252 September 2015 - Gryffe Advertizer

September 2015 No.252 

The Sleeping Warrior, Arran with Cumbrie in the foreground taken from the Pencil at Largs 

Andy Stark at The Studio Bridge of Weir 

FREE 

COPY 

1 

Distributed to: 

• Bishopton 

• Bridge of Weir 

• Brookfield 

• Elderslie 

• Houston 

• Howwood 

• Kilbarchan 

• Kilmacolm 

• Langbank 

• Lochwinnoch 

• Quarriers 

FOLLOW US 

GryffeAds 

Gryffe 

ADVERTIZER 

your LOCAL community magazine September 2015 No. 252 

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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www.advertizer.co.uk september 2015 

3 3


This Month 

contact us 

The Gryffe Advertizer 

Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN 

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

For more information please call us on 01505 613340 

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

Next Issue: No.253 October 2015 

Deadline: Fri 18 September 2015 

The main car park in Bridge of Weir was closed for a few days last month 

for re-surfacing and lining and we are delighted that it was completed and 

re-opened within the same week. There was some disruption during this, but 

I’m sure you’ll all agree it was a much needed improvement. 

Following the closure of the Royal Bank of Scotland in Lochwinnoch in 

November 2014, we now hear that the Kilmacolm branch of RBS is also in 

line for closure. Kilmacolm formerly hosted RBS, BoS, TSB and Clydesdale 

banks, but now the RBS is the only bank remaining in the village. Even with 

internet banking, the village surely still needs a bank; even on a basic level, 

local shops need to bank their takings each day and require cash change. 

An additional worry is that if we lose the bank, we lose the footfall in the 

village which may have a knock on effect for other businesses. 

RBS claim there are not enough customers to justify keeping the branch 

open, but they are apparently offering a mobile bank service instead. 

However, with parking in the village being an issue, where is the mobile bank 

going to “pitch-up”? The present branch premises is generously spacious, 

therefore one wonders if one of the smaller shops, presently vacant, in the 

village would present a more viable option for RBS. 

MSP Derek Mackay is on the case, as are the local councillors. I contacted 

RBS too regarding the proposed closure and they are advising any customers 

who are concerned to write to: Customer Relations Manager, The Royal Bank 

of Scotland, Freepost, PO Box 594, Chatham ME4 9DP. I urge you to do so. 

Just as we went to press, MSP Derek Mackay also told The Advertizer that 

he has been advised by Renfrewshire Council that planning permission 

for the erection of 43 dwelling houses at the Shillingworth site will go to 

committee for Councillors to decide on Tuesday 25/Aug. Mr Mackay has 

been monitoring the situation after being contacted by constituents in 

Bridge of Weir regarding the site. 

On a lighter note, I know it’s only September, but rehearsals are already 

underway for the pantomime season.... Oh no they’re not!.... OH YES THEY 

ARE! We are happy to promote these events which are such a fun part of the 

run up to Christmas - if you are involved and would like us to publicise your 

event please get in touch. 

And planning ahead for that time of year, an idea for Christmas is the must 

buy for 2016, The Bridge calendar. With some lovely pictures from members 

of Paisley Colour Photographic Club, calendars will be for sale in The Bridge 

from mid-September. 

Gibb Stuart are once again hosting their Cook Live event (see page 43) on 16 

September with QVC’s Malcolm Harradine as guest chef. The event includes 

free gifts and exclusive prices on all demo items. There will be expert advice 

from manufacturer representatives, lucky prize draws and live cookery 

demonstrations by Malcolm Harradine through the day. Make 

sure you get your tickets early to avoid disappointment! 

Rona 

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..................28 

it blog ................................28 

on the road.........................30 

local history..........................29 

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

pet blog ...............................48 

pets ...............................48-49 

outdoors..........................50-55 

schools news.....................60-63 

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

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

village news.......................34-47 

dental blog .............................21 

what’s on..........................14-20


5 5


Visit Paisley Abbey 

Cradle of the House of Stewart 

The Abbey is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday 10am to 3.30pm 

throughout the year. Stewards are always on hand to welcome visitors and to 

answer questions. In addition, self guided tours and audio guides are available. 

On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm guided tours of the Abbey take place. There is no need to book 

for these but large groups should book in advance through the Abbey Office at 0141 889 7654. 

Group tours can also be arranged at other times. Tea and coffee etc at a modest cost can be served 

or can be purchased from the Abbey shop and café. 

Paisley Abbey (Church of Scotland) - Registered Charity No. SC007633 

Bay City Rollers Headline Quarriers Event 

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. 

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.


7 7


Support the work of Olive Tree 

Israel-palestine Week - 20-26 September 

Israel-Palestine does not often feature in the news but peace and justice still 

does not exist in the Holy Land today (nor as we know in much of the Middle 

East!). 

However during this week we are especially and prayerfully reminded by many 

UK church organisations and Christian Aid not to forget the ongoing injustice 

and hardship faced by so many in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTS). 

Little freedom of movement, severe unemployment, destruction of olive trees, 

house demolitions, inequality and deprivation are the norm in the lands around 

Jerusalem and Bethlehem not to mention the prison called Gaza. 

So what to do? Read and learn from the informative leaflets that will be 

distributed during this week in Bridge of Weir. Support the work of Olive Tree 

www.olivetreescotland.org 

One World Morning 

Saturday 31 October - British Legion Hall, Bridge of Weir. 

One World Celebration is run by Bridge of Weir and Houston Fairtrade group. 

It seeks to raise awareness in the villages of global issues, encouraging local 

action to make changes where things are unjust or damaging to the environment 

and lead to poverty. Last, but not least, it is a celebration of our diverse, but 

interconnected world. 

Choose beautiful Christmas presents from a range of stalls including Rainbow 

Turtle, Olive Tree and Phantasanja. 

Enjoy musical entertainmment while you indulge in homemade baking, a fairly 

traded cuppa, or a bowl of tasty soup. 

never miss an issue again! 

visit www.advertizer.co.uk or 

http://free.yudu.com/library/18833/Gryffe-Advertizer-issues 

http://issuu.com/gryffeadvertizer/docs 

Please Donate Blood 

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm PA13 4BP 

Wednesday 2nd September - 4pm - 7.30pm 

Erskine Community Sports Centre, Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine PA8 7AF 

Tuesday 8th September - 2pm - 3.45pm & 5.15pm - 7.30pm 

Johnstone Recreation Hall (Previously known as McMaster Sports 

Centre) Greenhead Avenue, Johnstone PA5 0LD 

Wednesday 9th September - 2pm - 3.45pm & 5.15pm - 7.30pm 

Donating Bus, Morrison’s Store, 30 Napier St, Johnstone PA5 8SF 

Friday 11th September - 9.30am - 11:30am & 1pm - 3.30pm 

St Mirin’s Cathedral Parish Hall, Incle Street, Paisley PA1 1HR 

Tuesday 15th September - 2pm - 3.45pm & 5.15pm - 7.30pm 

Wednesday 16th September - 2pm - 3.45pm & 5.15pm - 7.30pm 

Thursday 17th September - 2pm - 3.45pm & 5.15pm - 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! 

The Renfrewshire HD Support Group will 

do a sponsored walk in Erskine on 12 

September to raise funds for Scottish 

Huntington’s Association (SHA) which 

is the only Scottish charity dedicated to 

helping people affected by Huntington’s 

disease (HD). HD is a devastating 

neurological condition which renders the sufferer increasingly dependent on 

care, usually by their family, over the course of 15 to 25 years. Each child of a 

person with the condition has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease. My sister 

was diagnosed with this condition 10 years ago. Throughout that time, we have 

been very grateful for the support provided by the HD Advisors from the SHA. 

The funds we raise will go to the SHA to enable them to continue to provide a 

comprehensive support and advisory service to HD families in most parts of 

Scotland including Clyde. 

You will find my page on the JustGiving site at http://www.justgiving.com/ 

Margaret-Moncrieff 5 

We will welcome any who wish 

to join us on this 3 mile walk, 

which is entirely level. We set 

off at 11am on 12 September 

at the small car park signposted 

“Clyde Walkway” off Kilpatrick 

Drive in Erskine. Special 

arrangements will be made to 

let people walk 1 mile (or less). 

Please contact me if you wish 

more information. 

Our support group for 

Renfrewshire continues to meet 

once a month at Accord, We are 

immensely grateful to Accord 

for providing us with excellent 

facilities. We will be delighted 

to welcome new members. If 

you would like to join our support group, please contact me through the head 

office of the Scottish Huntington’s Association at Business First, Linwood Point, 

Paisley PA1 2FB, telephone: 0141 848 0308.


9 9


Full Steam Ahead For Loch 

Lomond’s Maid Of The Loch 

HLF are supporting the £5.5 million project to restore Maid of the Loch, Loch 

Lomond’s Paddle Steamer, to steam operation once more. 

“Brilliant – ‘Maid’ it”, was the 

comment from Phil Preston, 

Chairman of the Loch Lomond 

Steamship Company, the charity 

that owns the Maid of the Loch. 

“This has been a 20 year cause, 

during which we have raised and 

reinvested over £1.9 million and 

committed over 80,000 hours 

to restoring the ship. With this 

promise of around £3.8 million from HLF, we now need to do the hard work of 

raising the other £1.7 million”, he said. Then he added with a huge smile, “I 

guess it’s now Full Steam Ahead!” 

Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: 

“As with all ships, restoring the Maid of the Loch to full sailing condition is going 

to be an enormous challenge. By giving this initial support, we have given its 

owners the opportunity to see whether they can meet that challenge, and we 

wish them well in their endeavours.” 

This is a Round 1 Pass, meaning that the charity can prepare all the necessary 

technical surveys, drawings, and specifications for the ship’s rebuild. Included 

in this will be a big effort to get people involved, and to record and publicise 

the various stages of the rebuild. The Round 1 Pass is a vital first stage of the 

overall project and is worth £230,400. 

John Beveridge, Director and 

Founder of the charity, was 

understandably over the moon. 

“All our volunteers, sponsors, 

and supporters have been 

wonderful over the years. Now 

having the support of the HLF, 

we will transform the Maid from a 

static venue to an historic icon for 

West Dunbarton and Scotland. We can provide training, jobs, and investment. 

Maid of the Loch will make the Bonnie Banks come alive and give visitors an 

experience of Loch Lomond – and Scotland - they will never forget”. 

The engagement of consultants and marine experts will begin immediately with 

all necessary surveys, reports, and costs being ready for the spring of 2016. 

The ship will meet the latest marine safety standards, and be fitted with a lift to 

enable access for all. All being well, it is anticipated that Maid of the Loch will 

sail again in 2018. 

RAMH’s Lifeskills Project 

RAMH’s Lifeskills project has achieved an award for recycling; the first 

organisation in Renfrewshire to do so. 

The Lifeskills project operates as a social enterprise, recycling and upcycling 

donated furniture, vintage, collectables and textiles. All profits go straight back 

into supporting local people, their carers and families. Lifeskills has been 

granted full Revolve certification from Zero Waste Scotland for its work across 

Renfrewshire from its base in Wellmeadow Street Paisley. 

Kathleen Gallagher, Lifeskills coordinator, said: “we’re absolutely thrilled; the 

team have worked really hard to achieve this certificate. It demonstrates that 

we are meeting the very highest standards and providing our customers with 

the best products and an excellent customer service.” 

Revolve is Scotland’s re-use quality standard, 

managed by Zero Waste Scotland, for 

organisations selling reused 

and preloved goods. 

To achieve accreditation 

a shop must commit to 

continuously meet high 

standards and is tested 

on customer care, shop 

layout, how they prepare 

goods for re-use, testing 

of goods and health and 

safety. 

Lifeskills is open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons 

from 1.30-4.30pm on Wellmeadow Street, Paisley. The showroom has a wide 

selection of suites, beds, tables and chairs, washing machines, fridges and 

other products. There are also vintage and collectables available and prices 

are very competitive. 

If you’d like more information on the Lifeskills project, including donating 

furniture or volunteering call 0141 237 7600. For more information on RAMH 

mental health services in Renfrewshire call 0141 847 8900. 

Photo shows RAMH staff and volunteers receiving the accreditation from Zero 

Waste Scotland. 

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. 

Are You a Charity or Individual 

Looking for a Zip Slide? 

Sunday 27 September at Intu 

Braehead, Glasgow 

Intu Braehead offers a fantastic 

zip slide. The launch point is 40m 

high on the outside of the building, 

followed by a 200m zip across 

the car park. Intu Braehead is 

the ultimate family entertainment 

destination combining ‘real’ snow slopes with urban and lifestyle retailers, 

cool bars and restaurants, cinema, family attractions and extreme activities. 

This will be our 5th event at the venue. Please come along and enjoy this 

fantastic zip slide. Register now at www.zipslidesuk.co.uk

Phantasanja 


11 11 

Greetings from Thailand 

It has been a while and time flies when you are busy, which 

we definitely have been over the last year. 

The new dormitory at Hotpittayacom school has now been 

completed and the children have moved in and settled so they can get on with 

their study. 

The chicken project is 

ongoing and the children are 

getting fresh eggs every day 

and still selling the surplus 

eggs to buy more food for 

the chickens. The vegetable 

project is also full speed 

ahead and they are already 

harvesting their first crops 

and planting the next lot. 

The sponsorship program 

for high school students 

has now hit a high of 74 

sponsored students and all 

are doing well. Jenny and 

Julie are making a point of 

visiting all the sponsored 

students either at their 

dorm or their home, some 

trips have been arranged to 

go up into the mountains to 

visit the dormitory student’s villages. 

Baan king kaew is still 

Julies daily project with 

a constant flow of new 

arriving babies which keeps 

her busy and a very happy 

lady. The structure has 

now been changed and it 

is mainly a baby home now 

with children going up to 

the bigger children’s home 

at the age of four. 

This year we will be holding two sales of Thailand goods to help raise some 

much needed funds:- 

Saturday 19th September we will be in the lobby of Cargill centre in 

Kilmacolm 

Saturday 31st October we will be at Fairtrade Fair in Bridge of Weir 

The website has been updated and we are once again sponsoring a Christmas 

party for the dormitory students. Information 

on how you can help available on the website 

Phantasanja.webs.com 

Feel free to pop in and have a look at our stall or 

just have a chat at any of our events or if there 

is anything you would like to discuss or get some 

more information on please feel free to contact 

us. 

Thank you 

Julie & Andy Stewart (Phantasanja 

Scotland) 

Cycle for Cystic Fibrosis Trust 

Cystic Fibrosis Trust supports those affected by Cystic Fibrosis, which 

is chronically misunderstood, kills thousands world wide and is carried 

unknowingly in the genes of millions. It’s often invisible to the naked eye yet 

it destroys lives, stopping them short, inflicting hardship and distress on those 

affected, their families and carers. 

CF is an inherited disease. A sticky mucus affects the 

lungs so breathing is difficult. CF can also affect the 

liver, kidneys and pancreas. It is caused by a faulty 

gene, which one in 25 people carry. Each week five 

babies are born with cystic fibrosis, and two people 

die. There is no known cure for CF. 

On the 1st of September Colin Taylor 

is due to depart from Land’s End to 

cycle the 950 miles north to John 

O’Groats, a route known as LEJOG. 

Colin said, “It should be an epic 

adventure, travelling the complete 

length of mainland Britain with 40 or 

so other cyclists. We hope to cover 

c80 to 100 miles each day - for 

12 days. It has been great to have 

received so much support and to be 

able to raise funds and awareness for 

Cystic Fibrosis Trust!” 

You can follow Colin’s progress at 

facebook.com/cycleforcft or if you would care to donate to Cystic Fibrosis Trust 

please go to justgiving.com/Colin-S-Taylor. 

New Hope For 

Children 

Registered Charity no 1124015 

UK Branch of World Vision, Bogotá, Columbia 

Richard Sanderson, Joint Founder of World Vision, 

will be with us on Wednesday 30th September. 

Please join us to hear an update on the work with 

the street children of Bogotá and the other areas 

of Mission carried out by the team in Columbia. 

Come along to Mount Zion Church, Lawview 

Road, Quarriers Village at 7pm. Tea/coffee will be 

served.


ACCORD Hospice Annual 

Art Exhibition 

The ACCORD Hospice Annual Art Exhibition returns to The Atrium at Anchor Mill, 

Paisley from Monday 7th to Sunday 20th September from 12pm - 4pm daily. 

This is a free event. 

Featuring the work of over 50 local 

artists, Accord Hospice’s annual art 

exhibition promises to have something 

to suit all tastes. 

The free-to-enter event is open daily and 

On display in the free-to-enter event will 

be 150 works of art. 

For more information, email 

fundraising@accord.org.uk. 

Help Needed 

at Exhibition 

ACCORD Hospice annual art exhibition, 

a significant source of funding for the 

Hospice each year, takes place from 

Monday 7th September to Sunday 

20th September at the Anchor Mill 

Atrium. We are delighted to have the 

use of this space. 

We require it to be manned at all 

times and could really use your help 

on this occasion. Cover is needed for 

the times listed below and I would be 

delighted to hear from you if you can 

spare a few hours to help. 

Supervising the event will consist 

of letting people in and out of the 

building and taking details should 

they wish to purchase a painting. We 

need 2 people (minimum) at all times 

and would be happy if you would like 

to bring a friend or family member 

with you. 

Monday 7th to Sunday 20th - daily 

from 12noon – 2pm & 2pm – 4pm 

Please email or call me on 0141 581 

2000 with what times and dates 

would suit and how many times you 

would be willing to cover. 

Great British Sunday Lunch 

This year marks the 75th anniversary 

of the Battle of Britain, when ‘The Few’ 

took to the skies and defended the UK 

from the attacking Luftwaffe. To mark 

the anniversary the RAF Benevolent 

Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, 

is launching the Great British Sunday 

Lunch - the new national fundraising 

event aimed at getting families and 

friends back around the dinner table. 

Whether it is a full-on roast dinner with 

all the trimmings or a favourite curry, 

the Fund is asking supporters to get 

together and host a Sunday lunch on Sunday 13th September to raise vital 

funds. What better way to pay tribute to those who have served their country 

than by serving up some delicious food? 

By supporting the RAF Benevolent Fund, diners will be supporting work to assist 

veterans, serving personnel and their families who are facing challenges in their 

lives. The Fund receives no government grants and last year spent more than 

£18 million supporting 40,000 members of the RAF family, from the youngest 

child growing up on a RAF Station to our WWII veterans. 

We do hope you’ll join us in making the first Great British Sunday Lunch a great 

success. 

Www.rafbf.org.uk/gbsl 

Childhood Cancer 

Awarness Month 

Friday 25th Sept 

Visit the Macmillan Cancer Support 

website at http://coffee.macmillan.org. 

uk/ for further information and to sign 

up. 

This September is Childhood Cancer Awareness 

Month and CLIC Sargent would love your readers to 

help us support families coping with the impact of a 

cancer diagnosis by taking on our £170 challenge. 

£170 is the grant that CLIC Sargent gives to families after a child is diagnosed 

with cancer, to stop unexpected costs like parking and petrol becoming a 

problem. Money may seem unimportant when a child is diagnosed with cancer, 

but families caring for a child with cancer often find that their costs go up and 

their income goes down. So every £170 your readers raise this September 

could help one more family move forward together. 

It’s easy to get involved. If you’re a fan of flapjack or a cupcake queen, why 

not show off your baking skills and whip up some tasty treats to sell to friends, 

family or workmates as part of The Power Of Cake. Alternatively, turn back 

time to your childhood with a retro day at your office. Come to work in your old 

uniform, the classic double denim or dress up as your childhood hero. Collect 

donations from everyone taking part and fine anyone who forgets. 

CLIC Sargent provides practical, emotional and financial support for children 

with a cancer diagnosis. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to 

raise awareness of the impact of childhood cancer and of CLIC Sargent’s work 

of currently supporting 18 young cancer patients and their families across 

Renfrewshire. 

You can also buy gold ribbon badges to wear throughout the month from our 

online shop. From September they will also be available from branches of J D 

Wetherspoon pubs, Wallis, H Samuel, Ernest Jones or Wren Kitchens. 

If you’d like to take on the £170 challenge in September visit www.clicsargent. 

org.uk/ccam or call 01292 692113 for your free pack.


13 13


September 

events 

Until Sun 30 Aug 

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. 

Fri 28 - Sat 29 Aug 

Bath & Moth Night 

RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 

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) 

Sat 29 August 

RAMH - White Water Rafting 

Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley 

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 

This fantastic challenge is being held on Saturday 

29 August. 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. 

Sat 29 - Sun 30 Aug 

Binocular & Telescope Open Day 

Sun 30 August 

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? 

Wed 2 September 

Kilmacolm mission Fund 

Kilmacolm Community Centre, 

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 7.30pm 

Anyone interested in the work of the charity will 

be most welcome. 

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. 

RSPB Local Group 

McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, 

Renfrew 7.30pm 

Patricia Brown Travels to the Galapagos - an 

illustrated talk. All welcome. 

Sat 5 September 

1st Houston Boys Brigade Annual 

Coffee Morning 

Church Hall & Carrick Centre, Houston 

10am to 12noon 

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. 

Scottish Airshow Air Display 


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. 

Sun 30 August 

RAMH - 10K Run 

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 

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 

1st Houston BB Annual Coffee 

Morning 

Church Hall & Carrick Centre, Houston 


Tickets only £1 (inc tea/coffee and home baking). 

Enjoy a variety of stalls at this fundraising event.


15 15 


The Finlaystone overnight camp 


5pm to 8am 

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. Pre booking essential. Call 01475 

540505. 

Hotel Transylvania 2 Tour 

Braehead Shopping Centre, Kings Inch 

Road, Renfrew G51 4BN 

As part of a day of fun activities, children will 

be given the opportunity to meet and have 

their photos taken with Dracula, Frankenstein, 

Johnny, Mavis and Murray from the film. Families 

will receive their photo keepsake of the day in a 

personalised Hotel Transylvania frame to take 

away. This is a free event! 

Sat 5 - Sun 6 Sept 

Renfrewshire Doors Open Days 

Sun 6 September 

Finlaystone Den Building 


1pm to 3pm 

Join the Rangers and see who is a budding Bear 

Grylls. Call 01475 540505 for details. 

Charity Lunch 

Mar Hall, Bishopton PA7 5NW 

12noon to 6pm 

The event will be hosted by Lisa Hague, partner 

of Celtic striker Kris Commons, and Clyde 1 DJ 

Gina McKie. Top Scots band The Cartel are also 

performing. Tickets are priced £500 per table of 

10 or £55 per person. Spaces are limited so to 

book, please email libby@johnhartsonfoundation. 

co.uk 

Fashion Show in aid of 

Fibromyalgia Paisley & Inverclyde 

Network 

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 http://www. 

doorsopendays.org.uk/opendays/ 

Doors Open Days - Renfrewshire 

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip 

Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 4pm 

Come and see the ancestral homeland of the clan 

Sempill and get the best view of it from the tower! 

Call 01505 842882 X20. 

Doors Open Day 


10am to 4pm 

Come along and get a taste of what the reserve 

has to offer. There will be free entry, free pond 

dipping, free bug hunting and free treasure hunt. 

Cost - FREE! 


2015 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. www. 

scottishairshow.com 

Matalan, Phoenix Retail Park, Linwood 

Come along and watch as fibromyalgia sufferers, 

along with family & friends, do some modelling 

& strut their stuff in lovely clothes provided 

by Matalan. If you like any of the outfits then 

Matalan are giving 10% off on all purchases that 

night. To book tickets or for more info contact 

Hazel on 0844 887 2369 or e-mail fibroinfo@ 

paisleyfm.org 

Photo Competition 

Announcement 

RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 4pm 

The winners of the annual RSPB Lochwinnoch 

photography competition will be announced 

today. 

Sun 6 - Sun 13 Sept 

St Mary’s September Festival 

Flowers, Art exhibition and Music 

St Mary’s Church, Johnstone Rd, Bridge 

of Weir 

See main article in our Villages section of this 

issue. 

Mon 7 - Sun 20 Sept 

Accord Hospice Annual Art 

Exhibition 

Anchor Mill Atrium, 12 Thread Street 

Paisley, PA1 1JS 

12noon to 4pm 

Free entry. Come for a browse and see if anything 

takes your fancy.


Wed 9 September 

Francesca Rossi Showcase 

Autumn Seasons 

Francesca Rossi, Octavia Buildings, 

Bridge of Weir Road, Kilmacolm PA13 

4AE 6pm to 8pm 

Drinks and nibbles. Promotional discounts on the 

night. All remaining sale stock prices slashed to 

clear. Tel: 01505 873888. 


Houston and Killellan Kirk - 

Opening Ceremony 

Houston & Killellan Kirk, Main Street, 

Houston 

Please come along to the opening ceremony 

of the wonderful new extension/annexe to our 

existing church with special guests including 

local councillors and past ministers 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 its 

potential. 


Kilbarchan Guild Coffee Morning 

Kilbarchan West Church, Church Street, 

Kilbarchan 10am to 12noon 

Tickets £2.50 at the door. All welcome. 

Lochwinnoch International Aid 

Yard Sale 

The Advertizer - Neva Place, Bridge of 

Weir 11am to 1pm 

79 High Street, Lochwinnoch Please come and 

buy! (Books, clothes, bric-a-brac etc.). 


Crafting Buddies Fair 

Wallneuk North Church, Abercorn Street, 

Paisley PA3 4AG 11am to 3pm 

Indoor event with free parking, fabulous cafe 

serving teas, coffee and homemade goodies. An 

opportunity for you to buy something original for 

yourself or for a gift, keeping Christmas in mind. 

This is a free event! 

Greenock Crematorium Bat Walk 

Greenock Crematorium, 1 South St, 

Greenock PA16 8UG 7.45pm to 9.45pm 

Take the opportunity to hear the un-hearable 

and learn some facts about these amazing flying 

mammals on a Ranger led walk around the 

cemetery. There will be a short presentation then 

it’ll be out making use of bat detectors. Call 01475 

521458. Adults £5, Concessions £3. 

Sat 12 - Sun 13 Sept 

Inverclyde Doors Open Days 

Various locations across Inverclyde 

For further information telephone 01475 715555 

or visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk 

Sat 12 - Sat 19 Sept 

Book Sale & Auction 


Find a great Natural History book at RSPB’s 

annual book sale. Perhaps even find that special 

book in the auction? 


Golf: Mixed Open Day Kilmacolm 

Kilmacolm Golf Club, Porterfield road, 

Kilmacolm 

This is a Greensome Stableford Competition. Entry 

is £15 per couple. Handicap: A current CONGU 

handicap, One Class competition. Starting Times: 

Between 9am and 2.30 pm. For info and entry 

forms, visit www.kilmacolmgolfclub.com 

Great British Sunday Lunch 

Your House 

Why not host a Sunday lunch to raise vital funds 

for the RAF Benevolent Fund and pay tribute 

to those who have served their country than 

by serving up some delicious food? Www.rafbf. 

org.uk/gbsl 


Finlaystone Kids 1km Race 


1pm to 3pm 

Try our Finlaystone 1k Kids cross country. Age 4 

- 6, 7 - 9, 10 and over. Prize in each category for 

best time. Call 01475 540505 for details. 

Doors Open Day - Inverclyde 

The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, 

Greenock 1.30pm 

A short talk and walk of the Greenock Cut. A 

FREE bus will depart Kelly Street in Greenock at 

1pm and go to the Visitor Centre, contact Jean 

MacKenzie of Inverclyde Council to book. Call 

01475 529543. 

Half Marathon, 10k and 3k 

Birkmyre Park, Broomknowe Road, 

Kilmacolm 

Inverclyde Leisure have done everything to make 

this an enjoyable event for the runners and the 

people of Inverclyde. We also encourage families 

to get involved for a fun filled day! All races start 

at the Birkmyre Park Fitness Gym. Runners make 

their way through the streets of the village and 

surrounding countryside returning to the Birkmyre 

Fitness Gym for the finish. 

Tue 15 September 

Bridge of Weir TARA 

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Crescent, Bridge 

of Weir, 7.30pm 

The next meeting of the Tenants & Residents 

Association. All welcome. 

Thu 17 September 

Sally Buxton Psychic Night 

Old Library Centre, 9 High Barholm, 

Kilbarchan 

This will be a very well attended night. Early 

booking is advised and tickets, which must be 

paid before Tuesday 15th September. Tickets 

£10. Tel: 01505 706070. 

Thu 17 - Sat 19 Sept 

Bring It All Home 

Paisley Town Hall & Paisley Arts Centre 

A celebration of songwriting inspired by the 

legacy of Paisley’s Gerry Rafferty. For tickets 

and info visit www.bringitallhome.co.uk or call 

0300 300 1210. See main advert on page 19 

of this issue. 

Fri 18 - Sat 19 Sept 

Embroiderers’ Guild ‘Fabrication’ 

Exhibition 

Kilmacolm Community Centre, 

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 

Fri 18th at 10am-6pm and Sat 19th 10am- 

3pm. Free admission. If you can not attend the 

exhibition and would like to know more, please call 

Jane Findlay on 01505 874228. Refreshments 

available. 


Wildlife Explorers Event - Animal 

Senses 



Come and join in this fun children’s nature activity 

group. Age 5 to 14 years. Please note that all 

children aged 8 and under must be accompanied 

by an adult. Booking essential. Cost £5/£3 RSPB 

members (adults free). Call 01505 842663 for 

further information or to book. 

Beachwatch Big Weekend 

Lunderston Bay, Cloch Road, near 

Gourock 10.30am to 12.30pm 

Join us for the annual Big Beachwatch clean up! 

Help record data and help protect our coastline 

by contributing to the national survey. Call 01475 

521458. 


The Erskine Bridge Buster 10k is 

now open for public entries! 

Erskine Sports Centre 10.30am to 1pm 

To confirm your place now you can do so online 

via Entry Central via the website http://www. 

entrycentral.com/Erskine-Bridge-Buster-10k 

Finlaystone Duck Race 


1pm to 3pm 

Pick your lucky duck and follow it down the stream 

to see who wins. Prize for first place. Call 01475 

540505 for details. 


Weir Networking Group 

Amaretto Ristorante and Pizzeria, 60 

Main Street, Bridge of Weir 9.30am 

Local business networking group. All businesses 

welcome. Come for breakfast. £5.


17 17 

Fri 02 October 

An Evening of Fashion with Gloria’s 

Fashions 

St Columba Church Hall. Kilmacolm 7.30pm 

Sale of clothes, handbags and accessories Credit cards 

will be accepted Call 01505 872324. £10. 

Sat 03 October 

Flu Vaccination Clinics 

Houston Doctors Surgery, Kirk Road, 

Houston, PA6 7AR 9am to 11.30am 

Eligible patients registered are welcome to come along 

for their flu jab. No need for an appointment - just come 

along with your sleeve rolled up! 

Fashion Show 

St Machar’s Church, Kilbarchan Rd, Bridge 

of Weir 

We would be delighted if you could join us. Contact 

Francesca Rossi for tickets on 01505 873888. 

Proposal Closure of 

RBS Kilmacolm 

There are plans from 

The Royal Bank of 

Scotland to close the 

Kilmacolm Branch in 

November of this year. 

While I am disappointed 

to hear this news, I felt 

it important to hear 

residents views on 

the proposed closure. 

I therefore launched 

a residents survey in 

Kilmacolm and I hope 

to be able to release 

the results shortly. 

If you live in Kilmacolm and did not receive a 

survey but wish to take part, please contact 

my office on 0141 885 2076 and my staff will 

arrange for one to be sent to you. 

It is important that locals are consulted on such 

issues, and I look forward to sharing the results 

with you and RBS in due course. 

Roads 

I have recently been receiving a number of 

complaints from constituents on a range of 

roads issues in Renfrewshire North & West. 

While as Transport Minister I have responsibility 

over motorways and trunk roads, local roads are 

under the remit of local government, whether it 

be Inverclyde or Renfrewshire Council. However, 

as MSP I have been raising individual issues 

with the Council as they are reported to me by 

constituents, and I am happy to continue to do 

so. 

Surgeries 

I hold surgeries in Kilmacolm, Bridge of Weir, 

Erskine and Bishopton on the first Friday of 

every month, except January. For except timing 

and locations please call my office or check my 

website. As well as holding these traditional face 

to face advice surgeries, I also hold telephone 

surgeries on Monday mornings between 

10am and 11am (except for public holidays). 

Constituents can call me at my constituency 

office on 0141 885 2076 to discuss any issues 

that they have. I can also be contacted by e-mail 

at derek.mackay.msp@scottish.parliament.uk. 

Website 

My website recently received a revamp. To 

keep up-to-date with my latest news as your 

MSP, details on my surgeries or other local 

information please feel free to take a look www. 

derekmackaymsp.org 

As the Scottish Parliament enters its final year of the fourth session, I have been honoured 

to serve the people of Renfrewshire and West Scotland. With the Independence referendum 

and the General Election within the last year it has been a busy time and I continue to look 

ahead to the future and to represent the people of Renfrewshire North & West. 

Over the summer recess, my team and I have delivered over 11,000 Parliamentary Surveys 

to local residents and I have received a great response so far. One of the most pressing 

issues returned in my survey is road and paths maintenance and access to transport. 

Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and all local authorities are under severe financial constraints 

imposed by the Scottish Government. We need a national discussion to best identify how 

we can adequately fund public services and ensure our local environments and roads are 

maintained and protected. 

Access to local public transport is a problem for the many towns and villages in 

Renfrewshire, particularly in Bridge of Weir, Houston and Kilmacolm. My colleague in 

the Scottish Parliament Iain Gray MSP has lodged a Bill to improve bus services across 

Scotland; unfortunately this has received no support from the Scottish Government and is unlikely to be passed 

in to law. 

My monthly advice surgeries continue to take place on the first Friday of each month, excluding January. In 

September, I will be in Bridge of Weir at The Bridge from 1pm to help you with any local issues. If you can’t attend 

any of my surgeries, please call my office on 0141 889 4828 to arrange a home visit. Full details of my surgeries 

are on my website www.maryfeemsp.com


More Reliable Than a Scottish Summer 

Choosing between stylish or sturdy flooring? You can have both. Karndean 

and Amtico flooring offer a unique blend of stylish design and durability. 

They are the most sought after floor coverings on the market. There is a stunning 

array of styles and variations available and the opportunity to design your own 

floor to fit your unique home decor. 

They do not have the drawbacks of natural materials like wood or ceramics, 

which can dent, score, crack and fade easily. 

Karndean and Amtico adjust 

to temperature and will be cool 

in summer and warm in winter. 

Both brands do not require 

under floor heating and could 

save you thousands compared 

to a cold ceramic or slate floor 

that may require this to keep 

your feet warm. 

With unique styles 

such as ships 

decking effect, 

or the option to 

add borders and 

features to create 

a unique floor, 

you’re sure to see 

something you 

love. 

Orchard Flooring 

have 14 years’ experience in fitting Karndean and Amtico and are happy to 

offer advice on picking the best options for each room. With a home sampling 

service why not give us a call and be on your way to a stunning floor from 

Orchard Flooring. 

Call Scott on 01505 229584 or 07563 633 432 or E:sjmproducts@hotmail.com 

Wrestler Grado and Emmerdale’s 

Kelvin Star at Ex-Celt’s Charity Lunch 

Wrestler Grado attends the John Hartson Foundation golf day launch Insane Fight Club wrestler Grado 

has been appointed as the Foundation’s newest ambassador. Grado – whose catchphrase is ‘It’s yersel’ – 

will be helping us promote the Foundation and our #knowyourballs campaign in a bid to raise awareness 

of the symptoms of testicular cancer. 

The 27-year-old is looking forward to his first official 

engagement as ambassador – which is a voluntary role – 

at our ladies lunch, which takes place at Mar Hall Golf and 

Spa resort, Bishopton, on Sunday 6 September. 

He’ll be joined by Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher, who 

plays Andy Sugden in the long-running soap. The event 

will be hosted by Lisa Hague, partner of Celtic striker Kris 

Commons, and Clyde 1 DJ Gina McKie. Top Scots band The 

Cartel are also performing. 

Grado – whose real name is Graeme Stevely – said: “There’s 

no polite way to say this – I’ll be talking balls to the ladies 

as it’s just as important to spread the word about testicular 

cancer to the girls as it is to the guys. There’s no reason 

why they can’t help their partners check their testicles for 

any lumps or other worrying symptoms and help spread the 

word to their fathers, brothers, sons and cousins – it really 

is that important. 

“I’m looking forward to the lunch and hope lots of ladies will 

come along and meet me and Kelvin, who seems like a top bloke. I’m honoured to have been appointed 

ambassador to the John Hartson Foundation and I’m going to make sure I take every opportunity possible 

to promote the fantastic work they do and enourage 

men and women not to by shy about talking about 

testicles and checking for problems.” 

PHOTO - Former Celtic star John Hartson (right) 

looks ahead to his Foundations golf day alongside 

Ex Rangers player Andy Goram and Wrestler Grado 

(centre) 

Grado, who is from Stevenston, Ayrshire, found fame 

in the BBC’s Insane Fight Club documentary which 

lifted the lid on the brutal world of British professional 

wrestling. He has also starred in Glasgow soap River 

City and spoof police reality show the Scot Squad. 

John said: “Grado’s a great guy and has already 

shown us so much support as all our ambassadors 

and patrons do by giving up their time and putting 

in so much effort to help us. If anyone sums up our 

motto, Grab Life by the Balls, it’s him and while we’re 

putting across a serious message, we look forward 

to lots of laughs along the way.” 

Our first Grab Life by the Balls ladies lunch takes 

place on Sunday, September 6, from noon to 6pm, 

at Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort, Bishopton, and 

includes a cocktail and cupcake on arrival, a threecourse 

meal, fashion show and market place. Tickets 

are priced £500 per table of 10 or £55 per person. 

Spaces are limited so to book, please email libby@ 

johnhartsonfoundation.co.uk 

Gryffe Scottish 

Country Dance Club 

We shall be starting our winter 

dancing once again on Thursday 10 

September at 8pm in Kilbarchan 

Guide Centre. The class will run 

through until 17 December finishing 

with a wee party night. 

New dancers are welcome to come 

along and if you can put up with us, we shall certainly 

do our best to ease you in gently and make you very 

welcome. Cost is £3 per night. Contact Les Lambert 

at 01505 704398 for information. 

Hotel Transylvania 

2 Tour 

To celebrate the launch of the second instalment in 

the Hotel Transylvania franchise, in cinemas across 

the UK on October 16, with previews on October 2, 3, 

10 & 11, Sony Pictures will be conducting a national 

tour of some of the biggest shopping centres. 

The tour will visit intu Braehead on Saturday 5th of 

September and as part of a day of fun activities, 

children will be given the opportunity to meet and 

have their photos taken with Dracula, Frankenstein, 

Johnny, Mavis and Murray from the film. Families 

will receive their photo keepsake of the day in a 

personalised Hotel Transylvania frame to take away. 

Other activities will include the Unlucky Dip game, 

Mummy wrapping and the Howl Booth. Those that 

attend the stand will be able to watch the film trailer 

and footage in 3D and have the chance to win 

fantastic prize packages from Visit Romania and 

Chessington World of Adventures. 

This is a free event!

Fashion Show 


The Jack & Jill Market Paisley 

19 19 

in aid of Fibromyalgia Paisley & Inverclyde Network 

Fun evening of fashion & fundraising in aid of Fibromyalgia Paisley & Inverclyde 

Network to mark the start of Fibromyalgia awareness week for 2015. 

Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects 

around 1 in 50 people in the UK & is a 

long term condition of chronic all over 

pain & debilitating fatigue amongst other 

symptoms, it is also a mostly invisible 

illness, meaning that sufferers may 

look perfectly healthy despite the health 

difficulties they are dealing with daily. 

Come along and watch as fibromyalgia 

sufferers along with family & friends do 

some modelling & strut their stuff in lovely clothes provided by Matalan. If you 

like any of the outfits then Matalan are giving 10% off on all purchases that 

night. There will also be a raffle on the night with some excellent prizes donated 

by Fibro Pain members, local businesses & bigger organisations too so as well 

as helping a great cause & maybe treating yourself to some new togs you could 

win a wee surprise too! 

To book tickets or for more info contact Hazel on 0844 887 2369 or e-mail 

fibroinfo@paisleyfm.org 

Crafting Buddies Fair 

Browse a wide and varied selection of local crafts and goodies at the Crafting 

Buddies Fair on September 12th from 

11am until 3pm at Wallneuk North 

Church, Paisley. This is a free event! 

A chance for local artisans and 

crafters to showcase their talents with 

a wide and varied selection of items 

to see and buy. Excellent venue in the 

centre of Paisley, popular for its monthly Car Boot Sales. Indoor event with free 

parking, fabulous cafe serving teas, coffee and homemade goodies. 

An opportunity for you to buy something original for yourself or for a gift, keeping 

Christmas in mind. 

The Jack and Jill Market Paisley is held on the third Saturday of each month at 

the Lagoon Leisure Centre Paisley! The next market will be on Saturday 19th 

September from 10.30am until 1pm. Price: Adults £1.50 Kids free! 

The Jack and Jill Markets are 

quality nearly-new baby and 

children’s markets where 

smart mums sell and save. 

You’ll find 50-60 stalls 

bursting with quality nearlynew 

maternity, baby, and 

children’s gear (0-9yrs). 

Hundreds of mums at each 

market are delighted to find 

quality, nearly-new items at 

fantastic prices. 

SELL Book a stall to sell quality items you no longer use and keep 100% of what 

you make. 75% of our mums, to date, have made between £100-£350 selling 

quality items they no longer use, with our top selling mum making over £600! 

SAVE Find everything you need for baby and children, all under the one roof, 

all on the same day. Whether it’s large items from our Large Items Gallery, or 

clothes, toys, books, and equipment from our quality nearly-new stalls, you’re 

guaranteed to find what you’re looking for - why pay full retail price when you 

don’t have to! 

St Paul’s Drama - Me and My Girl 

The NEW Johnstone Town Hall Theatre will be the venue for St Paul’s Drama 

Group’s first musical. The venue is excellent with raked seating to give people a 

better overall view of the stage and much more comfortable padded seats. 

The show takes place from Wednesday 7th October until Saturday 10th October 

and this year we are including a Saturday matinee due to the high volume of 

interest at the opening of the new town hall. Not many older people like going 

out at night and this would be a perfect solution for them. 

Tickets are now on sale , adults cost £12 and children and concessions are £10. 

We also have a provision for block bookings of 20 or more on one performance 

of 15% Discount.


Do you want the skills to 

help save a life?? 

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/ 

Paisley Entertainment 

Black Is The Colour of My Voice - Sunday 6 - Arts 

Centre - 7.30pm 

Black Is The Colour of My Voice is a spectacular one-woman 

theatre show inspired by the life of Nina Simone! £10 (£6 

conc) + booking fee 

The Deke McGee Band - Friday 11 - 

Arts Centre - 7.30pm 

Enjoy soulful rhythm ‘n’ blues from the Glasgow-based 

quartet. £10 (£8 conc) + booking fee 

Scott Gibson: Life After Death - Saturday 12 - Arts 

Centre - 7.30pm 

Compere of ‘A Buddy Good Laugh’ Scott Gibson is ready to 

go it alone on his first solo stand-up tour! £10 (£8 conc) + 

booking fee 

A Celebration of Scottish Songwriting - Friday 18 - 

Town Hall - Doors 7pm 

Six hugely talented and very individual songwriters explore 

Scotland’s vast treasure trove of words and music! £22.50 

+ booking fee 

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 

British Heart Foundation 

Local Shops 

We have over 700 shops around the UK including over 170 

dedicated Furniture and Electrical shops which means we’re 

one of the biggest retailers in the UK. You can donate your 

unwanted items to help power our life saving research. 

Your nearest British Heart Foundation shop is in Paisley 

where we sell a fantastic range of good quality donated 

items and new goods; from clothing, shoes and accessories 

to books, music, toys and household items. By shopping or 

donating you’re helping us to continue our life-saving work. 

Find us at 32 High Street, Paisley, Renfrewshire, UK, PA1 2BZ, call 0141 848 

6137. 

Shop opening times: Monday- Saturday - 9.30am - 5pm, Sunday Closed. 

Your donations fund our pioneering research that will save lives. Last year the 

goods you donated to BHF shops raised over £31 million to help in the fight 

against heart disease. 

Find out more at https://www.bhf.org.uk/shop/donating-goods 

Aly and Phil - Sunday 20 - Town Hall - 

7.30pm 

Don’t miss the incomparable mastery of fiddle and accordion. 

£18 (£16 conc) + booking fee 

Memory Walk - Sunday 20 - Town Hall 

- 12.30pm 

Join Alzheimer Scotland for a fun-filled family day out. £10 for 

over 16yrs, £5 for 12 -16yrs Under 12 Free 

The Fogartys and Special Guests - 

Wednesday 23 - Arts Centre - 7.30pm 

In aid of the ACCORD Hospice! £10 + booking fee 

A Buddy Good Laugh - Thursday 24 - Arts Centre - 

8.15pm 

A Buddy Good Laugh is Scotland’s number 1 comedy club 

hosted by Dead Sheep Comedy’s resident MC, Scott Gibson! 

£10 (£8 conc) + booking fee 

For booking or further information, please call: 0300 300 1210 or book online at https://boxoffice.renfrewshire.gov.uk


Dental Blog 

by Sheila Macintyre, Practice Owner, 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice 

Are you the sensitive type? 

21 21 

Sensitivity to hot, cold, sugary or acidic foods is common but what causes 

this pain and how can it be treated? 

Our teeth are covered by a layer of hard enamel that protects the softer 

dentine underneath. If the dentine is exposed this can cause sensitive teeth 

– usually where the tooth meets the gum and the enamel is thinner. There 

are a number of reasons why this might be the case including; Toothbrush 

Abrasion resulting in the enamel being worn down; Dental Erosion where the 

enamel has been worn down as a result of acid attack; naturally occurring 

Gum Recession exposing unprotected areas below the original gum line; Gum 

Disease which also causes the gums to recede; or Tooth Grinding that has 

resulted in the enamel being worn down. Additional causes of tooth sensitivity 

might be a Cracked Tooth or Filling or Tooth Bleaching that can sometimes 

result in sensitivity either during or after the treatment – your dentist should 

go over this with you prior to any whitening treatment. 

There are a number of toothpastes that are readily available for the treatment 

of sensitive teeth and about which your dentist can 

advise you – use these at least twice a day when brushing 

(they can also be rubbed onto the affected area). It may 

take anything from a matter of days to a few weeks to 

see results. Your dentist may also recommend other 

treatments such as fluoride gels, rinses or varnishes to 

give your teeth additional protection. Failing this it may 

be necessary to seal or fill the exposed dentine and in 

extreme cases root-filling may be needed. 

If you would like to find out more about sensitive teeth 

you can discuss this with one of our dentists. Phone 

01505 704969 or click www.kilbarchandental.co.uk 

where you’ll find lots more free tips and advice.


every Monday 

Lochwinnoch Community Walk 

The Cross, Lochwinnoch 10.30am 

This event will not take place on public holidays. 

every Tuesday 

Line Dancing 

Bishopton Primary School 6.30pm - 8.30pm 

Beginner/Improver class with all welcome. Call 

Mellissa on 07970 396212. 

every Wednesday 

Knitting Group 

Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers 10am - 12noon 

Knitters of all levels welcome! 

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. 

1st Sunday monthly 

regular updates 

@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 

Antiques Valuation Day 

Messy Church 

Freeland Church, Bridge of Weir 4pm-6pm 

Free entry for all ages. Meal included. Just turn 

up. Tel: Catherine 07980 649377. 

Do you have a “priceless tea service “or your grannies string of pearls lurking 

at the back of the cupboard? 

If so come along 

to the Royal British 

Legion where Anita 

Manning (star of 

many TV shows) 

and her team of 

experts will give 

you a professional 

estimate of the 

value. 

You never know you 

may have “treasure” 

in that dusty old box 

Valuation Day is Thursday 8th October from 10am to 3pm 

An entry fee will apply with all the funds going to the Bridge of Weir Community 

Council Christmas Lights event in December. 

SpectreTown - Wednesday 2 - £8 to £10 

Weaving poetry, Doric, wild horses, and song, this courageous 

new play deftly wrestles with tradition, power, and the loneliness 

of modern life. 

Phil & Aly - Thursday 3 - £16 

Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham enjoyed performing together so 

much that they decided to have a small tour this year. 

Pioneers of Performance - Wednesday 9 

We are the Monsters - £5 

Humorous dance performance for children followed by a 1 hour 

workshop for children aged 4-9, using movement, live music, 

images and props. 

Curious Seed: Chalk About - £5 

A playful, funny and sometimes moving look at how we see 

ourselves and others, featuring dance, chalk, chat. 

Douglas & Face On - £8.50 to £10 

This solo performance stems from actions imagined by Robbie 

Synge, while performing various daily tasks at home in The 

Highlands. 

Oog - Saturday 12th - £8 to £10 

An intensely physical and poetic exploration leading audiences 

deep into the fractured mind of a shell-shocked soldier. 

Black is the Colour of My Voice - Sun 13 - 

£8 - £10 

During a three-day period of isolation without cigarettes, alcohol, 

or access to the outside world, Mena reflects on her journey 

Forbidden Nights - Wed 16 - £20 to £23.50 

A vocalist, aerial artist, pole performer and fire act all delivered 

with an element of naughtiness, but not so naughty that you can’t 

bring your Granny! 

Kind of Silence - Saturday 19th - £8 to £10 

The ‘silence’ represents not only something we hear, but 

something we experience through the ways we can or cannot 

communicate. 

Peter Morrison & Friends - Sat 19 - £15 

Peter Morrison is one of Scotland’s most popular and accomplished 

singers. 

What Goes Around - Wed 23 - £10 to £12 

An actor and an actress, strangers till this morning, sit down 

together for a drink to break the ice. One thing leads to another... 

Michelle McManus Reality Musical - Thurs 

24 - £15 

An upfront and humorous take on her life since winning ‘Pop Idol’ 

just over a decade ago, with famous show tunes from the West 

End and Broadway. 

Des McLean - Saturday 26 - £11 to £13 

The Multi award winning Comedian can’t wait to unleash a whole 

stack of new material at one of his favourite venues. 

BEACON ARTS CENTRE, CUSTOM HOUSE QUAY, GREENOCK, PA15 1HJ INFO@BEACONARTSCENTRE. 

CO.UK TELEPHONE: 01475 723723


23 23 

Big Crowds Turn Out as 

Fire Engine Rally Returns to 

Johnstone 

Hundreds of residents enjoyed getting up close to vintage vehicles when the 

ever-popular Fire Engine Rally rolled into Johnstone. Big crowds descended on 

Houstoun Square for a full afternoon of family fun as emergency vehicles old 

and new gathered in the town centre. 

This was the second time the annual Renfrewshire Council-run event has taken 

place in Johnstone – having moved from its previous home in Paisley in 2014. 

Visitors young and old had the chance to see machines lovingly kept alive by 

the Scottish Fire and 

Rescue Heritage 

Trust. 

The day began with a 

parade of fire engines 

from Johnstone Fire 

Station, down Thorn 

Brae, to Houstoun 

Square. Attractions 

on in the town 

centre during the 

day included birds of 

prey, a bouncy castle and a selection of stalls. 

Local firefighters were hand 

to demonstrate fire safety, 

including showing people what the impact can be of a chip pan bursts into flames. And Renfrewshire’s Provost 

Anne Hall got in on the action when firefighters showed off their skills to the crowd by cutting her out of a car. 

Provost Hall said: “Once again, it was an absolute pleasure to get out and about at the Fire Engine Rally, which 

is always a really popular event. “By holding these events in the town centre we are bringing business in for 

local traders. “There was a serious safety message on the day as it was a chance for the fire service to meet 

the public and explain a bit more about the work they do. “My thanks go to them for helping make the day such 

a success.” 

For more information about events in Renfrewshire, see www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/events


New Scheme in Renfrewshire 

Aims to Boost Employment in 

Social Care 

A new joint approach in Renfrewshire is set to boost training and job 

opportunities in the social care sector. 

Renfrewshire Council, Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership, 

and West College Scotland are teaming up to provide work and placement 

opportunities. 

The initial focus is likely to be on developing skills so that people can gain 

jobs in looking after residents in their homes. 

In addition to increasing employment opportunities, the new Social Care 

Employability Partnership will tackle high staff turnover in the care sector. 

iT blog 

with Colin Fyfe of Colcom 

The general consensus I can gather among my customers who have gone 

ahead with the update to Windows 10 has been mixed. 

Are you considering updating a business PC? I would not recommend that 

you go down that route just yet. Glitches can emerge on updating to Windows 

10; I noticed that Sage, the accounting software, flags up an issue with the 

date format. Bizarrely on some computers the ‘System Locale’ changes 

to USA, I minor issue to repair, but unnerving all the same. One of my 

customers, an author, thought to update to 10 would improve performance. 

It did to a point, but his printer would not work and the manufacturer, Brother, 

is not releasing the updated drivers until December. 

One of my computers that I brought up to date does not display the speed 

increase promised by Windows 10. I may be a little over critical as the 

hardware dates back 7 years in some components but it passed the update 

viability check. It would put me off the update of a slow Windows 7 machine 

to 10, especially if your computer has a lot of software on it. Indeed, anyone 

with specialist programs like expensive photo editing software, accounting 

software or any database programs should definitely do their homework 

prior to installing the update. 

I would also tread cautiously if you are updating a Sony or Samsung 

product. Both these manufacturers are out of the laptop market now, and 

I’d guess driver development for Windows 10 is well down their 

pecking order. 

I do get a skewed view of things as people only tend to get in 

touch if something goes wrong but taking it all into consideration 

I do feel that it is worth looking at the upgrade if your computer 

fits a certain mould. Just keep in mind, for all its magic, Windows 

10 once installed behaves like the Genie out of the bottle; it is 

hard to go back once you pull the stopper. 

If you would like me to advise you and prepare your computer for a seamless 

update to Windows 10, please get in touch.


LOCAL 

history 

The History Spot 

The Great Wall of Castle Semple 

A high stone wall encloses the original heartland of Castle Semple estate, 

on the north side of Castle Semple loch. On closer inspection, this wall is 

not a simple drystane boundary dyke, but an estate perimeter wall. 

More than fi ve kilometres long, the wall starts at Garthland Bridge which 

crosses the Black Cart near Howwood. It follows the south side of the 

public road, passing North Gates, Burnfoot, 

Markethill and Warlock Gates. At Gateside, set 

into the wall, is an elaborate arched well. The 

Castle Semple area abounds with traditions 

of sacred wells, springs and fountains, some 

of which were formalised with elaborate stone 

enclosures, perpetuating the local traditions. 

From Gateside the wall heads south in a 

long arc, until it meets the West Gates of the 

estate. Beyond the gates it continues further, 

to enclose an extra strip of estate by Castle 

Semple Loch. 

Estate boundary walls often have a distinctive 

Well at Gateside 

style, which defi ne the estate and its extent. In 

the past, when locals crossed the estate boundary wall, they would have 

been well aware that they were entering the property of someone important, 

where catching of game was prohibited. 

A great deal of labour was required to build the estate wall. As part of their 

rental, tenants also traditionally had to provide a set number of days labour 

a year for the landlord, including repairing walls. When the wall was built, 

it pushed the public road from its 

rambling course, further north, 

outside the edge of the estate. 

Sandstone cope 

The wall is built of whin rubble, 

in a distinctive style. The rubble 

for the wall was obtained from 

numerous small quarries along 

its route, which can still be 

traced. One quarry in the 

north side of Gateside Hill still 

has a loading bay, to transfer 

the stone onto carts. The character of the wall and size of rubble varies 

to suit what was available at the nearest quarry. 

The most distinctive feature of the wall is the very wide sandstone 

cope, semicircular in cross section, with ribbed tooling on top, which 

provides a subtle identity to the estate. Rather than random rubble, 

this is built of sandstone, quarried and cut to shape. Unfortunately long 

sections of the wall are in very poor condition and are either crumbling 

or collapsed. Of more than seven thousand of the distinctive copes, 

a third of them are damaged, loose or toppled and long-buried under 

vegetation behind the wall. The same copes can be found on the 

boundary wall of Milliken Estate, owned by James Milliken, a friend of 

the McDowalls of Castle Semple. 

©2015, Stuart Nisbet, Renfrewshire Local History Forum 

Johnstone History Society 

JHS resumes its meetings on Tuesday 8 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 continues to open as usual right throughout the summer. 

On Sunday the 5th September from 10am till 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. Our website continues to attract attention and can 

be accessed at johnstonehistorysociety.org We now have for sale 

Johnstone pictorial calendars for 2016 this is earlier than usual which 

allows time for posting abroad.The calendars old and new scenes of 

Johnstone and are competitively priced at £7 each. 

Memorial - Bridge of Weir & 

First World War 

100 years ago this month – September 1915 

Walter Brown, 3rd Canadian Infantry 

The Brown family took a long time to decide whether to live and work in 

Scotland or North America. They crossed the Atlantic five times between 

1891 and 1911, finally settling in Quebec where the second son Walter found 

work as a grocer. For twelve years before that, they had lived in Houston 

and then ‘Tigh-na-Fleurs’, Bridge of Weir. Walter volunteered in Quebec 

on 10 November 1914. He sailed for England on the SS Missanabie on 2 

February 1915 and joined 3rd Battalion, Canadian Infantry in May that year. 

He was killed on 9 September 1915 in the front line trenches at Ploegsteert 

Wood, near Armentieres, Belgium. His Battalion had just returned to the 

front line after a rain-sodden week in the reserve trenches. There was no 

particular engagement with the enemy recorded in the War Diaries for that 

day. Walter was a victim of the routine hazards of bullet and shrapnel. 

John Clark, 6th King’s Own Scottish Borderers 

On 25 September 1915 the Battle of Loos began. The British Army fi elded 

the largest number of men it had ever assembled, and it was to suffer 

more casualties than in any previous battle. One of them was John Clark, 

a twenty year old stonemason from Laird’s Land (a tenement on the site 

of Freeland Church Car Park) who 

had joined the King’s Own Scottish 

Borderers. He was in the advance 

on Auchy, three miles north of 

Loos, preceded by the release 

of gas - a weapon devised by the 

Germans but quickly adopted by 

Britain - but it drifted back onto our 

own men who had to lie down till 

it passed. “More conspicuous now 

than the crash of the guns was the 

John Clark with his family 

menacing and ominous “rat-tat” of the enemy machine-guns, and when the 

K.O.S.B. Resumed their advance, officers and men were mown down by a 

terrible fire, to which they could not reply”. Scots Regiments suffered some 

of the heaviest losses in the battle. The 6th K.O.S.B. Lost six hundred and 

fifty men dead and wounded. Only seventy survived. John Clark’s body was 

never found. He was reported missing on 25 September but it was almost a 

year later before the authorities declared him ‘presumed killed’ on that day. 

Read more about Walter and John’s life and untimely death at http://www. 

bridgeofweirmemorial.co.uk 

Gordon Masterton 

Kilbarchan 25th Sept 1915 

The Battle of Loos began on 25th November 1915. The battleground 

was flat, rising to Hill 70 (metres) and overlooked by German positions 

in pit bings. Amongst the first wave were 9th (Scottish) and 15th 

(Scottish) divisions, both composed of men who had volunteered in 

August and September 1914. The attack was preceded by the British 

deploying poison gas for the first time. The three men in this month’s 

commemoration have no known graves and are named on the Loos Memorial. 

Sergeant George Cummings served in 9th Gordon Highlanders, 15th Division’s 

pioneer battalion, which dug and repaired trenches and carried supplies forward 

to the attacking troops. 9th Gordons had a total of 283 casualties and George 

Cummings was amongst the 70 of these listed as missing. In 1905 the family 

lived at 3 Church Street and had a shop at 2 The Cross. In 1911 George was an 

apprentice iron moulder. 

James G MacArthur was an apprentice engineer with Thomas Shanks and Co 

in Johnstone when he enlisted in the 7th Seaforth Highlanders (9th Division) 

which attacked and took the Hohenzollern Redoubt. The division had 5,867 had 

casualties. He was posted as missing and the Renfrewshire Gazette carried the 

message: ‘Any news regarding him will be gratefully received by his brother, Mr 

A MacArthur, 15 Easwald Bank, Kilbarchan.’ James was 22 when he was killed. 

One source states he was buried in an unmarked grave near Hulluch. 

Private James Melville, joined the 9th Black Watch (15th Division) which suffered 

a total of 679 casualties at Loos, including 292 missing, which included James 

Melville, who had been reported as wounded. In 1911 he was a 16 years old 

washer-up at the calico the print works, now the Bridge of Weir tannery: he lived 

with his mother and his siblings at 7 Ewing Street. In 1915 the family lived at 6 

New Street. Mrs Melville made a similar plea for news of her son’s whereabouts 

as Mr MacArthur. 

Photo of badges: 9th(Scottish), a thistle; 15th (Scottish), a ‘scotch’ or wedge 

surrounded by the 15th letter of the alphabet. 

25 25


What is Venturefest Scotland 

2015? 

Venturefest Scotland is the first business event 

of its kind in Scotland and part of the Venturefest 

Network, a national initiative, connecting SMEs 

with innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and 

academics. 

As a Summit for Innovation, this free-to-attend event 

aims to help Scotland’s SMEs to become more competitive with higher 

productivity through innovation. 

The Venturefest Network was established by the Innovate UK and the 

Knowledge Transfer Network in 2014 to: 

Drive more successful commercialisation of research and innovation 

Promote faster growing, innovative businesses that are well integrated 

into both local and international supply chains 

Draw together local innovation ecosystems to help people achieve their 

aims more effectively 

Strengthen the capacity of local innovation ecosystems to adapt to new 

ways of using innovation and technology to stay ahead of the speed of 

change in technology and business ideas 

Provide businesses and entrepreneurs and their local business 

communities with an established and recognised platform to promote 

their ideas 

Grow the number of Venturefest events produced locally across the UK 

Strengthen local connections with national bodies such as Innovate UK 

(Technology Strategy Board) 

If you are a Scottish SME looking to innovate, to enter new international 

markets, to fi nd fresh talent and skills or to access finance for growth, then 

Venturefest Scotland is the event for you. 

The full one-day programme includes a lively mix of inspirational talks 

from experienced business people (just like you); one-to-one sessions 

with experts on a range of business topics; interactive workshops covering 

networks, skills, funding and internationalisation; a dynamic exhibition and 

an innovation showcase presenting some of Scotland’s most innovative, 

multi-sector companies together with their ground-breaking products and 

services. 

400+ business owners, influencers, investors, entrepreneurs and 

academics – from Scotland, the UK and overseas – are expected to attend 

giving you numerous opportunities to network and to build profitable, new 

business relationships. 

Venturefest Scotland 2015 is linked to Glasgow’s Year of Green and is 

supported by a strong network of national and local partners. 

Come along on Wednesday 9th September from 8.30am - 6.30pm at 

Glasgow Science Centre, 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1EA. Tel: 0141 

420 5000. 

Weir Networking Group 

Amaretto Ristorante and Pizzeria, 60 Main Street, Bridge of Weir 

Friday 25 September at 9.30am 

Weir Networking is a Business Networking Group 

for local businesses to get together and make 

contact. To date we have enjoyed very interesting 

talks from business people such as Tom Kennett of 

Tom Kennett Watches, Maureen Horton of Travel a 

la Carte and award winning Journalist and BAFTA 

winner Sam Poling. 

We meet at Amaretto Ristorante and Pizzeria, 60 Main Street, Bridge of Weir 

and our next meeting takes place on Friday 25 September at 9.30am. 

Come along and join us for breakfast and a chat. All businesses welcome. 

Just £5 per person. 

never miss an issue again! 

visit www.advertizer.co.uk or 



Rotary Is International! 

Rotary’s global name is Rotary International and there are thousands of 

clubs around the world in hundreds of different countries. Rotary Friendship 

Exchange is a scheme whereby Rotarian couples from one country can visit 

Rotarians in another country on a reciprocal basis to help aid international 

understanding and to promote friendship within the family that is Rotary. 

Participants pay all their costs, though these are offset by local Rotarians 

who normally host visitors. 

Earlier this year a group 

of West of Scotland 

Rotarians, including Gryffe 

Valley Past President 

Angus Matheson and 

representatives from the 

Paisley and Greenock 

clubs, visited the Gujarat 

region in the north west of 

India and had an amazing 

trip with great hospitality. 

The return visit has just 

taken place with Angus 

and others hosting a party 

from Gujarat. They were 

shown some of the local sights and cultures and examples of Gryffe Valley’s 

recent projects at Corseford School and at Castle Semple Loch. A highlight 

was undoubtedly a thrilling ride on the recently delivered Wheelyboat 

“Discovery”, normally reserved for those in wheelchairs! 

Following all that 

excitement, the Gujarat 

group came along to a 

special social meeting of 

Gryffe Valley Rotary at the 

River Inn. Group leader 

Pranav Rachh took the 

opportunity to tell Gryffe 

valley about the activities 

of his Baroda club 

back home. Apparently 

in India companies are legally required to commit 2% of their profi ts to 

social projects, and with several prominent business people and politicians 

involved in the club, a Rotary club is a great means of channelling funds 

into local projects. Among many significant projects, Pranav described how 

a major 200 bed hospital had been built and was now self sustaining, and 

how the club had “adopted” a local village and had provided sanitation and 

social housing. The meeting generated a real buzz of friendly chat about 

our respective activities and cultures and was a positive demonstration of 

the way that Rotary can foster friendships and bonds across international 

boundaries. 

Just for a change, Gryffe Valley had a talk about “Change”. Graham 

Finnie, son-in-law of member Ian Jackson, came along to overview the 

unprecedented changes that the world has experienced over the past 25 

years. He outlined huge changes, not just in the technology sector with 

the impact of smart mobiles, but also in demographics with growing life 

expectancy, in social behaviours like marriage, and in business with the 

demise of many bank branches and the growth of on line retailing. He 

foresaw that the speed of change would only continue to accelerate into the 

future, which would be “inherited by the learners” – learning being another 

area of great change. He mentioned the prospect of driverless cars – a 

safety issue in some people’s minds, but perhaps less so when noting that 

currently there are some 1.4million 

deaths on the roads each year 

with humans driving! 

And to round off the holiday 

season, when many of us jet off 

to sunnier climes for a well earned 

break, Faye Carruthers gave a talk 

about “Barking Mad”. Surprisingly 

she was not talking about Gryffe 

Valley members, as she outlined 

the Barking Mad scheme for 

looking after our canine family 

members whist we’re away from 

home. She described the vetting and selection criteria for identifying dog 

hosts, the trial periods to confirm compatibility, and the collection/delivery 

and monitoring service whilst we’re away. An interesting option to help give 

us peace of mind whilst we’re lying on our sun loungers!


27 27

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


29 29


Where there’s a Will, there’s a way 

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors offer free Will writing service to 

benefit local charity. 

Local solicitors, Kingsley Wood & Co, are getting in the giving mood as they 

look ahead to their free ‘Make a Will’ fortnight, running between 19th and 

31st October. 

In a bid to raise money for local charity, Quarriers 

and to highlight the importance of financial 

protection, Kingsley Wood & Co are gearing 

up for two weeks of goodwill as they offer the 

community a chance to have a simple Will drawn up free of charge. 

The Aviva Real Retirement Report (Spring 2014) revealed that 41% of 

over-55s do not currently have a will in place and, as such, families are left 

at financial risk in the event of their death. 

Renfrewshire Centre 

Strategies Consultation 

Draft Centre Strategies have been prepared for four of Renfrewshire’s 

Centres. These include: • Erskine • Johnstone • Linwood • Renfrew. 

The Centre Strategies are to set out the long term vision for each centre. 

The Centre Strategies have been prepared in draft form as we need the 

input from the people who live, work and visit our town centres to shape and 

inform this vision for our town centres. 

Each Centre Strategy explains the role of the centre, their strengths and 

opportunities for enhancement. 

Consultation on the Centre Strategies will take place over a 12 week period 

commencing Friday 14 August 2015 until 6 November 2015. 

Copies of the Draft Centre Strategies are available to view at www. 

renfrewshire.gov.uk as well as at the Customer Service Centre, Renfrewshire 

House, Cotton Street, Paisley, PA1 1JD between the hours of 8:00am and 

6:00pm, Monday to Friday and at all Council libraries. 

Any person who wishes to make comments should return completed 

response forms to towncentrestrategy@renfrewshire.gov.uk 

The closing date for representations is 5pm, on the 6 November 2015. 

If you need further information please contact the Planning Service on 0300 

3000 144 or email towncentrestrategy@renfrewshire.gov.uk 

With a professional Will costing upwards of £150, Kingsley Wood & Co are 

offering the unique opportunity to forgo any fees in favour of a charitable 

donation to Quarriers to help support children, families and adults from 

across Scotland overcome adversity. 

Kingsley Wood said: “Making a Will is one of the most thoughtful and 

important things you can do to protect those you love. Yet it is surprising 

that fewer than half of population have made one. Most say they simply 

haven’t got around to it and yet it can take years to sort out someone’s 

estate if they die without a Will.” 

He continues, “Legislation determines how an estate is divided if a person 

dies in Scotland without leaving a Will. The laws are intended to be fair, but 

they may not divide the estate in the way you would like. For example, if you 

have a partner to whom you are not married he or she may get nothing.” 

“We are delighted to be able to support local charity Quarriers through this 

offer and hope to raise as much money as we can to help them deliver the 

vital support services they offer to local people across Scotland.” 

Alice Drife, Quarriers Chief Executive said: “We are so grateful to Kingsley 

Wood for offering up this fantastic service in aid of Quarriers and we hope 

that this act of kindness will really get people in the giving mood.” 

Kingsley Wood & Co, Solicitors & Notaries, Burnside Chambers, 

Kilmacolm PA13 4ET 

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

Web: www.kingsleywood.co.uk


31 31 

Smoking in vehicles 

From 1 October 2015 it will be illegal to smoke in a car (or other vehicles) 

with anyone under 18 present. The law is changing to protect children and 

young people from the dangers of secondhand smoke. 

Both the driver and the smoker could be fined £50. The law applies to every 

driver in England and Wales, including those aged 17 and those with a 

provisional driving licence. The law does not apply if the driver is 17 years 

old and is on their own in the car. 

The law applies to any private vehicle that is enclosed wholly or partly by 

a roof. It still applies if people have the windows or sunroof open, have the 

air conditioning on, or if they sit in the open doorway of the vehicle. The law 

won’t apply to a convertible car with the roof completely down. 

Scotland also plans 

to ban smoking in 

cars with children, 

bringing it into line 

with England and 

Wales. 

The Scottish 

government has 

announced that it will 

back the Smoking 

Prohibition (Children 

in Motor Vehicles) 

(Scotland) bill, which 

has been put forward by MSP Jim Hume. 

It is hoped the bill will receive royal assent before the next Holyrood 

elections in May 2016, to bring it into line with English laws. 

Council gives LED street lights 

the green light 

Renfrewshire Council has given the go-ahead for a major investment in 

new LED street lighting which will save a whacking £750,000 a year due to 

lower electricity consumption, lower maintenance costs and a reduction in 

carbon tax payments. 

Council chiefs say the £11m investment will protect the environment, save 

money on running costs and improve safety on the streets at night. 

The decision will see almost 29,000 streetlights across Renfrewshire fitted 

with new, energy-effi cient LED lamps which consume around 60% less 

power than conventional lamps and last five times longer. 

With an expected lifespan of 20 years-plus for an LED lamp compared 

to four years for a conventional light, maintenance costs will be reduced 

considerably and there will be less chance of residents and businesses 

being inconvenienced by faulty lights. 

Another benefit of the 

new LED technology 

is that it emits a more 

natural white light 

that allows colours 

to be seen more 

clearly. The light 

also produces better 

quality CCTV images 

which can help to 

deter crime and 

antisocial behaviour, 

and improve detection 

rates for incidents.

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


33 33


bishopton, langbank 

& bridge of weir 

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

Good as New 

Sale 

Saturday 3 October 

Langbank Church will be holding 

a Good as New Sale in the church 

halls on Saturday 3rd October from 

10am - 12noon. The sale will include 

household goods, small furniture, 

bric-a-brac, jewellery, handbags, 

CDs, DVDs, books and children’s 

toys. NO CLOTHES. 

Have a clear out, and bring your 

donations to the halls on Thursday 

1st or Friday 2nd between 7pm and 

8.30pm. 

Langbank SWI 

Langbank 

Singers 

Langbank Singers 

starts back on 

the first Thursday 

in September at 8pm in Langbank 

church upper hall. New members are 

urgently needed and will be made 

very welcome. So if you are a woman 

aged 18 – 100 we would be delighted 

to see you. You don’t need to be 

either the most fantastic singer or to 

be able to read music. You only need 

to enjoy singing. Why not give it a try! 

For details call 01475 540752. 

Flu season is approaching so it is time to consider contacting your GP 

practice to arrange a flu jab. Flu can be a serious illness. Most people only 

catch flu once or twice in a lifetime and are often significantly unwell for 

a few weeks. The flu vaccine will not stop the coughs and colds we all get 

every winter. 

Anyone who suffers from a health condition, who is pregnant or who is 65 or 

over should be immunised. 

If you have a health condition, flu can hit you hardest. The vaccine is the 

safest and most effective way of protecting yourself. 

Conditions and diseases which can make flu much more dangerous include: 

asthma, chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney failure 

and diabetes. 

If you have any of the above conditions or any other serious health condition, 

even if you feel fit and healthy, please speak to your GP practice to find 

out if you should have the flu vaccine. Flu can seriously affect you, so it is 

worthwhile being immunised to avoid unnecessary worry for you and those 

close to you. 

If you have children who 

suffer from any of the 

conditions above, they 

should be vaccinated too. 

Also this year, pre-school 

children over the age of 

two are being offered 

immunisation, in the form 

of a simple nasal spray, at 

their GP practice. Primary 

school pupils will be 

immunised in school with the consent of their parents. 

If you are pregnant, you are at greater risk of complications from flu. Having 

the vaccine now could help you avoid catching flu and protect your baby. 

Unpaid carers of any age, including young carers, are also eligible for the 

flu vaccine. 

The vaccine takes around ten days to work and should protect you from flu 

for around a year. You have to be immunised annually because the virus 

changes constantly and your immunity reduces over time. Last year’s vaccine 

will not necessarily protect you from this year’s flu viruses. 

The flu vaccine can’t give you flu, but it can stop you catching it. 

Thursday 17 September at 7.30pm 

Please come along to our annual Coffee Evening, which is open to all villagers. 

Additionally, there will be a stall selling `Handbags and Accessories` this will be 

a good chance to buy early, for some Christmas gifts! We look forward to seeing 

you in The Village Centre, where there will be a warm welcome to all who care 

to meet for a `cuppa` and catch up after the so called summer!! 

Langbank 

Village Dropin 

Cafe 

Mondays, 2-4pm, Church Hall 

The village drop-in cafe has proved 

so popular with the residents that 

it is going to continue throughout 

September. 

If you haven’t tried it yet, why not 

come along to the church hall any 

Monday between 2pm and 4pm and 

enjoy a cuppa and home baking. 

Everyone is welcome. 

RagBag 

Recycle Bin - 

Langbank 

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.


Healthy Living in Bishopton 

35 35 

Every day we are encouraged to exercise both mentally 

and physically. It is even promoted that these activities 

can retard the onset of ALHEIZMERS. Whilst line dancing 

cannot guarantee these wonderful effects it does provide 

an enjoyable, fun way of doing both of these activities as 

well as companionship. You can come on your own as no partner is required 

so there is no need to be alone. The local community council runs a class 

every Tuesday evening for your enjoyment. Full particulars from Melissa 07970 

396212 or Mair 07886 034037. 

It is even rumoured that persons with 3 left feet have been successfully 

taught. 

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. 

Messy Church 

Bridge of Weir Messy church is back after the summer break for two months. 

We start back on Sunday 6th September from 4 to 6pm. We will be basing our 

crafts and activities around the parables of Jesus over the next few months. 

As usual, we welcome people of all ages. It is very informal and a good place 

to come if you want to meet new people, do something creative or learn more 

about some of the bible stories in a fun and interactive way. At the end, we 

all enjoy a meal together. Please just turn up on the day, but if you have any 

questions, contact Catherine on 07980 649377. 

Embroiderers’ Guild 

This years Syllabus includes more opportunities 

for learning embroidery techniques alongside our 

regular talks and demonstrations. We meet on 

the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 

The Bridge in Bridge of Weir at 7.30pm and have 

members from around the local area including 

Bridge of Weir, Houston, Kilbarchan, Kilmacolm, 

Paisley and Uplawmoor. 

If you are interested in finding out more about us or design inspiration for sewing, 

textiles or other projects, we are delighted to invite you to our forthcoming 

exhibition of members work ‘FABRICATION’ to be held in Kilmacolm at The 

Cargill Centre. This is on Friday 18th September at 10am-6pm and Saturday 

19th September 10am-3pm and has free admission. 

Our first meeting will be the AGM on 16th September and our new Syllabus 

kicks off on Wednesday 7th October. 

If you can not attend the exhibition and would like to know more, please call 

Jane Findlay on 01505 874228.




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

Slimming with Laserlight 

Ultrasonic Liposuction is a new non-surgical fat removal procedure. 

The treatment uses cavitation technology which allows for a non-invasive 

attack on inflexible fat deposits that, no matter how much you diet & exercise, 

never seem to disappear. 

Laserlight are offering these treatments at the special introductory price of 

£25 per 30 minute session until 30 September. 

Bridge of Weir Choral Society 

The new session will start on Tuesday 1st September. An exciting programme of 

music is planned which includes something for everyone; the repertoire for this 

year will include extracts from Saint Sans Christmas Oratorio, Christmas songs 

and carols and we will be joined once again by the excellent Renfrew Burgh 

Brass Band for the Society’s popular December Concert. The April concert 

will allow audiences to hear Poulenc’s Gloria together with a complementary 

programme of music. We are always pleased to invite talented performers from 

the Conservatoire of Scotland as our soloists and our concerts offer audiences 

an opportunity to hear rising stars early in their careers. 

A friendly group we meet on Tuesday evenings from September to April in 

the Lower Hall of St Columba’s Church, Kilmacolm and always welcome new 

members. We stop for a ‘cuppa’ and a chat half way through practices, and end 

of term cheese and wine tell you that the social side is as important to us as the 

singing. No auditions are necessary- just a desire to enjoy singing and making 

music with others, so come along and join us. 

Our musical director is Christopher Barr who in 2012 was awarded the National 

Youth Choir of Scotland Student conductor Bursary which allowed him to study 

under Christopher Bell as the Assistant conductor of the National Boys Choir 

of Scotland. Recent achievements include conducting the world premiere 

of Ken Johnston’s “Flodden 1513” with Stirling Schools Choirs and NYCoS 

Stirling Area Choir as part of the Cappella Nova Stirling 500 festival; directing 

choral workshops for Glasgow Spring Sing and the amaSing Festival, off stage 

conducting for Scottish Opera’s production of Gareth Williams “Elephant 

Angel”. 

In October 2014, Christopher was assistant conductor for the London Welsh 

Male Voice Choir Festival of Male Voice Choirs at the Royal Albert Hall, 

London. 

If you are interested in joining us, please just come along or contact our 

president, Ernie Smyth on 01505 702997. More information at www. 

bridgeofweirchoralsociety.org.uk. Follow us on Facebook for regular news and 

updates. 

Bridge Of Weir Elderly Forum 

The Elderly Forum session begins on Tuesday 8 September at 2pm in the Royal 

British Legion Hall. All are welcome to attend. 

The St Mary’s September 

Festival flowers, Art exhibition 

and Music 

St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Bridge of Weir 

Sunday 6 to Sunday 13 September 

Sunday 6 Sept: (also Open Doors 

Day)– 10am Service. 12noon Flower 

Show & Art Exhibition. There will be a 

Puppet Show at 2.30pm and 3.30pm 

(for children of all ages!) 

St Mary’s Church’s Flower & Art 

Exhibition will be open every day from 

Monday 7 Sept to Saturday 12 Sept 

1pm till 3.30pm. There will be teas, 

coffee and home-baking throughout 

the week. Good car parking space 

opposite the church. 

Additional Events during the week 

(donations where appropriate please 

in lieu of tickets): 

• Tuesday 8 Sept: 11am Festival Eucharist led by the Dean of Glasgow 

and Galloway followed by light lunch 

• Wednesday 9 Sept: 7pm Illustrated Lecture on Faith and Art by the Revd 

Dr Donald Orr 

• Friday 11 Sept: 7pm A Choral & Music Concert by the St Maura Singers 

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

• Sunday 13 Sept: 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. 

• Sunday Afternoon 1pm – 3.30pm Flower Show & Art Exhibition. The 

Festival ends with Afternoon Tea with Quartet Music. 

Bridge of Weir TARA 

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

to a lively debate on some local issues and our thanks goes to Councillors 

Michael Holmes and James MacLaren and Police Sergeant MacKenzie for their 

attendance. 

The Police report for the past month showed that there were seven crimes 

within the village, three of which were detected. These crimes ranged from 

petty theft, to poaching and common assault. Police enquiries are still ongoing 

as per the recent murder in the village and they are still gathering information, 

if you may know anything however trivial you may think it is, please phone the 

Police on 101. 

The Cargill Hall is one of six community halls across Renfrewshire that is to 

benefit from a £3m fund to upgrade facilities and although the exact nature 

of this upgrade is not known, it is hoped that the work will begin in the not too 

distant future. 

The resurfacing of the Livery Walk car park has been completed though there 

are a few teething problems to be ironed out. A small area is still to be marked 

out and there are a few curbs that need levelling up. Another problem that has 

become evident already is the refusal of some people not to follow the white 

arrows, this car park operates a One-Way system. 

The bushes at Gryffe Grove are to be cut back in the near future. The overgrown 

branches that were hampering access, have been cleared from the stairs at 

the Prieston Road entrance to the Glen after TARA bought the situation to the 

attention of Councillor MacLaren. 

The next meeting of the Association will be held on the 15th September in 

the Cargill Hall at 7.30pm. 

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.


37 37 

Bridge of Weir Comm Council 

The Call is out for Bridge of Weir Residents who are passionate about the 

Village to join the Community Council. The Community Council is a great way 

for residents to get things done by a special type of community group that have 

a legal right to be consulted on a number of important local issues the link 

between local people, the Council, the Police and other public bodies. 

Elections are currently ongoing and will continue throughout this month. It’s 

easy if you are 16 or over, on the electoral register and can afford a couple of 

hours a month then please complete a nomination form. 

Nomination forms are available from current Chairman Sandy Clark email 

sandyclark01@live.co.uk or call 01505 613325 alternately by emailing 

community-council.cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk. 

The September meeting is the final one prior to the election for the next four 

year term of office. The Chairman will express his gratitude to all the members 

for giving their time and commitment serving the interests of residents in Bridge 

of Weir. The Police report will give the summer crime statistics and information 

on detections. 

The Councillors report will hear when the shrubbery at Gryffe Grove is to be cut 

back so as proper vision for pedestrians crossing the junction at Main Street 

can be restored, if any action is to be taken regards the dead trees on Houston 

Road and what’s included in the Cargill Hall improvements. 

When the Scottish Parliament and the local Council go on summer recess it 

is the time when there officials send out numerous consultation documents, 

nothing changed this year. 

The most important being The Local Government Boundary Review for Scotland, 

it is undertaking its 5th review of Electoral Arrangements. The meeting will 

discuss the proposals contained within which moves Bridge of Weir from the 

existing Bishopton, Langbank ward and joins us with Howwood, Lochwinnoch 

and Kilbarchan ward. 

The secretary will report on a meeting she attended in her capacity as Chair of 

the Renfrewshire Community Council Forum with Shona McDougal, Director of 

Commercial Operations and Alistair MacArthur, Head of Finance, Renfrewshire 

Council where feedback was requested from each Community Council as to 

levels of financial capital expenditure. 

The Fund Raising Convener will report on the progress for Antiques Evaluation 

Day to be held on the 8th October in the British Legion. The meeting will be held 

at 7pm in the Cargill Hall on Tuesday the 1st of September come along air your 

views and collect a nomination form - the Village needs you. 

What's available at The Bridge 

It may come as a surprise but in The Bridge preparations are well under way for Christmas. From 

the middle of September our selection of Christmas Cards, Wrapping Paper, Tags, Diaries and 

Money Wallets will be on sale. 

We are pleased to advise that Alison Bannerman, local artist and trustee of The Bridge, has 

designed a Christmas card for 2015. We shall also have a selection of Traidcraft Cards. These 

cards are in packs of ten. All cards, including the ever popular individual “Greetings from Bridge 

of Weir” cards will be available from our Christmas display. 

Our 2016 Calendar will also be on sale from mid month and makes a perfect gift. Our thanks 

again go to the members of the Paisley Colour Photographic Club who have provided stunning 

photographs. The hanging A4 sized calendar incorporates twelve colourful photographs of 

scenes and landmarks around Bridge of Weir. 

Earlier in the Summer we were very fortunate in being awarded a Local Area Committee Grant 

to enable essential maintenance work and cosmetic changes to be undertaken. We are very 

appreciative of the efficiency of local plumbers and builders as well as Baytree Interiors. We 

now have an even more inviting environment for you to enjoy whilst shopping or spending time 

chatting over a coffee. Please call in soon to view the changes. 

As well as our stock of Stationery items and very popular Greetings Cards we have a selection 

of gifts produced by local craft workers. 

The Trustees and our dedicated team of Volunteers look forward to seeing you soon. 

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

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

Bridging The Gap/ 

Controlling The Loss 

BBC 2’s recent series “Signed, Sealed and Delivered” 

is being acted out in your post office. Bridge of Weir 

post office became a post office “Local” at its inception 

in November 2011. A “Local” is unable to provide the 

same range of services as a “Main” post office and the income generation is 

on a transaction basis only. The reality is that The Bridge, a registered charity, 

is subsidising the post office to the tune of about £6,500 this year. 

One reason why we formed The Bridge was to bring back a post office to Bridge 

of Weir, the previous outlet closed in May 2011. When we first contacted Post 

Office Ltd, it was facing major change. A post office business plan was prepared 

and meetings held with local and national post office officials. Generous 

financial support from the village residents raised contributions in excess of 

£20,000. 

Unfortunately our post office income runs at only 50% of figures envisaged 

by Post Office Ltd in these early discussions. With the recent announcement 

of the National Living Wage, the loss will increase in stages over four years 

to about £9,500 annually unless we improve post office transactional activity. 

Customers (and non-customers) ask why we are only open for 28 hours a week 

- the main reason is to control the loss! 

The trustees intention is to keep YOUR post office open. However, The Bridge is 

not just a post office. We need income to meet costs and the surplus income is 

being used to subsidise the post office. We have a well stocked stationery and 

greeting card shop, small cafe and cinema. We promote community activities 

and display the work of local crafters and artists. We are used by community 

organisations as a meeting place. 

We have benefited from assistance from Renfrewshire Council through a 

LEADER Grant and this year successfully applied for a General Grant of 

£10,000 for internal and external improvements. We are very appreciative of 

the continuing strong support from our local councillors. 

We are indebted to the time given by our volunteers in running the Community 

Centre facilities. Without them the concept of The Bridge would only be that - 

a concept. Thank you also to our customers for their continuing custom and 

support. 

To build a viable future for this much needed facility THINK LOCAL - 

• carry out your post office business in Bridge of Weir 

• use the shop and support your local community 

• consider volunteering - meet new friends and help others 

in your neighbourhood. 

(Opening Hours: Mon – 9am to 5pm (PO closed 12 noon to 

12.30pm); Tues & Fri – 1pm to 5pm; Wed & Thu – 10am to 

2pm; Sat – 9am to 1.00pm)




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

Car Park: It must be summer time! The good weather has 

brought out a raft of road repairs. The car park in Bridge of 

Weir is looking resplendent with the new surface and paint. 

The road repairs also bring lots of loose gravel to the side 

roads, so be careful, particularly if you are out on your bike. I 

requested an extra sweep of the Houston Road by Formakin 

as it looked particularly sketchy. 

Boundary Changes: The Local Government Boundary 

Commission may be changing the council ward boundaries 

for the election in 2017. The consultation period runs until 

22 October 2015. You can respond to the consultation at 

www.consultation.lgbc-scotland.gov.uk or your local library. 

Bridge of Weir may end up in the same ward as Kilbarchan, Howwood and 

Lochwinnoch. It is not clear yet which area I will be representing but I am 

interested to find out what issues local people have in these areas. I am willing 

to attend meetings in these areas so please send me an invite. 

Council House Purchases: Interested in buying your council house? The old 

right to buy applies to tenancies which began before 30 September 2002. The 

modernised right to buy applies to tenancies which began after September 

2002. You may get a discount of 70% on the market value. If you took up a 

tenancy for the first time after 1 March 2011, you will not have the right to buy. 

‘Right to Buy’ will end for all council and housing association tenants in Scotland 

on 1 August 2016. Check out the council website for more information. 

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 contact me with any of 

your concerns, I am happy to meet with you at a mutually convenient time. 

Exciting new music 

shop opening 

An exciting new business is coming to Bridge of Weir. Beneli 

Music - Musical Instruments, Accessories and Music Lessons - will be 

opening in Castle Terrace in September! 

We’ll bring you more details in our next issue, meantime, please like their 

facebook page for updates - www.facebook.com/benelimusic - and watch this 

space! 

Bridge of Weir SWI 

New session begins 1st October with 

Dale Gormley telling us about Canine 

Partners. We meet at 7.15pm for a 

7.30pm start at the Royal British Legion 

Hall. New members will given a very 

warm welcome. 

St Machar’s 

Ranfurly Church 

Guild 

Commences it’s new session on 

Monday 5 October at 7.30pm in 

the Church Hall, Kilbarchan Road. 

All are welcome. 

Changes at Castle Terrace 

Some observant readers have noticed that 

Tranquil Hairdressing is no longer at Castle 

Terrace and have been asking what has 

happened to Glen and Angela. 

Well, it turns out that they have taken a leap into a new career as they both 

begin lecturing in hairdressing at college in September. 

Glen told The Advertizer, “Over the last year we have been doing some lecturing 

and this escalated quickly, to the extent that we could no longer do that and 

keep the salon running. This was a long term plan which suddenly turned into a 6 

month turnaround! We are sad to leave the salon and our many loyal customers 

and staff, but Angela and I are delighted to start on our new adventure! For 

any clients who wish to contact us regarding this and hair services we can be 

contacted at the salon number on 01505 615050 as usual. We’d like to thank 

everyone for their continued support over the years.” 

kilmacolm & quarriers 

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

An Evening of Fashion 

St Columba Church, Kilmacolm 

Church Hall on Friday 2 October 7.30pm. 

St Columba Church Kilmacolm presents Gloria’s Fashions for a sale of clothes, 

handbags and accessories. Credit cards will be accepted. Tickets £10. Contact 

01505 872324. 

Bridge For 

Beginners 

Starts Wednesday 02 

September 

Do you want to learn to play Bridge? 

Classes start on Wednesday 2nd 

September from 7.15pm – 9.15pm 

In the Kilmacolm Community Centre. 

This class is suitable for beginners 

and those with a little experience 

in the game. Further details phone 

01505 872345. 

Kilmacolm 

Mission Fund 

Wednesday 2 September, Cargill 

Centre Kilmacolm at 7.30pm 

The stated General Meeting of the 

Kilmacolm Mission Fund (Scottish 

Charity SCO42445) will be held on 

Wednesday 2nd September in the 

Cargill centre Kilmacolm at 7.30pm 

anyone interested in the work of the 

charity will be most welcome. 

Wednesday 

Afternoon 

Bridge 

Starts Wed 16 September 

Friendly group plays bridge on 

Wednesday afternoons. All abilities 

welcome partners not needed but 

bring one along if you have one. Held 

2pm-4pm in The Community Centre, 

Kilmacolm. For more information 

phone Eleanor 01505 871957. 

Guide Hut for 

Hire 

A great venue with easy access near to 

the village centre. Newly refurbished 

main hall, with additional kitchen 

facilities and outdoor area. Perfect 

for children’s parties, weekly classes 

and one off special occasions. For 

further details please contact Jackie 

on 01505 873488 or jackiegsayers@ 

gmail.com 

Kilmacolm mains upgrade will 

involve Traffic Management 

A major upgrade of 2.6 miles of water mains which 

will improve security of supply to customers in the 

Kilmacolm area of Inverclyde is about to start. 

Scottish Water is improving water mains in the 

area by replacing stretches of the existing mains 

with new plastic pipe, which will reduce the risk 

of bursts and improve the security of supply. The project, which will be carried 

out for Scottish Water by our alliance partner Caledonia Water Alliance (CWA), 

due to start on 24 August is expected to be completed in January 2016. 

Some traffic management will be required during the project. This will include 

the closure of Stepends Road (B786) from Stepends Bridge to its junction with 

Lochwinnoch Road from August 24 for about three weeks. It will also include 

the use of temporary traffic lights on Lochwinnoch Road, from its junction with 

Stepends Road to its junction with Port Glasgow Road and Market Place, from 

September 21 for about nine weeks. There will be some local disruption to 

traffic and some parking restrictions while the work is carried out. However, 

pedestrian access will be maintained where possible. 

Jane McKenzie, Scottish Water’s regional communities team manager, said: 

“Scottish Water will make every effort to minimise any inconvenience to 

customers and road users in the Kilmacolm area during this important work. 

We thank affected road users and customers in advance for their patience and 

understanding. “Scottish Water held an information event at the Kilmacolm 

Community Centre on July 30 to inform people about the project and we thank 

those who attended for their interest.” 

For further info please contact the Scottish Water Press Office on 01383 

848236 or Keith Sinclair, press officer, on 0141 414 7186 or at keith.sinclair@ 

scottishwater.co.uk www.scottishwater.co.uk


Kilmacolm’s Fantasy Loch 

39 39 

When online magazine “Buzzfeed” compiles a webpage* featuring “25 Places 

in Scotland That Are Straight Out Of A Fantasy Novel” it is not surprising to see 

featured such totemic place names as The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Ben Nevis 

or Eilean Donan Castle. What might surprise some, however, is the inclusion at 

no. 3 of The Knapps Loch, Kilmacolm! 

Described as “...a small but impossibly scenic loch beside the village of 

Kilmacolm, which has been occupied since the Bronze Age and sits 16 miles 

west of Glasgow”, the entry is accompanied by an atmospheric shot of The 

Knapps shrouded in mist, a familiar sight to many of us. Not that residents of 

Kilmacolm and its neighbouring villages are unaware of the beauty of the loch 

and its surrounds, it’s simply that not many would have realised that its fame 

had spread so far. 

In fact, although the area has been occupied since pre-history, the loch itself 

owes its existence to the vision and foresight of a small group of Kilmacolm 

residents who formed a club and built the dam which created the loch as 

“recently” as 1910. The loch was duly stocked with brown trout and fishing 

commenced in May 1911 and continues to this day under the aegis of The 

Knapps Angling Club. 

Describing the loch and the club as making “an important and valuable 

contribution to the lives of the residents of the village and our neighbours”, 

club President, Frank Gillone, emphasised the debt owed to the founders of the 

club and those responsible for their stewardship of the club in the intervening 

105 years. In the past, he explained, the club was, with some justification, seen 

as being exclusive to a certain class of Kilmacolm resident but the focus is now 

on anglers who appreciate the joys and pleasures of traditional fly-only angling 

for brown trout, with less regard to social status. 

We are certainly privileged to have such a recognised place of beauty on 

our doorstep, as can be seen by the number of photographers, dog-walkers, 

ramblers and those simply there to enjoy the tranquillity of the area, to be seen 

around the loch every day, regardless of the weather. 

Anyone interested in enquiring about membership of The Knapps Angling Club 

should contact Frank Gillone on 01505 872351 or Club Secretary Bob Thirde 

on 01505 873088 

*www.buzzfeed.com/hilarywardle/25-places-in-scotland-you-wont-believe-arereal?utm_term=.lfnwZakJm#.uyjDWmXZ2Z 

Singing Spanish Days, Kilmacolm 

Spanish through music, crafts and much more! For families with children aged 

1 to 5 years old. Fridays 1.15pm til 2.15pm 

Come and have a fab time in beautiful Kilmacolm, learning Spanish through 

music, movement, games and crafts. 

First Class : 11th September and runs for 5 weeks in Kilmacolm Community 

Centre. Price £6.50 per class. Spaces 

are limited to 12 children. 

To book please contact Daniela 

on 07949 071653 email 

schusterdaniela@hotmail.com 

Plant Sale For 

Charities 

Saturday 12 September from 

10am - 12noon 

End of season plant sales in the centre 

of Kilmacolm at the Cross outside the 

Library and Cargill Centre. Admission 

Free, donations welcome. 

Beneficiaries - Parklea “Branching 

Out” receives 40%, the net remaining 

to SG Beneficiaries. Disabled access 

and dogs welcome. 

Quarrier's Bridge: Thankfully the Nittingshill Bridge in 

Quarrier’s Village has now been reconstructed, this having 

been carried out after requests from village residents to the 

ward councillors. However, recently complaints have been 

raised with myself and the council leader regarding road 

safety on and in the approach roads to the bridge with some 

drivers speeding along this stretch. We contacted the police 

and the council roads officials and the police quickly started 

to monitor the area and council officers are carrying out a 

roads survey before considering additional roads safety 

signage. 

RBS Closure: It is disgraceful that the Royal Bank of Scotland 

has decided to close its branch in Kilmacolm in December without consulting 

with its local customers. This will affect many RBS customers particularly many 

older residents who may be wary, unable to or unhappy at using internet or 

telephone banking services. This will also likely affect some local businesses 

who bank their takings with the RBS branch. It is still the case that many bank 

customers prefer to do their transactions face to face with a member of staff 

at a bank counter. RBS are closing branches throughout Inverclyde. First in 

Port Glasgow, then they decided to close the branch in West Blackhall Street 

in Greenock and now Kilmacolm. Eventually it will only leave the Greenock 

Cathcart Street branch. It is hard to continue seeing RBS as a high street bank 

when it continues to close its high street branches. My colleague and MSP 

Derek MacKay who’s constituency covers Kilmacolm and Quarrier’s Village will 

be consulting with constituents about RBS’s closure plans. 

Peace Vigil: Last month I attended a peace vigil at Greenock Waterfront 

organised by Scottish CND members to commemorate the 70th anniversary 

of the dropping of the two Atom bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The peace 

vigil was very moving as we remembered the 250,000 people who lost their 

lives in the two Atomic attacks. On the night about 50 people attended as we 

listened to peace songs, several speeches including one from local MP Ronnie 

Cowan and we then followed Stuart McMillan MSP as he played the pipes and 

the vigil concluded with a minutes silence as candles were lit and flowers thrown 

into the river. It is hoped that this the first Hiroshima peace vigil in Greenock will 

be repeated in future years. 

Exam results: Congratulations to all the students who did so well with their 

school exams results. For those who did not fare so well I hope they will carry 

out resits at school, continue with education outwith school or go on to do 

training or find employment. 

Community Council: Finally Community Council elections are coming up soon 

and anyone interested in standing for Kilmacolm Community Council should 

seek nomination forms on the Inverclyde Council website 

or contact the council on 01475 717171. Nominations 

open on 2 September and close on the 30 September. 

Further information about the process can be read on the 

council website. 

Contact: My next surgeries in September will be advertised 

in the local newspaper and through my surgery posters. 

Anyone wanting to contact me in between surgeries can 

do so by phoning me through my office on 01475 712727 

or on my mobile number 07747 765 839 or by emailing 

me at jim.macleod@inverclyde.gov.uk or writing to me at 

Inverclyde Council, Municipal Buildings, Greenock, PA15 

1LY.


kilmacolm & 

quarriers 

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

Rock On with Rock Choir! 

Kilmacolm Community 

Council 2015 Election 

The four year term of the Kilmacolm Community Council is coming to an end. 

Therefore it requires an election to be held in the period September to October 

to elect community councillors to the Kilmacolm Community Council to serve 

for the next four years. Those over the age of sixteen and resident in the 

Kilmalcolm and Quarriers Village areas interested in serving and working for 

their community are encouraged to put themselves forward for election to the 

Kilmacolm Community Council. 

Those wishing to be considered for election need to be nominated and 

seconded by residents in the area of Kilmacolm and Quarries Village and they 

must submit a completed nomination form to the Returning Officer. Nomination 

forms are available on the Inverclyde Council website -www.inverclyde.gov.uk/ 

ccelection - from council libraries and from secretary@kilmacolmcc.co.uk. 

Completed nomination forms need to be received no later than 4pm on 

Wednesday 30 September. If more than nine nominations for election to the 

Kilmacolm Community Council are received it will be necessary to conduct a 

ballot of residents voters. In this event the ballot will be held on Tuesday 27 

October between 6pm and 8pm in the Kilmacolm Community Centre building. 

All residents over sixteen years of age are entreated to cast their vote on the 

day of the ballot. 

What does the Kilmacolm Community Council do? We are a statutory body 

that acts as a voice for our community. Public organisations such as Inverclyde 

Council, Police Scotland and the health board consult us over changes they 

wish to make to the way they provide and run their services. 

We are consulted on liquor and licensing applications We also review all 

planning applications and where we think it appropriate comment by way of 

objecting. But we do much more than that. Over the last few years we have: 

• Helped in getting Colourful Kilmacolm off the ground 

• Been the official partner with Merignies on behalf of the Kilmacolm Twinning 

Society 

• Run the popular Christmas Shop Window competition and raised money for 

local good causes 

• Ran celebrations for the Queens Diamond Jubilee 

French Blockbuster TV Murder 

Mystery Set in Mérignies 

Our twin village of Mérignies near to Lille is the backdrop for a major new 

murder mystery series currently running on Channel 4. “Witnesses” (or “Les 

Temoins” in French) opens with series of macabre crimes in which recentlyburied 

corpses are placed in cube-shaped show houses. It begins to emerge 

that these acts are part of a bizarre revenge strategy aimed at destabilizing a 

retired Chief of Police who has a secret to hide! The show houses are in fact the 

glamorous cube-shaped properties that border the Mérignies golf course! So, 

Channel 4, Wednesdays at 10pm. 

The Kilmacolm Rock Choir have had another very busy and successful year. 

The 50 strong choir meet weekly to sing and socialise during term-time on 

Tuesday mornings in the Kilmacolm Community Centre. In recent months the 

choir have performed at a number of events including the Lochwinnoch Arts 

Festival raising £400 for Finding Your Feet Charity and a 200 strong choir 

flashmob at St Enoch Centre raising £500 for Dreams Come True Charity. The 

choir also did a special performance at the Houston and Killellan Kirk raising a 

fantastic £870 for church funds. 

In Scotland there are now 20 choirs located from Largs right up to Aberdeen 

with over 1,200 members singing across the country. Its come along way 

since starting with 70 members in Farnham when founder Caroline Redman 

Lusher decided to start a choir whereby you didn’t have to read music to join 

or audition! Now with 17,000 members its the largest contemporary choir in 

the UK. 

In June members of the Kilmacolm Rock Choir travelled to the NEC in 

Birmingham to take part in a fantastic 10 year anniversary celebratory show 

where Kim Wilde, Collabro (2014 Britain’s Got Talent Winners), Kiki Dee and 

Chesney Hawkes also came along and performed. It was a fabulous show 

bringing together thousands of choir members from across the country and 

giving them the opportunity to come and sing together as one. Choir members 

Carol Wilkie and Dawn Christie made a flag especially for the occasion - it was 

featured in a spectacular flag parade to close the show. 

To finish off the academic year Kilmacolm choir members joined 600 choir 

members from across Central Scotland to perform at the iconic Kelvingrove 

Bandstand in Glasgow’s West End. The sun shone and it was a wonderfully 

happy event singing outdoors. Over 1,800 people came along to watch the free 

event which also raised £2,000 for the Beatson Charity. 

Kilmacolm Rock Choir resumes Tuesday 15th September for the new term/ 

year ahead - its the best time to join, anyone wishing to come along and try the 

choir out is most welcome please book online for a free taster sessionwww. 

rockchoir.com or call 01252 714276. 

Angel Voices - Kilmacolm 

Community Children’s Choir 

Rehearsals resume on Friday 4 September 6-7pm in St Fillan’s Hall, 

Moss Road, Kilmacolm 

In Association with St Fillan’s Episcopal 

Church. Come and Join us for a Free 

Taster Session! 

The Choir is taught by Professional Music 

Director Helen Knight and Accompanist 

Archie Morris. We welcome girls and 

boys from 7years upwards. 

For more information and registration 

leaflet please contact: Maureen Russell 

01505 872905. maureenmrussell@ 

hotmail.com


41 41 

RBS Closure: Yet another blow to the economy of the Village 

with the pending closure of the RBS branch. As I write 

(14th Aug) customers have not been informed. There are 

many elderly residents who need its services and it is not 

acceptable to suggest that shopkeepers take their takings 

to a Post Office in Arran Avenue in Port Glasgow. 

Scottish Water: Scottish Water have reached a level 

of incompetence unrivalled in the village by having to 

completely redo the works on the water mains. This will take 

a further 4.5 months and will bring areas of the village to a 

stop. The first road closure from 24th Aug to 5th Oct of the 

main road to Lochwinnoch, just past the War Memorial. The 

diversion here is by Bridge of Weir. Businesses and residents will have their 

water supply interrupted. I have asked if works can be conducted at night and 

at weekends to shorten the inevitable disturbance. 

The RBS, Scottish Water and the Council’s policy on parking will all affect the 

delicate economy of the village and I do encourage our readers to continue 

their loyal support for our shops. 

Windfarm Enquiry: During September there will be a public inquiry into the 

Greenock Windfarm on Corlic Hill in the Park. These 110 metre monsters will 

dominate the skyline of the Clyde Estuary and are far too close to communities 

in Greenock, Port Glasgow and the Gryffe Valley. Glasgow Airport, NATS, Historic 

Scotland, SNH, Clyde Muirshiel Park, Inverclyde Council and some 700 other 

members of the public have objected. There was one representation in favour. 

My great fear is that in spite of its unsuitability, the Minister will call it in and 

approve the application. I really cannot understand the Scottish Government’s 

fascination with a technology that on Boxing Day 2014 provided just 1% of our 

power needs due to high pressure over Scotland. 

Other news: I attended a memorial service for the 6th Battalion of the Argyll 

and Sutherland Highlanders at the Loch Thom Well. This was built in August 

1915 by the soldiers training in the hills above Greenock and Kilmacolm. The 

well had been rebuilt by army engineers and there were some 60 Argylls from 

Greenock and Renfrewshire present for a full military ceremony. It can be 

accessed from the Cornalees Centre, which is my view the jewel in the crown of 

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. 

I was part of a “any questions” panel at a camp in Inverkip of some 100 youthful 

members of the Woodcraft Group from all over the UK. My views on various 

subjects were often at odds with not just my fellow panellists but many of the 

audience, but I was thanked at the end for “sticking to my guns“. 

I also attended as Honorary Patron the Army Cadet camp at Altcar near 

Southport. The range of activities is considerable from raft building, shooting 

on the range, fieldcraft to biking and paint balling. Many of the 300+ Cadets 

were from the Renfrewshire Balaclava Detachment. There is no doubt that 

youth organisations and their activities build character. 

I know that gardeners in the village use Parklea Branching Out for plants and 

shrubs. They had their annual summer fun day and the turnout was excellent. 

The job that the boss Sharon does with her staff, some of whom have challenges 

is remarkable. 

There is a feeling that a minority of drivers are speeding over the new bridge in 

Quarriers. Police are quietly monitoring matters. 

My surgeries are Saturday 10th 12-1 Cargill and Wednesday 30th St Francis 

Primary School 6-7. I can be contacted at david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk and 

01475 741969 and 712727 and 07766 992294. 

Christian Aid Coffee Morning 

Saturday 3 October - Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm, at 10am. 

Entry £3. Stalls will include homebaking, autumn bulbs, new but unwanted 

gifts, quality paperback books, costume jewellery. If you can help with any 

donations to the stalls, please hand them in to the Hall on Friday evening 

between 6pm and 7pm. Please come along and support fundraising for the 

work of Christian Aid. 

OUTLOOK 

Starts Thursday 3 September 

The social community group meets in Kidston Hall, 

Kilmacolm on the first and third Thursdays monthly, at 2pm. 

OUTLOOK offers an afternoon of friendship and fellowship, with guest speakers, 

activities, discussion of community issues, and always Afternoon Tea. Everyone 

welcome, please come along, this first meeting since the summer holidays will 

be an open activities afternoon. 

Guest Speaker - Thursday 17 September 

Helen Dunbar, on behalf of the charity Mercy Ships. Plus music at the piano 

from David. 

Community Council: Are you 16 or over 

and do you live in Kilmacolm or Quarrier’s 

Village? Have you ever considered 

standing to become a member of 

Kilmacolm Community Council? Perhaps 

you may know someone who could 

potentially be interested? 

Nominations for the next set of 

community council elections open on 2 

September and close on 30 September. 

The forms are available on the Inverclyde 

Council website www.inverclyde.gov.uk. 

It would be great if at least one young person came forward as we need to hear 

the views of young people when discussing matters affecting them and their 

peers in the villages. 

RBS Closure: We were extremely disappointed to hear the news that The Royal 

Bank of Scotland intends to close its Kilmacolm branch on 25 November 2015. 

It is reprehensible that this decision has been taken without any consultation 

with the local community or local authority. The branch serves an important 

purpose in the village and provides local services to many residents who would 

find it difficult to access services outwith the village. We all aspire to see the 

village centre thrive with a mixture of retail and housing offers but this decision 

by RBS undermines our work and reduces the services available. We have both 

written to RBS to ask for a rethink on this decision and seeking assurances 

regarding the job security of affected employees. 

New Head at School: As the new academic year gets underway both of us 

would like to pass on our best wishes to Mrs Simone McCredie as she settles 

into her new position as Head Teacher at Kilmacolm Primary School. This is 

an exciting time for the school as staff and pupils get ready to relocate to the 

temporary campus at the former St Stephen’s High School site in Port Glasgow 

while major refurbishment takes place at Churchill Road. The nursery school 

will remain onsite in modular accommodation within the school car park. The 

loss of parking in the school car park will have an impact on the local community 

and the school is doing everything to remind staff and visitors to park carefully 

and legally during construction. Please don’t hesitate to contact the school if 

you have any concerns. 

Gym Refurbishment: We are pleased that Inverclyde Leisure intends to invest 

£100,000 in refurbishing its Birkmyre Gym, which will involve the installation of 

new equipment and fresh decoration. This is a much-welcomed investment in 

a well-used village facility. 

Contact: Cllr McColgan - Surgeries: Tuesday 1 September, 6–7pm, Boglestone 

Community Centre and Tuesday 15 September, 7–8pm, St Francis Primary 

School. You can reach me on 01475 712727 (during office hours) and 

07881280016 (anytime) or by emailing me at james.mccolgan@inverclyde.gov. 

uk. Alternatively you can write to me at Inverclyde Council, Municipal Buildings, 

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

by visiting my website: http://jamesmccolgan.com. You can also follow me on 

Twitter @jamesmccolgan. 

Cllr McCabe - Surgeries: Tuesday 8 September, 6.30-7.30pm, Boglestone 

Community Centre and Tuesday 22 September, 6.30–7.30pm, Kilmacolm 

Community Centre. 

You can also contact me directly to discuss any matters that are of concern to 

you by telephone on 01475 712020 (during office hours) and 871368 (home) 

or by email to Stephen.McCabe@inverclyde.gov.uk. Alternatively you can write 

to me at 10 Victoria Gardens, Kilmacolm PA13 4HL. 

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

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

CllrSMcCabe.


houston, crosslee & brookfield 

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

H.O.S.T. The Carrick Centre, 

Houston 

Diaporama 

Monday 14 Sept, Carrick Centre Houston 7.30pm 

We are starting back after our summer break. The first 

evening is a catch up of about what images we have been 

taking and what plans for sequences we have. We will also 

plan our programme for the following months. We meet on 

Monday 14th September at 7.30pm in the Carrick Centre, 

Houston. Visitors are always welcome. Why not come along 

and see what we do. 

Brookfield Village Hall 

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. 

What’s on September 2015 

Monday to Friday, Woodlands Out of School 01505 615438 

MON: Yoga (weekly) 1pm - Mary Laidlaw 01505 610217; Rockstar Tumbling Class (weekly) 

4.15pm - Roz Hart 07734 714131; Diaporama 14th 7.30pm; Young Farmers 21st, 28th, 

7.30pm 

TUES: Paint Pot Tots (weekly) 10am - Dawn Campbell 07789 262350; Yoga (weekly) 7pm - M/s 

Lawson 01505 613690; Musical Theatre (weekly) 4pm 

WED: Leap Energy (weekly) 10am – 3pm; French Class (weekly) 3.15pm - F McDevitt 0141 886 

6282; Galaxy Dance (weekly) 4pm - Lauren 07974 285102; Councillors Surgeries 16th 6.30pm; 

Gryffe Melody Makers 9th & 23rd 7pm; Camera Club (weekly from 9th) 7.30pm; Houston 

Community Council 16th 7.30pm; Cricketfield Residents Association (2nd) 7pm 

THUR: French Class (weekly) 4pm F McDevitt ; Crafty Friends 3rd & 17th 7.30pm; Folk Club 

(weekly) 8pm - Paddybullen@live.co.uk 

FRI: Galaxy Dancing (weekly) 4pm - Lauren; MP Surgery (11th) 12:30 – 1.30pm 

SAT: Galaxy Dancing (weekly) 9.30am - Lauren SUN: Baptist Church (weekly) 11am and 6pm 

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

01505 690693 hostbooking@outlook.com or The Coffee Shop 

LEAP 

Houston, Crosslee, Brookfield 

Save Energy and Money with a Home Energy Monitor 

Energy monitors help householders to save energy and money. The small 

table top devices can help you find out how much energy you’re using when 

you boil the kettle, run the shower, put all the lights on in a room or show you the effects of leaving 

multiple appliances on stand-by. According to the Energy Saving Trust, you could find that your 

energy usage drops between 5% and 15% in the first year of using an energy monitor – which 

could be a saving of £25-£75 on a £500 bill. LEAP has a number of wireless electricity monitors 

available for free loan for local residents for a month. Why not test out your 

energy consumption? To arrange to borrow an energy monitor or for a free one 

hour home energy check, contact the LEAP Team on 01505 612034, pop into 

our Energy Advice Surgeries on Wednesday at the Carrick Centre, Houston or 

email info@myleappproject.org. 

Bishopton, Langbank & Bridge of Weir 

Local Young People got creative over the Summer 

It has been an amazing summer for all the young people from Bridge of Weir, Kilbarchan and 

Lochwinnoch, who took part in the YEP! week long summer programme workshops and activities. 

With everyone defying the ‘challenging’ weather by throwing their energy into building, making and 

growing, they produced some very crafty 

clothing, print art work and built a bike 

trailer and grew some plants. Heading 

into Autumn the weekly workshops will 

start again with clothing re-design, bike 

and boat building. YEP! will also be also 

running workshops for adults, the first 

of which will be our FREE Meddle and 

Make Awesome workshop on Saturday 

3rd October, to be led by Designer Niki 

Taylor of the Top Project and Schuh. 

Early booking is advised! For more 

information or to book a place, contact 

the LEAP Team on 01505 842530 or 

email gillian@myleapproject.org 

Photo – Young People from YEP! hold a plant sale in Lochwinnoch centre. 

Kilbarchan & Lochwinnoch 

Celebrate the Year of Food and Drink in September 

2015 is the Year of Food and Drink and this month’s theme is “Celebration”. To mark this, the Eat 

Lochwinnoch Organic Fruit & Veg Delivery Club is offering a free Fruit and Vegetable delivery box 

for the first 5 new members that sign up in September. To find out more/sign up, please email 

eatlochwinnoch@gmail.com, or contact Eat Lochwinnoch through their Facebook page 

(www.facebook.com/EatLochwinnoch)


kilmacolm & quarriers 

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

Kilmacolm MSP launches 

Consultation on Bank Closure 

MSP Derek Mackay has today launched a consultation on the closure of the 

Royal Bank of Scotland in Kilmacolm. The survey, which was delivered to 

residents in the village, asks locals if they agree with the closure. 

3,500 surveys have been issued with freepost envelopes provided for responses 

to be sent to the SNP MSP, whose Renfrewshire North & West constituency 

includes Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village. 

It was announced in August that the branch will close in November. 

Speaking from Kilmacolm, Mr Mackay said: “I was disappointed to hear that 

RBS plan to close the Kilmacolm branch in November, leaving the closest 

branch in Greenock or Johnstone. 

“Many of my constituents may be effected by this closure, of what is the last 

bank in Kilmacolm. I therefore feel it is important to find out what the residents 

of the village think of the 

closure, before meeting with 

bank bosses. 

“This consultation will 

allow me to fully represent 

my constituents and take 

forward their views on the 

issue. 

“Anyone who stays in 

Kilmacolm or Quarriers 

Village and did not receive 

a survey but would like to 

take part, please contact my 

constituency office on 0141 

885 2076 and I will arrange 

for one to be sent to you.” 

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. 

www.scottishairshow.com 

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. 

43 43


houston, crosslee 

& brookfield 

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

Summer Recess: The summer recess has come to an end, 

and whilst the weather hasn’t been great, it has been a 

good chance to fit in some more community activities. I 

particularly enjoyed opening the new community fruit and 

veg shop launched by the Linwood Community Development 

Trust - Roots of Linwood. For those looking for healthy fruit 

and veg with a community benefit there won’t be a better 

option! They are based at Mossedge Industrial Estate in 

Linwood. 

Crosslee Park Fun Day: A huge well done to the committee 

of the Houston Play Park Improvement group for organising 

a fantastic family fun day to celebrate the completion of the 

park upgrades. We even got a sunny day!!! It was a great success, and a fitting 

end to all their incredible efforts over the last three years. On behalf of the 

whole community - a big thank you to the committee and their chairperson 

Debbie Stewart for all you have done over the last three years. Many people 

will not realise the huge number of hours that it has taken to complete all the 

funding applications and official documentation that goes along with all they 

have accomplished. 

Keep up to date: To keep up to date with my work for the area, or to raise 

local issues, why not ‘like’ my local facebook page: www.facebook.com/ 

CouncillorStuartClark 

New Halls at Houston and 

Killellan Kirk 

Our new halls will officially open on Friday 11th Sept at 7pm. The Very Rev. 

John Chalmers, immediate past Moderator of the general Assembly will lead 

the formal opening of the Killellan Halls. 

The Sunday Club now meets at the same time as the morning service, together 

with younger children benefitting from the “behind the scenes” sessions. We 

have started holding session meetings already in the new accommodation, and 

we extend thanks to all members and friends who have supported fund raising 

over the last three years. Building work has been supported by loans from the 

General Trustees of the Church of Scotland and from the Congregation’s other 

funds, all of which will have to be repaid by the end of 2017 – so the continued 

support of the Congregation and friends of the Church is essential to achieve 

this. To make additional donations or pledge, please contact our Treasurer 

Elaine Rowan (details available on the church website houstonkirk.org). 

Normal Church activities are starting up once again after the summer. The 

Guild will recommence on Tuesday 1st September with a Harvest Supper. 

New members are warmly welcomed to join the fun and fellowship. The Guils 

meets on alternate Tuesdays in the West Halls at 7.30pm, and an extensive 

programme of meetings and events is planned. 

Senior Citizens begin their new session on 9th September, meeting every 

Wednesday in the West Kirk Hall at 2pm. Their full and varied programme 

begins with an afternoon of memories of world war conflicts in music and song. 

New members and occasional visitors are welcome. 

The Walking Group’s first walk takes place on Saturday 29th Aug and is a 

7.5 mile circular route taking in Luggiebank Nature Reserve and Palacerigg 

Country Park near Cumbernauld. Bring a packed lunch and meet at the Kirk 

at 9.30am. 

Houston Crafty Friends 

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 

Family Fun to Celebrate Play 

Park Upgrade! 

Houston residents came out in their droves to 

enjoy a rare day of glorious summer weather 

on Sunday and celebrate the completion of 

upgrades to the Crosslee Play Park, following 

three years of hard work from the Houston 

Play Park Improvement Group. 

The family fun day was organised by the group 

as a thank you to the Houston community 

for supporting them in all of their efforts to 

bring new and improved facilities to the Play 

Park and hundreds of residents turned out 

to enjoy the day. The group has been closely 

supported by Labour Councillor Stuart Clark, 

who has praised the group for improving their 

local community. Councillor Clark said: 

Houston & Crosslee SWI 

“The Houston Play Park 

Improvement Group are 

a fantastic example of 

community spirit in action. 

They saw a need and 

worked hard in a positive 

way alongside the local 

community to deliver 

on their aspirations. It 

has been my pleasure to 

support the group in any way I 

have been able to, but the credit 

for this fantastic community 

improvement must all go to 

the amazing volunteers, and 

in particular their Chairperson 

Debbie Stewart who has been 

outstanding.” 

Councillor Clark continued: 

“Since the park has been upgraded it has become so well used 

the ground is suffering so I am pleased that we have managed to secure the 

installation of a new path and entrance improvements. 

Amongst a range of fundraising activities, the local group have organised clothes 

recycling, raffles, Cream Teas and submitted numerous grant applications. 

Group chairperson Debbie Stewart was delighted with the success of the family 

fun day. She said: 

“This was a fantastic family fun day at the park as a thank you to the local 

community in Houston for supporting our efforts over the last three years. The 

kids really enjoyed the bouncy castle, birds of prey, football and candyfloss and 

the adults didn’t seem to mind the odd burger or two! 

“It has been a lot of work to upgrade the park but myself and the committee 

felt strongly that the community would really benefit from these improved 

facilities and we have been delighted with how well used the park has been. 

I am grateful to Councillor 

Clark for all of his help and 

support over the last three 

years, it has made a real 

difference. I’m looking 

forward to being able to 

enjoy the park with my own 

kids now it is complete.” 

Wednesday 9 Sept at 7.30pm, Compass Centre, South 

St, Houston 

We would like to welcome all members and new members to the first meeting 

of the new session of Houston & Crosslee SWI when our speaker will be Angela 

Smith, who will talk to us on “The Beauty of Flower Arranging”. 

New members will be made very welcome. For further information please 

contact Arlene McKay on 0141 884 6210.

Lochwinnoch SWI 


kilbarchan 

& lochwinnoch 

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

Planning: I sincerely hope that all constituents have had a 

good summer, despite the pretty atrocious weather. The end 

of the summer has seen a number of prospective planning 

applications appear relevant to both Kilbarchan and 

Lochwinnoch which I would like to inform villagers about. 

Firstly, in the Park View area of Kilbarchan, at Branscroft, 

there is a pre-application declaration of interest from Wallace 

Land Ltd, who will be proposing to build a new residential 

development at Branscroft. Similarly, at the Johnshill area 

of Lochwinnoch a company called Leith Planning Ltd are 

interested in building a new residential development at the 

top of the village, but no formal application has yet been 

made. 

The Scottish Government is clear that Scotland needs more housing but is also 

mindful of the need to retain greenbelt to ensure we have distinct communities 

like Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch. I encourage all residents to make their voice 

heard, be it against or in favour of these potential housing developments, by 

e mailing the developers directly. Wallace Land can be e mailed on david. 

campbell@glhearn.com, regarding the Kilbarchan proposals, and Leith 

Planning can be e mailed on Sam@leithplanning.co.uk. Please make your voice 

heard about these proposals, both Community Councils are also aware of these 

developments. 

RBS Mobile Bank Services: I am delighted to report that the Royal Bank of 

Scotland have confirmed to me that as from October there will be a new North 

Ayrshire RBS Mobile Van which will cover Lochwinnoch. Following an RBS 

pledge to investigate this to Lochwinnoch Elderly Forum, early this year, I am 

now glad that months of lobbying have ensured RBS has listened to the needs 

of Lochwinnoch. 

Contact: 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. I 

am also 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. 

Wednesday 16 September in the Mc Killop hall at 

7.30pm. 

While still adhering to the core traditions of Community, Home and Country the 

“Rural” is marching into the 21st Century with a new Logo, Name, and bright 

new website. The Scottish Women’s Institute now has new branches in our 

towns and cities with lots of younger, enthusiastic women joining. 

The Lochwinnoch Branch would be delighted to welcome new members. So, 

if you have ever wanted to get involved in the village community and you have 

a skill to share or would like to learn a new skill and would like to meet likeminded 

women for a chat and a cuppa , come and join us. 

The 2015/16 season starts on Wednesday 16th September with speaker 

Catherine Mills telling us about “History in Rhyme”. We have arranged a full, 

varied syllabus of interesting talks and demos for the rest of the season. 

Please visit the new web site at www.theswi.org.uk or go to the Scottish 

Women’s Institutes page on Face Book for lots more info. For further local 

information contact Elma Richmond at 01505 843193 or email richmond32@ 

tiscali.co.uk 

Old Library Centre 

The Team at the Old Library Centre have returned from their holiday break 

and are welcoming back the many groups, casual users, morning coffee 

participants and visitors to Kilbarchan. Our www.kipcokil.com will give you a lot 

of information about our activities or phone the Centre 01505 706070. 

If you are not able to access a computer you will find that the community notice 

board opposite the Centre does have information about most activities in 

the Village. We open from 10am until 12noon and from 2pm until 4pm from 

Monday to Friday. We also have a Wednesday evening yoga class which means 

that the photocopying and office are available. 

The ever popular Sally Buxton is coming to hold a Psychic Night on Thursday, 

17th September. This will be a very well attended night. Early booking is advised 

and tickets, which must be paid before Tuesday, 15th September, cost £10. 

Road Repairs: I am pleased to report that repairs to parts 

of Burntshields Road Kilbarchan have recently taken place. 

Following approaches from a number of local people who 

use the road regularly, I had asked council officers to look at 

what could be done, as I am keen that the outlying areas of 

the village receive attention as well as the main routes. 

Bus Services: Not so good news, were more complaints made 

to me from disgruntled bus users regarding the bus service 

on the Glasgow Kilbarchan route, to and from Johnstone 

and beyond on Paisley fair Monday. The hourly service on 

public holidays is clearly inadequate in this day and age, 

and I am determined to press for a better service through 

representations to McGill’s I firmly believe that the best way of improving bus 

services in general is through bus re regulation and I will continue to support 

the lobbying of the Scottish Government to bring this about 

RBS Mobile Bank Services: Determination of residents in Lochwinnoch has 

paid off with the news that RBS are to provide a mobile banking service to the 

village. This will be welcomed particularly by older people and non drivers. 

Kilbarchan Smile: This is an enthusiastic group in Kilbarchan which has 

ambitious ideas for the village. I attended its latest meeting where plans for a 

big tidy up in the village were discussed. 

This will take place on Saturday 5 September from 11.45am - 4pm meeting at 

the Ewing Street car park. The council will provide the necessary equipment 

including litter pickers, gloves and bags I know that this initiative has been met 

with a lot of interest. Anyone wishing to get involved will be warmly welcomed. 

Further details can be obtained from Gail Scoular on 07985 749220 or e mail 

gailscoular@gmail.com. 

Contact: My surgeries are on the first Saturday of the month [except January 

and July] at 9am at the McKillop Institute and 10am at the Steeple Hall. 

Meantime please contact me at cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 

07534 156007. 

Kilbarchan Bridge Club 

Starts Tuesday 1 September 

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. 

45 45


kilbarchan 

& lochwinnoch 

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

Kilbarchan Smile - New 

Community Group launches 

activities... 

Making Kilbarchan Smile! 

A new group is hoping to put a smile on villager’s faces with the improvements 

it is planning to make within the historic village of Kilbarchan. 

Kilbarchan Smile is all about making Kilbarchan a better place to live, work and 

visit by getting involved. 

Initial interest has led to more than 200 members of a new Facebook group and 

meetings with key stakeholders. Some areas of priority have been identified in 

which to make some practical improvements with plans to apply for funding 

and undertake some interim work in the short term. 

A series of tidy ups are being organised and have already started with tidy 

up of the woodland area next to Burntshields Road that was carried out with 

assistance from Community Payback and Greener Renfrewshire “Do Your Bit” 

teams last month. Volunteers are pictured with the 25 bags of rubbish collected 

on the day! 

“Kilbarchan Smile’s Big Clear Up” - Sat 5 September 11.45am-4pm 

A more general village tidy up, is all set for Saturday 5 September from 11.45am- 

4pm meeting at the new car parking area opposite Bog Park. Any help would 

be very much appreciated. 

Greener Renfrewshire Do You Bit provided equipment including litter pickers, 

hi viz vests, bags, bag hoops and gloves. If you want to make a difference to 

the village please come along and “Do Your Bit” if you can – as they say many 

hands make light work! 

For more information and to get involved contact Gail Scoular on 07985749220, 

email gailscoular@gmail.com or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook. 

Missed something or fancy 

taking a look back over the 

last 8 years? 

visit www.advertizer.co.uk 

or 



Help Needed 

Local Kilbarchan Councillor Derek Bibby is seeking the help of Advertizer 

readers in commemorating a Kilbarchan born icon. 

Plans to mark the achievements of Mary Barbour are well underway in the 

village. 

Mary was born at 37 New Street Kilbarchan in 1875, the third of seven children 

to carpet weaver James Rough and Jane Gavin, and spent her childhood in 

the village before moving to Elderslie, and then to Govan, where she spent her 

adult life. 

Mary became 

one of 

the most 

significant 

figures of the 

working class 

movement in 

the west of 

Scotland in 

the early part 

of the last 

century. 

This coming November will see the centenary of her most significant 

achievement- the Glasgow rent strike where Mary and her followers who 

became known as Mrs Barbours army led opposition to rent increases and 

fought evictions imposed by unscrupulous landlords, which affected many 

families, amongst whom were families of soldiers fighting on the battlefields of 

world war one. The resistance paved the way for the Rent Restrictions Act that 

marked a turning point in Scottish housing legislation. 

Mary’s life was marked by many other achievements which helped many poor 

families and children, achievements which are to be recognised in Glasgow 

through a planned statue. 

Councillor Bibby who has led the campaign to recognise Mary’s legacy in 

Kilbarchan has secured agreement from Renfrewshire Council and the 

community council for a commemorative cairn to be built in New Street, close 

to the spot where Mary was born and which will be erected by, and unveiled in 

November 

Among the other initiatives, will be the awarding of a Mary Barbour school 

prize by Kilbarchan primary school, and commemorative bench opposite the 

millennium garden in the village, and an on line exhibition which will include 

the weaving traditions of Kilbarchan. 

Derek has been working closely with the Remember Mary Barbour campaign 

in Glasgow, which has had the services of historian Catriona Burness who has 

uncovered much new information in regard to Mary’s own family life in Glasgow 

in regard to Mary’s childhood Derek is asking Advertizer readers if they have 

any information press cuttings, artefacts and recollections of Mary’s family, 

which could be used for the Kilbarchan events. He is also anxious to hear from 

any descendents or relatives of Mary. 

A number of Mary’s descendants have been involved in the planning of the 

various events but Councillor Bibby is looking forward to hearing from others in 

Kilbarchan Elderslie and beyond who may have much to contribute He can be 

contacted at cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk 

Kilbarchan Churches 

The joint services for the churches in Kilbarchan during September will be as 

follows :- 

• Sunday 6th Sept – West Church 

• Sunday 13th Sept – East Church 

• Sunday 20th Sept – West Church 

• Sunday 27th Sept – East Church 

Crèche, Junior Church and FEWsion have now restarted and any young people 

will be made most welcome. 

Doors Open Day - Sunday 6 September, 12noon to 4pm 

Both churches will be open on Doors Open Day on Sunday 6th September. 

Coffee Morning - Saturday 12 September, West Church Hall, 10am- 

12noon 

The Guild are holding a Coffee Morning in the West Church hall from 10am to 

12noon. Tickets priced £2.50 can be had at the door. Come along and enjoy a 

cuppa while browsing the Baking and White Elephant stalls. 

Midweek Fellowship: Restarts in the West Church Session House on 

Wednesday 2 September. Tea and coffee are served from 10.30am followed 

by a short act of worship.

Kilbarchan 

East Church 

Saturday 5 September 

The Senior members’ of both 

Kilbarchan churches takes place on 

Saturday 5th September, when the 

venue for high tea will be the Marine 

Hotel Troon. This is a very popular 

annual event and much enjoyed by 

drivers and passengers alike. 


Kilbarchan Fairtrade Steering 

Group 

Tuesday 8 September, Ladies’ Room at the Steeple, 8pm 

The next meeting of Kilbarchan Fairtrade Steering Group is at 8pm on Tuesday 

8 September in the Ladies’ Room at the Steeple. Anyone interested in helping 

to promote Fairtrade in the village is welcome to come along. 

Kilbarchan NWR 

There are 3 meetings scheduled for September-the first a feedback evening 

from the National Conference, the second “Pioneering Women” and then a 

cinema visit. New members will be made most welcome, either by phoning 

703786 or having a look at the website: www.nwr.org.uk 

Kilbarchan 

East Drama 

Group 

The group has started rehearsals 

for the November production: “The 

Agatha Crusty Murders” a comedy 

based loosely on the Miss Marple 

series. 

National Trust for Scotland’s 

Weaver’s Cottage 

howwood & elderslie 

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

90th Birthday celebration 

lunch in Elderslie 

Although a Johnstonian by birth, Ian McAlpine has lived at Knaresby, Newton 

Avenue, Elderslie with his wife Garry for 52 years. On July 25th a buffet birthday 

party lunch was held in fine weather in their house and garden with 30 relatives 

and friends. 

Following RAF service as a navigator/bomb-aimer, Ian graduated from Glasgow 

University with a B.Sc. (Agric) 1st Class Honours and then joined the SMMB 

in 1952. In a colourful career, he rose to become managing director for 17 

years, travelling extensively worldwide, and was awarded the OBE in 1984 

before retiring in 1985. Thereafter Ian enjoyed gardening and golf at Ranfurly 

Castle and Western Gailes, until ill health forced him to give up these hobbies 

in 2013. 

47 47 

The staff and volunteers at the Weaver’s 

Cottage have manufactured rag rugs 

over the last few years. Burns’ Cottage 

and the Tenement House are two rag 

rug recipients and the latest is destined 

for Thomas Carlyle’s Birthplace at 

Ecclefechan. 

The photo is of volunteer Aileen Harden 

making the Thomas Carlyle rug. 

The Weaver’s Cottage closes for this 

summer season on Tuesday 29th 

September. Until then it is open daily 

from 1pm to 5pm, except on Wednesdays 

and Thursdays. The cottage shop sells a 

variety of quality gifts and which can be 

seen without paying for entry. 

Lochwinnoch International Aid 

LIA raises funds for (usually small) projects and charities around the world, 

such as a school for disabled children in Zimbabwe, acid survivors in India & 

Pakistan and a fistula hospital in Ethiopia. The projects we support need every 

penny you can give us. Please do come along to our events and/or offer your 

help in making them happen. Email: lochintaid@talktalk.net or phone Dave on 

843099 to find out more. You can also make small, but vital regular, monthly 

donations. Look out for the forms at our events and in the library. 

Fundraising events coming up this autumn: 

• Yard Sale, Saturday 12th September, 79 High Street, 11am – 1pm. Please 

come and buy! (Books, clothes, bric-a-brac etc.). 

• Safari Supper, 31st October. 

• Indian Cookery Workshop, October. 

In the pipeline: 

• Baking and Fair Trade stall at the Christmas fairs 

• Music Night 

• Disco (re-live – or discover – the music of the 70s & 80s) 

• Cheese, wine and scrabble evening 

• Bread-making workshop 

Looking forward to seeing you at one of these! 

The photograph here shows 4 generations of his family, who gathered together 

from Scotland, England and Denmark to celebrate Ian at Knarseby. 

Howwood WI 

Tuesday 15 September 

Growing up in Quarriers by Mrs Sheila Patterson. Competition - Childhood 

photograph. Hostesses - Anne McCallum & Elizabeth Lawson. Vote of Thanks 

- Jane Millar. Meetings in Howwood Village Hall at 7.30pm unless stated 

otherwise. Subscription £18 per annum 

Local Government 

Boundary Commission 

The Local Government Boundary Commission is undertaking its fifth review of 

electoral boundaries and has proposed some changes to Renfrewshire Council 

wards. A link is available on the website https://maps.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ 

LocalView/Sites/LGBC_PubCon/# to open our mapping application and see 

the proposed changes: 

Once you’ve opened the map, using the menu on the left, select the ‘sticking 

pin’ or click on the underlined word ‘Boundaries’; Check the box next to the 

small purple square to see the existing ward boundaries; Check the box next to 

the small red square to see the proposed new boundaries; Check both boxes to 

see the existing and the proposed new boundaries at the same time. 

You can read more about the proposals for Renfrewshire by clicking on this link: 

http://www.lgbc-scotland.gov.uk/reviews/5th_electoral/renfrewshire/ 

You can then respond to the consultation by using the consultation portal 

available on their website. 

The consultation period runs until 22 October 2015.


‘Sam’ by Barking Mad 

Pet Blog 

by PetVets 

Caring for an Aging Cat 

Dog Halloween 

Safety Tips will 

be published 

in our October 

issue - watch this 

space!!! 

As our feline friends get older their needs can change as they become 

less active and can develop age related conditions such as arthritis. It is 

important to consider these changing needs as your cat ages to ensure 

you provide everything they need to keep them healthy and happy. It is 

also important to monitor for early signs of ill health as conditions such 

as hyperthyroidism and chronic renal failure are common in older cats. 

Some points to consider include: 

• Offer smaller more frequent meals. Ideally feed your 

cat wet food as it has a higher water content. Choose a 

food specifically designed for senior cats. 

• Fresh water should always be available and 

should be offered in various locations. Consider 

using a water fountain to encourage increased 

water intake. 

• Provide a warm, comfortable bed in a draught 

free area where your cat will not be disturbed. 

If the favoured sleeping area is up high provide 

access via a step if possible. Often older cats 

enjoy stretching out so hammock beds on radiators can 

be a popular choice. 

• If there are mobility issues you may need to provide a step up to the 

cat flap, and prop it open if it’s hitting your cat on the behind as they 

pass through. 

• Provide indoor litter trays with 

shallow sides and soft litter. 

• Older cats need quiet places to 

escape to. 

• Consider any new additions to 

the household carefully, older cats 

don’t always take well to a new 

playmate. 

• Regular gentle grooming will help 

keep the coat healthy. Nails may 

need to be clipped as in older cats 

they don’t retract as well and can 

become caught in carpets etc. 

• Monitor your cats’ weight, food 

and water intake, toileting habits 

and any changes in temperament. 

Contact your vet for a health check 

if any changes are noted. 

With a little bit of extra care and attention your elderly cat can enjoy a 

long and comfortable retirement! 

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.


49 49 

49 

Re-homing Pets 

Can you offer a home to any of our featured pets? 

Bubbles - Female 4 year old 

domestic short hair cat 

Bubbles is a sweet wee girl who 

enjoys attention. She is looking 

for a home where she can get 

out in the sun and would prefer 

home with older children and no other pets. 

Lewis - a 1 year old short 

hair tabby cat 

Lewis is 11 months old and 

is blind. He lived with an 

older cat and 2 very quiet Labradors. He manages 

really well as long as his bed, food bowls and litter 

tray are always kept in the same place. Initially 

he would be kept in one room and then open up 

another room for to allow him to get use to house. 

He cant be left on his own all day or be moved from 

his home environment for holidays as he struggles 

with change. 

Cardyke Farm, Langmuirhead Road, Auchinloch, Glasgow G66 5LD - 

Telephone 0141 779 3341 

Jez, a male 

crossbreed 

rabbit - age 

unknown - Reference: 292961 

Jez arrived in our care as a stray and is 

now looking for a new home to call his 

own with an experienced owner. Jez is a 

lovely boy who enjoys hopping through 

and over tunnels and playing with his 

toys. He is an active wee lad who likes to have plenty of things to do to 

keep him entertained. 

Pete, a male ferret, age unknown. 

Reference: 294769 

Pete came into the care of the Scottish 

SPCA after being found as a stray. He is a 

friendly ferret who enjoys being handled 

and loves to explore and investigate his 

surroundings. Once settled into his new 

home, Pete will make a really loveable 

little addition. 

To contact the centre about any animals, please call 03000 999 999 or 

visit www.scottishspca.org/rehoming 

Milo - a 6-12 month old 

Border Collie 

Milo is a gorgeous boy 

who is full of fun and 

energy! He can live with children who 

are 18 years old or over and needs his 

own secure garden to practice his recall 

and training in. He needs an energetic 

home who are around most of the day to 

help him with his training and give him 

the exercise he needs and loves. 

Teddy - a 2-5 year old Jack Russell 

Teddy is a lovely wee boy who is always 

on the go. He loves his exercise and 

playing with squeaky toys! He can live 

with children who are 16 years old or 

over and needs his own secure garden 

to play in. Teddy is looking to be the only 

dog in the home. A calm, quiet home 

would benefit him. 

Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre, 315 

Hamilton Road, Uddingston, Glasgow, G71 7SL. Open: 12noon - 4pm (inc 

weekends); 12noon- 7.30pm on Tuesdays; closed: Wednesdays 

Wildlife 

Crime 

Strathclyde Police has 

a team of Wildlife Crime 

Officers who specialise 

in investigating wildliferelated 

crimes. To report a 

suspected wildlife crime or 

speak to an Officer, please 

call: Your local Police Office 

or Strathclyde Police HQ, 

173 Pitt Street, G2 4JS or 

call 101 or 999. 

LOST PETS SERVICE 

Johnstone Cat 

Rescue 

Please help us with 

fundraising. Call Sheena 

on 01505 337321. 

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. 

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.


Brighter Bridge of Weir 

The local primary school kids went back after the 

summer (?) break a couple of weeks ago. A few 

days before they did, some of our volunteers noticed 

that the footpath to the school was heavily overgrown 

- not just with weeds, but brambles, too: nasty, jaggy 

things and a trip hazard as well, as one of our volunteers quite recently 

discovered (her fractured wrist is healing, slowly). 

And so it was that they set out to clear the footway and generally tidy up the 

approaches to the school. 

The Group’s Secretary 

was going to take ‘before 

and after’ photographs, 

but an unexpected work 

commitment meant that 

the task was started 

earlier than planned, so 

he only got ‘after’ pictures. 

You can see one or two of 

them here. 

Throughout August 

residents and passers-by will have seen members of Brighter Bridge of 

Weir, in groups of varying 

sizes, out and about weeding 

here, watering there, 

deadheading everywhere 

else. The sharper-eyed may 

also have noticed a fresher 

face amongst the usual team. 

We’ve been joined by Eilidh 

Falconer, a local girl who is 

aiming for a Saltire Award. 

The local weather this 

summer has meant that the 

floral displays haven’t been 

quite as spectacular as we’d 

hoped, still, it’s been better 

than nothing, wouldn’t readers 

agree? We’re already thinking ahead to next year and how to get the most 

out of our increasingly fickle climate. Don’t forget - if you have any thoughts 

about making the village brighter, or any comment to make about our work, 

you can tell us on our Facebook page or contact us through our website 

www.brighterbridgeofweir.org . You can even tweet us @WeirBrighter. 

Oh, and put a note in your diary to keep 24th October clear for a fun night 

out. More details in the next issue. 

Kilmacolm Flower Show 

Saturday 5 September 

The Annual Flower Show in Kilmacolm takes place on 

Saturday 5 September in the New Community Centre, 

doors open at 11am with prizegiving at 3.30pm. 

Please come along to support the Show. If you are 

exhibiting please bring your entries on Friday evening 

between 6pm and 10pm. If you are coming to admire the cut flowers, the 

potplants or hanging baskets, or range of prize vegetables, we look forward 

to welcoming you. Also the jams and homebaking, the exquisite floral art, 

and the special entries in the children’s classes and the Picture Gallery. After 

the prizegiving there will be a sale of flowers and vegetables by donation at 

the close of the Show at 4pm. For further details, please contact Jill Russell 

(show secretary) on 01505 872393 

Colourful Kilmacolm 

September already! So we will have had our summer. 

The weather has certainly been disappointing, but it 

is surprising how well plants have coped. Each year 

we try out a different combination of plants and monitor 

them to see which do best. Of course, if the weather is warm 

and sunny, pretty well all plants will thrive, provided they are kept watered 

(not a problem this year!). This year our geraniums (strictly speaking, 

pelargonium’s) performed surprisingly well, both at the park and at the 

time capsule, and begonias provided a good splash of colour once they got 

going. Petunias, on the other hand, missed the sun and tended to sulk – 

much like us, I suppose. 

There is always a silver lining however. We have had pretty well 100% 

success with establishing our new plantings at the Pullman – stick them in 

and let nature and the Scottish summer weather do the rest! 

So, we learn from the successes and failures and plan accordingly for 

future years. Talking of 

planning, it will soon be 

time for the big changeover 

as we try to keep 

some colour and 

interest over the winter 

months. 

Have you spotted 

our members deadheading, 

tidying up, 

weeding, planting? 

Maintenance is ongoing 

and helpers are 

always needed. You too can join us, exercise your green fingers, meet new 

people, maybe have a coffee and a chat when the work is done. If you just 

want to support us as a ‘non-active’ member that’s fine too. Membership 

forms can be downloaded from our website www.colourfulkilmacolm.org.uk 

or you can phone Peter (01505 872448) or Diane (01505 872611). There 

are also lots of photos on our website showing what we have been up to 

so far.


51 51 

“Where’s the sun gone?!” were the cries heard most over 

the past month. With many hoping for an Indian summer, 

others are believing summer has been and gone! 

The ducklings on the reserve are now fully grown and if 

it wasn’t for the mother overseeing feeding, it would be 

hard to distinguish between them. 

In the wildlflower garden, Helichrysum italicum, or as it’s more commonly 

known “the curry plant”, remains a favourite with our visitors. 

At the visitor centre, our family of swallows that were nesting underneath 

our tower, have flown the nest. 

The first weekend of September 

(5th & 6th) sees the reserve hosting 

Renfrewshire Council’s Doors Open 

Day. So if you fancy coming along to 

see what the reserve has to offer and 

try your hand at pond dipping, bug 

hunting, going on a treasure hunt 

or even if you just fancy a nice walk 

along the trails, pop in and see us. 

Best of all, entry and all activities are 

free of charge. 

The reserve also has a second-hand 

book sale and auction 

coming up (Sat 12 – Sat 

19 Sept). Find a great 

natural history book 

or perhaps even find 

that special book in the 

auction.... 

For more details or 

to book on an event, 

please contact us at: 

01505 842 663 or email: 

lochwinnoch@rspb.org. 

uk


Windows on Wildlife Update 

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 

The heavy rainfall has unfortunately claimed another otter casualty on top 

of the female from last month. This time it was one of the two cubs, a young 

dog, who was found on the road and brought to me late at night, not long 

after he had been knocked down. This casualty really saddened me as 

we have done so well over the last few years in raising the awareness of 

drivers that otters may cross the road, which has seen the installation of 

the two ‘Caution Otters’ signs to replace the handmade (and my favourite), 

‘Slow Baby Otters’ signs. It has been almost 3 years since we last lost 

an otter on the road which was back in the early days of the Windows on 

Wildlife Project. You may remember Bob, our big dog otter who was the 

first otter that we caught on camera. Sadly he was caught out by the heavy 

rainfall and killed on the road. His son, Rob, then took over the territory after 

he matured and is still the resident dog otter. 

The cameras have captured 

fantastic interactions between 

all the resident otters and have 

really allowed us to promote 

their existence in the area. I 

am often asked if fencing could 

be put up to stop the otters 

crossing the road but this just 

wouldn’t be feasible. Most of 

the time they swim under the 

bridges but when the levels 

are high they won’t do this. The 

truth of the matter is that otters 

are low to the ground, slow, 

dark animals and can be hard 

to see as they cross the road. 

They are more likely to cross 

the road when it is raining so 

please get the message out 

there that, if it is or has been 

raining PLEASE slow down and 

watch for the otters. Most people in the area haven’t seen one and if you 

take your time driving on the A760 you might just spot one or more of these 

charismatic mammals. 

More Info… Details can be found on the Park’s website page www. 

clydemuirshiel.co.uk or by emailing wow@clydemuirshiel.co.uk. Footage 

can be viewed on the Park’s Youtube channel or on the WoW Facebook 

page. Talks to groups can be arranged if you are interested in finding out 

more about your furry and feathered neighbours. 

As we say goodbye to August, and with the kids back at school, we can 

reflect on a wonderful summertime had by all even though it was very wet. 

The estate is blooming with colour and from the Overnight Camping to the 

Duck Races and Falconry Day, we have had wonderful feedback from our 

visitors young and old. 

Our new Falconry Centre is near completion so look out for our Grand 

Opening Day coming soon. 

Tips of the month; now is the time to plant spring flowering bulbs; Daffodils, 

Crocus, Grape Hyacinth, and others, but wait until later in the year to plant 

Tulips. Watch for frost reports, and bring tender plants inside before the 

first one. 

For events in September, please see our What’s On section in this issue. 

Visit www.finlaystone.co.uk for more information 

Bridge Of Weir Horticultural 

Society 

Details of the Flower Show will appear 

in next month’s magazine. 

Despite cool and showery weather, 

there has been a great show from 

many garden shrubs and flowers. 

Hydrangeas and Hypericum are very 

floriferous this year and Roses and Clematis have also flowered well. 

Roses with single, 5-petalled flowers fare better in changeable weather and 

are less likely to suffer bud rot or bud drop. Double flowers rarely produce 

pollen and are, therefore, less attractive to bees. After flowering, prune rose 

stems back to sturdy new growth and an outward facing bud to encourage 

more flowers. 

Clematis cope very well with variable 

conditions. It is myth that a clematis 

likes its feet in the shade and its 

head in the sun. It is not the shade 

that the roots require, it is the water 

that lies in the shade. If clematis 

are given adequate watering and 

adequate mulching they will happily 

flower in full sun. 

If, as predicted, we are in for more 

varied and extreme weather patterns 

then choosing plants and shrubs to 

reflect these changing conditions will 

prolong their flowering season and 

help the bees. Nipping out for a little 

deadheading between the showers 

will also extend the flowering 

season. 

Thursday 8th October will find us 

getting together for our first meeting 

of the new season in the Royal 

British Legion. Our guest speaker 

will be Robert McCaw FCI Hort. Who 

will talk about the Plant Hunters. 

We look forward to meeting any 

new members and, of course, any 

visitors.


53 53 

Welcome to Scotland’s largest Regional Park 

Scottish Multi-Class Regatta 3 - 5 September 

It’s time for the Scottish Multi-Class Regatta! Come down and support 

your local teams on Saturday 5th at Castle Semple Loch and watch all the 

sailing action! All of our colourful hansa 303 dinghies look amazing when 

they are out competing, just see some of the amazing images online from 

Race 2 the Games 2014. 

Summer Event Fun! 

Our summer family events 

were a great success with 

some families needing 

carrier bags to take all 

their crafting creations 

home with them! Amongst 

the entertainments were 

lovely butterfly creations, 

amazing and huge dens 

were created and families 

have enjoyed cooking 

bannock bread over 

traditional campfires. 

Doors Open Day 

The Inverclyde Tourist Group are providing a FREE bus from Kelly Street 

Greenock, on September 13th at 1pm, up to Greenock Cut Visitor Centre. 

Contact Jean MacKenzie of Inverclyde Council if you would like to book a 

space! Castle Semple is the week prior and the Rangers will be running 

Tower Tours on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September. 

Outdoor Activity Courses 

There are still courses available if 

you want to learn a new skill or try out 

a new sport! Plus there’s always our 

kayaking, canoeing, powerboating 

and sailing taster sessions, there 

are also team games and archery if 

water isn’t your thing! Looking ahead 

we also have a Junior Multi Activity 

Week in the October break! 

New ‘What’s On’! 

The new ‘What’s On’ is out at the end 

of this month! Look out for it coming 

into Visitor Centres soon and pick up 

your copy. 

Keep up to speed with events and activities taking place on the Park’s Facebook facebook.com/ClydeMuirshielRegionalPark or 

Twitter @Clydemuirshiel pages. 

Plant Sale For Charities 

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! 

Ride 63 Club News 

See facebook for 

details, we meet on the 

last Thursday of the 

month and new time of 

fortnightly on a Sunday 

morning. Full details 

on Ride63 facebook. 

Email the Secretary 

at ridesixtythree@ 

gmail.com to become 

a member or email 

the Park at routes@ 

clydemuirshiel.co.uk for 

more information. 

CMRP Online 

Keep up to speed with 

events and activities 

taking place on the 

Park’s Facebook 

facebook.com/ 

ClydeMuirshielRegionalPark or Twitter @Clydemuirshiel pages. 

Regular Events 

Mondays (put not public holidays) - Lochwinnoch Community Walks meet 

10.30am at The Cross, Lochwinnoch. 

Weekly Volunteer Groups - Newcomers always welcome! 

Thursdays Castle Semple Conservation Volunteers, Adult group, from 

12.30pm – 3.30pm. 

Saturdays Greenock Cut Conservation Volunteers, Adult group, 10.30am 

– 2.30pm. 

Sundays Castle Semple Young Volunteers, 12-18 yr olds, 10am – 

12noon. 

End of season plant sales in the centre of Kilmacolm at the Cross outside the Library and Cargill Centre on Saturday 

12 September from 10am - 12noon. Admission Free, donations welcome. Beneficiaries - Parklea “Branching Out” 

receives 40%, the net remaining to SG Beneficiaries. Disabled access and dogs welcome.


Langbank Camera Club 

The club’s first meeting of the 2015/16 session will be held on Monday 14th 

September at 7.30pm in the Langbank Church halls. 

Paisley Colour Photographic Club 

The 2015-16 session of PCPC commences on Thursday 3rd September. 

The Club meets on Thursday evenings, 7.30pm until 10pm from September 

through to the end of April. Meetings take place at the William McMaster 

Community Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew, PA4 8LX. 

Over the coming months we will be providing more details of what’s on 

during the 2015/16 season. If you have an interest in photography, at any 

level, please do come along to our informal meetings. We are a friendly 

group of enthusiasts with a broad spectrum of experience whose interest is 

in sharing and improving their photographic skills. 

The images this month are a selection from previous competitions. The 

first image is by Gary Ramanathan of Wemyss Bay Station, prior to the 

refurbishment that is currently underway. The second image is by John 

Davies of the timber ponds near Langbank and the third image is by 

Campbell Watson of a scene at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. 

The print competition topic for September 14th meeting is “Seaside 

Architecture”. 

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

more about camera club please visit our website: www.langbankcameraclub. 

weebly.com or contact Derrick McPherson at langbankcc1@gmail.com with 

your enquiries. 

As ever, a quality, interesting, informative and varied syllabus has been 

compiled with a balance of presentations and competitions encompassing 

all popular aspects of photography. Our wide-ranging lecture programme 

this year includes photojournalism, press photography and underwater 

photography as well as landscapes and travelogues from Bhutan to Chile. 

As befits such a comprehensive programme, our lecturers this year also 

come from far and near. We will be exploring creative photography with 

London-based photographer Andi Edan and learning about farming with 

wildlife with Andrew Parsons from Newark. Nearer to home, we will be taking 

a close look at the Nevis area with renowned hill walker and photographer 

Alex Gillespie from Fort William and even travelling back in time to the 

1960s with Tom Doherty for a look at Glasgow’s people and places as seen 

through the lens of the late Eric Watt. 

There are also two Teach-ins per month September to April. During the 

summer months outings are arranged for every Thursday evening and also 

to special events (some images included). Perhaps most of all there is the 

friendly camaraderie of like minded enthusiasts. 

New members and visitors are assured of a warm welcome. For information 

and details of the coming session please refer to www.paisleycolour.co.uk


55 55 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Top 10 jobs for september 

Divide herbaceous perennials 

Pick autumn raspberries 

Collect and sow seed from 

perennials and hardy annuals 

Dig up remaining potatoes before 

slug damage spoils them 

Net ponds before leaf fall gets 

underway 

Keep up with watering of new 

plants, 

using rain or grey water if possible 

7 Start to reduce the frequency of 

houseplant watering 

8 Clean out cold frames and 

greenhouses so that they are ready 

for use in the autumn 

9 Cover leafy vegetable crops with 

bird-proof netting 

10 Plant spring flowering bulbs 

Late Sports 

News 

Gryffe Camera Club 

Gryffe Camera Club is currently closed for indoor sessions for the summer 

months, but have outings every Wednesday evening starting at The Carrick 

Centre, Houston at 7pm in the rear car park. 

We will be opening the evening sessions on Wednesday 9th September at 

7.30pm in the Carrick Centre with a ‘Welcome and Members Night’. 

Throughout the year there will be a programme of competitions, visiting 

photographers and lecturers. 

Everyone is welcome, whatever their level of photographic skills. 

Kilmacolm Camera Club 

Members are 

continuing to defy 

the wet summer 

in search of photo 

opportunities. 

Last month, some of 

us took a trip to the 

Greenock Cut. Just 

for once this summer, 

it was a rather 

pleasant evening. 

There were a number 

of photographic 

options – close-ups 

of plants, for those 

whose knees could 

take it, or some 

attractive views 

overlooking Greenock 

and the hills in the 

distance. 

Some images are 

shown here. 

Remember, there’s 

an outing planned 

for Tuesday 8 

Sept (destination 

unknown), setting 

off from Kilmacolm 

Cross at 7pm. 

Also, please note 

that our new season 

begins on Tuesday 

29 September. Come 

along and see what 

photographic pearls 

we have to offer in 

our 2015/16 Syllabus 

(full details on our website below). 

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/ 

Join us on Sunday 13 September 2015 for the running of the Kilmacolm 

Half Marathon, 10k and 3k, one of the biggest participation events in 

Inverclyde’s sporting calendar. 

Inverclyde Leisure have done everything to make this an enjoyable 

event for the runners and the people of Inverclyde. We also encourage 

families to get involved for a fun filled day! 

All races start at the Birkmyre Park Fitness Gym. 

Runners make their way through the streets of the village and surrounding 

countryside returning to the Birkmyre Fitness Gym for the finish. 

Electronic chip timing will be used. Every runner will be issued with a 

timing chip. Runners will be required to book in on the day and collect 

their race pack. 

Entry form and enquiries: Tel - 01475213123 or email 

robert.mcvitie@inverclydeleisure.com 

Entries cannot be taken over the telephone. 

On completing the online entry you agree that your photograph may be 

used for promotional purposes. Entry fee not refundable. 

Championships 2015 

The Club Championships were held at the weekend just as summer decided 

to arrive! After fierce competition over the early rounds, the finalists headed 

out on Sunday afternoon. 

In the Gents Final, Paul Reilly rolled in a 30 foot putt to win 1 up against 

Mac Menzies. Megan Briggs won the Ladies Final for the 12th time in a row 

against Val Lawrence, and Andrew Thomson won the Junior Final, beating 

Timmy Erskine 3&2. 

Congratulations to our 2015 Champions; Paul, Megan and Andrew.


Renfrewshire Golf Union 

Boys’ County Golf Champions 

The top juniors in the Renfrewshire Golf Union’s clubs returned to Ranfurly 

Castle Golf Club for the previously postponed Boys’ Stroke Play Championship. 

In testing conditions and with the event reduced to eighteen holes, Andrew 

Crusher from Eastwood returned a score of 76 which was matched by local 

member, Angus Frood. However, the Caven Trophy went to Caldwell’s Alistair 

McNaughton with an excellent score of 74. 

The top sixteen from the stroke play then fought it out at Kilmacolm Golf Club in 

match play for the Freedman Trophy which is awarded to the winner. The semi 

finals saw Alistair McNaughton face Lewis Breslin from Fereneze and Matthew 

Dalrymple (Old Course Ranfurly) against Whitecraigs’ Calum Elliot. With the first 

match all square, Alistair took command with birdies at 10, 11 and 13, but 

Lewis fought back to square the match after eighteen holes. Alistair eventually 

won his place in the final with a birdie two at the second hole. In the second 

semi final, Matthew was four up after 

eleven holes but, again, there was a 

brave fight back with Calum winning 

thirteen and fourteen to take the 

lead back to two. However, this was 

enough for Matthew to win two and 

one. 

The final was an excellent contest 

with both players establishing the 

standard with birdies at the first. 

Matthew added two more birdies in 

the front nine to be two up at the turn 

and was three up by the time the boys 

had reached the tough sixteenth. 

Both of them had birdie opportunities. 

Alistair’s rolled agonizingly past while 

Matthew slotted his putt for birdie 

number four and a four and two win. 

Photo above - Matthew being presented with the Freedman Trophy by Alison 

Murray whose family provided the trophy 

Youth Stroke Play Champion 

In the Renfrewshire Golf Union Youth Stroke Play 

Championship, Paul Dorrian of Greenock and 

Caldwell’s Sean Burns both recorded scores of 

74 and, under the competition conditions, were 

required to go to two extra holes. At Ranfurly 

Castle’s tight first hole, Sean found the rough right 

and, despite everybody’s best efforts, there was no 

sign of the ball after five minutes. He got a par with 

his provisional ball but Paul’s four gave him a great 

advantage. Sean went for broke at the eighteenth 

but found the tees left so Paul’s second par of 

the play off was enough for the Menzies Trophy to 

make its way to Greenock. 

Photo right - Paul Dorrian 

Gleddoch Ladies Golf Club 

Gleddoch ladies continue to have an enjoyable summer in spite of the dreadful 

weather. 

In the Mail on Sunday team competition, the team progressed to the fourth 

round for the first time, where they lost to Skelmorlie. 

On Sunday 9th August we had a wonderful Championship Final between Roisin 

Black (defending champion) and Shirley Back. Roisin had 8 pars over the 16 

holes and Shirley had 10 pars, with Shirley winning out 3 & 2. There was some 

wonderful golf and Shirley has now won the Championship a total of 10 times - 

a superb achievement. 

Also that weekend we 

“unveiled” our memorial 

bench, which is at the 

second tee, giving a 

beautiful view up river. 

Other recent results: 

July Medal: Silver division 

June Lockhart Bronze 

division Trixie Brown 

MacMillan Cancer Support: 

winner June Lockhart, 

runner up Margaret Adams 

Lady Captain’s Flag Day: winner Shirley Back, runner up Roisin Black 

Prize winners of finals day at 

Old Ranfurly Golf Club 

Photo Right: (L to R) Stuart 

McDonald (McCulloch 

Cup) Mairi and Derek 

Milne (Mixed Foursomes) 

Stephen Renfrew 

(Gents Champion) 

Fiona MacPhee 

(Ladies Champion) and 

Ciaran O’Brien (Junior 

Champion) 

Photo Left - New Gents champion 

Stephen Renfrew 

Old Ranfurly 

Ladies 

Photo right:- Old Ranfurly ladies outing to 

Hamilton. One of the few sunny golfing days 

this summer. 

Photo left:- Captain Anna MacDougall with 

winner Fay Storey.


57 57 

every Mo n d a y 

Ki l b a rc h a n Athletic Cl u b 

On-X, Li n w o o d, 7p m 

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990. 

5-a-s i d e Fo o t b a l l 

Po w e r l e ag u e Pa i s l e y 6p m 

Tel: Jim on 01505 874215; or jimbretherton@aol.com 

Br i d g e o f Weir La d i e s Ba d m i n 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 , Greenock, 6.30p m-8p m 

Contact Liz Baldwin, mobile 07944 607005 


Br o o k f i e l d Vi l l a g e Ha l l, 5.15, 6.15 & 

7.30p m 

every Th u r s d a y 

Ki l b a rc h a n Athletic Cl u b 

On-X, Li n w o o d, 7p m 

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990. 

Kilmacolm Wa l k e r s 

Bi r k m y r e Pa r k Pavilion, Kilmacolm 10a m 

David 01505 874192 kilmacolmwalkers@talktalk.net 


Bro o k f i e l d Village Ha l l, 9.15a m & 10.30a m 

Th e Sh o t o k a n Ka r at e Cl u b 

Wo o d l a n d s Pr i m a r y. Li n w o o d 

7p m - 8p m & 8p m - 9p m 

www.linwoodkarate.co.uk 

Fo o t b a l l Tr a i n i n g 

Jo h n s t o n e Hi g h Sc h o o l 6p m-9p m 

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details 

every Fr i d a y 


Bro o k f i e l d Village Ha l l, 9.15a m & 10.30a m 

18 Movement (Ta i Ch i) Ch i Ku n g 

St Fillans Ch u r c h Ha l l, Mo s s Rd, Kilmacolm 

10.15a m-11.15a m 

Gentle, relaxing exercise class. 0141 954 2456. 

every Sa t u r d a y 

Ad u lt Ta p Lessons 

Ca r g i l l Ce n t r e, Kilmacolm. l u n c h t i m e. 

Call Gail Ashley on 01475 531336 for details 

every Su n d a y 

Bi r k m y r e Ru g b y Cl u b, Kilmacolm 

Yo u t h Ru g b y Se c t i o n 11a m-1p m 

www.pitchero.com/clubs/birkmyre 

Family Fun Day 

On Sunday 5th July the Club held a Family Fun Day and, 

despite the torrential rain at the start of the afternoon, 70 

children and their families had a wonderful time. 2 bouncy 

castles proved to be a big success and the roofs kept the 

children almost dry!! 

The face painting was 

popular with all ages, 

including the Captain - 

Alan Gordon, who ended 

up with half the face of a 

tiger. Perhaps the whole 

face would have scared 

too many people away! 

Entertainment was 

provided inside and when 

the rain went off there 

was a lot of activity on the putting green. 

Hamburgers, hot dogs and candy floss completed the party 

atmosphere. Lets hope next year the weather is kinder to 

us and we are able to have a few holes of golf played as 

well. 

Table Tennis 

Houston Village Hall on Monday nights 

from 7.30pm - 9.30pm. All welcome. 

Donation £2. Call Mark Canning on 

07968 052538. 

Sporting Blog by 

“No diet will ever work unless we change the guilt 

ridden relationship with food” 

A few weeks ago I travelled to Manchester to attend a 

seminar with one of the top men in my industry – Phil 

Learney. 

He put up on the screen the above quote and I thought it 

was excellent and so true! I linked it back to my own clients; 

when on a Monday morning they come into their session 

and one of the first things they want to do is tell me if they 

have eaten badly over the weekend, had a takeaway or 

been out drinking. They feel guilty about it and want to tell 

me they had done it. 

Should they feel guilty? 

No. 

What some people class as a bad food, others don’t. 

Technically there are no good or bad foods – it is all just 

food. Food is a fuel, and just like a car needs petrol/diesel 

to go, the body needs food to fuel it to move and function. 

We define good and bad food around the control people 

Ladies Open Day 

Raises £400 For 

Dementia Charity 

98 Ladies played in 

Ranfurly Castle Ladies 

Open day on 23rd July. 

Our nominated charity 

this year was PLAYLIST 

FOR LIFE, a charity 

which is working to 

bring the benefits of 

personally meaningful 

music to dementia 

sufferers. We were 

delighted to raise £400 to help them in their work. 

Lady Captain Vicky 

Rennie presented 

the prizes to the 

winners, 1st: 

Evy Macgregor, 

Ranfurly Castle 

and her daughter 

Lisa McKendry, 

Dullater GC2nd 

Jan Macnab, 

Ranfurly Castle 

and her daughter 

Alison from 

Kilmacolm GC, 3rd: Anne Tweedie and Linda McDonald, 

Kilmarnock Barassie GC, 4th Sarah Eckford, Ranfurly 

Castle and Gillian McGinlay, Cochrane Castle GC and 5th 

Lesley McLatchie and Josie McLean, West Kilbride GC. 

All Raffle prizes and sponsored hole prizes were donated 

by members of Ranfurly Castle Golf club and Marion 

Munro and members of the Open day committee are most 

grateful for their support. 

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. 

Lesley Handley 

exhibit with it. Yes, if someone opens a pack of digestive 

biscuits and can sit and eat the whole pack in one go, with 

no real desire to stop – then this is a bad food – for them! 

However this is only because they lack control around 

eating it. If they can open the pack, have 1 or 2 and stop, 

then there is no real issue with it. Everyone tends to have 

different foods that they exhibit little or no control over, and 

this control then varies from individual to individual. 

I learned a lot on my seminar; a lot of things I can utilise 

to help people. It is not as clear cut as you may think, not 

as easy to just ask and get people to stop eating the foods 

in their diet that they lack control over, or more commonly 

known as ‘their unhealthy foods’. There are so many other 

factors involved that if taken into account at the onset will 

help to stop people rebounding back to their old habits. 

Lesley 

For more help or advice on Personal Training or nutrition 

contact me on 0773 627 4925, or e-mail Lesley@ 

fitsmartfitness.co.uk. For online Personal Training options 

go to www.fitsmartfitness.co.uk


Castle Semple Sailing Club 

Nith Raid weekend - sailing up the River Nith from Carsethorn to Dumfries 

The CSSC was again pleased to be able to take part in the annual race up the 

River Nith from Carsethorn to Dumfries. The race is held on the highest tide 

of the year which necessitates either capsizing or demasting your boat to sail 

under 3 bridges as you approach Dumfries town. 

Any outing by the CSSC is usually fraught with incidents and needless to say the 

Nith Raid weekend was no different....However first a few points to bear in mind 

when preparing to take a boat away for the weekend: 

1. If borrowing a car (as your own does not have a tow bar) make sure that the 

water in the coolant stays there and does not leak out; 

2. When a seemingly helpful colleague takes off the cap to said cooling container 

make sure he has a firm hand and does not drop cap into a difficult place in 

the engine to retrieve (of course this could be seen as an act of sabotage); 

3. Ensure that all essential sailing gear is packed i.e. check before you leave 

your house and not just as you have passed Hillington (i.e. Decathlon) heading 

for the M74 to discover that your buoyancy aid is actually elsewhere (and a 

detour to Decathlon at The Fort is pointless as that branch is shut). This will 

also avoid further annoying your spouse already annoyed by the above; 

4. When booking a B&B ensure that they do not employ a cleaner who puts her 

overalls in the washing machine with room keys in the pocket bending all the 

room keys rendering them fairly useless; 

5. When someone finally agrees to tow 3 or 4 stacked trailers and trolleys make 

sure that they are tied securely so as not to cause friction resulting in smoke 

and fire whilst driving from Carsethorn to Dumfries on a narrow busy road on 

a Sunday morning causing huge tailbacks. 

6. Do not make fun of someone seen to fall asleep at the table after copious 

amounts of alcohol when you could be caught doing the same thing! 

However moving on I think it is fair to say that the weekend was a great success 

with Brian Young and Steve Cochrane winning the race up the River Nith in a 

record time - you can be sure they will recount the whole adventure to anyone 

who cares to listen. 

Taking part: Brian Young and Steve Cochrane - Enterprise ; Steve Davison, Ross 

McGlennon and Angus Winchester in lasers; Crawford Johnstone and Dawn 

Kyne in the hobie 405. 

For further details about the event see www.thestove.org/nithraid . For further 

details of Castle Semple Sailing Club www.castlesemplesc.co.uk 

Brookfield Village Hall 

Monday’s: Callanetics at 7.15pm. Contact Gwyneth Bell on 07850 382238 

Wednesday’s: Callanetics at 5.15, 6.15 and 7.15pm. 

Thursday’s: Callanetics at 9.15am and 10.30am. 

Tap and Modern Dance Class, at 8pm (Liz Addison - 07535 903917) 

Friday’s: Callanetics, at 9.15am and 10.30am 

Renfrewshire Golf Union 

Reilly is Strokeplay Champion 

It is not often that a player dominates an event but this was certainly the 

case for Kilmacolm’s Paul Reilly at the Renfrewshire Golf Union Stroke Play 

Championship at Cochrane Castle Golf Club. His opening round comprised six 

birdies, three in each half, and twelve pars for a first round 65 to lead by six over 

local member Derek Anderson. Any suggestion that Paul would allow others 

into the contest was negated as he 

strolled to one under par playing 

the eighteenth where he carelessly 

bogied for a level par second round 

and an eight shot lead over Derek 

who shared second place with Paul 

Alexander from Caldwell. 

Leading scores: Paul Reilly 

(Kilmacolm) – 65-71 = 136; Paul 

Alexander (Caldwell) – 73-71 = 

144; Derek Anderson (Cochrane 

Castle) – 71-73 = 144; Jack Currie 

(Greenock) – 74-71 = 145; Second 

Match Play Title for Jack Currie 

The final stages of the Renfrewshire 

Golf Union Match Play Championship 

Paul in action 

took place in excellent weather 

at Cochrane Castle Golf Club with the challenging course set up well for the 

remaining four contestants. First up were Bonnyton’s David Dickson and 

sixteen year old Jamie Sinammon from Greenock Whinhill. David dominated 

the early stages and was five up after six holes. However, Jamie responded well 

and had reduced the deficit to three by the turn. 

He further reduced this to two but, after a brave 

fight back, he lost two and one. 

Jack Currie from Greenock won this title two years 

ago at East Renfrewshire at age fourteen which 

was an amazing achievement. His semi final 

opponent was Alan Kelly whose home course 

advantage came to the fore at the difficult first 

to go one up. Jack struggled to keep in the game 

in the early holes but soon commenced a hot 

putting streak which broke Alan’s heart and saw 

Jack finish three under par for a five and four 

victory. 

In the final, Dickson birdied the first and was 

one up with six to play. A par from Jack saw the 

match level and the magic putter was back at the 

fourteenth where a fifteen foot putt gave him a 

two and a one hole lead. Pars at the next two were 

good enough for a three and two victory. There is 

little doubt that no one in the past has had two 

Jack in action County Championships at the age of sixteen. 

18 Movement (T’ai Chi) Chi Kung 

18 Movement (T’ai Chi) Chi Kung (based on movements found in Yang Style 

T’ai Chi) was developed in China in the early 1980s as a gentle exercise system 

designed to promote health and well-being. 

The exercises are suitable for most age groups and physical conditions and can 

be carried out from a seated position where required. They do not require a 

great deal of physical effort and one of the main benefits is to teach us how to 

relax our muscles and joints and switch off from our busy lives. 

Classes are held at 10.15am on Friday mornings in St Fillan’s Church Hall, 

starting 4th September. Beginners always welcome. Email: a.gardiner@gmx. 

co.uk or phone 0141 954 2456 for information.


Megan selected for 

Home Internationals 

Many congratulations to RLCGA’s Megan Briggs who 

has been selected for the Home Internationals -- 

The Scottish Ladies Golfing Association has announced the 

following team for the Women’s Home Internationals at Royal Wimbledon Golf 

Club, London from September 9 to 11: 

Megan Briggs (Kilmacolm) Chloe Goadby (St Regulus) Gabrielle MacDonald 

(Craigielaw) Hannah McCook (Grantown on Spey) Kate McIntosh (Broomieknowe) 

Shannon McWilliam (Aboyne) Gillian Paton (Royal Montrose) Ailsa Summers 

(Carnoustie Ladies) Reserves Tara Mactaggart (Minto) Jen Saxton (Muckhart) 

Houston United’s New Strip 

Houston Utd 2000’s start new 2015/16 season with new away strip sponsor. 

Bridge of Weir estate agents Cochran Dickie are the away strip sponsors for 

the Houston Utd 2000’s team for the forthcoming season team. The team are 

pictured here in there new strips with the Cochran Dickie logo on the front of 

the tops. 

Letter From Beth Tweddle 

Dear Editor, 

I am writing to ask you and your readers to join me in supporting 

the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) Schools events. You can 

take part in physical activity that is fun, rewarding and heart 

healthy. The activities will raise money for your school, as well 

as contribute to lifesaving research into heart disease. 

I am urging schools in the Scotland to take part in a sponsored 

Skipathon or game of Ultimate Dodgeball in aid of the fight against heart 

disease. 

These events promote 

the importance of 

maintaining a healthy 

heart through regular 

exercise whilst 

raising funds for the 

BHF’s lifesaving work 

into the fight against 

heart disease. The 

scheme also allows 

schools and youth 

groups to keep 20% 

of the money they 

have raised, which 

they can put towards new equipment and resources to benefit their children. 

Last year, BHF’s school events raised over an amazing £711,221. This year, we 

want to top this total and with your help we can. 

Heart and circulatory conditions are responsible for nearly 15,000 deaths in 

the Scotland each year, that’s over 40 people every single day. We are asking 

people of the Scotland to sign up today and help the BHF to continue to save 

lives. To find out more and to sign-up, visit bhf.org.uk/schools-event 

Yours faithfully, 

Beth Tweddle, Olympic gymnast 

The Erskine 

Bridge Buster 

10k is now 

open for 

public entries! 

Erskine Sports Centre, Kilpatrick 

Drive, Erskine PA8 7AF. 

Sunday 20 September, 10.30am-1pm 

This year’s 10k run takes place earlier than in previous years due to planned 

road works on the Erskine Bridge. The new date of Sunday 20 September is a 

perfectly timed training run for anyone planning on running the Glasgow Half 

Marathon, which falls two weeks later. Hopefully the earlier date also means 

better weather than last year’s run! Whatever your reason for running, we’d love 

to see you take part. 

The Erskine Bridge Buster is a fun yet challenging 10k run, attracting a high 

standard of runner every year. Runners set off from the Erskine Sports Centre 

and head along the scenic waterfront, before heading through the woods at 

Booden Boo. Participants will then run across the landmark Erskine Bridge and 

back, which crosses the River Clyde. The race is run under UK Athletics Rules 

and is a Scottish Athletics permit event. 

There are a maximum of 200 entries in this event, which is priced both £10 to 

affiliated and unaffiliated runners. The race is open to all runners aged 15 & 

over on the day of the race. To confirm your place now you can do so securely 

online via Entry Central via the website http://www.entrycentral.com/Erskine- 

Bridge-Buster-10k 

If the maximum number of 200 is not reached via online entries then places 

will be available on the day at a cost of £12, on a strictly first come first served 

basis. 

There will be a post-run reception in the Erskine Sports Centre with prizes 

awarded to 1st Female and 1st Male runners, and medals awarded to all race 

finishers. 

It promises to be a fantastic event so we look forward to seeing you on Sunday 

20 September! 

Ellie O’Donnell & ‘Memphis’ 

July 2015 was a fantastic month for 

local Houston girl, Ellie O’Donnell. 

She competed with her pony in 

the 143 Working Hunter ‘Horse 

Of The Year Show’ qualifier at the 

Scottish Horse Show in Edinburgh 

and, not only won her class, but 

qualified for the prestigious Horse 

of the Year Show held in October 

in Birmingham! The following day, 

she was contacted by the Scottish 

International Working Hunter 

Team Coach to tell her she had 

also been selected to represent 

Scotland in their International team 

at Grantham in August. Both are 

fantastic achievements for the 16 

year old Gryffe High School pupil 

who has owned her pony ‘Memphis’, for almost 5 years. Ellie had travelled 

down south on several occasions to try and get her ‘Horse Of The Year Show’ 

qualification unsuccessfully, but then ended up qualifying on home ground! 

Team members wanted 

Bishopton playing field behind Co-op. 

Bishopton FC 2010 team (Primary 1s) 

Bishopton FC will be starting up our 2010 team in the next few 

weeks. We’ll start off training on the top park in Bishopton behind the co-op 

from 6pm-7pm on a Tuesday night. If interested please send your player’s 

details and a contact number. Anyone interested in getting involved in helping 

out with the team let us know by emailing : info@bishoptonfc.com 

Bishopton FC also have 2009, 2008, 2007 sections an adults male and female 

football teams. 

59 59


St Columba Church 

Playgroup & Toddlers 

Duchal Nursery 

School 

Playgroup is back and we look forward to seeing you! We have 

a very busy term planned with lots of new children arriving as 

well as old friends returning so look forward to fun and friendship 

together. We have a wide range of physical, creative and roleplay 

resources designed to stimulate the children’s cognitive 

and linguistic 

development 

with lots of 

opportunities 

for choice. 

Free play is 

supplemented 

by one to 

one adult-led 

activities or large 

group games so 

the children are 

always busy 

with a quiet book 

corner and jigsaws on offer too. Snack encourages independence 

and the chance to try something new and we also enjoy messy 

activities like sponge painting and shaving foam which you might 

not want to try in the house! We look forward to getting to know 

our new families and please come along for a visit at any time 

to meet our qualified and experienced 

Playleaders. Please contact Melanie our 

Playgroup Secretary for more information 

by emailing stcolumbachurchplaygroup@ 

gmail.com 

For information regarding our toddler 

group, please contact our Toddler 

secretary Beth for more information by 

emailing thebbles@hotmail.com 

We are holding our annual nearly new 

sale on Saturday 3rd October from 

10am in Kilmacolm Community Centre. 

If you would like to take a stall or you 

have items you wish to donate or for 

us to sell on your behalf please contact 

us on stcolumbachurchplaygroup@ 

gmail.com 

Kilbarchan Community 

Nursery 

The nursery has now started back and we welcomed back all returning 

children as well as some new faces. 

Children have been 

discovering all the 

different activities 

they take part in both 

indoors and outdoors. 

We will soon plan our 

new topic with the 

children using voting 

sticks to help them 

make choices about 

what they want to 

learn. 

We are delighted to welcome all the new 

children and their families to Duchal for the 

start of the year, it is such an exciting time. 

We have lots of fun activities to look forward 

to with various topics planned in addition to 

our weekly French and PE lessons. With 

our wonderful re-furbished garden we will be 

spending lots of time outside and making the 

most of our surroundings in Birkmyre Park. 

We also wish our “leavers” lots of luck and 

fun as they start their primary education at big 

school! For further information please look us 

up on Facebook or go to www.ducal.com. 

Kilmacolm Brownies 

Closing? 

We have just heard that it looks like the Kilmacolm 

Brownies will not be starting again after the summer 

as there is no one to take over from our retiring Brown owl. 

This is a vibrant group with a waiting list of girls hoping to get a place 

- there will be a lot of very disappointed girls when they find out what 

has happened. 

Please could you take time to think if you, or someone you know, might 

be able to give up an hour or 2 of their time each week to help out. 

There must be someone out there who would love to get involved. 

Please help our girls and spread the word and work to get a new leader 

in place. Contact Christine Haddock, District Commissioner – Bridge 

of Weir and Kilmacolm on 07801 644 998. 

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.


A Brave New World at 

Strawberry Fields Out-of- 

School Care 

61 61 

This month sees the closure of the nursery side of our business. While we 

are very sad that this is happening, it does allow space for the very popular 

Out-of-school care club to expand. Over the next month we will be taking 

over the use of the nursery building, converting it to accommodate the older 

age group and providing 

additional pre-school, afterschool 

and holiday care 

spaces. 

School holidays: During 

the summer the children 

enjoyed a variety of 

outdoor activities including 

using our bouncy castle; 

sharpening their archery 

skills; as well as several 

water fights to cool down. 

On the gloomier days the children were busy cooking, making dens and 

completing a number of “challenges”, including trying to build the fastest 

Lego car. We also managed to find time to visit local parks, soft play, the 

beach and the dinosaur exhibition at Kelvingrove museum. 

For information please contact Sam on 615315 or sam@sfnursery.com 

Closure of Strawberry Field 

Nursery, Houston 

Due to the retirement of Hamish and Yvonne Cook Strawberry Field 

Children’s nursery in Houston will close at the end of August. 

The Out of School Care Club will remain open, in fact it will expand into 

the vacant nursery building, with a big increase in the number of places 

available. 

Children’s Services Quality 

Awards 

Do you know a child or 

young person achieving 

great things in the 

face of adversity? Do 

you know any adults 

dedicated to making a 

real difference in the 

lives of our children an 

young people? If you do, Renfrewshire Council want to hear from you. 

Our Children’s Services Quality Awards 2015 are your opportunity to make 

sure they are recognised and rewarded. 

You can nominate pupils, teachers, social workers, Families First staff, 

foster carers, office staff. 

Nominations can be made up until Monday 14 September 2015 and all 

nominations will automatically be put forward to the short-listing round. 

Please ensure that you inform the person or team nominated, and their 

manager, that you have put them forward for an award. 

We have five award categories: 

Class and Teacher of the Year 

This award is for teachers and their classes where inspirational learning 

has taken place, high levels of pupil engagement have been experienced 

and better educational outcomes have been achieved. 

Young Achiever Award 

This award recognises young people aged up to 21 who have shown 

commitment and enthusiasm in a specific role or project and made a clear 

and positive impact. 

Making a Difference in Communities Award 

This award recognises young people and staff who have made a positive 

difference to their local communities. 

Closing the Gap Award 

This award recognises staff and initiatives which have had (or are likely 

to have) a positive impact on raising attainment for all and closing the 

educational attainment gap. 

Partnership Award 

This award recognises creative approaches to partnership working and 

integration. 

More information is available on our website at http://www.renfrewshire. 

gov.uk/webcontent/home/news/ce-spotlight-childrensservicesawards2015 

Strawberry Field Nursery was started nearly 20 years ago, in converted out 

buildings at Back O Hill farm which provided superb outdoor facilities for 

young children in its 2 1/2 acres of woodland and play areas. 

Mr and Mrs Cook have enjoyed working with parents and children at the 

nursery, but stated that childcare requirements have changed drastically in 

recent years with a huge amount of extra bureaucracy and mountains of 

paperwork. 

Hamish and Yvonne are looking forward to their retirement, with only a little 

involvement in the newly expanded Out of School Care. 

Wendy would like to sincerely thank all the staff who have worked extremely 

hard over the years. Their dedication and loyalty to the nursery has been 

hugely appreciated. Over the years we have made very strong bonds with 

present and past children which will always be special to us. We would like 

to thank the parents for all their support at this sad time as well as for the 

kind cards and gifts. 

Kilbarchan East Church 

Tots’ Club 

The club has now resumed on Monday mornings, organised by a group of 

volunteers from the church. Children under 3 years and their Mums, Dads, 

Grans etc will be made welcome. The cost is £1 per adult which includes 

coffee. This 

is a perfect 

way to meet 

new people 

if you have 

just arrived in 

Kilbarchan or 

just had a baby. 

The Kilbarchan 

Breastfeeding 

Group has 

information 

available each 

week at the 

Tots’ Club.


1st Houston and Crosslee 

Scout Group 

The group held a very successful presentation night at the end of June 

which was very well attended by both children from all the sections as well 

as parents and grandparents. 

A number of awards 

were presented 

by the new District 

Commissioner 

Ian Hunter on the 

night to each of the 

sections, including 

best patrols and 

best overall scout 

and explorers 

scout. The evening 

also showcased the 

highlights from all 

visits and activities 

that the sections 

participated in over 

Record Number of Twins Start 

Inverclyde Primary Schools 

the past year. Each of the section leaders presented a slide show which 

was well received by all. The evening ended with a coffee evening and 

drinks and sweets for the boys and girls. 

A number of the explorer section boys were also taking part in the camping 

holiday to Switzerland 

at the end of July. 

More on this trip will be 

included next months 

edition. 

It is expected that the 

groups AGM will take 

place in August and 

as part of the ongoing 

running of the Houston 

group, we are actively 

looking for parents to 

help out by joining the 

committee. Anyone 

interested should 

speak with a leader at 

registration night. 

A new record 19 sets of twins have begun their education at Inverclyde 

Council’s primary schools. 

The number could have been even higher if the parents of another two sets 

had not decided to defer sending their children to school for another year. 

Education & Communities Convener Councillor Terry Loughran said: “Every 

year we seem to have double-figures – no pun intended - of twins starting 

schools in Inverclyde and 2015 is no exception. 

I am delighted to be able to welcome them as they prepare to join their 

new classmates in their new schools and I am sure they will have a huge 

amount of fun. 

We have some of the best teachers working in some of the best schools 

in the country and thanks to the support of parents and the wider school 

communities we maintain high standards of learning across the board. 

I have always said – and I know it is a cliché – that our children are 

Inverclyde’s future as well as our biggest asset.” 

The twins gathered at Ardgowan Primary School in Greenock which has just 

undergone a £6 million refurbishment in time for the new school session as 

part of Inverclyde Council’s £270 million Schools Estate Programme. 

Provost Robert 

Moran was also on 

hand to wish them 

well for next week. 

He said: “The first 

day at school is a big 

deal for any child and 

I think it is wonderful 

these youngsters 

will be able to share 

the experience 

with their brother 

or sister. They’ll be Seeing Double - Inverclyde’s Twins 

joining another 54 

sets of twins who are already in primary schools across Inverclyde so it is 

likely to be another challenge for teachers to tell them apart.”


Kilmacolm Boy Set for Stardom 

A Kilmscolm boy is set for the experience of a lifetime by starring in a major 

play across the country. 

Wesley Wilson (8) will appear as Bert in Arthur Miller’s ‘All My Sons’ at 

theatres in Glasgow, Inverness, Kirkcaldy, 

Stirling and Edinburgh from 1 to 26 September. 

The Primary Four pupil at Kilmacolm Primary 

School will tread the boards at 22 shows in 

total across the country. 

Wesley, from Nursery Grove in the village, 

will be part of a fantastic cast led by Trudie 

Goodwin (The Bill, Emmerdale), acclaimed 

Royal Shakespeare Company and National 

Theatre favourite Paul Shelley and Robbie 

Jack of Gary: Tank Commander fame. Set 

just after the Second World War, All My Sons 

has been described as one of the classics 

of our time and 2015 marks 100 years since 

the birth of playwright Arthur Miller – onetime 

husband of screen goddess Marilyn 

Monroe. The production is being undertaken 

by Rapture Theatre, one of Scotland’s leading touring companies. 

Wesley said: “I’m really excited to be playing Bert. I can’t wait to be on all 

those big stages all over Scotland. It will be great fun.” 

St Columba’s School 

Prizegiving 

Wesley’s mum Eilidh Wilson, added: 

“This is a fantastic opportunity for 

Wesley and we are delighted for him. 

It has been very hard work and very 

long hours for him learning his lines 

and his stage positions. He will also 

miss a wee bit of school but it will all 

be worth it. Kilmacolm Primary 

has been very supportive of 

Wesley and I hope they’re proud 

of him too. It is a small part 

but having your son on stage 

speaking and interacting with 

famous actors is amazing experience for him. Some of the rehearsals 

are at The Beacon in Greenock so it’s nice to have him involved so 

close to home.” 

Wesley comes from a theatrical family, with big brother Calvin (12) and 

little sister Ariana (3) both having appeared on stage and television. 

Like his siblings, Wesley attends Vivace Theatre School in Glasgow 

where he studies Musical Theatre, Contemporary Dance and Ballet 

every week. 

He has performed with Musichoir at the Kings Theatre in Glasgow and 

appeared in Vivace’s productions of Frozen and Shrek. He has taken 

to acting, singing and dancing like a duck to water. When not treading 

the boards, Wesley loves playing football, swimming and attending Cub 

Scouts. 

It was a pleasure to welcome The Honourable 

Lady Wise QC, Senator of the College of 

Justice, as our guest of honour at Senior School 

Prizegiving and to have Olympians Eve Muirhead 

and Anna Sloan from the Scottish curling team at 

Junior School Prizegiving. 

SQA Results 

The Rector was delighted with this year’s SQA 

results, particularly at Higher where St Columba’s 

presented candidates for the New Higher for 

the first time. The results were the best in the 

School’s history with the highest ever proportion 

of As at 70.9%, the highest ever pass rate at 98.5%, and the highest 

number of candidates achieving five As at 37.3% of the year group. 

The Advanced Higher results showed a good pass rate of 93.5%, while 

the percentage of A’s was 44.1% which was significantly lower than last year’s record of 59.8%, but average for the 

School over the last ten years. The National 5 results were also most impressive with 78.6% at grade A. 

Development 

While the children were enjoying a well-deserved break over the summer, St 

Columba’s saw various developments that were progressing at an impressive 

rate in the (supposedly) warmer months. The Astroturf was completed for preseason 

training in August, the playground at Junior School was presented all 

colourful and ready for play and the refurbished Science Building opened its 

doors at Senior School, all at the start of session in August. 

Open Week 

Visit us during our Open Week from 9th to 13th November to see our Early Years, Junior and Senior Schools at work 

and play. We provide an all-through education with a wide range of opportunities for your child and offer wrap-around 

care from age 3. Our success is evident not only in the excellent academic results achieved, but also in the polite, 

articulate and quietly self-assured young people that you will meet in our classrooms, at an international debate, or on 

a rugby field. We pride ourselves in creating an environment that allows us to identify and nurture the unique talents 

and skills of each student, and encourage each one of them to realise their full potential. 

To book an appointment for Junior School please call 01505 872768 or 01505 872238 for Senior School and visit stcolumbas.org 

to find out more about us. We would love to show you what we can offer your child. 

63 63


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For an informal chat to 

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DEADLINES 

If you want something placed in the 

next issue either send an email to: 

info@advertizer.co.uk 

or call the office: 

01505 613340 (24hr ans) 

Fri 18 Sept 

OCTOBER ‘15 ISSUE: 

• Deadline: 18 Sept 

• Delivery: 2 October 

NOVEMBER ‘15 ISSUE: 

• Deadline: 16 October 

• Delivery: 30 October 

PROPERTY 

HOLIDAY 

HOMES 

65 65 

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: 335562. 

Houston, Carrick Centre. Tel: 612203 / 331488 

Houston, Compass Centre. Tel: 615441 / 612617 

Kilbarchan, Guide Centre. Tel: 702758. 

Kilbarchan, Old Library Centre. Tel: 706070 

Kilmacolm, Cargill Centre. Tel: 873994 

Kilmacolm, Brownie/Guide Hut. Tel: 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. 

Church of the Nazarene: Village 

Hall, Main St, Houston PA6 

7EL. Rev Benito S Coetzee. 

Family services at 10.30am 

with full toddler, children 

& youth activities running 

concurrently with the service. 

Youth meets at 6.30pm-8pm 

on Sundays. Word and Table 

Quiet Service held from 9am- 

9.30am every 3rd Sunday. 

www.houston.nazarene.org.uk 

Houston and Killellan Kirk: 

Church of Scotland, Scottish 

Charity no SC 012822. www. 

houstonkirk.org 30 Aug: 11am 

Morning Worship, Cradle Roll 

and Sunday Club Rededication 

Service. 6 Sep: 9.45 Early 

Service, The Sacrament of Holy 

Communion, 11am Morning 

Worship, Re-Dedication of 1st 

Houston Boys’ Brigade and 

Girls’ Brigade. 11 Sep: 7pm 

Dedication of Killellan Halls 

and 140th Anniversary of Kirk 

Building, Guest Preacher The 

Very Rev John P. Chalmers, 

Past Moderator of the Church 

of Scotland. 12 Sep: 3pm 

Memorial Service of John David 

Makgill Crichton Maitland. 13 

Sep: 11am Morning Worship. 

2 0 S e p : 11 a m H a r ve s t 

Thanksgiving Service and The 

Sacrament of Baptism (Our 

Harvest gifts will be for the 

local Food Bank) 27 Sep: 9.45 

Early Service 11am Morning 

Worship 

St Fillan’s, Main St, Houston: 

Sun Masses: Vigil (Sat) 5pm, 

9.30am & 11am. Weekday 

Mass: Tues-Sat 9.30am except 

Thurs, 7pm. Reconciliation: Sat 

10-10.30am and after Vigil Mass; 

Thurs 7.30-8pm. Exposition: As 

announced. 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 

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. 

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. The Midweek 

Fellowship meets on a 

Wednesday at 10.30am in 

the West Church Session 

House. All services conducted 

by the Rev Stephen Smith. 

Creche, Junior church and 

FEWsion/Bible Class meet at 

10.45am. 

KILMACOLM 

Kilmacolm Old Kirk: Church 

of Scotland (Charity 

no. SC009291).www. 

kilmacolmoldkirk.org.uk. 

Minister Rev Dr Peter McEnhill 

(01505 873174). Morning 

Worship - Sundays 11am, all 

welcome Sunday School & 

Crèche available. 

St Columba Church of Scotland: 

(charity no SC007992) 

Morning Worship Sundays 

at 11am. Prayer Meeting 

Thursday 8.15pm. 

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 

Grace Church Kilmacolm: in 

association with the Free 

Church of Scotland - Sunday 

Ser vice at 10.30am in 

Kilmacolm Scout Hut - all 

welcome. 

Buddhist meetings: Buddhism 

of Nichiren Daishonin. Phone 

Margaret on 01505 871343 

St Fillan’s Episcopal Church 

(in Anglican Communion): 

Everyone 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. 

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 

Gro Clock Sleep Trainer VGC 

£10, Tel 01505 874870. 

Britax Baby Safe Car Seat 

black, height adjustable, suitable 

fr birth until appr. 2 yrs 

old, 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. 

Britax Car Seat black forward 

facing, 15-36 kg, good cond. 

£20. Tel 01505 874870. 

Clothes & Shoes 

Tap shoes pink junior size 10 

£10. Tel: 01505 874870. 

Ballet shoes pink junior size 9 

£5. Tel: 01505 874870. 

Household & Garden 

De humidifier - make De Longhi, 

as new. W14” x H21”. £50. 

Tel: 01505 337106. 

Chair, small round front gold 

corded velvet. H30” x W18’. 

£18. Tel: 01505 337106. 

Bathroom mirror with shelves, 

bronze outer edge glass with 

mirror inset bought in Italy. 

£25. Tel: 01505 337106. 

Fireplace Pine and pale marble 

surround £130. Tel: 01505 

337106. 

Futon - small double. Wooden 

frame, Ikea, with cream seat/ 

mattress. Exc cond. £5. Tel. 

01505 610452. Genuine 

reason for sale. 

Super King Bed, wooden sprung 

slats. Brushed chrome ornate 

head and foot frame. Virtually 

new. £10. Tel. 01505 610452. 

Genuine reason for sale. 

3 Parker Knoll occasional chairs, 

classic design, mahogany, in 

need of re-upholstery. £120 

ono. Tel: 01505 703786. 

Riefler compass set drafting 

tools new in box. £15. Tel: 

01505 614503. 

MacDonalds suite - 3 seater, 

2 seater and armchair. Terracotta. 

Exc Cond. Fire Certificated. 

£450. Tel: 01505 

341611. 

2 large 2 seater brown leather 

settees. Nearly new. £500 for 

quick sale. Must be uplifted. 

Tel: 07969 569643. 

Bed Settee folds flat makes 

double bed green removable 

cover fitted proper mattress 

£100. Tel: 07791 688240. 

Ercol, one 2 seater settee, plus 

one chair, light wood frame 

with Bergere sides. Cream 

colour chenille fabric covers, 

removable for cleaning. VGC. 

Photos available. £700 ono. 

Tel: 0141 580 6996 or 07789 

707381. 

Portable clothing rail £7.50. 

Tel: 01505 325877 or 07821 

087822 in Brookfield. 

Double Bed slatted with perfect 

IKEA mattress. £150. Tel: 

07791 688240. 

Reclining cream leather chair 

with stool. Good cond. £60 no 

offers. Tel: 07791 688240. 

New pine table and 2 high 

back stools £35. Tel: 01505 

612726. 

Large Mirror. £25. Tel: 01505 

612726. 

Nest of 3 G Plan Tables. £30. 

Tel: 01505 612726. 

Traditional Brass Table Lamp 

with cream shade. £20 ono. 

Tel: 01505 615039. 

Inflatable single bed, full bed 

height, used only twice, £40 

new, now only £20. Tel: 01505 

872442. 

Propagation tent: Hydroponics 

Grow Tent Bud Dark Room 

2.4m X 2.4m X 2m. VGC. 

£160 new, yours for £80. Tel: 

01505 872442. 

Flymo multi trimmer and wheel 

barrow. £25. Tel: 01505 

614503. 

Flymo garden vac. £20. Tel: 

01505 614503. 

Flymo Turbo Compact 350 

in good working order, with 

stacks of cable. £25 ono. Tel: 

01505 690763. 

Greenhouse, high quality aluminium, 

only 3 years old. 

Easily transported. Cost 

£900, sell for £58. Tel: 07986 

812483. 

Electrical & Gas 

Cast Iron Baxi “Windermere” gas 

stove glass door brand new 

£120. Tel: 07791 688240. 

Pets 

Puppy pen. Divides into 8 panels 

for easy storage when not 

in use. Also ideal for small 

pets such as rabbits and 

guinea pigs to play safely in 

garden. Paid £40. Will sell for 

£20. Tel: 01505 614692. 

Sports 

Pool table 6ft long, 3.3ft wide, 

2.8ft high, complete with 2 

cues and balls, VGC. £40, Tel: 

07967 769447. 

Golf irons S/S 2nd hand -2sets 

(9) 1 £20 & 1 £10. Golf push 

trolley £7.50. Golf shoes F/J 

1 black 10. & 1 white 10.5 £5 

pp. Golf bag Cobra £7.50. 

Golf Drivers plus £5 each. 

Tel: 01505 325877 or 07821 

087822 in Brookfield. 

Ladies bike “Townsend Python” 

(17 gears) £30 ono. Tel: 

01505 347316. 

Golf:- bag, umbrella, Ladies 

Woods (Driver, 4, 5, 7 & 9). 

Irons “Founders” (PW, 9, 

8, 7, 6, 5 & long iron). £50 

for everything. Tel: 01505 

347316. 

Vintage Raleigh “Superbe” 

Gents 23” Green frame 3 

speed dynohub made approx 

1950. £180 phone 07791 

688240. bensloch@hotmail. 

com 

Vintage Dutch Sit up & Beg 

gents 25” frame 28” wheels 

hub brakes well used bike 

£80. Tel: 07791 688240. 

Ladies bicycle 20” frame clean 

& tidy ATB road bike £65. Tel: 

07791 688240. 

Toys/Games/DVD 

Gemini 4ft Football Table - exc 

cond only 3 months old. Cost 

£85 new sell for £35. Tel: 

01505 690658. 

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. 

Sylvanian Families ‘House on 

a Hill Mansion’ complete with 

furniture and various animal 

families. Exc Cond. £65. Tel: 

07968 773114. 

Other Items 

Roof bars with two lockable 

cycle carriers. Suit Volvo 

V70 or similar. £75 ono. Tel: 

01505 872626. 

Autobooks - Owners Workshop 

Manuel 760. VW Beetle and 

Karmann-Ghia (1968- 1974) - 

£15. Tel: 01505 343321. 

2 rolls of Laura Ashley Oriental 

Garden wallpaper in Natural, 

both same batch number. 

£30. Tel: 01505 703416. 

Android Smart Phone dual 

sim free big screen 5” white 

perfect working condition 

£150. Tel: 07791 688240. 

bensloch@hotmail.com 

Haynes Owners Workshop 

Manuals:- VW Polo & Derby 

(1976- 1982) £7; VW Polo 

(1982- 1990) £7; Saab 99 

(1969 - 1979) £7; Saab 95 

(2005-2010) petrol and diesel 

£12; Saab 90, 99 and 900 

(1979 to 1987) £10; Vauxhall 

Nova (1983 - 1993) £7; Peugeot 

205 (1983 - 1993) £10; 

Ford Fiesta (1983 - 1989) 

£10; Ford Escort (1980 - 

1990) £7; Citroen 2CV (1967 

- 1984) £10; Triumph TR 2, 3, 

3A, 4, 4A (1952- 1967) £15. 

Tel: 01505 343321. 

Shooting Stick leather seat £25. 

Tel: 07791 688240. 

Apple I Phone 5 on EE T mobile 

Virgin perfect working order 

been protected in case with 

charger £180. Tel: 07791 

688240. Bridge of Weir. bensloch@hotmail.com 

Camera 35mm with tele lense 

complete ready to use new 

battery and film. £60. Tel: 

07791 688240. 

Polo 999cc, MOT, Y reg, silver. 

lovely offers. Tel: 07791 

688240. 

2 new 205/50/17 Runflat Goodyear 

winter tyres. NEW. £120 

for both. Tel: 07885 100077. 

3 x Wooden (with metal fittings) 

Farm Gates 71”W x 65”H at 

highest point. Any reasonable 

offer considered. Tel: 01475 

711616. 

Nissan Almera Tino 1.8L, 02 

Reg, 54,000 miles. MOT to 

March. 6 year service history. 

£400. Tel: 01505 872935. 

Small upright Barratt and Robinson 

teak piano in good 

cond. £170ono. Tel: 07967 

769447. 

Yamaha PSR 262 keyboard 

and power adaptor. Suitable 

for beginner. £15. Tel 01505 

690688. 

Stentor Violin full size. Includes 

case £50. Also shoulder 

rest for violin £5. Tel: 07815 

606022. 

ADVERTISING 

sales & wants ad rates: 

UP TO £200 ....... FREE 

£201 to £500 ..... £5.00 

£501 to £1000 ... £10.00 

OVER £1000 ..... Call for details. 

Use our Sales & Wants form and post to 

The Gryffe Advertizer, Neva Place, Bridge 

of Weir, PA11 3PN. 

or email your items to info@advertizer.co.uk 

The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS 

The Law requires that Advertisers selling goods in the course 

of a business MUST include the word Trader, Dealer, Agent, 

Breeder or appropriate wording in the Advertisement to 

distinguish from private advertisers. 

F R E E C Y C L E 

Do you have ‘stuff’ 

cluttering up your 

home that’s too good 

to throw out but 

may be of use to 

someone else? 

FREE: 4-ring Zanussi ceramic 

hob, 1 ring halogen, plus connection 

cable, good working 

order. Tel: 01505 872442. 

FREE: TV stand, glass, good 

condition Tel: 01505 872442. 

FREE: 2 seater sofa + 2 single 

chairs, beige velour with 

wooden legs, wide armrests, 

very comfy, too old to sell, 

but too good to put out. Tel: 

01505 872442. 

FREE: Heated seat cushion for 

car - 12V plugs into lighter 

socket, black. Tel: 01505 

872442. 

FREE: Dressing table & padded 

stool, wooden, no mirror, 3 

drawers each side. Good condition. 

Tel: 01505 872442. 

FREE: Stainless Steel cooker 

hood, in great condition, new 

kitchen results in sale. Tel: 

01505 872442. 

Wanted Items 

Ladies bowls size 0 heavy. Tel: 

01505 873051. 

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. 

FREE: Fax machine & copier 

(plain A4 paper) plus two 

cordless phone handsets, 

with handbook. Tel: 01505 

872442. 

FREE: Dog in-car kennels x2, 

pop-up, fold down. 1x rectangular 

shape, suits medium 

dog (used for a collie). 1x 

pyramid shape, suits large 

dog (used for a labrador). Tel: 

01505 872442. 

FREE - Elderly Ladies Bicycle. 

Requires tidying up due to 

being in garden shed for some 

time. Tel: 07842 715261. 

FREE: Wet-suits various: would 

suit size 5’9” to 6’0”. Tel: 

01505 872442. 

FREE: Witch’s broomstick for 

Halloween dress-up. Tel: 

01505 872442. 

FREE - 20 family history magazines 

from 2005-2010. Tel: 

01505 873986. 

FREE - 14” Qualcast Suffolk 

Punch Petrol Mower (started 

last year, for some reason 

won’t this!) Tel: 07803 

628866. 

FREE - Brand new Lamona 

single bowl inset sink L or 

R handed. Will fit 500mm 

base unit. Polished steel with 

plumbing kit and waste. Tel: 

07803 628866. 

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 . . 10 

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 52 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 16 

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 52 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 16 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 35 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 24 

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 

AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

Alistair Stewart - Driving Ins . . 16 

Amaretto Ristorante & Pizzeria . . 9 

Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 51 

Architectural Drawings . . . . . 30 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 40 

Art Windows and Doors . . . . . . 13 

Ashes Hair & Beauty . . . . . . . . 39 

Barking Mad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11 

Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Beginners Yoga - Sara Marijuan . . 59 

Bell Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 34 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 

BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 53 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 6 

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 2 

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 3 

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 8 

Cammac Roofing & Renewables . . 35 

Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 

Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 23 

Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Chips Away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Classique Window Blinds . . . . 6 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Clyde Coast Décor . . . . . . . . . 5 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 7 

Conservatory Conversions . . . Bk 

Corum Property . . . . . . . 27,28,29 

Council Events . . . . . . . . . 18,19,21 

Crafts of Calder Gallery . . . 16 

Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 51 

CRW Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 4 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 51 

Dog Treat Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 14 

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

ERA School of Dance . . . . . . . . 63 

Everest Windows . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 23 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 30 

First Domestics . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Flu Clinics - Dr Smith & Partn . . 34 

Francesca Rossi Fashion Boutiq . . 41 

G J Tiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 

Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 52 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

Gibb Stuart Ironmongers . . . 32,33,43 

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 51 

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 14 

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 31 

Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 15 

Happy Rambles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 6 

Ian Livingston Decorating . . 16 

Ideal Flooring Service . . . . . 5 

Iron House Stoves Limited . . 7 

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 7 

James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 

JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 14 

JBM Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 4 

JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 12 

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 4 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 20 

Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 15 

Kerr McAuley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 45 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 21 

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1,30 

Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 

Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 30 

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 15 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

MattVac Carpet & Upholstery Cl . . Bk 

MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 12 

McDonald Decorators . . . . . . . . 45 

McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 5 

Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 5 

MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 39 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 8 

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 39 

Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 18 

P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 12 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Purple Tree Care . . . . . . . . . . 51 

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 50 

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 5 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 49 

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 

Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 40 

Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk 

Suzanne’s Grooming Pad . . . . . 49 

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 14 

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 2 

TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

The Furniture Barn . . . . . . . . . 3 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 61 

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 53 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 51 

Willow Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 15 

Woofers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

Accountants & Financial 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 24 

Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 30 

Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk 

Architectural Services 

Architectural Drawings . . . . . 30 


Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Art, Gifts & Flowers 


Automotive Services 

AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

Chips Away . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 31 

Bathrooms 


Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11 

CRW Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 


Bedrooms 


Blacksmith & Metalwork 

Iron House Stoves Limited . . 7 


Building Services 

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 

BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 53 



DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 










Business Services 


Care Services & Homes 

Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 7 

Catering 

Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 15 

Cleaning & PowerWash 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 



MattVac Carpet & Upholstery Cl . . Bk 

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 


Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Coffee Shops 


Willow Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

Computer, IT & Web 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 


Council Notices 

Council Events . . . . . . . . . 18,19,21 

Driveways 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Driving Instructors 

Alistair Stewart - Driving Ins . . 16 

Electricians 

Bell Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Fencing 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 


Firewood & Logs 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 

Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 5 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 53 

Framing 


Funeral Services 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 4 

by category 

Garage Doors & Gates 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Garden Service & Design 

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 52 

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 52 

Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 51 


Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 51 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 51 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 52 



MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 50 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 53 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 51 

Gas & Heating Services 



GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 




Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Glazier 



TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Hairdressers & Barbers 



Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 39 

Health, Beauty & Fitness 



Beginners Yoga - Sara Marijuan . . 59 

ERA School of Dance . . . . . . . . 63 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 23 

Flu Clinics - Dr Smith & Partn . . 34 

Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 45 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 21 

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 8 

Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 40 

Home Hardware 

First Domestics . . . . . . . . . . . 16 


contact us 

Home Improvements 



CRW Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

Ideal Flooring Service . . . . . 5 

Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Home Interiors 

Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 


Classique Window Blinds . . . . 6 



Home Security 

Bell Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 6 

Joiners 

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 23 


JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 


McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 14 




TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 15 

Kitchens 



CRW Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 



Locksmiths 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Painters & Decorators 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 16 

Clyde Coast Décor . . . . . . . . . 5 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Ian Livingston Decorating . . 16 

James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 

John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 12 

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

McDonald Decorators . . . . . . . . 45 

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Pest Control 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 5 

Pet Services & Training 

Barking Mad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

Dog Treat Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

Happy Rambles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 49 

Suzanne’s Grooming Pad . . . . . 49 

Woofers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

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: (#253) Oct 2015 

Deadline: Fri 18 Sept 2015 

Plasterers 


Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 23 



Plumbers 




GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 



JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 


Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

Property, Sales & Let 

Corum Property . . . . . . . 27,28,29 


Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Removals 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 10 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Renewable Energy 


Restaurant & Bars 

Amaretto Ristorante & Pizzeria . . 9 


Retail 

Francesca Rossi Fashion Boutiq . . 41 



Roofing 











Solicitors 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 35 


Special Occasions 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Taxis & Minicoach hire 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 20 

Tiling 

G J Tiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 14 

Kerr McAuley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Travel Agents 

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Tree Surgeon 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 


LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 

Purple Tree Care . . . . . . . . . . 51 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 53 

TV & Satellite 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 4 

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 

Upholstery Services 

P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 12 

Window Cleaners 



Window, Consv & Repair 


Art Windows and Doors . . . . . . 13 


Everest Windows . . . . . . . . . . . 16 


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

252 September 2015 - Gryffe Advertizer

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