251 August 2015 - Gryffe Advertizer

www.advertizer.co.uk august 2015
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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!