251 August 2015 - Gryffe Advertizer

42 the advertizer t: 01505 613340 e: info@advertizer.co.uk
kilbarchan & Lochwinnoch
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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.