, Space Hopper Race. Fun for all the family. 

Golf Open Day 

Kilmacolm Golf Club, PA13 4PD 

See main advert in ‘Sports’ section of this issue. 

New members welcome. Tour of clubhouse and 

facilities. Call 01505 872139 for details. 

Bridge of Weir Choral Soc Concert 

St Columba’s Church, Duchal Rd, 

Kilmacolm 7.30pm 

Conductor Christopher Barr; Soloist: Maria Jenkins 

- Mezzo Soprano; Accompanist: Gabriella Molnar; 

Narrator: Robbie Menzies. Tickets £8 available 

from choir members or at the door on the night. 

Pedal the Park 


Road, Lochwinnoch 8am 

The Park host Ride 63 Community Cycle Club 

for two Sportive rides and a hand bike time trial 

raising funds for CLIC Sargent. Helpers needed 

to Marshall rides please. MORE INFO: www. 

clydemuirshiel.co.uk/things-to-do/cycling/pedalthe-park/ 

tel 01505 842 882 Ex 21 


Carers Centre Day at the Pirie 

Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of 

Weir 10am 

Christine Melville from Paisley Carers’ Centre will 

give a presentation on services and rights for 

Carers followed by a q&a session. 

Wed 27 - Sat 30 Apr 

Guys and Dolls 

Johnstone Town Hall 

See main poster on page 21 of this issue. 


Open Mic Night 

Bernie’s Cafe Deli, Neva Place, Bridge 

of Weir 

Tickets £5. Backing music will be provided or you 

can bring your own instrument. 

Birds for Beginners 


11am to 1.30pm 

Learn more about common garden birds and pick 

up tips and advice on wildlife watching techniques. 

Please book, as places are limited. Cost: Adults: 

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


Family volunteering 


1pm to 3.30pm 

Here’s an opportunity for grown-ups and children 

to do something practical together in the great 

outdoors, and to help us Give Nature a Home. 

It’s a chance to spend some quality time with the 

children in your life, and it’s free. Please book. 

Cost: FREE. Email: lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk Tel. 

01505 842 663 

Otterspotter Walk 


Road, Lochwinnoch 5.30am to 7.30am 

Join a Countryside Ranger on an early start to look 

for otters. £5 per person MORE INFO: tel 01505 

842 882 Ex 20 & bookings 

Sat 30 Apr/ 

Sun 1 May 

Paisley Citadel - 134th 

Corps Anniversary - 

Festival of Music 

Salvation Army, Mill 

Street, Paisley 

Sat 6pm and Sun 10.30am. 

Price: £3/person. Tickets can 

be booked by contacting: Corps 

Secretary Jim Ballantyne - 

01475 528844. 

Sun 1 May 

Habbie Tat 

Performing Arts Centre 

in Steeple Square, 

Kilbarchan 12noon 

Lots for sale - you’re sure to 

find something. Doors open at 

12noon and all of the admission 

money collected (tickets are 

50p) go to Hessilhead Wildlife 

Rescue Centre.


17 17 

Meet the Team that 

goes the extra Style 

for you 

When you are shopping for a new bathroom or 

kitchen you want incredible customer service and 

the personal touch, and there is only one place to 

get it – Paisley’s Instyle Kitchens and Bathrooms. 

Behind this fantastic, family run business is a 

husband and wife team, Craig and Lesley Douglas 

whose focus on customer service is simply second 

to none. 

The company provides a free design service 

in the comfort of your own home, where they 

can bring along samples and brochures at a 

time that suits you. Forget the big national 

companies, this Paisley based company will 

beat any like-for-like quotes, and has prices 

starting from as little as £1,495. 

So with Instyle, it is great prices, great service, 

all with the personal touch. Craig Douglas, 

Instyle’s owner, said: “We are really focussed 

on the personal touch. We want our customers 

to feel like we care about what we do and we 

provide them with the highest level of service 

possible. “We take care of everything, from 

design to installation and we even up lift the 

rubbish after we have finished.” 

This family company provides great face-to-face 

service – and it’s growing fast. They have a fleet 

of 16 vans on the road, all manned by expert 

local installers. They have a team of 39 staff, so 

are ready, willing and able to take on your home 

renovation dreams. 

Instyle undertake all the work required to 

transform your bathroom or kitchen into a 

stunning part of your home. They will tackle all 

aspects of the work including, electrics, gas, 

tiling, plastering, joinery, windows, doors – you 

just have to sit back and let them take care of 

everything. And when all the work is complete, 

they will even dispose of all the rubbish so you 

don’t have to. 

The company has also recently announced it will 

be offering installation of new UPVC windows 

and doors at great prices. 

With a new showroom and revamped office 

space opening soon, this company is clearly 

going places and the staff can’t wait to get into 

their new premises. 

Craig said: “We are delighted to be opening our 

new space soon and the staff can’t wait too, 

customers will really enjoy the new showroom 

and people should definitely come and visit us 

for a great shopping experience.” 

Instyle also has a new warehouse as they have 

outgrown their stockroom, so they can now look 

after even more customers. 

Contact the showroom direct on 0141 889 

3221 to arrange a free home design service. 

Phone lines are open Monday – Saturday 

10am – 7pm, or pop into the showroom at 1B 

Greenock Road Paisley which is open Mon – Sat 

10am – 5pm. Check out the website on www. 

instylehome.co.uk 

“People should come and visit us for a great 

shopping experience” Craig Douglas


A Vision of Elvis 

Easter crafting sessions 

the 

Informal crafting session in the Beacon’s bistro, why not make 

some Spring themed bunting or an Easter card. Suitable 5yrs + and 

children must be accompanied by a grown up. 

Until Saturday 9 April - 11am - Free entry. 

Annie 

Unlike most of the other children at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage, 

feisty Annie believes that her parents are still alive and will one day 

return to claim her. So when Mr. Warbucks offers to adopt her, she 

asks the most powerful man in America to help find her real Mum 

and Dad instead, and he agrees? 

Friday 1 - Saturday 2 April - 7.30pm (matinee Sat) - £13 to £18 

One Man Shoe 

When a headline act fails to show up, Jango, a bumbling theatre 

caretaker, is suddenly thrust into the limelight and embarks on a 

hilarious journey of highly crafted and heart-felt silent comedy, 

magically realizing his dreams of transforming into a star! A show for 

ages 5-11 and families. 

Thursday 7 April - 2.30pm - £5 to £6 

An Evening with Phil Differ 

Comedy writer, producer, director and comedian Phil Differ presents 

an evening of two halves. In the first, stand up comedy and in the 

second, showbiz tales from a career spanning thirty five years. 

Friday 8 April - 7.30pm - £10 to £12 

All Our Yesterdays 

The ultimate feel good show! Another sensational show from the 

producers of ‘Memory Lane’, ‘Rolling back the Years’, and ‘Memories 

are made of This’. Based on the original show from 2012, with a 

host of new songs and costumes for 2016 

Friday 15 April - 2.30pm & 7pm - £13 to £15 

ARE YOU PLANNING OR HAD AN EVENT 

SEND IN THE DETAILS AND YOU COULD BE ON 

THESE VERY PAGES! 

INFO@ADVERTIZER.CO.UK 

01505 613340 

Would you wish to send your 8 year old daughter on an 8 mile 

hazardous journey for water before school? 

A hazardous journey every day for water, often dirty and contaminated - 

which you have to drink and which could make you sick. 

How many times have you turned the tap on today? 

We will be asking for your support for this event. 

Please put the date in your diary. 

On stage, the award winning, Rob Kingsley has the total package - the 

look... The sound...the charisma, and together with his spectacular 

live 10 piece band this show leaves the audience in no doubt that 

they are witnessing a truly authentic Elvis show. 

Saturday 16 April - 7.30pm - £18.50 to £20 

Song (The Ballad Book) Courtney Pine and Zoe Rahman 

In the 80’s he was one of the first black British jazz artists to make 

a serious mark on the jazz scene when his first album charted and 

some 20 plus years on (now with an OBE and CBE for services to 

music) Courtney Pine continues to break new ground with a string 

of highly acclaimed recordings and numerous prestigious Industry 

awards. 

Sunday 17 April - 7.30pm - £17.50 

Dreamers/Process day (Double bill) 

Dreamers are people who dare to dream while not asleep. Lachky 

takes pleasure in making sense from nonsense and exploring links 

between reality and surrealism. 

Process Day - Award-winning Eyal, and music producer/artist Behar 

have created a stream of critically acclaimed, original works for 

some of the world’s leading dance companies, including Batsheva 

Dance Company. 

Tuesday 19 April - 7.30pm - £10 to £12 

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 

The newly-formed Inverclyde Musical Youth Theatre present this 

Andrew Lloyd Webber classic. As his father’s golden child, Joseph 

is gifted with the famous multicolour dream coat. His twelve jealous 

brothers sell him on to a group of Israelites who then enslave him to 

Potiphar; a rich and successful businessman. Jealous of his wife’s 

interest in the slave, Potiphar sends Joseph to the cells. 

Thursday 21 - Saturday 23 April - 7.30pm (matinee Sat) - £14 to 

£16 

Feral 

An innovative performance combining puppetry, object manipulation, 

immersive soundscapes and multimedia technology, Feral holds 

a community under the microscope and dissects it in front of its 

audience’s eyes. 

Monday 25 April - 7pm - £5 to £7 

Staging Stories 

Children, families and schools from across Inverclyde were invited 

to write imaginative and daring tales which Beacon Youth Theatre 

participants have adapted for the stage. 

Friday 29 - Saturday 30 April - 7pm - £8 - £10 

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

INFO@BEACONARTSCENTRE.CO.UK TELEPHONE: 01475 723723 

SAY to Stay in Paisley 

The Scottish Album of the Year Awards (SAY) announced 

it will hold its prestigious 2016 & 17 award ceremony in 

Paisley, a town synonymous with musical talent. 

Paisley will be drawing on its broad musical roots, with internationally acclaimed 

musicians hailing from the town including; Gerry Rafferty, Paolo Nutini, Joe 

Egan, Nicholas Currie aka Momus, David Sneddon (Fame Academy), Kelly 

Marie (Feels Like I’m in Love), Stealers Wheel, and Chris Glen to name a few. 

The SAY Award ceremony is coming to Paisley Town Hall on Wednesday 29 June 

2016 as part of the build-up to Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021. 

Jean Cameron, director of Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021, said: “We 

are all very excited that Paisley will be home to one of the most prestigious 

events in the Scottish musical calendar. The SAY Award and Paisley are a great 

fit - the town has a wonderful musical heritage and continues to be a cultural 

hotspot for creative talent to this day.


19 19 

KDS - ‘Kidston Nights’ 

Noel Coward once sent Winston Churchill two tickets to the 

opening of his new play with a letter saying “Bring a friend.... 

if you have one.” Churchill sent the tickets back with the note: 

“Can’t attend first night, please send tickets for second night....if you have one.” 

Kilmacolm Dramatic Society will be performing two One Act Plays under the title of 

‘Kidston Nights’ starting on Thursday 21 April at 7.30pm. For not one, not two, but three nights - so 

please come along and enjoy an evening of theatre. 

‘Slim Chance’ by Peter Gordon is a very funny play about a Slimming Club with a motley collection of 

members. Slimming seems to be the last thing on their minds, much to the frustration of the branch 

organiser! I am sure our local Slimming World organiser will empathise!! 

‘The Fat Lady Sings in Little Grimley’ is an enjoyable tale about amateur dramatics and the rivalry 

that can exist between two rival societies with very amusing consequences. 

We are always looking for help behind the scenes, with set building, lighting and many other areas, so 

please contact us if you are interested in any aspect of KDS via our Facebook page or by contacting 

any member. We hope to do a Pantomime again this year and we need plenty support on stage and 

off to make it a success and a great night out for all. Please get in touch if you are interested in 

any way. 

3 nights to choose 

from, bring a friend 

and support your 

village theatre group.... 

because you have one! 

Kate x 

Curious About 

Glasgow 

Are you curious about 

Glasgow? Looking for 

an unusual and quirky 

activity which gets you 

out in the fresh air 

whatever the weather? 

Take one of our selfguided 

walks with a treasure hunt theme – looping 

around the better-known sights, as well as some of 

the more unusual and quirky ones, which combined 

make Glasgow a fabulous place to explore! 

You’ll get everything – detailed directions, maps, 

clues (with answers in the back!), and fascinating 

snippets about the history of Glasgow and the people 

that have shaped it. 

Until 31 December 2017 - Daily, daylight hours - 

Various Locations Glasgow - Price: £4.99 - £7. www. 

curiousabout.co.uk/glasgow/ 

Slimming World, 

Kilmacolm Crowns 

Greatest Loser 2016! 

The winner, Johanna 

Jannetta, who owns 

the Cross cafe, has 

lost 3st 7lbs in only 

6 months and is 

enjoying many related 

health benefits. If you 

would like to lose 

weight without ever 

feeling hungry while 

continuing to eat 

your favourite foods, 

contact Kirsty on 

07444 066462. 

Blue Peter Book Awards 

Scottish children’s writer Ross MacKenzie, who is also a graphic 

designer for a national newspaper, has won Best Story with his latest 

title, The Nowhere Emporium, chosen by schoolchildren across the 

UK. 

Ross, who grew up watching Blue Peter, said: “It’s always a great 

moment to receive any sort of award, but to win The Blue Peter Book 

Awards for Best Story is extra special. Firstly, because it’s an award 

chosen by the readers. It’s fantastic and important that children have 

a voice, and I’m so glad they liked The Nowhere Emporium enough 

to give it their vote. And secondly, it’s special because Blue Peter was such a huge part of my 

childhood. I’m delighted and stunned to become a tiny part of the show’s history and I shall be 

humming that famous theme tune for the foreseeable future! And 

of course I always wanted a badge.” 

The Nowhere Emporium tells the story of orphan Daniel Holmes 

who stumbles upon a mysterious shop that suddenly arrives in 

Glasgow. Before long, the ‘shop from nowhere’ and its owner, Mr 

Silver – draw Daniel into a world of magic and enchantment. When 

judging the Awards, children described the story as giving them 

a ‘wonderful feeling’ and the plot was like ‘putting pieces into a 

jigsaw’. 

Keep up-to-date with the Awards at www.booktrust.org.uk/bluepeter 

and on Twitter by following @Booktrust and #BPBA.


Paisley Entertainment 

FROM 22 Pages - Scenes from 

SAT Scottish History 

APR 

Inspired by this 

tradition, this exhibition 

features 22 scenes 

from Scottish history, 

presented in graphic 

novel style, connecting 

popular culture to traditional heritage in 

fun and vibrant ways which will appeal to 

audiences of all ages. The exhibition will 

also give visitors the chance to try their 

hand at creating their own comic book 

page or character. 

Paisley Museum - Free Entry 

WED Anonymouse 

APR 

FRI 

APR 

Anonymouse is a lyrical 

story for under fives 

told by a very shy and 

furry little poet! In a 

hole in the wall of a 

timber house, on the 

edge of a wood there lives a mouse...This 

is a lyrical story for under 5s and their 

adults to cosy in and enjoy together. 

10.30am & 2pm - Paisley Arts Centre 

Price: £3 + booking fee Suitable for ages 0-5 

The Elves and The 

Shoemaker 

Clydebuilt Puppet 

Theatre presents this 

fun adaptation of the 

famous Grimm’s tale at 

Paisley Arts Centre! 

A poor shoemaker 

has only one pair of shoes left and not 

enough money to pay his rent! With the 

help of two mischievous Elves, he starts 

to make some unusual shoes that are 

very much appreciated and rewards the 

Elves in return. 

2pm - Paisley Arts Centre 

Price: £4 + booking fee Suitable ages 3+ 

SAT Song of the Sea 

APR 

Catch a screening 

of Song of the Sea, 

a wonderful family 

animation, rich in Irish 

folklore, at Paisley Arts 

Centre! Based on the 

Irish legend of the Selkies, Song of the 

Sea tells the story of the last seal-child, 

Saoirse, and her brother Ben who go 

on an epic journey to save the world of 

magic and discover the secrets of their 

past. 

2pm - Paisley Arts Centre 

Price: £4 + booking fee 

TUES Kris Drever 

APR 

Kris Drever celebrates 

his first decade as an 

acclaimed solo artist 

and songwriter with 

a new studio album 

and tour If Wishes 

Were Horses. The album is his first for 

six years (during which time his band 

Lau have established themselves as the 

most widely acclaimed and musically 

progressive trio in British folk music). 

As well as material from his If Wishes 

Were Horses, Kris will revisit older songs 

from across his catalogue playing many 

live for the first time. 

7.30pm - Paisley Arts Centre 

Price: £10 (£8 conc) + booking fee 

FRI 

APR 

SAT 

APR 

FROM 

TUES 

APR 

FROM 

WED 

APR 

Craig Campbell: Don’t 

Look Down 

I n t e r n a t i o n a l l y 

acclaimed stand-up 

Craig Campbell brings 

his highly anticipated 

new live show to Paisley 

Arts Centre! Don’t miss 

this brand new show from Canada’s 

funniest export! 


Price: £15 (£13 conc) + booking fee 

The Wedding Union 

Wedding Show 

Scotland’s newest and 

most exciting wedding 

show, The Wedding 

Union, will take place 

in the beautiful and 

historic Paisley Abbey 

on Saturday 16th April 2016. The show 

is the first of it’s kind to be held in the 

magnificent Abbey and promises to be 

a great event for both exhibitors and 

visitors alike. 

9.30am - 5pm - Paisley Abbey - Free 

entry 

Iranian Ancient 

An exhibition of seven 

batik textile works. Each 

art work incorporates 

an ancient Iranian 

symbol, simplified and 

condensed to reflect 

the constraints imposed during certain 

periods in Iran, married with the artist’s 

own personal experiences and cultural 

influences. 

Paisley Museum, Paisley - Free event 

Paisley Beer & Food 

Festival 

The ever-popular 

Paisley Beer Festival 

is brought to you by 

CAMRA. Expect a wide 

selection of beers, ales, 

ciders and much more 

from across the UK and beyond! 4 bars 

will be filled with the best beer selection 

in the country accompanied by a cider 

bar, wine bar and 2 food stalls spread 

out over 3 halls. 

Paisley Town Hall 

FROM Nijinsky’s Last Jump 

SAT 

APR 

As the passionate 

obsession of a young 

Nijinsky comes face to 

face with the searching 

inner life of the older 

Nijinsky, this sharp and 

tender show portrays a poignant intimacy 

of genius and madness, youth and age. 

Created, directed and choreographed 

by Kally Lloyd-Jones and starring James 

Bryce and Darren Brownlie. 


Price: £10 (£6 conc) + booking fee - 

Suitable for ages 12+ 

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 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 

Glasgow 

Restaurant 

Festival 

The best chefs will takeover a vintage 

Spiegeltent this Easter at Candleriggs 

for the Glasgow Restaurant Festival! 

Glasgow’s first city-wide Restaurant 

Festival will take place 1–17 April, 

with top restaurants and chefs across 

the city lined up to takeover a vintage 

Spiegeltent in the Merchant City at 

Candleriggs Square. Open from 12 

noon-10pm daily, live entertainment 

will complement your dining 

experience. This is a free event. www. 

glasgowrestaurantfestival.co.uk 

Twist & Hit 

Cheerleaders 

Watch them flip, throw basket tosses 

and build pyramids as they debut their 

routines for the 2016 competition 

season! 

Saturday 23 April - 7pm - 9pm - Park 

Mains High School, Erskine. Price: 

£10 pp (under 2’s go FREE) - Call 

07912 228276.


Innocence - 


21 21 

Innocence is a magical theatrical journey 

for ages 0 - 7 led by the talented Scottish 

Dance Theatre dancers! 

Tuesday 5 April - 2pm - Johnstone Town Hall, 

Johnstone - Price: £3 + booking fee - 0300 

300 1210 - Suitable for ages 0 - 7 

A unique playroom performance, Innocence 

invites little ones (and their adults), to 

explore William Blake’s imagination and 

enter a realm of mystery, fun and adventure. Innocence is a magical, theatrical 

journey led by Scottish Dance Theatre’s captivating dancers, with live music, 

songs, giggles and animal noises by Paul Bradley. A beautiful and engaging 

dance experience for young ones, their families and friends.



recognised among 

international projects 

Johnstone’s £14.5m town hall has had international recognition at a prestigious 

architectural awards ceremony featuring projects from across the globe. 

The building 

– which was 

officially opened 

in May last year – 

was Commended 

at the Civic 

Trust Awards in 

London, which 

aim to showcase 

the very best 

in architecture, 

design, planning, 

landscape and 

public art. 

Projects also honoured at the ceremony - the longest-standing built environment 

awards scheme in Europe – included buildings from the across the UK as well 

as USA, Canada, Spain, Italy and Belgium. 

Johnstone Town Hall was one of only seven Scottish entries among the 58 

which were honoured on the night. 

The striking glass-fronted building has changed the face of Johnstone, and 

was taken forward as part of Renfrewshire Council’s commitment to the 

regeneration of the town. 

It was designed around an internal ‘high street’ theme and is home to modern 

community facilities including a library, theatre/conference space, ceremony 

suite, coffee shop, meeting spaces and a dance studio. 

The town hall also offers many council services under one roof, including 

a customer service centre, offices for housing and social work staff, and 

AdviceWorks. Police Scotland and Macmillan Cancer Support are also based 

in the building. 

The building was designed to reflect Johnstone’s industrial heritage and contains 

specially-commissioned artwork. The design was informed by consultation with 

local resident groups. 

The town hall was designed by Renfrewshire Council and Holmes Miller and 

built by BAM Construction for clients Hub West Scotland and the council. 

Johnstone Town Hall is available for hire for a wide range of events and 

activities including weddings, meetings and conferencing, social events and 

performances. 

Further information can be found at www.renfrewshireleisure.com or by calling 

0300 300 1210. 

More information about the awards can be found at www.civictrustawards.org. 

uk 

RAMH Fresh New Look 

Charity’s new look will bring fresh 

support for local mental health 

Local mental health charity RAMH is 

scheduled to unveil their refreshed 

branding and website, along with 

the opening of their social enterprise in Johnstone, on Saturday 2nd April. 

The refreshed branding incorporates the celtic symbol of inner strength, 

showing the importance of self-belief and self-worth in the recovery journey. 

RAMH Chief Executive, Stephen McLellan, said “We’re delighted with the refresh 

and hope it will encourage more people to talk openly about mental health.” 

“We know that positive relationships and connectedness are key to recovery 

and sustained good mental health. With RAMH becoming more visible, more 

accessible and clearer about who we are and what we do, we can help more 

people more effectively.” 

RAMH supports over 5,000 local people every year by providing support for 

all mental health diagnosis from depression to self-harm, bipolar disorder to 

anxiety issues. Visit the new look website for more information ramh.org 

Visit the new store opposite Johnstone Town Hall from Saturday 2nd April 

onwards for plenty bargains on preloved furniture, white goods, electrical, 

textiles, vintage and collectibles. If you have furniture you would like to donate 

to RAMH please call 0141 847 8900 for a FREE pick up.


Coffee chain to raise “bucks” 

for local Hospice 

Big hearted barristas at Starbucks, Linwood have pledged their support for 

local hospice care by announcing a year-long partnership with St Vincent’s 

Hospice in Howwood. 

Over the next 12 months the coffee shop plans a series of fundraising events 

that will tantalise the taste buds and lighten the wallets of their customers - all 

in aid of St Vincent’s Hospice. 

The partnership will 

also help to improve the 

hospice environment as 

the company will donate 

their used coffee grounds 

as a soil improver for the 

hospice’s new community 

garden. 

In the course of the year 

Starbucks staff hope to 

raise enough to purchase 

a Stair climber for hospice 

patients. This is a special piece of equipment costing over £5000 which 

enables wheelchair users to access stairs and steps safely. The Stair climber 

will play a vital role in helping the hospice achieve its aim to increase access to 

day hospice services by 30% by 2019. 

Sarah Mitchell, Day Services Manager at St Vincent’s said “Our patients and 

their families are very excited about this partnership. Stairs and steps can 

make the transition from home to hospice and other medical appointments a 

struggle, and sometimes even impossible. We wish the staff and customers of 

Starbucks in Linwood much success and lots of fun with their fundraising over 

the coming year”. 

Starbucks Store Manager, Louise MacKenzie said “We are delighted to have 

this opportunity to get involved in the community and to support St Vincent’s 

Hospice. We hope our customers will give generously and help us achieve this 

ambitious and worthwhile goal”. 

The partnership commenced on Monday 29th February 2016 and customers 

can find out more in-store or from St Vincent’s Hospice facebook page. 

Feet Up and Out for 

April at The Lounge 

OPI Gel Toes £18 (saving £5) 

Nails shaped, cuticles prepared, your 

choice of OPI Gel polish is applied and 

finished with cuticles oil and a foot 

massage. 

Treat Your Feet pedicure £30 

(saving £8) 

Sit with your feet up whilst we remove 

hard skin and cuticles, shape your nails and an exfoliation and moisture 

pack is applied. Your feet are slipped into heated booties and exfoliation is 

removed with hot towels before OPI Gel polish is applied. 

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 

23 23 

Could you spare a few hours a week to support your local Hospice? 

• Retail Assistants – Our busy charity shops in Lochwinnoch and Bridge 

of Weir are looking for additional volunteers. 

• Furniture Transport - Volunteers needed to assist the Hospice driver 

with furniture pick-ups around the local area. 

• Hospice Kitchen – Helped needed in our busy Hospice Kitchen. 

Other volunteer roles available, please call 01505 705 635 or email info@svh. 

co.uk for more information. 

St James Orchestra’s 

Spring Concert 

Johnstone Town hall will host St James Orchestra for their annual spring concert. 

This year’s programme is a crowd-pleaser of classical favourites: Mussorgsky’s 

Night on Bare Mountain, Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture (Fingal’s Cave), 

Mozart’s Horn Concerto No.4 in E flat major, and Dvorák’s Symphony No. 8 in 

G major. 

The concert will feature 

soloist Hayley Tonner 

(French Horn). The 

orchestra will be conducted 

by Adrian Sit and lead by 

Fiona Butcher. 

Tickets are available at 

the door and at the Paisley 

Arts Centre. For more 

information please visit 

the St. James Orchestra 

website at www.stjamesorchestra.org.uk 

Saturday 23rd April - 7.30pm in Johnstone Town Hall, Ludociv Square. Tickets: 

£10 / Under 26: £5.


New city centre speed limit 

A new speed limit of 20mph is now in effect in Glasgow city centre. New 

signage and road markings are in place advising motorists that they are 

entering a 20mph zone. The zone is bounded by the south bank of the 

River Clyde, Newton Street, West Graham Street, Cowcaddens Road, 

North Hanover Street, Cathedral Street and High Street. 

The city council launched a six week public consultation on the proposed 

speed limit last year, with 69% of the responses supportive of the plans. 

Andy Waddell, Glasgow City Council’s Head of Infrastructure Services, 

said: “The introduction of a 20mph zone in the city centre is a key element 

of the city centre transport strategy. The primary motivation is to improve 

safety and make the city centre a better place to be. 

“The number of people entering the city centre has risen significantly and by 

reducing the speed of vehicles we reduce the risk and severity of accidents. 

It will also contribute to a better city centre environment, smoother traffic 

flows and improved air quality. It also makes it a more encouraging 

environment for cyclists and pedestrians.” 

Last year, a speed survey carried out in the proposed city centre zone 

recorded an average speed of 22.6mph - which is considered acceptable 

for the implementation of a 20mph limit without the introduction of further 

traffic calming measures (road humps etc). 

In 2009, Glasgow’s Health Commission reported that the introduction of 

20mph zones, particularly near schools, would save young lives and reduce 

the seriousness of road casualties within local communities. 

Following this, the council prioritised the first phase of mandatory 20mph 

zones which were implemented in 2011. Since then, a total of 65 residential 

areas have had 20mph mandatory zones implemented. These 65 zones 

cover 163km, or approximately 12% of unclassified roads in Glasgow. 

Enforcement of the 20mph zone will be carried out by Police Scotland. 

SEE A POTHOLE 

REPORT IT! 

Call 01475 717171 

Report online at 

www.inverclyde.gov.uk/form 

s/ShowForm.asp?fm_fid=375 

You can also write to: 

Inverclyde Council 

Municipal Buildings 

Clyde Square 

GREENOCK 

PA15 1LY 

Call 0300 3000 300 

Online fault report at 

www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/roa 

dfault 

You can also write to: 

Community Resources 

Renfrewshire House 

Cotton Street 

Paisley 

PA1 1BR


25 25 

with Colin Fyfe of Colcom 

When faced with a technical problem on your computer a lot of us 

turn to Google to find repair instructions or perhaps to find the correct 

support team for the product. I have heard from numerous people who, 

in following the most prominent search results, are landed into further 

bother. 

For example I had a customer last month 

who had issues with an Epson printer. A 

quick search online to find the number 

of the technical helpdesk resulted in a 

phone call to an otherwise professional sounding outfit, purporting to be 

Epson technical support but offering little or no expertise on the issue 

to hand. Furthermore, as the phone call continued with the obligatory 

remote support session, my customer paid more than £100 for a useless 

antivirus package and furthermore the printer was still faulty. 

Another call I took regarding a ‘Tech Guru’ session resulted in the 

machine being further damaged and the client paying £130 for nothing. 

The client was left with the uneasy feeling that the machine was still 

available to these people via remote support software. 

If you ever require information for your product I would recommend a 

Google search ending ‘Support’ for example ‘Epson Support’. Often 

Google will come up with a box containing the correct and corroborated 

number to call. I frequently hear stories of people paying needlessly for 

services that should not exist. The nature of internet search and the 

increasingly accessible market for this illicit foreign trade is something I 

think us in Britain must get our heads around. Sad as it seems, there are 

clever people around the world only too delighted to make a fast buck 

on the back of our naivety online. I don’t mean to preach, naivety online 

is something we are probably all guilty of. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me on 0800 145 5915 or 07748 944622, or email: 

colin@colcom 

Financial Blog 

by Carl Melvin, 

Affluent Financial Planning Ltd 

April 2016: New Tax year - New Opportunities 

As one door closes...another opens. The new tax 

year starts on 06/04/2016 and offers a number of 

opportunities as well as some traps for the unwary. 

So, how can you make sure you take advantage of the 

new tax year opportunities? 

1. Invest tax free in ISA accounts – maximum of £15,240 per person 

can be tax sheltered each tax year in Cash ISA or Investment ISA. 

You can use either cash or assets (such as investment funds) to 

make your ISA subscription. 

2. Reduce your Income Tax – by investing in a pension fund. You receive 

income tax relief on your contributions up to your highest rate of 

income tax equal to a 25% or 67% return on your net investment for 

basic and higher rate taxpayers, before you even invest the money! 

3. Beware Limits – be careful not to fall foul of pension limits as big 

penalties can arise. There are limits on the total value of your pension 

benefits, the amount you can invest to pension each year and the 

amount of income tax relief you can claim. 

4. High Earners & Pension Contributions - new rules limiting the 

amount that high earners can invest each year into pensions (annual 

allowance) comes into force. If your “adjusted income” (which 

includes all pension contributions) is more than £150,000 your 

annual allowance will start to reduce. However, if your “threshold 

income” (excludes pension contributions) is £110,000 or less then 

the reduction in the annual amount you can invest to pension will 

not apply. 

5. Pension Lifetime Allowance – the limit on the value of your total 

pension benefits (known as the Lifetime Allowance or LTA) is due to 

reduce, resulting in more tax for those above the new limit of £1M. 

Transitional protection is available for those who are eligible. 

This information is not financial advice. If you require advice, you should consult a professional 

adviser. Achieving financial independence does not happen by accident – it is planned. Consider 

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

Call for a FREE financial review on 0141 280 0490 or 871 702 9490 or email us at info@affluentfp. 

co.uk. Alternatively, pop into the Affluent office opposite Amaretto restaurant on Main Street, Bridge 

of Weir. www.affluentfp.co.uk


Awash with Beatons! 

Well done to Team Beaton – 

the whole family was mobilised 

for a busy Saturday washing 

cars at their premises in 

Station Road, Bridge of Weir, 

to raise funds for Gryffe Valley 

Rotary’s Therapeutic Toy 

Library project at Corseford 

school. 

Thanks to their hard work, 

and to all those who brought 

their cars along and made a 

donation to the project, the 

grand total of £650 was raised 

over the day. 

The world is a brighter and 

shinier place as a result! 

Langbank Camera Club 

February’s print competition proved to be a bit of a challenge for 

members as the topic 

this month was “Green 

with Envy”. As one can 

imagine most images had 

a hint of green in them! 

First place was awarded 

to Derrick McPherson for 

his quirky image of an 

elderly couple sitting on 

the beach at Juno Beach, 

Florida. By the way, each 

chair had a caption on the 

back - “Time to Chill” and “The Coolest Spot in Paradise”. 

Weir Networking 

Business Group 

Friday 15 April - Amaretto, Bridge of Weir 

We are delighted to have Gerry McDade 

as the main Speaker for the meeting. As 

a broadcaster, Gerry has appeared on the 

BBC Radio Scotland programmes The 

Fred McAuley Show, Take It From The Top, 

Sportsound and Off The Ball. For three years 

he was the weekly partner of Gordon Dallas on 

TALK107’s Kickabout show. He has produced 

voice-over material for a range of business 

interests including Dunfermline Building Society, Prostate Cancer Scotland, 

Setanta Sports and ESPN. 

Gerry’s writing career kicked off a few years ago when he wrote prolifically 

for Radio Scotland’s Saturday lunchtime football programme, Off The Ball. 

Since then has penned sketches for various radio productions and shows 

such as Sabotage and The Why Front. 

2009 saw Gerry’s work go into book form for the first time when his essay 

And They Gave Us James McGrory was featured in the Argyll Publications 

collection, Gerry also co-wrote the 2011 stage play “The Prince - The Johnny 

Thomson Story’ that enjoyed a very successful run in The King’s Theatre, 

Glasgow, and in 2015, ghostwrote ‘The Last Line’ - the autobiography 

of former Celtic & Rep. Of Ireland footballer, Packie Bonner and it was 

shortlisted in the Irish Book Awards for that year. Gerry is available for afterdinner 

events, great fun, great Speaker. 

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! 

Joint second place was awarded to Gary 

Ramanathan for his image of a pair of 

crystal embellished satin pumps and an 

image of an envious cat’s eye. 

This month’s educational topic featured a lecture on how best to create a 

photo essay, focusing on telling a story via your photographs - a lesson 

learned was not to bore people with photographs that have nothing to 

say. The lecture provoked discussion among members with lots to say. 

The PDI (Projected Digital Image) evenings continue to be well supported 

and showcase members’ images which are best seen on the big screen. 

It is also a forum for members to discuss and share many hints and tips 

on taking good photographs, as well as discussing the more specialised 

topics of photo editing and all things associated with digital photography, 

including equipment and software etc. 

The main April meeting will be held as usual on the second Monday of 

the month, 11th April at 7.30pm. At this meeting, we will be featuring a 

lecture on high dynamic range (HDR) photography. The print competition 

topic for April is “Scottish Architecture”. 

The next PDI meeting will be held on Monday 25th April at 7.30pm. 

Club meetings are held in Langbank Church Halls, Langbank. Visitors are 

always welcome at any of our evenings. 

Club membership 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. 

Brown Bin Collections return 

Spring has officially ‘sprung’ with the resumption of Inverclyde and 

Renfrewshire Council’s fortnightly garden waste collections. 

The brown bin service operates from March to November every year. 

Householders are requested to place their brown bins beside their blue 

bins by 7am on their regular recycling collection day. 

In Renfrewshire, if your bin has been missed in error, please call the Council 

on 0300 300 0300 or fill out the online form. 

If you put something that cannot be 

recycled using your brown garden 

waste bin, the Council will not be 

able to empty it. Non-recyclable’s 

can ruin a whole truckload of 

recycling. 

The following materials can be 

recycled in your brown bin: 

Garden waste: 

Yes Please 

Flowers and plants 

Grass cuttings 

Hedge clippings 

Leaves 

Shrub prunings 

Twigs 

Small branches 

Weeds 

No Thanks 

Plastic bags 

Soil or turf 

Plant pots 

Garden furniture 

Large branches 

Animal waste 

Food waste 

General waste 

Garden waste is turned into compost, which can be used for land restoration, 

agricultural and horticultural purposes. 

Please use your brown bin to recycle as many of these materials as you 

can. If you have more garden waste than your brown bin can take, please 

take it to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre.


27 27

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


29 29


Kilmacolm Camera Club 

Gryfffe Valley Rotary - Young 

People update 

This is always a busy time of year for Gryffe Valley 

Rotary projects with young people. 

The Primary School Quiz was held again in the British 

Legion Club in Bridge of Weir. Teams from Houston, 

Bridge of Weir, St Fillans and St Columba’s tackled a challenging set of 

questions set by masochist John Douglas. St Columba’s Junior School just 

came out on top after a high scoring contest, and they now go forward to 

the District Finals. Thanks again to Gibb Stuart for their generous support. 

Our Intermediate Youth Speaks champions from Gryffe High School were 

runners up in the recent District Finals and they go through to the Regional 

Finals in Northumberland. Unfortunately our Senior champions from St 

Columba’s had to withdraw. 

Our Young Chef champion, Emily Svensson from Gryffe High School 

performed really well in the District finals but just missed out on qualification 

for the Regional Finals. 

Our Euroscola representatives have just been on their visit to the European 

Parliament in Strasbourg and we look forward to hearing about their 

experiences. And finally, our Young Writer entries have been received and 

the scripts are under scrutiny by the Judges. 

Well done to Andrew Macleman and his team for all their hard work on 

these Young People projects. 

Last month, we held another internal league competition, with “Landscapes” 

being the theme. Our judge was George Monaghan, of Drumchapel Camera 

Club. 

In the Print section, 

Bill Ham took first 

and second places, 

with “Lakeside Hut at 

Buttermere” (shown 

right) and “Boat and 

Boathouse, Loch Ard.” 

Billy Blair completed yet 

another Bill/Billy clean 

sweep, with “Misty” 

(shown below), in third 

place. 

In the Digital Section, 

Jane Robertson 

emulated Bill Ham, with 

a first and second. Her 

winning image was 

old Glasgow images, 

taken by Eric Watt, and 

presented to us by Tom 

Doherty, of Queen’s 

Park Camera Club. Eric 

Watt was an enthusiastic 

photographer who, over 

a period of over 40 

years from the 1960s, 

“Paradise Harbour”, 

and her second-placed 

image was “Crystal 

Sound” (shown below). 

Gordon McGibbon 

came third, with “Ahoy.” 

We also enjoyed a 

fascinating evening of 

captured images 

showing the life, people 

and sights of Glasgow. 

On his death, he 

donated these to the 

City Of Glasgow and, since 2012, Tom Docherty has been working as a 

volunteer to organise and catalogue the collection. This was a wonderful 

glimpse of times gone by, in many recognisable areas of the City. 

I’m sure some of you (or one of your relatives) must have a collection of 

old slides taken in Glasgow (or even Kilmacolm). Why not come along and 

share them with us? 

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/ 

you can contact us @GryffeAds using #Advertizer 

or by email info@advertizer.co.uk or phone 01505 613340


31 31



33 33


info@advertizer.co.uk 


35 35 

FEATURE: John Morgan Decorators 

For almost 30 years John Morgan Decorators have been providing their 

services to the residents of Kilmacolm, Bridge of Weir, Houston and the 

surrounding areas. 

After learning his trade in a local decorator’s jobbing shop, John set up his 

own business in 1988 and is now well established in the area. 

With over 40 years’ experience, John Morgan Decorators has carried out 

work in private residences, offices, bars, restaurants, churches and many 

other types of premises. They also regularly carry out work for housing 

associations and letting agencies. 

John works in tandem with his son, John Jnr, who won the Crown Young 

Decorator of the Year Award two years running and is now an experienced 

decorator. 

We only use Dulux paints or paint of a similar quality. So if you are thinking 

of freshening up a tired 

looking room, to completely 

transform your home, 

or needing to carry out 

external painting to your 

property to keep it in shape 

and looking good, contact 

John Morgan Decorators 

for a free estimate. Call us 

on 01475 743487 or email 

johnmorgan52@hotmail. 

co.uk 

coming soon! 

enhanced listings will be available soon on our 

website. Please contact The Advertizer for more 

details on 01505 613340 or info@advertizer.co.uk 

LOCAL 

history 

Johnstone History Society 

YOUR 

LOGO 

01505 613340 

Having had our AGM and Old Johnstone Picture show our April 

meeting takes place on the 12th of the month in the Masonic 

Hall in Collier Street at 7.30pm. 

This month our speaker is Drew McKenzie, who will be speaking 

about “Birdie Bowers” who came from Greenock and died with 

Scott on his expedition to the South Pole. 

The Museum situated in Morrison’s continues to open 

Wednesday Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 4pm. The 

Daily Express Paisley are again running their Wish Campaign 

and we have a collection box for the tokens at the Museum. 

Design your dream floor 

At Orchard Flooring we believe that the floor is the base of your home life. 

Karndean flooring is inspired by nature and looks and feels spectacular. This luxury flooring 

comes in wood and stone effect but unlike natural wood or ceramics it doesn’t crack, chip 

or fade so easily. 

Whether your old floor is water damaged, fitted badly or simply needing a breath of fresh air, 

Karndean is the ideal choice for your busy homes and businesses. 

With a huge collection of styles, colours and textures available, from the classic Van Gogh 

range, to something a little more 

unique like Ships Decking effect, 

you are bound to find the perfect fit 

for your home. 

Orchard Flooring has over 15 years experience in fitting Karndean and Amtico and 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 22 9584 or 07563 633 432 E: sjmproducts@hotmail.com 

website - www.orchard-flooring.com


Main Street Bridge of Weir by Terry O'Hara 

bishopton, langbank 

& bridge of weir 

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

BoW Festival Committee 

Gala Queen 2016 selection night 

On Saturday the 5th March in the Cargill Hall the selection of this year’s Gala 

Queen and her Attendants was made. Thirteen girls took part in the selection 

process before three neutral judges, all of whom live outside of the village. 

The girl chosen to be Gala Queen 2016 was Paige Galbraith, with Milla Gibson 

and Aimee McGrane chosen to be her Attendants. Paige will be officially crowned 

at Bridge of Weir Gala Day on the 11th June. The Festival Committee wish to pass 

on their congratulations to the three girls chosen, and their thanks to all the girls 

who took part on the night. 

Gala Day Parade and Programme Front Cover Theme 

The Festival Committee have chosen “Rio 2016” as the theme for this year Gala 

Day Parade and Programme front cover. With the Olympics being held in Rio 

this year it has bought the city to the fore, however we do not want to restrict 

the choice for participants to just the Olympics, but rather we wish to make it 

a celebration of what Rio is famous for, it’s Carnival, Beach Football, Christ the 

Redeemer statue, etc. 

Festival Blackpool Trip 2016 

Bridge of Weir Festival Committee successfully ran their third weekend trip to 

Blackpool last October 2015. Nearly forty people took the opportunity to have a 

terrific weekend away, sightseeing, shopping and letting their hair down. 

The committee have provisionally secured accommodation at Tiffany’s Hotel for 4 

days and three nights. This will include Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. 

The coach departs from Bridge of Weir at 9.30am on Friday 28th October and 

departs from Blackpool at 10.30am on Monday 31st October, stopping off at the 

Outlets at Gretna on the way home. 

The cost of the trip is £140 all inclusive, per adult. The trip is restricted to over 

21’s only. A non-refundable deposit of £20 per adult is required when booking {to 

cover the cost of the coach}, the balance may be paid up, but all monies must be 

paid by the 1st 0ctober 2016. 

Please book early as places are limited. For more information please contact 

Gordon on 07816 354854. 

Santa Sleigh Update 

Despite the less than ideal weather, the Santa Sleigh followed its usual routes 

around Bridge of Weir, Brookfield, Houston, Kilmacolm, and Quarriers in the lead 

up to Christmas. Over the period, 1302 children got to meet Santa and each 

received sweets from him. 

£5,825.51 was collected in donations with half going to the following local 

organisations who all helped on the Santa Sleigh nights: 

Bridge of Weir 1st & 2nd Guides, Bridge of Weir Scouts Group, Brighter Bridge of 

Weir, Gryffe High Team 2, Hope Hall, Houston Guides, Kilmacolm Guides and the 

Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley. 

The remainder going towards the cost of truck hire, fuel, sweets, etc. 

In addition to the Santa Sleigh routes, Santa and collectors from the Festival 

Committee also held collections at the Co-op in Bridge of Weir and at Morrison’s 

in Johnstone, which raised £200 for the Red Cross and £520 for the Beatson 

Cancer Charity respectfully. Our thanks goes to these two companies for their 

continued support. 

The Festival Committee would like to say a big thank you to all the volunteer 

Santa’s, Drivers and Collectors for their time and effort, without whom we would 

not be able to run this venture. A big thank you also to everyone who kindly 

supported us with donations, they are all very much appreciated. 

Messy Church 

There will be no Messy Church in April and we have decided 

to move May Messy Church from 1st to 8th May to avoid the 

May bank holiday weekend. Hopefully, more people will be 

able to come. As usual anyone of any age is welcome - just turn up on the day 

and join in the fun! 

BoW Senior Citizens’ Association Outing 

The Senior Citizens Summer Outing is going for a sail on Loch Lomond with High 

Tea at The Commodore Hotel, Helensburgh. The date of the outing has been 

changed to Wednesday 8th June. Names will be taken at the next meeting. The 

cost is £28 for members. There will be an extra charge for non members. 

LANGBANK SWI 

For the final meeting of this years session we will be holding 

our Annual Dinner and Prize Giving in the Lomond Suite at 

Gleddoch House Hotel on Thursday 21st April at 7pm for 7.30pm. 

ADDITIONALLY….. A walking tour of Glasgow (with June Lockhart) has been 

arranged for Thursday 19th May, meeting at Glasgow Central Station at 10.30am. 

More details at the dinner. 

Bridge of Weir Elderly Forum Outing 

The Forum Summer Outing is going for a sail to Blairmore, Loch Goil and Loch 

Long. The date of the outing is 1st June and will cost £25 for members including 

Fish and Chips at the Beacon after the sail. There will be an extra charge for 

non members. Members are asked to bring their money to the next meeting on 

Tuesday 12th April or give to Margaret Mills at the Senior Citizens meeting.


37 37 

BoW Community Council 

The Community Council fund raising Committee is considering ideas and potential 

projects which should enhance the village and come in at a reasonable cost. 

Projects put forward include continuing to enhance the village Christmas Lights, 

upgrading the riverside lade walk to include an historical heritage project based 

on the lade and the old mill, outdoor exercise facilities and a farmers market. 

We would like to hear the thoughts of residents on these and this can be done 

through our Facebook page or our website www.bridgeofweir.org 

At our recent meeting Councillor Holmes reported that there is a larger number 

than normal of street lights out and waiting for repair. This has been caused by 

difficulties with a contractor. The contract has now been brought in house and 

four other contractors have been engaged to catch up on the back log. 

The Secretary reported that she had sent correspondence to Renfrewshire’s 

Council’s roads department after the previous meeting and has neither received 

a response or an acknowledgment Councillor Holmes agreed to look into this 

matter. 

Councillor MacLaren reported that several years ago Community Resources had 

been asked to carry out a survey with the aim of ascertaining the cost and the 

practicality of bringing Mill O Gryffe Road, and other roads and footways up to an 

adoptable standard. Renfrewshire Council would require to spend a minimum 

of £250,000 on the road to bring it up to an adoptable standard. He has asked 

what the cost would be to do the top part only; however, Community Services are 

reluctant to carry out a further survey. 

The Police informed the meeting of a number of reported crimes over the previous 

month, one common assault, one theft and house breaking, one house breaking 

with intent, two theft attempts, one breach of the peace, eight vandalisms. There 

was also low detection rate leading to members of the Community Council asking 

about detection rates of historic burglaries, the Police had no specific details at 

hand but would report back at the next meeting. 

Our Facebook page has received a number of posts recently resulting in the 

Community Council taking issue on a number of matters including resurface 

works to Kilgraston Road, Carruth Road and Lochwinnoch / Kilmacolm Road, 

and reported potholes throughout the village. 

Your Community Councillors are going to be busy in the next few months attending 

Renfrewshire Councils training for Community Councillors. Dropping in to the 

Local Housing Strategy consultation sessions and attending the Community 

Planning Conferences as well as keeping abreast of village issues. 

LEAP will give a presentation to the next meeting of the Community Council which 

will be held Tuesday 5th April at 7pm in the Cargill Hall. 

The Bridge 

BoW Tenants and Residents Association 

The latest meeting of TARA was very well attended, and or thanks go to Cllr. Maria 

Brown, Andy Summers - Amenity services manager with Renfrewshire Council, 

the Police and Renfrewshire Wardens Service for their attendance. 

The Police report showed that there were only five reported crimes over the past 

month. These encompassed a couple of vandalisms, one of which resulted in 

a cracked window at a house, there was also the theft of clothes from a dry 

cleaners van. A driver at Bridge of Weir Primary School in Warlock Road received 

a £100 fine for obstruction, as her car was parked with all four wheels on a 

pavement. This is an ongoing problem within the vicinity of the school and the 

Police are going to continue to monitor vehicles around this area. 

The Wardens highlighted the problem with litter thrown from vehicles, especially 

at the road entrances to the village where the grass verges are festooned with 

paper and bottles. It was pointed out by the Wardens that if they witness the 

throwing of litter from a motor vehicle they have the authority to access the DVLA 

database to find out who the registered owner of the car is, and to issue that 

person with a fixed penalty notice for littering. It is then up to that person to either 

pay the fine or inform the authorities of the name of the person who threw the 

litter. 

We’d like to remind villagers that from the 1st April the fine for not cleaning up 

after your dog rises to £80, which then rises to £100 if the fine is not paid within 

28 days, so please “Bag It and Bin It”! Also from the 6th April all dogs require 

to be micro-chipped, with a possible £200 fine awaiting any owner who fails to 

do so. However a dog may be given dispensation if it has a medical condition 

that would prevent it from being safely micro-chipped and this would require a 

covering letter from a vet. 

The Council hope to complete the required drainage works in Houston Road Park 

in early April when parts of the drainage system which have collapsed will be 

replaced and other parts of the system will be cleared of silt. 

The next meeting of Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents Association, which 

is also the AGM, will be held on Tuesday 19th April in the Pirie Centre, Freeland 

Church at 7.30pm. All are welcome. 

Bridge of Weir SWI 

Our April 7th meeting rounds off the Thursday evening programme 

with a mini show. 

We will also use some of the evening to finalise plans for the auction and tea 

party on behalf of ACWW on Saturday 7th May (see page 18 for details). 

We meet at 7.30pm in the British Legion and visitors will be welcome. 

Survey - the Trustees of The Bridge are due to meet at the end of March to discuss 

the results of the recent Survey undertaken by 229 of our customers. 

We appreciate all the comments and suggestions made and look forward to 

enabling The Bridge to serve the needs and aspirations of our community. 

Shop News – an extensive variety of Greeting Cards are on 

sale to cover most special occasions. Our usual stationery 

items are always in stock along with some new ranges. 

Post Office - going on holiday soon? Ask Donald, Pat or 

Anne for leaflets on Travel Insurance and Travel Moneycard 

and to order Currency. 

Community Centre – Do you have any issues to resolve? An appointment with 

one of your local MSP’s, MP or Citizens Advice Bureau staff is the answer. Please 

call in to find out the times of their surgeries. 

An evening out at The Bridge – twice monthly, you can enjoy a film along with 

complimentary refreshments in The Bridge. Please collect a Programme. 

The Garden –we are again appreciative of the work The Allotments and Garden 

Society undertake in the garden at the rear of The Bridge, ensuring we can enjoy 

seasonal changes. 

As always we wish to thank our dedicated team of volunteers who, through their 

commitment, enable The Bridge Community Centre, Shop and more importantly 

Post Office to serve the village.


Knitting for the RBLS 

bishopton, langbank 

& bridge of weir 

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

RECYCLING: Many of you will have heard about the changes 

to the amenity sites or recycling centres as they tend to be 

called these days. Starting in June, Linwood, Johnstone and 

Erskine sites are being converted to self-service community 

“bring sites”. Here, you will only be able to recycle; Paper 

& Cardboard, Metal, cartons, Glass – bottles & jars, mixed 

plastic, and Textiles. The Underwood Road Paisley depot has 

been expanded and the site offers full recycling facilities for the 

disposal of waste electronic electrical equipment, including 

white goods, large appliances, monitors and florescent tubes. 

You can also dispose of Asbestos, car batteries, green waste, 

wood, rubble and oil. Renfrewshire Council offer a special 

uplift service to all householders by calling 0300 300 0300. 

A number of charities and charity shops will accept unwanted items for re-use or 

you can contact me and I can direct items to a good cause. A number of people 

have expressed the fear that there will be an increase in fly-tipping and I can’t say 

that I would be surprised if this occurred. 

FLOODING: I submitted a motion to the recent Full Council meeting, but 

unfortunately it was defeated but I hope it raised the profile and highlighted the 

issue of flooding in Langbank. I forwarded a copy of the Langbank Community 

Council’s report to the council. Mr Mike Dewar is calling a multi-agency meeting, 

including Network Rail and Transport Scotland, to discuss potential solutions to 

Langbank’s flooding issues. 

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. 

Could you help us to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the 

Somme in WW1? 

The Bridge of Weir Branch of The Royal British Legion Scotland is supporting the 

Somme Observed Community Knitting Project (Glasgow), which will honour the 

sacrifice made by the men who were killed at the Battle of the Somme by knitting 

or crocheting squares that will be joined together to make panels. The panels will 

be displayed in the Winter Gardens at the People’s Palace in Glasgow from 1st 

July to 31st August 2016. They will then be taken down, cleaned and re-made into 

blankets for veterans’ homes. 

We would like to donate as many squares as possible and would welcome 

contributions from our local community. Could you make a square to help us 

commemorate this anniversary? 

Squares can be any design, or you might like to use the patterns below as a 

guide to make the basic squares. Squares may be 

knitted or crocheted. Choose any yarn, any colour 

and any stitch you like. Please feel free to add 

stripes, cables, Fair Isle, intarsia patterns (doves 

and poppies would be very suitable) or you could 

crochet/knit a poppy or dove to stitch to your 

square when finished. The massively important 

thing is that the finished square must be 16cm x 16cm in size. 

To make a Knitted 16cm square: 

4mm needles and double knitting yarn 

• Cast on 3 stitches. 

• Row 1: Slip 1st stitch, increase in the next stitch, knit remaining stitch 

• Row 2: Slip 1st stitch, increase in the next stitch, knit remaining stitches 

• Repeat Row 2 until work measures 16cms along the side 

• Next Row: Slip 1st stitch, knit 2 together, knit to end 

• Repeat this row until there are 3 stitches left. 

• Cast off. Sew in all yarn ends 

To make a Crocheted 16cm ‘Granny’ square: 

4mm crochet hook and double knitting yarn 

• To Start: Chain 4; slip stitch into first chain to form a circle. 

Round 1 

Round 2 

• Chain 3 (counts as the first • Slip stitch along to the first 

• 

treble), 2 trebles into the 

circle; chain 2. 

Repeat (3 trebles into the 

2-chain space. Chain 3 (counts 

as first treble); 2 trebles into 

the 2-chain space; chain 2. 

circle; chain 2) 3 times. 

• 3 trebles into the same 2-chain 

• This will give a central circle space; chain 1. 

into which there are four • Repeat the following into the 

groups of three trebles each 

separated by a 2-chain space. 

The trebles groups are the 

sides and the 2-chain spaces 

are the corners. 

• 

other three corners; slip stitch 

into the third stitch of the3- 

chain you started the round 

with. 

There will still be four corners, 

each made of a 2-chain space 

Round 3 and subsequent rounds 

but the sides now consist of 

• Each round starts by slip 

two groups of three trebles 

stitching along to the next 

separated by a single chain. 

2-chain space. Chain 3 (to act 

as the first treble on the first 

corner) 

• In each 2-chain space corner, crochet a 3-treble group, 2 chains and 

another 3-treble group. Along the sides you will have a 3-treble group into 

each single chain space of the previous round, each separated by a single 

chain. 

• With each round, the sides will grow by one treble group. At the end of 

the round, make one chain before slip stitching into the third stitch of the 

initial 3-stitch chain that acts as the first treble. 

• Continue until the side of the square measures 16cms. 

• Sew in all yarn ends. 

Completed squares will be welcomed by 30th April at any of the following: 

The Royal British Legion, Livery Walk, 

Bridge of Weir 

Mon: 3pm – 7pm 

Tue – Thurs: 3pm – 11pm 

Fri – Sat: 1pm – 11pm 

Sun: 1pm – 7pm 

Laura’s Nail and Beauty Lounge, Main 

Street, Bridge of Weir 

Tuesday: 9.30am-2pm 

Thursday: 9.30am-8pm 

Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 

9.30am-5pm 

Beaton Brothers Funeral Directors, 

Station Road, Bridge of Weir 

Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm

Houston & Crosslee SWI 


houston, crosslee 

& brookfield 

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

The penultimate meeting of Houston & Crosslee SWI will be our 

AGM and Spring Show on 13th April. Our last meeting of the year 

on the 11th May will be a Macmillan Tea and Chat night. 

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. 

39 39 

It’s that time of year again – volunteers are required 

to help with our door-to-door collection from 15th to 

21st of May (immediately after the Carnival). 

We raise over £5000 each year, so if you can help, 

please phone 690636 or email: c.e.morrison@btinternet.com. 

I look forward to hearing from you – it’s a great cause. 

The Senior Citizen’s Group AGM will take place on Wednesday 6th April in the 

West Hall after music and song with Pauline Vallance – Harpist and Singer. 

We meet at 2pm and the AGM should commence at 3pm after coffee and tea. 

We would be delighted to see friends come along for the musical interlude and/ 

or the AGM. 

Houston Toddler Group Coffee 

Morning & Craft Fair 

Saturday 23rd April - Houston Kirk West Halls, Main Street, 

Houston. 10am - 12pm. Tickets £2 / £1 Child. 

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

The Carrick Centre, Houston 

What’s on April 2016 

Monday to Friday, Woodlands Out of 

School 01505 615438 

MONDAY 

Embroiderers Guild (Weekly) 10am – 

12noon. 

Yoga (Weekly) 1pm. Mary Laidlaw 

01505 229112 

Rockstar Tumbling Class (18th, 25th) 

4.15pm. Roz Hart 07734 714 131 

Diaporama 11th 7:30pm 

TUESDAY 

Musical Theatre (19, 26th) 3.30pm 

5.45pm 

Yoga (weekly) 7pm. M/s Lawson 

01505 613690 

WEDNESDAY 

Paint Pot Tots (20th, 27th) 10am 

Dawn Campbell 07789 262 350 

Galaxy Dance (20th, 27th) 4pm 

Lauren 07974 285 102 

Councillors Surgeries 20th 6.30pm 

Gryffe Melody Makers 13th & 27th 

7pm 

Camera Club (weekly) 7.30pm 

Houston Community Council 20th 

7.30pm 

THURSDAY 

Burlex Fitness (Weekly) 9.15am – 

10am 07944 815 298 

Gryffe Quilting Group (7th, 21st, 28th) 

1.15 - 3.15pm. 21st 10am -3pm 

Crafty Friends 7th & 21st 7:30pm 

Folk Club (weekly) 8pm. Paddybullen@ 

live.co.uk 

FRIDAY 

Yoga (Weekly) 10.30am M/s Lawson 

01505 613690 

Galaxy Dancing (1st, 22nd, 29th) 

4pm Lauren 

MP Surgery (8th) 12.30 – 1.30pm 

SATURDAY 

Galaxy Dancing (2nd, 23rd, 30th) 

9.30am Lauren 

SUNDAY 

Baptist Church (weekly) 11am and 

6pm 

Booking enquiries to Ian Simpson, 01505 612203 Sandy Young 01505 331488 

Bill Haddow 01505 690693 

hostbooking@outlook.com or The Coffee Shop 

Lorraine is delighted to introduce 

BEAUTY by STORM 

at Laserlight Clinic 

Storm is a fully trained Beauty 

Therapist offering lots of lovely 

treatments including a variety of 

Massage therapies, Facials, Make 

Up, Waxing, Gel nails. 

As a welcome to her new beauty room at Laserlight Clinic Storm is offering 

Gelcolour nails for £15 and Swedish full body Massage at just £32 until 30 

April. 

So whether you are an existing client or would like to try Storm’s treatments 

for the first time, why not book today!? 

Call 07581 866326 or book online at www.laserlightclinic.co.uk 

BUDGET: Renfrewshire’s Budget for financial year 2016/17 

was passed by the current Administration at a meeting on 

3rd March. Council Tax will again remain frozen at 2015/16 

levels, £1 million will be used to support investment in parks 

outwith Paisley and Renfrew and there will be a 2.5% increase 

on charges for services. 

£7.5 million of Council funding has been put aside to support 

the provision of a recreational town park (St James Playing 

Fields) in conjunction with an outdoor Regional Sports Facility 

in Ferguslie. Total cost of this project is estimated at £15 

million with funding from a range of key partners. 

The main opposition unsuccessfully proposed a £1.5 million 

investment in 2016/17 for environmental improvement programmes across 

Renfrewshire, while a further proposal to allocate finance necessary to keep the 

civic amenity sites in Linwood, Renfrew, Johnstone and Erskine fully manned was 

not accepted by Renfrewshire’s Provost. 

Instead of £7.5 million being spent in Paisley the opposition proposed that 

£2.3 million be invested in public parks, play facilities and open spaces and 

an additional investment of £5million for roads infrastructure to improve road 

conditions throughout Renfrewshire. 

At an earlier Council meeting the Administration passed an average weekly rent 

increase of 2% and approved the Housing Revenue Account for 2016/17. 

PLANNING: An application of planning permission in principle has been received 

by Renfrewshire Council for a residential development on green belt adjacent 

to Sandholes Road in Brookfield. This development of 93 houses, the approved 

Merchiston site for 267 properties along with the other proposed developments in 

Kilbarchan and Bridge of Weir will undoubtable cause further traffic problems at 

the Deafhillock roundabout. It is hoped that Renfrewshire’s Planning Department 

listens to the comments from the many commuters who currently experience 

problems at this location. 

GRANTS: Houston United Football Club were granted £1500 for the purchase of 

collapsible vandal proof senior football goals at the recent Local Area Committee 

meeting. 

Please note there will no Surgeries in April with surgeries resuming on Tuesday 

10th May 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


houston, crosslee 

& brookfield 

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

Ardgryffe Park: Residents of Ardgryffe estate have been 

in touch with me hoping to improve the recreational use of 

Ardgryffe Park, including the potential for improved play 

equipment. Houston United Football Club are also interested 

in improving the amenity of the park for use by our village 

football club. I have held initial discussions with some 

interested residents and it is clear there is fantastic potential 

for an upgrade to the play equipment alongside improved use 

of the park for ‘home games’ by Houston United. There is a 

desire on the part of those involved to engage more interested 

residents, and also consult more widely on the improvements 

that could be made. As such, it has been agreed to organise 

a meeting for any interested local residents in the first week 

of April. The exact details are still to be confirmed so please email me if you 

are interested in attending this and I will send you the details: cllr.stuart.clark@ 

renfrewshire.gov.uk 

Manse Field Fence: The eyesore state of Manse Field Fence has been of concern 

to many local residents. This is one of the most visible junctions in the village and 

it is unacceptable that it is left in such a mess, both as a result of the disrepair 

of the fence and also the discarded signs that are left by a minority of local 

residents. I have requested that the fence be repaired and this will happen in 

mid-April. Furthermore, I have discussed the potential for a small improvement 

project to improve the presentation of this area which could be undertaken by the 

Community Council and I will support them in taking this forward. 

Surgeries: I will hold surgeries on 7th April (Linwood High at 7pm), 19th April 

(Tweedie Hall at 7pm), 20th April (Carrick Centre at 6.30pm). No appointment 

necessary. 

Keep up to date! 

To keep up to date with my work for the local area, please feel free to ‘like’ my 

Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CouncillorStuartClark 

Houston and Killellan Agricultural Show 

Houston and Killellan Agricultural Show will be held on Saturday 4th June. 

Hopefully this year the weather will be kinder to us and the show will go ahead. 

As usual there will be a wide variety of stalls and the big event Houston’s Got 

Talent which is hugely popular with everyone. 

Schedules for the Craft and Baking Section are available from the Post Office 

and the Paper Shop, North Street, Houston. They are also available from Isabelle 

Stuart 01505 613479 or issistuart@fsmail.net The craft and baking classes are 

open to all of Renfrewshire. 

Houston Community Council 

Residents concerns. 

1. Update on Local Boundaries 

Commission proposals: Available 

April / May. 

2. Poor Fibre / Broadband 

connectivity speed in Leeburn 

Avenue. John McEvoy will 

investigate and respond 

3. Trees from private gardens 

impeding public pathway behind 

shops. We shall write to the 

Council asking for their stance. 

4. Poor Christmas Lights – HCC 

confirmed this matter is in hand. 

Police Report 

5 crimes, 1 detected 

Police Rural Surveillance Team to monitor bus shelters following recent 

vandalism. 

Councillor Noon reported litter problems, particularly near shops. A date for 

Annual Litter Clean up will be set at March meeting 

Blocked drains. John McEvoy will produce a list at March meeting. 

Stone Bridge Across the River Gryffe: Works will be completed next week. 

Reminder that to vote in Scottish Parliamentary Election you must register by 

18th April. 

Renfrewshire Council annual budget must be concluded by 10th March 2016. 

Chairman’s Report 

Taylor Woodrow discussing upkeep of wooden bridge across Gryffe with 

Renfrewshire Council 

Pothole reporting forms will be available at Village Post Office, Carrick Centre, 

Village Paper Shop, Coop 

Houston and Killellan Kirk Carnival 

The days are getting longer, the weather is not improving - it must be Spring 

and Kirk Carnival preparation time! Attention is now fully on recruiting helpers 

and seeking donations to cover all aspects of the event. As everyone knows, the 

Carnival has become a real highlight in the village over many years but can only 

be successful if the community supports it. If you haven’t been approached to 

help by one of our Conveners (arm twisters!) then give one of us a call. There are 

plenty of jobs to suit your talents. 

Our Plant stall is always a good attraction at the Carnival and the team is looking 

for donations of plants and cuttings. So when you are tidying up the garden after 

winter, remember the plant stall. Norma McBeath (613763) or Peter McKerrell 

(872448) is waiting for your call. 

The White Elephant stall team is looking for donations which can be uplifted if 

necessary (no large items of furniture or electrical goods please). Please contact 

Mary Reid (613770) or Kathryn McCartney (613741) who will be happy to help. 

Your once a year chance to get freshly baked pancakes and scones (sometimes 

still hot) will, as usual, be available although this year you cannot watch the 

ladies at work. However, the team involved have agreed to work their little socks 

off on the morning of the Carnival and, fortunately, you will still get to buy their 

wonderful baking at the Freshly Baked? stall in the Carrick Centre. 

In addition to all that lovely baking to take home, the Carnival tea room is a very 

special place where you can catch up with old friends or make new ones while 

enjoying the highest standard of home baking Houston Kirk has to offer. And 

remember your tea and coffee with home baking. 

Of course there are loads of other stalls needing filled: - Books, DVD's, Soft 

Toys (lots of good condition cuddly toys needed), Tombola prizes, Bottle Stall, 

Toiletries, Jewellery, Scottish Stall items (contributions of all Scottish foodstuffs 

wanted - preserves, tablet, rhubarb etc.), Home Baking (Houston is famous for its 

baking! If you can help once again we would be most grateful.), etc., etc. 

If you can help with any of the above then please phone any of the Committee 

below. Join the fun at the Kirk Carnival and if you have never been to one then 

come along, you may just be surprised. All proceeds for the 2016 Kirk Carnival 

will go towards the new Church extension. 

Help Required For Carnival Face Painting Stall: 

We are desperately looking for people to help at the face painting stall. At the 

moment we only have 2 volunteers and, ideally, we need at least 8, so that 

helpers only need to be on duty for approximately 1 hour. No great painting skills 

are required and we shall have a “training session” beforehand to familiarise 

helpers with the paints and have a practise on “volunteer” children. It is good fun 

and generates a lot of business. We have a set number of easy designs to copy, 

so please come along and give us a hand. You ‘ll enjoy it! Further information from 

Jackie Taylor 01505 690751, Ina Jefferson 01505 612962 or Jim McLaughlin 

01505 690070. 

Carnival Queen And Attendants 

This year the Carnival Queen will be Megan Finn and her attendants will be Emily 

Fallon and Rachel Hill. 

Stall Conveners 

Food Stalls Kate Jackson (613676), Ina Jefferson (612962) & Lorna Kinloch 

(614159) Non Food Stalls Heather Hughes (612962) Tearoom Moira Dunlop 

(331309) & Jean Mills (614326) Sideshows Charles Green (690107) Coordinators 

Jim McLaughlin (690070) or mclaughlin_jim@hotmail.com Kate 

Jackson (613676) or grannykate284@gmail.com 

Merchiston Residential Development: Will respond to local community councils 

stating we shall monitor traffic flow and support them if this becomes an 

issue. 

Treasurer’s Report 

Current Balance £2,341.00. Audited accounts submitted to Renfrewshire 

Council, allowing release of £805 Administration Grant 

Agreed Actions: 

To write to Renfrewshire Council expressing our concerns about upkeep of 

footpaths in Craigends 

To submit a Freedom of Information request to Renfrewshire Council re 

number of fly-tipping incidents over last 12 months. 

To submit funding requests to Renfrewshire Council for i) flower displays and 

benches throughout Houston ii) Christmas trees and lights iii) replace fence 

at roundabout with hedge. 

To discuss marking entrances to Houston Village at March meeting 

To respond to Renfrewshire Council’s “Outdoors for You” questionnaire with 

emphasis on extending cycle path to Houston 

To establish sub-committee to discuss traffic issues and report back in 

March 

To establish a yearly calendar to capture important matters at the correct 

time. Discuss further at next meeting. 

To try to locate existing large planters 

To submit a monthly bulletin/newsletter to the Gazette. To discuss at March 

meeting 

We await a response from the Forestry Commission regarding upkeep of 

Craigends Yew. Next meeting Wednesday 16th March 2016 7.30 pm Carrick 

Centre, Main Street, Houston


41 41 

kilmacolm 

& quarriers 

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

BUDGET: The Council has set its budget 

for financial year 2016/17 with savings 

of £6.5m needed to offset our reduction 

in funding from the Scottish Government. 

Officers estimate that over the next three 

years additional savings of £22.5m 

are required to further Government 

cuts, inflation, legislative changes and 

demographic pressures. This is around 

11-12% of the Council’s revenue budget. 

Savings of this order will pose a major 

challenge to the Councillors elected in May 2017. 

Despite these pressures the Council was able to approve a further £10.5m of 

capital investment in our roads infrastructure. Kilmacolm and Quarrier’s Village 

will share in the benefits of this investment through improvements to carriageways, 

footways and street lighting. Among the projects planned for this financial year 

are carriageway resurfacing of West Glen Road (from The Lodge to Kilmory) 

and Lochwinnoch Road (Milton Road for 300m) and footway reconstruction on 

Knockbuckle Road (Lochwinnoch Road to Broomknowe Road) and Port Glasgow 

Road (Auchenbothie to Woodrow Avenue). The detailed programme for street 

Optical Blog 

lighting upgrades is not yet available. 

The budget also approved £440,000 of investment in Birkmyre Park in Kilmacolm, 

with £400,000 for drainage improvements to the rugby pitches and £40,000 for 

general environmental improvements. 

COUNCIL TAX: The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recently announced changes 

to how Council Tax charges are calculated. This will mean that from April 2017 

6,000 households in Inverclyde - many of them in Kilmacolm and Quarrier’s 

Village - in property bands E to H will pay more in tax prior to any across the board 

increase that may be agreed by the Council. The First Minister has decided that 

the additional revenue raised from this change – around £1m a year – must be 

spent on education rather than on addressing the Council’s funding gap. She has 

also decided that from April 2017 Councils can increase Council Tax by up to 3% 

a year, bringing to an end the nine-year Council Tax freeze. 

Councillor McColgan: surgeries on Tuesday 12 April, 6pm - 7pm, in St Francis Primary 

School, Port Glasgow and Thursday 28 April, 6pm - 7pm, in Kilmacolm Community 

Centre. Contact 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. 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: surgeries on Tuesday 5 April, 6pm - 7pm, in Boglestone 

Community Centre, Port Glasgow and Tuesday 26 April, 5.30pm - 6.30pm, in Kilmacolm 

Community Centre. 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. Keep up to date with my work as a Councillor 

by visiting my blog: http://councillorstephenmccabe.blogspot.com/ and follow me on 

Twitter @CllrSMcCabe.


kilmacolm 

& quarriers 

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

Le Twinning: Spring Update! 

It’s full-steam ahead for the Kilmacolm-Mérignies 

Twinning! Over the weekend of 14th May we have 

the visit of members of Mérignies Golf Club who will 

participate in a challenge match against Kilmacolm. This marks the first official 

event of the reciprocal agreement signed last November between the two clubs. 

Among the Mérignies golfers will be representatives of the local village council. 

To mark the 2nd anniversary of the Twinning, we have decided to gift 4 slates to 

Mérignies from the “Our Village” heritage project which was done last year by the 

Kilmacolm Civic Trust in conjunction with pupils from the local primary schools 

in the village. These were drawings done by the children of buildings and other 

landmarks in Kilmacolm. They were then put onto beautiful slates by the Newark 

social enterprise in Port Glasgow. We have commissioned Newark to produce 

4 slates for us. The slates will be presented to the Mérignies delegation either 

in May at the Agricultural Show or in June to correspond with the visit of the 

Mérignies school pupils exchange with St Columba’s. 

The Village Art Class, Kilmacolm 

We’ve come to the end of another year of The Village Art Class. Another very 

successful year. All 18 members have enjoyed twenty-two Friday mornings 

throughout the winter months when we have greatly benefitted from the short 

talks/lessons by our talented tutor. 

In October’15 some fellow local enthusiasts joined us for a Demonstration by 

celebrated Paisley artist, Robert Kelsey. Encouraged by him, plans were laid to 

hold our first public Exhibition towards the end of 2016. (More of that later.) 

Class meets for 2 hours on Friday mornings 

in the Village Centre (Cargill centre), 

September to March, breaking for a month 

over the festive season. Space allows only 

18 members and places are at a premium, 

but a waiting-list is held, and places do 

occur occasionally, from year to year. The 

atmosphere is a very pleasant one, especially 

around the 11am coffee break. 

The coming Sept/Dec’16 session will see another well known artist visiting us, 

followed by our first EXHIBITION, in the Cargill Centre on 2nd December. Make 

a note in your diary, might be nice to pick up a painting for Christmas. Prices 

will be modest, but quality will be good! Do come and browse while enjoying 

a refreshment. A reminder will come later in the year. Contact: Ruth Lamont, 

Secretary. Tel. 01505 872368 

Kilmacolm 

Spiritualist 

Church 

Kilmacolm Community Centre, 

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm. 

Help every Tuesday @ 7.30pm 

(doors open 6.45pm) 

BUDGET: Last month the cross party budget working group 

agreed the annual council budget. The budget for 2016/17 

was set and a provisional budget for the following 2017/18 

year was also agreed. The revenue budget for 2016/17 is 

£190 million of which £70m will be spent on education 

and £49m on health and social care. As part of the Scottish 

Government’s £250 million of grants for health and social 

care to Scotland’s councils, Inverclyde is receiving over £4 

million. The council also approved the capital budget for 

the coming financial year of £29m and in 2017/18 this will 

rise to £48m. Last month the Scottish Government granted 

funding to Inverclyde Council for a share of the refurbishment 

of Kilmacolm Primary School and I have found out since then that this funding 

amounted to £2.1 million. 

REPAIRS: At a council committee meeting last month it was reported that the 

repairs to sort the drainage on the Birkmyre rugby pitch will commence soon. 

It was also announced that St Columba’s School are generously contributing 

towards the drainage work. Thank goodness the council will start the work soon 

as it has been a long time coming. 

ROADWORKS: Just at a time when Scottish Water complete very lengthy works 

throughout Kilmacolm, for the second time, and many repairs and resurfacing 

work has been completed and are still ongoing by the council roads services, 

last month Ward 1 councillors were contacted by Scottish Gas Networks to let us 

know that in April for an approximate six month period they will be undertaking 

gas mains replacement in areas throughout the village. Their project involves 

replacing 2.7km of old cast iron gas mains with new polyethylene pipe and 

approximately 120 gas services supplying domestic customers will need to be 

replaced. There is no denying this work is likely needing to be carried out but 

surely to goodness if there had been better communication rather than digging 

a lot of areas up yet again this could have perhaps been linked in together with 

council and Scottish Water works. In the past when I have raised this issue I have 

been informed by council officials that they contact utility companies in advance 

of any works starting to see if they want to link in and so preventing roads and/or 

pavements having to be dug up several times. When I learned about this I thought 

“oh no, not again”. 

GARDEN WASTE: I would remind Kilmacolm and Quarrier’s Village householders 

that the council’s fortnightly garden waste has started as of the end of March. So 

please remember to put your brown bin out for collection with your blue one. 

My next surgeries will be advertised in the local newspaper, on the Inverclyde 

Council website and my surgery posters. Anyone wanting to contact me can do so 

by phoning me through my office on 01475 712727 or my mobile number 07747 

765 839 or by emailing me at jim.macleod@inverclyde.gov.uk or writing to me at 

Inverclyde Council, Municipal Buildings, Greenock, PA15 1LY. 

Do you suffer from COPD? 

COPD is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. I am a sufferer, and I was 

amazed to find out that there are over 50 people in Kilmacolm and surrounding 

districts who also suffer from COPD. 

Outwith Kilmacolm, most areas have Support Groups, and since I would very 

much like to be in such a group I decided to post this notice in The Advertizer 

to find out if there are sufficient numbers of us here in Kilmacolm willing to get 

together and start up a COPD Support Group. If you are interested please contact 

me, Bob McDonald on 01505 872978. 

Kilmacolm Heritage Centre – Board 

Appointments 

Acceptances for Board appointments have now been received. These include 

Professor Frank Walker, Graham Roxburgh, Lesley AM Patrick (Quarriers), Mike 

Jefferis – (Chairman Community Council), David Wilson (Inverclyde Council), Edwin 

Fisher, Jim Wood. The inaugural Board meeting took place on 30th March.


43 43 

howwood 

& elderslie 

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

SPRING CLEAN: A reminder that on the 16th and 17th April, 

the Howwood Community Council are carrying out their 

annual spring clean. Any help from the local community would 

be greatly appreciated. 

BROADBAND: The council at its recent budget meeting put 

monies aside for improvements in broadband. A lot of work 

has been done in the village but much has still to be done and 

this extra money from the council will help. 

BUDGET: As a result of the recent budget both Social Work 

and Education services have been protected and as we 

approach the last year of this administration of this council, I am proud we have 

our priorities right whilst council finances are under severe pressure. 

ST VINCENT: I took part in this years Strictly Come Prancing to help raise funds 

for our local hospice St Vincent’s. They do a magnificent job and we are lucky to 

have them on our doorstep. They rely heavily on donations and if local people 

can support them in any way they can I am sure it would be welcomed by the 

hospice. 

As I write this, the weather has been great and with the clocks going forward 

let's hope its a great spring and summer. This summer will see the return of 

the village fete. I know from personal 

experience that these events involve 

a lot of work so good luck to everyone 

involved. Nearer the time I will give you 

more details of the days events. 

This is my last year as a councillor but 

I will continue to do my very best for 

the village working with the community 

council and local people to make sure 

Howwood remains a great place to live. 

I continue to hold my surgeries in the 

village hall on the fourth Thursday of 

the month between 6pm and 7pm. 

Howwood SWI 

Tuesday 19th April 

Let’s Be Entertained 

by Mr John Campbell. 

Hostesses - Irene 

MacTaggart & Elizabeth 

Lawson. Vote of Thanks - Cath Love. 

Mini Show - Schedule enclosed with 

syllabus. AGM & Trophy Presentations 

Meetings in Howwood Village Hall at 

7.30pm. Subscription £18 per annum 

kilbarchan 

& lochwinnoch 

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

Old Library Centre, Kilbarchan 

At the time of going to print there are two places left in our new Thursday 

afternoon Computer Class. There are spaces in the Wednesday afternoon Pilates 

class. If you are interested, please contact the Centre. Our printer has been 

very busy producing the letters for the Community Council’s distribution of the 

warning about the possible breach of the Green Belt. 

The KIPCO Board wish to thank the Centre’s volunteer team who so willingly give 

of their time to help with the running of the Centre. Go on to our web page to see 

what the Centre offers. We wish to thank our supporters who have kindly included 

us on their Facebook pages. 

Contact 01505 706070 www.kipcokil.com or visit 9 High Barholm, Kilbarchan 

The Centre will be closed on Monday, 2nd May. 

Doig thanks RBS for repairing ATM and 

listening to Lochwinnoch 

views 

Councillor for Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, and 

Lochwinnoch Ward, Andy Doig, has thanked Royal Bank 

of Scotland regional management on behalf of his 

Lochwinnoch residents for repairing the RBS ATM in the 

village and making it operational again. The ATM had 

been out of order for at least the last month, due to a 

particular technical issue. 

A jubilant Cllr Doig said: “I have always been of the view 

that jaw jaw often beats war war, and it is due to the direct 

relationships I have forged with RBS regional management, 

and their local CEO, over the many discussions relating to Lochwinnoch lobbying 

them to keep their former branch open, that I was able to lobby RBS so effectively 

with a happy conclusion for Lochwinnoch, so well done RBS”. 

“RBS have been clear that over the last year the ATM in the village has been 

working for over 90% of the time, and that is good, but my viewpoint was that for 

the elderly, single parents, for people on low incomes who probably do have a car, 

and indeed, for local businesses too, the RBS ATM in Lochwinnoch was a vital 

service which had to be up and running as soon as possible”. 

Kilbarchan Smile Make A Difference 

Work has now started on the new community garden 

project, recently christened “The Gateway Garden”, 

in Kilbarchan. Kilbarchan Smile, the group behind 

the project, recently secured some “Stalled Spaces” 

funding to put in place some initial raised beds and 

other planters and purchase plants and shrubs to bring 

the site of the old petrol station back into use. The area, 

which is located at the entrance to the village, has been 

cut back and cleared with the support of Renfrewshire 

Council’s Community Payback team. 

As the work of the volunteers continues planting will take place, a bench located 

within the garden and use of recycled materials will be explored to create a 

vibrant growing space and kids’ area accessible to the whole community. An open 

day is planned for May to launch the completion of the first stage of this exciting 

new project. 

Stalled Spaces is a Renfrewshire Council, in partnership with Engage Renfrewshire, 

initiative to support community organisations in Renfrewshire that are interested 

in running small projects in local spaces of unused or underused land. 

THE KILBARCHAN SMILE BIG SPRING CLEAN 

Kilbarchan Smile was set up to help make improvements to the village with the 

support and involvement of the community. To this end the group is organising 

the “Kilbarchan Smile Big Spring Clean”, the 2nd village tidy up on Saturday 7th 

and Sunday 8th May. On the Saturday volunteers will support the efforts of the 

Kilbarchan Scouts who will have a litter pick organised from 10am-12noon whilst 

on the Sunday the clean up will take place from 2pm-4pm. Volunteers (Smilers) 

are being asked to meet at the Ewing Street car parking area opposite Bog Park 

(Scouts meet at the Scout Hut). Greener Renfrewshire Do You Bit will once again 

provide equipment including litter pickers, hi viz vests, bags, bag hoops and 

gloves. If you want to make a difference to the village please come along and “Do 

Your Bit” if you can – as they say many hands make light work! 

For more information and to get involved contact Gail Scoular on 07985749220, 

email gailscoular@gmail.com or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook. 

Kilbarchan 

Kilbarchan NWR During the month of April, there are 2 meetings:-“My favourite 

or least favourite radio/ television programme, and a speaker from the Kibble 

school in Paisley. For further info, please visit the website: www.nwr.org.uk


kilbarchan 

& lochwinnoch 

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

PLANNING: Renfrewshire Council has received a planning 

application proposing a housing development in the area 

north west of Kilbarchan quarry - Branscroft. 

This was the subject of a public event in the Old Library in 

October last year hosted by the applicant. The application 

falls into the category of a major development. The formal 

consideration of the application within the planning process 

will now take effect, which in all probability will be referred to 

the full council rather than the Planning and Property Board. 

There is now the opportunity for residents, near neighbours, 

the community council and other parties to make 

representations to Renfrewshire Council as the responsible 

planning authority. Following a plea, and to take account of the Easter holidays, 

the deadline for representations has been extended to the 14th April. Whatever 

your views on the application, I would strongly recommend that having considered 

the proposals, you make those views known to the planning authority in order 

that it has an appreciation of the issues raised by villagers. 

A final point of clarification is that this application is separate from the public 

exhibition which took place in the Old Library on 15 March, which was in regard 

to a possible future application to develop land adjacent to Barrhill Crescent. I will 

let you know of any news on this front. 

TRANSPORT: I sincerely hope, that the genuine frustration felt by rail passengers 

in Lochwinnoch, arising from recent severe flooding of the access road to the 

station will be a one off. Following approaches to Scotrail and Network Rail 

regarding what was an unacceptable situation, work has been undertaken to 

clear the surface water, and do remedial work on the roadway, I hope that this will 

help prevent further problems. 

GRANTS: Kilbarchan is set to benefit from decisions made at the March meeting 

of the Finance board of Renfrewshire Council. As a board member, I was delighted 

to approve, respectively grants to the Community Council and Kipco for additional 

Christmas lights on the cherry trees at the scout hall, and a replacement boiler 

in the Old Library. 

My surgeries are on the first Saturday of every month except January and July at 

9am in the Mckillop Institute and 10am in the Steeple Hall. 

Meantime please contact me on any matter at cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov. 

uk or, phone 0300 300 1274 or 07534156007 

Scottish Country Dance Classes 

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. 

BUDGET: Since the last Gryffe Advertizer was published 

Renfrewshire Council has had its annual Budget meeting 

at which the decision was made that Paisley is to get a new 

£15 million Sports Village, and town centres like Paisley and 

Renfrew are to get free Wi Fi. 

These are positive developments for the leading town in 

Renfrewshire but Paisley is only 75,000 residents whereas 

100,000 people live outwith Paisley, and there was little 

in this budget for them. There were some new monies for 

community halls so I have written to the Chief Executive of 

Renfrewshire Leisure asking for an upgrade to the fabric 

of the Steeple Hall, Kilbarchan, and the McKillop Institute, 

Lochwinnoch. I am also continuing to work with Mhairi Black MP to improve the 

Broadband service in both Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch. 

EVENTS: Over the last month my wife, Audrey, and I have enjoyed many of the 

events at the Lochwinnoch Arts Festival, which is a magnificent event for a small 

village in Renfrewshire. Managing to attract the folk singer, Dougie McLean, 

author of the seminal song Caledonia, was a credit to the organisers, Morag 

Thow, and her team. A key problem for Lochwinnoch has been the flooding of the 

slip road into Lochwinnoch railway station, and my colleague, Stewart Maxwell 

MSP, and I, have approached Abellio/Scotrail who have drained the slip road and 

pledged to resolve the issue for good. 

SURGERIES: 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 email me at cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk. 

Kilbarchan Parish Church 

During the month of April, services continue on Sunday mornings at 11am, 

conducted by Rev. Stephen Smith. The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be 

observed on Sunday 24th April at 11am and 6.30pm. All are welcome to any or all 

of these services. Sunday School and the crèche meet from 10.45am in the hall. 

All details about the church, worship and the many organisations can be seen by 

visiting the website: www.kilbarchan-kirk.btck.co.uk 

After worship on Sunday 3rd April, there will be a produce stall in the hall and it is 

hoped that many people will come along to donate and buy fresh produce-baking, 

preserves, fruit, vegetables, flowers. Looking ahead to May, the Plant Sale will 

take place on Saturday 21st and forms are available from any church member or 

by phoning 704502. 

Gryffe Scottish Country Dance Club 

Wednesday 13 April - We will be holding a Scottish Country Dance in the 

Kilbarchan Guide Centre from 7.30pm - 11pm. Music by Marian Anderson. 

Come along for a great evenings dancing, lovely music, good company, a supper 

and a raffle - all for £7. Proceeds from the dance will go this year to the R.N.L.I. 

Contact Les Lambert for details, tickets etc at 01505 704398. 

Habbie Tat 

Kilbarchan’s popular Habbie Tat event resumes with a fresh sale of clear-out 

goods, including bric-a-brac and many collectables at the Performing Arts Centre 

in Steeple Square, on Sunday 1st May. 

“We have some new stallholders participating and there is guaranteed to be a 

very interesting selection of items offered,” said organiser Brenda Temple. 

The Habbie tat events began after several friends spoke about wanting to clear 

the attic or tidy out the garage and generally de-clutter. 

Each time, there is a different selection presented and there will be several new 

stallholders bringing along items for sale in May. 

“We have some paintings and prints this time, and even some smaller items of 

furniture, and a local picture framer is clearing out his workshop too, with many 

really beautiful frames for sale at a fraction of the usual price,” added Brenda. 

Doors open at 12noon and all of the admission money collected (tickets are 50p) 

go to Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre. 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club 

The club recommences after the break for Easter, on Monday 11th April from 

9.15-11.30am in the hall, where tots with their parents, grandparents etc will 

be made welcome. There are many toys to play with and a bouncy castle. The 

cost remains at £1 for adults, which includes tea/coffee. The group is once 

again participating in the Paisley Express Wish campaign and will be happy to 

receive vouchers collected from the paper-there is a box in the hall kitchen for 

the vouchers.

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. 


45 45 

With only 2 months to go, the 

Lilias Day committee are busy 

finalising plans for the day. 

The event which takes place 

on Saturday 4th June is 

already set to be one of the 

best yet. 

£1000 LILIAS DAY RAFFLE 

The Lilias Day raffle will once again top the bill with a £1000 raffle prize given 

on the day. Tickets are now on sale from committee members and businesses 

around the village. Look out for the pink posters. 

Last year’s winners, the Gallacher family (pictured), were delighted to be able 

to put their winnings towards their upcoming wedding. Mr Gallacher said: “It 

was wonderful to win such a fantastic prize to put towards the cost of our wedding. 

We were happy to buy our tickets to make a contribution to such a good cause and 

it was an amazing surprise to actually win” 

TUG OF WAR TOURNAMENT – TEAMS WANTED 

After its previous success we are looking for teams to take part in the tug of 

war tournament. Can you beat the reigning champions, The Trust Inn? Or can 

the ‘top of the village’ take on the ‘bottom of the village’? Contact the Lilias 

Day Committee to register your team of 6 (see details below). 

FUNDRAISING QUIZ NIGHT SUCCESS 

Support for Lilias Day outside of the day itself has continued with a sell-out 

quiz night organised by Seona Hart that raised more than £500! 

Joint Chair, Graeme Stockton, is delighted with the support for this years’ 

event: “The response as ever has been really encouraging. The fundraising quiz 

night has been a real boost for us. We are so thankful for support we get from local 

businesses, organisations and individuals to help make Lilias Day happen.” 

Fellow Chair, Susan Calcluth adds: “Having the community involved is really 

important and we’ve already had lots of new interest from people wanting to 

take part in the parade or be involved in the event. It’s also great way for local 

organisations to raise funds to support their work and to have fun at the same 

time” 

GET INVOLVED 

There are still lots 

of ways groups and 

individuals can get 

involved. You can 

help to transform 

the village by 

decorating your 

home or business 

(there are great 

prizes to be won), 

take one of the few 

remaining stalls or 

get involved in our 

arena events. 

NEW WEBSITE 

LAUNCHED 

You can keep up to 

date on all the latest news on our brand new Lilias Day website www.liliasday. 

co.uk We are delighted to announce that our website is now live thanks to 

sponsorship from committee member Damon Scott and titanwebsites.co.uk. 

GET IN TOUCH 

To get in touch or for more information: 

Email: info@liliasday.co.uk Phone Graeme: 07768 433 183. 

Visit the new website at www.liliasday.co.uk 

Find Kilbarchan Lilias Day on facebook 

Follow Lilias Day on Twitter: @LiliasDay 

Kilbarchan 

Fairtrade Group 

In Fairtrade Fortnight the group ran a 

stall at Kilbarchan Parish Church which 

featured an array of products which 

were for sale and a display of Fairtrade 

products that can be obtained from 

Kilbarchan Co-op (photo). 

Over two hundred pounds worth 

of goods were sold. The group 

simultaneously ran a ‘Sit Down for 

Breakfast, Stand up for Farmers’ 

event, at which around fifty people 

enjoyed pancakes with their Fairtrade 

tea or coffee. 

Thank you to the team behind the 

counter, in the kitchen and to all who 

supported the events. 

Weaver’s Cottage 

(NTS), Kilbarchan 

The Weaver’s Cottage recently hosted 

a photo shoot for a forthcoming 

CD which, amongst other Scottish 

composers, will feature the work of 

famous fiddler Neil Gow. The CD’s title 

is ‘Alone in History’. 

Ardrossan born fiddler and composer 

Alastair Savage (left), studied classical 

violin in Glasgow and London and 

heads the Alastair Savage Trio. He 

has performed at Celtic Connections, 

the Scottish Fiddle Festival and the St 

Magnus Festival. Photographer Simon 

Butterworth (right) was shortlisted for 

the Sony World Professional awards 

in 2015 and won top three places in 

the 2014 International Photography 

Awards.


Pet Blog 

by PetVets 

Arthritis 

Johnstone 

Cat Rescue 

If you can help us 

with any fundraising 

or donations of either 

food or bedding, 

please call Sheena on 01505 

337321. Thank you. 

Arthritis is a painful degenerative condition of the joints caused by erosion 

of the cartilage in the joint leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility. It 

is very common in our pets, affecting 20% of adult dogs and 50% of cats 

over 10 years old. 

Arthritis is most commonly seen in older animals but is also more common 

in certain breeds, in cases of previous joint injury and in overweight 

animals. 

Signs of arthritis can include: 

• Limping 

• Reduced activity 

• Resenting being stroked in certain 

areas 

• Sleeping more 

• Increased grumpiness 

• Withdrawing from interaction with 

owners/other animals 

• Increased clinginess 

• Chewing or licking joints 

Treatment of arthritis is normally with a combination of medication and 

lifestyle changes. 

Livestock Worrying 

A three month Police Scotland campaign was 

launched on Tuesday 1st March to raise awareness 

amongst dog owners about the devastating effects 

of livestock worrying. 

The campaign seeks to highlight the impact of 

livestock worrying which can have devastating 

consequences for farm animals and for farmers 

and their businesses and this campaign is being 

launched to coincide with the spring lambing period 

because this is when sheep are at greatest risk. 

A dog attacking, 

chasing or even 

being at large 

in a field where 

sheep are kept can lead to significant 

injury and often leads to the sheep being 

killed or destroyed. Such attacks have 

a financial and emotional impact on the 

farmer and are avoidable if dog owners 

follow some simple steps. 

The partners involved in this initiative are 

encouraging farmers to help educate dog 

walkers and prevent incidents occurring. 

Farmers and those who use the countryside are urged to report all incidents 

of livestock worrying to police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. 

Preventative measures can be also be taken using Dog Control Notices 

issued by the local authority. These written Notices can be served on owners 

who do not keep their dogs under proper control and place control measures 

such as keeping the dog on a lead or being muzzled in a public place. 

Joint supplements are used to aid flexibility, 

protect remaining cartilage and may help reduce 

inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications are 

used to reduce inflammation and pain. Additional 

pain relief can be provided in cases of severe 

arthritis using opioid medications. 

Control of exercise routine to provide regular, 

gentle exercise helps prevent joints stiffening up. 

Hydrotherapy (controlled swimming exercise) is 

a good option for some patients. 

Weight management to maintain an ideal body 

weight is an important factor in control of arthritis 

as being overweight increases the 

strain on joints. 

Ensuring your pet keeps warm and 

dry and has a comfortable bed to 

sleep on can also help reduce joint 

pain. Orthopaedic foam beds, car 

ramps, etc can also help your pet 

keep comfortable. 

Complimentary therapies such as 

physiotherapy and acupuncture can 

be used in addition to medication 

and lifestyle. 

In severe cases of arthritis where 

good pain control is not possible 

surgery such as joint replacement 

can be an option.


47 47 

47 

Re-homing Pets 

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

Steve & Benny - 2 year old male black domestic cats 

Ruby - 5 year old female ginger domestic cat 

Ruby would prefer not to live with young kids 

in her new home, but would be ok with older 

teenage children. She doesn’t like other cats 

or dogs. Her new home would need access 

to a garden as she is used to getting out and 

about to play. 

Cardyke Farm, Langmuirhead Road, Auchinloch, 

Glasgow G66 5LD - Telephone 0141 779 3341 

Steve & Benny need 

a new home together. 

They are adorable wee 

boys who love being 

brushed and made a 

fuss of and are so lovely natured. They 

need access to a garden and can be 

homed with older children and other 

pets. 

Axl - Age 1-2 years 

Male Springer 

Spaniel 

Reference 303025 

Axl is a nervous boy who arrived in our care as 

his owner could no longer look after him. He 

would suit an adult only home and would like an 

experienced owner. Axl is a young boy who would 

thrive on plenty of exercise and further training. 

This clever boy is eager to learn, however, he 

needs a confident and experienced owner who 

can help him reach his full potential. 

Maximus - Age 3-5 years, Male Crossbreed 

Reference 279236 

Maximus can be wary around strangers so would 

benefit from a quiet home with an experienced 

owner who can provide the further training and 

socialisation he requires to help him reach his 

full potential. Maximus would prefer a home 

without children and with a fully enclosed garden 

for training purposes. 

To contact the centre about any animals, please 

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

rehoming 

Pluto - 1-2 year old male Fox 

Hound 

Pluto is a big goofy ball of 

fun!He loves a good scratch 

and he gives you two paws 

up for a cuddle! He has an amazing nature 

and his favourite toy is a squeaky ball! Pluto 

can live with children who are 12 years old 

or over and needs his own secure garden to 

practice training in and play. Someone who is 

around for most of the day would benefit him 

and help him with his basic training. Pluto does need a lot of training as 

he can be OTT and worried when he is left. 

Gem - an 8+ year old German Shepherd Dog 

Gem is a handsome big chap who loves 

the quiet life. He loves to go on walks and 

get nice treats. He loves his grub! Gem 

is looking for an adult only home with 

someone who has experience of owning 

dogs like him before. He needs to be the 

only dog in the home and would benefit 

from a calm, quiet home with few visitors. 

He needs his own secure garden and 

must be kept on lead on walks. 

Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre, 315 Hamilton 

Road, Uddingston, Glasgow, G71 7SL. Open: 12noon - 4pm (inc weekends); 

12noon- 7.30pm on Tuesdays; closed: Wednesdays 

LOST PETS 

If your pet has gone missing 

and you would like to place 

a notice in The Advertizer, 

please call 01505 613340 or 

email info@advertizer.co.uk. 

We can also put updates on our 

website & Facebook. There is 

no charge for this service! 

Wizzi Has Been 

Found! 

Wildlife Crime 

Strathclyde Police has a team of 

Wildlife Crime Officers. 

To report a suspected wildlife 

crime or speak to an Officer, 

please call: Your local Police 

Office or Strathclyde Police HQ, 

173 Pitt Street, G2 4JS or call 

101 or 999. 

We are pleased to say that Wizzi has 

been found safe and well and is back 

at home. His owners would like to 

thank Missing Cats and Johnstone 

Cat rescue, because it was thanks 

to them they got him back. We love a happy ending! 

Calling Scottish Knitters 

Scottish cat lovers are being asked to help unwanted cats and 

kittens this spring by making fun mouse toys and cosy blankets 

for Cats Protection. 

The UK’s largest cat charity has been 

running its popular knitting bee for two 

years. Now the charity will be bringing the 

knitting bee to Scotland by attending the 

inaugural Knitting and Stitching Show at the 

Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh from 

28 April to 1 May. More information can be 

found at www.theknittingandstitchingshow. 

com/edinburgh/ 

The pattern - originally designed by Lauren 

O’ Farrell (www.whodunnknit.com) - and 

details of local branches, adoption centres 

or shops where knitted mice or blankets 

can be donated can be obtained by ringing Cats Protection’s Helpline on 

03000 12 12 12 or emailing helpline@cats.org.uk 

Cats Protection advises that when knitting a toy or blanket, it’s best to avoid 

the use of stretchy yarns or small plastic items – such as those that can 

be used for mouse eyes – to reduce the risk of injury to cats and kittens. 

Loose weave blanket patterns involving the use of large needles are best 

avoided too. 

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and helps over 

205,000 cats each year through its national network of over 250 volunteerrun 

branches and 32 centres. To find out more about the work of Cats 

Protection, please visit www.cats.org.uk 

http://www.cats.org.uk/news/feline-like-knitting-for-a-good-cause


The 181st running of Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow Agricultural Show 

will take place in the familiar & spectacular setting of the Knapps Loch, 

Kilmacolm on Saturday 14th May, by kind permission of Lord Maclay, 

Mrs Smith and Robert Baxter. 

There will be hundreds of entries across dozens of classes, including 

sheep, cows, horses (light and heavy), and other livestock. The 

Industrial tent will showcase the domestic arts and, of course, there 

will be a Dog Show. All classes can be entered on the day apart 

from Industrial Classes, entries for which close on Friday 6th. Light 

Horse class entries can be made via the website but note that entry 

fees double after Saturday 7th May. Schedules and Entry Forms are 

available from the website - www.kilmacolmshow.co.uk. 

One of the many highlights is the children’s pet show. Bring your wee pet 

along — everyone gets a prize! Pets must be entered by 11am on the day of 

the show, but no cats or dogs are allowed. 

Discounted entry tickets are available to buy from the website until Sunday 

8th May. 

The Show welcomes back the Dry Stane Dykers who will be giving a demonstration 

throughout the day, along with St Columba School Pipe Band, KG Hawks and the May 

Hughes Dancers. 

Our annual comedy obstacle course, Country Capers, will take place in the main ring 

during the afternoon. If you are brave enough to compete in this hilarious team event, let 

us know by sending an email to advertising@kilmacolmshow.co.uk. 

There will be exhibitions and stalls, along with a range of food outlets, trade and 

refreshment stands, a bar, and a Prize draw with a spectacular first prize. 

There is something for everyone to enjoy at this fabulous event in 

beautiful surroundings. Hopefully the sun will be splitting 

the sky and we look forward to seeing you all there for a 

wonderful day out!! 

Full information is available on our website www. 

kilmacolmshow.co.uk 

/KilmacolmAndPortGlasgowShow 

Photo credits: Arthur Boyle, Bill Crookston, 

Elizabeth Foster, Paul Tipping, Dawn Scott, Lulu Kerr, 

Giulia Canata. 

BoW Horticultural 

Society 

Lorna Campbell was our March guest speaker 

and she shared with us memories of holidays 

around the world. 

Describing Bermuda’s bright yellow lined 

streets and high multi-coloured hedges, 

she described how the gardens were now 

recovering from the last major hurricane. In 

Vancouver, Lorna visited Stanley Park where 

she found a statue of Rabbie Burns, erected by 

the members of the Burns Club of Vancouver 

in 1925 and unveiled by The Rt Hon Ramsay 

Macdonald. 

Moving on to Alberta, Lorna was impressed by 

the array of huge hanging baskets she found 

in Jasper. In Ontario, at Niagara Falls, she was 

lucky to stop and photo magnificent hanging 

baskets which, when she returned later had 

been taken in for the night. 

One of Lorna’s personal favourite visits was 

to Indonesia and Borneo when she visited a 

treetop lodge overlooking a massive green 

canopy of trees. The land stretching below 

had been decimated by de-forestation but 

within 20 years, and with diligent replanting 

by volunteers, the forest had re-grown to 

provide shelter and a natural environment for 

Orangutans. At the lodge, many abandoned 

or mistreated Orangutans are being nurtured 

in preparation for release into these forests. 

This happens in gentle stages so the animals 

can be re-acclimatised and ready to return to a 

more natural lifestyle. 

Lorna’s presentation was very interesting and 

varied and included colourful views of native 

birds amongst local flora and fauna from these 

far away countries. The next meeting will take 

place on Thursday 14th April when Peter 

McDonald will explain and demonstrate how to 

succeed at Plant & Houseplant Propagation. 

As usual, the venue will be The Legion at 8pm 

and guests are welcome.


Colourful Kilmacolm 

Spring is in the air, or at least we are all talking about 

it, the weather having suddenly turned quite mild. As 

there are two weeks to go before this is published, 

however, anything could have happened by the time 

you read this, even two weeks of Arctic cold as was 

forecast fairly recently. 

Nevertheless, it is so encouraging to see some colour in our local gardens 

and the members and committee of Colourful Kilmacolm have been doing 

their best to contribute to the colour in the village. 

In autumn, we added more crocus bulbs to those already planted at the 

lay-bys at either end of the village. Last spring you had to be in the know 

to notice them, but we hope you will agree that this year they have been 

more eye-catching. Keep 

watching for further 

developments here. 

Daffodils are now 

appearing in our planters 

and tulips will soon follow. 

We are also eagerly looking 

forward to seeing the 

plants at the Pullman fill out 

and become established. 

Thank you to all who have 

commented favourably on 

what we have achieved there, and of course to all who donated plants. 

If you like what we are doing and are not yet a member, do consider joining 

us. The very modest annual membership subscription (£5) along with 

money received from Inverclyde Council and other sources will enable us 

to keep enhancing Kilmacolm. 

Membership forms can be downloaded from our website www. 

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

(01505 872611). 

There have been 

a few glimpses of 

Spring over the 

past month, with 

even the odd 

day of warmth 

and sunshine. 

Having recently returned our wildlife cameras back to the wild, it hasn’t 

taken long to capture some great footage. In just one week, we’ve seen 

a roe deer, a frog and a teensy weensy spider climbing up the side of a 

tree stump, which you need to be eagle-eyed to spot! We know there 

are badgers in the area, and it hopefully won’t be too long before we get 

some clips. 

Although badgers rely on a variety of habitat types for food and shelter, 

80% of setts (their underground homes) are found in woodland. A typical 

badger habitat is a patchwork of pasture and woodland, providing good 

areas for earthworms and foraging as well as good areas for their setts. 

The latter however, can be also 

often be found in unusual areas 

such as the embankments along 

railways and roads, 

in open fields or even 

under buildings. 

As we enjoy the 

Easter holiday, there 

is no shortage of 

events to keep the kids 

entertained. 

There will be various things to wear 

out the wee ones! Pond dipping 

is now back for the season. 

Our Make Your Own Mondays 

will get the smaller members of 

your family inspired to be creative, 

using the natural world around 

them! 

Our self led Wild Challenge events 

will also return for the duration of 

the holidays. 

There’ll be a different theme each 

week. Just pop into the centre, get 

your pack and off you go out onto 

the reserve to have some fun! 

49 49


Kilmacolm Horticultural Society 

The March lecture for Kilmacolm Horticultural Society was presented by the ever popular Louise Bustard, senior 

curator at Glasgow Botanic Gardens, giving a fascinating insight into the origins of Horticulture in Holland and the 

massive growth industry of the Dutch bulbfields. Plus the Spring Bulb competition was held, and the Jimmy Whittet 

Trophy was won by Diane Harrison. 

We now look forward to two Outings for our members - on Wednesday 25th May we visit the Geilston Gardens 

(NTS) at Cardross, leaving at 1pm. To be followed by a visit to Ardardan Nurseries and Farm Shop, with 

tea in the lovely TeaRooms. On Wednesday 6th July we take our all day summer outing to Abbotsford 

at Melrose, with lunch included. The landscape gardening 

is set in distinctive garden compartments and walled 

gardens, looking their best in July. The historic house 

includes the Chinese drawing room, the Armoury, Library 

and Chapel. There are still a few seats left on the coach 

for both Outings, - please contact Jill Russell on 01505 

872393 if you would like to join the trips, you would be 

most welcome. 

Finally, make a note of our Coffee Morning in the New 

Community Centre on Saturday 21st May when a fine 

range of summer plants will be on sale, plus a homebaking 

stall, and tombola stall. We look forward to seeing you.


51 51 

Garden Report 

As the famous Finlaystone snowdrop displays come to an end, we will 

be undertaking the tasks of lifting, dividing and replanting them in other 

locations; this is done to prevent the clumps becoming too congested and 

also increases the amount of snowdrops that we have on display. This job 

is very rewarding but time consuming and if you would like to come along as 

a snowdrop volunteer, or volunteer to help in all parts of the garden, please 

give us a call, you will be made most welcome. As snowdrops transplant 

better when in ‘greenleaf’, now is the perfect time to do it; if you would like 

some for your own garden, please phone your order into reception, these 

will give you pleasure year after year, and will increase in numbers as they 

mature. 

Plants of interest in the garden this month are Helleborous (Lenten rose) 

Viburnum bodnantense, with its bright pink blossom, and the gorgeous 

scent of the tiny flowered Lonicera purpusii (the winter honeysuckle), 

these can all be seen in the winter border. In our knot garden, the Camelia 

japonica ‘hedge’, is a riot of colour with masses of rose-like blooms, and is 

well worth a visit. 

Volunteer news 

If you would like to come down and see what the rangers do, when we 

aren’t leading walks or playing on pirate ships, or if you are interested in 

volunteering, either doing ranger work, helping with snowdrop preparations, 

restaking windblown trees, gardening or surveys please contact Fraser 

Lang on 01475 540505. 

Brighter Bridge of Weir 

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! 

We may be chancing our luck here, but since it is officially 

Spring a couple of days after the Advertizer’s April issue deadline, we’re 

going to risk giving it a fanfare. The problem is that there are not too many 

signs of it at the time of writing. Though the weather did pick up a bit recently, 

many of the usual spring flowers are late. It’s not just those that Brighter 

Bridge of Weir planted last autumn, expecting them to bloom about now - 

many places up and down the country are experiencing the same. 

That said, some of our early-flowering daffodils are already out in the 

planters and baskets throughout the village and many others, though not 

yet in blossom, are looking strong and healthy enough. When the sun did 

show itself last month, some of our volunteers wasted no time in getting out 

among the greenery, making sure that what was blooming, or about bloom, 

was given the best chance to flourish and brighten things up. 

So with a bit of luck, by the time you read this Spring will indeed have 

sprung out all over the village. If not, well, wouldn’t life be dull if everything 

was unfailingly predictable? 

Incidentally, you’ll have your chance 

to help us brighten Bridge of Weir 

next month, when we’re planning our 

annual Clean Up Weekend. If you are 

able to set aside an hour or so on 

Saturday 14 and/or Sunday 15 May, 

we’d love to see you. More detail in 

next month’s Advertizer - and don’t 

forget you can follow us on Facebook 

and at www.brighterbridgeofweir.org 

for more information about us and our 

plans. 

Kilmacolm Plant Sale 

Kilmacolm Library, Lochwinnoch Road, 

Kilmacolm. 

Saturday 23 April - 10am - 12pm - 

Kilmacolm (outside the Library and 

Cargill Centre). Free entry, donations 

welcome 

Beneficiaries - Parklea “Branching 

Out” receives 40%, the net remaining 

to SG Beneficiaries.


Welcome to Scotland’s largest Regional Park 

Pedal the Park 2016 is here! 

On Sunday 24th April Pedal the Park will happen at Castle Semple Visitor 

Centre! If you’re there early, from 8.30am you will see both sportives 

leaving in waves. Riders who have successfully completed the sportive will 

be back at Castle Semple from 11.30am onwards! Cheer them over the 

line and support the Paralympic and special olympics stars of the future on 

the hand cycle time trial. 

See the NEW Semple Trail Benches! 

Take a walk along the Castle Semple Lochshore path to Blackditch Bay 

and enjoy the new beautiful carved benches! There’s a water life bench, 

bird and mammal bench and an invertebrate bench. Well worth a visit or 

see the album of pictures on our facebook! 

See our Pictures on Instagram! 

Clyde Muirshiel is now on the image sharing app Instagram. See beautiful 

images on your feed by following us - search Clyde Muirshiel and find us 

by our logo. Tag your Instagram photos ClydeMuirshiel too so we can see 

them! 

New Look What’s On Out NOW! 

Pick up your new spring/summer 

What’s On guide in Centres. 

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 benefit 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. 

CMRP Online 

Keep up to speed with events and activities taking place on the Park’s 

Facebook page: facebook.com/ClydeMuirshielRegionalPark, Twitter @ 

Clydemuirshiel & Instagram pages. 

Regular Events 

Castle Semple Conservation Volunteers Shortlisted for Tesco Award 

The group’s Muirshiel Pond Project was shortlisted for an award of either 

8, 10 or 12k depending on how many tokens received in Tesco’s Bags of 

Help campaign. The money will be used to create a new pond with new 

education, easier access opportunities and increased biodiversity. The 

winning project will be announced soon! 

Mondays (but not public holidays) - 

Lochwinnoch Community Walks 

meet 10.30am at The Cross, 

Lochwinnoch. 

Weekly Volunteer Groups - 

Newcomers always welcome! 

Thursdays 

Castle Semple Conservation 

Volunteers, Adult group, from 

12.30pm – 3.30pm. 

Saturdays 

Greenock Cut Conservation 

Volunteers, Adult group, 10.30am 

– 2.30pm. 

Sundays 

Castle Semple Young Volunteers, 

12-18 yr olds, 10am – 12noon 

Keep up to speed with events and activities taking place on the Park’s Facebook facebook.com/ClydeMuirshielRegionalPark or 

Twitter @Clydemuirshiel pages.


53 53 

PCPC - The 

Blackwood 

Trophy 

Recently at the McMaster Centre 

in Renfrew Paisley Colour 

Photographic Club were very 

pleased to welcome Gaie Brown from 

Greenock to judge the Blackwood 

Trophy. This competition was open 

to all club members to compete on 

equal terms with entry consisting of 

a single image taken during 2015. 

It was clear that Gaie had put a lot 

of hard work into judging the twenty 

five entries. She gave a thorough critique of each image and emphasized as 

she talked during the evening the high photographic standard of each entry. 

The image judged in fourth place 

was Andy Kerr’s clever New York 

monochrome composition (pictured 

top right) entitled “Museum Fatigue”. 

In third place was Pat Cook’s dramatic 

harness racing action image “Racing 

in the Rain” (pictured below left). 

The top image was judged to be “Above 

the Crowd” (pictured bottom left) and 

the photographer, Duncan McEwan, 

was awarded the Blackwood Trophy 

Richard Bennett’s beautifully 

composed and atmospheric winter 

scene “Stags in Snow” (pictured 

below right) was judged in second 

place. 

PHOTOGRAPHY HINTS & TIPS 

Landscape Photography – TOP TIPS 

With The Studio 

Bridge Of Weir 

1 – Go WIDE 

Use as wide a focal length setting as you can 18- 24mm are good, wider if 

you have it. These create stunning vistas and also give you more depth of 

field at any given aperture. 

18mm Focal length – F11 

17mm Focal Length – F16 

2 – Use a UV filter 

A UV filter not only protects your lens from scratches and accidental knocks, 

but it cuts through haze which can be present in the distance when taking 

landscapes. 

3 – Choose the right time of day 

Any given view will have an “ideal” time to be photographed. It may be 

sunrise, sunset or just late afternoon when the low sun creates dramatic 

shadows and a warm light. Some hills are in shadow at sunrise, but perfectly 

lit at sunset. 

4 – Pick the best viewpoint 

Move around the scene and take test shots at different focal lengths, 

different positions, and use different points of view – include a tree in the 

foreground, go very low to get a unique point of view, climb a nearby hill or 

stand on a wall or picnic table. 

for this stunning gymnastics image. 

Not only did she judge the Blackwood 

Trophy that evening but Gaie also 

treated the club to a personal view 

of Muirshiel, the largest regional park 

in Scotland. Her photographs gave 

a welcome reminder of the jewel on 

our doorstep. For further details about 

PCPC and updated members galleries please view: www.paisleycolour. 

Gryffe Camera Club 

We held our 4th round of competitions, 

with the combined titles of “Rural, 

Abandoned Buildings and Transport”. 

This brought some interesting 

images. The winners were Hugh 

Kerr (A Prints), Malcolm Martin (B 

Prints), Andy Stark (Mono Prints), Bill 

Crookston (A Digital) with Train and 

Tracks and Malcolm Martin (B Digital) 

with 5 O’clock Commute. 

Bill Crookston gave us an evening 

of presentations in early February, 

including an amazing collection of 

Stereo photographs (3D to most of 

us) he has taken over many years, 

projected on the screen and seen with 

3D Glasses. 

This was followed with our 5th 

Competition “Open”. The winners were 

Rick Bolton (A Prints), Yvonne Goldie (B Prints), Andy Stark (Mono Prints), 

George Kennedy (A Digital) with Fieldfare on Cottoneaster and Malcolm 

Martin (B Digital) with Henry comes to Ardrossan. 

You are welcome to come along at 7.30pm on Wednesdays at the Carrick 

Centre, Houston. 

5 – Use a small aperture 

Set your camera to Aperture Priority and set the F-Number as high as possible 

(f22) to ensure your scene is sharp from foreground to background. 

6 – Use a Tripod 

For landscape shots you want to get everything pin sharp. If you are using 

a very small aperture (high F Number) you may end up with long shutter 

speeds in excess of 1/60th sec. So a tripod is essential to ensure you have 

no camera shake. 

Even with the camera secure on your tripod go a step further and use either 

a remote release or a 5 sec timer to ensure that you don’t shake the camera 

just by firing the shutter. 

7 – Bracket your shots 

Your camera might not get the exposure spot on so take some shots that are 

deliberately over and under exposed as well as what the camera suggests. 

Sunsets are notorious for being difficult for your cameras meter. 

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


Langbank Playgroup 

Langbank playgroup offers children the opportunity to explore messy 

and malleable play through a variety of experiences such as playdough, 

plasticine, paint and slime. Children are also encouraged to develop their 

problem solving, independence 

and self help skills through play. 

We also have regular visits from 

Lisa at Graffiti Dance Troupe. 

The last dance visit coincided 

with a transition session with 

the local Primary School and the 

p6’s enjoyed it as much as the 

preschoolers. 

Playgroup is held on a Friday 

morning in Langbank Village hall 

and we currently have spaces available for children aged 2.5yrs to 5yrs. If 

you would like to join us on a Friday morning or for any further information 

please contact Jen Burrows on 07947 983025. 

Lochwinnoch Primary School 

House Event 

Friday 4th March was our Semple House Event and it was a resounding 

success for all involved! Pupils from P1 to P7 were organised into house 

groupings and were given three story books to choose from (Room on the 

Broom, The Enormous Turnip, and Monkey Puzzle). The children were then 

given the task of re-telling the story in whatever way they wished and then 

recording this onto an I-pad turning it into a mini movie/play. The day then 

finished with the all children in our Assembly Hall watching their productions, 

and celebrating their fantastic, creative successes. Renfrewshire Schools 

Cross Country 

We were delighted with our pupils’ success in the recent Renfrewshire 

Schools Cross Country event. There was very strong competition on the 

day with around 33 schools competing, however, our wonderful team of 

runners brought home three team trophies and three individual medals. 

Team Trophies Individual 

Medals:- P6 Boys Team 

Evie 1st; P6 Girls Team 

Freya 3rd; P7 Boys Team 

Ben 1st 

We were extremely proud 

of all who took part, and 

would like to congratulate 

our fantastic pupils. 

Target Planning 

Wednesday 24th and 

Thursday 25th March were very exciting days for us as we experienced 

our second Target Planning Meetings (formerly Parents’ Night). A number 

of displays were created for the evening providing parents with information 

about various aspects of school life. We are committed to making Target 

Planning Meetings a positive and beneficial experience for all pupils and 

parents / carers here in Lochwinnoch Primary and Miss Park was delighted 

to meet with many parents and carers and was delighted to receive such 

positive feedback from so many regarding how the evening had gone. 

World of Work Week 

We will be holding a World of Work week from 28th March. Education 

Scotland states that children are entitled to a learning environment that 

recognises and promotes diversity and supports them to understand that it 

is everyone’s responsibility to challenge discrimination. We have many fun 

and educational activities planned and would like to thank all of our parents 

and volunteers who have so willingly agreed to give their time in order to 

make this event a success. 

Kilmacolm Playgroup 

During a busy morning at Playgroup, we all enjoy stopping to recharge our 

batteries with a snack and there’s always something healthy and tasty to try, 

maybe a new fruit as well as the old favourites of banana and strawberries. 

It’s a lovely time to stop and chat too about what we’re doing today, or 

we might be celebrating someone’s birthday. We also learn how to serve 

ourselves and tidy up afterwards. 

Thanks to all those who came along to our very busy event, in conjunction 

with Creative Communities, a project of St Columba’s School, on Sat 12th 

March to celebrate the launch of our group’s new name. 

Maria Cairney 

gave a very lively 

performance with 

songs and dance, 

based on her 

Blitzy Boy books 

for children. The 

little ones had 

a great time 

joining in with 

the singing and 

actions - thanks 

Maria! 

For anyone who didn’t make it to the event and would like more information 

on Playgroup, please contact Elaine at ela1nel@hotmail.com, or for 

information on our Toddler & Baby group contact Claire at clairedean1@ 

btconnect.com. 

St Fillans Primary School 

The pupils in St Fillans 

Primary have been learning 

about Science, Technology, 

Engineering and Maths and how 

these areas of the curriculum 

combine to be known as STEM. 

Every class is studying a STEM 

topic as part of this work. Our P5 

and P6 children were invited, by one of our parents to visit the Glasgow 

Science Centre. This was a really fun way of putting STEM into practice. 

They saw a full size replica of ‘The Bloodhound’, the fastest car in the world. 

The children then worked in pairs to build their own sponge type cars and 

took them outside to race. Olivia and Chloe’s car was the fastest and they 

will now have their names put onto the tail fin of the actual Bloodhound. 

In P1 the children are investigating how sound is made and are designing 

and making their own instruments. The pupils in P2 are designing and 

creating their own racing cars and are looking forward to testing them out 

in the Gym Hall. P3/4 are learning about travelling in water and designing 

boats which can carry cargo. P7 are investigating Bridges and will be 

making bridges out of various materials. 

We all enjoyed our 

celebration for world 

book day and every 

teacher led a story 

telling session. The 

children in P7 had a 

fantastic afternoon at St 

Columba’s in Kilmacolm 

where they had the 

chance to meet local 

author Paul Murdoch.


Duchal Nursery School 

55 55 

We’ve had a very busy 2nd half to the Spring Term with our visit to the local 

dance studio, a pyjama day for World Book Day, a visit from Yorkhill and our 

Sport Relief Danceathon!! All this in addition to our usual French and PE 

Lessons!!! 

We had great fun with our very own 

ambulance in the nursery – giving 

all of us so much enjoyment through 

role play. We’ve had doctors, nurses 

and paramedic with bandages and 

‘blood’. The children have attended 

emergencies, fixed broken bones, 

dialled 999, set sirens off and 

carried teddies on stretchers! 

After a week of reading lots of new 

and interesting books from our in 

every Mo n d a y 

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers 

McKillop Hall. 9.30am-11.30am 

£2/family fee incl tea & children’s snacks. 


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 


Kilmacolm Toddlers 


10am - 11.30am 

For children from birth to 3 years. 

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers 

McKillop Hall. 9.30am-11.30am 

£2/family fee incl tea and children’s snacks. 



every Th u r s d a y 

Houston Toddlers 

Church Hall, Main Street, Houston 

Pop along and see us from 9.30-11.30am 



9.15am-11.40am 



every Fr i d a y 

Langbank Playgroup 

Langbank Village Hall 9.45-11.45am 

For 2.5 - 5yr olds. 

Contact Jen Burrows 07947 983025. 

Langbank Under 3’s 

Church Hall, Langbank 10am-11.45am 

For children from birth to 3 years 

1st & 3rd Fr i d a y 

Renfrewshire Inverclyde Twins Club 

McKillop Hall, Lochwinnoch 10- 

11.30am 

£3. Bring a mug along for a cuppa. 

house library we celebrated World 

Book Day with a day in pyjamas 

reading books under our duvets! 

It has really inspired us to keep on 

reading. 

With a change in the weather we 

are finally spending more time in 

the Duchal garden and have had 

some lovely walks around Birkmyre 

Park, making the most of our great 

surroundings. 

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 find 

out more about us. 

Houston baby 

and toddler group 

We will be having a fundraising coffee 

morning, 10am-12noon, Saturday 23 

April, West Church Hall, Main St, Houston. 

Please come along and join in the fun and 

cakes! 

We meet every Thursday (term time only - 

closed on 07 & 14 April) 

We look forward to meeting you. Lesley, 

Sharon & Fiona. (lesleyannjackson@outlook. 

com) 

Five stars for Abbey Nursery 

Before we mention some of the activities taking place at the nursery just 

now we wanted to share the news from our latest Care Inspection and are 

celebrating achieving Very Good/ 5’s across all areas from Care and Support, 

Environment, Staffing and Management and Leadership. The Practitioners 

at Abbey are a 

very experienced 

and caring team 

and it is great that 

this was reflected 

in the comments 

from the Inspector 

at her visit and 

reflects the 

consistently high 

grades we have 

received for many 

years now. Thank 

you to parents 

who provided 

their feedback 

which was all very 

positive; we will 

continue to strive 

hard to meet your 

high standards. 

Well Spring is 

definitely here now and it’s been wonderfully warm weather, with 

lots of opportunities for the children to get outside. The babies 

have been out around the village in their buggies whilst the older 

children have been up in the park and in the woods for forest 

schools activities. 

Trips are now planned 

to Glasgow for our pre 

schoolers to the RSNO 

Magical Toy Shop which 

promises magic, music 

and mystery, whilst the 

toddlers are off to Lamont 

Farm to greet the baby 

lambs as they enter this 

world. Easter provided a 

great opportunity for lots 

of artwork created lovingly 

by the children and there 

were Easter egg hunts and 

Easter Bonnet parades – 

including the staff who love 

the chance to get involved. 

Children also dressed up 

for World Book Day and 

shared their favourite books with friends. 

Now that the raised flower beds have been dug over the children 

will be sowing seeds and planning their herb and vegetables 

garden which is always a fun activity as well as providing fresh 

food for snack time. 

Also this month the Grasshoppers will be hosting an Enterprise 

Week, making cakes and biscuits to sell along with healthy fresh 

fruit and veg options and provide an opportunity to understand 

coin values, adding and subtracting.


Kilmacolm Primary School 

Houston Primary School 

Isn’t it great to see lighter nights and spring flowers appearing in our gardens. We 

have been busy since our last news. You may remember that P4 were fundraising 

for 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. 

P4 raised a massive 

£825.71 and were 

delighted with their 

efforts. 

We held our annual Burns Competition last month and are pleased to announce 

that Samantha Todd, P7 was our overall winner. Samantha recited Red, Red Rose 

and certainly impressed our judges, Sam 

Hannah, Peter Blair, Andy McAlees & Fraser 

Donaldson. Thank you for giving up your time 

gentlemen. 

P7 has recently returned from their residential 

visit to Winmarleigh Hall near Preston. The 

week included, abseiling, wall climbing, 

archery, quad biking, giant swing and trapeze, 

to name but a few. We returned 17 tired, happy 

and very muddy children to their parents, who 

I know were glad to have them home safe and 

sound. 

O u r 

school refurbishment continues to make 

progress and earlier this month our 

Refurbishment Core Group visited the site 

to check on what’s been done. The eight 

pupils in the 

group were 

amazed 

to see 

inside their 

building as 

there were 

no internal 

walls and it was difficult to get our bearings. Next 

month we will return to see if any new walls have 

been built and to report back to the rest of the 

pupils and staff. 

P7 pupils from Houston Primary School and St Fillan’s Primary 

School took part in a joint drama project this term. Staff from 

the Citizens Theatre worked on a weekly basis with P7 pupils to 

perform DIVIDED CITY, a story of two boys who become good 

friends. One boy Joe is Catholic and the other boy Graham is 

Protestant. They become involved in helping a young Asylum 

Seeker after he is assaulted. The play has been adapted from the 

award-winning children’s book written by Theresa Breslin, which 

is studied widely in primary schools. A total of 24 Renfrewshire 

primary schools are taking part in this ambitious project over the 

next year. The amazing performances from our pupils were held on 

8th March, at Houston Kirk West Halls and we thank Rev Donald 

Campbell for his generosity in providing a stage for our performers. 

The children were absolutely wonderful and it is hoped that strong, 

lasting friendships will have formed during their time working on 

DIVIDED CITY together. 

The nursery pupils enjoyed a visit to Erskine Library and also 

celebrated World Book Day along with the school pupils by bringing 

in their favourite books to share. Parents and grandparents also 

joined in the fun by reading stories to the children in the nursery 

and school. 

The pupils from P1 and P7 worked collaboratively to design and 

make an Easter fascinator and boater style hat for their Easter 

Parade. They look amazing! The P1 pupils have also been learning 

Easter songs in English and in French, however their particular 

favourite is, ‘Spring Chicken’. 

The school playground has had an overwhelming amount of litter 

blown into the school grounds. The pupils from all stages have 

been out on a weekly basis taking their turn to keep our school tidy. 

What a difference! Let’s keep Houston tidy. 

P5 have been busy learning about the Rainforest. They have 

looked at the effect de-forestation is having on our environment. 

The wonderful plants and animals of the Rainforest have provided 

stimuli for creative artwork. 

P7 pupils, Cate Meiklejohn, Harry Manley, Katie Workman, Sophie 

Spence and Sophie Alexander represented Houston Primary 

School at the annual Rotary Quiz. The questions were challenging 

and we were delighted to gain 3rd place. Gibb Stuarts also provided 

the children with a very generous pack of goodies. 

The whole school celebrated Fairtrade, by wearing their pyjamas 

to school and learning about the importance of a healthy Fairtrade 

breakfast. The Enterprise Team had a wonderful Fairtrade stall 

which proved to be very popular too. 

Johnstone High School 

The Language Challenge 

Recently S1 Modern Languages pupils raised £540 for Cancer Research 

UK. The first years raised this money by taking part in The Language 

Challenge where they were sponsored to learn 10 words in a completely 

unfamiliar language. Cancer Research plan to use the donations to find out 

how cancer spreads, why it starts and ways to prevent cancer. 

World Book Day 

On the 22nd of February, pupils from JHS took part in a nationwide attempt 

to break the world record for the most people taking part in a literary quiz. 

100 pupils from S4 officially took part in the quiz, organized by the World 

Book Day organisation, with some English classes from S1 and 2 unofficially 

taking part just for fun. The attempt was successful and the record was 

broken with 6,388 people taking part at 62 worldwide locations. Well done 

to all our record breakers! 

Sporting Success 

7 pupils from S1/2 

competed in a badminton 

tournament at the ON-X 

sports centre on 29th 

February. 

All of them played and 

exceptionally well and 

represented the school 

with distinction. Dan 

Auld, Josh Gray, Amber 

Dickie and Emma 

Kinnear all qualified for the end of year finals - the Renfrewshire Secondary 

Games. Well done to them and we wish them all the best in the finals! 

Spork 

Spork is Johnstone High’s band taking part in the ‘Behind The Noise’ music 

industry project this year. Every school participating in the ‘Behind The 

Noise’ project records one track in a professional recording studio. The 

track has been uploaded to Sound Cloud and is definitely worth a listen. 

The band will play Classic Grand on the 18th April. 

Annie 

The school show this year is Annie and rehearsals 

are well underway. Show nights are 14th, 15th and 

16th June. Tickets on sale soon.


57 57 

St Columba’s School 

Pipe Band win at 

Championships 

We are delighted to be able 

to congratulate our Pipe 

Band again on winning 

the Junior A category at 

the Scottish Schools’ Pipe 

Band Championships this 

year. They were presented 

with a shield and a £500 

prize. 

The Championships are 

the world’s biggest schools piping competition; to find out more about this event please go to thechampionships.org.uk/#winners. 

Transitus team wins Inter-Primary School Quiz 

Transitus pupils Ciaran, Adam, Jacob and Alistair won the Gryffe Valley Rotary Club Inter-Primary 

School Quiz, held at the British Legion in Bridge of Weir. Primary 7 classes from local primary schools 

competed in the 10-round quiz, which covered subjects such as general knowledge, signs & symbols, 

nature and science. The St Columba’s team received a shield along with a £15 voucher and a gift bag 

from the sponsors, Gibb-Stuart, and will now take part in the regional finals in Glasgow on 6th June. 

Kilbarchan Parish 

Church Tots’ Club 

The club recommences after the break for Easter, 

on Monday 11th April from 9.15-11.30am in the 

hall, where tots with their parents, grandparents 

etc will be made welcome. There are many 

toys to play with and a bouncy castle. The cost 

remains at £1 for adults, which includes tea/ 

coffee. The group is once again participating in 

the Paisley Express Wish campaign and will be 

happy to receive vouchers collected from the 

paper-there is a box in the hall kitchen for the 

vouchers. 

Book Fair 

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported our 

Book Fair at Junior School. Thank you also to the 

parents who kindly gave up their time to help. We are 

delighted that the commission earned on book sales 

amounts to £1,421.95, all of which will be spent on 

books for the library and for classrooms. Hopefully 

the children will enjoy reading their new books, too. 

Applying to St Columba’s 

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


Gryffe High School 

Youth Philanthropy Initiative Finals Presentation Winners 

Huge congratulations to the Gryffe High YPI Presentation winners of £3000 

which goes to their chosen charity ‘Lisa’s Gift’. 

All 8 groups 

gave fantastic 

presentations 

in the school 

theatre and 

the panel of 

judges had a 

very difficult 

decision to 

make. Well 

done to ALL 

of our finalists. 

The groups 

have been 

working very hard with their mentors to reach the Final stage. The other 

charities that the groups represented were Loom Walk, Finding your Feet, 

Home Start, St. Vincent’s Hospice and Cancer Support Scotland. 

‘Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) is an active citizenship programme 

that raises awareness amongst young people about philanthropy and their 

local community. Each participating school is responsible for directing a 

£3000 YPI Grant to a local charity through a unique programme of team 

work, research and competition. YPI Scotland is all about creativity and 

passion, leaving the four walls of the classroom behind, and supporting the 

issues young people care most about.’ 

Miss Gill Brand who is PT Pupil Support for Burns House and who was 

responsible for the smooth running of Finals day, thanked all of the pupils 

for their hard work, the panel of judges and the group mentors who had 

supported the groups so much and had also taken the time to come along 

and watch the pupils presentation. 

Pila Ski Trip 2016 

A group of pupils left Gryffe along with Mr Hannah and Mrs O’Neill for what 

would be yet another amazing ski trip to Pila. 

Once again, 

the pupils 

would enjoy 

five days of 

incredible 

skiing in the 

beautiful 

Alps with the 

local Italian 

Ski School. 

Beginners 

a n d 

experienced 

skiers all 

enjoyed the 

incredible runs Pila had to offer, not at all hindered by the very heavy snow 

at the beginning of the trip! 

There were even a few tears shed when it came to the end of the last day, 

as for many pupils this would be their last time returning to Pila as part of 

Gryffe. We all thoroughly enjoyed the nightly activities such as bowling and 

a pizza night, organised by everyone’s favourite ski rep, Bob. 

From all the pupils, a huge thank you to the teachers Mr Hannah and Mrs 

O’Neill, for all the hard work and effort they put into making this the best trip 

that the school offers (especially from Nuala and myself for continuing to put 

up with us on our 4th ski trip!) We will all treasure the amazing memories 

from both this and previous ski trips to Pila. 

Ski trip report by Sophie Cairns S6 

Quarriers Scouts 

Gryffe High Theatre 

Improvement Group 

45th Greenock and District Scouts (Quarriers) urgently require 

additional leaders and helpers. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts 

all have a packed schedule for this year and they cannot be 

achieved without more leaders. However much - or little - time 

you can spare, you will be most welcome. Training will be given. 

All section meet on a Wednesday night. For more information, 

call Julie Noble on 01505 612577 or qvscouts@gmail.com 

Gryffe High School PTA and the Parent Council are joining forces to tackle 

the refurbishment of the school theatre. The theatre is a well used and very 

valuable resource which has been the venue for Xmas & Spring concerts, 

fashion show, the MAD show and even a “film club” way back in the early 

1980s. 

The PTA and Parent Council have formed the Gryffe High Theatre 

Improvement Group and aim to fundraise £40,000 to restore and improve 

the venue. We will be organising events and opportunities for parents, pupils 

(past & present) and local businesses to support us in this venture. We are 

also pursuing funding from various 

sources including local grants and 

lottery funding.Information about 

how you can participate in this 

venture can be found on the school 

website and on our facebook page 

at Gryffe High School Theatre 

Improvement Group. Links can be 

found below. 

Our first venture invites you to make a donation to the fund in exchange for 

entry into a raffle for a star prize. Details and an entry form can be found 

on the website, from the school office and also at the forthcoming awards 

ceremony in the school on 21st of April. Donors of £40 or more will have the 

option to have their name included in a visual form within the refurbished 

theatre. 

We hope that many of the readers will have fond memories of the theatre 

and will support us in this challenge which will ensure that pupils, parents 

and the wider community will benefit from being able to access this 

space. https://www.facebook.com/groups/182401165463963/ http://www. 

gryffehigh.com/ 

Bridge of Weir Primary 

Spring has sprung at last at Bridge of Weir Primary and the pupils have been 

very busy! Six of our P1 children were lucky enough to attend the Scottish 

Book Trust Children’s Book Awards at Glasgow Central Hotel and as well 

as meeting winning author Simon Puttock they had great fun travelling by 

train to the venue. All of our P1 pupils had received copies of the three 

nominated books earlier in the year as part of the SBT’s Bookbug project 

and so it was very exciting to be there when the winner was announced. 

The whole school celebrated World Book Day on the 3rd March with various 

events taking place in the school including a visit from the wonderful author 

and storyteller Tony Bonning who had children from nursery to upper school 

spellbound with his stories, songs, rhymes and fun. P5 held a book and 

origami sale to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland and P1 organised a 

very successful cake sale for the same charity. The total raised was £327 

which was just fantastic! 

The spring discos organised by our Parent 

Council were also a huge success with a 

great turnout and some impressive moves 

on the dance floor. Thank you so much to 

all the volunteers who gave up their time to 

sell tickets, man the doors and supervise 

on the night. Events like this don’t just 

happen and we are very fortunate to have 

such a dedicated and hard working group of 

parents. Next big fundraising event on the 

school calendar is our May Fair on 21st May 

– mark it in your diary!

Brookfield www.advertizer.co.uk Curling Club 

april 2016 

. 

59 59 

hy not fill 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. 

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 

Gryffe Girls Selected for 

Scotland U20 Rugby Team 

Former Gryffe HS pupils Louise and Siobhan McMillan have been selected 

for the squad to travel to Belgium and play the full Belgium women’s team. 

Both players have been attending 

a series of training camps over 

the last six months which have 

been designed to develop the 

player’s skills and to aid talent 

identification for future Scotland 

players. 

The game was played in Belgium 

on the 27 March and was 

streamed online. 

Adult Tap Lessons 

Kilmacolm Bowling 

Club opens for the 

new season on 

Saturday 9th April. 

New members of 

all ages are most 

welcome. We will 

be taking part in 

the Bowls Scotland 

national come and 

try days between 

2pm - 4pm on Sat 

30th June & Sun 1st 

June. Sessions are 

free and bowls will 

be made available, 

all we ask is that 

you bring a pair of 

flat soled shoes. 

For further details 

please contact the 

Secretary on 01505 

874239 or email 

kilmacolmbowlingclub@ 

gmail.com 

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


Lose It And Love It! 

Tai - chi comes to Solas 

Solas is a Bereavement Drop-in Group which meets in 

Kilmacolm’s Kidston Hall on the second Thursday of the 

month from 6.30 to 8.30pm. 

If you are living with loss, you will know it can be lonely, hard 

to find people who really understand and you often don’t talk 

about how you feel for fear of upsetting those who share 

your loss. 

Solas is open to anyone 

who is bereaved and 

who would like to meet 

others in a safe friendly 

environment. Come 

along on your own or 

bring a friend or family 

member for a welcome 

and support over tea and 

coffee. 

There are opportunities 

to view helpful DVDs 

on aspects of grief, to experience a guided relaxation, to 

participate in a short Tai-chi session or enjoy a relaxing hand 

massage. 

The next meeting is on Thursday 14th April from 6.30 to 

8.30pm. Feel free to come along or contact us by email if you 

need more information on; SolasKilmacolm@yahoo.com 

Table Tennis 

Houston Village Hall on Monday nights 

from 7.30pm - 9.30pm. 

All welcome. Donation £2. Call Mark on 07968 052538. 

Sporting Blog 

Spring Cleaning . . . . . 

It seems natural to clean out the old as Spring 

approaches; so it’s a great time to look at excuses 

for not getting fit/healthy. Excuses pile up just like the 

clutter we accumulate, but it’s time to come clean. 

What’s your excuse? 

I don’t have time: You work all day, school runs, cook, 

shopping, housework — there’s simply no time for 

exercise. 

Really? 

If you don’t exercise, you may experience an illness 

that comes from an inactive lifestyle. When you begin 

experiencing symptoms, you will make a Doctors’ 

appointment and wait for treatment/prescriptions. 

You will adjust your schedule to accommodate your 

illness. So why not adjust it now to accommodate 

exercise; the possible prevention of illness? 

I don’t like to: Lots of people do not like to exercise, 

but they make themselves do it. Without exercise, you 

could feel tired, be overweight and become sick, so it 

comes down to choosing your ‘dislike.’ 

My name is Christy Hyslop, a resident of Kilmacolm. 

I am a Sports and Exercise Nutrition and Advanced 

Weight Loss Practitioner. 

I am here to help anyone who is struggling with 

a history of failed diets. Since my twenties I have 

always been on some kind of diet, they all work 

to some degree, however for long term lasting 

change you have to be realistic and find a plan that 

fits with your life. 

After having my three 

children (and having 

a wardrobe with every 

jean size from an 8 to a 14), I decided to make 

the change. I wanted to be healthy and fit for my 

children and set an example to them. I started 

my journey by eating clean, cutting all processed 

food from my diet, including flour, sugar, bread, 

pasta and avoiding preservatives, colour additives 

and fat replacers. The idea of clean eating is to 

consume food in its most natural state, or as close 

to it as possible. I do not view this type of eating as 

a diet, but as a lifestyle approach to food and its 

preparation, leading to an improved life. 

I felt amazing almost instantly, more energy, alert, 

I was losing pounds every week, my hair and skin 

started to glow. It truly did change my life and 

relationship with food for ever. 

I was so pleased with my results and keen to learn 

more I went onto study Nutrition and gained a 

Diploma in both Sports and Exercise Nutrition and 

Advanced Weight Loss. 

My innovative approach to weight loss and nutrition 

will help you make lasting changes to your diet and 

lifestyle. 

I will coach and support you 100% of the way and 

you will be encouraged to stay focused on your end 

goal. I will also teach you how to make the right 

food choices by consuming the correct calories, 

macronutrients and micronutrients tailored 

specifically for you. 

Call Christy: 07738 552631 

christy@loseitandloveit.co.uk 

www.loseitandloveit.co.uk 

by Lesley Handley 

I don’t have the energy: If you are unfit, you likely have 

low energy. When you don’t have much energy, the last 

thing you can imagine is exercising. But until you become 

more active, you will not have the energy you long for. As 

you begin exercising, you will start having more energy. 

You won’t start feeling better until you start moving. 

It’s not the right time: “I’ll start exercising when… 

• Summer comes 

• The kids go back to school 

• I get my house organized 

• Life calms down… 

There’s never a perfect time to start a fitness routine. You 

just have to start. 

Stop hiding behind excuses. Everybody has excuses for 

not exercising. The fit and healthy people around you 

choose to give up the excuses; this doesn’t mean it is 

easy for them, it’s all about choices. 

Lesley 

For information on any aspect of nutrition, fitness or Personal Training contact 

me on 0773 627 4925 or email Lesley@fitsmartfitness.co.uk 

every Mo n d a y 

Kilbarchan Athletic Club 

On-X, Linwood, 7pm 

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990. 

5-a-side Football 

Powerleague Paisley 6pm 

Tel: Jim on 01505 874215; 

or jimbretherton@aol.com 

Bridge of Weir Ladies Badminton 

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, 7.30pm 

Callanetics 

Brookfield Village Hall, 7.15pm 

Strathgryffe Motorcycle Club 

The Trust Inn, Kilbarchan 9pm-10.30pm 

Visit www.strathgryffe.org for details. 

The Shotokan Karate Club 

Woodlands Primary School, Linwood, 

7pm - 8pm & 8pm - 9pm. 

www.linwoodkarate.co.uk 

every Tuesday 

Bridge of Weir Walking Group 

Outside the Co-op, BoW 10.30am 

1 hour walks. Call Senga on 0141 842 3000. 

Gryffe Badminton 

Strathgryffe Tennis Club, 8pm 


Johnstone High School 6pm-9pm 

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details 


Greenock Hockey Club 

Inverclyde Academy, Greenock, 6.30pm- 

8pm 

Contact Liz Baldwin, mobile 07944 607005 

Callanetics 

Brookfield Village Hall, 5.15, 6.15 

& 7.30pm 

every Th u r s d a y 

Kilbarchan Athletic Club 

On-X, Linwood, 7pm 

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990. 

Kilmacolm Walkers 

Birkmyre Park Pavilion, Kilmacolm 

10am 

David 01505 874192 

kilmacolmwalkers@talktalk.net 

Ca l l a n e t i c s 

Brookfield Village Hall, 9.15am 

& 10.30am 

The Shotokan Karate Club 

Woodlands Primary. Linwood 

7pm - 8pm & 8pm - 9pm 

www.linwoodkarate.co.uk 


Johnstone High School 6pm-9pm 

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details 

every Fr i d a y 

Callanetics 

Brookfield Village Hall, 9.15am 

& 10.30am 

18 Movement (Tai Chi) Chi Kung 

St Fillans Church Hall, Moss Rd, 

Kilmacolm 10.15am-11.15am 

Gentle, relaxing exercise class. 0141 954 2456. 

every Sa t u r d a y 

Adult Tap Lessons 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm. lunchtime. 

Call Gail Ashley on 01475 531336 for details 

every Su n d a y 

Birkmyre Rugby Club, Kilmacolm 

Youth Rugby Section 11am-1pm 

www.pitchero.com/clubs/birkmyre


The Curtis Cup comes to 

Kilmacolm Golf Club 

61 61 

Lady Captain, Susan Reid, compered a wonderful evening on Tuesday 

22nd March, when the Ladies of The Kilmacolm Golf Club were warmly 

entertained by a talk from three generations of prestigious golfers, whom 

between them amass 20 Curtis Cup appearances, from 1956 to 2014. At 

their best, their playing handicaps ranged from 1 to +4, but more remarkably 

they now play off handicaps ranging from 7 to +3. 

The Kilmacolm Ladies were offered the opportunity to ask a variety of 

questions which resulted in the guests narrating a few memorable events, 

some quite humorous, from their competitive days. Then each reflected 

on how the game had changed over the years, from a truly amateur status 

when they were supplied with just a team uniform - a twin-set and tie – and 

had to provide all their own equipment, even their own golf balls; to the 

modern times when presented with fifty Pro-V’s for just four rounds of golf 

which seemed a little excessive. 

They talked light-heartedly about their superstitions and pre-match routines, 

which ranged from playing with the same numbered ball, always!; starting 

and finishing a round in the same attire, regardless of how the weather might 

have changed during the round; believing that you can only “play smart, if 

you look smart”, to the extent that golf shoe laces had to be removed and 

washed after each day’s play! 

They then disclosed their innermost secrets when they divulged their swing 

thoughts to an eager audience. Belle, “smooth” - keep an even tempo 

during the swing; Maureen, “slow” - under pressure the swing may speed up 

slightly; Julie, “balance” - any swing speed is OK if you retain good balance; 

Eilidh, “width” - avoid the tendency to get too steep in the backswing; Eilidh, 

“o..n..e.., t..w..o..” - the key to a good putting tempo; Lady Angela, “timing” - 

smooth is timing; and unanimously agreed, “keep your eye on the ball”. 

It was a special evening for the Ladies Section at the start of Kilmacolm 

Golf Club’s 125th Anniversary Year, closing with a jovial vote of thanks 

from Sara Bishop, thereafter followed by a light buffet supper provided by 

resident chef, Jo Stewart. 

From left to right: Lady Angela Bonallack, Eilidh Briggs, Susan Reid, 

Belle Robertson O.B.E., Julie Otto and Maureen Richmond 

2016 P1 

Scottish Grand 

Prix of the Sea 

Sat 18/Sun 19 June 

P1 SuperStock and P1 AquaX hit 

Greenock for the 2016 P1 Scottish 

Grand Prix of the Sea, on 18-19 

June. 

For the first time ever, the world’s 

largest marine motorsport heads to 

Scotland, for a one-two punch of 

powerboat and jetski racing. We’re 

talking about a weekend of nonstop 

speed and action! 

Plus, the defending world champion 

jet-ski freestyler Lee Stone will be 

entertaining the crowds, alongside 

national champion Jason Bleasdale! 

Add to that, live commentary, 

concessions, a champagne podium 

and you have yourself one great 

race weekend. Tell all your friends 

about it! It’s going to be a cracking 

weekend!


Time to Play Fair 

Every school in Renfrewshire is to receive a Fairtrade football as part of 

Renfrewshire’s Fairtrade Fortnight. 

Scottish co-operative Bala Sport aims to improve the lives of often exploited 

factory workers and imports footballs from Sialkot in Pakistan where around 

70% of the world’s hand stitched footballs are made. They aim to challenge 

the multinational companies who control the market and alter the perception 

that fair trade means a lack of quality- the balls are manufactured and tested 

to Fifa professional standards. 

The Renfrewshire Fairtrade Steering Group will provide the footballs 

to support its remit to provide support for schools to encourage a wider 

understanding about fair trade. 

Chair of the Renfrewshire Fairtrade Steering Group, Councillor Jim Sharkey 

said: “It is particularly important to educate the next generation of fair traders 

as they are the ones who will take this issue forward in the future.” Angus 

Coull, Bala Sport Joint Managing Director, said: “This is a great initiative 

from the Council and we are delighted that every school in Renfrewshire 

can now play fair with a Bala Fairtrade ball.” 

To find out more about Bala Sport and Fairtrade sports balls at www. 

balasport.co.uk. For information on fairtrade in Renfrewshire visit www. 

renfrewshire.gov.uk/fairtrade or fairtrade@renfrewshire.gov.uk. 

Kilbarchan Bowling Club 

requires new members 

The young seem to think it is for older people, the ladies may consider it not 

for them, but talk to our members and they will describe something entirely 

the opposite, it’s open to families too. It is a friendly, sociable pastime with 

opportunities at all levels of the sport. Come on gents get the kids away 

from their computer games take the 

attitude; ach I’ll give it a try, you’ll not 

regret it! 

Kilbarchan Bowling Club was 

inaugurated in 1860 by a group of 

locals, who due to a developing 

trend at that time, were attracted to 

participating in a sport which was not 

generally available to the common 

man. 

The club moved to its site in Ladysmith 

Avenue over 100 years ago. 

In 2010 KBC celebrated our 150th 

anniversary and is now recognised 

by many as the place to celebrate their weddings, birthdays, retirements, 

christenings and to have fund raising events etc 

KBC is an integral part of the local community not just Kilbarchan, but the 

surrounding area, with countless people, sporting clubs, local community 

organisations, etc, benefiting from its existence! 

You will require a pair of flat soled shoes which can, in the short term, be 

provided, everything else you require to enjoy the game, can be provided. 

There is an introductory membership for anyone new to bowls of £60 for the 

first year ( normal full price £120). 

If you are interested in having a go: - come to the club house, talk to a 

member or by contacting secretary: James Wallace on: 07913 779276. 

Castle Semple Sailing Club - 

Winter Series 

The 2016 winter series must be the quietest winter series we have ever had 

weather wise. The first week was a little gusty, the second week there was 

no wind and racing was abandoned, the third week saw a small amount of 

wind and several boats retired. The final Sunday in the series turned into 

a glorious sunny afternoon with just enough wind. 11 boats took part in the 

series. 

The first Sunday of the series 

ended in catastrophe for the 

hobie 405 when prior to the 

race starting the pin shot out 

of the port side shroud and a 

worrying creaking noise was 

heard from the deck and the 

boat rocked from side to side 

- the helm had fallen out of 

the back of the boat - once 

hauled back in a capsize was 

necessary to avoid damage to 

the boat, so much for Crawford 

wanting to stay dry! Racing 

was delayed whilst the boat 

was rescued. However once racing was underway one crew was heard to 

say that it was survival out on the water rather than enjoyable - such were 

the gusts. The Xenon 

had been borrowed and 

at one point the crew, 

Mark Simmonds, was 

seen to disappear over 

and underneath the boat 

whilst Ross McGlennon 

helming the boat was 

busy laughing at his 

friend’s mishap - so much 

for a caring helm! 

Racing was cancelled on 

the second Sunday due to 

lack of wind and week 3 saw barely enough wind for 2 races and several 

competitors retired. Week 4 as mentioned above was a lovely spring 

afternoon with 6 boats racing. 

The final results were: 

Joint first: Douglas McQuilken and Pamela Hunter (Enterprise), Angus 

Winchester (Vortex); 3rd Brian Young and Alan Falconer (MV2); 4th 

Crawford Johnstone and Ross McGlennon/Dawn Kyne (N12) 

Many thanks to Angus for organising the racing and managing the results. 

Sunday 29 May 

It is the Club’s 50th Anniversary this year and we are planning a fun day of 

events followed by a barbecue. If you have been a member of the club in 

the past and would like to see what we are up to now please do come a long 

and join us on Sunday 29 May. 

See website for further info on the club. www.castlesemplesc.co.uk 

10K Charity Run 

The next fund raising event for the Therapeutic Toy project is the 10K run, 

starting at 1pm in Houston on Sunday 24th April. Full details are available on 

the Gryffe Valley website and on the Gryffe Valley 10K Run facebook page. 

There’s still plenty of time to enter, perhaps with others as a team, and to organise 

some personal 

sponsorship. 

Remember 

all ages and 

abilities are 

welcome on 

the day to run 

and to join in 

the après run 

fare in the 

Church hall in 

Houston.


63 63 

As the days grow longer, with snowdrops and daffodils starting to appear, 

there is a definite hint of spring in the air and for all us golfers this means 

the start of the golf season is just around the corner. 

In preparation for this, the Green-keeping team at the Castle have been 

extremely busy with work on the course, installing new drains, reshaping 

bunkers, tree felling and trimming to improve air flow and sunshine around 

the greens. All of which means the course is already in great condition for 

the coming season. The new catering team are now fully in place and (at 

the time of writing) preparing for 

the first big social event on March 

19th, which is completely sold out. 

Other clubhouse news is the 

introduction of the new “House 

Membership” which for a nominal 

fee allows access to all the 

clubhouse facilities and social 

events, for non golfers. (See 

adjacent advert) 

123 / 123 / 123 - Ballroom 

dancing lessons 

Ranfurly Castle Ladies 

Weekly Ballroom dancing lessons 

have started for aspiring Fred 

Astaire and Ginger Rogers, which 

is both challenging and great fun. 

The Ladies of Ranfurly Castle held their Annual fund raising Bridge night 

at the Club on Wednesday 16th March. The evening was well attended 

with 15 tables taking part. An 

impressive supper was enjoyed half 

way through the evening with a lot of 

chat and laughter. 

The small Slam Prize was won 

by Mrs Pamela Wilson and the 

main Bridge prize was won by Mrs 

Vicky Rennie. The Raffle on the 

night raised a fantastic £262.00 for 

Transplant Sport. Thank you to all 

who were kind enough to support 

the evening. 

Strathgryffe - Four in a 

row for Houston Primary 

The annual Inter-School Mini Tennis Doubles Tournament was won by Houston 

Primary for the fourth year in a row. 

The competition, which was launched for the first time in 2003, was a joint 

venture by Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash Club and Active Schools Renfrewshire 

and has firmly been in the local schools’ calendar ever since. 

A team of tennis coaches from Strathgryffe delivered a four week block of 

coaching sessions, free of charge to all P6 pupils at Bridge of Weir, Houston 

and St Fillan’s Primary Schools. 

A team of 8 boys and 8 girls were then selected to represent their school 

and participate in a round robin doubles league with points being awarded 

Houston Primary School - Tournament Winners 

at the end of each round to each 

winning couple. The competition 

was held in the indoor courts at 

Strathgryffe on Thursday 17th 

March. 

Susan Weanie, Tennis 

Development Manager 

commented: “We have a great 

relationship with the local 

schools. Strathgryffe visits 

them regularly to deliver taster 

sessions, which has resulted in 

many of the pupils now attending 

our coaching programme.” 

Details for the new summer tennis programme is now available and has classes for both children and adults. For more information please visit our website 

www.strathgryffe.net or contact Head Tennis Coach, Derek Brown on 01505 615301 or email derekbrown@strathgryffe.net


Trades and Services 

ADVERTISING 

business ad rates: 

TRADES & SERVICES 

Black & White ads only 

Lineage: up to 20 words £12.50* 

Boxed ad: £7.00* per column cm 

PROPERTY & HOLIDAY HOMES 

CARS FOR SALE 

Lineage: up to 20 words £13.00* 

Boxed ad: £7.50* per column cm 

Photo: add £7.50* (colour) 

*all prices subject to VAT 

SITUATIONs vacant 

Business 

follow The Advertizer on 

twitter and facebook 

for regular updates 

t: @GryffeAds 

f: www.facebook.com/ 

GryffeAds 

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY 

MISCELLANEOUS 

you can contact us @GryffeAds using #Advertizer 

or by email info@advertizer.co.uk or phone 01505 613340

MUSIC TUITION 


DEADLINES 

If you want something placed in the 

next issue either send an email to: 

info@advertizer.co.uk 

or call the office: 

01505 613340 (24hr ans) 


May‘16 ISSUE: 

• Deadline: 15 April 

• Delivery: 29 April 

June‘16 ISSUE: 

• Deadline: 13 May 

• Delivery: 27 May 

Kilmacolm/Quarriers area registered 

childminders. P/time or 

F/time vacancies for u-5’s and 

after school. T: 873839. 

Missed something or fancy 

taking a look back over the 

last 8 years? 

visit www.advertizer.co.uk 

or 

http://free.yudu.com/library/18833/Gryffe-Advertizer-issues 

http://issuu.com/gryffeadvertizer/docs 

CHILDCARE 

Houston registered childminders. 

For an informal chat to 

find 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 find us online – 

stmacharsranfurlychurch. 

org.uk or Facebook. Come 

along – all welcome. 

Hope Hall: Sun 1pm Sunday 

School, 4.30pm Gospel 

Service; Mon 6.30pm 

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. 

PROPERTY 

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. 

Houston and Killellan Kirk: 

Church of Scotland, Scottish 

Charity no SC 012822. 

www.houstonkirk.org. 3rd 

Apr. 9.45am Early Service: 

The Sacrament of Holy 

Communion. 11am Morning 

Worship: The Sacrament 

of Baptism 10th Apr. 11am 

Morning Worship 17th Apr. 

11am Morning Worship: 

The Sacrament of Baptism 

24th Apr. 9.45am Early 

Service 11am Morning 

Worship 1st May 9.45am 

Early Service: The Sacrament 

of Holy Communion. 11am 

Morning Worship 8th May 

11am Morning Worship: The 

Sacrament of Baptism 15th 

May 11am Morning worship 

22nd May 11am Morning 

Worship 

St Fillan’s, Main St, Houston: 

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. All 

are welcome. 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.stfillan.org.uk 

HOLIDAY HOMES 

PROPERTY WANTED 

ADVERTISE 

HERE FOR ONLY 

£18.00 per 

MONTH (incl. VAT) 

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 Bowfield 

Way on Fridays at 7.30pm. 

KILBARCHAN 

Kilbarchan Parish Church 

Minister: - Rev Stephen 

Smith. During the month of 

April, services continue on 

Sunday mornings at 11am, 

conducted by Rev. Stephen 

Smith. The Sacrament of 

Holy Communion will be 

observed on Sunday 24th 

April at 11am and 6.30pm. 

All are welcome to any or all 

of these services. Sunday 

School and the crèche meet 

from 10.45am in the hall. 

All details about the church, 

worship and the many 

organisations can be seen 

by visiting the website: www. 

kilbarchan-kirk.btck.co.uk 

KILMACOLM 

Kilmacolm Old Kirk: Church 

of Scotland (Charity 

no. SC009291).www. 

kilmacolmoldkirk.org. 

uk. Minister Rev Dr Peter 

McEnhill (01505 873174). 

Morning Worship - Sundays 

11am, all welcome Sunday 

School & Crèche available. 

CONTENT OF THE GRYFFE ADVERTIZER CANNOT 

BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT PRIOR CONSENT 

FROM THE PUBLISHER 

The Gryffe Advertizer is a magazine published by The Gryffe Advertizer Ltd 

Advertising throughout The Gryffe Advertizer: 

Definitions: “Standards” means the British Code of Advertising Practice 

and the provisions of any law applicable to advertising including, but not 

limited to, the Trade Descriptions Act, 1968, the Consumer Credit Act 

1974, the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988, the 

Financial Services Act 1986, the Business Advertisement (Disclosure) 

Order 1977 and all amendments and replacements. 

It is hereby agreed that: 

• The placing by the Advertising Client of an Advertisement is deemed to 

be acceptance of these Conditions of Acceptance of Advertising. 

• All Advertisements in this Publication must not contravene the 

Standards. 

• Insertion of Advertisements and/or Editorial is strictly at the discretion 

of the Publisher. 

• The Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage incurred by the 

Advertising Client as a result of any failure, negligence or omission by 

any party in the course of the distribution or circulation of the Publication 

in which the Advertisement is scheduled to appear. 

• In the event of any error, misprint or omission by the Publisher in 

the printing of an Advertisement, the Publisher will either re-insert 

the advertisement, adjust the cost or provide a refund. This does 

not apply if the Advertisement has been approved by the Advertising 

Client prior to publication. The total liability of the Publisher for such 

an occurrence shall not exceed the amount of a full refund for that 

particular Advertisement. 

• The Advertising Client agrees to indemnify the Publisher in respect 

of all costs, damages or other charges falling upon the Publisher as 

the result of legal actions or threatened legal actions arising from the 

publication of the Advertisement, or any one or more of the series of 

Advertisements, published in accordance with the copy instructions 

supplied to the Publisher. 

• Readers are reminded that when purchasing items or services 

advertised in the Publication that the Publisher cannot be held in any 

way responsible for the quality or correctness of the items or services 

included in the Advertisement. 

Editorial throughout The Gryffe Advertizer: 

The opinions of the Contributors to this Publication are not necessarily 

the official views of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to edit 

or refuse any material submitted for publication. 

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 Downavale 

Free Church of Scotland 

(Charity No: SCO38274) - 

Sunday Service at 10.30am 

in Kilmacolm Guide Hut, 

Woodrow Avenue, PA13 4QF 

- 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 

Gonzalez (resident in 

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. 

65 65


Items For Sale 

Baby Equipment 

Graco travel system (black). 

Excellent condition. Baby carrier 

with hood, easily detachable 

from chassis. Pushchair 

folds easily, has hood and net 

below for carrying essentials 

and light shopping. All coverings 

detachable and washable. 

Lie flat and adjustable 

backrest functions. Comes 

with full rain cover. £70. 

Tel: 01505 690636. 

Baby car seat £25, high chair 

£15 and travel cot £15. 

Excellent condition. Items 

sold together or individually. 

Tel: 07970 683678. 

Mamas and Papas Pilko 

Pramette in ‘Peace Camp’ 

Fabric. In very good, used 

condition, the pram is a khaki 

fabric with black handles and 

also has matching cosy toes. 

The pram also converts into 

a pushchair. £30. Tel: 07966 

623395. 

Lindam safe and sere playpen 

with mat. £10. Tel: 07791 

072282. 

Lindam Stair Gate White fits 

82-138cms £15. Tel: 07528 

581161. 

Britax Black Car Seat 9months 

onwards excellent condition 

£25. Tel: 07528 581161. 

CLOTHES & SHOES 

Regatta long line waterproof 

rain jacket with lining ,turquoise 

£10. Tel: 07517 

065917. 

Household & Garden 

Thermostat. Electronic programmable 

room stat. New 

£80 sell for £30 ono Tel: 0787 

656 3768. 

20 stainless steel kitchen unit 

handles. Straight D shaped 

160mm. £40. Tel: 01505 

613033. 

Bath Shower Screen with towel 

rail plus Triton electric shower. 

Both in excellent condition. 

£60ono. Tel: 01505 704773. 

Double Bed Wrought Iron Headboard 

& Footer. £65 ono. Tel: 

01505 321028. 

2 x modern M&S chenille striped 

snuggle chairs. Good condition. 

£45 each. Tel: 01505 

227431. 

1 box Bridwood “Indian Tree” 

China, mainly plates, £10. 

Tel: 01505 614019. 

Propogation tent. Ideal for a 

keen gardener. 3m x 2m x 

2m (L,W,H) As new. £100. Tel 

0787 656 3768. 

New Scandinavian wood table & 

2 matching high back stools. 

£35. Tel: 01505 612726. 

Large gilt edged mirror. £25. 

Tel: 01505 612726. 

‘Next’ beige fabric two seater 

couch. Only two years old. 

Good condition. Cost £400, 

accept £100. Tel: 01505 

862609. 

Dining room chairs. Six IKEA 

chairs with covers. Reasonable 

condition. All six for £150 

ono.Tel: 0787 656 3768. 

Bed Brand New Super King Size 

Silent Night Ortho Brand New 

Mattress Slatted Bed Frame 

£200 complete. Tel: 07791 

688240. 

Electric Lawn Raker (scarifier). 

£15. Tel: 01505 614503. 

Electric Lawn mower (Concorde) 

£15. Tel: 01505 614503. 

Flymo (Electrolux) Hover Compact 

300, hardly used, with all 

cables and accessories, £10. 

Tel: 01505 614019. 

Black and Decker GL701 

electric trimmer, hardly used, 

£10. Tel: 01505 614019. 

Electrical & Gas 

Panasonic 32” Flatscreen, 

Freeview TV. 4 months 

old. £100 ono. Tel: 07814 

096173. 

Chrome LED Floor Lamp. Adjustable 

Height, Swivel Head, 

Brand New, still Boxed. £10. 

Tel: 07814 096173. 

Phillips Hostess Trolley, Dark 

mahogany. £45. Tel: 07912 

857545. 

Sports 

Mini micro scooter blue with bag. 

£25. Tel: 07791 072282. 

Almost new XWave Flex 90 Ski 

Boots, Size 10 (US27). Suitable 

for more advanced skier 

wishing to upgrade. Space 

frame, front entry. Excellent 

condition. £50. Tel: 01505 

347719. 

Toys/Games/DVD 

Box Set Top gear Great Adventures, 

4 DVDs, new, still 

wrapped; Vietnam Special, 

Botswana Special, US Special, 

Polar Special; plus Best 

of Stig and Clarkston Thriller 

(Used). £10. Tel: 01505 

347719. 

Selection of 10 PC Games, 

suitable for teenage boy. 3 

Warhammer, Command and 

Conquer, Supreme Commander, 

Age of Empires, The 

Settlers, 2 Rome, FIFA10. 

£10. Tel: 01505 347719. 

Other Items 

4 x Lladro Angel figurines. 

Exc Cond. £80. Tel: 01505 

614503. 

Drum Kit. Great condition. 

5 drums, 2 cymbals, stool, 

music stand and sticks £150. 

Tel: 07528 481286. 

Thule Clip On Cycle Rack 

fits most small/medium 

Hatchbacks £30. Tel: 07528 

581161. 

Lightweight Wheelchair small 

wheels as new £30. Tel: 

07528 581161. 

Drum Kit - 5piece. Good condition. 

Black. £60. Tel: 07941 

773743. 

Many DVD’s and CD £3 each. 

Tel: 07517 065917. 

Vintage silver plated spoons 

12 set ,70’s ,foreign £24. Tel: 

07517 065917. 

Meercat Alexander. £10. new 

with certificate. Tel: 07517 

065917. 

Silver chain 45cm length, new 

foreign. £20. Tel: 07517 

065917. 

Amber vintage necklace cognac 

colour, 64cm, £36. Tel: 

07517 065917. 

Broken HP laptop - for spare 

parts. £20. Offers welcome. 

Tel: 07517 065917. 

Brand new jigsaw, orbital sander, 

hammer drill. B&Q own 

brand with Instruction booklets. 

£15 each or £40 for all 

three. Tel: 07905 259384. 

Apple I Phone 5 black 32gb 

in protective leather case 

with extras £130. Tel: 07791 

688240. 

1+1 Cyanogen Android big 

screen phone as good as 

Samsung s6 £100. Tel: 07791 

688240. 

Thermostat. Electronic programmable 

room stat. New 

£80 sell for £30 ono Tel: 0787 

656 3768. 

Jaguar spare parts 1980s 

exhaust bumper chrome 

instruments offers. Tel: 07791 

688240. 

Bike Alloy 21” very high spec 

bike black frame ATB city tyres 

£80. Tel: 07791 688240. 

Girls ATB 17” frame nice clean 

bike Raleigh £40. Tel: 07791 

688240. 

Vintage Collectors Raleigh 

Superb Green SA gears. 

Enclosed chain guard 23” 

frame £180. Tel: 07791 

688240. 

Baxi Windermere Cast Iron 

Stove gas fired Coal Brand 

New £100. Tel: 07791 

688240. 

Folding Bike with Gears and 

Lights 20” wheels traditional 

European made not Chinese 

heavy and strong £50. Tel: 

07791 688240. 

Garage door VGC. Metal up and 

over, 13’ x 7’ complete with all 

fittings. £100ono. Tel: 07973 

938034. 

Wanted Items 

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. 

Black dining room table. Tel: 

01505 506385. 

Garden seat in any condition. 

Tel: 01505 872813 

Pram not required for baby. 

Wheels must be good condition. 

Cheap or free. Tel: 01505 

873163. 

Local lily grower requires the 

use of a greenhouse/polytunnel 

in Kilmacolm area in return 

for light gardening duties. Tel: 

Vince 01505 872082. 

Free Cycle 

Large metal cold frame - no 

glass. Tel: 01475 540218. 

For F1 enthusiast - Past 3 years 

official F1 Magazine and 

Yearbooks for collection. Tel: 

07803 317585. 

Caravan Awning. Good condition. 

Originally Sunstar 

Award, but can be altered. 

Groundsheet. Tel: 01475 

540559. 

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 

Brookfield, 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 

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. 

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, Brookfield & 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


67 67 

Advertizers - A to Z 

Accountants & Financial 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 25 

Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 26 

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 15 

Stewart Independent Financial . . 1 

Architectural Services 

Architectural Drawings . . . . . 15 

Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Art, Gifts & Flowers 

Crafts of Calder Gallery . . . 15 

Automotive Services 

AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

Chips Away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 24 

Bathrooms 

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 

G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 

Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17 

Bedrooms 

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 5 

Blacksmith & Metalwork 

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 2 

Building Services 

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 

B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 3 

BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 4 

JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 16 

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 

MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 42 

Rukeri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 14 

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 3 

Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 55 

Business Services 

Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 30 

Catering 

Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 14 

Cleaning & PowerWash 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 15 

Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 15 

MattVac Carpet & Upholstery Cl . . Bk 

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 41 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Coffee Shops 

Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 36 

JoJo’s Cakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Computer, IT & Web 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 


Driveways 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Victoria Driveways Landscapes . . 51 

Driving Instructors 

Alistair Stewart - Driving Ins . . 16 

Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . 7 

Education 

St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 57 

Electricians 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

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 

Equestrian 

Ingliston Equestrian Centre . . 9 

Fencing 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 


Firewood & Logs 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

Framing 


Funeral Services 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 12,27 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 2 

Garage Doors & Gates 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Garden Service & Design 

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 51 

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 52 

Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 50 

Care & Repair Gardening Servci . . 49 


Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 52 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 49 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 52 

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 52 


M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 50 

MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 53 

SP Groundcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 51 

Gas & Heating Services 

A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 14 

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 41 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 6 

Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 16 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Glazier 

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 

Cloudy2Clear Windows Glasgow . . 5 

JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 14 

TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Hairdressers & Barbers 

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 42 

Ashes Hair & Beauty . . . . . . . . 45 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 44 

Vanda’s Mobile Hairdressing . . 5 

Health & Beauty 


Health, Beauty & Fitness 



Beginners Yoga - Sara Marijuan . . 60 

Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Clyde Physiotherapy and Pilate . . 59 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy . . 42 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 11 

Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 45 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 11 

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

Lauras Nail & Beauty Lounge . . 23 

Margaret Lyons Hypnotherapy . . 12 

New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 41 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 7 

Slimming World . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 42 

Tranquillity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

Home Hardware 

First Domestics . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Home Improvements 


Ideal Flooring Service . . . . . 11 

Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 35 

Rent A Bloke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Home Interiors 

Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 



The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 4 

Home Security 

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 43 

Joiners 

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 6 



JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 


McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 




TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 14 

Kilt & Dress Hire 

Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 37 

Kitchens 







Leisure & Recreation 

Kilmacolm Show . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club . . 63 

Locksmiths 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Houston Locksmiths . . . . . . . . . 3 

Painters & Decorators 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 14 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Ian Livingston Decorating . . 15 

James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

McDonald Decorators . . . . . . . . 45 

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Pet Services & Training 

Happy Rambles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

Husse Pet Food . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 46 

Walkies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

Plasterers 

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 3 

Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 2 



Plumbers 




GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 


JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 


Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

Property, Sales & Let 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 28,29 

Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Removals 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 43 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

Restaurant & Bars 



River Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31,32,33,34 

Retail 

Fairlie Furniture Works . . . . 13 


Roofing 










Solicitors 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 


Special Occasions 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Sports Clubs & Events 


Taxis & Minicoach hire 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 10 

Tiling 

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 15 

Kerr McAuley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Travel Agents 

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Tree Surgeon 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 


LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

TV & Satellite 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 44 

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 

Upholstery Services 

P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 2 

Window Cleaners 



Matthews Cleaning Services . . 15 

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. 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 43 


3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 51 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 14 

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 52 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 


ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 25 


AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

Alistair Stewart - Driving Ins . . 16 

Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 50 

Architectural Drawings . . . . . 15 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 


Art Window & Doors . . . . . . . . . Bk 


B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 3 

Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 12,27 

Beginners Yoga - Sara Marijuan . . 60 


Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 


Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 43 




Care & Repair Gardening Servci . . 49 


Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 2 

Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Chips Away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 26 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Cloudy2Clear Windows Glasgow . . 5 

Clyde Physiotherapy and Pilate . . 59 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy . . 42 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 28,29 


Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 52 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 44 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 49 


Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Fairlie Furniture Works . . . . 13 

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 11 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 15 

First Domestics . . . . . . . . . . . 16 


Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 52 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 


Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 15 

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 24 


Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Happy Rambles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 37 

Houston Locksmiths . . . . . . . . . 3 

Husse Pet Food . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 



Ian Livingston Decorating . . 15 

contact us 

Ideal Flooring Service . . . . . 11 




James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 



JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 2 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 10 

JoJo’s Cakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 14 

Kerr McAuley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 45 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 11 


Kilmacolm Show . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 


Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 


LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

Lauras Nail & Beauty Lounge . . 23 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 


M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 50 


Margaret Lyons Hypnotherapy . . 12 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Matthews Cleaning Services . . 15 

MattVac Carpet & Upholstery Cl . . Bk 


McDonald Decorators . . . . . . . . 45 

McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 


MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 

New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 41 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 44 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 7 

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 


Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 35 

P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 2 

Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . 7 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 53 


Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Rent A Bloke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

River Inn . . . . . . . . . . . 31,32,33,34 

Rukeri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

Slimming World . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 46 


Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 42 

SP Groundcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 57 

Stewart Independent Financial . . 1 



TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 


The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 


Tranquillity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Vanda’s Mobile Hairdressing . . 5 


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

Walkies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 51 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 14 

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: (#260) May ‘16 

Deadline: Friday 15th April

68 

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

259 April 2016 - Gryffe Advertizer

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?