251 August 2015 - Gryffe Advertizer

August 2015 No.251 

FREE 

COPY 

1 

Distributed to: 

• Bishopton 

• Bridge of Weir 

• Brookfield 

• Elderslie 

• Houston 

• Howwood 

• Kilbarchan 

• Kilmacolm 

• Langbank 

• Lochwinnoch 

• Quarriers 

FOLLOW US 

GryffeAds 

‘60163 Tornado passing through Johnstone Railway Station’ by Al Goold Photography 

Gryffe 

ADVERTIZER 

your LOCAL community magazine August 2015 No.251 

PLEASE TAKE A FREE COPY OF YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

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

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3 3 

Donate Blood 

Bishopton Community 

Centre, Greenock Road, 

PA7 5AU 

Fri day 7th August 

4pm - 7.30pm 

Linwood Sports Centre, 

Brediland Road, PA3 3RA 

Tuesday 18th August 

4pm - 7.30pm 

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite 

Crescent, Bridge Of Weir 

Monday 24th August 

4pm - 7.30pm 

You can also drop 

in to give blood at 8 

Nelson Mandela Place, 

Glasgow. Call today to 

make an appointment 

on 0845 90 90 999. 

Go on - the only think 

you’ll feel is good about 

yourself!


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.252 September 2015 

Deadline: Fri 14 August 2015 

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 

business classified.............64 

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

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

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

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

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

business news..................26 

it blog ................................26 

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

local news..........................8-13 

pet blog ...............................45 

pets ...............................44-45 

outdoors..........................46-51 

schools news.....................58-63 

sporting blog..........................53 

sports & clubs news.............52-57 

village news.......................30-43 

dental blog .............................19 

what’s on..........................14-16 

It’s all about the roads again this month. 

Livery Walk car park in Bridge of Weir is being re-surfaced and will close for 

up to five days from Sunday 9 August. This is a change to the planned dates 

due to the public holiday on the 3rd. The Council has been in discussion with 

Community Council and TARA and has arranged for the Roads team to work 

longer days to try to complete the work as quickly as possible and minimise 

the disruption. 

Smithy Brae in Kilmacolm (next to the Cross Cafe) will be closed to traffic from 

8am on Saturday 1 August to 6pm on Sunday 2 August to allow the demolition 

of the former Kilmacolm Institute building to be completed. Pedestrian access 

will still be possible during this time. Whatever your thoughts on the building, 

it will be good to have this work completed, remove the risk of falling debris 

and tidy up the centre of the village. 

At The Advertizer, we have had some very positive feedback about the Council’s 

upgrading of the A761 between Kilmacolm and Bridge of Weir. In particular, 

the road being closed through the night to allow works to be carried out with 

minimum disruption to traffic was much appreciated. 

And we hear that in Quarrier’s Village, Craigbet Road, Torr Avenue, Craigbet 

Avenue and Craigbet Crescent will be resurfaced. This should take place in 

August, but is entirely weather dependent. 

In Houston, work continues on the Crosslee Bridge with an estimated 

completion date in early August. Work has been extensive with the parapet and 

copes, two pillars and the string course all being taken down and replaced. 

And at the new Cala development off the Houston Road at Lonend, the 

proposed street name is ‘Hallcraigs Crescent’. The name derives from a former 

Quarry located behind the site and adjacent to Quarry Brae and a former 19th 

century property that was situated in what is locally known as Manse Field. 

Erskine Festival will take place week commencing 10 August, with events 

happening all week, all over town, and culminating in a fun filled Gala Day 

complete with Vintage/Sports Car 

Display. 

Not quite on the road, but still with a 

high octane factor, another exciting 

event coming up is the Scottish 

Airshow which takes place in Ayrshire 

in September. Entry to the air display 

on the Saturday is free although there 

may be charges for parking. With the 

chance to see the wonderful Red 

Arrows, I’m certainly going to try to 

get there! 

Front Cover Photograph 

Rona 

The 60163 Tornado passed through Johnstone Railway station enroute to Ayr 

recently as part of the ‘Border Reivers’ Carlisle-Glasgow-Carlisle circular route 

steam tour. 

No 60163 Tornado 

is the newest steam 

locomotive on 

Britain’s main line 

railways. Built by the 

A1 Steam Locomotive 

Trust to a 1948 design 

using the latest 

technology. Tornado 

first ran in 2008 and 

has since been a 

regular performer all 

over Britain, including 

a visit to Inverness in 2013. This will be its last visit to Scotland in 2015. 

Photograph by Al Goold Photography


5 5


Les McKeown’s Bay 

City Rollers Headline 

Quarriers Event 

Social care charity Quarriers have put together 

a great evening’s programme to launch their 

End of Summer concert with the legendary Les 

McKeown’s Bay City Rollers headlining. 

Friday 4 September sees the band perform at Bishopton’s 

Mar Hall in aid of Quarriers’ Coaching for Life programme. Coaching for Life 

supports vulnerable young people dealing with homelessness, addiction and a 

neglected education, to work towards a positive future. 

Quarriers Fiona Scott said: “We are delighted to have Les McKeown’s Bay City 

Rollers performing. Guests will be rocking along to their greatest hits like ‘Bye 

Bye Baby’, “Shang a Lang” and “Summer Love Sensation” at this really special 

event.” 

Stream Marine Training, the national maritime, oil and gas training providers, 

are sponsoring the event. CEO, Martin White, said “We are proud to be working 

alongside Quarriers and supporting such a fantastic cause, which is close to 

many people’s hearts.” 

Tickets are £60pp - including a welcome drink, barbeque platter meal and 

entertainment - and are on sale now. Call 01505 616054, email events@ 

quarriers.org.uk or visit www.quarriers.org.uk/events to order. 

Erskine Classic Car Show 

Yet another successful year at the Erskine Classic Car Show 

when it returned to Ingliston Country Club recently with a fantastic array of over 

500 cars to admire as well as food, entertainment and stalls. 

A fantastic day out was had by all, 

whilst raising much needed funds 

for Erskine, Caring for ex-Service 

men and women. 

Once again 

there were 

many classic 

car clubs in 

attendance 

to support 

Erskine.


7 7


Busy Working Mum 

Of 3 Eats Her Way To 

Her Ideal Weight 

Dr Kirsty Horne, Clinical Psychologist and mum of 3, 

joined Slimming World last year to improve her health 

after her father died suddenly of a heart attack at 

the age of 58. Before joining, she struggled to find 

time to prepare healthy meals whilst working fulltime 

and balancing the demands of family life. She 

found herself often skipping meals, and snacking 

on biscuits and had fallen into an unhealthy weight 

range. 

Kirsty told us she felt slightly anxious about joining a 

After slimming group, however, was put at ease when she 

was met with a friendly reception 

and was able to choose her own 

target weight. She couldn’t believe 

the amount of ‘free’ food allowed on 

the plan and enjoyed the chance to 

sit down and have a cup of tea whilst 

sharing ideas with other members 

at group each week. She told us 

“I never felt hungry...nothing was 

forbidden on the plan and I was in 

control of how I used my treats - or 

‘syns’. It was easy to follow and fitted 

in with a busy work and family life.” Her favourite meals now include curry, 

shepherd’s pie and homemade lasagne with Slimming 

World chips. 

Kirsty reached her target weight 4 months after joining; 

meaning she now has free membership for life. She has 

lost over 2½ stone and described now feeling healthier 

and more confident about her appearance. She now 

exercises regularly and recently completed her first 

‘Race for Life’. 

Dr Horne was so impressed by the plan that she has 

decided to start her own Slimming World group. So, 

if you would like to lose weight and change your life, 

why not come along to the launch night in St Columba 

Church Hall, Kilmacolm on 24th August at 7.30pm. 

You can e-mail Kirsty at khorneslimmingworld@yahoo. 

Before com or give her a call on 07444 066462. 

RAMH 

Here’s the chance to try 

acting and to be trained by 

a professional actor and 

director. 

RAMH are recruiting for a 

play entitled “mental health 

– getting better”. 

Acting increases selfconfidence 

and is a lot 

of fun. No experience is 

required, just enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to learn. Rehearsals 

are Mondays 4-6pm and Thursdays 2-4pm beginning Monday 3rd August. 

The play will be staged in October as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts & 

Film Festival. Contact Paul to get involved: pbh@ramh.org or 0141 6185600. 

Friday 25th September 

Visit the Macmillan Cancer Support website at http://coffee.macmillan. 

org.uk/ for further information and to sign up. 

RAMH Competition 

RAMH are offering big prizes in conjunction with the Renfrewshire Mental 

Health Arts & Film Festival 2015 at their annual photography competition runs 

from 10th - 31st October, this year entitled “what’s your passion?” 

Submit your photos to reuben@ramh.org and check out www.mhfestival.com 

for more information. Winners will be exhibited and receive a prize.


Carfest Returned To 

St Vincent’s Hospice 

On a sunny Saturday in June, St Vincent’s Hospice in Howwood welcomed over 600 

visitors to their annual motoring extravaganza ‘Carfest’. 

Held in the grounds of St 

Vincent’s Hospice, the event 

featured a host of classic, 

vintage and specialist cars, 

including exclusive marques 

such as Ferrari and Maserati, 

as well as many other vehicles 

of interest. 

Carfest is the brainchild of local 

Health and Safety guru, Willie 

Chrystal of MaxSafe Solutions. 

Willie said, “I’ve always had a keen interest in cars and have always owned weird 

and wonderful vehicles; the purpose of Carfest is to bring together people from 

across the community and especially to get the kids involved. It’s a great way to 

support the fabulous work of St Vincent’s Hospice – 

and it’s a brilliant excuse to bring the car and bike 

clubs together as well”. 

Paisley Pipe Band Championships 

Big crowds turned out for the 6th Annual Paisley Pipe Band Championships, 

with thousands stopping by over the course of the day to enjoy the sound 

and spectacle. Hundreds of pipers from as far afield as Northumberland, 

Dunoon and Ayrshire brought a hefty splash of tartan to the town, as did 

local bands from Johnstone and Kilbarchan. 

The contest saw bands start off at the top of the High Street and parade 

past shoppers and onlookers to the final tuning area at the Cenotaph. They 

continued down to the main arena in County Square where 100s gathered to 

see the bands perform before judges. 

On the day, the winners were 

as follows – Troon Blackrock 

(Grade 4), East Kilbride (Grade 

3), East Kilbride (Grade 3 

MSR), Johnstone (Grade 2), 

Johnstone (Grade 2 MSR). 

For more information on local 

events, see www.renfrewshire. 

gov.uk/events 

9 9 

Kate Lennon, Chief Executive of St Vincent’s 

Hospice said, “Carfest 2015 raised a massive 

£3500 for local patient care here in Renfrewshire. 

Willie Chrystal has done a fantastic job of bringing 

together a wonderful collection of cars and bikes. 

We are so grateful to all the car owners and clubs 

and to everyone who supported Carfest.” 

“Donations are a vital part of our funding and it’s 

thanks to the generosity of people like Willie that 

the hospice is able to provide such special care for 

people in this area.” 

In addition to getting a close-up view of all these 

vehicles, visitors enjoyed stalls, music from singer 

Neil Sturgeon and a barbecue as well as a sale of 

vintage clothes and furniture. 

Every penny raised by Carfest will help St Vincent’s 

Hospice to provide very special care for local people 

living with life-limiting medical conditions. 

Photo 1: Alan Campbell of Paisley receives the 

award for ‘Best Car’ for his Ferrari 430 Spider 

from Brona McGee (l), St Vincent’s Director of 

Care and Jackie Gillespie (r), Clinical Effectiveness 

Facilitator. 

Photo 2: Alan McKechnie receives ‘Best In Show’ 

award from Jackie Gillespie and Willie Chrystal for 

his 1952 Ford Anglia Hotrod 

Photo 3: Alan McKechnie’s 1952 Ford Anglia 

Hotrod


Hundreds Pay Tribute To Armed Forces 

Hundreds of people in Renfrewshire turned out to honour local 

servicemen and women as part of national Armed Forces Day. 

At a special ceremony on Friday 19 June, the official Armed 

Forces Day flag was raised at the flagpoles outside Renfrewshire Council’s 

headquarters in Paisley, followed by an Armed Forces Day service in Paisley 

Abbey on Saturday 20 June. 

The service was led by Very Reverend 

E Lorna Hood of North Parish Church, 

Renfrew and Monsignor John Tormey of 

St Mirin’s Cathedral, Paisley. 

Current and former members of the 

armed forces, along with military 

families, civic leaders, and members 

of the community were present in the 

congregation. 

Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire Guy 

Clark and Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne 

Hall both gave readings at the service 

and the Provost of Inverclyde Robert 

Moran led the Prayer of Intercession. 

There were also performances by the Inverclyde 

Senor Choir and Park Mains Brass Ensemble. 

Provost Hall said: “Renfrewshire has once again 

paid tribute to our servicemen and women and 

I was pleased that so many of our armed forces 

and the community could attend both the flag raising ceremony and the service. We have a proud tradition 

of commemorating the service and sacrifice of our armed forces - Armed Forces Day has become an integral 

part of that tradition. It was a pleasure to join the Lord-Lieutenant, Provost of Inverclyde, Very Reverend E 

Lorna Hood, Monsignor John Tormey and everyone present in honouring the brave men and women who are 

serving or have served their country with such distinction. Together with our friends in East Renfrewshire 

and Inverclyde, Renfrewshire has signed a Community Covenant with the Armed Forces. This is a voluntary 

statement of mutual support recognising the sacrifices made by those serving, veterans, their families and 

carers and surviving spouses. We’ve backed this up with our commitment to the joint Firmbase project 

which looks to make sure those who have served get the information and support they need.” 

Following the service in Paisley Abbey, the two Provosts 

and the Lord-Lieutenant visited Hawkhead Cemetery 

to each lay a wreath at the Victoria Cross monument. 

Before the service members of the Royal British Legion 

marched to Abbey Close carrying their standard. 

Funds raised in a collection at the service will be 

donated to Erskine and SSAFA. 

More information about support for veterans is 

available online at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ 

firmbase


11 11 

Paisley’s Bid For UK City Of 

Culture Is Given Go-ahead 

Paisley is set to shine in the international spotlight after the town’s plans for an 

ambitious bid for UK City of Culture status in 2021 were given the green light. 

Renfrewshire Councillors have given a unanimous seal of approval to the bid, 

intended to be a catalyst for a transformation of the area’s future. The tilt at the 

national title is part of far-reaching regeneration plans unveiled a year ago this 

week, aimed at using Paisley’s unique heritage to put the town on the map as a 

cultural and tourist destination. 

Paisley is the only Scottish place to declare its candidacy so far – and the area’s 

council leader says the bid will showcase everything the town has to offer. 

Cllr Macmillan said: “For its size, Paisley’s contribution to the world is absolutely 

massive and we have a list of assets to be proud of. We have a globally-recognised 

brand bearing our name in the Paisley Pattern, as well as an outstanding 

collection of listed buildings as the physical legacy of our days at the centre of 

the world’s textile industry. We also have an outstanding location and transport 

links, are home to a highly regarded University, and have a thriving contemporary 

cultural scene - all of that and more will feature in what we believe will be a 

strong bid. At the same time, we can’t, and won’t, hide from the fact Paisley has 

challenges – but the UK City of Culture process is about building the economic 

and community capacity to face those challenges and make a far-reaching social 

impact. Previous winners have been cities with a clear plan for how the title would 

help them boost their area and community and when our bid is made in 2017 we 

will be ready to once again sell Paisley to the world.” 

The UK City of Culture competition is run by the UK Government’s Department 

of Culture Media and Sport and concentrates a series of national events in one 

place in a single year to encourage regeneration and tourism and strengthen 

communities. Derry-Londonderry was the first city to host the title in 2013 and 

Hull will host the 2017 edition, during which the 2021 winner will be announced. 

There has never before been a Scottish winner. 

The Erskine Glass 

Walk 

Friday 28th August : 

6.30pm : Erskine 

Price: £30 registration and £100 

minimum sponsorship 

Will you walk on broken glass? Conquer your 

fears and raise vital funds for Erskine! Walk 

across approximately 2000 broken glass bottles 

on an illuminated catwalk with this unique 

experience. 

Renfrewshire’s City Deal 

Gathers Pace 

The Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal Cabinet has approved the Strategic 

Business Cases for two major infrastructure projects in Renfrewshire. Work 

will continue on the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside Project and on the 

Airport Investment Area. These are the first two infrastructure investments to 

unlock City Deal funding; signalling their importance to the regional and local 

economies. With a combined value of £129 million, the projects are expected 

to help realise Renfrewshire’s immense economic potential by improving the 

connections between key business sites, residential areas and the wider transport 

network. Both investments will also support Glasgow Airport’s growth and create 

a powerhouse of industrial and commercial strength to the west of Glasgow. 

Councillor Mark Macmillan, Leader of Renfrewshire Council, who holds the City 

Deal Cabinet’s Portfolio for Enterprise said: “This City Deal could be one of the 

most progressive urban strategies in the world. Its co-ordinated approach to 

skills, connectivity and enterprise will bring benefits to every part of the region and 

to every level of its economy. The Renfrewshire projects will drive local success 

and regional growth. Renfrewshire is about to take its well-earned place as a 

leader in the Scottish economy. Local businesses and Invest in Renfrewshire 

partners are primed to take advantage of City Deal. Renfrewshire has 10% of 

the region’s population and yet we have secured 24% of City Deal funding. We 

are making fast and fair progress with our major infrastructure projects. Invest 

in Renfrewshire’s business support and employability programmes are already 

building skills and local growth. We are ready to contribute to, and benefit from, 

all that City Deal brings“ 

The City Deal Cabinet’s approval of the Strategic Business Cases is a go-ahead 

for further work on the Renfrew Riverside and Airport Investment Area projects. 

Surveys into sites and potential routes will continue; bringing the Renfrewshire’s 

City Deal closer to delivery. 

Call now to register and take on the challenge 

for Team Erskine on 0141-814-4729 or email 

team@erskine.org.uk


Mission Discovery Gets Ready 

To Blast Off 

Nearly 200 young people from Renfrewshire are preparing to launch their 

future careers into orbit by joining former NASA astronauts and scientists on a 

week-long space school. 

Sma’ Shot Day 

Thousands of residents descended on Paisley town centre for Sma’ Shot Day – 

the annual celebration of the area’s weaving heritage. The area around Paisley 

Abbey and Town Hall was a hub of activity as young and old alike enjoyed the 

festival atmosphere. 

The day kicked off at noon when hundreds of volunteers and members of local 

community groups lined up for the historic parade from Brodie Park to the town 

centre. This year’s parade brought the Sma’ Shot story to life using speciallycreated 

props and costumes designed during workshops run by outdoor arts 

specialists Walk the Plank last month. 

Mission Discovery Renfrewshire returned at the end of June, with local school 

pupils and students getting to work hand in hand with a panel of space experts 

to design experiments that could be launched into space. 

It is only the second time Mission Discovery has taken place in Scotland, having 

first been brought to Paisley in 2014. 

This year the panel of experts included Stephen Bowen, who has completed 

three spaceflights to the International Space Station and is the first and only 

astronaut to fly on consecutive shuttle missions. 

This unique educational programme, run by International Space School 

Educational Trust (ISSET), gives young people the chance to learn: 

• NASA leadership, team building and personal development skills 

• About biomedical research 

• How space exploration benefits life on earth 

• What the space environment feels like (from those who know) 

• About scientific research, experiments and innovation - on earth and in 

space 

Council Leader Mark Macmillan said: “I 

am delighted to be welcoming the team 

from ISSET back to Renfrewshire and 

really excited for all those taking part. 

“We want to raise young people’s 

awareness of career opportunities 

in the fields of science, technology, 

engineering and maths. Mission 

Discovery is an amazing way of doing 

that by providing the opportunity for 

young people to not only meet but work 

alongside astronauts and scientists 

from the highest level. 

“A key aspiration of Mission Discovery 

Renfrewshire is also to ensure that all 

young people have the opportunity to 

develop their academic potential, irrespective of social background. Thanks to 

our wide range of sponsors from the business community we are able to offer 

this programme to all young people free of charge.” 

Mission Discovery is being offered to Renfrewshire school pupils as part of 

a drive to establish Renfrewshire as a centre for excellence in the study of 

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). 

Last year’s winning team, Apollo 12, developed an experiment to test bacteria 

to help find a cure for the eye condition conjunctivitis. Their experiment is due 

to be tested on the International Space Station this summer. 

Mission Discovery Renfrewshire 2015 is sponsored by University of the West of 

Scotland, West College Scotland, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, Clyde 

Marine Training, Fission Creative, Muir Slicer Associates Ltd, PM Information 

Solutions Ltd, Scottish Leather Group Ltd, The Experience – Kibble, Peak 

Scientific, Thermo Fisher and 29 Studios. 

For more details go to www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/missiondiscovery 

In the town centre itself, attractions included live music from members of youth 

group Create Paisley and theatre from PACE, plus outdoor stalls, a funfair, giant 

games and inflatables. There was also an outdoor food market and the Slug in 

a Bottle market, with a mix of vintage items and craft and design, as well as a 

tea dance in Paisley Town Hall. The afternoon – as always – ended with a bang 

with the spectacular pyrotechnics of the Burning of the Cork, intended to mark 

the victory of the weavers in an industrial dispute of the 19th century. 

For the first time there was an evening programme in Paisley Arts Centre, 

featuring a Sma’ Shot Bigshot poetry slam, and a showcase of the 2020 film 

project run by Create Paisley. Residents were also able to visit the Sma’ Shot 

Cottages in Shuttle Street, where volunteers in period costume were on hand 

to offer guided tours. Renfrewshire’s Provost Anne Hall, who was there on the 

day and at the head of the parade, said: “Sma’ Shot Day is always one of the 

highlights of the area’s events calendar, and this year’s event was as wellreceived 

as ever. 

Sma’ Shot Day celebrates the town’s proud textile history by marking the victory 

of Paisley’s weavers in an industrial dispute of the 19th century. 

The weavers didn’t receive payment for the Sma’ (small) Shot thread, which was 

unseen, but held together the famous Paisley-patterned cashmere shawls. 

A long fight and political battle ensued which the weavers eventually won and 

renamed the traditional July holiday Sma’ Shot Day. 

The day is just one of several big events which happened in Renfrewshire during 

July - with the British Cycling Youth National Circuit Race Championships on 

Sunday 12 July, followed by the Paisley Pipe Band Championships on Saturday 

18 July. 

For more information on local events, see www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/events


13 13


August 

events 

Sat 1 - Sun 2 Aug 

Binocular & Telescope Open Day 

RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 

10am to 4pm 

Come and peruse a range of telescopes and 

binoculars, with knowledgeable staff on hand to 

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

competitively priced, with the added bonus that 

you are helping the conservation. Free entry. 

Sat 1 - Mon 3 Aug 

Get Outdoors Weekend 2015 

Various Locations 

There’s lots and lots of great walks available 

to you over Get Outdoors Weekend which you 

can find below! Visit www.ramblers.org.uk/gowalking/get-outdoors-weekend-2015.aspx 

for 

maps & details. 

Sat 1 August 

Wild Food Foraging 


6pm to 8pm 

Find out about the tasty natural grub found in 

Lochwinnoch’s nature reserve at this time of 

year. Also make a fire pit and get in the mood 

for camping out in your garden this summer, as 

part of the RSPB’s the Big Wild Sleep Out! Please 

book, as places are limited. Cost: Adults £5 (RSPB 

members £3); Children £3 (RSPB members £2) 

Sun 2 August 

Falconry Day 

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 

1pm to 3pm 

Watch birds of prey hunt and fly. Take a walk round 

their homes and get up close and personal with 

the winged hunters. 

Mon 3 August 

Make Your Own Mondays - 

Minibeast Safari 


11am - 1pm or 2pm - 4pm Where do froghoppers, 

ladybirds and earwigs hide? Let’s take a closer 

look at some of the smaller beasts that live at 

the reserve and make our own feeder to attract 

beautiful butterflies to your garden. Booking 

essential. Cost: £5 (Wildlife Explorers £3) - Adults 

go free! 

Tue 4 August 

Dog Awards 


1pm to 3pm 

Bring your perfect pooch for some fun and games 

at the Finlaystone obstacle course. Prize for best 

and most obedient pooch. 

Summer Holiday Events - 

Butterflies 

The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, 

Greenock 1pm to 3pm 

£5 per child (adults go free!). Tel: 01505 614791 

for further information. 

Wedding Open Evening 

Lynnhurst Hotel, Park Rd, Johnstone 

4pm to 8pm 

Our Wedding experts will also be on hand to 

answer any questions or enquiries. These events 

are the perfect opportunity for you and your 

partner to get a unique insight into our beautiful 

Hotel. Bubbly and canapés!!!! For further details 

you can email sandra@lynnhurst.co.uk 

Wed 5 August 


Butterflies 

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip 

Road, Lochwinnoch 1pm to 3pm 




Float Your Boat - Paisley Museum 

Paisley Museum 

Learn how to make a paper boat, see if your paper 

boat can float plus much much more fun-filled 

activities at Wyllie Wednesdays. Four sessions 

will run at the following times: Bookable session 

– 11am to 11.45am. Drop-In session – 12pm 

to 12.45pm. Bookable session – 1.30pm to 

2.15pm. Drop-In session – 3pm to 3.45pm. Max 

for each session is 12 children plus adults. Book 

in person at Paisley Museum or at 0141 618 

2598. The Why?sman exhibition includes large 

scale sculptures, paintings, film and photographs 

of renowned Scottish artist, George Wyllie. The 

exhibition runs until Sunday 13 September at 

Paisley Museum and is free of charge. 

Muirshiel Summer Holiday Event 

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip 

Road, Lochwinnoch 1pm to 3pm 

Butterflies - £5 per child (adults free) or you can 

buy a season ticket for £25 and attend as many 

of the events as you like. Call 01505 842882 x20 

for further details. 

Play Time 


2pm to 4pm 

There will be games and activities at the natural 

play area. Just play, or get your face painted, or 

try out a fun craft or other activity – all for FREE! 

Why not try out some pond dipping, or even bughunting? 

Cost: FREE 

Thu 6 August 

Woodland Art 


1pm to 3pm 

Make your very own “Art Attack” out of materials 

you find in our wonderful forest. 

Fri 7 August 

Funtime Fridays - Holiday Hike 


7 & under: 11am – 1pm; 8 & over: 2pm – 4pm 

A day of exploration along the loch side and into 

the woods with a picnic at the stone bothy. Proper 

footwear, a picnic, sunscreen, plenty of water to 

drink and a sense of adventure are all essentials! 

Booking essential. Adults must accompany 

children 8 and under. Cost: £5 (Wildlife Explorers 

£3) - Adults go free! 


Linn Park Fun Day 

Linn Park, Glasgow G44 5TA 

Lots to do, including Gladiator, Sumo and Rodeo 

inflatables, pony rides, face painting, stalls, 

stocks, and the opening of our new coffee shop. 

We are also getting a visit from the local police 

and fire station bringing their cars and trucks. 

Cars are NOT ALLOWED into the park on the day. 

Parking is available at the golf course. 


Pirate Day 


1pm to 3pm 

Dress as a scurvy buccaneer and practice your 

best Arrgh! Drama and shouting a plenty. Prize 

for best dressed pirate. 

Mon 10 - Sun 16 Aug 

Piping Live! 

George Square, Glasgow 

Musicians will perform in the square daily and the 

festival will bring the best pipers and musicians 

into the heart of the city. For further information, 

please visit www.pipinglive.co.uk 


Make Your Own Mondays - Nature 

Detective 


11am – 1pm or 2pm – 4pm Whose tracks are 

these? Make your own track ID book then head 

out on the reserve to uncover other clues about 

who might be around when we’re not looking! 

Booking is essential. Cost: £5 (Wildlife Explorers 

£3) - Adults go free! 

Tue 11 August 

Summer Holiday Events - Fire 

Lighting & Den Building 

The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, 

Greenock 1pm to 3pm 


for further information.


15 15 





Summer Holiday Events - Fire 

Lighting & Den Building 

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Calder 

Glen Road, Lochwinnoch 1pm to 3pm 



Float Your Boat - Paisley Museum 

Paisley Museum 

See same event on 5th August for full details. 


Erskine Festival Week 2015 

Erskine Community Library 

Join us this August to celebrate the biggest event 

ever held in Erskine! Erskine Writers Group are 

hosting an afternoon of literary genius at Erskine 

Community Library, Bridgewater. 


Golf: Ladies Open Day at 

Kilmacolm 

Kilmacolm Golf Club, Porterfield road, 

Kilmacolm 

Greensome Stableford Competition. Entry is 

£18 per couple. Handicap: A current CONGU 

handicap. Starting Times: Between 9am and 

2.30 pm. For info and entry forms, visit www. 

kilmacolmgolfclub.com 

Erskine Festival Week 2015 - 

Free Sports Taster Sessions 

Erskine Sports Centre 


ever held in Erskine! Bring the kids along for Free 

Sports Taster Sessions at Erskine Sports Centre, 

Bridgewater. 


Erskine Festival Week 2015 - 

Junior and Adult Fun Run 

Erskine Town Centre 


ever held in Erskine! Junior and Adult Fun Run – 

Are you kids fitter than you? Join us for an evening 

of Fitness and Fun. Free crèche for kids while 

adults complete second circuit of course. 

Fri 14 - Sat 15 Aug 

The World Pipe Band 

Championships, Glasgow 

Glasgow Green, Greendyke St, Glasgow 

The Worlds 2014 was watched by some 30,000 

on Glasgow Green, and thousands more around 

the globe followed the action online. Tickets for 

the World Pipe Band Championships 2015 are on 

sale now at http://www.theworlds.co.uk/tickets/ 

pages/default.aspx 



Marvellous Moths 

Barnbrock Campsite Park HQ near 

Lochwinnoch, PA10 2PZ From 10pm 

As night time arrives, it brings with it a colourful 

array of moths attracted to our light trap. Your 

chance to see and find out about some of these 

attractive and curious insects. Tel: 01505 614791 

for further information or to book. 

Musicals Open Mic - In aid of The 

Beatson Unit 

Bernie’s Cafe Deli, Neva Place, Bridge 

of Weir 

The opportunity to sing your favourite musicals 

song (by prior arrangement). Light mini-board 

supper included. Only £10! The full venue is 

almost sold out! Hurry for the last handful. Look 

up our FB page for the link to book or call and ask 

for Karen for more info. 

Fire Engine Rally 

Johnstone Town Centre 11am to 4pm 

See vintage fire engines from through the 

ages parade through local streets before going 

on display in Johnstone! Classic emergency 

vehicles from through the ages - preserved by 

the Scottish Fire and Rescue Heritage Trust - will 

parade through from Johnstone Fire Station to 

the town centre. Expect a day of family fun, with 

entertainment and activities laid on throughout 

the afternoon. Price: This is a free event 

Wild Night 


5pm to 8am 

The Finlaystone overnight camp. Join the Rangers 

for fun and burgers and sing into the wee small 

hours. Kids will enjoy the bat walk and scavenger 

hunt. Tent, warm clothes, waterproofs and food 

required. Adults £7.50 Children £5.00. Pre 

booking essential. Call 01475 540505. 

Edinburgh Youth Orchestra 

Summer Concert 

Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley 

7.30pm 

Conducted by Julian Lloyd Webber, Soloist Jiaxin 

Lloyd Webber. All proceeds to Accord Hospice. 

Tickets £15 for adults, concessions £10. For 

tickets please email fundraising@accordhospice. 

org.uk or call us on 0141 581 2000. You can also 

buy tickets online at www.accordhospice.org.uk 

Campbell Snowdon House, 

Garden Party 

Quarriers Village 2pm to 4pm 

Come along and join us in our beautiful garden at 

Campbell Snowdon House for afternoon tea, home 

baking, stalls and enjoy some good old fashioned 

family games. All welcome. 

Erskine Festival Week - Gala Day 

Park Mains High School 


ever held in Erskine! Gala Day at Park Mains High 

School with The Quack Commandos, Bird of Prey 

Experience, Adult 5-A-Side Tournament, Classic 

and Sports Car Display, Face Painting, Tug of War. 

There really will be something for all ages – come 

along and join in with your Festival! 

Erskine Festival Car Show 2015 

Park Mains High School 11am to 4pm 

A brand new car show for everyone, Modern, 

Classic, Modified, American, Bikes, Trucks, Etc. 

Vehicle Entry between 8am and 10am. Show 

starts at 11am until 4pm. There will be a best of 

show trophy and two runners up. 


Organ Recital Series 

Thomas Coats Memorial Church, High 

St, Paisley, PA2 9NH 3.30pm 

On the famous 4 manual Hill Organ. The Trumpet 

Shall Sound, Trumpet & Organ Recital with Grant 

Golding & Matt Edwards. CCTV will show the 

console on the big screen. Entry is free. Www. 

musicattcm.org.uk





Bramble Cocktails 


1pm to 3pm 

Forage with the Rangers for the brambles to make 

delicious bramble cocktails. 


St Colm’s Coffee Morning 

Kilmacolm Community Centre, 

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 

10am to 12noon 

Home Baking, Jams and Preserves, Hand-Made 

Crafts, Tombola, Raffle and lots more. Tickets - 

£2.50 (50p children) Includes tea / coffee and a 

selection of cakes / scones 

Coffee Morning 

Masonic Hall, Collier Street, Johnstone 


There will be sales tables selling various goods. 

Join us for a cuppa and a chat. 

Brookfield Gala Day 

Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside Road, 

Brookfield 2pm 

Starting with the fancy dress parade from 

Malcolm’s yard at 2pm, there will be stalls, games, 

tombola, competitions, Crazy Crufts dog show and 

of course our wonderful Gala Day tea room in 

the hall. Bring your friends and family, meet your 

neighbours and help raise funds for the village. 

See you there. 

Johnstone Gala Day 

Thomas Shanks Park, Johnstone 

12noon to 4pm 

Live music, stalls, bouncy castles, fairground 

rides, family fun activities and much more! To 

book a stall, or be an act on the stage, contact 

johnstoneyouthcouncil.galaday@yahoo.co.uk 


Largs Regatta Week 

Largs Yacht Haven 

Entry forms and notice of race available at 

www.largsregattaweek.co.uk. Facebook.com/ 

largsregattaweek. 01475 675333. A fun filled 

week of racing and social events. 


Golf: Junior Open Competition 

Kilmacolm Golf Club, Porterfield Road, 

Kilmacolm 

Junior Competition for the Lee Wooler Trophy. This 

prestigious event forms part of the Renfrewshire 

Golf Union Junior Order of Merit. Dress code is 

smart casual, NO denim or trainers allowed. Entry 

fee £5 per person. For info and entry forms, visit 

www.kilmacolmgolfclub.com 

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme 

Gardening Leave, Old Garden Centre, 

Erskine Hospital, Bishopton PA7 5PU 

A productive garden, housing quirky assortment 

of raised planters, imaginatively created lawn 

area, shady wildlife/quiet garden, covered growing 

areas and other features embracing the up-cycling 

ethos. Still being developed and evolving. 


Slimming World Group 

St Columba’s Church, Duchal Rd, 

Kilmacolm 7.30pm 

If you would like to lose weight and change your 

life, why not come along to the launch night. You 

can e-mail Kirsty at khorneslimmingworld@yahoo. 

com or give her a call on 07444 066462. 


Wedding Services Scotland Band 

Showcase 

The Glynhill Hotel & Leisure Club, 

Renfrew 7pm to 10pm 

Looking for the perfect entertainment for your big 

day? Come along to this lovely newly renovated 

venue and have a relaxed evening listening to five 

fantastic bands all playing live. There will also be 

a selection of the finest local wedding suppliers 

who will be delighted to discuss your plans for 

your special day. Free entry, everyone is welcome. 

This is a free event. 

Knitted Knockers UK 

Nix Hairdressing, Kilmacolm 

Fundraiser for Knitted Knockers UK, book in 

for a blow dry, set or party hair and all takings 

will be donated to Knitted Knockers UK. www. 

knittedknockersuk.com 

The Erskine Glass Walk 

Erskine 6.30pm 

Price: £30 registration and £100 minimum 

sponsorship Will you walk on broken glass? 

Conquer your fears and raise vital funds for 

Erskine! Walk across approximately 2000 broken 

glass bottles on an illuminated catwalk with this 

unique experience. Call now to register and take 

on the challenge for Team Erskine on 0141-814- 

4729 or email team@erskine.org.uk 

Fri 28 - Sat 29 Aug 

Bath & Moth Night 


8pm – Late (Bring a Torch!) AND 10am – 12noon 

Saturday (Moths) On the Friday evening, we’ll have 

an interesting presentation on bats, followed by 

a walk with bat detectors and the experts. The 

next morning, we’ll check the moth trap and see 

what it is that the bats around the reserve like to 

eat! Booking is essential. Cost: Adults £5 (RSPB 

members £3); Children £3 (RSPB members £2) 


RAMH - White Water Rafting 

Meet at Paisley Town Hall, Abbey 

Close, Paisley - event held at River Tay, 

Aberfeldy (transport provided) 

Join local mental health charity RAMH for 

their White Water Rafting challenge. The day’s 

experience includes return transport from Paisley, 

a half day on the River Tay at Aberfeldy and a 

pub meal before returning home. Registration is 

just £10 with £90 sponsorship. To get signed up 

contact 0141 847 8900 or enquiries@ramh.org 

The Great Scottish Swim 

Loch Lomond 

If you wish to support the Scottish SPCA by taking 

part in the Great Scottish Swim, please contact 

fundraising@scottishspca.org and you’ll receive 

your very own fundraising pack. 


Binocular & Telescope Open Day 


10am to 4pm 

Come and peruse a range of telescopes and 

binoculars, with knowledgeable staff on hand to 

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

competitively priced, with the added bonus that 

you are helping the conservation. Free entry. 


RAMH - 10K Run 

Get Wet and Wild 

Finlaystone Country Estate, Langbank 

1pm to 3pm 

Come along with your best wet gear and join in 

the games. See who ends up in the stocks getting 

soaked. Can you race your space hopper to the 

end and avoid the sponges? 

Fri 4 September 

Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers 

Headline Summer Event 

Mar Hall, Bishopton PA7 5NW 

In aid of Quarriers’ Coaching for Life programme. 

Tickets are £60pp - including a welcome drink, 

barbeque platter meal and entertainment - and 

are on sale now. Call 01505 616054, email 

events@quarriers.org.uk or visit www.quarriers. 

org.uk/events to order. 

Sat 5 September 

1st Houston Boys Brigade Annual 


Church Hall & Carrick Centre, Houston 


1st Houston Boys Brigade, Parents &Friends 

Association. Come along and enjoy Games, 

Tattoos & Nail Painting, Pocket Money Toys, 

Putting, Bottle Stall, Tuck Shop, Console Games 

& Sports Gear Stall and Gift Stall. Tickets £1 

(including tea/coffee/homebaking). Breakfast 

rolls on sale. £1 

Scottish Airshow Air Display 

2 Fairfield Road, Ayr, South Ayrshire 

KA7 2AR 10am to 7pm 

With attractions like the SpeedTwin Comet, the 

Royal Navy Merlin Helicopter Display Team, a 

Vulcan XH558 (appearing for the last time) and 

the famous Red Arrows! This is a FREE entry 

event however car parking charges may apply. All 

proceeds go to Scottish Airshow. Please note the 

display timetable will be subject to change and 

some aircraft due may not arrive due to either 

weather or technical reasons. 

www.scottishairshow.com 

Sat 5 - Sun 6 Sept 

Renfrewshire Doors Open Days 

Across Renfrewshire 

From churches to fire station, and from historic 

gems like Paisley Abbey and town hall, to newer 

sites like Glasgow Airport and St Mirren Park. Visit 

the website for further information at 

www.doorsopendays.org.uk/opendays 

Sun 6 September 

Scottish Airshow Aircraft 

Exhibition 

Prestwick Airport 10am to 5pm 

A day of pure aviation rush with the aircraft 

exhibition hosted at Glasgow Prestwick Airport. 

This year we have the pleasure of adding 

helicopter heaven as part of our aircraft exhibition. 

Please note the display timetable will be subject 

to change and some aircraft due may not arrive 

due to either weather or technical reasons. 


Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley 

Run for recovery across mental health (RAMH) 

at the Paisley 10K to help local people to build 

independent, fulfilled lives. Set up your own 

fundraising page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com 

and get a free RAMH t-shirt. Contact 0141 847 

8900 or enquiries@ramh.org 

Are you 

planning 

or had an event? 

Send in the details 

and you could be on 

these very pages! 

info@advertizer.co.uk


17 17


Could you spare 3 hours a week 

to help your local Hospice? 

Retail Assistants – Help needed in our 

busy charity shops in Bridge of Weir 

and Lochwinnoch. 

Gardeners – Volunteer help need in 

the extensive gardens at the Hospice. 

Administration – Volunteers with Microsoft Office skills needed in various 

departments. 

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

co.uk for more information. 

Sponsored Walk 

Sunday 30 August - 11.30am 

Sponsored walk in aid of Leukaemia & 

Lymphoma Research. 

The walk is a 5km or 10km route that goes 

through the beautiful Pollok Country Park in 

Glasgow. 

You can walk in memory of a loved one, to celebrate a life saved or simply for a 

great day out! Online entry is now open at www.leukaemialymphomaresearch. 

org.uk 


Saturday 22 August from 10am until 12noon at 

The Masonic Hall, Collier Street, Johnstone. 

There will be sales tables selling various goods. Join us 

for a cuppa and a chat. 

Wedding Open Evening 

Join us at the Largs Viking Festival 2015 

where we have an extended Viking 

Village which will open every day from 

11am to 5pm. Please note the Village 

will close from 1.30 to 2.30 pm on 29 

August to enable the re-enactors to 

participate in the opening parade and 

at 4.30pm on Saturday 5 September 

for the Party at the Pencil. 

Come and see how the Vikings lived 

in an authentic 13th Century village 

- talk to them about their way of life; 

learn about how they made their clothes, weapons, jewellery and food. Ask 

the Vikings about their religion, beliefs, homes, crafts, ships, their homeland 

and why they left it. This year the re-enactment group Swords of Dalriada will 

be in the Viking Village with Viking traders from Germany, Sweden and Ireland. 

The entry fee of £5 for Adults and £2 for Children/Concessions (over 60s and 

students) gives admission throughout the day of purchase. Under 5s free. 

A Scottish Food and Craft Fayre will also open every day from 10am to 6pm. 

Come and enjoy a shopping experience with a difference. 

Owl Magic will be with us every day and on both weekends there will be on 

stage entertainment, street performers on the Promenade and an aerobatic or 

parachute display. A fun fair will also be present on the Promenade throughout 

the Festival. 

There will also be a series of Fringe events being held by other organisations 

during the Festival. These include the Largs Flower Show, a Creative Writing 

Week, a Car Boot Sale, Viking Day at Kelburn Country Park, the Largs Model 

Boat Club Open Day and performances of Opera. 

Information is correct at date of publication but events are liable to alteration. 

Please check our website at www.largsvikingfestival.com for up to date 

information. 

Tuesday 4 August, Lynnhurst Hotel, Park 

Road, Johnstone - 4pm until 8pm. 

Make sure you attend our informative and 

inspirational Wedding Open Days and Open 

Evenings at The Lynnhurst Hotel. You can see 

our Honeymoon Suite, function suites and guest 

rooms along with having a tour of our gardens. Our Wedding experts will also 

be on hand to answer any questions or enquiries. These events are the perfect 

opportunity for you and 

your partner to get a 

unique insight into our 

beautiful Hotel. Bubbly 

and canapés!!!! 

For further details you 

can email sandra@ 

lynnhurst.co.uk 

Wedding Services Scotland 

Band Showcase 

Wednesday 26 August - 7pm - 10pm 

Glynhill Hotel & Leisure Club, Renfrew 

This is a free event 

Looking for the perfect entertainment for 

your big day? Come along to this lovely 

newly renovated venue and have a relaxed 

evening listening to five fantastic bands all 

playing live. There will also be a selection of the finest local wedding suppliers 

who will be delighted to discuss your plans for your special day. Free entry, 

everyone is welcome.


Dental Blog 

by Sheila Macintyre, Practice Owner, 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice 

Have you ever wondered what a 

crown is and why you might need one? 

19 19 

A crown is an artificial covering that is fitted onto part of an existing tooth. 

There are a number of reasons you might need a crown, but broken teeth, or 

teeth that have been weakened by decay or as the result of a very large filling, 

are common ones. Additionally crowns may be applied to teeth that have had 

a root filling, to keep a denture or bridge in place or to improve the appearance 

of discoloured teeth. 

Crowns need to be made of hard material, but this can vary from porcelain 

(sometimes built up over a precious metal base), ceramic or even glass or 

gold crowns. Glass and 100% porcelain are often used for front teeth to give 

a more natural look while the other materials are suitable for use both front 

and back. 

Gold crowns aside, crowns are designed to give the appearance of a natural 

tooth and, due to the work involved, they do require at least 2 visits to your 

dentist. The first will involve the preparation of the tooth 

and taking impressions (moulds) to ensure that the crown 

fits the prepared tooth and is comfortable when you 

bite - the preparation requires that some of the outer 

surface of the existing tooth is removed to provide a 

strong base. The impressions, along with a shade 

match, are then sent to a dental technician to be 

made. The second visit involves the careful fitting 

of the crown. 

Crowns can provide a long lasting cosmetic option 

that will retain a natural look to your teeth. To find 

out more call us on 01505 704969 or click www. 

kilbarchandental.co.uk where you’ll find lots more 

free tips and advice.


Piping Live! 

10-16 August - various venues, Glasgow 

Glasgow International 

Piping Festival is the 

biggest festival of its kind 

in the world and the weeklong 

celebrations will see 

over 200 events take 

place in various venues 

across the city from 10 - 16 

August. In exciting news 

for 2015, the festival will 

return to George Square 

after a two year absence 

from the space. 

Musicians will perform in the square daily and the festival will bring the best 

pipers and musicians into the heart of the city. As well as the annual Pipe Idol 

competition and International Quartets competition, there will also be special 

concerts on the Thursday and Friday night of the festival, featuring unique and 

never seen-before collaborations between musicians from Piping Live! And 

abroad. The festival will also celebrate Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink with a 

new ‘Pipers Market’ in George Square, showcasing the very best of fresh, local, 

Scottish produce. 

Piping Live! Boasts a diverse programme and is famed for its evening concerts, 

which not only showcase the best pipers and pipe bands from across the globe 

but also celebrate multi-instrument traditional musicians and bands including 

the Scott Wood Band, Finlay MacDonald and Chris Stout, Fred Morrison and 

Borja Baragano, who are all performing at this year’s festival. 

For further information, please visit www.pipinglive.co.uk 

Renfrewshire Doors Open Days 

Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 

Venue: Across Renfrewshire 

Your chance to get into buildings - sites across Renfrewshire will be throwing 

open their doors to let you have a look around. 

Participating sites will 

be confirmed nearer the 

time but in previous years, 

more than 60 buildings 

across the area have taken 

part, from churches to fire 

station, and from historic 

gems like Paisley Abbey 

and town hall, to newer 

sites like Glasgow Airport 

and St Mirren Park. 

Visit the website for further information at http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/ 

opendays/ 

Erskine Festival 

We’re hoping you’ll join us this 

August to celebrate the biggest 

event ever held in Erskine! 

Erskine Festival will take place 

week commencing 10 August, with 

events happening all week, all over 

town. 

Cancer Research Calendar 

Local photographer Caroline Stewart is producing a 2016 calendar in aid of 

Cancer Research UK using local men, woman and children who have had or are 

still fighting cancer. 

To reveal the calendar Caroline is hosting a 

black tie launch night at The Normandy Hotel, 

Renfrew on Friday 2nd October at 7.30pm. 

The tickets are priced at £10 per person or a 

table of 10 for £100. 

If anyone would like a ticket please contact 

Caroline at info@carolinestewartphotography. 

co.uk or on mobile number07585 447561. 

The calendar facebook page is www.facebook. 

com/crcalendar2016 

Donations can also be made to www.gofundme. 

com/wc4qzss. 

Linn Park Fun Day 

Join us on Saturday 8 August for a fun fundraising day at the New 

Ark Stables within Linn Park, Glasgow! 

Lots to do, including Gladiator, Sumo and Rodeo inflatables, pony rides, face 

painting, stalls, stocks, and the opening of our new coffee shop. We are also 

getting a visit from the local police and fire station bringing their cars and 

trucks. 

**Please note** cars are NOT ALLOWED into the park on the day. 

Parking is available at the golf course. 

Renfrewshire Council gets 

behind Scams Awareness Month 

Renfrewshire Council Trading Standards officers have teamed up with Citizens 

Advice Scotland to promote Scams Awareness Month. 

The theme of the campaign is “Don’t be Rushed, Don’t be Hushed”. It aims to 

stop people being rushed into hasty decisions by scammers and to encourage 

victims to speak out about their experiences. 

The four-week campaign will 

spotlight the four channels 

that are commonly used for 

mass marketing scams: 

• Telephone scams 

• Online scams 

• Mail scams 

• Doorstep scams 

Councillor Eddie Devine, 

convener of Renfrewshire 

Council’s Environment 

Policy Board, said: 

“Scams Awareness Month is about making people in Renfrewshire better 

informed about the dangers of scams, more alert to dangers and confident 

about what to do if they are targeted.” 

“We are asking local consumers to speak out about their experiences to tackle 

the shame scam victims often feel.” 

Each year millions of people in the UK fall prey to scammers. The total cost to 

consumers of mass-marketed scams could be as much as £5 billion. However, 

with reporting levels as low as 5 per cent for some types of scams, it is difficult 

to get a true picture of the scale of the problem. 

Contact Alan Bradford, Email: alan.bradford@renfrewshire.gov.uk 

From Art Exhibitions to Junior and 

Adult Fun Runs, Writers Events to 

Treasure Hunts there’s something 

for everyone. A fun filled Gala Day 

complete with Vintage/Sports 

Car Display, the infamous Quack 

Commandos and more food and 

music than T in the Park is set to 

round off this exciting week.


21 21 

every Monday 

Lochwinnoch Community Walk 

The Cross, Lochwinnoch 10.30am 

This event will not take place on a public holiday 

every Wednesday 

Knitting Group 

Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers 10am - 12noon 

Knitters of all levels welcome! 

Line Dancing 

Bishopton Primary School 7pm - 8.30pm 

All abilities welcome. Call Mellissa on 07970 

396212. 

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. 

2nd Wednesday monthly 

Inverclyde Carers Outreach 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 11am-2pm 

Email enquiries@inverclydecarerscentre.org.uk or 

call: 01475 735180. 

2nd Thursday monthly 

Siolas 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. 

regular updates 

t: @GryffeAds 

f: www.facebook.com/GryffeAds 

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 

DRAGON Tue 11th August - 7pm - £10 

A show for adults, teenagers and children with vivid 

imaginations; Dragon returns to the Scottish stage 

following international tour dates. 

Dragon is an extraordinarily visual story told without 

words, featuring fast-moving physical theatre, 

puppetry and original music. 

SCARFED FOR LIFE Friday 21st Aug - £8 to £10 

Scarfed for Life is set against the backdrop of the 

first Celtic and Rangers clash of the season. Funny, 

hard-hitting and thought provoking, this is the story 

of two teenage outsiders caught in the crossfire of 

polite suburban prejudice and garden equipment. 

Contains strong language. Recommended for 14+ 

A NIGHT OF ONE ACTS Friday 28th & Saturday 29th 

August - £10 

Performed by the cream of local talent and drawing 

from their combined knowledge of theatrical 

repertoire, the evening offers a varied mix of short 

plays. 

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

INFO@BEACONARTSCENTRE.CO.UK TELEPHONE: 01475 723723 

follow The Advertizer on twitter and facebook 

for regular updates 


f: www.facebook.com/GryffeAds 

Do you want the skills 

to help save a life?? 

British Heart Foundation - September 2015 - FREE 

Lead by Lochwinnoch and Howwood Heart Start 

We have more dates available for the FREE two hour 

course in 2015. 

Wed 23rd Sept - 7pm-9pm - 

Masonic Lodge Lochwinnoch 

Wed 30th Sept - 2pm-4pm - Bowfield Hotel 

Howwood 

Wed 21st Oct - 7pm-9pm - Bowfield Hotel 

Howwood 

Wed 28th Oct 2pm-4pm - Masonic Lodge 

Lochwinnoch 

If you are interested in attending, please contact Morag 

on morag.Thow@gcu.ac.uk or 01505 843183. 

The course is practical and deals with; 

• An unconscious casualty 

• Cardiac arrest 

• Suspected heart attack 

• Choking 

• Serious bleeding 

Dr Morag Thow


Keep It Clean, Keep It Classy 

Having trouble keeping your floor maintained? Is keeping it clean 

turning into a full time job? 

Combining classy 

looks with low 

maintenance, 

the Karndean 

and Amtico 

ranges (which we 

specialise in) are 

the ideal choice 

for people who 

are always on the 

go but also like to 

keep a beautiful 

home. People traipsing in and out at the family barbecue needn’t cause any 

stress or calls of “take your shoes off!” Being waterproof, hardwearing but 

ALSO stunning sounds like an impossibility, but ask any customers of Orchard 

Flooring and we are certain they will have nothing but praise for the products on 

offer and the service carried out. Keeping it classy has never been so easy. 

With a home 

sampling service 

and advice on 

picking the floor 

to suit your home, 

why not give us a 

call and be on your 

way to a fabulous 

floor from Orchard 

Flooring. 

You can contact 

Scott on 01505 

229584 or 

07563 633 432 

E: sjmproducts@hotmail.com website- www.orchard-flooring.com 

Renfrewshire Rural Watch 

Renfrewshire Rural Watch has been set up 

to make rural Renfrewshire secure against 

illegal activity such as the theft of machinery, 

equipment, livestock, metal, illegal poaching 

and fly-tipping. Join up today at www. 

renfrewshireruralwatch.co.uk 

Supported by Police Scotland, Scottish Land 

and Estates and the Scottish Countryside 

Alliance, the group is designed to make rural 

Renfrewshire secure against illegal activity 

such as: 

The theft of machinery, equipment, livestock 

and metal. 

Wildlife crimes for example illegal poaching. 

Environmental crimes such as fly tipping. 

Paisley Philharmonic Choir 

Practices for our 2015/16 season resume on Tuesday 18th August 

at 7.30pm in St Charles’ Primary School, Rowan Street, Paisley and 

continue each Tuesday throughout the year. 

Ability to read music is not essential. If you enjoy singing why not come 

along and give it a try? You can find out more about the choir at www. 

paisleyphilharmonicchoir.co.uk 

Tesco customers donate 

20,424 meals 

• Over 3.6 million meals donated nationally during recent 

Neighbourhood Food Collection in partnership with FareShare and The 

Trussell Trust 

• Significant rise in number of donations from in-store permanent 

collection points from January – July 2015 

• More than 27.5 million meals have been provided to people in need 

since Neighbourhood Food Collection began


23 23

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


25 25


Johnstone History 

Society 

Johnstone History Society resumes its 

meetings on Tuesday 8th September at 

7.30pm in the Masonic Hall Collier Street. 

Our first speaker will be Alan Driver telling 

the story of the Coats family “From Cottage 

to Castle”. 

The Museum, however, continues to open 

as usual right throughout the summer. On 

Sunday the 5th September from 10am til 

4pm the Museum will be open for Doors 

Open Day when there will be colouring 

sheets and a quiz for the children and, if 

they bring their passport, they will be able 

to have it stamped. 

iT blog 

with Colin Fyfe of Colcom 

Windows 10, released 29 July, will be the last Microsoft Windows desktop 

operating system ever released, it is a free upgrade available to Windows 

7 and 8 owners. This reality for me and other computer enthusiasts is a big 

deal. The drama and excitement of a new Windows release always brings its 

challenges, frustrations or marvels at Microsoft’s incomprehensible sense 

of humour. This release, the last of its kind, has a few edges the square off 

in its recent predecessors but has a plenty to take from them too. 

You may have noticed the icon appear down at the bottom of your desktop 

next to the clock urging you to sign up to the new OS, going through with 

this registration is not an act of installing the update itself, although to do so 

will set you on the path. 

The OS itself will take, depending on the power of your computer, at least 4 

hours to download and install, although users who register in advance may 

find as they allow the installation to run, that Windows 10 has sneaked onto 

their computer unbeknown to them, shortening the installation time. 

Windows 10 itself has received widespread praise from critics and its 

volunteer testers, 5 million of them. The OS has a few tricks to sway us 

away from Windows 7 (Windows 8.1 users are pretty much sold already). 

Among other things, the updated kernel, the core of the system itself is new 

Kilmacolm Camera Club 

Club members have 

braved the summer winds 

and rain to record some of 

the nearby beauty spots. 

At the end of June, a 

group of us set off at 

7am for Glencoe. For 

much of the day, the 

light was miserable and 

dull! But, give up and 

go home? I think not. It 

was a good chance to 

share our knowledge 

(and our sandwiches!) 

and learn how to make 

the most of unhelpful 

conditions. For a few glorious minutes, 

the sun would try to break through and 

illuminate this marvellous location. A 

particularly attractive spot was Glencoe 

Lochan. The water was like a mirror, 

reflecting the trees and little islands, and 

our perseverance was rewarded. Some 

images are shown here. 

In July, another outing took us to the Forth and Clyde 

Canal, at Maryhill. This time, the sun was on our side. As 

well as the scenic canal, wild orchids and even a Charles 

Rennie Mackintosh church were spotted. 

Remember, there’s an outing planned for 11 August (destination unknown) 

and we intend to explore the Greenock Cut on 8 September. Both of these 

set off from Kilmacolm Cross at 7pm. We’d love to see you there. 

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/ 

and therefore more secure and quicker and also the desktop is back, no 

flim flam charms and the like, and a ‘Start’ menu too. 

This is the Windows platform most of us will be using on our desktop 

machines before long, as it goes through its updates ad infinitum. Microsoft 

want us to own their phones and tablet devices too, indeed this is a ‘cross 

platform’ OS designed as such. Google and Apple will be a bit interested in 

how this story develops. 

p.s. Some people wonder why we went straight to Windows version number 

10. Well it turns out 7, 8, 9....


Langbank Camera Club 

27 27 

The club is currently in recess, but we had a club day out on the Isle of 

Bute. The island has lots to offer, but our main purpose for being there was 

to visit Mount Stuart House, which is a few miles from Rothesay. If you 

have never visited Mount Stuart then it is a must see for the future. The 

house, Victorian neo-gothic design, has been described as Scotland’s, if 

not Britain’s, finest specimen of domestic architecture in existence. Check 

out Mount Stuart online to get an idea of this sandstone mansion’s beautiful, 

very extravagant, interior and gardens. Unfortunately we were unable to 

take photographs of the interiors to share with you due to the current policy 

of no interior photography. 

Today’s images, 

like last month, 

are a selection 

from the club’s 

Projected Image 

evenings. The 

first image (right), 

Electrifying Lights, 

was captured last 

October by Derrick 

McPherson at the 

annual ‘Enchanted 

Forest’ event, 

Faskally Wood, 

Pitlochry. 

The second 

image (left), 

Auld Reekie, 

was taken by 

James Goodall 

as the light was 

fading from the 

roof tops of 

Edinburgh. 

The final image 

(below), Half 

Moon Bay, 

Antarctica, was 

taken by John 

Houston, who sadly passed away earlier this year. These thumbnail images 

can never do justice 

to the originals, but 

gives you an idea 

of the type of work 

produced by club 

members. 

Our next meeting 

will be held on 

Monday 14th 

September. 

Details will be 

provided in the 

September issue of 

The Advertizer and 

on our website. 

Membership of the club is only £10 for the first year. If you wish to find 

out more about Langbank Camera Club please visit our website: www. 

langbankcameraclub.weebly.com or contact Derrick McPherson at 

langbankcc1@gmail.com with your enquiries. 

New President for 

Gryffe Valley Rotary 

Gryffe Valley Rotary has a new President. At a recent handover meeting, 

outgoing President Angus Matheson handed over the reins (or more 

accurately, the chain of office!) to incoming president David Fairbairn. 

Looking back on his 

year in the hot seat, 

Angus paid tribute to Ian 

Jackson and his team for 

raising over £30,000 and 

delivering the Wheelyboat 

project at Castle Semple. 

Wheelchair – bound sailors 

are now able to get out 

onto the water and enjoy 

a spectacular ride! Ian’s 

team also organised another successful outing for Renfrewshire Young 

Carers to Xscape, and were able to provide some financial support to a 

number of local causes including Hospices, Quarriers, the Renfrewshire 

food bank, Colourful Kilmacolm and Brighter Bridge of Weir. 

Angus went on to confirm another successful year for John Douglas and 

his team who organised a range of events for local young people. These 

included the Young Chef, Young Writer, Youth Speaks, Young Photographer 

and primary School Quiz competitions plus support and funding for the 

Euroscola visit to the EU parliament in Strasburg and some other overseas 

trips by local youngsters. 

Sai Kumar had led the team which had focussed on supporting overseas 

projects during the year. Contributions had been made to a range of good 

causes including Water Aid, Shelterbox, Mary’s Meals and ROKPA, and 

special events had raised funds for Rotary’s Polio Plus project, and for Olivia 

Giles’ 500 Miles charity. There was even a wee contribution to Kilmacolm’s 

twinning project with Merignes! 

Finally Angus thanked all members for their hard work over the year, 

and also the local trusts, organisations, businesses and friends who had 

supported and contributed to our projects. 

David recognised the contribution that Angus had made to a successful 

year, and confirmed that he was a hard act to follow! He hoped that the 

upcoming year would be one of consolidation, with new teams carrying on 

down the same paths in support of local and international communities. A 

major challenge would be delivering the new Therapeutic Toys project for 

disabled children, where fundraising was already underway with a minimum 

target of £10,000. He also hoped that a few new members could be 

attracted to join – not only to share in the fun and fellowship of the meetings 

and events, but also as a practical means of putting something back into 

the community which increasingly requires the support of Rotarians and 

the like.


New Parking Proposals for 

Inverclyde Towns & Villages 

Inverclyde Council’s Environment & 

Regeneration Committee has approved a 

package of parking restriction proposals in 

towns and villages outside Greenock. 

The new strategies for Port Glasgow, Gourock, Kilmacolm, 

Quarriers, Inverkip and Wemyss Bay will now go out to public consultation. 

If there are no objections they could be in place by next summer. 

Environment & Regeneration Convener Councillor Michael McCormick 

said: “Last year we brought in new restrictions for Greenock town centre to 

provide better managed parking and availability of spaces, improved access 

for deliveries and of course to improve pedestrian safety. We have since 

amended those arrangements after listening to local residents and businesses 

and we decided we should also look at parking in the wider communities of 

Inverclyde. They are not as badly affected by pressures for parking space as 

Greenock, but nevertheless we felt it was important to come up with tailored 

parking strategies to cater for the effects of an increase in the use of private 

cars.” The new strategies have been drawn up following discussions with 

local traders, community councils and requests from members of the public 

in each town and village. 

Gourock: On-street limited waiting on Kempock Street will increase 

from 30 minutes to 1 hour stay duration and on Lower Kempock Street 

will be introduced at 1 hour. A disc zone will be introduced on Kempock 

Street, Lower Kempock Street and Kempock Place. Parking spaces will be 

created on Cove Road, Adelaide Street, Kempock Place and Shore Street. 

A restriction of ‘No Waiting 8-9am, Mon-Sat’ will be promoted outside the 

Co-op on Cardwell Road to cater for early morning deliveries. A restriction of 

‘No Waiting 8-9am, Mon-Sat’ will be promoted outside the Co-op on Shore 

Road to cater for early morning deliveries. Kempock Street car park would 

be free. The 40 spaces between its west access and the Gourock Pool would 

have no time limit. The remaining 121 spaces would be restricted to 3 hours. 

The new Council car parks outside the station would be charged at £1 a day 

to provide long stay spaces protected from rail commuter use. Faulds Park 

Road would have ‘No waiting at any time’ restrictions applied on both sides 

from Cloch Road to Finbraken Drive. A Keep Clear marking on Albert Road 

would be strengthened to a ‘No waiting at any time’ restriction. A short length 

of ‘No waiting at any time’ restriction would be applied to Kirn Drive outside St 

Ninian’s Primary School to improve visibility at the S-bend. 

Port Glasgow: On-street limited waiting will remain of 30 minute stay 

duration. Off-street car parks will remain unchanged. A loading bay will be 

provided to the rear of Iceland on King Street to stop delivery vehicles parking 

end-on and blocking the road. A length of ‘No waiting at any time’ restriction 

will be applied to Glen Avenue to protect the entrance to a car park. A length 

of ‘No waiting at any time’ restrictions will be applied to the entrance to 

Boglestone Community Centre to help with access and egress. A Keep Clear 

marking at the Port Glasgow Pool on Bay Street will be strengthened to a 

‘No waiting at any time’ restriction. Parking spaces on Scarlow Street will be 

removed to accommodate a new private car park entrance. 

Kilmacolm and Quarriers: On-street limited waiting in the village 

centre will increase from 30 minutes to 2 hour stay duration. A disc zone will 

be introduced in the village centre. Off-street car parks will remain unchanged, 

i.e. Free and uncontrolled for 24 hours. A ‘No waiting, no loading at any time’ 

restriction will be applied to one side of Elphinstone Court to help with access 

and egress. A ‘No waiting at any time’ restriction will be applied to part of 

Moss Road to help with access. A limited waiting restriction will be removed 

from parking spaces on Lochwinnoch Road opposite the former Police Office. 

Investigations will be undertaken into the practicality of creating more onstreet 

parking at Market Place and extending the Cargill Centre car park 

Inverkip and Wemyss Bay: A ‘No waiting at any time’ restriction will 

be applied to the turning head at the cul-de-sac of Station Avenue, Inverkip 

and a ‘No waiting 8am-6pm Monday to Friday’ restriction will be promoted on 

Station Avenue from Kip Avenue to its turning head to control park and ride 

parking.


29 29 

Private Parking Tickets 

‘CAN Be Challenged In Court’ 

People who are charged unfairly by private car parks have grounds for legal 

challenge - according to a new legal opinion obtained by Citizens Advice 

Scotland (CAS). 

CAS has been campaigning on the 

issue since last year, when our It’s Not 

Fine campaign found that many Scots 

are being charged huge amounts of 

money for very short over-stays. It also 

found that private car parks often don’t 

have clear signage setting out their 

fees, and that many firms were using 

aggressive and misleading tactics 

when pursuing debts. 

Since we started that campaign we 

have seen massive increases in the 

number of Scots seeking our advice on the issue: 

• The number of people coming into a Scottish CAB with a private 

parking issue has increased by 45% in the last year. 

• On our self-help website, the number of people seeking advice on the 

issue was 4,000 in February 2013, but had risen to 25,000 in March 

2015. 

• Our consumer helpline took just under 60 calls about the issue in the 

first quarter of year 2012/13. By the final quarter of year 2014/15 the 

figure was over 160. 

Now, the expert Legal Opinion commissioned by CAS has stated that 

consumers can challenge tickets issued by private car parks, and for the 

first time has set out the grounds on which they can do so. 

A761 Roadworks - Kilmacolm 

to Bridge of Weir 

The works now completed were part of Inverclyde Council’s £29 million 

investment to improve local roads. 

The works on the A761 come on the back of recent major resurfacing and 

drainage works completed on the B786, B788 and the replacement of 

Nittingshill Bridge in Quarriers Village. 

The works include replacement of defective carriageway surfacing, and 

extensive improvements to roads drainage systems to assist the removal 

of surface water from the carriageway during heavy rainfall. 

The drainage works includes ditch clearance, renewal of drainage pipes, 

a new filter drain with chambers and the installation of a new kerb line 

to support the drainage systems and provide edge retention to improve 

the structure of the carriageway. The drainage work has been done in 

collaboration with Renfrewshire as the works extend eastwards into their 

Council area. 

The carriageway between the junction with the B788 to the boundary with 

Renfrewshire has been completely resurfaced, along with the well-used 

Knapp’s layby. 

Overall, the Roads team have laid approximately 2000 tonnes of surfacing 

materials, installed over 300m of drainage pipework and 400 metres of road 

kerbing to complete this project. 

To minimise disruption to the travelling public, Inverclyde Roads bosses 

planned to complete the resurfacing works overnight - something readers 

of the Advertizer have agreed was a positive move. 

Inverclyde Council would like to thank commuters for their patience and 

support during the works. 

looking for 

someone 

local? 

www.advertizer.co.uk/clients 

Traffic Jam at Lochwinnoch 

On a warm summer day in July (yes, we had a couple!), Daddy swan held 

up all the traffic until both sides stopped then all the family crossed safely. 

Pictures courtesy of Stephen Murphy, Scotland from the Roadside.


bishopton, langbank 

& bridge of weir 

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

Bishopton Gala Day 

This was a very special 

day. 

The Queen and her ladies 

was brought in a horse 

drawn carriage. 

There was much excitement 

between the children and 

the minions on the float. 

Stolen from Garden 

Would the person who stole the four solar garden lights from a front garden in 

Barrcraig Road, Bridge of Weir on Saturday 12th July, please return them (no 

questions asked) as they were a gift. 

Gryffe Voices 

Village 

Drop-In 

Cafe 

At Langbank Church 

hall every Monday in 

August from 2pm -4pm. 

Everyone will be made 

very welcome, young and 

old, so why not ‘drop in’ 

for a cuppa and a chat. 

What's on at Bernies Cafe Deli 

Saturday 15 Aug – Musicals Open Mic - in aid of The Beatson Unit 

The opportunity to sing your favourite musicals song (by prior arrangement). 

Light mini-board supper included. 

Only £10! The full venue is almost sold out! Hurry for the last handful. Look 

up our FB page for the link to book or call and ask for Karen for info. 

Planning a Party? 

We’ve hosted and are booked for several fantastic private functions ranging 

from 50th & 21st birthday parties, men’s club gatherings, meetings and even 

a hen night coming up? Come and talk with us about planning your bespoke 

evening. event! 

A new community choir, for all adults who enjoy singing, 

meeting on Monday evenings from 8pm to 9.45pm at 

Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of Weir. Come 

and join us if you like singing and want to have fun, 

whether or not you read music. Contact gryffevoices@ 

gmail.com. 

Langbank RagBag Recycle Bin 

There is now a permanent RagBag Recycle bin sited in the school car park 

of Langbank Primary School for any of your unwanted textiles (no duvets or 

pillows). Any money raised from this will go to Langbank Playgroup. If anyone 

has any items and is unable to get to the recycle bin please call Jacqueline on 

01475 540728. Thank you in advance. 

Line Dancing 

Learn a skill that keeps you mentally and physically fit 

without getting bored. EVERYONE can line dance! Why 

not give it a go? If you’re interested, please call 01505 

341611 for further details. 

Antiques Valuation Day 

Anita Manning is coming to Bridge of Weir! 

The antiques expert, seen regularly on 

Television, will be holding a valuation 

day in the Royal British Legion Club on 

Thursday 8 October. 

Bridge of Weir Community Council has 

arranged for her and a team of experts 

to come to the village and value your 

prized possessions. Get up into the loft 

and look out those family heirlooms 

and bring them along to the British Legion.


Memorial - Bridge of Weir and 

the First World War 

31 31 

100 years ago this month – August 1915 

Andrew Gardiner, Canterbury Battalion 

Robert Milroy, Wellington Regiment 

John MacDougall, 6th HLI 

August 1915 was the worst 

month of the war to date 

for Bridge of Weir, and all 

three fatalities were in the 

spectacularly unsuccessful 

Gallipoli campaign. Two 

of those who died were 

ANZACS. The Gardiner 

family lived in Lairds Land, 

Main Street for about 11 

years before moving to 

Carluke in 1900 where the 

father became a mining 

contractor. By 1911 young Andrew had followed his father down the mine. But 

the lure of a new life took him to New Zealand and he was labouring near 

Canterbury when war broke out. Within a week he had volunteered. After time 

spent defending the Suez Canal, he was sent to Gallipoli in April 1915. The 

ANZACS fought in the Battle of Sari Bair in August 1915, taking the Chunuk Bair 

ridge, but only for a few days. 

Robert Milroy was born in 1888, son of a journeyman mason from Kirkinner, 

Wigtownshire, who built a number of properties in Mill Brae (hence Kirkinner 

Place). Young Robert worked for a time in William Shanks thread mill but 

emigrated to New Zealand in 1911. He volunteered in March 1915, joining 

the Wellington Regiment. He also fought at Gallipoli in the same draft of 

reinforcements as Andrew Gardiner, and was killed on 8th August, one day 

after Andrew. Both are recorded on the Chunuk Bair memorial with 850 of their 

colleagues whose bodies were never recovered. 

John MacDougall was born in Greenock in 1882, one of eleven of a family 

born to Doctor John MacDougall and Martha Park. After Doctor John died, 

sometime before 1911, Martha bought ‘Locksley’, a substantial villa recently 

built in Ranfurly. John joined the 6th battalion (City of Glasgow) HLI which sailed 

with the 52nd Division to Suez in May 1915, also guarding the Suez Canal 

for a time before landing at Cape Helles, Gallipoli in early July. He was killed 

six weeks later in an attack on G12 trench, infamous for the hopelessness 

of the task. At one point, one company refused to go forward in the face of 

almost certain death, resulting in an inquiry. No punitive action was taken. John 

MacDougall was posted missing presumed dead, only his name enduring on 

the Cape Helles memorial alongside 21,000 others who fell at Gallipoli and 

have no known grave. 

In January 1916, all troops were withdrawn from Gallipoli, one of the Allies’ 

most costly failures in the entire war. 

Read more about Andrew, Robert and John’s life and untimely death at http:// 

www.bridgeofweirmemorial.co.uk 

Gordon Masterton 

Work to begin on Livery Walk 

Car Park, Bridge of Weir 

Works to resurface the car park in Livery Walk, Bridge of Weir 

will take place on 9 August, with works due to last 5 days. 

During this time the car park is likely to be closed, but 

works will be carried out as quickly as possible to minimise 

disruption. 

BoW Festival 

Blackpool Trip 

Fabulous Offer - Blackpool Weekend 

Bridge of Weir Festival committee are delighted to 

announce that the Blackpool trip this year is to go 

ahead from Friday 23 to Monday 26 October (not 

as misprinted in the Gala Programme) at a cost of 

£135. 

For further details please contact B Lethorn on 01505 

615992 to arrange payment of the non-returnable £20 deposit to book your 

place on the bus. The balance can be paid up in instalments or in full no later 

by the 1st October. 

Pigs, Porkies and 

Lies Damn Lies 

John Henry Bennett (from Bridge of Weir) is the 

pseudonym of the author. 

He spent his early years 

serving in the British 

Army in the Middle 

East, followed by a 

commercial career 

in the UK, France, 

Middle East and 

Gulf. 

From his various bases he travelled extensively, 

including Eastern Europe, Hungary, Russia, North 

America, Africa, Asia, including India and Pakistan; 

SE Asia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore 

and Malaysia. 

PIGS, his first book of a trilogy, opens with the 

Buncefield Oil Terminal disaster of Sunday, the 

11th December 2005, the largest explosion on mainland Britain since WWII. 

Was this an accident, or a terrorist attack? 

His second book PORKIES has just been released, and the third books of the 

trilogy, LIES, DAMN LIES, will be released in December 2015. 

Books can be purchased at www.amazon.co.uk in paperback, hardback and 

Kindle. 

Erskine Festival Week 2015 

Erskine Town Centre 

Join us this August to celebrate the biggest event ever held in Erskine! Erskine 

Festival will take place from 10-16 August, with events happening all week, all 

over town. 

From Art Exhibitions to Junior and Adult Fun Runs, Writers Events to Treasure 

Hunts there’s something for everyone. A fun filled Gala Day complete with 

Vintage/Sports Car Display, the infamous Quack Commandos and more food 

and music than T in the Park is set to round off this exciting week. 

For more information on times and venues, see the festival website at http:// 

erskinefestival.co.uk/


bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir 

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

I am delighted the car park at Livery Walk in Bridge of Weir is 

to be resurfaced. Residents and shoppers have been asking 

for this work for some time and the car park is in bad need 

of this work. The work will unfortunately cause a few days 

of disruption, but it is generally agreed that this short-term 

inconvenience will be well worth it. 

The Cargill Hall is well used, but could do with some 

improvement work. I am pleased the Council, as part 

of a £3million investment in community centres across 

Renfrewshire, will be utilising some of this money to improve 

the fabric of the Cargill Hall. 

Bridge of Weir Primary School will be the first primary school 

in Renfrewshire to have a biomass boiler installed. The installation of the boiler 

will help reduce energy consumption and provide a carbon neutral system 

which will benefit the environment. 

The health board and the council are working together to consider options to 

improve access and parking within the vicinity of the Health Centre in Bishopton. 

This will include cutting back vegetation to improve sight lines for exiting onto 

Greenock Road. The aim of this it to ease congestion in the health centre car 

park and create improved access for patients, staff and most importantly 

emergency vehicles. 

I was pleased to support a number of grant applications to community groups 

across the ward at the last meeting of the Local Area Committee. This included 

grants for two rest benches to Bishopton Community Council, for the festive 

lights switch-on to Bridge of Weir Community Council, support for the Bridge of 

Weir Festival Committee for Gala Day, Festival Week and Christmas events and 

a grant to Bridge of Weir Memorial Society to help with the publishing costs of 

a book to mark the contribution of the men of Bridge of Weir who gave their 

lives in the Great War, support for Brighter Bridge of Weir who do so much to 

improve the area and a grant to The Bridge to help with refurbishment costs 

and improving the website of this valuable community resource. All of these 

groups depend on volunteers and the support is well deserved. 

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

Langbank PS (from 6pm) and Bishopton Library (from 6.45pm) and Cargill Hall, 

Bridge of Weir 4th Wednesday (from 6.30pm). Tel: 0300 300 1295. 

The St Mary’s September 

Festival Flowers, Art Exhibition 

and Music 

St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Bridge of Weir 

Sunday 6 September to Sunday 13 September 

Programme: 

Sunday 6 September: (also Open Doors Day)– 10am 

Service; 12noon Beautiful Flower Festival and Art 

Exhibition. There will be a Puppet Show at 2.30pm and 

3.30pm (for children of all ages!) 

Monday 7 September to Friday 11 September: Open 

every day 2pm – 5pm. There will be teas, coffee and 

home-baking throughout the week. Good car parking 

space opposite the church. 

Additional Events during the week: 

Wednesday 9 September: 7.30pm Illustrated Lecture 

on Faith and Art by the Revd Dr Donald Orr 

Friday 11 September: A Choral and Instrumental 

Concert by the St Maura Singers of the Cathedral of 

the Isles, Cumbrae. There will be a wine reception the 

interval 

Sunday 13 September: in St Mary’s at 10am Festival 

United Service of Worship with St Machar’s Church of 

Scotland, led by the Revd David 

Gifford and Revd Suzanne 

Dunleavy. 

At 2.30pm: Late Summer 

Afternoon Tea with live 

Chamber Music 

Bridge of Weir 

Community Council 

During the summer recess the Community Council has continued to work on 

behalf of the Village Residents. 

Submissions have been made to Councillor Holmes regarding the closure of 

the Car park at Livery Walk for resurfacing which is scheduled for early August 

this will obviously cause major disruption for businesses and residents. 

Renfrewshire Forum of Community Council’s has been discussing the 

Empowerment Bill and how this will affect the communities of Renfrewshire, 

Bridge of Weir Community Council have submitted a response on accessing 

funds for future park equipment improvements. 

Renfrewshire Council are holding elections for membership of Community 

Councils during September. The current Community Council will demit office at 

the next meeting on 1st September. 

Community Council’s are the grass roots of communities, and are consulters 

to Planning, Licensing and other matters The Community Council is also 

represented on the Local Area Committee (LAC) and Renfrewshire Forum of 

Community Councils. (RFCC). Currently we are looking for new members who 

are interested in their community and feel they have something positive to 

contribute. The term of office is for four years, and our regular meetings are 

held on the first Tuesday of each month, with no meetings in January, July or 

August. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Community Council, or becoming 

a member telephone the Chairman on 01505 613325 or Secretary on 01505 

613317 for information. 

On the Buses: The Chairman was due to attend a meeting along with others 

from Bridge of Weir with the Managing Director of McGill’s buses to discuss 

local issues, unfortunately the meetings arranged for May and June were 

cancelled and no new date has been fixed. 

McGill’s have introduced the School Holiday Ticket on the X7 after requests 

from the Community Council. 

Langbank Bridge Club 

We are actively seeking new members for our small, 

friendly club which meets for Bridge every Wednesday 

evening at 7.30pm in Langbank village Centre. You don’t 

need to be very experienced - we don’t take ourselves too 

seriously! We would welcome a visit, even if you don’t join. Any further details 

from Sheila Cowan, tel. 01475 540609. 

The Bridge Community Centre, 

63 Main Street, Bridge of Weir 

Here we are in August and heading towards the start of another new school year. Items from our Stationery 

selection are perfect for filling those shiny new pencil cases!! 

Post Office Have you considered buying your Home Insurance from the Post 

Office? If aged over 50, the Post Office guarantees to beat customer’s renewal 

quotes by at least £50. Please ask Donald, Pat or Anne for more information. 

Calendars Coming soon to The Bridge - as we are looking to build on the 

success of previous years the Trustees have produced a Local Calendar for 2016 

with the invaluable assistance of members of Paisley Colour Photographic Club. The A4 sized calendar 

incorporates 12 colourful photographs of scenes and landmarks around Bridge of Weir and district along 

with a diary section to note all your important dates. The calendar will be on sale in The Bridge from 

Monday, 14th September. 

Christmas Cards The Bridge’s very own packs of Christmas cards designed by local artist, Alison 

Bannerman, will be available for purchase at the end of September. We will also have a selection of other 

Christmas cards on sale. 

Film Club Renew your interest in films. Please pick up our printed programme of films to be shown in 

The Bridge on a fortnightly basis from August to December. 

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

The Bridge Community Centre, Shop and more importantly Post Office to serve the village. 

(Opening Hours: Mon – 9am to 5pm (PO closed 12noon to 12.30pm); Tues & Fri – 1pm to 

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


33 33 

As the August issue of The Advertizer goes out, I am 

hopeful that the Livery Walk car park in Bridge of Weir will 

be about to be resurfaced with the minimum of disruption. 

The bottom of Kilgraston Road is also going to get some 

resurfacing work. 

Have you been out on your bike recently? Many people object 

to cyclists coming on them suddenly while out walking, 

especially if approaching from behind. For a limited period 

only, if you visit Thomsons Cycles in Paisley, you can request 

a free bell for your bicycle - just mention my name. 

Will Bishopton get another pharmacy? Mr Andrew Mooney 

wishes to open a new community pharmacy at 19 Greenock 

Road and the NHS has gone out to consultation about it. You can give your 

views buy completing the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/BISHOPTON The 

consultation is aimed at gauging the level of public support for this proposal. I 

would also be happy to hear your views. The consultation process will last from 

Friday 3rd July 2015 and will close at 5pm on Tuesday 10th November 2015. 

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. 

LEAP Back to School and Work 

Bike Maintenance Workshops 

If you cycle to school or work and want to get to grips with 

keeping your cycle in good working order, a bike maintenance 

workshop might be just what you need. Following the success 

of LEAP’s Bike Swap in June and our E-Bike hire scheme, 

we’re keen to promote safe cycling in August. Whether 

you cycle regularly or occasionally, good bike maintenance 

knowledge is central to your experience and enjoyment. Sign up 

for a bike maintenance workshop with LEAP, your local energy saving charity at 

our office in Advance Place, Bridge of Weir, call 01505 612034 or email susie@ 

myleapproject.org.


Bridge of Weir Gala Day 2015 

A wee selection of pictures from the Gala Day in June. We were delighted to see 

Gordon Lethorn attending on the day. Yet another highly successful event - well 

done everyone involved!


35 35 

Bridge of Weir TARA 

The latest meeting of Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents Association was 

a lively affair, with our thanks to Councillor James MacLaren, Renfrewshire 

Wardens Service and the Police for their attendance. 

The Police report showed there were 24 crimes committed in the village over 

the last two months, of which the murder of a 43 year old Paisley man was by far 

the worst. The Police are still gathering information as regards the murder and 

anyone who thinks they may have seen the victim between the morning of Friday 

10th July and 7.55pm on Monday 13th July are asked to phone Crimestoppers 

on 0800 555 111. Housebreakings, attempted housebreakings, vandalism and 

breaches of the peace account for the majority of the other crimes. 

The Wardens Service reported that they'd patrolled parts of the village 103 times 

since the beginning of May. During these visits they have dealt with litter, trade 

waste, fly posting and dog fouling issues. 

The whole of Livery Walk car park will be closed for up to five days for resurfacing 

work from Sunday 9th August. 

The TARA committee would like to thank all those who supported our stall on Gala 

Day and helped us to raise £189. Our thanks to Councillor James MacLaren for 

helping us out on the stall. The "Booze" hampers were won by James MacKenzie 

and Mark Lindsay, and the £50 of Co-op vouchers by Jeanette Stuart. Committee 

member Linda McClure's "Guess the number of sweets in the jars" raised £43 and 

this money along with a donation of £20 from TARA was sent to Erskine Hospital. 

The next meeting of TARA will be on the 18th August at 7.30pm at a venue to be 

confirmed.


kilmacolm & 

quarriers 

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

Kilmacolm Flower Show 

Saturday 5 September in the New Community 

Centre, Kilmacolm. 

Exhibitors from all gardening clubs in Renfrewshire or 

Inverclyde are most welcome, also new exhibitors who 

could enter the Novice classes in Flowers, or Vegetables, 

or Pot Plants. Or how about a selection of garden flowers in 

a vase (Class 117). The Kitchencraft for jams and homebaking 

are always popular, and the artistry of the Floral Art section is challenging and 

rewarding. 

We are pleased to encourage entries in the Children’s classes, and look forward 

to the traditional Picture Gallery from the primary school children. For a flower 

show schedule, please contact Jill Russell (show secretary) on 01505 872393. 

The Show opens to the public for viewing at 11am, with prizegiving at 3.30pm. 

Sòlas – Bereavement Drop-In 

“sòlas” the Gaelic word for comfort and consolation, and the name of a new 

bereavement drop-in group for Kilmacolm and the wider area. 

Arising out of a perceived need by a group of people from Kilmacolm Old Kirk it 

is open to people of all faiths and none. 

Those who have lost loved ones recently or some time ago will know that one of 

the most difficult hurdles to overcome is to get out and about again, to face the 

world as an individual, and this is a gentle way of taking that process forward. 

Sòlas is here to help you to take those first steps, providing; 

• a welcome and support over tea and coffee, 

• a listening ear from people who understand, 

• an opportunity to view audio-visual material in a group setting 

which may be helpful, and, if you wish to, take part in a relaxation session. 

Sòlas is a facility offering support rather than counselling, but is overseen by 

people qualified in this area. It is open to anyone who has been bereaved and 

would like to meet others with similar experiences in a safe and friendly place. 

The group meet on the second Thursday of each month. 

The next meeting in the Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm is on 

Thursday 13 August between 6.30pm and 8.30pm (drop in any time). 

Kilmacolm Bridge Club 

The Kilmacolm Bridge Club resumes play on Monday 7 September. 

We meet in the New Community Centre and play commences 

at 7.15pm. The Club is a member of the Scottish Bridge Union, 

with two teams playing in the Renfrewshire Bridge League. We 

welcome new members to the Club, and during the first three 

weeks of September you are invited to come along as playing 

guests and check out the competitive, but friendly, play of duplicate bridge 

together. For further information please contact the Club Secretary, Norma 

Gourlay on 01505 872478. 

Angel Voices 

Angel Voices is a Community Children’s Choir in association with St Fillan’s 

Church Kilmacolm for boys and girls from 7 years upwards – the only 

requirement to join is to love singing! 

The Choir is taught by Professional Music Teacher and Singer, Helen Knight and 

Piano Accompanist Archie Morris who is a student at the Royal Conservatoire 

in Glasgow. 

We welcome new members to 

join Angel Voices. Rehearsals 

begin for the Autumn Term on 

Friday 4th September 6pm 

– 7pm For more information 

please contact Maureen 

Russell on 01505 872905 

email: maureenmrussell@ 

hotmail.com 

Photograph: Angel Voices 

Choir enjoyed singing in the 

Cargill Centre for the French 

Visitors from Merignies in June. 

Campbell 

Snowdon 

Garden Party 

Sat 15 August at Campbell 

Snowdon House, Quarrier’s 

Village from 2pm to 4pm 

Come along and join us in our 

beautiful garden for afternoon tea, 

home baking, stalls and enjoy some 

good old fashioned family games. All 

welcome. 

St Colm’s 


Saturday 22 August from 10am 

- 12noon in the New Village 

Centre, Kilmacolm 

Home Baking, Jams and Preserves, 

Hand-Made Crafts, Tombola, Raffle 

and lots more. 

Tickets - £2.50 (50p children) 

Includes tea / coffee and a selection 

of cakes / scones 

Kilmacolm Girl is National Winner 

Sandra Crawford, Kilmacolm, a member of both 

Paisley and Gourock classes of The Fitness League 

recently won a ‘Strictly Walking’ Competition held In 

The Royal Albert Hall, part of the 2015 Celebration 

Show, over 40 members from all over the country 

and abroad, took part in the international heat which 

was narrowed down to 7 finalists, 3 of which were 

Scottish, Sandra being chosen as the overall winner. 

Sandra seen here with Fitness League Patron Sophie 

Ellis Bexter receiving her trophy. Also in the picture 

is Sybil, Sophie’s grandmother who has been a life 

long member of Fitness League previously known as 

Woman’s League of Health and Beauty. 

Fitness League classes have been running for over 80yrs throughout the country with emphasise 

on ‘Movement is Life’ and ‘Posture in Motion’. Classes are designed to encourage movement in a 

rhythmical and progressive system of exercise. 

Mary Bagot Stack, the founder of the League, believed that whole body movement and the use of 

music to aid this was crucial in individual achievement and enhanced the enjoyment of exercise. 

The Bagot Stack has been in use since 1925. 

Fitness League classes have been running in Gourock for 30 yrs, for the last 15yrs in Old Gourock 

and Ashton Parish Church Hall, Monday’s at 10.30am. Information can be found at www. 

thefitnessleague.com.


37 37 

The Kilmacolm Primary School end of year service was again 

conducted by P7 at a full St Columba's Church. The leavers 

excelled themselves. Mrs Grace Reid opened and closed the 

proceedings for the third time in her role as acting head. She will 

be a difficult act to follow. I was remiss in not mentioning former 

KPS pupils who featured in the High School’s presentation of 

Singing In The Rain, namely Niamh and Beth McKenna, Jonny 

Murray and Hamish Wards. 

St Stephen's High School gave us a memorable performance of 

the musical Annie. All years were represented from 1st to 6th. I 

also attended at the shared campus the primary prize-giving for 

Craigmarloch, our Inverclyde special needs school. I presented 

the trophy to the top P7 student Logan Munley, who with others will now move to the 

secondary facility at the school. This new school combined Lilybank and Glenburn 

schools and has received universal credit for its facilities and standard of assistance 

that the staff can give our youngsters. 

The address at St Columba's Senior school prize-giving was given by the Hon Lady 

Wise QC who gave a humorous and inspiring insight into her school days and her 

time on the bench. The Rector and the Chair of the Board Colin McClatchie updated 

parents on the fund raising and the significant on-going building and facility 

developments at both schools. The traditional piping rendition of Highland Cathedral 

brought an end to proceedings. The Junior School prizegiving was conducted by Anna 

Sloan and Eve Muirhead, members of the medal winning British and Scottish ladies 

curling team. Ms Muirhead gave a talk on striving for success, the hard work involved 

and the importance of not giving up. 

A proposal was put to members of the Policy and Resources Executive Sub 

Committee regarding the Council’s submission to the Commission on Local Tax 

Reform. Effectively, it would mean an increase in Council Tax and was based on the 

premise that "property values are a proxy for wealth". A widow in a large house is not 

necessarily wealthy and similarly neither are those with a large mortgage. Even those 

in a modestly priced house would incur greater Council Tax. I hope this proposal will 

not come to fruition as I was unanimously out voted on the issue. 

The demolition of the old Institute has been problematical, due in my opinion to 

trying to cut corners. It is my understanding that DemMasters, a most reputable 

demolition operator, has been appointed and the demolition will take place on the 

weekend of 1st August. It will entail the closing of Smithy Brae to vehicles for a couple 

of days. Pedestrian access will be via Gibson Lane and Rosebank Terrace. The site 

will eventually contain a much bigger Co-operative Store and some 10 or so flats. 

Our grounds maintenance crew are trying to eliminate the moles from the cemetery 

and the mess and destruction they cause. Farmers have various methods of 

despatching moles. Traps, gas or strychnine injected into worms in the runs. I am 

sure that our method will be humane. 

The decision has been made to partially remove the weir at Gottar Water which 

will allow salmon to access the upper reaches of the Water where there are ample 

spawning grounds. There has been significant necessary road tarmacking in 

Quarriers, including the length of Torr Road. 

I take the opportunity of congratulating the Advertizer on its 20th birthday. Colin 

and Rona have done a super job and really provide valuable information for our 

Renfrewshire villages. 

I can be contacted at david.wilson@ 

inverclyde.gov.uk and 01475 712727 

and 741969, mobile 07766 992294 

My surgery is at the Cargill Centre 

Monday 24th August 1-2pm. 

Ava’s Drama 

Award 

This gorgeous wee girl is Ava Crawford 

with her drama class Achievement 

Award. 

The drama class is Acting for Fun 

in the Scout Hall, Kilmacolm on 

Thursdays 6pm-8pm during term 

time. 

Well done Ava! 

Debbie says goodbye 

Debbie Grant, owner of 

Java Minute in Kilmacolm, 

has handed over the reins 

to new owners. Due to 

the process of selling the 

business, Debbie had little 

time to let anyone know, 

but would now like to take 

the opportunity to say thank 

you and goodbye to all the 

loyal customers and staff 

who have supported the 

business over the years. 

Funnily enough, it was 

exactly 14 years to the day – 26 June 2001-26 June 2015 – that the new 

owners took over. During those years, Debbie has seen so many customers 

come through the doors – cyclists looking for sustenance to get them on 

their way again, regular groups, both young and not so young, business 

meetings and young mum groups. And she has enjoyed watching her staff 

grow and mature from youngsters with a Saturday job through to them 

moving on to University, getting married and having their own children. 

Debbie would also like to thank her family for their support through the 

years, sometimes with little choice! But their help has been invaluable in 

making the business succeed. 

Over those 14 years, there have been some milestone events in Kilmacolm. 

Java Minute was in prime position for the Olympic Baton Relay travelling 

through the village, and Debbie and the staff put on special events to mark 

the Royal Wedding and Wimbledon. 

And during all that time, the cafe has been open 7 days a week, only 

closing for Christmas and New Year. I’m sure you’ll all agree that Debbie 

deserves a wee break now. 

Finally, Debbie would like to wish the new owners, Morag and Clare, every 

success in their new venture. 

Summer 

Duplicate 

Bridge 

If you would like 

to play Bridge 

during the 

summer months 

why not come along to the 

Kilmacolm Community Centre 

on Monday evenings at 7pm 

for a 7.15pm start. 

Come with a partner or come 

alone and hope to find one 

there. 

Further information Tel: 

01505 872345. 

Thank you! 

The team at the Advertizer would 

like to thank David (Wilson) for 

his good wishes on our 20th 

anniversary. 

We couldn't do it without all the 

support we get from businesses 

and contributors, so thank you 

all!


kilmacolm & quarriers 

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

July is normally a quiet month for us with 

the Council in recess and this year has 

been no exception. 

We have received a lot of positive 

feedback about the Council’s upgrading 

of the A761 between Kilmacolm and 

Bridge of Weir. Further investment in the 

roads infrastructure in Quarrier’s Village 

is planned for this month. Craigbet 

Road, Torr Avenue, Craigbet Avenue and 

Craigbet Crescent will be resurfaced. It is 

hoped this work will be completed in August however this is weather dependent, 

which as we know is rather unpredictable around these parts. 

We will continue to lobby for further investment in the roads in and around 

Kilmacolm and Quarrier’s Village in the years ahead. 

Smithy Brae in Kilmacolm will be closed to traffic from 8am on Saturday 1st 

August to 6pm on Sunday 2nd August in order to enable the demolition of the 

former Kilmacolm Institute building to be completed. Pedestrian access will still 

be possible during this time. As you may be aware, the demolition works were 

suspended previously following a serious accident. 

It was brought to our attention that excess commercial waste was being dumped 

next to the bins in the Kilmacolm Community Centre car park. This issue was 

raised with officers in the Council who then visited the site and found that the 

glass-recycling bins were under utilised as a result of the introduction of the 

kerbside glass-recycling scheme. Officers are now considering the removal of 

a number of the glass-recycling bins and replacing them with blue dry mixed 

recycling bins which will hopefully address the issue of excess waste being 

dumped. 

The Cross Cafe in Kilmacolm is a family business that has been at the heart of 

the village for 90 years. We would like to pass on our best wishes to Alda and 

Johanna as they make plans towards their well-earned retirement. 

Cllr McColgan - Surgeries: Thu 6 Aug, 6–7pm in Kilmacolm Community Centre 

& Tue 18 Aug, 6–7pm in Clune Park Resource Centre. Call: 01475 712727 

(during office hours) and 07881 280016 (anytime) Email: james.mccolgan@ 

inverclyde.gov.uk. Write: Inverclyde Council, Municipal Buildings, Greenock 

PA15 1LY. You can keep up to date with my work as a Councillor by visiting 

my website: http://jamesmccolgan.com. You can also follow me on Twitter @ 

jamesmccolgan. 

Cllr McCabe - Surgeries: Tues 11 Aug, 6pm- 7pm in Clune Park Resource 

Centre and Tue 25 Aug, 6.30pm – 7.30pm in Kilmacolm Community Centre. 

Call: 01475 712020 (during office hours) and 871368 (home) Email: Stephen. 

McCabe@inverclyde.gov.uk. Write: 10 Victoria Gardens, Kilmacolm PA13 4HL. 

You can keep up to date with my work as a Councillor by visiting my blog: 

http://councillorstephenmccabe.blogspot.com/ and follow me on Twitter @ 

CllrSMcCabe. 

Business as usual 

It's true that the Cross Cafe in Kilmacolm is being 

marketed for sale, but contrary to some rumours 

circulating, it is not closing. It's business as usual 

for Jo and Alda - until a suitable buyer is found. 

Carfest returns to 

St Vincent’s Hospice 

The Council have recently carried out extensive improvements 

to drainage and have completely resurfaced a section of 

the A761 Kilmacolm to Bridge of Weir Road at a cost of 

£300,000. The work which was carried out in collaboration 

with neighbouring Renfrewshire Council had been badly 

needed and will hopefully make this part of the road much 

safer. 

At the last meeting of Kilmacolm Community Council it was 

reported that well known village resident Jim Wood has 

proposed a Heritage Centre be created to display the history 

of the village. I think this is a very good idea and well worth 

supporting. At the meeting I did suggest if there is the room 

that part of the Village Centre could possibly be used for this purpose. Here is 

hoping Jim Wood’s proposal can get adequate support. 

My colleague Derek MacKay MSP has recently been unanimously re-selected 

as a candidate for the Renfrewshire North & West constituency, which takes 

in the Kilmacolm and Quarrier’s Village part of Inverclyde. Derek has done a 

fantastic job as both an MSP and a Scottish Government minister since he 

was elected in 2011. Before that he had been a councillor and Leader of 

Renfrewshire Council. My congratulations go to Derek in being re-selected as 

candidate and I wish him all the best in the campaign for next year’s Scottish 

Parliamentary Elections. 

My next surgery is on Monday 3 August in Kilmacolm Community Centre from 

6pm to 7pm. Alternatively constituents can also contact me by emailing me at 

jim.macleod@inverclyde.gov.uk, phoning me at my office on 01475 712727 or 

on my mobile on 07747 765 839 or writing to me at the Municipal Buildings, 

Clyde Square, Greenock, PA15 1LZ. 

howwood 

& elderslie 

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

Hi there, I hope everybody is having a good summer. The 

weather has not been great and as I write this article play is 

suspended at the British Open Golf at St Andrews! Still, we 

might get some sun next year! 

Good news for the village is that Street Stuff has arrived in 

the village. The school holidays can be very long for children 

and parents alike so this will hopefully keep young villagers 

amused. 

I missed the July meeting of the community council due 

to being on holiday and they themselves take a break in 

August. They meet again in September but even though 

there are no meetings I'm sure they will be keeping their eyes on the goings on 

in and around the village. 

The Bowfield had appealed against the councils decision to refuse their recent 

planning application. They won that appeal so we will see some changes at the 

hotel in the coming months. 

You may have noticed that the new car park has now opened at Johnstone 

Railway station. This improvement was hard fought for and hopefully benefit 

commuters and local residents. 

My next surgery in the village hall is at 6pm on 27th August. That is quite a while 

away but I can be contacted on 07717 432899 or by contacting the council. 

Enjoy what’s left of the summer! 

St Vincent’s Hospice in Howwood welcomed visitors to their annual motoring 

extravaganza ‘Carfest’ on the 23rd June. 

The event featured a host of classic, vintage and specialist cars including 

exclusive marquees such as Bentley and Maserati as well as motor bikes and 

other vehicles of interest. Carfest is the brainchild of local Health and Safety 

guru, Willie Chrystal of MaxSafe Solutions. 

Last year, Carfest 2014 raised over £3500 which goes to help provide special 

care for people living with life-limiting medical conditions.


houston, crosslee 

& brookfield 

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

Brookfield Gala Day 

39 39 

Saturday 22 August 

After four years of torrential rain on our usual May date, Brookfield’s Gala Day 

will be taking place on Saturday 22 August this year, so fingers crossed for a 

sunny day! However, we will be there, rain or shine! If dry, you will find us in the 

field and if wet, in and around the hall. 

There will be a range of stalls offering a combination of old favourites and new 

ideas with some fun games for all ages. We are also reintroducing the ever 

popular dog show, Crazy Crufts, with prizes to be won in various categories, 

including Brookfield’s smiliest dog. 

There will be two competitions taking place. The Garden in a Plate competition 

will be judged in the following three categories: to 0-5 years, 6-12 years and 12 

years and over (yes, adults too!), so get planning folks as our judge is looking 

expecting a diverse range of gardens. 

We are also holding a competition for the best hand drawn or painted picture 

to represent Gala Day. This competition encompasses all ages, so bring along 

your entry on the day to be judged by members of the Brookfield Art Club. 

Last, but by no means least, the tea room will be open in the hall from 2.30pm 

and will be offering the usual array of delicious, scones, pancakes and cakes 

to tempt you. So please come along, make this a day for friends, family and 

neighbours. It’s all for an excellent cause, to raise funds to maintain our lovely 

village hall and open spaces. 

PS - we would be very grateful if villagers would bedeck their hedges and gardens 

so that we can make this a truly festive occasion. There is no need to pre register 

for competitions, but further details on these and other Gala Day activities can 

be found on our various social networking sites Facebook: Brookfield Village, 

Twitter @Brookfieldvpa and our website www.brookfieldvillage.org. 

Fairtrade support in 

Renfrewshire villages & towns 

Local people are being urged to join their nearest Fairtrade community group to 

promote Fairtrade in Renfrewshire’s towns and villages. Councillor Jim Sharkey, 

Chair of the Renfrewshire Fairtrade Steering Group, gave the call for more 

members at the AGM meeting on 1 July. He also praised community groups, 

schools and local champions of Fairtrade for their continuous support to the 

social movement. During Fairtrade Fortnight, Renfrewshire came together for 

the Fairtrade Bake off and Guatemalan Fairtrade coffee and honey farmer 

Ismael Diaz Rivas visited schools and communities. 

Gryffe High School and Bridge of Weir Primary both won Fairtrade 

trophies for their outstanding efforts this year. Lochwinnoch 

also hosted the annual Big Banana Walk and Fair Trade Safari 

Suppers while Bishopton hosted pop-up cafes and family 

treasure hunts with Fairtrade prizes on offer. Rainbow Turtle 

organised One World Week event at the Piazza in October and 

supported Bridge of Weir and Houston Fairtrade Group with 

their own One World Week event in November. 

Councillor Jim Sharkey said: “Fairtrade has grown from 

strength to strength in Renfrewshire and a key part of that is 

the support from the local community. We are lucky to have 

some very dedicated people in our Fairtrade community groups but there is 

always room for many more. I would urge anyone that is passionate about 

Fairtrade to join their local group. Even if you can only spare a few hours each 

week, there is always something you can do to support the movement.” To get 

in touch with your local Fairtrade group, email fairtrade@renfrewshire.gov.uk or 

call 0141 618 6745. 

Brookfield Village Hall 

Brookfield Village Hall is an excellent venue for birthdays, weddings and other 

events. For more details on hiring the hall, please email BrookfieldVPA@gmail. 

com. For more information on village events, have a look at our website, www. 

brookfieldvillage.org,check out our ‘Brookfield Village’ Facebook page and 

follow us on Twitter: @BrookfieldVPA. 

H.O.S.T. The Carrick 

Centre, Houston 

What’s on August 

Monday to Friday, Woodlands Out of 

School 01505 615438 

MONDAY 

Yoga (from17th) 1.15pm Mary 

Laidlaw; Rockstar Tumbling Class 

(From 17th) 4.15pm Roz Hart 07734 

714131 

TUESDAY 

Paint Pot Tots (from 18th) 10am 

Dawn Campbell 07789 262350; 

Yoga (weekly) 7pm M/s Lawson 

01505 613690; Musical Theatre 

(from 18th) 4pm 

WEDNESDAY 

Leap Energy (weekly) 10am – 3pm; 

Galaxy Dance (from 19th) 4pm 

Lauren 07974 285102 

Houston and Killellan Kirk - 

Opening Ceremony 

Over the past three years 

the Congregation of Houston 

and Killellan Kirk have been 

busily raising funds to build 

a wonderful new extension/ 

annexe to our existing church. 

The new Killallan Halls have 

been built and are coming into 

THURSDAY 

Folk Club (weekly) 8pm Paddybullen@ 

live.co.uk 

FRIDAY 

Galaxy Dancing (from 21st) 4pm 

Lauren 

SATURDAY 

Galaxy Dancing (enrolment 15th) 

9.30am Lauren 

SUNDAY 

Baptist Church (weekly) 11am & 

6pm 

Booking enquiries to Ian Simpson, 

01505 612203 Sandy Young 01505 

331488 Bill Haddow 01505 690693 

hostbooking@outlook.com or The 

Coffee Shop 

use. We plan to have an opening 

ceremony on 11th September, 

with special guests including local 

councillors and past ministers 

present in addition to members of 

the Congregation. 

The new halls will transform the 

way the Church is able to serve the 

community and we are keen to publicise the halls are available for the wider 

use of the local community and potential users should contact the Minister or 

Session Clerk.


houston, crosslee & brookfield 

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

Work is continuing on the downstream side of the Crosslee Bridge with an 

estimated completion date in early August. The parapet and copes as well 

as the two pillars and string course have had to be taken down. The pillars 

and string course will be completely replaced before final work to rebuild 

the bridge followed by the reinstating of the road surface at the edge of the 

carriageway. 

The proposed street name for the Cala Homes’ site off the Houston Road 

at Lonend is ‘Hallcraigs Crescent’. The name derives from a former Quarry 

located behind the site and adjacent to Quarry Brae and a former 19th 

century property that was situated in what is locally known as Manse Field. 

I was pleased to see that after my intervention the overgrown grass from 

Deafhillock roundabout to and beyond St Benedict’s High School has been 

cut allowing the ‘Welcome to Linwood’ sign to be visible and Linwood more welcoming. The 

roundabout outside the school has also had a trim and I have been informed that this grass 

cutting will be undertaken on a scheduled basis. 

My surgeries are held on the second Tuesday of each month in Brookfield Village Hall from 6pm 

to 6.30pm then in 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.guv.uk or through Renfrewshire Council on 0300 300 1265 

Crafty Hobbies 

Crafty Hobbies is what we do 

Come and join the craft crew 

Come and learn some crafty makes 

Followed by tea and cakes 

We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursdays in the month at 

7.30pm in the Carrick Centre Houston. No previous craft 

experience necessary. We are just a group of ladies who 

enjoy making things! 

First night is Thursday 3rd September. Telephone - Lorna 

Cairns 612844 or Shirley White 610721 

Alzheimer’s Charity 

Evening 

Table Tennis 

Charity night held on 

6 June in Houston 

Bowling club 

Houston was a great 

success and we 

raised £2265.00 for 

this very deserving 

cause. 

I would like thank 

everyone that 

gave raffle prizes 

and prizes to be 

auctioned and 

everyone that helped 

making it a fabulous 

evening 

Houston Village Hall on Monday nights from 7.30-9.30pm. 

All welcome. Donation £2. Call Mark on 07968 052538. 

Broadband Speed Progress 

Regular readers will know that I have been pursuing improvements to the 

broadband speeds serving Houston for some time. Our broadband speeds have 

been very poor compared to other areas. I am grateful to the many residents 

who completed my petition for an upgrade to the Bridge of Weir exchange, which 

serves most of Houston. The Houston Community Council have been calling for 

this for some time also. I am delighted that the Bridge of Weir exchange has now 

been upgraded. The work is underway to upgrade individual cabinets around the 

village, and this means that superfast fibre optic broadband will be increasingly 

available in Houston in the coming weeks. Indeed, some parts of Houston can 

access super fast broadband providers now. To find out if your property can access 

the superfast network visit: http://www.digitalscotland.org/whereandwhen 

Road re-surfacing 

I am pleased that parts of Craigends have benefited from road resurfacing but I was very disappointed 

with the lack of communication to local residents about the road closures and knock on impact on 

bus provision in the area. I raised these concerns immediately and notices were then displayed, but 

this was little consolation to those who had already missed buses due to having not knowing they 

would have an extra distance to walk. Some elderly residents were not able to get to a bus stop at all 

and better communication needs to be part of these important improvement works. 

Local Area Committee 

As Chair of the Local Area Committee I was delighted that we were recently able to support grant 

applications from a large number of fantastic local voluntary groups. Here in Houston we were able 

to contribute towards new lighting in the Carrick Centre, provide a contribution to a family fun day 

at Crosslee Park and help with funding for the Duke of Edinburgh Award initiatives at our local 

schools. 

Crosslee Park Improvements 

Many residents will have spotted how well used the new improved Crosslee Play Park has been - a 

great credit to the hardworking volunteers who have raised funds for the park. I was pleased to 

propose £8000 of resources be allocated to install a new path within the park as it can become 

quite mucky to get to the equipment. We are also looking at improvements to the entrance. 

Keep up to date by ‘liking’ my facebook page at www.facebook.com/CouncillorStuartClark 

LEAP Home Energy Team – 

Improving Comfort In The Home 

Our LEAP Energy Advisors Alan Vince and Alasdair Bryson hold a home energy 

advice surgery in the Carrick Centre, Houston, every Wednesday, 10am – 3pm. 

The team also carry out minor repairs or DIY tasks to make residents homes 

cosier. Currently LEAP has funding available specifically to carry out practical 

tasks for vulnerable people in our communities to improve their comfort at 

home. 

If you or a friend, family member or neighbour might benefit from this service, 

call into our Carrick Centre surgeries, meet up with us at our Pop-up Information 

Stand on Saturday 8th August in Crosslee, or contact LEAP on 01505 612034, 

email Ingrid@myleapproject.org


kilbarchan 

& lochwinnoch 

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

Kilbarchan - August 1915 

41 41 

Robert Houston Lind lived in High 

Barholm until his family moved to 

Australia in 1910, sailing from London 

to Brisbane on the ‘Perthshire’. The 

family lived in Charlotte St, Brisbane. 

His father died before the war and his 

mother is listed as his next of kin. He 

was working as a plumber when he 

volunteered in 1914 and stated that he 

had previously joined the Scouts at the 

age of eight (in Kilbarchan) and the Australian Citizen Force at the age of 16. He 

enlisted in the 15th Battalion of the Australian infantry. Lind went to Gallipoli 

with his battalion and died in an uphill attempt by the Australians to break out 

of the bridgehead in which they had been trapped since April. A enquiry in Cairo 

after the Gallipoli withdrawal investigated his death: 

‘Lind and witness were in the same section. They were in the charge on 8th 

August. Lind was hit in the shoulder going over the first gully in the charge. He 

became paralysed, could not move. Pte.W.Walsh, A Company, 16th Battalion, 

tried to get Lind in, but Walsh’s leg was smashed and he could do nothing. The 

first words witnesses heard after the charge was that poor old Lind was done 

for.’ 

Robert Lind was the first former Kilbarchan Scout to be killed. He has no grave 

and is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial. 

Weaver’s 

Cottage (NTS) 

As this is the Scottish Government’s Year 

of Food and Drink, the Weaver’s Cottage 

transformed some of the rhubarb from 

the cottage garden into jam, which won a prize at the Kilbarchan Agricultural 

Show. 

The show is one of the oldest organisations in Kilbarchan, dating back to 1828: 

in the 1960s the show took place in the field now occupied by Taylor Avenue and 

since then has 

been in a field 

at Monklands 

farm. 

Rhubarb was 

traditionally 

used as a 

dyestuff and 

the photo 

shows rhubarb 

dyed wool and 

knitting and 

rhubarb jam. 

Kilbarchan Bridge Club 

Congratulations to the new MP for Kilbarchan and 

Lochwinnoch, Mhairi Black, for graduating from Glasgow 

University with a first class honours degree in politics, 

although I have something to celebrate myself as I have 

also just graduated, from Glasgow University, with a Post 

Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Chaplaincy, which was a 

part time course. Mhairi’s office is nearly open and she can 

be contacted by constituents using e mail on mhairi.black. 

mp@parliament.uk, or on 0141 628 5456 (temporary). She 

has also had her first advice surgeries in Kilbarchan and 

Lochwinnoch. 

It was a pleasure to attend Kilbarchan Agricultural Show 

this year, which thankfully, unlike Lilias Day, enjoyed good weather. My ward 

has more farms and small steadings in it than any other within Renfrewshire 

Council, so it was good to be able to meet the local farming community and 

hear their concerns. Listening to the views of constituents is a fundamental 

part of being a local councillor, and in that vein it was also very positive to 

attend a community meeting in the Scout Group over the summer of Habbies 

who want to look at regenerating the former petrol station site near Cartside 

Terrace. 

At the last full council meeting of Renfrewshire Council prior to the summer 

the administration agreed a programme to invest in community halls, four out 

of five of which were in Paisley. Both the McKillop Institute and the Steeple 

Hall were left out of this programme, which I very much regret. Kilbarchan and 

Lochwinnoch council taxpayers more than pay their share, and we need to 

invest to keep vital village facilities. 

My advice surgery in Kilbarchan is on the 2nd Wednesday of the month in the 

Steeple Hall at 7:45pm, and my advice surgery in Lochwinnoch is on the 4th 

Wednesday of the month in the McKillop at 7:30pm, excluding July. But I am also 

always available to constituents who can call me on 07534 148224, tweet me on 

CllrAndy4Ward8 or e-mail me at cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk. 

Habbie Sparrowhawk eyes 

up Doig Burger at Kilbarchan 

Agricultural Show 

Councillor Doig visited the Kilbarchan Agricultural 

Show with his wife recently and had a great time. 

They visited the Birds of Prey Stall where Andy had 

his picture taken with this beauty, a Sparrow Hawk, 

apparently. 

Andy’s wife thought that the photo looked like the 

bird could be saying “Looks like lunch, can I get 

mayo and fries with him”. 

The Bridge Club meets in the Steeple Hall in Kilbarchan on 

Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm. Some of our members have 

been introduced to the game recently at classes in the village 

and some are older hands. All are welcome! 

The first meeting of the session is on Tuesday, 1st September. If you are 

interested, please come along to the first meeting; if you would like further 

information, please phone Elizabeth West on 01505 843537. 

Kilbarchan East Church Tots’ 

Resumes at 9.15 on Monday 31 August. 

The club is for children of 3 years and under and takes place every Monday in 

the East Church halls, Steeple Square.


kilbarchan & Lochwinnoch 

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

Kilbarchan East Church 

Open Days in August 

As in the last few years, Kilbarchan East Church, Steeple Square, will be open to 

visit on Tuesdays from 2pm-4pm during the month of August for those who wish 

a quiet time and to enjoy the grounds of the 230 year old building. 

Weaver’s Cottage, Kilbarchan 

Step into Weaver’s Cottage and be transported back to the days when 

Kilbarchan was at the heart of the thriving Scottish textile industry. 

This restored historic 

18th-century cottage 

near Glasgow vividly 

recreates the living and 

working conditions of a 

typical handloom weaver. 

See how a traditional 

tartan was made 200 

years ago, completely 

by hand using original 

equipment in a unique 

setting. You can also 

have a go at weaving on 

a modern equivalent and 

try your hand with a spinning wheel. 

There are hundreds 

of tiny tartan fabric 

samples on display, 

all hand-woven in the 

village, and you can also 

see examples of the 

world-famous Paisley 

pattern. 

But it’s not all about 

weaving – the cottage 

has a fascinating 

collection of period 

furnishings, household 

objects, photographs 

and parish records, giving a real insight into everyday life in Scotland before 

the Industrial Revolution. 

Visitors can try their hand at 

the old skills of weaving, pirn 

winding and spinning. Plants 

and herbs used to make 

natural dyes are grown in the 

attractive cottage garden. 

Entry Fees:- 

Trust Member: FREE 

Adult: £6.50 

Family: £16.50 

1 Parent: £11.50 

Concession: £5.00 

Art and Fitness classes in 

Kilbarchan Guide Centre 

Tuesday morning fitness with Debbie 

Tone and Shape – 9.30 – 10.30am 

Mature Movers a gentler class at a slower pace 10.40 – 11.40am 

Thursday morning Hatha Yoga with Jacqueline 10 – 11am 

Come along and try a fitness class – first one free. 

Art Classes are held on Monday afternoon and Friday morning and afternoon. 

These friendly classes are led by Ian who will provide support and encouragement 

to help develop skills in your own chosen subject and medium 

For further details - phone Jean on 703758 or Christine on 703056 or visit our 

website www.girlguidingkilbarchan.org.uk 

The Guide Centre is also available to hire for private functions. Contact Carol on 

01505 702758 for details. 

See our website www.girlguidingkilbarchan.org.uk for details of our Hall facilities 

as well as Rainbow, Brownie and Guide units. 

Digging out Kilbarchan’s stories 

Local professional storyteller Anne Pitcher is looking for stories about 

Kilbarchan, especially of past Lilias Days and of it’s handloom weavers. 

Every year Lilias Day celebrates the richness of Kilbarchan’s past in its historical 

parade and so memories of earlier preferably very early, Lilias Days would be 

very welcome. With Kilbarchan’s rich history of weaving, memories or stories 

of weavers and their families would add to the rich fabric of the picture of this 

village in story. 

If local historians, myth or 

legend hunters have any 

tales about St. Barchan 

or Habbie Simpson in 

particular, that would be 

wonderful. 

Along with well-known 

songwriter, storyteller and 

author, Ewan McVicar, 

Anne intends to engage 

with the local community 

to create a storytelling 

performance with song 

about Kilbarchan’s history at the Performing Arts Centre in Steeple Square, 

during the Scottish International Storytelling Festival at the end of October - 

“Digging Habbie History”. 

Please contact Anne by email on annepitcherstoryteller@hotmail.co.uk or call 

07708059770 if you can help with a story... Or even a song! 

Summer Songs in Kilbarchan 

Kilbarchan’s Ladies Choir, ‘Village Voices' 

& 'Kilbarchan East Church Junior Choir’ 

The Kilbarchan East Church Junior Choir is happy to welcome choristers from 

Kilbarchan or any of the surrounding villages. Currently the ages of the children 

range from 5 - 14 years of age. The Choir meets on a Monday evening from 

6pm to 7.15pm in Kilbarchan East Church Hall in Steeple Square. All children 

are welcome regardless of skill level or perceived potential. There are no fees 

charged. The Choir will resume rehearsals on Monday 17 August. 

Village Voices has been performing successfully since May 2013. We have 

around 35 choristers, currently, and we have members ranging in age from 20 

- 60+ years of age. Anyone who is interested in singing and fun, regardless of 

age or choral experience, is welcome. The main aims of the choir are: to make 

music, to enjoy singing and each other’s company. 

There is no requirement to read music. The group are a very friendly bunch 

of ladies who like to laugh and are very welcoming to new members. Many 

of our ladies come from surrounding areas such as Bridge of Weir, Houston, 

Howwood, Johnstone and Paisley 

Rehearsals take place on Tuesday Evenings in Kilbarchan East Church from 

7.30pm - 9.30pm. Currently choristers pay £30 twice a year to cover the cost of 

hall hire and the purchase of sheet music. There are no other charges. 

Village Voices resumes rehearsals on Tuesday 18 August. For further information 

please contact Mrs Moira Gray on 01505 704948.


43 43 

The weather so far this summer has hardly been suitable for 

many outdoor activities. 

It is nonetheless timely to remind our young people of the 

dangers of swimming in quarries and reservoirs, and I 

welcome the initiative and publicity from Scottish Water and 

Ceemex in regard to the dangers of swimming in Kilbarchan 

quarry. I was keen to ensure that local schools also played 

a role in raising awareness and I requested the council to 

work with the schools and parents on this important safety 

issue. 

In regard to transport issues, the matter of access for 

disabled passengers at Lochwinnoch railway station has 

again been raised with me. A request to Transport Scotland to provide such 

access was rejected last year. I am writing to them again and will continue to 

advocate for a facility similar to that at Millken Park station. 

Following representations from some Kilbarchan bus users, I am pleased that 

bus seats will soon be installed in the bus shelters at Barn Green and the 

Grove. 

Can I also thank those Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch residents who have 

positively welcomed the additional car parking at Johnstone station. 

Finally a fond farewell to Ann Colquhuon hall keeper at the Steeple hall who is 

retiring after seven and a half years service. Thanks to Ann for all her support 

to the village in this role. 

In wishing her well for the future I am sure that she will have a few tips for her 

successor on how to deal with local councillors when they have their surgeries 

- which for the hall keeper is often beyond the call of duty! 

Talking of which, my next surgeries will be on Saturday 1 August at 9am at the 

McKillop Institute and 10am at the Steeple hall. 

Meantime if you have any issues or concerns please contact me at cllr.derek. 

bibby@renfrewshire.co.uk or phone me on 0300 300 1274 or 07534 156007. 

Kilbarchan 

NWR 

Kilbarchan 

Churches 

Kilbarchan Fairtrade Group 

Kilbarchan Fairtrade group regularly 

refreshes their shelf at Bobbins, 

displaying known favourites, as well as 

new commodities. If you are looking for 

presents that pay the maker a fair price 

this is place to shop. Photo shows this 

month’s display. 

The village Fartrade group would be 

happy to welcome anyone who is 

interested in helping to grow its efforts. 

The next meeting is on 8th September: 

meetings normally take place in 

the Ladies Room at the Steeple. 

Confirmation of the date, time and place 

will be in the September Advertizer. 

The new session re commences with 

a meal at the Corran Inn Houston 

on Wednesday 26 August. The 

new syllabus includes interesting 

speakers, discussions and a visit to 

The Bridge of Weir group. 

The National Conference in June was 

a great success, attended by 260 

delegates from groups all over Britain. 

For further information about joining 

the Kilbarchan group, please visit the 

website: www.nwr.org.uk 

Art Off The 

Square 

The joint services for the churches in 

Kilbarchan during August will be as 

follows. 

All services start at 11am and 

although Junior Church and FEWsion 

are on holiday there will still be a 

crèche each Sunday. Both FEWsion 

and Junior Church restart for the new 

session on Sunday 23rd August. 

Sunday 2nd August – East Church 

Sunday 9th August – West Church 

Sunday 16th August – East Church 

Sunday 23rd August – West Church 

Sunday 30th August – East Church 

Please join us at any of these services. 

You will be made most welcome. 

Kilbarchan East Church halls, Steeple Square 

Thursday 20 & Friday 21 August 2-9pm and Saturday 22, 10am-4pm 

This popular annual sale and exhibition takes place in Kilbarchan East Church 

halls, Steeple Square, on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 August from 2-9pm and 

on Saturday 22 from 10am-4pm. 

Entrance is £3 which includes refreshments and home baking, always a big 

attraction! The show includes almost 200 paintings, pottery, sculpture and 

jewellery. Do not miss this beautiful show! 

The Old Library Centre, 

Kilbarchan 

The Centre will re-open on Tuesday 4 August. 

We have yoga, pilates, bridge, solving your computing problems, family history, 

craft group, book group, hire of rooms and our usual drop in for a chat and a 

cuppa. We hope to run classes in Computing and are awaiting information from 

West College Scotland. Our www.kipcokil.com will give you details as soon as 

we have them.


Eddie & Daisy by Barking Mad 

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. 

This is a free service! 

Free Microchipping For Dogs 

The law’s changing - from April 2016, all dogs in 

England, Wales and Scotland must be microchipped. 

It’s already compulsory in Northern Ireland. While this 

normally costs £15-£20 at a local vets, you can get 

it done for free (please donate if you can) when you 

book an appointment with the charity Dogs Trust. 

Microchipping your dog (a tiny implant about the size 

of a grain of rice) stores your details as its owner on 

an electronic database, which makes it much easier to 

reunite you with your pooch should he/she ever get 

lost. As long as they’re at least eight weeks old, you 

can have dogs of any breed or size microchipped. If 

there’s no Dogs Trust centre near you, or if you can’t 

get an appointment, see ChipMyDog.org for free 

microchipping events happening all over the UK. 

Be A Hero For 

Guide Dogs 

Please save the 

date - Sunday 4th 

October 

Dogs Unite for 

Guide Dogs at 

Castle Semple 

Lochwinnoch 

Register at http:www.guidedogs. 

org.uk/dogs-unite 

West Renfrewshire Support 

Team 

We are a small group trying to raise 

funds for guide dogs. 

If you would like to join /help us 

please call Anne 01505 705602. 

Re-homing Pets 

Can you offer a home to any of our featured pets? 

Marley - 2yr old domestic 

short hair cat 

Marley is a really great wee 

girl who is lovely and sweet 

natured. She needs a quiet 

home with a garden and no 

other pets or children. 

Aileen - 5 yr old female 

short hair domestic cat 

Aileen came into the 

centre as a wee stray. She is a nice wee friendly 

cat so could maybe live with children in her new 

home. It is unknown whether Aileen would like 

to live with other cats or dogs. Her new home 

would need access to a garden so she could get 

out and explore. 

Cardyke Farm, Langmuirhead Road, Auchinloch, 

Glasgow G66 5LD - Telephone 0141 779 3341 

Alx Rose 

- Bearded 

Dragon - 

Age & Gender unknown 

This wee chap loves his food. He eats 

both bugs and salad well and loves the 

occasional treat of a wax worm or two. 

Axl Rose is great to handle and loves to 

explore. He would be ideal for someone looking to take on their first 

bearded dragon. 

Ross - a 1-2 yr old male Ferret 

Ross is a nice boy who loves nothing more than 

curling up and snoozing. With daily handling, 

Ross will make the sweetest little pet. 

To contact the centre about any animals, please 

call 03000 999 999 or visit www.scottishspca. 

org/rehoming 

Polly - Border Collie 

Cross - 2-5yrs old. 

Polly can live with children 

who are 16 years old or 

over and would love to have someone 

about for most of the day to help her with 

her training. She needs her own secure 

garden and needs to be the only dog in 

the home. She needs a calm, quiet home 

with someone who has previous collie experience to help her settle. 

Polly needs to be kept on lead. 

Darcy - 8+ yr old Crossbreed. 

Darcy can live with children who are 16 

years old or over and needs his own secure 

garden to play in. Someone who is willing 

to give him the time and space he needs to 

settle in would benefit him. Darcy needs to 

be the only dog in the home. 

Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre, 315 Hamilton 

Road, Uddingston, Glasgow, G71 7SL. Open: 12noon - 4pm (including 

weekends); 12noon- 7.30pm on Tuesdays; closed: Wednesdays


Pet Blog 

by PetVets 

Heat Stroke 

Hot sunny days are the perfect time to get out and enjoy the great 

outdoors, but it’s important to remember that even fit and healthy 

dogs can easily overheat in this weather. Dogs do not tolerate high 

temperatures as well as humans. 

They are less efficient at cooling 

themselves down as they only 

have sweat glands in their paws 

and nose, so rely primarily on 

panting. 

Heatstroke can affect any dog but 

certain breeds (especially cold 

weather breeds and short nosed 

breeds) and overweight animals 

are at higher risk. 

Heatstroke takes effect very 

quickly and is a potentially 

fatal emergency that requires 

immediate recognition and prompt 

treatment. 

During periods of hot weather 

take steps to keep your dog cool 

and reduce the risk of heatstroke: 

• Restrict outdoor exercise, making sure they don’t play too hard and 

have plenty of breaks 

• Walk them early in the morning or later in the evening, and avoid 

being outside during the hottest part of the day 

• Make sure they have access to a cool shaded place and fresh bowl 

of water. 

• Always take water on a walk 

• Spray them with cool water or hose them down 

• Avoid leaving them in a suntrap such as a conservatory, greenhouse, 

tent or car 

• Trim the coat of long haired and thick coated dogs in summer 

Signs of heatstroke can include: 

• Excessive panting and drooling 

• Excessive thirst 

• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea 

• Staggering, weakness or collapse 

• Seizures 

• Loss of consciousness 

If you suspect your dog may have 

heat stroke: 

• Contact your vet immediately for 

an emergency appointment 

• Remove your dog from the heat to 

a cooler area 

• Use cold water, ice packs or wet 

towels to cool the head and body. 

Do NOT immerse your dog in 

cold water. 

• Offer small amounts cool water 

Detecting heatstroke early and 

treating it promptly gives your dog 

the best chance of making a full 

recovery. 

The Great Scottish Swim 

This is a new and exciting event to the Scottish 

SPCA calendar! 

Set in the majestic surroundings of Loch Lomond and 

the Trossachs National Park, and only a 40 minute drive from Glasgow city 

centre, swimmers can choose from a 1/2 mile, 1 mile or 2 mile swim. 

This fantastic challenge is being held on Saturday 29 August. 

A key part of the entry process is that all runners are asked if they wish to 

choose a charity to fundraise for. Swimmers are responsible for contacting 

their chosen charity to request the fundraising materials they need. 

If you wish to 

support the Scottish 

SPCA by taking 

part in the Great 

Scottish Swim, 

please contact 

fundraising@ 

scottishspca.org 

and you’ll receive 

your very own 

fundraising pack. 

If you would like to take part and help raise much needed funds for 

Scotland’s animals, please apply for your own place by visiting the Great 

Scottish Swim, via http://www.greatrun.org/great-swim/great-scottishswim#how-to-enter 

DOG 

LOVERS 

WANTED! 

Do you miss the 

company of a dog? 

Do you have some 

spare time? 

Do you have a dogfriendly 

home and 

garden? 

If so, you could 

be suitable to look 

after friendly dogs 

on an as required 

basis. Remuneration 

available. 

Please phone Faye on 

01505690391 or email 

faye.carruthers@ 

barkingmad.uk.com 

Rescue Centres 

Dogs Trust Glasgow: 0141-773-5130 - www.dogstrust.org.uk 

Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue: 01505-502415 - www.hessilhead.org.uk 

Johnstone Cat Rescue: 01505 337321 

Cat Protection: 0141-779-3341 -www.cats.org.uk/glasgowac/adopt-a-cat 

Scottish SPCA: 0141-882-1688 - www.scottishspca.org 

These centres are always on the lookout for donations and fundraising. 

If you can help, please get in touch with any of the centres above. 

45 45 

45


Colourful Kilmacolm 

Since Colourful Kilmacolm was set up in May 2013, we have tackled a number of sites around 

the village. Although most of these required considerable funding, we were pleased to get 

positive feedback from the community. 

Our most recent project, clearing and replanting the slope at the Pullman, has made more 

impact than any of the others, and it didn’t cost us a penny, although it did entail much hard 

work on the part of our members. We have 

been delighted by the number of people who 

have complimented us on the improvement, 

or passed on plants from their garden. We 

have also been offered the use of a nearby 

outside tap for water and one day a passerby 

(no names!) bought ice-cream cones 

for the workers! It is great to feel the whole 

community behind us. So, once again, thank 

you to all who have helped in any way and 

we look forward to watching the plants settle 

in and mature. 

Anyone can support us by joining Colourful 

Kilmacolm, with the option of becoming one of 

our volunteer ‘active’ gardeners. Membership 

forms can be downloaded from our website 

www.colourfulkilmacolm.org.uk or you can 

phone Peter (01505 872448) or Diane (01505 872611). Have a look at our website where you will find lots of 

photographs of what we have been up to so far. 

Gardening Leave - 

New For 2015 

Large enclosed tarmac 

garden located on site of 

old garden centre at Erskine 

Hospital. Run by charity 

Gardening Leave providing 

sessions of horticultural 

therapy to serving and exmembers 

of the Armed Forces. A productive garden, 

housing quirky assortment of raised planters, imaginatively 

created lawn area, shady wildlife/quiet garden, covered growing areas and 

other features embracing the up-cycling ethos. Still being developed and 

evolving. An inspirational and worthwhile charity. 

Directions - From M8, take exit for Erskine Bridge and turn off to Bishopton. 

From the north, go over Erskine Bridge, take turning to Bishopton. Located 

on the south side of the Erskine Bridge, enter the Erskine Home Estate and 

follow signs for Gardening Leave. 

Garden opens on - Sunday 23 August 12noon - 4pm 

Admissions - £4, children under 16 free 

Beneficiaries - Gardening Leave receives 40%, the net remaining to SG 

Beneficiaries 

Features and 

Catering - 

Disabled Access 

Home-made 

teas available. 

Plant stall. 

There will also 

be a stall with 

gardening goods 

for sale made on 

the premises.


47 47 

Get Outdoors Weekend 2015 

To mark our 50th year, Ramblers Scotland 

is encouraging everyone to get outdoors 

during the bank holiday weekend on the 

1st, 2nd and 3rd August 2015. 

As part of ‘Get Outdoors Weekend’ you can 

explore Scotland on foot and be in with a 

chance of winning one of our great prizes 

- there’s over 100 including a two night 

stay for two in 5 star luxury at Gleneagles 

Hotel! 

So put on your walking shoes, there’s lots 

and lots of great walks available to you 

over Get Outdoors Weekend which you can find via the 

link below! 

Before you go on any led walk, please ensure you contact the walk leader prior to 

the walk to let them know you’d like to come along. This will help them keep track of 

numbers and also make sure the walk is suited to your ability. They will also know to 

look out for you on the day and take care of you on the walk. 

Don’t forget to take a photo and enter our prize draw! There’s a world of walking out 

there, we hope you enjoy! 

Visit www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/get-outdoors-weekend-2015.aspx for route 

maps & full information on everything that’s going on. 

Brighter Bridge of Weir - 

Some Summer! 

The weather’s been so bad recently it’s been difficult to believe 

it’s summer. But it is indeed the holiday season and some of the 

regulars are away soaking up the sun, if they 

managed to find it. 

Those of the team that remained included two 

walking wounded who have just returned to 

the front. A couple of weeks ago - remember 

that day when it wasn’t too cold, too wet or too 

windy? - they were out feeding and watering 

the barrier baskets and planters throughout 

the village. (We’re going to put a ‘Frequently 

Asked Questions’ page on our website: one of 

the most frequently asked is “Watering? After 

this weather?!”) But yes, in spite of the recent rainfall the planters 

and barrier baskets still need watering. It’s because the plants are in containers and 

their overhanging foliage doesn’t allow the rain to penetrate to the soil. 

Growing in restricted areas means that they need to be fed as well. In open ground, 

soil nutrients get replaced by, for example, decomposition of surrounding vegetation, 

but there’s not much of that in some of the spaces we’ve planted up, and none at all 

in the baskets or planters. 

At this point, we’d like to add a note for those of our residents partial to late-night, al 

fresco dining: It is specialised plant food that we provide. Our plants are fussy about 

what they consume and fast food is of no use. So, thanks anyway, but please don’t 

leave the remnants of your takeaways 

and their containers in and 

around our planted areas. And the 

plants don’t smoke, so no cigaretteends 

either please. (We realise 

that this note is unlikely to apply to 

readers of The Advertizer, but if you 

know someone who may benefit from 

the information, please pass it on.) 

There, that’s better. Always good to 

get something off your chest. Here’s 

hoping for some summer in August. 

Summer has been a bit to and fro this year 

with warmth and sunshine one day, to thunder 

and lightening the next! The ducklings have 

grown and can no longer fit inside the ground 

feeders at the Reserve’s Visitor Centre. The flowers are all out 

in full bloom (we even have a plant in our garden that smells like 

curry!). Out on the water, two Mute Swan families can be spotted 

through the scopes and there have been numerous sightings of 

Osprey’s. 

At the centre, we still have a family of Swallows nesting 

underneath our tower, and we’re expecting some new products 

in our shop, so watch out for those. You could even ask our 

new Retail Manager Ashley if you’re struggling to find our new 

products. 

As the summer holidays continue, so do our special kids’ 

activities: Make Your Own Mondays and Funtime Fridays. Each 

even is run twice the same day (11am - 1pm or 2pm – 4pm). 

Upcoming events include a Minibeast Safari and our Holiday 

Hike. Please contact the centre for more details. 

And last, but by no means least, we have our Play Time event 

where you can bring along all the younger members of the 

family to see what the Reserve has to offer them. Come and try 

our natural play area, get faces painted or try some other fun 

activities – all for FREE! 

For more details or to book, please contact us at: 01505 842 663 

or email: lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk


Finlaystone 

win Chamber 

of Commerce 

Award for 

“Best use of 

Technology and 

Innovation” 

Our Head 

Ranger, Fraser 

Lang, accepts 

the award 

from Robert 

McKenzie, 

the Managing 

Director of Autotec. 

Fraser said “This award is testimony to the owners and staff of Finlaystone 

who’s tireless work and innovation within the Ranger service not only keeps 

customers coming back, but has substantially increased the new customers 

to the estate. With over 90 events throughout the year our Ranger service 

is providing a unique service to the children who come to Finlaystone. 

We have had over 5400 school and nursery children here in June who all 

attended Ranger events. 

Falconry Centre to 

open soon: We are 

progressing really 

well with our new 

Falconry centre. In 

conjunction with Clyde 

coast falconry, this is 

a permanent location 

for various types of 

birds including hawks 

and owls. There will 

be flying and hunting 

days as well as the 

opportunity to handle 

the birds. 

Staff News: Unfortunately we have had to say goodbye to Howie, one of 

our Rangers who has moved onto pastures new and we wish him success 

in his new venture. On the bright side we are delighted to have two new 

Rangers Kirsty and Marta who have settled in well and enjoying delivering 

all the kids events. 

Membership: Just a reminder that the membership year ended at the end 

of March and we will be happy to process your renewal if we have not 

already. Family / Grandparents £66, Single / Concession £30. 

Volunteering: We would be pleased to hear from any group, business or 

individual that would like to join our existing volunteers who continue to 

devote their precious time to numerous tasks in the woods & gardens and 

certainly help make a great difference to what is achieved on the estate. 

One particular project we currently need assistance with is re-staking all the 

young trees which were blown over in the winter storms. 

Volunteering in the garden: We are constantly recruiting volunteers to 

help in the maintenance of the garden, propagation of plants, and watering 

duties. Our volunteers have many different reasons for volunteering: to gain 

experience and training in horticulture, to gain general work experience; 

(improving job prospects and employability), to improve communicational, 

organisational, and people skills, to de-stress, or simply because they 

have a love of plants, gardening and fresh air. All age groups can apply to 

become volunteers, if you would like to join our team on a regular or casual 

basis, then please approach me in the estate or call reception for more 

details. Many thanks go to all our present and previous volunteers; your 

help is greatly appreciated 

Decorative & Ornamental Trees for sale: We have a fine selection of 

decorative ornamental garden & landscaping trees available which will 

provide spring, summer & autumn colours as well as giving privacy to a 

garden. Ideal for replacing trees lost in the recent storms! Please email 

info@finlaystone.co.uk or check www.finlaystone.co.uk if you would like 

further details. 

On Behalf of All Staff at Finlaystone 

Fraser Lang, Head Ranger


Windows on Wildlife Update 

49 49 

The Windows on Wildlife Project aims to bring people closer to wildlife, gaining a 

unique insight to the furry & feathered inhabitants of Castle Semple Country Park. 

Project Officer Hayley Douglas gives us an update. 

Wildlife News 

Unfortunately this month I have to start the wildlife round up with a bit of bad 

news. On the morning of the 28th of June, I received a call from the RSPB to 

say they had a dead otter handed into the reserve. The otter, which was later 

identified as the smaller of the two females that have been caught on camera, 

had been killed on the road outside the reserve, very close to the ‘caution otters’ 

sign. The night before we had experienced a lot of rain and the river/marsh water 

levels were very high as a result. What makes a sad story even sadder is that 

she had only given birth in the few hours before she was killed. It seems the 

rising water levels caused her to leave the holt and sadly meet her death on the 

road. The cubs were unable to be located and without their mother’s warmth will 

have perished soon afterwards. 

This serves as a reminder to everyone to please keep an 

eye out for the otters and other wildlife on the road. The remaining otters, Bob 

and the big female with two cubs are doing well. Why not take a walk and see if 

you can spot them. 

Barn Owl ringing season has started and so far 4 nestboxes have been visited 

with 12 chicks spread amongst them. I still have more boxes to visit and if you 

have one in a barn near you and would like to take part in the ringing monitoring 

scheme then please contact me at Castle Semple Centre on 01505 842 882 Ex 

25 or on wow@clydemuirshiel.co.uk 

More Info… 

Details can be found on the Park’s website www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk or by 

emailing wow@clydemuirshiel.co.uk. Footage can be viewed on the Park’s 

Youtube channel or on the WoW Facebook page. Talks to groups can be 

arranged if you are interested in finding out more about your furry and feathered 

neighbours. 

Welcome to Scotland’s largest Regional Park 

Summer is Here! 

There is still time to book on our last Junior Multi Activity Week 3-7 Aug if 

you want your child to get water confident and learn to sail, canoe, kayak, 

cycle or more likely a mixture of all! See online for more info or organise 

your own group for a minimum of 6 kids aged 8 and above. 

Summer Ranger Events Wednesdays at Castle Semple/Muirshiel and 

Tuesdays at Greenock Cut Visitor Centre, there’s still flutterbies, fire 

lighting and den building to look forward to! Book your place now, full 

details below! All events are £5 per child. 

Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health Visit 

On Friday 19 June, Jamie Hepburn MSP visited Castle Semple’s Sailability 

Centre of Excellence. The Minister witnessed pupils from Kersland 

and Willowbank special schools as well as the Able 2 Sail youth forum 

and Paisley Disability Resource Centre. The minister also heard about 

Branching Out the woodland activity programme run by the Regional 

Park’s Ranger Service for people with mental health conditions. 

Duke of Edinburgh Programmes at Clyde Muirshiel 

The Park has recently expanded our range of expeditions and skills 

to suit Duke of Edinburgh students of all abilities. Park Special School 

students East Ayrshire recently completed their Bronze overnight 

expedition canoeing around Loch Lomond with the support and guidance 

of Clyde Muirshiel Outdoor Activity Instructors. 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! 

Scottish Multi-Class Regatta 3rd-5th September 

Local school teams and disability centres have been down at Castle 

Semple Loch in training. Perhaps you have seen them out in our colourful 

hansa 303 dinghies? Entry forms & the official notice of race are now 

to download if you’re still keen to take part. Would you like to support 

or sponsor your local special school? Book a corporate table at the 

Regatta dinner taking place on Sat 5 Sept, up to 12 people for just £420. 

Email info@scottishmulticlassregatta.org.uk for Regatta info, admin@ 

clydemuirshiel.co.uk for bookings enquiries. 

Summer Ranger Events 

Every Wednesday at Castle 

Semple/Muirshiel 

Every Tuesday at Greenock Cut 

Visitor Centre 

There’s going to be leather 

working, flutterbies, fire lighting, 

environmental art, green man mask 

making and rockpooling! Book your 

place now! All events are £5 per 

child or £25 for a season ticket. 

Ride 63 Club News & Ride 

Out Info! 

Last Thursday of the month 

Fortnightly on a Sunday 

morning 

Summer rides are in planning! See 

facebook for details. Email the 

Secretary at ridesixtythree@gmail. 

com to become a member or email 

the Park at routes@clydemuirshiel. 

co.uk for more information. 

Community Walks 

Every Monday (except public 

holidays) 

Meet 10.30am at The Cross, 

Lochwinnoch. 

Weekly Volunteer Groups - 

Newcomers always welcome! 

Every Thursday at Castle 

Semple 

Conservation Volunteers, Adult 

group, from 12.30pm - 3.30pm. 

Every Saturday Greenock Cut 

Conservation Volunteers, Adult 

group, 10.30am - 2.30pm. 

Every Sunday 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.


Kilbarchan Beekeepers 

Honeybees on the extrafloral 

nectaries of a laurel 

1st Prize awarded to Ian 

Craig for his lovely honey 

Bridge of Weir Horticultural Society 

Travel to Cardross to visit Ardarden 

On a warm and sunny June afternoon, the Society travelled to Cardross to visit 

Ardarden. This is a Garden Centre nestling inside a restored walled garden with a Farm 

Shop alongside. Visitors can wander around the herbaceous borders and the water 

feature and through the woodland walk on the banks of the Clyde, or just sit and relax in 

a quiet spot in the sun. There’s plenty for children to explore, 

including a willow tree house to hide inside and animals to 

meet in the Farm section. 

Once plants and other garden necessities have been selected, 

or gifts and cards and Scottish specialities picked up in the Farm Shop, visitors can relax 

in the lovely tea room for snacks and meals. Needless to say, after enjoying the welcome 

sunshine, time in the garden and browsing and buying, members were certainly ready for 

a chat and catch up over teas, coffees and irresistible home baking! Everyone enjoyed 

the sun and the sheltered conditions of the garden and the ambience of the tearoom. 

Hopefully, reinvigorated and with plants to replenish gaps in home borders, members 

can look forward to a late summer of long, warm and sunny days! Our endeavours will be on view at the end of 

the month when we hold the Flower Show on Saturday 29th August. Everyone is welcome to show the results of 

their labours - and maybe win a few prizes! 

Children in particular are always encouraged to take part. As they enjoy making 

miniature gardens in trays or weird and wonderful creatures out of fruits and vegetables, 

these favourites will appear again this year. Busy parents are reminded that entries 

can be brought along the night before when The Legion will be open between 7pm - 

10pm on Friday evening and between 7.30am - 9.45am on Saturday morning. 

Anyone new to gardening is especially welcome, either entering as a novice or just 

checking out what can be grown in this area. For more information, please call our 

Show Secretary on 01505-612898 or find us on www.bowhs.co.uk 

With the later start to summer we have had this year, far more flowering 

plants are continuing on providing nectar and pollen sources later in the 

season. Combined with the mid to late summer plants such as pentstemon, 

salvia, echiniops, stachys (lambs ear) and borage, the tilia ‘lime’ trees are 

in flower. The later of these produces a nectar source in large quantities 

that can transform the taste and texture of honey produced. Another 

source of nectar can be quite surprising, some plants also have extrafloral 

nectaries, which are basically little nodules, usually on the stems or the 

base of leaves in some species of plants, which otherwise would not 

have flowers to attract ants usually, but honeybees also capitalise on 

these sources when found (see Picture below). The honeybee colonies 

have reached their maximum numbers in the hives and are concentrating in 

accumulating as much stores they can to see them through winter. 

Royal Highland Show 

From 18th – 21st June, the Royal Highland Show was celebrating 175 years. 

Kilbarchan Beekeepers were also celebrating, with a handful of prizes being 

awarded to some of its members in the Honey Tent in different classes. With 

the current spotlight on the plight of pollinators and especially bees in the 

media, it is not surprising that some of the traditional aspects of Beekeeping 

get overlooked. Most of the larger flower or agricultural shows have special 

classes for entering exhibits in what are called ‘Honey Classes’. These 

classes include honey products in jars or the comb itself (cut comb), but also 

there are classes that cover baking using honey, mead, honey cocktails and 

wax also (see picture below for examples of wax being judged). Ayr and 

Dundee Flowers shows have Honey Classes (Dundee is the National Honey Show for Scotland), and 

some Local Beekeeping Associations also hold their own smaller competitions. 

Judges assessing Best in Show 

from the all the Classes 

Interested? 

If you are interested in beekeeping for yourself or the whole family, anyone is welcome. 

Contact Ian Craig, the Kilbarchan and District Beekeepers Association Secretary on 01505 322684 or via e-mail beekeeper30@btinternet.com 

KBA hold evening meetings during Autumn & Winter months in The Steeple Halls, Kilbarchan between 7.30pm–10pm. 

You can come along and find out more about Honeybee husbandry and related topics, drop in to find out more at one of the meetings below. 

Evening Programme 2015/16 

8th September - Local Nectar & Pollen Sources & identification of Honey - Ian Craig 

13th October - How Beekeeping is Affected by Chemicals & Farming Practices - Mark Ballingall 

10th November - Honey Show - Judge: Claud Wilson 

8th December - AGM 

12th January - Beekeeping DVD’s - Peter Stromberg 

9th February - Basic Bee Anatomy - Alan Riach 

8th March - A to Z of Swarm Control


51 51 

Top 10 jobs for august 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Prune Wisteria 

Don’t delay summer pruning 

restricted fruits 

Deadhead flowering plants 

regularly 

Watering! - particularly 

containers, and new plants, 

preferably with grey recycled water 

or stored rainwater 

Collect seed from favourite plants 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

Harvest sweetcorn and other 

vegetables as they become ready 

Continue cutting out old fruited 

canes on raspberries 

Lift and pot up rooted strawberry 

runners 

Keep ponds and water features 

topped up 

Feed the soil with green manures 

Glasgow’s Parks & Gardens 

Glasgow has over 90 Parks and Formal Gardens within the City boundaries 

and such is the diversity of these parks you will always be able to find 

somewhere to suit your taste. 

If you are looking for peace and quiet to enjoy a good book during your lunch 

break why not try Kelvingrove Park, Victoria Park or Glasgow Green? 

Pollok Country Park, Glasgow Botanic Gardens and Bellahouston Park are 

other splendid destinations. 

A great day out for the whole family can be found at Glasgow’s parks, for 

example Queen’s Park, and Tollcross Park with their outstanding Rose 

Gardens and Play Areas, or why not attempt their Healthy Walk Courses 

at your own pace? 

ECF Paisley Presents TAG Street 

Party 

When, Where & How Much... 

Date(s): 8 August 

Time(s): 10am - 4pm 

Where: Paisley 

Price: This is a free event 

A free family fun day in Paisley 

Town Centre. BBQ Cafe, 

Inflatable games and Bouncy 

Castles, Face painting, Kids 

Creative Centre and Balloon Modelling. ALL FREE. 

As a town centre church, we want to invest in our community. Come along 

for a fantastic day of free family fun. It will go beyond your expectations. 

Renfrewshire ‘Walk About A Bit’ 

Finale Walk 

When, Where & How 

Much... 

Date(s): 22 August 

Time(s): Registration 

9.30am, 10am start 

Where: Paisley Canal 

Station Restaurant Car 

Park 

Price: free event 

Join the Renfrewshire Feeling Fitter Network for a 10 mile off road walk 

(along the National Cycle Route 7) from Paisley to Lochwinnoch as part 

of their finale celebrations! Water and toilet stops along the way. Feel free 

to join or leave the walk at any point if you’re not feeling up to the whole 

thing. 

Call Senga McLeod for further information on 0141 889 1110.


Commodore’s Trophy 

Castle Semple Sailing Club 

Although the weather hasn’t been that brilliant this year, it does seem to have 

given us a reasonable time on our cup days (mostly). It was great to find 

that 16 boats had taken part in the racing with no less than 4 father and son 

partnerships, let’s hope for the same turn out again soon. 

Jim and Jan Tytler and Jan Gordon expertly kept us on track and to time providing 

some interesting courses, and ensuring that the 5 races were completed. 

Thanks to all those who willingly took their turns in the rescue boat - very much 

appreciated. 

The wind started of slightly less than moderate then built up during the day with 

the inevitable result of a few capsizes. The rain toyed with us and then went 

away leaving some pleasant sunshine. After another 2 back to back races. 

Race 5 saw a much smaller fleet setting out. 

Once all back on dry land it was down to the serious business of prize giving, 

and the winners were: 

1st Angus Winchester - Vortex 

2nd Peter Collings and “ET” - GP14 

3rd Arthur and Fraser Logan - GP14. 

Finally, thanks to Marion and Lesley in the kitchen for all their hard work and 

thanks to Sean Middleton of Herritage Butchers, for the bacon rolls - have to 

say ayrshire bacon was very tasty - though why someone would want to put 

brown sauce on it is beyond me but it is on my shopping list for next time! More 

info at : www.castlesemplesc.co.uk 

Saturday 5 September 2015 – Glasgow 

Starting at Glasgow Green, Pedal For Scotland 6 mile ride follows a traffic free 

riverside route via the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Commonwealth village. 

Riders can then enjoy an array of 

entertainment at Glasgow Green. 

Entry: Child – £3, Adult – £5 (early 

bird limited time only). Starting Poimt: 

Glasgow Green at 9.30am. Riders 

Receive: Rider pack containing vest 

number, bike number and info guide 

and goody bag at the finish line. 

Find out more or sign up on the 

website at http://pedalforscotland. 

org/ 

Brookfield Curling Club 

Why 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 01505 

614080. 

Ardgowan Fundraiser 

Recently people of Inverclyde and beyond joined forces and raised money for 

the Ardgowan Hospice. 

Despite the wet 

weather families 

came along and 

joined in the fun. 

Everyone had a 

story to tell about 

lost loved ones, and 

were more than 

happy to support the 

wonderful Ardgowan 

Hospice. 

Paisley host Cycling’s Stars of 

Tomorrow 

The British Cycling Youth 

National Circuit Race 

Championships were recently 

held in Paisley. This is the 

first time Scotland has ever 

hosted the prestigious UK’s 

Cycling Stars of Tomorrow.Cycling fans were able to get a glimpse of Britain’s 

best youth cyclists, with previous medallists at the event including Mark 

Cavendish, Geraint Thomas, Ross Edgar and Laura Trott. 

Visit www.scottishcycling.org.uk to find out how to contact your local clubs and 

find out more about the range of racing and coaching opportunities.


Tee up for 

53 53 

every Mo n d a y 

Ki l b a rc h a n Athletic Cl u b 

On-X, Li n w o o d, 7p m 

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990. 

5-a-s i d e Fo o t b a l l 

Po w e r l e ag u e Pa i s l e y 6p m 

Tel: Jim Brether ton 01505 874215; or 

jimbretherton@aol.com 

Br i d g e o f Weir La d i e s Ba d m i n to n 

Ca r g i l l Ha l l, Lintwhite Cr e s, 7.30p m 

Ca l l a n e t i c s 

Bro o k f i e l d Village Ha l l, 7.15p m 

Strathgryffe Mo t o rc yc l e Cl u b 

Th e Tr u s t In n, Ki l b a rc h a n 9p m-10.30p m 

Visit www.strathgryffe.org for details. 

Th e Sh o t o k a n Ka r at e Cl u b 

Wo o d l a n d s Pr i m a r y Sc h o o l, Li n wo o d, 7pm - 8pm 

& 8p m - 9p m. 

www.linwoodkarate.co.uk 

every Tuesday 

Br i d g e o f Weir Wa l k i n g Gr o u p 

Ou t s i d e t h e Co-o p, BoW 10.30a m 

1 hour walks. Call Senga on 0141 842 3000. 

Gryffe Ba d m i n to n 

Strathgryffe Te n n i s Cl u b, 8p m 

Fo o t b a l l Tr a i n i n g 

Jo h n s t o n e Hi g h Sc h o o l 6p m-9p m 

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details 


Greenock Ho c k e y Cl u b 

In v e r c ly d e Ac a d e m y Sc h o o l, Greenock, 6.30p m- 

8p m 

Contact Liz Baldwin, mobile 07944 607005 


Br o o k f i e l d Vi l l ag e Ha l l, 5.15p m, 6.15p m 

& 7.30p m 

every Th u r s d a y 

Ki l b a rc h a n Athletic Cl u b 

On-X, Li n w o o d, 7p m 

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990. 

Kilmacolm Wa l k e r s 

Bi r k m y r e Pa r k Pavilion, Kilmacolm 10a m 

Tel: David Goddard 01505 874192 or email 

kilmacolmwalkers@talktalk.net 


Bro o k f i e l d Village Ha l l, 9.15a m & 10.30a m 

Th e Sh o t o k a n Ka r at e Cl u b 

Wo o d l a n d s Pr i m a r y Sc h o o l, Li n wo o d, 7pm - 8pm 

& 8p m - 9p m. 

www.linwoodkarate.co.uk 

Fo o t b a l l Tr a i n i n g 

Jo h n s t o n e Hi g h Sc h o o l 6p m-9p m 

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details 

every Fr i d a y 


Bro o k f i e l d Village Ha l l, 9.15a m & 10.30a m 

every Sa t u r d a y 

Ad u lt Ta p Lessons 

The Ca r g i l l Ce n t r e, Ki l m ac o l m. Sa t u r d a y 

l u n c h t i m e. 

Call Gail Ashley on 01475 531336 for details 

every Su n d a y 

Bi r k m y r e Ru g b y Cl u b, Kilmacolm 

Yo u t h Ru g b y Se c t i o n 11a m-1p m 

www.pitchero.com/clubs/birkmyre - New players 

and coaches welcome 

St Vincent’s Hospice is challenging 

golfers in Renfrewshire to tee up and 

show their support for local hospice 

care by taking part in the charity’s 

annual golf day at the beautiful 

Kilmacolm Golf Club on Friday 28th 

August. 

Colin McEwan led the winning team 

at the 2014 event. “St Vincent’s 

Golf Day is a fantastic event and we 

managed to win last year at only our 

sixth attempt!’ he said. 

“Team entry is a great way to help raise 

funds for this wonderful hospice and an 

ideal opportunity to invite clients along 

for a game of golf or to spend time with 

staff away from the office. St Vincent’s is 

close to my heart. They cared so well for 

my dad before he died and for my mum 

and family before and after his death. To 

have the opportunity to fundraise whilst 

playing golf is something my dad would 

have enjoyed.” 

“As defending champions, Playsport 

Golf can’t wait for this year’s event. We’ll 

be going all out to make it back to back 

wins! The day is always fantastic fun on a superb course at Kilmacolm 

with great prizes up for grabs every year, so entering a team is a nobrainer...“ 

Teams of four will be able to enjoy a welcome breakfast in the Club House 

before heading out to the tee for 18 holes of golf with their friends or 

colleagues while enjoying stunning views across the Renfrewshire hills. 

After play there is a hot three-course meal and a chance to catch up on 

the scores of other competitors. There are prizes for the top three teams 

as well as the awarding of the St Vincent’s Hospice Golf Trophy and a 

chance to win exciting prizes in the after dinner raffle and auction. 

St Vincent’s Hospice Chief Executive, Kate Lennon said “It costs over 

£40,000 every week to run our hospice and community services, over 

half of which comes from donations and fundraising. Our Golf Day is just 

one way that people can help us to raise funds. We are very grateful to 

all who are taking part in this competitive but fun day out.” 

For more information and to reserve a place please call St Vincent’s 

Hospice Fundraising Team on 01505 705635 or email info@svh.co.uk 

Sporting Blog by 

The Trouble with Calorie Trackers... 

Accord 

Hospice 

Twilight Walk 

Recently the people of Paisley and beyond 

joined together to walk a 6km walk for the 

Accord 

Hospice. 

The oldest 

lady on the 

walk was 

85 and was 

all smiles 

when she 

started the 

walk, saying 

she would definitely finish it. 

Paisley Piranhas 

Paisley Piranhas Swimming Club is a 

competitive swimming club for young people 

with learning, sensory or physical disabilities. 

The club takes place at Linwood ONX 

between 2.30pm and 

4.30pm on Sundays 

(excluding school 

holidays). Members 

must be able to swim 

a short distance. For 

more details contact 07774 016347. 

Lesley Handley 

There are more and more apps and programs being released all the time that are designed to help you either train 

harder, train better, lose weight, become leaner etc. One of the most common apps I see being used are calorie 

trackers. I see it all the time on Facebook in some of the fitness groups I am part of – so many people are counting 

calories and tracking what they eat every day. This is great, it is highlighting that people are aware of what and how 

much they should be eating. However this is only going to work if they are used correctly and calories are understood. 

It’s important to realise that as you lose weight you need to re-evaluate your nutrition and/or your calorie goals. A dip in 

metabolic burn is normal with weight loss, so to continue seeing the numbers trending down it is important to readjust 

your diet and calorie goals. Changes in your workout schedule need to be looked at; altering how many times a week 

you go to the gym is enough to affect your nutritional needs. 

One of the most popular apps I see being used is MyFitnessPal; this is a good app and I have used it myself, however, 

the most common error with it is the accuracy of what you are entering. Food items in the app can be stored with 

descriptions such as, a ‘medium apple’ or a ‘large banana’; a medium apple can be a very different size to what you 

think. If you want to track accurately, it is important to enter proper portion sizes, and this may mean the measuring 

spoons and digital scales need to come out when you are cooking to give you a better idea of how much you are 

consuming. Even when comparing apples to apples, calories can vary greatly. 

I am seeing more and more people turn their attention to counting calories, and this is absolutely fine if you track them 

well. However I believe it is more important to educate yourself on food groups and about macro-nutrients to maximise 

the most efficient way to fuel your body. 

Lesley 

For more information on Personal Training or nutrition contact me at Lesley@fitsmartfitness.co.uk or go to www. 

fitsmartfitness.co.uk for more Personal Training options.


West of Scotland Successes for 

Strathgryffe Juniors 

Strathgryffe Tennis, Squash & Fitness Club is having a very 

successful summer season with individual players and teams 

picking up West of Scotland titles. 

Members Holly Docherty and Mathilde Sreeves won their respective 

ratings event at the 14 & u Road to Wimbledon, West of Scotland County Finals 

and will now represent Strathgryffe at the National Finals which are held at 

Wimbledon in August. 

Strathgryffe Junior teams to date have won 

a total of six Aegon West of Scotland Junior 

titles which include Boys18 &u, Boys 16 & u, 

Girls 18/16 & u, Girls 14 & u, Mixed 9 & u & 

Mixed 8 & u. The 16 & u Boys 2nd Team also 

won Division 2A. 

Strathgryffe would like to offer any adults 

interested in giving tennis a try a FREE 

TASTER SESSION. To book your session, 

please email:susan@strathgryffe.net for 

more details. 

Annual 

Millennium 

Tournament 

Strathgryffe Tennis, Squash & Fitness Club 

celebrated Wimbledon with their annual 

Millennium Tournament on Saturday 4th July. 

Members enjoyed an afternoon of mixed 

doubles and of course it wouldn’t be Wimbledon 

without strawberries and cream being served! 

Winners of the tournament this year were Peter 

Fraser & Chantal Robertson who beat Robert 

Lindsay & Lesley Smith in the final. 

Memorial Football Fest Brings 

Community Together 

Family and friends of loved ones who lost their lives to suicide (No Substitute 

for Life) once again took to the pitch for an annual football tournament in 

Ferguslie on the 28th June. Now in its fourth year, an estimated over 100 

budding football enthusiasts took part in the 7-a-side competition. 

The memorial event hosted a wide variety of entertainment for children and 

adults of all ages 

including an 

opportunity for 

bereaved family 

and friends to 

write a message 

for a loved one 

on a purple heart 

and attach it to the 

Ferguslie Memorial 

Tree. 

The tournament is 

part of a campaign 

to raise awareness 

of suicide among young men and provide an opportunity for survivors of 

bereavement by suicide to commemorate their loved ones. 

The Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) support group meets on the 

last Tuesday of every month in the Charleston Centre between 7pm and 9pm. 

No Substitute for Life is organised by community volunteers in partnership 

with Choose Life, Recovery Across Mental Health (RAMH) and Engage 

Renfrewshire. 

The national helpline Breathing Space can be reached on 0800 83 85 87, and 

the number for The Samaritans is 08457 90 90 90. Recovery Across Mental 

Health (RAMH) First Crisis can be contacted on 0141 848 9090. For more 

information on suicide prevention, call 0141 849 2200, or email elizabeth. 

aitken@renfrewshire.gov.uk. 

Why Not Try Curling This Year 

At Erskine? 

It’s been a summer of watching Wimbledon, The Open and the Tour De France. 

Maybe it’s time to get up, get out and join in. Join our friendly curling club, and 

enjoy doing something active this autumn. 

Erskine Curling Club play at Greenacres near Howwood, and we would be 

delighted to welcome anybody who wants to give it a go. No experience is 

necessary, and tuition will be given. You don’t have to know how to curl, and 

you don’t have to live in Erskine - our members live all over the area. 

Give Ian Morrison a ‘phone on 0141 812 8428, and take part in our early 

season practice session. Everybody is welcome, whatever the age or ability, 

and we would also be pleased to welcome back any lapsed curlers. See this 

youtube link for a clip of the club curling at Lochwinnoch https://www.youtube. 

com/watch?v=oYNxtOY5Urc, but usually we are indoors. More photos to be 

seen at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ErskineCurling/ 

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 contact Ali 

McMaster on 07775 578795, email Glentyanthistlefc@gmail. 

com or visit our website on www.glentyanthistle.co.uk 

Bridge of Weir Youngster Is 

Scottish Champion 

Jamie Stewart, who plays his golf at The Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club, broke 

records at Arbroath as he became the Global Golf Post Scottish Boys Under-16 

Champion. 

The 16-year-old 

had already been 

selected for the 

two man Scottish 

team which travels 

to Switzerland for 

the European Young 

Masters later this 

month and justified 

his selection with 

opening rounds of 

65 and 66 to take 

a two stroke lead 

over his fellow team 

Jamie with the trophy 

member Darren 

Howie. Both players shot 69 in the third round but Darren slipped down to 

fourth place with a final round of 70. The challenge then came from Frenchman 

Theo Berger who set a challenging target with a magnificent final round of 64 

and a total of 270. This left Jamie needing a round of 69 or better for the 

championship and he played great golf for a score of 65 and a record breaking 

aggregate of 265, fifteen under par. 

Jamie thanked his coaches David Orr and George Boswell and also recorded 

his appreciation for the help of Andrew MacIntyre who worked with Jamie when 

he was at Ranfurly Castle. He has now set his sights on being selected for the 

Boys’ Home International squad. He also hopes to turn out for the County team 

if his schedule permits.


Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club 

Ladies Open 

The chosen charity was St 

Vincent’s Hospice and a 

cheque for £525 was sent 

to the Hospice by Alison 

Thompson - Ladies Open Convenor. 

The winners of the Old Course Ranfurly Golf 

Club Ladies Open were Fiona McMillan 

(OCRGC) and Sarah Shovlin (Hayston). 

One hundred and eight ladies entered this 

ever popular competition and a great time 

was had by all on the day. 

Ranfurly Castle member David Stewart and PGA Professional Tom Eckford 

recently travelled to Formby Golf Club, Merseyside to play in the Lombard 

Trophy Regional Finals of the PGA National Pro Am Championship. Tom was 

unable to play in the Scottish Qualifying, hence the 4 hour drive to take part 

at Formby. The journey was very 

worth while when the pair won 

the Trophy. This books their 

place in the final which will be 

played over the PGA Centenary 

Course at Gleneagles at the 

beginning of September. 

David has fond memories of 

playing the Queens Course at 

Gleneagles where he had a 

hole in one, so will be hoping to 

reproduce that form in the final! 

Tom is also familiar with competition events at Gleneagles having played in a 

Pro Am event on the Kings Course earlier this year and having won the Scottish 

PGA Four ball Championship there 9 years ago. 

Ladies Day at the club was held on Saturday 13th June when the weather was 

dry, but chilly. 27 couples 

enjoyed the day and the 

winners, with 37 points, 

were Graeme Taylor and 

Morven McLeod. 

On Sunday 21st June, 

the club held the David 

Reid Memorial Trophy. 

48 couples played on the 

day and the winners were 

Gordon and Cherry Briggs 

of Kilmacolm with a net 71. 

Golf 

Playdowns 

Golf playdowns were held at 

Ranfurly Castle GC on Tuesday 

23rd June. Winners were Lilias 

Snodgrass and Jean Irvine from 

Brookfield WI, runners up Linda 

MacDougall and June Giles 

also from Brookfield. Lilias and 

Jean will play in National Final 

at Kirkcaldy on Monday 7th 

September. 

Monday 

Afternoon 

Exercise 

Class 

The Monday afternoon 

Exercise Class resumes 

on Monday 17th August. 

The Exercise Class meets 

in St Columba Church Hall, 

Kilmacolm on Mondays at 

2pm from August - June. 

Our Instructor, Kay Hart 

takes the class which you 

may say is geared towards 

the more mature woman 

but we feel at 3pm., 

that we have certainly 

had a very good workout. 

We usually average 

20 each Monday and 

everyone really seems to 

enjoy being there as they 

keep coming back! New 

members would be made 

most welcome and the cost of the class is £3 per session, paid on the day. If 

you would like to find out more, please contact Irene Macfarlane on 01505 

614443. 

Great Win for Renfrewshire 

Junior Golfers 

Greenock Golf Club was the venue for the boys’ 

match between Renfrewshire Golf Union and 

Ayrshire. Renfrewshire went into the match 

unbeaten and with aspirations to win the West of 

Scotland league for the first time. 

There were a number of the team unavailable for 

selection due to holidays and other tournaments 

but team managers Graham McGee and Lyall 

Campbell had every confidence in the team 

selected. This confidence was fully justified as, 

with torrential rain making life difficult for both 

teams, Renfrewshire recorded a 6.5 to 1.5 

Alastair McNaughton 

victory. 

Although the opening game between Ranfurly Castle’s Angus Frood resulted in 

a win for his opponent, Alex Murray (Troon Welbeck), two and one, this was the 

only loss on the day. All the boys played well but there were two outstanding 

wins. First, Jorg Irving from Elderslie had a convincing six and five win over 

the experienced Loudon player, Greg Hampshire. Then Caldwell’s Alastair 

McNaughton faced up to Luke Murdoch (Loudon) who had won last season’s 

Scottish Junior Tour event. Alastair recorded an amazing seven and six win. 

With two matches to play, Lanarkshire away and Dunbartonshire at home, 

Renfrewshire Golf Union is starting to make room on the trophy cabinet shelf! 

Full results: Renfrewshire – 6.5 Ayrshire – 1.5; Angus Frood (Ranfurly Castle) 

lost to Alex Murray (Troon Welbeck) 2 and 1; Tom Mackenzie (East Renfrewshire) 

beat Jack Broun (Ayr Belleisle) 3 and 2; Euan English (Erskine) beat Shaun Addie 

(Ayr Belleisle) 4 and 2; Jorg Irvine (Elderslie) beat Greg Hampshire (Loudon) 

6 and 5; Lewis Breslin (Fereneze) beat Craig Mackenzie (Troon Welbeck) 4 

and 2; Alastair McNaughton (Caldwell) beat Luke Murdoch (Loudon) 7 and 6; 

Jamie Sinnamon (Greenock Whinhill) halved with Shaun Cook (Troon Barassie); 

Cameron 

J o n e s 

(Greenock) 

beat Joprdan 

Sweeney (Ayr 

Belleisle) 4 

and 3. 

Charity mixed open greensomes (with all proceeds to the 

Beatson Cancer Charity). Sunday 23rd August for the Sheila 

Hughes Trophy. Entry fee £25 per couple (handicap limits: 

Gents 28/Ladies 36). Call 01475 540704 or 07436 114333 

for further details. 

55 55


SAT 

5Sep 

SUN 

6Sep 

Low Green, Ayr 

Our Air Display will have visitors flocking to see the thrills 

of many breathtaking and iconic aircraft displays. Open 

10am–7pm. FREE entry event, however car parking 

charges may apply. All proceeds go to Scottish Airshow. 

Prestwick Airport 

Another day of pure aviation rush with the aircraft exhibition 

hosted at Glasgow Prestwick Airport. Open 10am–5pm. 


Please note the display timetable will be subject to change and some aircraft due may not 

arrive due to either weather or technical reasons. 

Ticket 

Info 

SAT 5 SEP: FREE entry. Car parking charges may apply. 

SUN 6 SEP: Limited Availability advanced standard tickets NOW ON 

SALE. Purchase an advance adult ticket - allows up to two children (aged 

5-15 years) FREE entry with every adult ticket purchased. Children 

under 5 years FREE. Note: Advance standard tickets are downloadable 

this year and will not be posted out. On the day entry Adult – £15, Child 

(aged 5-15 years) – £5, Child (under 5 years) Free. 

Premium “tickets” this year will be in the form of wristbands ONLY to gain entry and will 

be posted out a few weeks prior to the weekend of 5th/6th September 2015. Please keep 

them safe. We are able to bring these Airshow aircraft to entertain you only because of the 

generous sponsorship given to us by some of the largest Scottish and Ayrshire employers. 

Without their help we could never have organised an event like the FREE Scottish 

Airshow. 

SpeedTwin Comet 

A warm welcome first appearance for this agile aircraft to this years Scottish 

Airshow. This year G-STDL will be displaying on Saturday and will also take 

part in our Sunday aircraft exhibition. The Speedtwin Comet 1 is a unique and 

versatile British-designed and built light aircraft. With its twin-engines and 

tandem seating it offers remarkable operating capabilities. The Speedtwin 

Comet 1 proto-type has been flight-tested and issued with a UK Civil Aviation 

Authority Permit. It is easy and safe to fly with a long range and high speed. 

The Speedtwin Comet 1 is of aluminium construction with composite nacelles 

and fairings. 

Vulcan XH558 

SpeedTwin Comet 

Royal Navy Merlin Helicopter Display Team 

If you liked last years Royal Navy Merlin display you are in for a treat. This 

year the Royal Navy have decided to send two of their Merlin helicopters to 

perform a special display. Both Merlin’s will also be participating in Sunday’s 

“Helicopter Heaven” . 

Vulcan XH558 

Returning again for 2015, XH588 will yet again entertain however this will be 

the last appearance - don’t miss out! 

The organisers of the Scottish Airshow have secured this unique aircraft and 

it will fly at beach front Ayr on Saturday 5th September then land at Glasgow 

Prestwick Airport. It will be the highlight of the Sunday Aircraft Exhibition where 

members of the public will be able to see it for one last time and even get up 

close to take photographs or talk to the flight crew. 

Red Arrows 

The newspaper headlines announced the fabulous Red Arrows are coming 

back to the Scottish Airshow. They were a regular feature of the airshows of 

the 70s and 80s and we are delighted to bring back one of the world’s best 

aerobatic teams. 

The Red Arrows have actually been flying since 1965 and this year sees their 

51st year of thrilling members of the public and all the aviation professionals 

who attend airshows. They are truly one of the very best aerobatic teams in the 

world and if you have not seen them live then prepare to be very very impressed. 

Their flying skills are honed to perfection and their flying routines show them 

flying just feet apart at speeds of over 500 mph. When you see them flying head 

to head then that’s a closing speed of over 1,000 mph!! 

Royal Navy Merlin Helicopter 

Red Arrows

Walk of Hope 


Last year saw an amazing success for the first 

‘Walk of Hope’ event and for everyone who took 

part. Not only did we raise over £9,000, but we 

received Scotland wide media attention. 

Families came together and took on their own personal challenge and certainly 

made a difference to families affected with Huntington’s disease. 

This year we would like to make a BIGGER impact and get more people joining 

together, not only supporting the walk but enjoying the social space, quality 

family time, freedom and outdoors. 

We would like to welcome more fundraisers to plan a sponsored walk 

throughout August to help raise funds and awareness of Huntington’s disease 

by completing a ‘Walk of Hope’ of your choice. 

Summer is a lovely time of the year to get outdoors with family, friends, work 

colleagues or just you in your own space. 

You can choose from a walk through a forest or country park. Or, go all out 

and walk the West Highland Way or climb a Munroe? Scotland is blessed with 

hundreds of footpaths and cycle tracks; you could do a cycle along the coast! 

The choice is all yours! 

So, whether you raise £50, £500 or £1,000, every penny and pound will be 

put to good use 

and this is the 

difference your 

support will 

make... £3 pays 

for a 5 minute 

call that can 

change a life, £16 

provides One to 

One counselling 

to a young person 

affected by HD, £6 

buys a handbook 

for carers, giving 

them the advice they need, £30 pays for a home visit to someone affected 

by HD and £465 pays for a young person affected by HD attend residential 

summer camp. 

Once you have decided on your walk, please contact me on 0141 848 0308 or 

email linda.byars@hdscotland.org to receive your fundraising pack. Thank you! 

Inverclyde set to host Scottish P1 

Powerboat Event 

Powerboat and Jet Ski national championships 

could be staged in Greenock next year as 

Inverclyde Council and regeneration company 

Riverside Inverclyde (ri) agree to become a 

new P1 host venue. 

The Powerboat P1 Grand Prix of the Sea is an 

international high profile event that has never been 

held in Scotland. UK championships have been 

held in England and Wales. 

Now Inverclyde is set to host the event in July 2016 

after councillors and the Riverside Inverclyde Board 

agreed to support the event bid. 

Powerboat P1 is the world’s leading marine 

motorsport promoter, successfully staging more 

than 200 events in 17 countries on three continents 

since 2003. 

The event will be jointly hosted by Inverclyde 

Council and Riverside Inverclyde (ri) in July 2016 of 

Greenock’s Esplanade. 

And, as part of the wider promotion of tourism in 

Inverclyde, tourism related businesses will have 

the opportunity to showcase themselves on the 

Esplanade with a planned ‘mile-long Inverclyde 

Showcase’ accompanying the event. 

If next year’s event is successful, Council and 

regeneration bosses have pledge to examine the 

event with the option of hosting in 2017 and 2018. 

Link to video of Powerboat P1 events: www.powerboatp1. 

com/Television.ink 

Ladies Scottish Open 

Champion shows Golf is just 

Child’s Play 

In the week that a Scottish ‘hoolie’ blew the golfers off the course at St Andrews, 

with the delay resulting in a late finish, crowds braved the Monday morning rain 

to gather at Kilmacolm Golf Club. 

2014 Ladies Scottish Open Champion and eight times Solheim Cup team 

player, Trish Johnson, who turned professional in 1987 and has claimed 23 

career wins, made her only Scottish club visit to host a golf clinic. The timing 

of her visit coincided with her appearance at Dundonald Links to defend her 

Ladies Scottish Open 

champion title and her 

potential appearance at 

the Ricoh Women’s British 

Open at Turnberry. 

When asked if driving was 

the key to a good score, 

she said “It is important, 

but putting will always win 

in the end. You need to 

focus on the short game.” 

Johnson, who said she 

always knew she would turn professional from the early age of 13, was 

delighted at the number of youngsters at the golf clinic, including two budding 

golfers, 11 year old Romy and her brother 12 year old Timmy. When asked how 

it felt to play with Trish in front of so many, Romy said “It was amazing. I was 

a bit nervous at first but really enjoyed it.” Brother Timmy said “It was nerve 

wracking and I didn’t play as well as I wanted to but it was really great.” Romy 

and Timmy both took up golf five years ago and already have handicaps of 21 

and 8 respectively. 

Trish said “It’s great to see so many youngsters here today. I think it is becoming 

increasingly difficult to get kids involved as there are so many other things for 

them to do. When I was a kid, I spent my whole time outdoors – it’s not like 

that now. Romy and Timmy are definitely ones to watch in the future and I hope 

many more will be inspired by them to play.” 

Kilmacolm Golf Club has been active in promoting the sport to families and 

earlier in the year took golf out into the community by running a free 12 week 

‘Introduction to Golf’ coaching programme. The club’s PGA professional, Iain 

Nicholson, said “It is a great sport for all the family to play together – not every 

sport offers that opportunity. It’s also great way to help kids develop hand-eye 

co-ordination and spatial awareness, and golf also teaches kids social skills 

and self-improvement.” 

You can register your interest in future ‘Introduction to Golf’ coaching sessions 

by emailing enquiries@iainnicholsongolf.co.uk or if you want to get started now, 

the club is offering an Introduction to Golf membership for adult beginners or 

returners and also offers junior membership too. Full details can be found on 

the website www.kilmacolmgolfclub.co.uk, or by calling 01505 872139. 

57 57


1st Houston and Crosslee Scout Group 

The group have had a very busy time of late, with all the 

sections busy with badgework and outdoor activities. 

A number of the Beavers have recently been awarded the 

Chief Scout Bronze Award which is the highest achievement 

they can receive. Badges and certificates were presented by 

the new District Commissioner Ian Hunter and a celebration 

cake was baked especially to mark the occasion. 

The cubs have 

been busy 

as well and 

recently won 

the annual Inter 

Group General 

Knowledge 

Quiz Challenge. 

The beavers and cubs also visited Muirshiel Country Park and the 

boys enjoyed a hike to Windy Hill. 

The Scouts did take advantage of the dry weather a few weeks ago 

and took part in a 

number of outdoor 

activities in preparation of their camp. This year the Scouts and 

younger Explorers had their weekend camp on the banks of the 

River Gryffe just off the Georgetown Road. The weather was very 

good over the 2 days and 2 nights and the boys and girls tested 

their pioneering skills in the campsite and surrounding woodland. 

With nearly 40 children attending, this was one of the biggest ever 

camps that the leaders had organised but everyone had a great 

time. 

A number of boys in the explorer section headed off for a 2 week 

camp in Switzerland late July. This camp is the highlight of the 

year and usually takes place once every 3 years. 

The groups final night was the Presentation of Awards and 

a slide show highlighting the variety of activities that all 

the age groups have been involved in over the past year. 

A more detailed report and photos of this will appear in 

the next edition. 

Finally details of the enrolment nights for the new term 

starting in August will be as follows:- 

Beavers (6 to 8 years):- Monday 17th August 7.30pm to 

8.30pm (Start back Monday 24th August) 

Cubs (8 to 10½ years):- Monday 17th August 7.30pm to 

8.30pm (Start back Monday 24th August) 

Scouts (10½ to 14 years):- Monday 17th August 7.30pm 

to 9pm (Start back Tuesday 25th August) 

Explorers (14 to 18 years):- Thursday 20th August 

7.30pm to 9pm (Start back Thursday 27th August) 

every Monday 

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers 

McKillop Hall. 9.30am-11.30am £2/ 

family fee includes tea & children’s snacks. 

St Columba Playgroup 

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm, 

9.30am-11.40am 

Howwood Baby & Toddler Group 

Howwood Parish Church. 10am-12noon. 

Kilbarchan East Tots Club 

East Church Hall. 9.15am-11.30am 

every Tuesday 

Bridge of Weir Toddlers 

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, BoW 

Pop along and see us from 9.30-11.30am 

Baby Social 

Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers Vill. 11am 

Meet mums, drink coffee & eat cake. 



9.30am-11.40am 

Howwood Playgroup 

Howwood Church Hall 9.45am-11.35am 


St Columba Toddlers 


10am - 11.30am 

For children from birth to 3 years. 

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers 

McKillop Hall. 9.30am-11.30am 

£2/family fee includes tea and children’s snacks. 



every Thursday 

Houston Toddlers 

Church Hall, Main Street, Houston 

Pop along and see us from 9.30-11.30am 



9.15am-11.40am 



every Friday 

Langbank Under 3’s 

Church Hall, Langbank 10am-11.45am 

For children from birth to 3 years 

1st & 3rd Friday 

Renfrewshire Inverclyde Twins 

Club 

McKillop Hall, Lochwinnoch 10- 

11.30am 

£3. Bring a mug along for a cuppa.


Fairtrade at Gryffe High School 

59 59 

Pupils at Gryffe High School were jumping for joy when they learned they 

were first to win a special Fairtrade award for high schools. 

The Renfrewshire Secondary Schools Trophy recognises the pupils’ 

outstanding contribution to the Fairtrade movement. 

Pupils raised a whopping £900 for Fairtrade during Global Diversity Month 

in October and Fairtrade Fortnight in February, and Fairtrade was a key 

element in many subjects, including modern studies, social subjects, 

English and religious studies. 

And they also baked their way to success at their own Fairtrade Bake 

Off held in the school, with 3 pupils going on to compete in Renfrewshire 

Fairtrade Bake Off on Saturday 28 February. 

The trophy was 

presented to 

the pupils from 

Gryffe High 

School Fairtrade 

Committee by 

Chair of the 

Renfrewshire 

Fairtrade 

Steering Group, 

Councillor Jim 

Sharkey, who 

thanked pupils for 

their contribution 

to Renfrewshire’s 

ongoing Fairtrade campaign. 

Councillor Sharkey said: “Pupils in Gryffe have really taken the Fairtrade 

message that step further by making it something they do every day, so 

they were the obvious choice when it came to awarding this trophy for the 

first time.” 

“The new award recognises the hard work pupils in secondary schools do 

for the Fairtrade movement, many of whom have grown up with Fairtrade 

throughout primary school.” 

“I was really impressed by the pupils’ dedication and continued support for 

Fairtrade. They held assemblies, learned about Fairtrade during lessons, 

spoke about it at the Scottish Fair Trade Teaching & Learning Network and 

even just getting down to basics with their very own Bake Off.” 

“Young people are our next generation, so it’s important that we talk with 

them about the impact Fairtrade makes for millions of people across the 

world, helping them to learn about global issues and how we all have a 

responsibility to help where we can.” 

High schools put 

forward a portfolio of 

their work during the 

past year to win the 

award, which will be 

awarded annually 

to the secondary 

school that does the 

most for Fairtrade in 

the last year. 

Gryffe’s Head 

Teacher, Colin 

Johnston added: 

“We are delighted to 

receive this award in 

the very first year it 

has been presented. 

The award recognises the hard work of pupils and staff, as well as the 

support of our parents. 

“The school has had Fairtrade status for six years and we continue to strive 

to improve our curricular coverage to celebrate and highlight Fairtrade 

through a wide range of whole school events and inputs from a variety 

of subjects. The staff and pupil bake offs earlier this year for Fairtrade 

Fortnight was particularly memorable. 

“Fairtrade has become a key focus for global citizenship within Gryffe High 

School and it has also given many opportunities to our pupils to achieve 

successes and to experience leadership roles.” 

Fairtrade helps to improve the lives of producers in developing countries 

by guaranteeing them a fair price for their goods, such as nuts, cocoa and 

rice. 

For more information, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/fairtrade. 

St Columba Church Playgroup 

and Toddlers 

We are looking forward to welcoming friends old and new after the summer 

holidays. There is a waiting list for places from August for children from 2yrs 

4mths, but spaces for 3 year olds for any combination of Monday, Tuesday 

or Thursday mornings. Please contact Melanie our Playgroup Secretary for 

more information by emailing stcolumbachurchplaygroup@gmail.com 

Our toddler group runs on Wednesday’s between 10am and 11.30am for 

children from birth to 3 years and carers. It is a great chance to make new 

friends and try out new toys. Please contact our Toddler secretary Beth for 

more information by emailing thebbles@hotmail.com 

Some dates for the diary: our AGM will be taking place on Tuesday 18th 

August at 8pm in the Lesser Church Hall, all welcome. We will be holding our 

annual nearly new sale on Saturday 3rd October from 10am in Kilmacolm 

Community Centre, look out for more details to follow soon. 

Clydeview Academy Pupil 

Wins Laptop for Tie Design 

Emily Wood, a third year pupil at Clydeview Academy, was this morning 

presented with a laptop after winning a competition to design a new tie for 

M&J Builders Merchants, a local Greenock business. 

M&J Builders Merchants had contacted Clydeview as they wanted to 

design a new tie for their staff and directors and thought it would be an ideal 

opportunity for art and design students to undertake a real life brief. 

The competition was open to all secondary school pupils in Inverclyde. Lucy 

Rodger, Director at M&J, narrowed it down to two entries but it was Emily’s 

design which was thought to combine the company logo and corporate 

colours perfectly. Second prize went to 14 year old Priya Das from Wemyss 

Bay who was awarded a £15 iTunes voucher. 

Education & Communities Convenor, Councillor Terry Loughran said: “I 

would like to thank M&J Builders Merchants for providing the pupils across 

Inverclyde with a fantastic opportunity to put their design skills into practise. 

Well done to all who entered; they are undoubtedly a hugely talented group, 

and of course congratulations to Emily for her winning design.” 

M & J Builders 

Merchants Director, 

Mark T Rodger, said: 

“We were delighted 

with the standard of 

entry we received; the 

designs were fantastic 

and very imaginative. It 

was extremely difficult 

to pick only two prize 

winners as there were 

so many excellent 

designs to choose 

from however Emily’s 

incorporation of our logo and corporate colours was exactly what we were 

looking for. I would like to thank all the Clydeview students for taking part 

and their teachers for the assistance they provided.” 

15 year old Emily from Greenock said: “I am very happy winning. I looked 

at the corporate colours and thought a repeated pattern and a simple 

design would work best. I needed a new laptop as mine has broken so I 

am delighted.”


Kilbarchan Brownies 

Kilbarchan Brownies had great fun organising a Bring and Buy sale in aid 

of Yorkhill Children’s Charity. 

Publicity posters were designed and put up in shops and notice boards, 

much baking was produced, cupboards were tidied and decisions made 

about which toys and books to be donated. On the night, the girls enjoyed 

being in charge of the various stalls and everyone was delighted to raise 

the tremendous sum of £480. 

Thanks to everyone who helped make the event so successful. The picture 

shows the Brownies presenting their cheque to Sandra Graham of Yorkhill 

Children’s Charity. 

Renfrewshire Warmly Welcomes 

Newly-Elected Youth Parliament 

Inverclyde Schools Building in 

Civic Trust Awards 2015 

Inverclyde’s unique Community Campus has received a ‘commendation’ in 

an international architectural awards scheme. The Port Glasgow Community 

Campus was one of 91 projects from across the world lined up to receive an 

Award or Commendation in the 2015 Civic Trust Awards. 

The Inverclyde building was included alongside a prestigious hotel in China; 

a Russian airport and a school in Australia in the awards which included 

only six projects from Scotland. 

The Port Glasgow Community Campus is home to three schools – Port 

Glasgow High School, St Stephen’s High School and Craigmarloch 

School. 

It’s one of only six building projects from Scotland on the prestigious winners 

and commendations list which includes a community school in Australia; 

the Waldorf Astoria building in Beijing, China and thePulkovo International 

Airport in Russia. 

Inverclyde Council Leader, Councillor Stephen McCabe, who opened the 

community campus, said: “This is a prestigious awards ceremony and 

the Community Campus has picked up a Commendation against some 

incredible competition in the UK and across the world. The Community 

Campus building is unique in Inverclyde and across the country. It is both 

ambitious in its scale and in its delivery. All involved in delivering this project 

deserve our praise and congratulations. The commendation from the Civic 

Trust Awards is a fitting tribute to that hard work.” 

Kevin Cooper, Director of architects Archial NORR, said: “Archial NORR is 

delighted to have received a Civic Trust Commendation for this important 

community project. This accolade is very rewarding for the whole team as 

the building is undoubtedly a great example of a genuine collective effort for 

an excellent client. We sincerely hope the users of the project continue to 

enjoy it as much as we enjoyed designing it, and for many years to come”. 

The awards combines the 2015 Civic Trust Awards, Pro-Tem Awards and 

AABC Conservation Awards, which features 91 projects from a wide range 

of national and international entries. 

The 56th Annual Civic Trust Awards Ceremony took place at Shakespeare’s 

Globe Theatre in London. 

Hundreds of newly-elected Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament got 

a warm welcome when they arrived in Renfrewshire for their first National 

Sitting of the new term. 

Almost 200 delegates from across Scotland came to the Sitting held at Park 

Mains High School in Erskine. 

And MSYPs received a warm welcome by Council Leader Mark Macmillan 

ahead of their weekend long parliamentary session, who took the opportunity 

to talk about the Youth Parliament’s 2015 campaign, POVERTY: See It 

Change It. 

Cllr Macmillan 

said: “The Youth 

Parliament is key to 

giving young people 

a voice to speak 

out on things that 

matter to them and 

that enthusiasm 

was prevalent at 

the Sitting. Almost 

6,500 young 

people voted in 

Renfrewshire in the 

SYP elections, the second highest number of votes cast in a Scottish local 

authority area. Young people are more engaged in the democratic process 

than ever before and this is fantastic news. 

“Tackling Poverty is one of the council’s top priorities and it is welcome 

that this is the Scottish Youth Parliament’s campaign for 2015. Supporting 

young people out of poverty was the main reason the Renfrewshire Tackling 

Poverty Commission – the first of its kind in Scotland – was initiated by the 

council. Our £6m tackling poverty fund will invest in a far-reaching package 

of new interventions and will expand successful and proven approaches, as 

we work to make sure tackling poverty is central to everything we do.” 

During the two day intensive Sitting, the Leader got the chance to catchup 

with Renfrewshire’s MSYPs - Emma Eck, Osama Nadeem, Mark Dougan, 

Eilidh Harkness and Carrie McIntyre – to talk about the poverty campaign. 

Mark Macmillan added: “Renfrewshire’s MSYPs are already working hard 

on taking forward the poverty campaign and I look forward to working with 

them to shine a light in every corner of youth poverty.” 

The poverty campaign is seeking to raise awareness among young people 

about poverty, combat poverty stigma and work with decision makers to 

uphold the UK-wide commitment to tackle child poverty by 2020. 

For more information on the POVERTY: See It Change It campaign, visit 

www.syp.org.uk or follow #seeitchangeit on Twitter.


One Small Step as Astronaut 

Lands in Inverclyde! 

A NASA astronaut who has orbited the earth 

more than 2,500 times finally touched 

down in Inverclyde for the first time. 

Tom Marshburn who has flown on the 

Space Shuttle and spent three months 

on board the International Space Station 

joined Heather Paul - an engineer NASA’s 

Johnson Space Center - on a flying visit to 

Newark Primary in Port Glasgow. 

Tom said: “The last time I was anywhere near 

Port Glasgow I was 350 nautical miles above the earth travelling at 17,500 

miles an hour although on our way back from the Space Station mission we 

did land at Prestwick where I had my first shower back on earth!” 

“Flying in space is very hard but requires the help and support of thousands 

of people on earth so it is also a very humbling experience. 

For that reason I am excited to let the children know how many great 

careers there are in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths so it is 

very important to start them young.” 

Heather Paul has worked for NASA in life sciences, propulsion, mission 

operations and space suit and tool design and development. She said: “I 

am delighted to be here to talk to the kids – I can really feel the energy in 

the room. I am here to share my experiences and stories of working as an 

engineer with NASA and hopefully I can help to inspire young people – 

particularly girls – to go into science and engineering.” 

“This is my 8th time in Scotland, but my first in Inverclyde and it is a beautiful 

place with breath-taking views.” 

The visit was part of a programme of events marking Strathclyde University’s 

Scottish Space School – which continues to attract large number of 

applications from secondary schools across the country with more than 

1200 attending since it started in 2004. 

Last year four pupils at Inverclyde Council secondary schools saw-off 

competition from hundreds of young people to be selected for a dream trip 

to NASA’s Houston Space Centre. 

The teenagers were among the top 10 candidates chosen from the 

University of Strathclyde’s ever-popular space school programme. 

Inverclyde’s Education & Communities Convener Councillor Terry Loughran 

said: “This is the first time a NASA astronaut has visited Inverclyde and I 

was delighted to be able to welcome Tom and Heather to Port Glasgow. 

Their enthusiasm and passion for science and engineering was clear to 

see and I am sure many of the children who spoke to them will have been 

inspired to explore maths and science.” 

Strathclyde University plays a prominent role in space research with the 

Strathclyde Space Institute addressing key challenges in space systems 

engineering, satellite applications and access to space. Research centres 

within the institute include the Advanced Space Concepts Laboratory, 

the Centre for Future Air-Space Transportation Technology, the Space 

Mechatronics Systems Technology Laboratory and the Centre for Space 

Science and Applications. 

The space school continues to attract huge numbers of applications from 

secondary schools across the country with more than 1200 students 

attending since it started at Strathclyde in 2004. 

Abbey Nursery 

The summer months at Abbey are full 

of fun with lots of interesting theme 

weeks such as Circus and Pirates 

alongside the favourites like Teddy 

Bears Picnic and At the Seaside. 

Regardless of the weather we won’t 

be beaten!! 

It is also quieter now as we say 

goodbye to all the children leaving for 

primary school and wish them well in 

the future. Our Graduation took place 

at Houston Primary this year and was 

a fantastic event, giving the children 

the opportunity to showcase their 

talents in song and dance and public speaking. They did so well and we are 

very proud of them all. 

In the Little Ladybirds this 

month the younger children 

have been enjoying using 

push-along toys to practice 

their walking skills and 

have been using them both 

indoors and outside to help 

them develop confidence, 

strength and balance on 

their feet. The children really 

enjoy role play and are often 

found making cups of tea or 

cooking dinner with the pots 

and pans in the house corner area. Many of 

them like to take care of the dolls and the younger babies in the room. 

The Rising 2’s have also been 

out for walks in the surrounding 

area and enjoy being able to 

look at all the cars and animals. 

They also learn about “good 

walking” and staying safe by 

holding hands and develop their 

language as we talk about the 

things we see. 

The Busy Bunnies have being 

look at nature to find new friends 

and introduced the new room 

arrival, “Twiggy” the stick insect 

to the children recently. The 

children have been very keen to 

handling twiggy, and helping to 

look after her, with fresh leaves 

and water. 

The children have also taken 

advantage of the fine weather to 

take their Mirror image painting outside. 

Houston Mother & Toddler 

We start back for the new term on Thursday 13th August. We meet every 

Thursday from 9.30am - 11.30am in the church hall, Main Street, Houston. 

Children from birth to 4 years old are welcome with their mum, dad, 

grandparents, carer, childminder etc. You’ll receive a warm welcome and 

the children can have fun playing with our many toys while the adults can 

chat over a cuppa! 

The group are looking for new committee members to join a rota for opening/ 

closing, teas etc. There will be a meeting for current committee members 

and anyone interested in joining the committee to discuss the year ahead 

on Wednesday 5th August from 7.30pm - 9.30pm in the church hall. 

For further information please contact Lesley Jackson on 07900 556 004 or 

lesleyannjackson@outlook.com 

61 61


Renfrewshire District Scouts 

Renfrewshire District Scouts have recently appointed Ian Hunter as their 

new District Commissioner. Ian is well known within the District and also 

assists with Houston Scout Troop. Commenting on his appointment Ian 

said ‘Scouting is in great shape within Renfrewshire. We have 12 Groups 

covering the District from Elderslie, to Renfrew to Bishopton and with all the 

villages in between.’ 

All Groups have been active in the summer months with lots of outdoor 

activities – sausage sizzles, nature trails, water sports and camping 

at Lapwing. The young people have had great fun with lots of badges 

presented. 

If you would like to join 

the fun in Renfrewshire 

we would be delighted to 

hear from you. We have 

vacancies in all sections 

– Beavers (6-8), Cubs 

(8-10.5) Scouts (10.5- 

14), Explorers (14-18) 

Network (18-25) Parents 

can email Ian Hunter 

on renfrewshireDC@ 

westregion.org.uk 

07742 860194. 

or 

Pictured: Ian (on the left) with the District Beaver 

team of Victor Holmes and Elaine Weir 

We are also on the look 

out for additional leaders to help with the young people. You do not need 

to have previous Scouting experience, just the motivation to keep the ‘fun’ 

within the District. If you are able to help, please contact Ian 

A Rice Welcome for Malawian 

Farmer 

Pupils from Gourock Primary received a special visit from a Malawian rice 

farmer after their success with a fair trade challenge. 

Gourock Primary has been participating in the national rice challenge in 

which schools across the country aim to sell 90kg of rice – the amount of 

rice sold that would enable a Malawian farmer to pay for a year’s basic 

secondary education for one child. The pupils are currently working on 

selling their fifth batch which means they have paid the secondary education 

for four Malawian pupils’ to date. 

Matthew’s Mega Mascot! 

10 year old Matthew Sweeney, a pupil at St Fillan’s Primary School, entered 

a competition to design a mascot for 

the European Judo Championships 

(EJC), which were due to be held in 

Glasgow back in April. Unfortunately, 

the event was cancelled and moved 

to Azerbaijan as part of the European 

Games, and the competition was 

cancelled. 

However, Matthew was delighted to 

later discover that the judges loved 

his brilliant design and that this was 

the inspiration for the design of the 

British Open Championships mascot. 

The British Judo Association was 

so pleased with his design that they 

flew Matthew and his mum Claire to 

London to attend the Open Finals at 

Wembley Arena, where Matthew 

finally met his creation, Jimmy 

the Lion, in real life! 

Matthew said, “Judo is my 

favourite sport, it’s really fun so I 

was looking forward to going to 

London to see it and stay in a 

hotel!” 

Matthew’s design, shown above, 

is a lion with the Saltire cross in 

each ear, dressed in a judo robe 

with tartan belt. The slogan is 

a clever play on words as “Hey 

Jimmy” sounds very close to the 

Japanese word “hajime” which 

is used at the start of a judo 

match. 

Matthew attends Titan Judo in 

Clydebank every week with his 

brother Shaun and sisters Eva 

and Nina - what you might call a 

sporting family! 

To congratulate the pupils on their efforts, Malawian farmer Howard Chiko 

Msukwa paid a special visit to Gourock Primary School on Tuesday 16 

June. 

Provost Moran, Chair of the Fair trade development group said: “We’re 

delighted to welcome our special visitor from Malawi to Inverclyde and to 

Gourock Primary School. I hope the pupils are able to take something from 

his inspirational story of his life and the lives of other rice farmers in Malawi, 

and see the big difference it makes to buy and sell fair trade.” 

John Riches, Chair of Just Trading Scotland arranged Howard’s visit to the 

school and commented: “This challenge is vital for farmers in Malawi to 

help increase their livelihood. It’s brilliant for the children to hear the stories 

and for farmer to see the extraordinary support from Inverclyde.” 

Inverclyde Council applied to become a Fair Trade zone and was granted 

its official status, at first time of applying, in December 2013. 

There are currently 11 schools in Inverclyde that are involved in the 90kg 

rice challenge. These are Aileymill Primary, All Saints Primary, Ardgowan 

Primary, Wemyss Bay Primary, Gourock Primary, St. Ninian’s Primary, St. 

Mary’s Primary, Kilmacolm Primary, St. Stephen’s High School and Port 

Glasgow High School. 

Young People to go 

Digital with Green 

Issues at ‘VentureJam’ 

An opportunity for 16-26 year olds to take part in a 2 

day workshop at the Glasgow Science Centre on 8/9 August to develop 

a digital idea to change attitudes to climate change and “going green” in 

Glasgow. The idea can be anything from an app to an art installation. 

Participants will also get the opportunity to pitch their idea to potential 

investors - Dragon’s Den style - at a major new innovation summit, 

Venturefest Scotland on 9 September at Glasgow Science Centre. 

They’re looking for young people aged 16-26 who live or study in and 

around Glasgow - no experience necessary, just enthusiasm and a desire 

to make a difference. 

Mentors with creative, technological, or environmental expertise to inspire 

and work with them. 

The Venture Jam will take place at ‘Rookie Oven’ in the converted Fairfield 

Shipyard Offices in Govan. Assistance with transport to and from the venue 

will be available. 

More information for young people and mentors is available at: 

www.glasgowcityofscience.com/news/410-young-people-to-go-digitalwith-green-issues-at-venturejam


Woodlands Day Nursery 

63 63 

The nursery’s Summer Programmes are well underway and everyone is 

having a fantastic time full of new and exciting experiences as well as some 

much deserved sunshine to round it all off. 

The Babies have had lots of fun both indoors and outdoors, participating in 

new experiences coinciding with their summer activities which included lots 

of messy play, sand and water play and even had fun making their very own 

pizzas to celebrate Italian day. 

The Tweenies most popular activities to 

date were pond dipping, tree climbing 

and wildlife spotting. The children also 

enjoyed learning about different countries 

and cultures with food tasting, learning 

national dances and making flags 

following their ‘Around the World’ topic. 

They are now looking forward to Sports 

Day, Pirates and Princess Day and their 

very own Garden Party. 

Rising 5’s have also been participating 

in learning experiences about different 

countries such as, traditional food, 

music, clothing and their national flags. 

The children have been very lucky to 

have a brand new mini football pitch 

made in their garden which they have 

had lots of fun playing on it, during 

Sports Week. Along with mini football, 

they demonstrated their competitive 

side during various races, involving 

balancing beanbags on their heads, 

egg and spoon and sack races. It was 

finally all rounded off with every child 

receiving their very own medal. 

The Out of School Care has been 

continuing their adventures with 

trips to Lamont Farm, participating 

in Dobbies planting workshops and 

having a Mad Hatters Tea Party 

which proved a huge success. The 

children’s time in the woods was also 

a big hit when they went pond dipping, 

made dens and built fires to toast 

their marshmallows and bananas. A 

fantastic Madigras party celebrated 

the end of the summer holiday. They 

now look forward to welcoming old 

and new children to the Out of School 

club as school returns. 

Kilbarchan 

East Tots’ Club 

What fun we had at our end of 

session party. The sun even 

managed to shine!!! 

The East Tots’ Club resumes at 

9.15am on Monday 31 August. 

The club is for children of 3 years 

and under and takes place every Monday in the East Church halls, Steeple 

Square. 

Rivendale Nursery 

Chosen for Scottish NMT 

Nursery Award 

A local Rivendale nursery has been selected as a finalist in 

the indoor learning category in the Scottish NMT Nursery 

Awards 2015. 

Julia Ramage, Nursery Practitioner, and Angela Thomson, Nursery Manager 

at Rivendale Nursery were nominated for the indoor learning Award. 

Julia said: “We are extremely excited and proud to be chosen for the 

awards.” 

Winners of the Scottish NMT Nursery Awards 2015 will be presented with 

their trophies by Hardeep Singh Kohli at the high profile Gala Night held on 

Wednesday 2nd September at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow, attended by 400 

guests. 

The children 

at Rivendale 

nursery 

had their 

graduation 

on Thursday 

18th June 

and we wish 

them all 

the best of 

luck as they 

begin there 

adventure 

into primary 

school. 

Each child 

sent their 

wish balloon off with a link to the nursery. We have had one response back 

already, McAlister’s balloon reached pennilee in Glasgow.


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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: Parish Church: 1st Tues at 7.30pm 

community halls to let 

Bridge of Weir, Freeland Church. Tel: 612245 

Brookfield, Village Hall. Tel: 320497 

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: 873488 

Kilmacolm, Masonic Hall. Tel: 873059 

Linwood Masonic Hall. Tel: 07825 222944 

Please add your community hall details to our list - 

email to info@advertizer.co.uk 

local councillors 

RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk 

Ward 7 - Johnstone South, Elderslie & Howwood: Cllrs 

John Caldwell, John Hood, Stephen McGee and 

Iain McMillan 

Ward 8 - Johnstone (North), Kilbarchan & Lochwinnoch: 

Councillors Derek Bibby, Andy Doig and Christopher 

Gilmour 

Ward 9 - Houston, Crosslee, 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 

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: Rev Suzanne 

Dunleavy BD DipEd. Sunday 

services 10.30am. Hearing 

aid loop system. www. 

stmacharsranfurlychurch.org. 

uk All welcome. 

Hope Hall: Sun 1pm Sunday 

School, 4.30pm Gospel 

Service; Mon 6.30pm 

Investigators for Kids, 8pm 

Bible Study and Prayer. 

From the Baha’i writings: “Be 

a preserver of the sanctity 

of thy pledge.” For details of 

meetings call 615641. 

ELDERSLIE 

Elderslie Kirk: Sunday service 

every week at 11am. Minister - 

Rev Robin Allison. All welcome. 

Weekly meetings:- Monday 

Club every week from 12noon 

- 2.30pm. Light lunch and a 

varied activity programme. 

Midweek Fellowship will meet 

every Wed from 10.30am for 

Tea/Coffee followed by a short 

Service of Worship at 11am. 

HOUSTON 

Houston Baptist Church 

at Carrick Centre: 11am 

Family services with SS for 

children age 5-12; 6pm Eve 

Service; Mid-week Home Bible 

Study; For more information 

contact; Rev D Snelson 01505 

612722. 

Houston and Killellan Kirk: 

Church of Scotland, Scottish 

Charity no SC 012822. www. 

houstonkirk.org 28th June 

9.45am - Early Service - 11am 

Morning Worship. Services 

until 16th August will begin 

at 10am. 

Church of the Nazarene: Village 

Hall, Main St, Houston. PA6 

7EL. Rev Benito S Coetzee. 

Family services at 10.30am 

with full toddler, children 

and 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 

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. 

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 

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 

Services at 11am and in the 

East and West Churches as 

intimated in the Kilbarchan 

village column. All services 

conducted by the Rev Stephen 

Smith. Creche, Junior church 

and FEWsion/Bible Class 

meet at 10.45am. 

The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 

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include the word Trader, Dealer, Agent, Breeder or appropriate wording in the 

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KILMACOLM 

St Colm’s Catholic Church, 

Smithy Brae Kilmacolm. 

The Very Rev Canon 

William McDade. Family 

mass Sundays 10am with 

children’s liturgy followed by 

tea and coffee. Weekly rosary 

Tuesdays 6.30pm, prayer 

group Thursdays 7.30pm. 

Eucharistic service Thursdays 

10.30am. Mass on Holy 

Days 7.30pm. All welcome. 

Information about parish 

events/contact details at www. 

stcolmsparish.co.uk 

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. 

St Columba Church of Scotland: 

(charity no SC007992) 

Minister Rev Douglas 

Cranston. Morning Worship 

Sundays at 11am. Prayer 

Meeting Thursday 8.15pm. 

Gospel Services: Scout Hall, 

Kilmacolm - Sundays 4.30pm, 

Thurs 7.30pm. 

St Fillan’s Episcopal Church (in 

Anglican Communion): 

Everyone is made 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). 

The regular Sunday 

Service is 11.30am 

with a monthly 

Evensong on last 

Sundays at 6pm. 

Contact Maureen 

Russell (Pastoral 

Assistant) 01505 

872905. 

Buddhist meetings: 

B u d d h i s m o f 

Nichiren Daishonin. 

Phone Margaret on 

01505 871343 

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 with 

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, 10.30am with 

Junior Church and Bible Class. 

Wednesdays prayer and bible 

study at 7pm. Fridays prayer 

and bible study at 10am. Why 

not come and discover the 

heart of Christianity with us? 

you can contact us @GryffeAds using #Advertizer 

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


Items For Sale 

Baby Equipment 

Phillips Avent microwave steriliser 

with instructions. Exc cond. 

£6. Tel: 01505 672175. 

Mamas and Papas baby bath 

cream colour. Exc cond. £8. 

Tel: 01505 672175. 

Fisher Price rainforest gym with 

instructions. Good cond from 

smoke & pet free home. £24. 

Tel: 01505 672175. 

BT baby monitor 150 with instructions. 

Good cond. £15. 

Tel: 01505 672175. 

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature 

insulated bottle carriers 

x2. Good cond. £6. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

Moses basket and cream coloured 

bedding set and white 

rocking stand. Exc cond. 

Smoke & pet free home. Tel: 

01505 672175. 

Svan Wooden High chair, 

93x49x46cm, with meal tray 

& cover. Suitable from 6 

mnths. Cost new £199, accept 

£75ono. Tel: 07970 477832 or 

BOW 610397. 

Stair gate Lindam white, fits 

opening from 75 cm - 100 cm, 

wall mounted VGC £20. Tel: 

01505 874870. 

Britax Baby Safe Car Seat black, 

height adjustable, suitable 

fr birth until appr. 2 yrs, 5 

point safety harness works 

with 3-point seat belt, Britax 

Babysafe Belted Base or 

Britax Babysafe Isofix Base. 

Exc cond. £20. Tel: 01505 

874870. 

Trike unisex colours, good cond, 

£15, incl. parent pole. Tel: 

01505 874870. 

Britax Car Seat black forward 

facing, 15-36 kg, good cond. 

£20. Tel: 01505 874870. 

Mamas and Papas Omni Nursery 

Furniture White. 2 cot 

beds (converts from baby’s 

cot to lower toddler bed) incl. 

mattress, mattress cover & 

sheets, pillows, duvets, cellular 

blankets & bed guards 

(pink) & changer/dresser (unit 

top changer, 3 drawers & large 

cupboard), Sell £150 the set 

ono or individually. Smoke 

free home. All good cond. Tel: 

01505 874870. 

IKEA Blames high chair (red) 

with support cushion, £25 ono. 

Tel: 01505 228119. 

IKEA Sundvik timber cot (greybrown) 

with vyssa vinka mattress 

£50 ono. Tel: 01505 

228119. 

MCC large heavy-duty timber 

playpen, foldable with 

8 detachable sections and 

72x100cm locking gate, £50 

ono. Tel: 01505 228119. 

Lollipop Lane oak cot bed, and 

mattress, converts to junior 

bed. Exc cond. £45. Tel: 07739 

998906. 

Mamas & Papas oak cot bed 

and mattress, converts to 

junior bed, good cond. £20. 

Tel: 07739 998906. 

Hard Bodied Silver Cross Pram. 

Exc cond. Navy blue, sun 

canopy & bag included. £250. 

Tel: 01505 690646. 

Clothes & Shoes 

SUPERDRY girls windcheater 

jacket, black with pink logo, 

hood, size L, Great condition, 

£40 Tel: 01505 872442. 

Ladies lovely hand knitted Aran 

jacket, natural colour. Never 

been worn. Size 38/40” £20. 

Tel: 01505 615272. 

Boots, Spanish Gents as new 

size 9 light tan unworn. £50. 

Tel: 07791 688240. 

Boys (4/5yrs) clothes, anoraks, 

trousers, shirts, sweaters etc., 

some never worn. Inc, Boss, 

Ted Baker, Jasper Conran, Lacoste, 

M&S etc. Will sell separately. 

Tel: 01505 842558. 

Household & Garden 

2 dark brown leather 2 seater 

settees. All seats recliners. 

Almost new. Cost £1,800, 

selling due to down-sizing for 

£700. Tel: 07969 569643. 

GO Outdoors 3 Pole Mini Windbreak. 

Brand new, never used. 

£10. Tel: 01505 872442. 

Dressing table & padded stool, 

wooden, no mirror, 3 drawers 

each side. Good cond. 

134cmL x 37cmW x 74cmH 

£30 Tel: 0787 656 3769. 

Brand new DFS Starlet Sofa. 

Cool cuddler. Bed settee. 

Storage footstool. (Cost 3k 

new). Accept £1,000. To view 

07939 988536. 

GPlan display units x 2. £85 

each. Tel: 07790 075537/ 

07502 320411. 

Reid 3 seater leather settee 

– chocolate brown. £180. 

Tel: 07790 075537/07502 

320411. 

Reid 2 seater leather settee. 

Chocolate brown. £120. 

Tel: 07790 075537/07502 

320411. 

Victorian solid wood sideboard 

with barley twist legs. £120. 

Tel: 07790 075537/07502 

320411. 

Aluminium preserving pan. £6. 

Tel: 01505 672175. 

Victorian Balloon Back chairs x 

4. £80. Tel: 07790 075537/ 

07502 320411. 

Head board, floral design, £10. 

Tel: 01505 612642. 

Barley twist standard lamp 

with shade. £35. Tel: 07790 

075537/07502 320411. 

Victorian wardrobe (small) £75. 

Tel: 07790 075537/07502 

320411. 

Victorian dressing table with 

mirror. £200. Tel: 07790 

075537/07502 320411. 

Victorian chest of drawers. £50. 

Tel: 07790 075537/07502 

320411. 

Chest of drawers (1950s retro). 

£125. Tel: 07790 075537/ 

07502 320411. 

Solid wood vintage large office 

desk. £85. Tel: 07790 

075537/07502 320411. 

Nest of 3 tables (reproduction) 

£15. Tel: 07790 075537/ 

07502 320411. 

Electrically Adjustable bed (suitable 

for elderly person). £20. 

Tel: 07790 075537/07502 

320411. 

Display cabinet IKEA. Full height 

beech wood & glass with 

polished aluminium frames. 

Contains double doored cupboard 

unit & double doored 

glass unit. Pics available, 

reduced to £65ono. Tel: 07730 

541977. 

Shelving Unit IKEA. 3 beechwood 

shelves with polished 

aluminium frame. Adjustable 

shelf heights, half height to 

match full height display unit. 

(Sold separately) pics available, 

reduced to £25 ono. Tel: 

07730 541977. 

Pedestal wash hand basin plus 

matching bath fittings, good 

cond, Victorian style, £30. Tel: 

01505 612642. 

Bathroom cabinet, brown wood 

with 2 mirror doors, £10. Tel: 

01505 612642. 

Wooden TV unit with drawer, 

£10. Tel: 01505 612642. 

Genuine Leather (Chocolate) 

Footstool with Dark Cherry 

Wooden Base. Exc cond. 

H42cm. W57cm. D43cm. £25. 

Tel: 01505 610712. 

Hide quality leather suite. 3 

seater & 2 seater in Chocolate 

Brown. Exc cond. Cost 

£3,000 new. For quick sale 

£300. Tel: 01505 325793. 

Light wood/beech table, exc 

cond. 140x90x75cm with four 

matching chairs. £40. Tel: 

01505 614845. 

SALES & 

WANTS 

ad rates: 

UP TO £200 .. FREE 

£201 to £500 ..... £5 

£501 to £1000 .. £10 

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 

4 white and 4 hardwood garden 

chairs, all with cushions. Great 

cond. Tel: 01505 690070. 

Flymo multi trimmer and vac, 

plus wheel barrow. £25. Tel: 

01505 614503. 

Greenhouse, superior quality, 

coloured aluminium, safety 

glass, cost £900, sell £85. 

Easily transported, ready. Tel: 

07986 812483. 

Single bed headboard, dusky 

pink velour. good cond. £10 

Tel: 01505 872442 

Electrical & Gas 

BOSCH Fridge. £25. Tel: 07790 

075537/07502 320411. 

Zanussi Freezer ( table top) 

- £25. Tel: 07790 075537/ 

07502 320411. 

Hotpoint Aquarius Extra washing 

machine - £40. Tel: 07790 

075537/07502 320411. 

BOSCH Classixx Dishwasher 

- £40. Tel: 07790 075537/ 

07502 320411. 

Samsung 1800w vacuum cleaner 

plus attachments. £25. Tel: 

01475 540066. 

Sky plus HD box. Boxed with 

cables /remote etc. £80. Tel: 

01475 540066. 

Samsung 1800 watt vacuum 

cleaner. Good cond. £20. Tel: 

01475 540066. 

Russell Hobbs smoothie maker. 

BNIB £20. Tel: 01475 

540066. 

Upright freezer, Scandinova 

make, metallic silver colour, 

£50. Tel: 01505 612642. 

LEC cream chest freezer 3”x2”. 

£50. Tel: 07826 523884 

Cast Iron Stove Brand New Baxi 

Windermere gas fired coal 

£130. Tel: 07791 688240. 

Kenwood rapid bake bread 

maker BM200, white, new 

never used, £30. Tel: 01505 

703697. 

Cuisinart ice cream maker 2lt 

deluxe (ICE 30 BCU), new 

never used, stainless steel, 

£30. Tel: 01505 703697. 

Solid brass standard lamp 

with shade, £40. Tel: 01505 

703697. 

CDA black ceramic hob for 

sale , VGC, £20. Tel: 01505 

703697. 

Acer Aspire 4820T computer. 

Windows 7, 2.13 GHZ i3 

Processor, 250GB HDD and 

8GB Ram. £100. Tel: 01505 

352958. 

Sports 

Snooker/Pool Table. 6’x3’. Cues 

& balls included. Stands on 

end when not in use. New 

Cond. £55ono. Tel: 01505 

842739. 

FORME 700 hybrid bike. 18” 

frame. VGC. suit 13-16 year 

old boy/girl. Extra set of road 

tyres for sale if interested. 

Bike cost £500. Sell £200. Tel: 

01505 690995. 

Ladies bowls size 0 heavy. Tel: 

01505 873051. 

Child horse riding equipment, 

3 hats, 1 pair boots, 1 body 

protector and 1 crop, £30. Tel: 

01505 612642. 

4 x child cycle helmets £5 each. 

Tel: 01505 612642. 

Bicycle, Vintage Rudge 23” 

Gents rod brakes dynohub 

1950s ready to ride. £150. Tel: 

07791 688240. 

Boys blue bike (3/4yrs) plus 

stabilizers and helmet. Perfect 

cond. £20. Tel: 01505 

842558. 

Girls pink bike (3/4yrs). Perfect 

cond. £15. Tel: 01505 

842558. 

Pub size slate bed pool table. 

Aramath balls, training balls, 

cues. Bargain. £600. Tel: 

07939 988536 

Dunlop golf bag and clubs. 1, 3, 

5, Drivers. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 

9 clubs, with putter. £50. Tel: 

01505 352958. 

Toys/Games/DVD 

Wii games: Donkey Kong, The 

Sims 2 Pets, Megamind, Tangled, 

Up!, Epic Mickey, Mario 

& Sonic Olympic Winter, Super 

Mario Galaxy 2, Pirates of the 

Caribbean, Just Dance 1,2&3. 

£7 each. Tel: 01505 872442. 

Gemini 4ft Football Table. Exc 

cond. 3 months old. Cost £85 

new sell for £35. Tel: 01505 

690658. 

Table Age 2 years+ Early learning 

Centre plastic table . Ideal 

for art, play and eating. Blue 

Plastic. H 57cm length 35.7cm 

width 37.5cm. £5. Tel: 01505 

350283. 

Other Items 

Liberty curtain material. Offers. 

Tel: 01505 506385. 

Electronic Typewriter. Offers. 

Tel: 01505 506385. 

Bric a Brac items. Offers. Tel: 

01505 506385. 

A selection of British Gypsum 

Metal, mostly ceiling material. 

£195. Tel: 07939 692722. 

SKY+HD box. £60. Humax 

Foxsat - HDR satellite HD recorder, 

complete with remotes 

and cables, absolutely as new 

(little used). £60. Tel: 01475 

540066. 

Mobile Phone Apple I phone 5. 

Perfect cond slightly used silver 

in box charger. £160. BoW. 

Tel: 07791 688240. 

Blackberry Bold Mobile phone. 

Good working cond. £35. Tel: 

07791 688240. 

Android 5.5” mobile phone 3g big 

big screen all sims Neken N3 

£100. Tel: 07791 688240. 

Yamaha Portable DGX-205 Keyboard 

and Stand. VGC. £60 

ono. Tel: 01505 690688. 

Lexmark Interpret 405 wireless 

4 in 1 printer (fax, copy, scan, 

print). Exc cond. £40. Tel: 

01505 672175. 

Low profile tyres x 2. Nankang 

205/40 R17 84V. Tread as 

new. Attached to rim. Buyer 

uplifts. £25 for the pair. Tel: 

01505 614593. 

Tool set in case, comprising 

jigsaw, hammer drill, orbital 

sander. As new. £50. Tel: 

07871 243336 

Car cycle carrier, takes 4 bikes, 

£10. Tel: 01505 612642. 

Peavey Tour 450 bass amplifier 

head. £200 ono. Tel: 01505 

228119. 

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. 

Yamaha DT 175 MX & DT 125 

MX. Yamaha RD 250, 350 & 

500 - running or not. Cash 

waiting. Free collection. Tel: 

07951 227767. 

Cash paid for Copy of book 

Castles and mansions of Renfrewshire 

and Buteshire by AH 

Millar. Tel 01505 331094. 

Leather or leather effect chairs 

required. Single seats with 

arms preferred. Tel: 01505 

872442 

1/3rd acre (minimum) flat field 

wanted to rent. Tel: 07894 

008530. 

‘ F R E E ’ - C Y C L E 

FREE Qualcast E30 electric 

lawnmower. Tel: 01505 

612642. 

FREE Modern white square 

shaped double panel convector 

radiator. Clean & unmarked 

used. W140 x H50cm. 

Brackets available. Tel. 01505 

610552. 

FREE Rosewood finish wooden 

fireplace surround for gas/ 

electric fire. Complete, assembled, 

clean & undamaged. 

Mantle W130cm, overall 

H118cm. Tel: 01505 610552. 

FREE 12+ MR16 downlighters 

with electronic transformers 

and 3 GU10 downlighters. 

All clean, working, used. Tel. 

01505 610552. 

FREE Sony SU28CS1 TV Stand. 

For 28” TV. Unopened boxed, 

undamaged, unassembled. 

Tel. 01505 610552. 

FREE. Wheelchair. Tel: 01505 

610293. 

FREE 26 inch TV with stand, 

silver, good condition. Tel: 

01505 703214. 

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.


67 67 

Advertizers - A to Z 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 7 

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 48 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 15 

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 48 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 5 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 26 

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 

AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

Alistair Stewart - Driving Ins . . 15 

Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 50 

Architectural Drawings . . . . . 27 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 37 

Art Windows and Doors . . . . . . 13 

Ashes Hair & Beauty . . . . . . . . 36 

Auldton Stoves . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Barking Mad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11 

Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Bell Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 30 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 

BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 29 

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 6 

Bubbly Jubbly Hot Tub Hire . . 16 

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 33 

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 5 

Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 

Cawley Hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 2 

Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Chips Away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

Classical Ballet Classes . . . 61 

Classique Window Blinds . . . . 10 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Clyde Coast Décor . . . . . . . . . 40 

Clyde Physiotherapy and Pilate . . 53 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Conservatory Conversions . . . Bk 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . 23,24,25 

Council Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Crafts of Calder Gallery . . . 16 

Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 48 

CRW Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Decorus Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 43 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 50 

Dog Treat Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 18 

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 4 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 27 

First Domestics . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

G J Tiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 

Gail Ashley School of Dance . . 55 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

Gibb Stuart Ironmongers . . . . 51 

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 50 

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 14 

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 28 

Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 15 

Happy Rambles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 

Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 29 

Ian Livingston Decorating . . 14 

Ideal Flooring Service . . . . . 7 

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 31 

James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 

JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 5 

JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 43 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 4 

Kerr McAuley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 43 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 19 

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 

Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 

Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 18 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

MattVac Carpet & Upholstery Cl . . Bk 

MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 5 

McDonald Decorators . . . . . . . . 36 

McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 43 

MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 37 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 7 

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 41 

Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 22 

P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 7 

Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . 7 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Purple Tree Care . . . . . . . . . . 48 

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 48 

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

Slimming World . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 44 

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 

Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 37 

Stewart Independent Financial . . 1 

Strawberry Field Nursery . . . 63 

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 29 

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 5 

TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 39 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 59 

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Victoria Driveways Landscapes . . 46 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

Walkies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 47 

Willow Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 29 

Woofers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Accom/Hotel & B&B 

Cawley Hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

Accountants & Financial 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 26 

Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 27 

Stewart Independent Financial . . 1 

Architectural Services 

Architectural Drawings . . . . . 27 


Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Art, Gifts & Flowers 


Automotive Services 

AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

Chips Away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 28 

Bathrooms 


Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11 

CRW Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 


Bedrooms 


Blacksmith & Metalwork 


Building Services 

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 

BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 50 


DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 










Childcare 


Cleaning & PowerWash 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 



MattVac Carpet & Upholstery Cl . . Bk 

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 


Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Coffee Shops 


Willow Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

Computer, IT & Web 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Council Notices 

Council Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Driveways 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 


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 below 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. 

by category 

Driving Instructors 

Alistair Stewart - Driving Ins . . 15 

Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . 7 

Education 


Electricians 

Bell Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Fencing 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 


Firewood & Logs 


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

Framing 


Funeral Services 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 43 

Garage Doors & Gates 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Garden Service & Design 

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 48 

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 48 

Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 50 


Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 48 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 50 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 49 



MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 48 


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 47 

Gas & Heating Services 



GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 



Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Glazier 



TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Hairdressers & Barbers 



Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 37 

Health, Beauty & Fitness 



Classical Ballet Classes . . . 61 

Clyde Physiotherapy and Pilate . . 53 

Decorus Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 4 

Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 43 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 19 

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 7 

Slimming World . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 37 

contact us 

Home Hardware 

First Domestics . . . . . . . . . . . 16 


Home Improvements 



CRW Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Ideal Flooring Service . . . . . 7 

Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Home Interiors 

Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 


Classique Window Blinds . . . . 10 



Home Security 

Bell Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 29 

Joiners 

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 2 


JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 


McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 




TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 29 

Kitchens 



CRW Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 



Leisure & Recreation 

Bubbly Jubbly Hot Tub Hire . . 16 

Gail Ashley School of Dance . . 55 

Locksmiths 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Painters & Decorators 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 15 

Clyde Coast Décor . . . . . . . . . 40 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Ian Livingston Decorating . . 14 

James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 

McDonald Decorators . . . . . . . . 36 

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

Pest Control 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Pet Services & Training 

Barking Mad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Dog Treat Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 

Happy Rambles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 44 

Walkies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 

Woofers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Plasterers 


Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 2 



Plumbers 




GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 


JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 


Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

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: (#252) Sept 2015 

Deadline: Fri 14 August 2015 

Property, Sales & Let 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . 23,24,25 


Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Removals 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 7 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

Restaurant & Bars 


Cawley Hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

Retail 



Roofing 










Solicitors 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 


Special Occasions 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Stoves 


Taxis & Minicoach hire 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 4 

Tiling 

G J Tiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 14 

Kerr McAuley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Travel Agents 

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Tree Surgeon 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 


Purple Tree Care . . . . . . . . . . 48 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

TV & Satellite 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 43 

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 

Upholstery Services 

P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 7 

Window Cleaners 



Window, Consv & Repair 


Art Windows and Doors . . . . . . 13 



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.

68 

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

you can contact us @GryffeAds using #Advertizer 

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

251 August 2015 - Gryffe Advertizer

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