273 June 2017 - Gryffe Advertizer

June 2017 No.273 

View to Kilmacolm by Caroline Brodie 

FREE 

COPY 

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Distributed to: 

• Bishopton 

• Bridge of Weir 

• Brookfield 

• Elderslie 

• Houston 

• Howwood 

• Kilbarchan 

• Kilmacolm 

• Langbank 

• Lochwinnoch 

• Quarriers 

FOLLOW US 

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your LOCAL community magazine June 2017 No. 273 

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PLEASE TAKE A FREE COPY OF YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

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pick up a copy 

Bishopton: Post Offi ce, Woodrow’s Store, Keystore, Library, 

Ingliston Country Club 

Bridge of Weir: Gibb Stuart, Bernie’s Cafe, 

Lochnagar, The Bridge, Library (Cargill 

Centre) 

Erskine: Garden Centre, Library, Sports 

Centre, Swimming pool 

Houston: Co-op, Carrick Centre, Post Offi ce, 

Newsagent 

Howwood: Village Store, St Vincent’s Hospice 

Johnstone: Henderson Kilts, Papa Mac’s, 

Library 

Kilbarchan: Sheridan’s Store, Campbell’s, 

Newsagents, Bobbins, Old Library Centre 

Kilmacolm: Newsagent, Cross Café, 

Gibb Stuart, Cargill Centre, Library 

Langbank: Finlaystone Visitor Centre 

Lochwinnoch: Keystore, McKillop Centre, 

Library, Castle Semple Centre, Newsagent

@GryffeAds www.advertizer.co.uk june 2017 

3 3


This Month 

contact us 

The Gryffe Advertizer, 1st floor, Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN 

t: 01505 613340 e: info@advertizer.co.uk w: www.advertizer.co.uk 

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. 

The Gryffe Advertizer cannot be held responsible for unsolicited materials. The views and opinions by 

contributors in this magazine may not represent the views of the publishers. The Gryffe Advertizer takes no 

responsibility for claims made by advertisements in this publication. 

contents 

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

legal blog......................8 

optical blog.......................10 

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

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

finance & tech.................24-29 

it blog...............................24 

financial blog.........................26 

local history......................28 

on the road.....................31 

book people.....................33 

village news....................34-45 

pet news.....................46-47 

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

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

school news.................54-58 

photography blog..............55 

sport news....................59-63 

sporting blog.....................63 

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

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

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

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

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

advertizer directory................67 

The month of June is one of the busiest of the year. We’ve got a real high-octane 

adrenaline rush with the return of the P1 Scottish Grand Prix of the Seas, and 

for the petrol-heads, St Vincent’s Carfest, Milngavie Classic Car Show and the 

Erskine Classic Car Show. Lilias Day, along with Lilifest, Bridge of Weir Gala 

Week, Bishopton Day, Lochwinnoch Gala Day, Kilbarchan Agricultural Show, 

Houston Agricultural Show and the Hessilhead Open 

Day are all great fun and entertaining - lots 

of things for all the family to enjoy. If we’ve 

missed any we apologise - please make sure 

we get your details by our issue deadlines. 

There have been changes to the local Wards, 

and that brings a mix of regular and new faces 

to our list of local Councillors. We’ve got an 

updated list on p24 and we look forward to 

hearing more from them about what’s going 

on in the local area in the coming months. 

The Local Plan is under review. The Local 

Plan sets out local planning policies and 

identifi es how land is used, determining 

what will be built where. Adopted 

local plans provide the framework for 

development across the country. Inverclyde 

and Renfrewshire residents were asked for 

their input prior to the deadline at the end 

of May. I appreciate the need for further housing and the additional income for 

local traders would be welcomed I’m sure. However, I do question whether there 

are suffi cient resources in these villages for these additional houses. Already 

places at local schools are at a premium, with lengthy waits to get a doctor’s 

appointment, congested parking and the roads which feed these villages are in 

some areas in desperate need of upgrades and improvements. 

Staying with development. In Kilmacolm, it is very encouraging to fi nally see 

some structure going up at the site of the former Institute building at the Cross. 

Progress ground to a halt for an extensive period, but at last it’s taking shape. 

The new build will be a mix of residential fl ats above two shops, with residential 

parking and delivery space in the basement area off Smithy Brae. It is hoped 

that the larger of the two shops will house a much improved Co-Operative store, 

relocated from Lyle Buildings. There will clearly be some time of disruption whilst 

works are in progress, but hopefully the completed build and improvement to 

the village environs will be well worth it. 

After a long dry spell, the welcome rain (for gardeners anyway) has caused 

the foliage to explode. However, gardeners beware. It’s still nesting season 

and some chicks and young birds haven’t left home yet. Please be wary when 

pruning and trimming hedges, trees and large shrubs. Have a quick look in the 

branches before beginning just in case there’s a nest there. Nesting season is 

nearing an end for most local bird species, so a short delay in the gardening 

schedule is all that’s needed. 

And fi nally, some local business successes when the month of May 

brought us a number of Award winners from the local area. Cochran 

Dickie won Silver at the ESTAS, The Fox & Hounds won Best in Renfrewshire 

at the National Pub & Bar Awards, and Bluewater Dental and Kilbarchan 

Dental were both shortlisted in the Scottish Dental Awards. 

Well done everyone! Here’s to a brilliant June! 

Rona


Has Your Double 

Glazing Steamed Up? 

Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have 

become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues 

with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be 

noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. Why 

not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you 

have any failed double glazing? 

Now, you may think you need to replace the whole window 

including the frames and all the hardware, however 

Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving 

solution … Just replace the glass!! 

We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free 

no obligation quote. Once the quote is completed, we will sit 

down with you and explain the problem and tell you how we can fi x it. 

Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which 

Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year 

guarantee. Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all 

windows and doors. 

Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Peter Brummitt and he services 

the Wider Gryffe area. So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged 

give Peter a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118. 

5 5


Co-op Stores & Food Bank - 

‘urgently needed in June’ 

The CO-OP stores in Bridge of Weir, Kilbarchan, Houston and Bishopton all now 

have Renfrewshire Food Bank donation bins and for the month of June we 

‘urgently need’ the following – 

*UHT MILK* *CEREAL* *TEA* *COFFEE* 

*TINNED CUSTARD/RICE PUDDING* 

*1 LITRE CARTONS OF JUICE (ORANGE/APPLE/PINEAPPLE etc) 

FROM SHELF NOT CHILLER* 

*JAM* *TINNED POTATOES* 

*MENS SHAVE GEL* *TAMPONS/SANITARY TOWELS* 

Thanks to you all for your kindness - The Trussell Trust. 

Dinner/Dance 

Every Saturday night from 8pm - 11pm at Willow Bank 

Hotel, 96 Greenock Road, Largs. Booking essential. 

Call 01475 675435 for further information.


7 7 

Photos & Videos Wanted 

At the Advertizer, we are always keen to get updates for our website and with 

‘Show Season’ through the coming months we’re sure there will be plenty of 

great photos and videos taken by our readers. 

We love seeing all the fabulous and colourful pictures of events, and our 

readers enjoy looking through the images to see who they recognise, or even if 

they are there themselves! 

We prefer landscape shots for our cover shots so if you would like to see your 

work featured on our website or even as a cover shot, please send high res 

images to info@advertizer.co.uk.


Megan’s Marchers raises a 

phenomenal £23,000 for CHAS 

80 family and friends did the Kilt Walk from Glasgow 

Green to Balloch Country Park on Sunday 30th April. 

A wonderful day was had by all and it was certainly 

banter over blisters adding to the brilliant atmosphere 

on the day! Lochwinnoch Primary School did their very 

own Kilt Walk in the school grounds whereby pupils 

walked for the duration of the school day donning a 

touch of tartan. Our CHAS charity night was held on 

Friday 5th May in Lochwinnoch Bowling Club. Music 

was by the fantastic local band ‘Who’s Town’, delicious buffet by Jen Catering 

and a grand raffle with some amazing prizes! We were delighted to have Claire 

from CHAS in attendance for presentation of our cheque for the phenomenal 

sum of £23,000. A legacy indeed! Also in attendance were Alison and Rona 

from Robin House in Balloch, both of whom were a tremendous support to us a 

very difficult time in our life, and whom our older 

2 girls, Rebecca & Katie still regularly talk about 

due to the fun arts and crafts they did with 

them. This £23,000 cheque is enough to keep 

the arts and crafts team going for 6 months 

which is just amazing! The Smiley family would 

like to say a massive thank-you to everyone 

who donated, your love and support has been 

invaluable and uplifting. 

Join the Fight against Heart 

Disease and Wear It. Beat It. 

On Friday 9th June, the British Heart 

Foundation (BHF) is calling on the 

nation to join the fight against heart 

disease by wearing red and hosting a 

fundraising event to raise money for life 

saving research. 

Around 160,000 lives are cut short 

every year by heart and circulatory 

disease – that’s one person every three 

minutes. Right now there are around 7 million people in the UK living with 

these devastating conditions. 

The BHF is funding cutting-edge research to help transform the lives of people 

living with heart disease and needs you to join the fight by taking part in Wear. 

It.Beat.It on Friday 9th June. 

Whether it’s at home, school or at your workplace, don your favourite red 

garments and join the fun across the UK by organising a fundraising event. It 

could be a red tea break in the office, a yummy red bake sale after school or 

a red-themed garden party with friends and family. Whatever you choose to 

do, Wear.It.Beat.It is a great way to bring everyone together and help make a 

difference to millions. 

Last year more than 15,000 people took part in Wear.It.Beat.It. raising over 

£750,000. The BHF is calling for even more of you to get involved this year and 

help raise in excess of £1million for the charity’s heart research. 

Once you sign up, you’ll receive a free fundraising kit jam-packed with reddymade 

ideas and goodies to help make Wear.It.Beat.It the BHF’s biggest, reddest 

and best year yet. 

Sign up to Wear It. Beat It. At wearitbeatit.bhf.org.uk or call 0300 330 0645 and get 

your free fundraising pack full of fun ideas about how to get involved. 

Legal Blog 

by Isabella McKerrow, Affinity Family Law 

Grand Parents Rights 

To See Grand Children 

Grandparents have no automatic right to see their grandchildren, despite 

having a biological connection. Their ability to see or have contact with their 

grandchildren is by virtue of the children’s parents allowing it. Family relations 

can breakdown or parties can separate or divorce and difficulties can arise 

where one spouse refuses to allow the other spouses to see the children 

or have limited contact to the children. This can impact on grandparents. 

Often the separated spouse does not want the parents of the other spouse 

to see the grandchildren. While grandparents have no automatic right 

in law to see their grandchildren, they are able to make an application to 

the court to acquire such rights. Under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 

anyone with an interest in the child/children (there does not have to be any 

biological connection) can apply to the court for an order for parental rights 

and responsibilities, contact or residence of the child/children. 

The court will grant such an order where it is in the children’s best interest to 

do so. The court will also take into account the views of the child where it is 

reasonably practicable to do so. Where the grandparent or person applying 

for the order has developed a close relationship with the child/children 

the case will be stronger and the orders sought more likely to be granted. 

Where there are bad relations between the grandparents and their children 

(the parents of the grandchildren) the court may be required to balance the 

benefit to the child/children of maintaining contact with the grandparents 

with the detriment of exposing the child/children to conflict between the 

grandparents and the children’s parents.


9 9 

Gasman Energy are proud to offer local and reliable electrical 

work alongside our gas and plumbing services. Our experienced 

electricians are NICEIC registered and approved which means 

they are assessed on a regular basis to ensure they are fully 

compliant with critical health and safety regulations and that all 

electrical work is completed to the highest standard. 

Our electricians are professional, friendly and pride themselves 

on providing a first class service. With over 20 years industry 

experience, they are qualified to undertake all domestic electrical 

works including fault finding and electrical testing through to 

complete electrical re-wires. 

Our electricians carry out all electrical tests including Portable 

Appliance Tests (PAT), Electrical Installation Condition Reports 

(EICR), Smoke Alarm and Emergency Lighting Certificates. We install hard 

wired smoke and heat alarms and carry out fault finding when there is an 

electrical issue within your property. 

Gasman Energy electricians will carry out the work you need on time and 

at a competitive rate. We offer free, no obligation quotes on property 

re-wires and distribution/fuse board replacements and provide a one 

year guarantee with all work. We are also able to offer 0% finance on 

all electrical work over £500. To arrange a free quote please call us on 

01505 610003. 

Happy Birthday to Ardgowan 

Hospice’s Kilmacolm Shop 

Ardgowan Hospice Kilmacolm shop celebrates 10 years of trading 

this June and the hospice would like to thank everyone who has 

donated goods and shopped at the store. Over the 10 years 

almost £500,000 has been raised with profits funding vital 

specialist Hospice care to the people of Inverclyde. 

Living with a life limiting illness such as heart failure, cancer or 

neurological conditions can be devastating. Thanks to the generosity 

of the local community, patients and their families can get the support and care 

they need. 

Ardgowan Hospice receives around 40% of statutory funding with the remaining 

60% coming from compassionate people, groups and companies who donate or 

fundraise to support us. 

Thank you so much - we couldn’t do it without you! Join us during 3rd to 10th 

June in the Kilmacolm shop for some anniversary celebrations and promotions. 

The Hospice is always looking for new volunteers and has 

a range of opportunities, including helping customers 

find a bargain in one of our shops, driving patients to 

hospital appointments, or showing off their baking skills 

in the Hospice kitchen. Anyone interested in taking part 

in supporting their local hospice by volunteering should 

contact hr@ardhosp.co.uk or call 01475 726830. 

Lifestyle Face & Bodycare Bridge of Weir’s premier Boutique Salon 

recently scooped Hair & Beauty Salon of the Year Award (Regional Winner – 

Glasgow & South West) at a black tie event hosted by top Radio Presenter, 

Gina McKie. The Scottish Independent Retail Awards recognise and reward 

the entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen which lies behind the 

thriving independent retailers and highlight their value to the communities 

they operate within. 

Winning the award is a testament to the quality, experience, skills and 

personal service the salon provides. An array of expert and innovative 

beauty therapies are offered: specialising in DECLEOR/CACI facials, HD 

Brows trained to Master Stylist level with its founder, LVL Lashes and NEOM 

Wellbeing Spa treatments. As one of the fi rst clinics in Renfrewshire with 

a registered HIS practitioner, consultant surgeon Dr Winter offers a high 

standard of facial aesthetics procedures 

like Botox, Fillers and the revolutionary antiageing 

treatment, Profhilo, 

Looking forward, the salon is already hard at 

work researching the best new treatments 

and products in time for summer. Discover 

more by visiting their website or phone for 

appointments. 

www.lifestylefaceandbodycare.co.uk


Push your comfort zone, achieve 

something you never expected, 

meet a great bunch of new friends, 

all while supporting local mental 

health services. Get involved 

in RAMH 2017/18 Events. Visit www.ramh.org/fundraising or book now: 

enquiries@ramh.org or 0141 847 8900. 

Join the Canyoning Challenge on Saturday 26th August; jump, swim, and climb 

through a breath-taking gorge on the River Tay. Return transport from Paisley 

or Barrhead, half day’s canyoning, pub dinner to finish and home before sunset. 

Just £15 registration fee + £75 sponsorship. 

Or try the 2017 Arran Bike & Hike on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September; 

a 42 mile cycle towards Lochranza on day 1, then a 13 mile cycle to the foot 

of Goatfell followed by a hike of Goatfell at 874m on day 2. It’s a fantastic 

weekend experience for £50 registration fee + £300 sponsorship. 

For the avid cyclist we have Advanced Open Cycling Challenges; on Friday 14th 

to Sunday 23rd July it’s Channel to the Med and on Monday 25th September 

to Sunday 1st October it’s the Pyrenees cycle challenge. These are unique 

opportunities for advanced cycling. Contact RAMH for more info. 

If you missed the New Year’s extravaganza here’s your chance to join the 

Firewalk 2018 on Saturday 6th January; you’ll learn to overcome fear and 

channel confidence into everything you do while walking 15 feet over 800 

degree coals. Early bird booking is just £5 registration fee + £45 minimum 

sponsorship. 

Contact us now and help local people in their mental health recovery. We look 

forward to welcoming you on an event soon. Thank you for your support! 

Optical Blog 

by Kerry Taher, New Vision Opticians 

Is hay fever 

affecting your eyes? 

For many of us the summer also means the start of seasonal suffering which 

is hay fever. If the eyes are involved it’s called seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, 

with symptoms varying from mild irritation to severely itchy, swollen, red, gritty 

and watery eyes, although vision thankfully tends to be unaffected. 

If you suffer, there are various ways to relieve your symptoms. Firstly, try not to 

rub your eyes because this will make things worse. Cold compresses are nice 

and soothing. Ocular lubricants flush out and dilute the allergens (eg pollen) 

– these are surprisingly effective and can be used as often as necessary. If 

you wear contact lenses, using daily disposables will be more comfortable. 

Other tips include wearing close-fitting wraparound sunglasses, and keeping 

car windows closed. 

Oral antihistamines don’t fully reach the eye so something more direct is 

often needed to provide more relief. Over-the-counter anti-allergy eye drops 

(mast cell stabilizers) are very good but can take 2 - 4 weeks to start working 

effectively. Annual hay fever sufferers often start using these preseason to 

prevent symptoms occurring. For instant relief, a decongestant combined 

with an antihistamine can be used but only for a short time as prolonged use 

can cause more symptoms. 

Drops containing both antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers will provide 

instant and prolonged relief, but a GP prescription is required. However, 

before rushing to see your GP, you should have an eye exam to confirm the 

diagnosis. If any prescription drops are required, we can contact your GP to 

request them. 

With all that said, most of the hay fever sufferers still wouldn’t wish away the 

good weather so let’s all enjoy the sunshine while it lasts! 

For any further information, please call the practice on 01505 614 700. 

Would you know what to do in an Emergency? 

♥ Every week in Scotland, 70 people suffer cardiac arrest. 

♥ More than 3,500 people per year in Scotland are treated by the Ambulance 

Service following a cardiac arrest. 

♥ Only one in 20 people will survive. 

♥ Without resuscitation, cardiac arrest is always fatal. 

♥ But, performing CPR could double that person’s chance of survival 

Heartstart courses are free of charge and it only takes two hours to learn the 

skills which may someday save a life: 

♥ Recovery position 

♥ CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) 

♥ Heart Attack 

♥ Choking 

♥ Serious bleeding 

To learn the simple skills that save lives, contact Morag Thow on 07868 752814 

to book onto one of our courses: 

Weds June 14th 2017 7- 9 pm Masonic Hall Lochwinnoch 

More courses will be starting again in September


Dental Blog 

by Sheila Macintyre, Practice Owner, 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice 

National Smile Month 

Every year Kilbarchan Dental Practice supports National Smile Month - the 

UK’s largest and longest-running campaign to promote good oral health. 

Dentists and other Health Professionals, Schools, Community and Workplace 

Groups across the country are all encouraged to get involved in whatever way 

they can by running events, promotions and activities. 

National Smile Month highlights three key messages, all of which go a long 

way in helping develop and maintain a healthy mouth. They are: 

• Brush your teeth last thing at night and on at least one other occasion 

with a fluoride toothpaste. 

• Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks. 

• Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend. 

Get Involved; 

- Discover fun facts on the website (our favourites are below): 

Did you know it takes 43 muscles to frown but only 17 to smile! 

61% of us have been attracted to someone by their smile alone. 

Two thirds have less respect for a boss with bad oral hygiene. 

£1 is the most common amount left by the tooth fairy (per tooth) 

- Nominate a Smile - as part of National Smile Month you have the 

opportunity to nominate someone who always raises a smile to receive the 

recognition they deserve. 

- Enter the Smiley Selfie Competition – Smiley’s 

available from the online shop. 

If you, your group or organisation would like to 

get involved in National Smile Month visit the 

website at www.nationalsmilemonth.org where 

you will find a wealth of information and online 

resources. 

11 11 

To tie in with Kilbarchan’s Lilias Day on Saturday 3rd June we are delighted 

to be a sponsor of IT'S the event. AMAZING We will also be running WHAT a stall on the Aday 

with lots of goodie bags and members of our team on hand to give you 

information about dental health and to answer any queries about the 

practice. Kids up to the age of seven can also take part in our Lilias Day 

CUP OF TEA 

CAN DO 

Toothbrush Exchange – drop off your old toothbrush at our practice in the 

morning or at our Lilias Day stall in the afternoon and we’ll replace it with a new 

one absolutely free! Remember toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 months anyway! 

You can also enter our Facebook competition to think of a local place or street that has a dental link – 

no matter how tenuous (ie. “Smile Street”). Our favourite suggestion will receive a goodie bag. 

Registered charity no. 210760 and SCO38056. Established 1885. 

Join us for a brew and 

some cake 

There's still time to get involved in our Forces family 

fundraiser taking place from 19-25 June. Find out 

how to sign up for your tea party visit 

ssafa.org.uk/bigbrewup 

Local mental health charity RAMH has hosted its biggest fundraiser yet – 

with 255 guests raising £14,000 for local services. 

The RAMH Dinner & Quiz, sponsored by UWS, was held at the Normandy 

Hotel with a mixture of corporate teams, and friends and family out to 

enjoy the night. 

Hosted by broadcaster and writer Vanessa Collingridge, guests enjoyed 8 

rounds of celebrity hosted quiz questions. Rounds included Sport, read 

by Tony Fitzpatrick, TV and 

Movies read by Tom Johnston 

of Renfrewshire Chamber of 

Commerce. Local MSP and 

RAMH supporter George 

Adam read Food and Drink, 

and UWS Dean of Health, 

Nursing and Midwifery Karen 

Wilson read Science and 

Nature. 

RAMH promotes recovery 

from mental ill health, and 

empowers people to build 

independent, fulfilled lives. The charity supports a range of 

diagnoses including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. 

If you would like to support RAMH visit www.ramh.org/fundraising or 

contact enquiries@ramh.org or 0141 847 8900 for a free fundraising 

pack. The RAMH Canyoning Challenge takes place on Saturday 26th 

August with registration at just £15. See the website for more details. 

Photos are courtesy of John Kerr Foto www.johnkerrfoto.net


St Vincent’s Hospice is bidding to bag 

a massive cash boost from the Tesco 

Bags of Help initiative. 

Tesco teamed up with Groundwork 

to launch its 

community funding scheme, which sees grants of £4,000, 

£2,000 and £1,000 – all raised from the 5p bag levy – 

being awarded to local community projects. Greenspace 

Scotland is working with Groundwork to provide support to 

communities in Scotland. 

Three groups in every Tesco region have been shortlisted 

to receive the cash award and shoppers are being invited 

to head along to Tesco stores to vote for who they think 

should take away the top grant. 

St Vincent’s Hospice is one of the groups on the shortlist. 

Katrina Vine, Trusts Manager said: “We would like to give patients in our care 

an interesting and engaging view out of their bedroom windows. The garden 

area immediately outside the Inpatient Unit is unsightly and overgrown with 

Mare’s Tail, an invasive weed. 

This project will revamp the garden area outside the bedrooms, and provide 

a private, sheltered area where patients can be taken, to relax outside with 

family. The project will involve removing approx 45 tonnes of Mare’s Tail 

infected topsoil, and replacing it with new topsoil, replacing broken slabs, and 

creating seating areas.” 

Kate Lennon, Chief Executive said: 

“St Vincent’s Hospice provides specialised care and support services to 

all those within the community affected by life-limiting illness. We aim for 

the very highest standards of patient care, while ensuring choice, dignity, 

compassion and enjoyment of life. The creation of a garden project will, 

without doubt, strengthen these core values. The project will vastly improve 

the holistic care package delivered by the hospice, in turn, enhancing our 

services and making things better for patients and their families.” 

Voting is open in stores throughout May and June. Customers will cast their vote 

using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop. 

Tesco’s Bags of Help project has already delivered over £28.5 million to more 

than 4,000 projects up and down the UK. Tesco customers get the chance to 

vote for three different groups every time they shop. Every other month, when 

votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions will be awarded 

funding. 

Tony McElroy, Tesco’s Head of Communications in Scotland, said: 

“We are absolutely delighted to open the voting for May and June. There 

are some fantastic projects on the shortlists and we can’t wait to see them 

come to life in hundreds of communities.” 

Emma Halliday, Community Enabler Coordinator at Greenspace Scotland, 

said: 

“We’ve been thrilled to see the diversity of projects that have applied for 

funding, ranging from outdoor classrooms, sports facilities, community 

gardens, play areas and everything in between. 

“We’re looking forward to learning the results of the customer vote and then 

supporting each group to bring their project to life.” 

Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local 

projects that bring benefits to communities. To find out more visit www.tesco. 

com/bagsofhelp 

Car Fest 

Join us on June 17th for our fourth annual Carfest! 

For our fourth annual Carfest, we’re moving to Paisley Town Centre! 

Come along for a day of fantastic family fun and entertainment, and a 

spectacular array of vintage and custom cars and bikes. 

Contact our fundraising team on 01505 705635 for more information. 

The FYF Millport Fun’raiser is back and it’s 

bigger and better than ever before, thanks to 

sponsorship from Children’s Aid Scotland. 

There’s a twist to the family cycle round the island, with the addition of a 

treasure hunt, then we have an even larger selection of kids’ activities and 

entertainment than in previous years. 

Our inflatable village will be back, including Gladiators, Water Walkers, Laser 

Quest and an Assault Course as well as magic shows, a party by kids’ favourite 

entertainer Kidnetick, balloon twisting workshops, face painting, and dozens 

of sideshows and games. 

Entry Price 

Entry to the cycle and treasure hunt (which also includes a medal, goody 

bag and entry to a prize draw) is just £7 per person (same price for adults/ 

children). 

For any families * who raise £60 in sponsorship, you can claim back your entry 

fees, meaning you can take part for FREE! 

* 

’families’ means parents/carers and children. Any aunties, uncles, grandparents or family 

friends do not count within a family entry. 

Sponsorship 

We’ve kept the prices down so the cost wouldn’t be too prohibitive for families 

to take part. Your entry & wristbands will cover the costs of putting on the 

event, however this is a fundraising event, so in order for us to make money 

from it, which we’ll use to improve the lives of the amputees we work with, we 

would really appreciate it if you could try to raise some money while taking on 

this event. If cycling round the island isn’t enough of a challenge, try setting 

a time limit, or completing the route twice or even three times - whatever 

will make it a challenge so you feel able to ask friends/family/colleagues for 

sponsorship. 

Wristbands 

Access to the inflatables, shows and some games is by wristband only. If 

wearing a wristband, your child(ren) can enjoy all the sideshows and games 

without pay anything extra. Parents need not buy a wristband (unless you’d 

like to join in). 

Wristbands are available to buy from our webshop and cost £7.50 per child or 

you can buy them on the day for £10 per child. 

You do not have to be taking part in the cycle to buy a wristband and enjoy the 

activities & entertainment. 

There will be a range of games and sideshow stalls open to all, without the 

requirement for a wristband. These will each have a nominal charge. 

Renfrewshire 

Irene Macfarlane, Chairman of 

Renfrewshire Federation of SWI 

presents Brookfield bowlers with a 

silver tray as winners of the outdoor 

bowling competition play off held 

on 22nd May at Houston Bowling 

Club. The team now looks forward 

to participating in the National Final 

at Cullen on the 24th August. 

You can view the current issue as well as 

previous issues of the magazine online. 

www.advertizer.co.uk/issues


Glasgow to Edinburgh Trek 

13 13 

Make your mark in the fight against heart 

disease by walking 100km or 50km from 

Glasgow to Edinburgh. Join over 250 hikers 

and sign up to the Glasgow to Edinburgh Trek 

on 22nd and 23rd July to help fund the British 

Heart Foundation’s (BHF) life saving heart 

research. 

As part of the charity’s series of treks, the 

ultimate walking challenge gives Heart Trekkers 

a unique opportunity to trek from Scotland’s two largest cities. Alongside the full 

100km challenge, there is also a 50km option, where participants can either 

walk from Glasgow to Linlithgow throughout the day, or through the night from 

Linlithgow to Edinburgh. 

In 2016 those who took on the challenge helped raise over £100,000 which 

will go towards helping us better understand how to prevent, diagnose and treat 

heart and circulatory disease, which is the cause of more than a quarter (26%) of 

all deaths in the UK. With over 710,000 people in the Scotland alone living with 

heart and circulatory disease, the need is urgent to raise funds for research into 

these conditions. 

2017 sees a new start venue introduced, starting at the picturesque Glasgow 

Science Centre. The route is primarily flat on canal tow paths so is suitable for 

trekkers of all abilities. Also brand new for 2017 is the introduction of ‘The 500 

Club’, which celebrates fundraisers who go above and beyond in their fundraising. 

Those who have £500 or more (excluding gift aid) on their JustGiving page will 

be eligible to request a complimentary 500 Club jersey which can be worn with 

pride during and after the event. Susie Roach, Fundraising Event Manager at the 

BHF, said: “Challenging yourself to the Glasgow to Edinburgh Trek is a fantastic 

way to support the nation’s heart charity, save lives and improve your own heart 

health at the same time. 

“By taking on this exciting challenge, every step you take will be helping bring us 

closer to beating heart disease for good. Our research has already helped halve 

death rates from heart and circulatory disease over the past 50 years, but there 

is still so much more to be done. 

“We urgently need the people of Scotland to help us stop heart disease in its 

tracks and support us in our search for more lifesaving breakthroughs.” 

The BHF relies on the generosity of its supporters, through fundraising events like 

the Glasgow to Edinburgh Trek to pay for life saving research. Sign up to join the 

fight today by visiting bhf.org.uk/g2etrek 

MONDAY 12TH JUNE – SUNDAY 16TH JUNE 2017 

MONDAY 12TH JUNE 

11.30am - Launch of Carers Week 

11.35am - Speaker - Scottish 

Government Carers Policy Unit (to be 

confirmed) 

11.45am - Meg Wright – Carers Trust 

Director (Sco & NI) 

11.50am - Jim Carruth – Scotland’s 

Leading Rural Poet, Caring Poem 

11.55am - Annual General Meeting 

12.15pm - Carers Community Choir 

12.30pm - Lunch 

Please note the Carers Cup will be held 

on Friday 30th June this year 7pm – 

late Quiz and Cocktails/Mocktails 

DRAFT PROGRAMME OF EVENTS 

WEDNESDAY 14TH JUNE 

1 - 3pm - Healthy Eating and Thinking 

5 - 8pm - Pamper Evening 

Cheese, wine and holistic therapies 

for carers who cannot manage into the 

centre during the day (Please call to 

book an appointment) 

THURSDAY 16TH JUNE 

10am - 2pm - Pamper Day – nails, 

holistic therapies and make overs & 

lunch provided (Please call to book an 

appointment) 

11.30am - Renfrewshire Carers Choir 

performing at Braehead information 

stand 

12pm - Lunch @ Braehead for Carers 

and Volunteers 

INFORMATION STALLS THROUGHOUT CARERS WEEK 

RAH BRAEHEAD SHOPPING CENTRE SAINSBURY’S BRAEHEAD ERSKINE HOMES 

For more information visit www.renfrewshirecarers.org.uk 

You can view the current issue as well as 

previous issues of the magazine online. 



June 

events 

Sat 3 June 

Lilifest 2017: Family Fun Day at 

Habbies 

Habbies, Kilbarchan - All to Day 

Bouncy castle, BBQ and much more. Free. 

until Sun 11 June 

Paisley People Photography 

Exhibition 

Linwood Community Library 

An open exhibition of the results of a pop up 

studio which the Renfrewshire Disability Arts 

Forum ran in Paisley town centre Autumn during 

Doors Open Day 2016. Produced following a 

series of 12 weekly workshops facilitated by 

Street Level Photoworks. The photographs feature 

members of the public and members of Disability 

Resource Centre. 

Thu 1 June 

Lilifest 2017: An Evening with 

Rev Ian Miller 

Kilbarchan Performing Arts Centre, 8 

Steeple Square, Kilbarchan - 7.30pm 

Kilbarchan’s favourite son returns for “An Evening 

With” event. Everyone who has had the pleasure 

of his company will know that Ian is a hugely 

entertaining raconteur with an Aladdin’s Cave of 

anecdotes and jokes. Tickets £5.50 

For more info visit www.liliasday.co.uk 

Fri 2 June 

Lilifest 2017: Lilias Day Quiz 

The Trust, Kilbarchan - 8pm 

Lilias Day Quiz with the Quizmaster General. 

Free, prizes. 

Fri 2 - Sun 25 June 

The West End Festival 

West End of Glasgow 

Glasgow’s largest cultural event returns in June 

taking over this popular area of Glasgow with a 

wide variety of events and performances. Last 

year over 400 events took place in 80 venues. 

Visit www.westendfestival.co.uk for full details. 


Houston and Killellan Agricultural 

Society Annual Show 

Houston Public Park, Four Windings, 

Houston 

A great family day with a variety of stalls ,bouncy 

castle and much more. Come along a watch all 

the animals being shown, the ponies jumping and 

not forgetting Houstons Got Talent, crafts, baking 

and provisions tent. Schedules for the industrial 

section are available from the Paper Shop, the 

Post Office or by contacting Isabelle Stuart 01505 

613479 e-mail issistuart@gmail.com 

Lilias Day Celebrations 

Kilbarchan - various from 12 noon 

Kilbarchan’s famous Lilias Day includes a historic 

parade followed through the village by decorated 

floats, pipe and brass bands. The parade finishes 

in Kilbarchan Park where a host of stalls, activities 

and events take place throughout the day to raise 

thousands of pounds for good causes. 

For more info visit www.liliasday.co.uk 

Tag-n-Track on Show 

Kilbarchan - various 

VENUE Lillia’s Day, Kilbarchan Come along 

and meet the Tag-n-Track (TnT), team find out 

how we are tagging and tracking birds and what 

volunteering opportunities are available. 

Lilifest 2017: Barchan Mad 

Comedy Night 



This popular comedy night returns on Lilias 

Day featuring a great line up of comedians in 

a great venue. With your host for the evening, 

Graham Barrie. 

For more info / bookings email badhatcomedy@ 

outlook.com 

Sat 3 - Sun 4 June 

Binocular & Telescope Open Day 

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch - 10am 

to 4pm 

Come and peruse a range of telescopes and 

binoculars, with knowledgeable staff on hand to 

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

competitively priced, with the added bonus that 

you are helping conservation. Cost: FREE. 

Sun 4 June 

Bridge of Weir Messy Church 

Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge 

of Weir 

4pm to 6pm 

We’re back!! Will we be as lucky with the weather 

as last year? A short celebration with songs and a 

talk, then take our picnic bags (provided) up to The 

Glen for fun and games. Bring your waterproofs 

and wellies if needed! Feel free to bring along 

good ideas for games. We might try running 

a Messy mile! As usual, it’s free and open to 

everyone. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Sunday Afternoon Concerts at 

Martyrs’ Sandyford 

Paisley Martyrs’ Sandyford Church, 

Montgomery Road Paisley PA3 4LQ - 

2.30pm 

A string quartet from St Mary’s Music School, 

Edinburgh will be playing a programme of Kodaly 

and Schubert. Tickets available at the door on 

the day. £5.


15 15 

Mon 5 June 

St Columba’s School Silver Tablet 

Concert 

St Columba’s Church, Duchal Road, 

Kilmacolm - 11.30 am 

A date for your diary! St Columba’s School’s Silver 

Tablet concert celebrates the best of musical 

talent from Senior VI who compete for this award 

by performing musical pieces of Grade 8 standard. 

The concert will be held on the morning of Monday 

5th June in St Columba’s Church at 11.30am 

followed by light refreshments. Members 

of the School community, including parents, 

friends, former pupils, former staff and former 

parents are all welcome to attend this lovely 

musical celebration. Please contact nmnkay@ 

st-columbas.org if you wish to attend. 

Wed 7 June 

Lilifest 2017: Chris Stout & 

Catriona McKay 



Chris and Catriona have excited audiences all over 

the world with their own unique brand of music 

inspired by the traditions of their native Shetland 

Islands and Scotland. It’s hard to believe there’s 

only two people on stage as they weave their 

way between glorious soundscapes and music 

of breathtaking simplicity. Tickets (£12.50) from 

01505 706346 or by e-mail@ info@brookfieldknights.com 

BYOB. 


Sòlas bereavement group 

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm - 

6.30pm to 8.30pm 

Sòlas bereavement group. 


Angel Voices 

St Fillans Church, Kilmacolm - 7.30pm 

End of term Concert - Tickets £5 with refreshments. 

Form more information contact Maureen Russell 

(01505 872905) maureenmrussell@hotmail.com 

or mob: 07905 950028. 


Tag-n-Track on Show 

Lochwinnoch Cross 

VENUE Lochwinnoch Gala Day. Come along 

and meet the Tag-n-Track (TnT), team find out 

how we are tagging and tracking birds and what 

volunteering opportunities are available. 

Bridge of Weir Gala Day 

Main Car Park, Gryffe Grove, Bridge of 

Weir 

This year’s Gala Day theme is “Commotion in 

the Ocean”, and participants are invited to let 

their imagination loose in the interpretation of 

it. Sharks, mermaids, pirates, sailing ships, 

submarines, dolphins, shellfish, divers - the scope 

is immense! No doubt entrants will approach this 

with all the enthusiasm of previous years, and 

the whole village looks forward to the spectacle. 

Onlookers, prepare to be dazzled! 

Johnstone High School Car Boot 

Sale 

Johnstone High School, Beith Road, 

Johnstone PA5 0JN - 2pm to 4pm 

Come along to Johnstone High School Parent 

Council Car Boot Sale and enjoy some 

refreshments, games, music, raffle and more. 

A pitch for a car is £10, so you can support the 

Parent Council and make some money too. Those 

taking a pitch are welcome to come between 

12.30pm and 1.30pm to set up. How to pre-book 

a pitch online: just email jhspcfunds@gmail.com 

for the Pay Pal link. All welcome - free entry – 

come and bag a bargain! 


Lochwinnoch Gala Day 

Lochwinnoch Recreation Ground, Lochlip 

Road, Lochwinnoch - 1.30pm to 4.30pm 

Opening ceremony by Ronnie Brown with this 

years theme “Pirates”. 


Wild Night 

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank - 

5pm to 8am 

Fully booked sorry, look out for the next one! The 

Finlaystone overnight camp. Join the Rangers 

for fun and burgers and sing into the wee small 

hours. Kids will enjoy the bat walk and Den 

Build. Tent, warm clothes, waterproofs and food 

required. Adults £7.50 Children £5.00. Pre 

booking essential. 

FULLY BOOKED 

BCU 2 Star Training 

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip 

Road, Lochwinnoch - 10am to 4pm 

Develop paddlesport skills in kayaks and canoes 

on flat water. Min age 16 yrs. COST: £85. Look 

online and book ASAP. 


Bowfield 10K 

Bowfield Hotel & Country Club, 

Howwood 

Join St Vincent’s Hospice on June 11th for the 

annual Bowfield 10K. Walkers and runners are 

welcome to tackle our challenging and scenic 

course. Walkers start at 10am and runners at 

11am. £10 registration fee, all sponsorship goes 

to St Vincent’s Hospice. For more information, 

contact members@bowfieldhotel.co.uk 

Sunday Afternoon Concerts At 


Martyrs Church, Paisley - 2.30pm 

THE ORGANISTS ENTERTAIN!! The organists 

of both the King Street and Montgomery Road 

buildings present a programme comprising organ 

music, piano duets, singing and trumpet solos. 

Come and enjoy watching our organists let their 

hair down as they show off their versatility! Tickets 

available at the door on the day. £5. 

Lilifest 2017: Village Voices & 

Kilbarchan Parish Junior Choir 

Kilbarchan Parish Church, Church 

Street, Kilbarchan 

An entertaining evening of song and fun. Directed 

by the wonderfully inspiring Moira Gray both 

choirs are open to join to anyone interested, no 

experience necessary 01505 704948. Tickets 

available on the door includes afternoon tea. 

Hessilhead Open Day 

Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Trust, 

Gateside, Beith - 12noon to 4pm 

There will be a Children’s Tent with Crafts and 

Activities, Books, Games, Burgers & Teas, Plants, 

Cakes, Guided Tours & Bric-A-Brac. Adults £2, 

Kids Free. Free Parking. Sorry, No Dogs. 

The Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club 

Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club, Ranfurly 

Place, Bridge of Weir - 10am 

Mixed Open Foursomes Tournament for the 

Ranfurly Rosebowl, over 18 holes. Prizes in 

scratch and other handicap sections plus other 

prizes. £15 per couple.



Millport Fun’raiser 

Millport Isle of Cumbrae - 11am to 3pm 

Family cycle round the island, with a treasure hunt. 

Kids’ activities and entertainment. Inflatable 

village, including Gladiators, Water Walkers, 

Laser Quest and an Assault Course as well as 

magic shows, a party by kids’ favourite entertainer 

Kidnetick, balloon twisting workshops, face 

painting, and dozens of sideshows and games. 

Entry to the cycle and treasure hunt is just £7 

per person (same price for adults/ children). 

Families* who raise £60 in sponsorship can 

claim back your entry fees. *’families’ means 

parents/carers and children. Any aunties, uncles, 

grandparents or family friends do not count within 

a family entry. Full details www.findingyourfeet. 

net/millport 

Annual Pet Service 

St Mary’s Church, Johnstone Road, 

Bridge of Weir - 3pm 

No creature larger than a dog please! More 

details? Call Revd Heller on 01505 872 961. 

Open Day for Nature! 

RSPB, Lochwinnoch - 10am to 4pm 

Come along and discover what nature has to 

offer! See the fantastic wildlife to be found, if you 

know how to look! There’ll be lots of friendly and 

knowledgeable folk from all sorts of organisations, 

to help spark an interest you may not know you 

had! If you’ve never visited the reserve, this is 

your perfect chance. Cost: FREE. 


An Evening of Songs 

Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of 

Weir - 8pm 

With Gryffe Voices Community Choir. Entrance 

free – all welcome – donations for Gala Week 

charities. 


Pound & Pace around the 

Greenock Cut 

The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, 

Greenock - 11am to 2pm 

12km walk around this historical aqueduct. 

DONATION £1 per person plus extra for raffle 

tickets! MORE INFO: Tel: 01475 521 458 


Kilmacolm Old Kirk Session 

Kilmacolm Old Kirk, High Street, 

Kilmacolm - 7.30pm 

Meeting in Session House. 

Bridge of Weir Festival Prize 

Bingo 

Royal British Legion, Livery Walk, Bridge 

of Weir - 7.30pm 

Eyes Down 7.30pm. Entry includes a light 

buffet. £2. 


Strawberry Afternoon Tea 

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm - 

2.30pm to 4.30pm 

Bridge of Weir Road Entrance. Stalls including: 

Handcrafts, Baking, Flower demonstration, 

and bedding plants from Parklea. Entry £3.50 

(includes afternoon tea). 

Advertizer July Issue Deadline 

The Advertizer - Bridge of Weir 

If you would like anything published in our July 

issue, please email info@advertizer.co.uk or call 

the office on 01505 613340. Don’t miss out! 

Fri 16 - Sun 18 June 

Flower Festival 

Holy Trinity and Saint Barnabas 

Episcopal Church, Moss Street, Paisley - 

10am to 4pm 

Sun 12.30pm -3.30pm. Help celebrate the 

200th Anniversary of our Congregation in Paisley 

with this beautiful display of God’s finery! The 

Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Guy Clark will 

be opening this special event at 10am, Friday 

June 16th. Tickets are £5 each (including 

refreshments) and available from 0773 453 8650. 


Paisley Abbey Recitals 

Paisley Abbey, Paisley - 12.30pm 

Cloister Café with baking from 10am. Andrew 

Laird (clarinet) : Donald McIntosh (piano) Paisley 

Abbey (Church of Scotland) – Registered Charity 

No. SC007633 Tickets £5 at the door. 


Kilbarchan Show 

Monklands Farm, Roadside Field, 

Kilbarchan - 10am to 3pm 

Join us on Showday for judging of cattle, sheep 

and horses. Entertainment from 11am through 

to 3pm. Come and see sheep being shorn, 

meet the Birds of Prey from KG Hawks and 

send your dog down Springer Rescue Scotland’s 

Temptation Alley! We are having a ‘Vintage Year’ 

with our usual vintage tractors, and other farm 

machinery and artefacts, classic motorbikes and 

a Cooper showing us his skills. Admission to Show 

Ground - £3. Children - Free. Free parking for 

cars in field opposite. Limited showfield parking 

available therefore only available for disabled 

badge holders. 

Bridge of Weir Festival End of 

Festival Ceilidh 

Royal British Legion, Livery Walk, Bridge 

of Weir - 7.30pm 

Tickets available from Brenda Lethorn 01505 

615992 or Chris Gilzean 07484 847648. £10. 

Howwood Village Fete 

Howwood Primary School, Semple View, 

Howwood - 1pm to 4pm 

A great afternoon out for all the family with a host 

of stalls, children’s activities, entertainment and 

events including fancy dress competition, pony 

rides, home craft competition, food, licensed bar 

and much much more. Entry £2. 

Lilifest 2017: Habbie’s Hoolie 



Kilbarchan Smile present an evening of rousing 

ceilidh music and much dancing with popular 

local band, Clamjamfrie. Demand for tickets 

is expected to be high so get yours early to 

avoid disappointment. It’s all for a good cause 

to reinvest in our lovely village! All proceeds 

go to Kilbarchan Smile to help continue with 

improvements to the village. Tickets £12.50/£30 

Family Ticket (2 adults/2 children) available via 

Facebook or by emailing hello@kilbarchansmile. 

co.uk www.liliasday.co.uk 

St Vincent’s Hospice Car Fest 

Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley 

Come along for a day of fantastic family fun 

and entertainment, and a spectacular array of 

vintage and custom cars and bikes. Contact our 

fundraising team on 01505 705635 for more 

information. 


Bishopton Day 

Bishopton Primary School, Old Greenock 

Road, Bishopton - 12noon 

The parade led by St Columba’s pipe band will 

leave Bishopton Primary School at 12noon. Also 

in the parade will be SambaYaBamba who are 

a percussion group that play Brazilian samba 

music. Both will also perform in the main arena. 

Attractions on the day include dancing displays, 

football and rugby displays, live music, magician, 

vintage fire engine, model railway, pony rides, 

inflatables and charity stalls. 

CarFest 

Paisley - various venues - 8.30am to 4pm 

There will be classic, vintage and specialist 

custom cars, muscle cars, supercars and 

emergency vehicles, not to mention motorbikes 

and even a land train! Plenty of family-friendly fun 

with fairground rides, children’s entertainment, 

stalls, tombola and a prize raffle. The event 

will kick off with a procession of more than 100 

cars from Renfrew Road into the town centre at 

8.30am. The cars will then be on show across 

Paisley from 10am until 4pm. 

Falconry Day 


1pm to 3pm 

Visit the birds of prey and take a walk around 

their homes and get up close and personal with 

the winged hunters followed by a flying display 

(weather dependent). 


Father’s Day - Bushcraft Brunch 


Greenock - 11am to 1pm 

Learn how to make a fire and cook bannock 

bread then treat your Dad to a bushcraft brunch 

(bring your own bacon and sausages!). £5 per 

child (Fathers free with accompanying children!). 

Look online and book (essential) or tel 01475 

521 458.


17 17



Sunday Afternoon Concerts At 


Paisley Martyrs’ Sandyford Church, 

Montgomery Road Paisley PA3 4LQ - 

2.30pm 

The series is rounded off with a performance by 

THE ARCARA CONSORT. This is a very talented 

group of players who first met at school how many 

years ago?!! They keep meeting and keep on 

playing, turning their hand to all styles of music. 

Hear them play recorders as you’ve probably never 

heard them played before. Ranging from the tiny 

sopranino recorder to the great sub-contrabass, 

Arcara will play some of their favourite music, both 

early and modern. Tickets available at the door 

on the day. £5. 

Den Building 


1pm to 3pm 

Join the Rangers and see who is a budding 

Bear Grylls. 

Mon 19 - Sun 25 


Big Brew Up 

Nationwide 

The annual SSAFA Big Brew Up brings together 

friends, family and colleagues around the world 

for a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Taking part 

couldn’t be easier! This year everything you need 

for your tea party is ready to download and print 

out from: www.ssafa.org.uk/bigbrewup 

Wed 21 - Sun 25 


Glasgow Jazz Festival 

Glasgow - various venues 

Bringing its annual supply of world class musicians 

and upcoming superstars to the city’s already 

vibrant jazz scene. Glasgow will be transformed 

with a wealth of home-grown and international jazz 

talent. Visit www.jazzfest.co.uk for details. 


Outlook 

Kilmacolm Old Kirk, High Street, 

Kilmacolm - 9am to 6.30pm 

Summer Outing to Crarae Gardens, with high tea in 

Inverary in friendship with Kilmacolm Horticultural 

Society. Coach, entry, refreshments: £35. 


Clyde Muirshiel Munchkins – 

Cosy Homes 


Greenock - 10.30am to 11.30am 

The Pre 5’s Nature Club explores the great 

outdoors. £2.50, adults are free. Look online 

and book or tel: 01475 521 458. 

Summer Solstice Walk 

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 

7pm to 9pm 

Surround yourself with the beautiful sights, 

sounds and smells of Lochwinnoch Nature 

Reserve, on the longest day of the year. Led by 

one of the knowledgeable and friendly reserve 

team, this will be a gentle stroll on the trails. 

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

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


Drawing For Textiles – Summer 

Blooms! 

Kilmacolm Community Centre, 

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm - 10am 

to 4pm 

Flowers as inspiration! Explore a range of 

techniques to produce your own drawings. All 

levels of experience welcome. For bookings 

and info. visit mwhitelaw@mcd-uk.co.uk or www. 

creativemasterclassacademy.co.uk 

Thu 22 - Fri 23 June 

Follow a Pattern and make a 

Summer Dress! 


Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 

10am to 4pm 

Learning dress making skills, you will make 

your own summer shift dress! On booking you 

will be advised on quantity of fabric to bring. 

Sewing machines are provided. All levels 

of experience welcome. For bookings and 

info. visit mwhitelaw@mcd-uk.co.uk or www. 



Silk Painting Masterclass 


Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm - 10am- 

4pm 

Enjoy learning about this specialist craft. A 

range of techniques will be covered to produce 

your own silk scarf or panel. All levels of 

experience welcome. For bookings and 

info. visit mwhitelaw@mcd-uk.co.uk or www. 



Kilmacolm PTF BBQ 

Kilmacolm Primary School, Churchill 

Road, Kilmacolm - 6pm to 8.30pm 

There will be a bouncy castle, face painting, a 

raffle, tombola, home baking, pocket money and 

tuck shop for the children and loads more! £10 

for a family ticket which is 2 adults and up to 3 

children, adult £4 and children £2 and it is pay 

at the door. This includes a burger or hotdog 

and a glass of wine or a beer. There will be juice 

for the children. 


P1 Scottish Grand Prix Of The 

Sea 2017 

Greenock Waterfront 

Don’t miss this great FREE event at the Esplanada 

in Greenock. Mixed in with the powerboat and 

jet-ski racing will be jet-ski freestyle displays, air 

displays and a wide range of stalls and interactive 

games afloat and ashore. For more information, 

visit www.p1superstock.co.uk 


BCU 1 Star Training 

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip 

Road, Lochwinnoch - 10am to 4pm 

An introductory course assessed in a kayak or a 

canoe. Min age 16 yrs. £70. Look online and 

book ASAP. 


Family Volunteering - 

Volunteer with your children or 

grandchildren 

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch - 1pm 

to 3.30pm 

Who says volunteering is only for grown-ups? 

Definitely not us. Here’s an opportunity for 

grown-ups and children to do something practical 

together in the great outdoors, and to help us Give 

Nature a Home. It’s a chance to spend some 

quality time with the children in your life, and it’s 

free. Please book. 

Scavenger Hunt 


1pm to 3pm 

Aimed at children aged 5 - 10. Use the clue 

sheet to find the answers. Prizes for completing 

the course. 

Orchard Flooring 

Stylish, Durable: A Floor for Life 

When choosing a new fl oor for your home, there are a few things to take into consideration. For a 

lot of our clients, having a fl oor that isn’t going to be ruined by mucky feet, paw prints or spills is a 

top priority. For this reason, light cream carpets can be problematic for many busy households. 

Karndean and Amtico fl ooring are perfect for any room or situation in the home. They are both 

waterproof, slip resistant and warm underfoot, as well as being a beautiful and luxurious fl oor to 

be proud of. 

Both are easy to clean and 

without the porous qualities 

of wood and some stone. 

They bring the ageless beauty of natural fl ooring to your home without the hassle. 

Be it a rustic wood effect in the living room or a sleek and modern stone effect in the 

kitchen, Orchard Flooring can provide expert advice to fi nd the perfect fl oor for a room. 

With a home sampling service why not give us a call and be on your way to a stunning fl oor 

from Orchard Flooring. 

You can contact Scott on 01505 22 9584 or 07563 633 432 

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


every Monday 

Lochwinnoch Community Walk 

The Cross, Lochwinnoch 10.30am 

This event will not take place on public 

holidays. 

FitSteps with Jennifer 

Quarrier’s Village, 6:30pm 

Tel: 07709 340675 for further information 

every Tuesday 

Bishopton Belles Line Dancing 

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Hall 6.30 - 8.30pm 

Beginner/Improver class. All welcome. Call David 

or Mair 07886 034037. 

Postnatal Support Group 

Paisley Abbey 10.30am - 12noon 

Crèche facilities available along with access to 

free counselling services if required. 

Singing for Wellbeing 

Bishopton Community Centre 6pm-7.15pm 

A fun, no pressure choir singing feel good songs. 

every Wednesday 

Knitting Group 

Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers 10am - 12noon 

Knitters of all levels welcome! 

Skinny Minnies 

Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir 7pm - 8pm 

For a healthier, slimmer, more energetic you! 

every Thursday 

Weekly Volunteer Group 

Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 12.30pm - 3.30pm 

Conservation Volunteers - adult group. 

Newcomers always welcome. 

every Friday 


Bishopton Community Centre 2pm - 3.15pm 

A fun, no pressure choir singing feel good songs. 

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. 

Houston Litter Crew 

Co-op Car Park 10am – 11.45am 

All volunteers welcome and all equipment 

supplied. 

2nd & 4th Wednesday 

BoW Senior Citizens Club 

Cargill Hall 7 - 9pm 

Tea, biscuits & a raffle each meeting along with 

entertainment. Contact Sheila Patterson for 

further information on 01505 690521. 

1st & 3rd Thurs monthly 

‘Outlook’ 

Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm 2pm - 4pm 

Social activities group for the community in 

Kilmacolm. Guest speakers, afternoon tea, local 

issues of interest. Everyone welcome. 

Crafty Hobbies 

Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 7.30pm 

No previous craft experience necessary. Call 

Lorna on 01505 612844 for further details. 

regular updates @GryffeAds 

2nd Wednesday monthly 

Inverclyde Carers Outreach 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 11am - 2pm 

Email enquiries@inverclydecarerscentre.org.uk 

or call: 01475 735180. 

2nd Thursday monthly 

Sòlas Bereavement Support Group 

Kidston Hall. 6.30pm - 8.30pm. 

3rd Friday monthly 

Hearing Aid Clinic 

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir 1 - 2pm 

Hearing aid batteries and hearing aid checks. 

2nd Saturday monthly 

‘Brunch & Browse’ 

St Fillan’s Hall, Kilmacolm 10am - 2pm 

Soups, baking, tea, coffee, books & lots of stalls 

last Friday monthly 

TheTerrace 

St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Hall 

Soups, sandwiches, tea/coffee, biscuits. £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 SAT 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 

10am - 2pm 

1st & 3rd SUN 

Loch Lomond Shores 

10am - 3pm Tel: 07977 179 861 

2nd THU & last SAT 

Paisley Cross 

10am - 2pm Tel: 01655 770217 

2nd SUN 

Kip Marina, Inverkip 

11am - 4pm www.kipmarina.co.uk 

Barshaw Gala 

Day 

Saturday 24 June at Barshaw 

Park, Paisley from 12noon 

It’s a fun, free day out for all the family 

where there will be the chance to 

enjoy live entertainment provided by 

local groups, fun infl atables, free face 

painting and children’s workshops, 

community and craft stalls and 

more. 

Barshaw Park also has some fantastic 

play areas, a nature corner, a large 

pond, BMX area, plus model ride on 

train. 

Entry is free, so come along and join 

in an afternoon party in the park! 

Sunday Afternoon Concerts 

at Martyrs’ Sandyford 

50:50 Proms 2017 MARTYRS’ SANDYFORD CHURCH 

KING STREET and MONTGOMERY ROAD, PAISLEY 

Martyrs’ Sandyford Church of Scotland is hosting a short series of afternoon 

concerts. Please note that the concerts are held at TWO venues so please 

check carefully which venue is hosting. There is good parking at both venues. 

On Sunday 4th June, 2.30pm a string quartet from St Mary’s Music School, 

Edinburgh will be playing a programme of Kodaly and Schubert. This time the 

concert is in Montgomery Road PA3 4LQ. Tickets costing £5 are available at 

the door on the day. 

Sunday 11th June, 2.30pm, King Street, PA1 2LS THE ORGANISTS ENTERTAIN!! 

The organists of both the King Street and Montgomery Road buildings present 

a programme comprising organ music, piano duets, singing and trumpet solos. 

Come and enjoy watching our organists let their hair down as they show off 

their versatility! Tickets costing £5 are available at the door on the day. 

Sunday 18th June, 2.30pm, Montgomery Road PA3 4LQ the series is rounded 

off with a performance by THE ARCARA CONSORT. This is a very talented group 

of players who fi rst met at school how many years ago?!! They keep meeting 

and keep on playing, turning their hand to all styles of music. Hear them play 

recorders as you’ve probably never heard 

them played before. 

Ranging from the 

tiny sopranino recorder to the great subcontrabass, 

Arcara will play some of their 

favourite music, both early and modern. 

Tickets costing £5 are available at the 

door on the day. 

Saturday 3rd June 2017 

Hannah Park, Shotts 

Official opening 1pm. Gates open 9am. 

Scottish Heavy Events 

The traditional Heavy Events involves fi ve 

disciplines, all requiring great strength, 

control and expertise. 

Tossing the Caber ~ Throwing 16 lb. 

Scots Hammer ~ Putting the 16 lb. ball 

~ Throwing 28 lb. weight ~ Throwing 56 

lb. weight for height. 

Pipe Band Championship ~ Athletics 

Highland Dancing Championships (Starts 

at 9.30 a.m.) 

The Highland Fling ~ The Sword Dance ~ 

The Strathspey Reel ~ Shean Trubhis 

www.shottshighlandgames.org.uk 

Saturday 3rd June, 2017 

Rugby Ground, Helensburgh 

Running ~ Heavy Weights ~ Solo Piping 

~ Wrestling ~ Highland Dance 

www.helensburghandlomondgames.co.uk/ 

Saturday 10th June, 2017 

West of Scotland Football Club, Bearsden 

& Milngavie 

Running ~ Heavy Weights ~ Wrestling ~ 

Highland Dance 

www.bearsdenmilngaviehighlandgames.com 

Sunday 11th June 

Ardrossan Academicals Rugby Football 

Club 

Craft Tent ~ Stalls ~ Other Attractions to 

be announced 

Competitions 

Highland Dancing ~ Heavy Events ~ 

Juvenile Solo Piping ~ Pipe Bands 

www.ardrossanhighlandgames.org.uk 

Saturday 1st July, 2017 

Luss Village, Luss 

Running ~ Cycling ~ Heavy Weights ~ 

Tug-of-war ~ Solo Piping ~ Wrestling ~ 

Light Field ~ Hill Race ~ Highland Dance 

www.lusshighlandgames.co.uk 

Saturday 15th July, 2017 

Moss o’ Balloch Park, Loch Lomond 

Adult £5.00, Juvenile £3.00, Family (2 

Adults & 3 Juveniles) £13.00, Over 60’s 

£3.00 

Running ~ Heavy Weights ~ Solo Piping 

~ Wrestling ~ Highland Dance 

The Games are a traditional Highland 

Games and hosts: 

The offi cial SHGA Heavyweight World 

Championship (16lb and 22lb Ball, 

16lb and 22lb Hammer, Caber and 28lb 

Weight for distance and 56lb wt for 

height) 

The Scottish 80 Metres Running 

Championship 

The Scottish Backhold/Cumberland Style 

Wrestling British Championship 

Highland Dancing ~ Solo Piping ~ 

Cycling ~ Tug o’ War 

Pipe Band events at local and national 

level 

www.llhgb.com 

Sunday 16th July, 2017 

Howie Park, Rosneath, Rosneath 

Adults £5; Concessions £3; Child £2; 

Family ticket £10 

Running ~ Cycling ~ Heavy Weights ~ 

Tug-of-war ~ Solo Piping ~ Hill Race ~ 

Highland Dance 

www.rosneathgames.co.uk 

Full details at 

www.shga.co.uk 

19 19



Essential Sewing Skills (Part 1) 



to 4pm 

Learn the basics of machine sewing to build your 

confidence. We will cover various techniques 

including seams, fastenings, button holes 

and zips. Sewing machines are provided. All 

levels of experience welcome. For bookings 

and info. mwhitelaw@mcd-uk.co.uk www. 


Tue 27 - Fri 30 June 

Creative Textiles 



to 4pm 

Highly creative, comprehensive course. Specialist 

techniques will be covered to produce your 

portfolio of work. On booking full briefing will 

be sent in preparation. Sewing machines are 

provided. All levels of experience welcome. For 

bookings and info. mwhitelaw@mcd-uk.co.uk 

www.creativemasterclassacademy.co.uk 

Tue 27 June 

Woodland Art 


1pm to 3pm 

Join our Rangers and gather woodland materials 

to make your artistic creation. 

JUNE 

10 


Tracks and Trails 


1pm to 3pm 

Help our Rangers to track animals through the 

forest and identify the animal tracks you find or 

even a Gruffalo. 

Sat 1 July 

Erskine Classic Car Show 

Intu Braehead - 12noon to 5pm 

Come along to experience the fun and excitement 

of Erskine’s annual show with over 300 cars on 

display from old classics to super cars, live music 

and entertainment, car demonstrations, guest 

speakers, fun fair, raffles, pop up shops and 

much more. If you love cars, old or new then you 

can’t afford to miss this great day out for all the 

family. Entry is £5. Kids go free. All profits go 

to helping ex-service men and women. If you or 

your club are interested in exhibiting your car(s) 

please contact Susannah Todd Susannah.todd@ 

erskine.org.uk 0141 814 456 

Sun 2 July 

Glasgow Mela 

Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow - 12noon to 

8pm 

Scotland’s biggest free multicultural festival - 

bursting with live music and theatre performances, 

exotic and mouth-watering foods from around the 

globe and fun for all ages, a visit this year is an 

absolute must! Shop for unique gifts and dazzling 

clothes in the marketplace before chilling out in 

the summer sun to the sounds of the world. 

Johnstone High Parent Council 

St Vincent’s Hospice are bringing CarFest into Paisley town centre this summer 

for a motoring extravaganza not to be missed! There will be classic, vintage 

and specialist custom cars on show, as well as muscle cars, supercars and 

emergency vehicles, not to mention motorbikes and even a land train! 

As well as treats for motor enthusiasts, there will be plenty of family-friendly 

fun with fairground rides, children’s entertainment, stalls, tombola and a prize 

raffl e. 

Organised by MaxSafe Solutions and sponsored by Paisley First, the event 

will take place in Paisley town centre on Saturday 17th June and offers free 

entertainment for all the family. 

This is the fourth year of St. Vincent’s Hospice CarFest but its fi rst visit to 

the town centre with all funds raised on the day supporting the hospice in 

Howwood. 

Paisley First Vice Chairman, David Wallace, said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting 

the Hospice and the CarFest team in bringing this great event to Paisley town 

centre. It will be a great day out for all the family and I am sure all the local 

businesses will join in the fun too, all in aid of such a worthy cause.” 

Kate Lennon, Chief Executive of St. Vincent’s Hospice, said: “We are very excited 

to hold this event in Paisley for the fi rst time. We look forward to meeting old 

friends and new at this fabulous event. Everyone at the hospice is truly grateful 

for all the support from our local communities.” 

Willie Chrystal of MaxSafe Solutions said: “Having set up the initial CarFest a 

few years ago, after speaking with the fundraising team at the hospice during 

one of our training courses, I came up with the idea of hosting a show at the 

hospice. It has been fantastically received by both the car owners and the 

public alike with vehicles of all shapes, sizes and years. Everyone has loved it.” 

“The work that the hospice provides for the people of Renfrewshire is 

exceptional. What better way for a petrol head to have fun and also help raise 

some money.” 

The event on Saturday 17th June will kick off with a procession of more than 

100 cars taking part from Renfrew Road into the town centre at 8.30am. 

The cars will then be on show at locations including County Square, The 

Cenotaph, High Street and Johnston Street from 10 am until 4 pm. 

TOOT TOOT AND 

SELL YOUR LOOT! 

Johnstone High School 

Saturday 10th June, 2pm - 4pm 

£10 a pitch - pre-book online just email 

jhspcfunds@gmail.com for the paypal link 

music, refreshments, games and more! 

all welcome - free entry 

come and bag a bargain! 

Glasgow Mela 

SUNDAY 2 JULY 2017 at Kelvingrove 

Park, Glasgow from 12noon to 8pm 

Glasgow Mela - Scotland’s biggest free 

multicultural festival - is back on SUNDAY 

2N2 

D JULY 2017 in the west end’s beautiful 

Kelvingrove Park. 

Bursting with live music and theatre 

performances, exotic and mouth-watering 

foods from around the globe and fun for all 

ages, a visit this year is an absolute must! Shop for unique gifts and dazzling 

clothes in the marketplace before chilling out in the summer sun to the sounds 

of the world. 

Keep in touch... Make sure you’re the fi rst to know whenever we have news 

about Glasgow Mela. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? for 

updates.


21 21


the 

Auld Hat, New Heids 

Thursday 1st June - 7.30pm - Tickets £12 

Following their sell-out concert success at Celtic Connections, four 

of Scotland’s most experienced folk singers and musicians will 

recreate the fabulous fun days of the 1960s/70s, when folk clubs 

were crammed with audiences singing their hearts out to ‘Scottish 

songs we all know but that are seldom heard these days’. 

Sleeping Beauty 

Friday 2nd - Saturday 3rd June - 7.30pm- Tickets £12 

Feeling the panto blues? Join the cast of Total Kayos for an 

unseasonal summer. Watch as Dame Dottie Drawers, her son 

Chester and their friends try to save Princess Aurora from the evil 

fairy Carabosse. Family entertainment - suitable for all ages. 

Oh! Carol 

Saturday 3rd June - 7.30pm - Tickets £20 

Oh! Carol, the musical story of Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfi eld. 

From their humble beginnings in Brooklyn to the dizzying heights 

of their success in the 50s & 60s, the songwriting genius of Neil 

Sedaka and ‘Howie’ Howard Greenfi eld will go down in musical 

history as one of the most successful partnerships of all time. 

Ayr Sketch Club Exhibition 

Sunday 4th to Friday 30th June - 9am - 6pm - Free 

Ayr Sketch Club was founded in 1901 and has spawned a long line 

of professional artists whose work has been exhibited throughout 

the breadth of Scotland. We are delighted to host this ambitious 

group at Beacon Arts Centre with an exhibition of work. 

Sounds of Scotland 

Wednesday 7th June - 7.30 pm - Tickets £7.50 

West College Scotland Greenock campus are back with their 

annual school show. This years theme is ‘Sounds Of Scotland – A 

Celebration Of Scotland’s Greatest Pop Songs’. Come along and 

enjoy a great night of music and see the great work the students 

do on these courses 

Songwriters Uncovered Series 

Thursday 8th June - 7pm - Tickets £6 - £8 

Homegrown talented singer/songwriters take centre stage. 

Experience a range of styles to suit all musical tastes. Musicians 

include: Shelagh McKay Jones, Bill Wilkie, Jan Harper, Anthony 

McElwee, Lynnie Carson, Charly Houston & Mark Philip Jones. 

The Johnny Cash Roadshow 

Saturday 10th June - 7.30 pm - Tickets £20 

Johnny Cash Roadshow, a show not to be missed by avid fans or 

the casual listener. Also the only show to be endorsed by the CASH 

family! An emotional rollercoaster, unrivalled by any other that 

truly celebrates the career of a music legend, Johnny Cash. 

21-25 June www.jazzfest.co.uk 

Thistle Theatre Academy Summer Showcase 

Sunday 11th June - 2pm - Tickets £8 

Thistle Theatre Academy of Speech and Drama present their Summer 

Showcase! 

Dead Sheep Comedy 

Thursday 15th June - 8pm - Tickets £10 - £12 

Join us for a night of belly laughs and tear jerking giggles as our 

resident MC Scott Gibson (Best Newcomer 2016, Edinburgh 

Comedy Awards) welcomes some of the biggest and best name 

in UK Comedy to the stage. Along with some of Scotland’s fi nest 

new comedy talent. 

Euan Stevenson & Konrad Wiszniewski 

Thursday 15th June - 7.30pm - 10pm - Tickets £10 - £12 

The pianist and saxophonist who lead the widely acclaimed 

New Focus turn their attention and rich jazz talents to favourite 

standards from the Duke Ellington band book and other sources. 

Scottish Chamber Orchestra 

Thursday 22nd June - 7.30 pm - From £ 6 - £16 

Stenhammar’s Romances are favourite pieces from the 

homeland of the animated and lively Swedish conductor 

and violinist Tobias Ringborg. Mendelssohn’s sunny 

‘Italian’ provides Mediterranean fl avours, principal players 

from the Orchestra have fun with Bottesini’s Duo for violin 

and double bass, and Mozart’s ‘Haffner’ brings the concert to a rousing close. 

TUES 

6 

JUNE 

Threads/How To Save The World….ish 

Thursday 22nd June - 7.30 pm - From £5 to £7 

Beacon Youth Theatre presents an exciting double bill featuring 

our senior class in Threads and a performance of How to Save the 

World…ish by Beacon Young Company and directed by Nicholas 

Barton-Wines (YTAS Saltire Award Winner). 

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

INFO@BEACONARTSCENTRE.CO.UK TELEPHONE: 01475 723723 

Waves 

Paisley Arts Centre 

7.30pm 

£10 (£6 conc) + bkg fee Suitable for ages 8+ 

Waves is the amazing tale of Elizabeth Moncello and how, 

growing up on Gabo Island (Australia) in the 1930’s, she employed 

sea creatures to teach her how to swim. With the help of fi sh, 

penguins and amphibian friends, Liz, the daughter of immigrants, 

developed ‘the Dolphin,’ known to the world as the Butterfl y. 

FRI 

9 

JUNE 

Stuart Mitchell - Dealt a Bad Hand 


7.30pm 

Tickets: £10 (£8 conc.) + bkg fee Suitable for ages 12+ 

From BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Breaking the News’, Stuart 

Mitchell brings his smash hit sell out Fringe debut to Eden Court. 

From tragic accidents and medical complications to losing both 

parents, this debut is a hilarious take on dealing with life’s 

misfortunes and coming out the other end unscathed. 

SAT 

17 

The MacDougalls Family Singalong 

Show 


2pm 

JUNE 

Tickets: £5 (£15 for a family of four) + bkg fee 

The McDougalls Singalong Show has lively songs, fun actions and 

bucket loads of audience participation, guaranteed to put a smile 

on the face of weans of all ages (the grown up ones too!). There’s 

even a special appearance from their pet bunny rabbit Morag! 

SUN 

18 

The Furrow Collective 


7.30pm 

Tickets: £10 (£8 conc.) + bkg fee 

JUNE 

Furrow Collective has been in demand as a touring band, 

gigging throughout Europe. Hot on the heels of two BBC Folk 

Award nominations, they released their new album ‘Wild Hog’ on 

Hudson Records last year to huge critical acclaim. 

Call us on 0300 300 1210 or visit https://boxoffice.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ to book


23 23 

Drama Group for Carers 

Any budding actresses and actors out there? 

We held our fi rst Drama workshop on 21st April and thankfully it was a sucess! We have now 

organised that this group meets weekly on a Tuesday evening at the Centre from 6 - 8pm. 

All carers are welcome to join. 

Renfrewshire Centre are running the group in conjunction with Dramatic Ideas. 

Please contact Christine or Susan in the Centre if you are interested. Tel: 0141 887 3643 or 

email enquiries@renfrewshirecarers.org.uk. Free admission. 

Recitals 

Saturday 17th June 

Andrew Laird (clarinet) : Donald 

McIntosh (piano) 

~ 

12.30pm 

Cloister Café with baking from 10am 

~ 

Tickets £5 at the door 

Paisley Abbey (Church of Scotland) – 

Registered Charity No. SC007633


Welcome to our new Councillors 

Following last month’s local elections, the results are now in! We would 

like to welcome back some of the regular faces plus a number of new 

ones. You’ll notice some new voices in our village news pages and we 

look forward to hearing more about what’s going on in the local area in the 

coming months. 

For Inverclyde, Ward 1 - Inverclyde East (includes Kilmacolm & Quarriers): 

● Christopher Curley (Scottish National Party) 

● Stephen McCabe (Scottish Labour Party) 

● David Wilson (Scottish Conservative and Unionist) 

For Renfrewshire, we have a number of wards in our distribution area as 

follows: 

Ward 8: Johnstone South and Elderslie 

● Jacqueline Cameron (Scottish National Party) 

● John Hood (Scottish Labour Party) 

● Alistair Mackay (Scottish Conservative and Unionist) 

● Andy Steel (Scottish National Party) 

Ward 9: Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch 

● Derek Bibby (Scottish Labour Party) 

● Bill Binks (Scottish Conservative and Unionist) 

● Andy Doig (Independent) 

● Emma Rodden (Scottish National Party) 

Ward 10: Houston, Crosslee, Brookfield and Linwood 

● Audrey Doig (Scottish National Party) 

● Alison Jean Dowling (Scottish Labour Party) 

● Scott Kerr (Scottish Conservative and Unionist) 

● James Sheridan (Scottish Labour Party) 

Ward 11: Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank 

● Natalie Don (Scottish National Party) 

● James MacLaren (Scottish Conservative and Unionist) 

● Colin McCulloch (Scottish Labour Party) 

Ward 12: Erskine and Inchinnan 

● Tom Begg (Scottish Conservative and Unionist) 

● Michelle Campbell (Scottish National Party) 

● Jim Harte (Scottish Labour Party) 

● Iain Nicolson (Scottish National Party) 

IT Blog 

with Colin Fyfe of Colcom 

In August, last year I encountered two separate instances of the 

Cryptolocker Virus. Although not for the first time, it prompted me 

to conclude in my article here the following month that, ‘these threats 

are going to become even more prevalent in the coming years and will 

probably become, in one way or another, the primary data security threat 

that we will face.’ 

The now ubiquitous ‘WannaCry’ ransomware variant made international 

news headlines last month on the back of its viral proliferation in our private 

and public services networks and localised infections over the globe. The 

following working day I wrote a quick email to my customers reminding 

them of the most important prevention and data security measures. 

These were to be on guard for suspicious emails; don’t click on suspect 

links or attachments. If in business and in doubt then check with your IT 

support. Check that all Operating Systems and Anti-Virus are updated. 

Finally, ensure a backup is in place and operational. 

A lot has been made of the point that Windows XP is the problem and that 

the NHS is running off old XP kit. This probably isn’t the case. Windows 

7 is the most likely OS to be affected by the WannaCry variant due to 

its mass appeal with around two thirds of business machines running 

the OS and its older ‘Windows Update’ process. This process, in large 

office networks is often governed by a server that in turn is governed by 

an IT department. The security patch for Windows 7 that would nullify 

the infection was released a couple of months before the event unfolded; 

putting it on a to-do list oh-so-near the top of an in-tray heap. 

Keep in mind that this threat is an urgent reminder of the importance of 

backup. With Cryptolocker, the encrypted files cannot be recovered.


25


Financial Blog 

by Carl Melvin, Affluent Financial Planning Ltd 

Final Salary Pension Transfers 

The Pension Freedoms and flexibility available to non-final salary 

pension plan holders and the very high transfer values offered for Final 

Salary (or Defi ned Benefit or DB) schemes has led to an increasing 

number of DB scheme members seeking a transfer value. The transfer 

values currently on offer can be eye watering, especially for those with 

long service, high earnings or both. 

You can give up a valuable guaranteed lifetime income in return for a 

cash sum to be invested in a pension fund under your control. You 

exchange an income stream for an asset and certainty for flexibility and 

choice. For many accepting a transfer value won’t be appropriate, but 

for an increasing number a transfer may achieve their retirement goals. 

So, what should you look out for? 

• You must take professional advice – if your transfer value 

is £30,000 or more, you must take professional advice from a 

pension transfer specialist to ensure you understand the risks 

involved. 

• Complicated – this is very complex and the decision is not 

straightforward. 

• High Risk – this is high risk advice for an adviser to provide. You 

are also taking on risks when you transfer and you may make a 

poor decision you later regret. 

• Advice is not cheap – high risk complex advice is never low cost. 

Expect to pay thousands of pounds in professional fees. 

For those who are unmarried, in poor health, overburdened with debt, 

have other income sources or want to retire early a DB transfer can be 

a good choice 

This information is not financial advice. If you require advice you should 

consult a professional adviser. The first meeting is normally free and 

there is no obligation. Carl Melvin is a regulated pension transfer 

specialist. 

Call us for a FREE financial review on 01505 59 50 60 or info@affl uentfp. 

co.uk. Alternatively, pop into the Affl uent offi ce opposite Amaretto 

restaurant on Main Street, Bridge of Weir. www.affl uentfp.co.uk


27 27


Speaker Dinner Meetings 

There have been four Dinner Meetings at the River Inn 

since our last Advertiser report. As usual the speakers, 

three of them ladies, have been excellent and have 

covered a wide range of topics. 

19th April: 

Alan Bowie was pleased to introduce Susanne 

Smith. Susanne is a past-captain of Old Ranfurly Golf Club, 

but in an earlier life she had been a 

cabin steward with British Airways 

for 23 years after which she 

qualified as a driving instructor, an 

occupation more suited to bringing 

up her family. She entertained us 

with both amusing and harrowing 

tales of her time with BA and 

more recently with some of 

her less able/intelligent driving 

pupils, concluding that her current 

occupation was more hazardous 

than her airborne one. After many 

questions, Peter Dickie thanked 

Susanne for a most entertaining and informative talk, a sentiment endorsed 

by all present. 

26th April: Edwin Fisher introduced 

Pauline Kelly, a development 

worker in the Renfrewshire Young 

Carers Centre and Shelley who is 

a young carer. Pauline presented 

an overview of the work of the 

centre. Shelley explained that her 

younger brother had been born with 

a severe kidney problem and then 

shortly afterwards her mother was 

beset with mobility problems. As the eldest child, Shelley found herself 

taking charge of getting the younger children off to school and to doctor and 

hospital appointments, amongst many issues that demanded her attention. 

Naturally her school attendance suffered and she felt some teachers were 

insensitive to her situation. Fortunately, the Young Carers Centre offered 

support and a place to meet other children in a similar position. She is 

now 17 in her last year at school and hopes to start training for a job in 

aviation. She noted that she had really enjoyed participating in the outings 

arranged by the Rotary Club to Soar at Braehead, the Kibble Experience 

etc. Discussion centred on the need to provide more assistance – a better 

‘care package’ in the modern jargon, but how? Peter thanked both our 

speakers for their contributions to a memorable evening. 

10th May: Alistair Fernie introduced Jim Dorward who had regaled us 

previously on more than one 

occasion with his intimate 

knowledge of Britain’s railways. 

Jim’s topic this year was 

“Waterloo – Britain’s busiest 

railway station” - 100 million 

passenger movements a 

year. The major part of a very 

complex £800 million project 

to increase the capacity of 

the services using Waterloo by 30% is ongoing and will be completed in 

August with fi nal testing over the Bank holiday weekend. As an aside, 

Jim mentioned that funeral trains ran daily from Waterloo to Brookwood, 

near Woking until 1941. This led to Woking having the country’s first 

crematorium. After many questions, Peter gave his Vote of Thanks and 

invited Jim to come back next year! 

17th May: in a variation from the usual speaker routine, John Douglas told 

members the story and statistics of this year’s Rotary Primary School Quiz 

which had been held on 6th March, inviting members to test themselves 

on ten rounds of questions on topics including Bridges, the Sea, In the Air, 

Cats, Famous People, Quotations, Music, Ancient Civilisations and Energy. 

A selection of the questions will be used in our Quiz Sheet at the Houston 

Show. 

Gryffe Advertizer - Current & Past Issues 

www.advertizer.co.uk/issues 

LOCAL 

history 

Robert Lang Campbell, on the Mormon Trail to 

Salt Lake City 

In 1846, after the loss of his young wife in childbirth 

and himself suffering from ill-health on the arduous 

Mormon trek from persecution in Nauvoo, Robert 

Lang Campbell (1825-74), a young Mormon priest 

from Kilbarchan, arrived at winter quarters. Within 

weeks he recovered his health. 

In Scotland, Robert had trained a clerk and, because of this experience, he 

was appointed as clerk to Brigham Young, John Smith and Willard Richard. 

This was a prestigious post for a young man. Later he was appointed 

in charge of the Post Office and was a volunteer in the Pioneers led by 

Brigham Young. The Pioneers surveyed the area searching for a suitable 

site for a permanent settlement. In 1848 they found the ideal site and Salt 

Lake City was founded on the 24th of July. 

In the same year, Robert received the sad news from Kilbarchan that his 

father and maternal grandmother had died. In 1850 he was pleased to 

be given a mission to return to Scotland. During his time in Scotland he 

married Mary Stewart. In 1854, as leader of a group of Mormon converts 

from Scotland, Robert with his new wife set off for Salt Lake City. The group 

included an older widowed lady, Elizabeth Jordan (née Beveridge). In his 

diary Robert had recorded visiting Sister Jordan in Stevenson in 1844. The 

group sailed from Liverpool and arrived at New Orleans in May. From there 

they sailed up the Mississippi to St. Louis, and then to Kansas. The last 

part of their journey was by wagon train alongside the River Platte to Salt 

Lake City, where Robert and his group of converts settled. As was the 

Mormon custom, he took a second wife Jean Miller. Robert with his wives, 

Mary and Jean, had 21 children. In 1857 he married a third polygamous 

wife. This wife was his old friend, Sister Jordan from Stevenson. Robert 

was well-respected in the community as a good husband and father to his 

large family. 

Furthermore, Robert Campbell, the young clerk from Kilbarchan, also 

became a prestigious figure in the Mormon Community. He was appointed 

as Superintendent of Schools for the Territory of Utah and as Mormon 

Chancellor from 1857 until his death from cholera in 1874. His obituary 

in the Deseret News stated that he was “an industrious, useful, upright, 

trustworthy man”. 

© 2017, Helen Calcluth, Renfrewshire Local History Forum 

Robert Lang Campbell’s Diary and further information can be found at : 

https://lib.byu.edu/collections/mormon-missionary-diaries/.../robert-lang-campbell/ 

Johnstone History Society 

We had our last meeting of this session on the 9th May This was a very 

interesting evening which was very well attended and enjoyed by everyone. 

We had our bi- monthly Raffle and would like to thank all who donated prizes. 

Our meetings will resume on Tuesday 12th September in the Masonic Hall 

Collier Street at 7.30pm. The first speaker of the year will be Donald Reid 

speaking about “The Lost Villages of the Doon Valley”. As this is our fi rst 

meeting we look forward to a good attendance. Members, visitors and any 

new members will be made very welcome. Membership fees are £10 per 

person and £2 per night. 

Throughout the summer the Museum will continue to 

open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10.30am till 

4pm. Our collection of books, maps and publications 

will still be available for sale in the museum and 

online at johnstonehistory.org and can be paid for 

via PayPal. On the weekend of the 2nd and 3rd 

of September which is “Doors Open Days” for that 

weekend only we will be open on Sunday. 




Public will consider Paisley West End masterplan 

The public will have their say on a new masterplan to regenerate 

the West End of Paisley. 

Councillors have agreed that the draft Paisley West End 

Regeneration Masterplan should move to public consultation 

in June 2017. 

Extensive engagement will now begin with tenants, residents, 

businesses, landowners and all other interested parties on the 

masterplan proposals for around 150 homes, providing a mix 

of private and social housing as well as new commercial units, 

subject to demand. 

The plan covers an area comprising Well Street, Underwood Lane, Clavering Street East, Sutherland 

Street, Oakshaw Brae and West Brae. 

Tenement flats on the east side of Well Street; commercial ground fl oor properties in the tenement 

blocks and vacant residential blocks on Clavering Street East would be demolished as part of the 

plans. 

Clearance of the vacant former University of the West of Scotland Halls of Residence and relocation 

of community growing areas on Sutherland Street - redeveloping these sites for housing - are also 

included in the proposals. 

Residents affected would be supported by the Council to find suitable alternative accommodation and Council officers will also work with affected business 

owners and tenants to determine their preferences and potentially source available alternative premises which meet their aspirations. 

Affected tenants and property owners will be contacted individually by the Council to discuss their thoughts on the proposals, with the option of a face-toface 

meeting and an invitation to drop-in consultation events 

at local community venues. 

Meetings are also planned with Paisley West and Central 

Community Council, Paisley West End Tenants and Residents 

Association, University of the West of Scotland and private 

landowners. 

Costs to deliver the masterplan are being developed and 

will be informed through the consultation process and site 

investigations of the undeveloped land. Scottish Government 

grant support for the project would be brought forward through 

Renfrewshire’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP), 

which includes a £10 million provisional allowance. 

The image shows the masterplan proposed view of Oakshaw 

Brae, looking south. 

Well Street 

Oakshaw Brae 

29 29


Paisley Pattern ‘on trend’ 

with Pringle 

The iconic Paisley Pattern is to feature in luxury knitwear brand, Pringle of 

Scotland’s, upcoming autumn/winter 2017 collection. 

The collaboration occurred after Pringle’s Womenswear Design Director, 

Fran Stringer was granted access to the original Paisley Pattern designs 

during a visit to Paisley Museum. The internationally significant collection 

is currently valued at £1 million. 

In addition to the original designs held at the museum, the archive has also 

been digitised to allow people to access it for research, education, media 

and local community reasons as well as commercial purposes. 

There are also plans underway for the commercialisation of the Paisley 

Pattern to support and grow the ambition to connect the town back to 

the globally-recognised pattern through working with external textile and 

fashion related industry experts. 

In this case Pringle accessed the digital archive to select unique designs for 

the bespoke creations which will feature in the upcoming collection. Pringle 

also have a history of using the pattern in their designs having previously 

used in collections in the 1960s. 

Fran Stringer, Womenswear Design Director, said: “There are so many 

icons in Pringle’s history. 

“The archives are always such a rich source of inspiration! Many heritage 

patterns and signature designs remain relevant today, and we were happy 

to also work with Paisley in its original form, but printed onto knitwear in 

much the same way as Pringle first did in the Sixties. I want to continue to 

celebrate Pringle as the knitwear pioneer that it always has been.” 

Pringle announced the Paisley Pattern collaboration as part of a special 

Paisley-themed exhibition and workshops taking place during London Craft 

Week. 

The event saw collaboration with G F Smith, historic luxury paper makers of 

Hull, UK City of Culture 2017, Bentleys London and Charles Laurie London 

with the UK’s largest leather manufacturer, Scottish Leather Group, and 

two new businesses supported by Renfrewshire business incubator InCube 

- Misty Concepts and Paisley Pins. 

Showcasing Paisley’s textile credentials to the world is part of wide-ranging 

regeneration plans developed by Renfrewshire Council that will put Paisley 

back on the global textiles map, boosted by textiles and design festival 

PaisleyMake. 

Makers from Scotland, the UK and around the globe came to Paisley for the 

inaugural PaisleyMake festival last year - held in partnership with Scotland’s 

national fashion and textiles organisation Scotland Re:Designed - to be one 

of the fi rst people to view the complete Paisley Pattern archive. 

Jean Cameron, Paisley 2021 Bid Director, said: “Both the Paisley Pattern 

and Pringle can be recognised throughout the world for celebrating Scottish 

heritage and this is something we are very proud to support especially as it 

links with our ambitions set out in our bid for UK City of Culture 2021. 

“Partnerships like this amplify the pattern and the town and are part of a 

much bigger push to use heritage and culture to transform Renfrewshire’s 

future.” 

The collaboration with Pringle celebrates and promotes Paisley’s unique 

heritage which is also highlighted in the town’s bid for UK City of Culture 

2021 submitted to UK Government’s Department of Culture, Media and 

Sport last month. 

PaisleyMake returns with a new programme of bespoke and creative events 

on Monday 28th August 2017. 

Kilmacolm 

Show 

A hardy group 

of members 

turned out to 

man the Rotary Coconut Shy 

at the Kilmacolm Show on 

Saturday 13th May. Despite 

the inclement weather the sum of £150 was raised for the selected charities 

– Mary’s Meals and CHAS Robin House. This will be added to the income 

expected from the stall at the Houston Show on 3rd June, when we hope 

for better weather! 

Scottish Artist, Dominic Snyder joins forces with 

ReMode for a new style of workshop 

Throughout June and July, ReMode will be running ‘Our 

Pattern’, an inter-generational, multi -media project taking 

the Paisley Pattern as an inspirational departure point. 

Participants will be working with Scottish Artist, Dominic Snyder to create 

patterned wood blocks for traditional block printing onto fabrics. 

This is a fantastic 

opportunity to work with 

a high profile Scottish 

artist and to learn block 

printing skills. Our 

Pattern is for everyone of 

all ages from 9 to 99(+)! 

You can come along and 

take part as a family! 

The workshops are free 

but places are limited, 

and must be booked for 

each participant through 

Eventbrite. Please sign up 

for all 5 workshops. Visit 

the ReMode facebook 

page to get the booking 

link. www.facebook.com/ 

remodeyouth/ 

SWISH clothes swap event & Meddle and Make workshop at the 

McKillop – Saturday 1st July 

On Saturday July 1st we will be holding a Swish clothes swap event along 

with hands-on workshops, film screenings and refreshments at the McKillop 

Institute in Lochwinnoch. 

Donate gently worn or new clothing, shoes or accessories in return for 

tokens - 1 garment/item in return for 1 token which you can spend in our 

Swish boutique on the night! Please drop off your donations and collect 

your tokens at ReMode, High Street, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4AB before the 

night - see our opening times on ReMode Lochwinnoch Facebook. 

‘Meddle and Make’ workshops from 

6 - 7.30pm - you may want to take 

part in one of our hands-on gain 

some ‘make’ skills and find out more 

about how we can all love our clothes 

that little bit more! Details for booking 

these will be posted on our Facebook 

page from 15/5/17. To Book places for 

the Swish on eventbrite: https://www. 

eventbrite.com/e/remode-swishtickets-34466051889?aff=eac2


31 

looking for someone local? 

SEE A POTHOLE 

REPORT IT! 

Call 01475 717171 

Report online at 

https://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/ 

environment/roads-lighting/rep 

ort-a-fault 

You can also write to: 

Inverclyde Council 

Municipal Buildings 

Clyde Square 

GREENOCK 

PA15 1LY 

www.advertizer.co.uk/clients 

Call 0300 3000 300 

Online fault report at 

https://selfservice.renfrewshir 

e.gov.uk/Ef3/General.jsp?for 

m=SS_RoadAndLightFault&p 

age=pg_locatestreet 

You can also write to: 

Community Resources 

Renfrewshire House 

Cotton Street 

Paisley, PA1 1BR 

The Erskine Classic Car Show 

Saturday 1st July 12noon - 5pm at intu Braehead, Arena and 

Boardwalk 

Back for 2017 with an exciting new location at 

intu Braehead, arena & boardwalk, Renfrewshire, 

Scotland. Come along on Saturday 1st July to 

experience the fun and excitement of Erskine’s 

annual show with over 300 cars on display 

from old classics to super cars, live music 

and entertainment, car demonstrations, guest 

speakers, fun fair, raffles, pop up shops and 

much more. If you love cars, old or new then 

you can’t afford to miss this great day out for all 

the family. Entry is £5. Kids go free. 

All profi ts go to helping ex-service men and 

women. 

If you or your club are interested in exhibiting 

your car(s) please contact Susannah Todd 

Susannah.todd@erskine.org.uk 0141 814 

4567 or Download a Registration Form from 

the website: https://www.erskine.org.uk/event/ 

classic-car-show-2017/ 

Milngavie Classic Car Show 

Saturday 17th June 10am - 4pm, Milngavie Town Centre, G62 6BJ 

We are delighted to host the 3rd 

Car Show in Milngavie Town 

Centre. We are expecting to 

fill precinct with almost 100 

classic, vintage, veterans and 

supercars this year! 

We teamed up with the British 

Transport Police and local community groups to make this event even more 

interesting! 

We will have a number of kid’s attractions from face-painting to balloon 

twisting on the day. We also thought about adults as we will have safety 

demonstrations and free bicycle marking organised by local police! Not to 

mention about delicious food providers and market stalls at the event! 

For all car owners interested in participating at this year event please go to 

Our Buzz Milngavie: http://www.ourbuzz.co.uk/milngavie/find/lister/events/ 

milngavie-bid_796


Paisley Colour Photographic Club 

“Mike Cruise wins Paisley Colour’s Henderson Trophy” 

At Paisley Colour’s fi nal and most prestigious trophy of the 2016 - 2017 

session, The Henderson Memorial Trophy, show casing the best work of 

club members throughout the year, we were very pleased to welcome 

to the McMaster Centre in Renfrew experienced photographer and top 

judge Hunter Kennedy MPAGB, EFIAP, ARPS from Carluke to assess the 

competition entries. 

Thirty one portfolios of three images were submitted and the high standard 

and wide range of photographs on show made for a very enjoyable 

evening’s viewing. Each image was given careful consideration by Hunter 

who’s judging remarks were full of interest and encouragement and his 

expert technical photography knowledge was demonstrated as he gave 

helpful ideas as to how images could be improved. 

Included in the competition was the presentation of the Hornby Tankard 

(for the highest placed introductory entry) and the presentation of the 

President’s tankard (for the highest placed intermediate entry). 

This year The Hornby Tankard was 

awarded to Ken Dow for his portfolio 

“Common Blue Damselfly”, “Cleopatra 

on Lavender” and “Getting Away from 

It All”. For his set of images including 

“Davaar Lighthouse”, “Niesh Point” 

and “Pladda Island” Tony Barr was 

awarded the President’s Trophy. 

For the Henderson Memorial 

Trophy, third place was awarded 

to Alison Smart for her set of 

three powerful portrait images 

“Farm Hand”, “Rice Farmer” and 

“Tobacco Farmer”. In second 

place was Robert Fulton for 

his set of stunning landscape 

images including “Snow, Sand 

and Sea”, “Calm Morning” and 

“Autumn Light”. This year the 

worthy winner of The Henderson 

Memorial Trophy was Mike 

Cruise for his beautiful portfolio of 

natural history images “Cuckoo”, 

“Kingfisher” and “Pine Marten”. 

Kilmacolm Camera Club 

It’s the end of another enjoyable 

season at the Camera Club. During 

the summer break, we’ve organised 

a variety of outings designed to whet 

the photographic appetite. Some 

will take us to the farthest reaches of 

the known world (e.g., Rothesay and 

Glen Etive!). Others are more local, 

also visited Barr Castle and a nearby 

woodland carpeted with bluebells. 

In that same week, we visited 

Highwood, with its beautiful bluebells 

woods. Once again, the sun shone 

– contrary to normal Camera Club 

rules! For me, the highlight was the 

such as Duchal House, Glasgow 

Cathedral and the Cloch Lighthouse. 

Last month, we took an evening trip 

to Lochwinnoch and discovered a 

rather scenic waterfall that most of 

us had not even known about. The 

good weather smiled upon us as we 

on-site tea and superb home-baking 

after the walk. 

A selection of images taken from 

these outings are shown here, 

provided by Bill Ham and David 

Walker. 

Jane Robertson’s image “Hold Tight” 

(which did well in the Renfrewshire 

Inter-Club competition) has achieved another accolade. In the GDPU 

Print Exhibition, organised for camera clubs in the Glasgow area (and on 

show recently in the Peoples’ Palace), Jane’s image was declared “Judge’s 

Favourite” by one of the judges. 

You’ll be very welcome to join us on one of these outings. We can’t 

guarantee superb home-baking every time, but we’re rather good at fl our 

photography (or maybe that’s flower photography!). 

Venue: Kilmacolm New Community Centre, Room 1.01; Tuesday evening, 

time 7.30pm (September to March) 

Contacts: Billy Blair, Tel: 873383; Janice Stevenson, Tel 873595. 

Website: clikpic.com/kilcamclub/ 


Business Bites at the Fox 


For further details about 

PCPC and to see updated 

members galleries please 

view www.paisleycolour. 

co.uk . The club now has a 

break over the summer but 

meetings resume in early 

September. 

This event is being held to bring together local business people, bloggers, 

creatives, entrepreneurs and community members to connect, grow and 

collaborate. 

Join us in the Hunters Bar on the last Tuesday of every month from 10am - 

11.30am, the next event will be on Tuesday 27th June 2017. This is a free 

event, with tea, coffee & breakfasts available if you wish and of course, no 

business event could be without the free WIFI. 

The format of the morning will be casual with meeting and greeting taking 

place first followed by a guest speaker. Run by our Assistant Manager 

Sarah, who has over 10 years experience running a variety of events, 

including business networking. 

Business Bites attendees will also be eligible to sign up to a members 

only mailing list, giving them access to exclusive events, discounts and 

promotions all year round. 

Venue; Fox & Hounds, South Street, Houston PA6 7EN.


33 33 

BOOK 

people 

Solo Piano With Love 

Local piano teacher Lesley Ross has been teaching piano in the local area 

for over 15 years. Lesley’s students have attained distinction grades of 

all levels with ABRSM and Trinity Exam board, some students going onto 

careers in music, others attaining scholarships or studying at prestigious 

Arts Schools like Royal Conservatoire Scotland. 

Alongside teaching, Lesley runs a music shop with her husband and is a 

mother to two energetic young boys. 

Lesley has also been composing music from an early age and has 

developed a beautiful fl owing style. Drawing inspiration from music by 

Chopin, Beethoven and Mozart, Lesley supplies music to the TV and Film 

industry with contracts in London and L.A. Lesley has released the first 

collection of her works in a music book. The book is a stunning collection 

of memorable and melodic music. Written and arranged specifically for 

the solo pianist; it would make an excellent gift for the musician in your 

life. 

Samples of the music can be heard on Lesley’s website lrmusic.co.uk the 

book title With Love Volume 1 (£11) is available on Amazon. 

Diaporama 

May is AGM month at Diaporama. It is usually short and sweet and, despite 

changing the way we will run the group to meet our requirements, it was no 

different this time and allowed us to get to the exciting bit of the evening - 

the “competition”. Although we call it a competition it’s really a good chance 

for us all to make and share our sequences. We started with ‘A Day in 

Kilmacolm’ by Bill. He had a black and white image of Kilmacolm where 

the buildings didn’t change but he changed the colours in the sky, added 

lights, birds etc. It was different and effective. Jim took us for ‘ A weekend 

in Bruges’ where we looked at old buildings, sculptures and he included 

bratwursts, beers, hot chocolate etc... It was his first sequence and was 

superb. Clare had been to a family wedding in Perth, Western Australia and 

captured the celebrations in ‘Clare and Christopher’s Wedding’ ending the 

show with a very romantic sunset! Hugh took us to ‘Old Dublin’ looking at 

O’Neills clock - Hugh 

both the modern city and its history. 

‘A Trip down the Line’ was produced 

by Colin with a look at the Festiniogg 

railway with its unique engines. 

We went to sunny ‘Fuerteventura’ 

with Val. Back home Fiona visited 

‘St Kilda’ looking at the past and 

present using both old and new 

images to get a sense of the history 

St Kilda - Fiona 

behind the island. David’s show 

was very different with a beautiful 

pictorial interpretation of the poem 

by A. A. Milne (from the book “When 

we were very young”) called ‘The 

Dormouse and the Doctor’. David, 

as the out-going chair, got to choose 

Dormouse - David 

Fuerteventura -Val 

the winner. Jim was chosen for his 

very first sequence - Well done! 

We have finished now for the 

summer but will be out and about 

taking photographers ready for 

making the sequences for the new 

session which starts in September. 

Looking for someone local? 

www.advertizer.co.uk/clients


Houston & Around by Scott Johnston 

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir 

Confirmed events 


Bridge of Weir Gala Day in 

Houston Road Park. Parade 

leaves Cargill Hall 12 noon. Gala 

Queen crowned at 12.45pm 

and then offi cially opens Gala 

Day at 1pm. This year’s theme 

is “Commotion in the Ocean”. 

{Please note that there will be 

no public car parking within the 

park on the day} 


Pet Service in St. Mary’s Church 

at 3pm {Nothing bigger than a 

dog please} 

Gala Praise for all the family in 

St. Machar’s Church at 7pm. 

Monday 12th June 

Gryffe Voices Community Choir 

in Freeland Church at 8pm 

Tuesday 13th June 

Football Fiesta in Moss Road 

Park from 6.30pm 

Wednesday 14th June 

Hope Hall Family Fun Night in 

Moss Road Park from 6.30pm 

{Will be held in Hope Hall if 

weather bad} 

Thursday 15th June 

Senior Citizens Association 

Festival Afternoon Tea in 

Freeland Church at 2pm. Tickets 

£2. {All home baking donations 

welcome} 

Festival Bingo Night in the Royal 

British Legion {Scotland}, doors 

open 7pm, eyes down 7.30pm. 

Entry £2, includes light buffet. 


Festival Week Ceilidh in the 

Royal British Legion {Scotland} at 

7.30pm until late. Dance to the 

music of ‘The Reel Fling’. Entry 

by ticket only. Tickets £10 each 

from the Festival Committee. 

The costs involved with putting on Gala Day and Festival Week as a whole are 

continuing to rise. The council now require us to have tracking for vehicles 

entering Houston Road Park which is very expensive, in addition, health and 

safety rules now require the bunting to be put up by licensed operators, with 

the Festival Committee currently being quoted £800 plus VAT to put it up 

this year. So if it’s not up on Gala Day you’ll know why. 

The Festival Committee rely on donations to keep the whole operation afl oat, 

and this includes the Santa Sleigh at Christmas, so please give whatever 

you can at the collection points, as all donations are gratefully received. 


Bishopton Day 

Bishopton Day this year is on Saturday 17th June, with the parade led by St 

Columba’s pipe band leaving Bishopton Primary School at 12 noon. Also in the 

parade will be SambaYaBamba who are a percussion group that play Brazilian 

samba music. Both will also perform in the main arena. 

Attractions on the day include dancing displays, football and rugby displays, live 

music, magician, vintage fi re engine, model railway, pony rides, infl atables and 

charity stalls. 

Entry is £2 per adult and kids go free. More information on the website or 

Facebook page. 


Bridge of Weir Messy Church 

We are back on Sunday 4th June from 4 - 6 pm. 

Will we be as lucky with the weather as last year? 

We will meet in the hall for a short celebration with 

songs and a talk. We will then take our picnic bags 

(provided) up to The Glen for fun and games. 

We will be going whatever the weather so bring your waterproofs 

and wellies if needed! 

Feel free to bring along good ideas for games. We might try running a Messy 

mile! 

As usual, it’s free and open to everyone. We look forward to seeing you there! 

After this, our next meeting will be the 1st Sunday in September. 


Bridge of Weir 

Lace Group 

Bridge of Weir Lace Group meets 

fortnightly on Tuesday mornings 

(10am - 12noon) during the winter 

months. If you’d like to try lacemaking 

we can provide materials & tuition. 

For further details phone (01505) 

613967. 


Senior Citizens Club 

We meet at Cargill Hall every 2nd and 

4th Wednesday 7 - 9pm. Subscriptions 

are only £6 per year and £1 each 

week pays for your tea and biscuits. 

Entertainment provided. Previous 

entertainers include a male voice 

choir & live music. Contact Sheila 

Patterson for further information on 

01505 690521. 


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.


35 


I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as 

one of your newly elected councillors for Ward 11, Bishopton, 

Bridge of Weir and Langbank and thank everyone who voted 

and placed their trust in me. I hope to continue the good work 

of my predecessor Maria Brown, who was a fantastic councillor 

for the area for the last fi ve years. 

I am proud to represent the area in which I live and grew up 

and am looking forward to the next fi ve years ahead, using my 

local knowledge to get what is best for our ward. Improving 

local services and standing up for our villages are my key 

priorities for the term ahead. 

We are happy that at the fi rst full council meeting of the year 

the SNP councillors formed a minority administration and we are ready to get to 

work improving services across the whole of Renfrewshire. 

During the council election campaign I am sure that many of you will have 

received literature from other council candidates making the top priority to stop 

a second Referendum on Scottish Independence if elected. I would like to be 

clear, Renfrewshire Council holds no authority to call for a referendum on Scottish 

Independence. Local issues will be my focus over the next 5 years and that is my 

promise to you, the people of Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank. 

In my fi rst week as councillor I attended Langbank Community Council and 

listened to the issues that have been of most concern to local residents. I am 

looking forward to attending as many local group meetings as possible while I am 

your councillor. As a former member of the Bridge of Weir Community Council I 

know how important it is to listen to local groups concerns and I understand the 

need for these groups to have strong representation. 

I have also had many issues brought to my attention by constituents in the weeks 

since I was elected. I am actively working on these just now and will have more 

to report back on my progress, in next months issue. 

I promised if I was elected I would be an accessible councillor and I hope to 

deliver on this promise with regular surgeries and being available to listen to 

constituents. I am awaiting confi rmation of my surgery times and locations at the 

moment and should have them in place for next months edition. In the meantime 

you can contact me at cllr.natalie.don@renfrewshire.gov.uk Tel: 03003001426 


The Bridge 

Father’s Day: Have you remembered FATHER’S DAY which is celebrated on 

Sunday 18th June? Purchase a card from our selection to let your Dad know how 

much he is appreciated. 

Graduation Success - send your congratulations in a card from our display. 

Artists: Following on from last month, local artist, Rab Wilson, will exhibit until 

Saturday 10th June. On Monday 12th June we welcome Bishopton Art Group 

whose paintings will be exhibited until Saturday 15th July. 

For all your purchases of stationery, greeting cards, pocket money toys and small 

gift items please support The Bridge where our volunteers work hard to meet 

your needs. 

Post Office - last year Clydesdale Bank closed in Bridge of Weir. 

Johnstone branch closes this month. Please remember the Post 

Offi ce is able to provide personal banking services for most banks. 

With the holiday season approaching - travel insurance, ordering of foreign 

currency and the safe, easy to use Travel Money Card can all be arranged through 

the Post Offi ce. 

Film Club - the new programme for fortnightly showings is available. Please ask 

our volunteers for a copy. 

Garden - The Allotments and Garden Society have been busy tending to the 

garden. Please view their gardening skills at the back of The Bridge. 

As always, we thank you for your support - The Bridge is your Post Offi ce, Shop 

and Community Centre in the centre of the village. 


Bridge of Weir Community Council 

The Community Council recently met with a senior planning offi cer from 

Renfrewshire Council to discuss the Main Issues Report (MIR) which assist’s in 

forming Renfrewshire Council’s Local Development Plan. Resulting from this, the 

Community Council responded to the consultation arguing for retaining the policy 

that any development should be concentrated on brown fi eld sites and not on 

green-belt which would adversely affect the place setting of the village. 

Points were put forward from local residents who had attended the May meeting 

with regard to education with emphasis on school capacity, local GP services 

and the cumulative effect large housing developments would have on the road 

infrastructure in Bridge of Weir and surrounding villages. 

Finally, the apparent lack of any coherent policy in the MIR for West Renfrewshire 

villages was highlighted. Bridge of Weir has a rich heritage of cultural assets, the 

River Gryffe, the cotton industry, history of leather, farming, Ranfurly and Gryffe 

Castles. These and other assets are well worth preserving for the enjoyment of 

future generations and should not / cannot be left to the whims of developers 

who have no compulsion on tearing up our green-belt in search of profi t. 

At the meeting in May the guest speaker was Graeme McLatchie from the 

Paisley 2021 bid team who gave a presentation and update on the progress 

and timetable for shortlisting and fi nal selection. He also gave us an insight on 

funding opportunities that may be available for us to pursue. 

We welcomed our new Community Police Offi cer Stephen Reid, this was his fi rst 

Community Council meeting as he has only been in position since 4th April. In 

the Police Report he informed us of a number of incidents which include one 

drugs issue, detected, sheep worrying on Torr Road and vandalism to fl ower beds 

at Bridge of Weir Primary School. 

We are currently engaged in the Scottish Governments Improving Parking 

consultation, locally we will address lack of car parking in the village centre, cars 

parking on pavements blocking pedestrian access, cars parked at bus stops, 

cars on the school run blocking driveways and in general parking too close to 

junctions. 

The fund raising sub-committee are still working on the Ladeside project where 

the initial costs proved to be exceptionally high, members of the committee are 

to meet offi cials from Renfrewshire Council to discuss professional and technical 

support. 

After the success of last year we have decided to hold the Craft Fair again. The 

date for your diary is Saturday 16th September. 

Congratulations to the three Councillors elected to the Bridge of Weir, Bishopton 

and Langbank Ward 11, Natalie Don, James MacLaren and Colin McCulloch, we 

look forward to working alongside. 

The next meeting of the Community Council will be held on Tuesday 6th June at 

7pm in Bridge of Weir Primary School. 



A fun, no-pressure choir singing feelgood 

songs every Tuesday from 6pm 

- 7.15pm and Fridays at 2pm - 3.15pm 

in the Bishopton Community Centre. 


Philosophy 

Discussion Group 

Would you be interested in discussing 

with others The meaning of Life, 

Why are we here, what does God say 

about it all? Local Group. Contact: 

avril.forbes2015@outlook.com or Tel: 

07463 570464. 

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir



bishopton, langbank 

& bridge of weir 

These Boots Were Made for Walking for 

Bridge of Weir Minister 

Scottish Episcopal Minister at St Mary’s Bridge 

of Weir, Revd Heller Gonzalez is set to walk 100 

Kilometres in his native Spain this month. Mr 

Gonzalez is walking the famous pilgrimage route, 

Camino de Santiago, to raise money for his church 

on the Johnstone Road, Bridge of Weir. 

Asked why this pilgrimage route Mr Gonzalez said, 

“This is considered one of the most important 

pilgrimages after Jerusalem. The route I am 

taking is called the Via de la Plata and will take me 

through woodlands, farmlands and little villages 

along the way. It is very beautiful but far from an easy walk!” 

I will be averaging about 20km each day – which isn’t too much. I have certainly 

enjoyed training for the pilgrimage on Renfrewshire’s beautiful countryside walks 

– with walking boots from here in Scotland - so they should do the job nicely,” 

added Mr Gonzalez. 

Mr Gonzalez hopes to raise over £1,000 and if people wish to sponsor him they 

can email him on hellerg@hotmail.com or call 01505 872 961. 


The result of the council elections across the country was great 

for the Conservatives and in my ward, now Ward 11, I received 

2,552 votes which I am very pleased with and I would like to 

offer a huge debt of gratitude to all my helpers and supporters 

over the weeks prior to the election as I couldn’t have done it 

without all their help. 

From the fi lling in forms, sorting leafl ets, going round the doors, 

standing at the polling stations and being at the fi nal count it 

all went so well. We now have 8 Conservative councillors in 

Renfrewshire and came so very close to having a further 3 or 

4. This result is quite exceptional. 

The other day we had our fi rst full meeting of the newly elected 

Renfrewshire council which saw the formation of an SNP minority administration. 

By abstaining on a vote for positions such as provost Scottish Conservative 

councillors sensibly put Renfrewshire fi rst to allow a working administration to be 

formed quickly. We are taking a mature and pragmatic approach to representing 

our constituents. We were elected to serve the interests of our communities and 

not to engage in pointless arguments. 

Scottish Conservatives are now on every council committee and we will use our 

infl uence to stand up for Renfrewshire, challenge the SNP and Labour and get the 

best services for hardworking families. 

Surgery details: 

•Bishopton Community Library - 1st Monday of every month (6.30pm) 

•Bridge of Weir Primary School - 2nd Monday of every month (6.30pm) 

•Langbank Parish Church Hall - 3rd Monday of every month (6.30pm) 

I can be contacted by phone on 0300-300-1291 or by email to cllr.james. 

maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk. Check out my Facebook page for more 

information and articles www.facebook.com/councillormaclaren 

Working with you and improving our local area. Please feel free to contact 

me with any of your concerns, and I am happy to meet with you at a mutually 

convenient time. 


French Conversation 

Our French conversation group is going from 

strength to strength. We now have about 9 

participants plus an informal study group for 

those who either want to start from beginning 

or who want to revive what they learned at 

school. Contact avril.forbes2015@outlook. 

com or 07463570464. Margaret Forbes. 

We meet at Bernie’s in Bridge of Weir every 

Wednesday 9.30am -12noon. Come and 

join us! 

Did you Know? 

Your cinema now offers a 

range of entertainment from 

ballet to sport, comedy to 

live music, opera to theatre, 

museums to art 

gallery exhibitions, 

with much of it 

broadcast live by 

satellite. 

For more information about 

these events contact your 

local cinema. 

kilmacolm & quarriers 

This is my fi rst column since the election on 4th May, so can 

I take the opportunity to thank all of you who voted for me. It 

is a great honour to once again represent the communities of 

Kilmacolm and Quarrier’s Village on Inverclyde Council. 

Can I congratulate my fellow Ward 1 Councillors, Christopher 

Curley and David Wilson, on their election. I look forward to 

working with them both during the next fi ve years. 

The only Council meeting in May was the statutory meeting to 

elect the Provost, Deputy Provost and senior Councillors and 

to make appointments to Committees and outside bodies. At 

the time of writing this column the outcome of the meeting 

was uncertain due to the fact no party has an over all majority 

on the Council. I will report on the outcome in my next column. 

The consultation on the Main Issues Report for the Inverclyde Local Development 

Plan has certainly caused a considerable amount of angst among some residents 

of Kilmacolm and Quarrier’s over potential housing development sites. It is 

important to stress that the views of everyone who responded to the consultation 

will be taken on board before any decisions are made. I certainly recognise the 

importance of protecting the uniqueness of both villages. 

The Kilmacolm Twinning Society welcomed a group of 7 people from Merignies, 

including Mayor Francis Melon, on the weekend of the Agricultural Show. I was 

pleased to attend a dinner for our French guests in the golf club on the Saturday 

evening. It was good to hear the commitment on both sides to continuing this 

worthwhile initiative despite the uncertainty caused by Brexit. 

I have no surgeries booked this month. However you can contact me directly to 

discuss any matters that are of concern to you by telephone on 01475 712020 

(during offi ce 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. 


I am really pleased to be re-elected with a virtual doubling of 

my vote. Thanks to all. Now on to the General Election. 

Kilmacolm Guides celebrated their century and 100 years of 

Girl Guiding in the village. Well done to all concerned in this 

wonderful organisation. 

I am still receiving complaints about Virgin and their contractor 

and will keep you updated. 

Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow show went ahead in spite of the 

rain - a great day was still enjoyed by all. Many thanks to the 

many volunteers who make this great event such a success. 

My surgery is 17th June at the Cargill Centre, 10am - 11am. 

Contact me by email David.wilson@ Inverclyde.gov.uk or call 01475 712727. 


Kilmacolm Community Clean-up 

On Saturday 22nd April sixteen stalwarts turned up for the Kilmacolm Community 

Clean-up organised by the Kilmacolm Community Council. It was a warm and 

sunny day and the group was kitted out and split into fi ve groups and sent out 

to various locations around Kilmacolm which included: The National Cycle track 

towards Port Glasgow; Balrossie; Netherwood Road; Knapps Loch car park; the 

B788 - Old Greenock Road and the Lochwinnoch Road and the town centre. 

After about two and a half 

hours the groups returned 

to the Pullman Car Park to 

deposit their hauls of roadside 

litter. The photograph shows 

some of the stalwarts with the 

litter that was gathered up on 

the day. 

We were all given a 

complimentary treat of 

millionaire’s shortcake 

donated by Greggs who are 

sponsoring the Clean Up 

Scotland Campaign. 

Kilmacolm Community Council 

thank Inverclyde Council and 

Keep Scotland Beautiful for 

their support and all of those 

who turned out on the day 

and look forward to future 

community clean ups. 

Mike Jefferis, Chair, Kilmacolm 

Community Council.


37 


The Angel Voices 

Children’s Community Choir continues to grow! We now have two sections: Angel 

Voices (5 to 7years) and Voices+ (aged 8years upwards). The Choir’s Music 

Director is Helen Knight Bmus (Hons) and Archie Morris, second year student at 

the Royal Conservatoire is the accompanist. 

Recently the Choir enjoyed 

singing at the Old Kirk Festival 

of Music. On Friday 9th June 

at 7.30pm there will be the 

end of term Concert - Tickets 

£5 with refreshments. 

If you want to fi nd out more 

about the Choir please contact 

Maureen Russell (01505- 

872905) maureenmrussell@ 

hotmail.com or mob. 07905 

950028. 


Kilmacolm Guides celebrate 100 years! 

Sunday 21st May saw the Centenary Celebrations for our local 

Guides. 1st Kilmacolm Guides was established in June 1917 

at St Columba’s School and has been an integral part of the 

community ever since. 

To mark this special occasion we were delighted to be joined by former Guides 

and Guide leaders together with our current and future Guides. 

Watched by not only the County Commissioner, the District Commissioner, the 

Division Commissioner but also the Deputy Chief Commissioner of Scotland, the 

Guides showcased their history through speech, poem and song. Turning the 

clock back to 1917 describing what it was like to be a Guide in Kilmacolm during 

the war, and then stepping through time with life as a 1980s Kilmacolm Guide up 

to present day 2017 and what Kilmacolm Guides is like today. 

It was a wonderful 

event with over 

80 in attendance 

with lots of chatter, 

reminiscing and 

tales of Guiding 

e x p e r i e n c e s ! ! 

Here’s to the next 

100 years! 

We are delighted that 

we have the support 

of our community 

through the Co op 

Community Fund. If 

you are a member of the Co op please choose us as your local charity, we will then 

get 1% of your spend until September. Just go to www.membership.coop.co.uk/ 

causes/6691 and choose Kilmacolm Guides. 

Our current Guides, together with Rainbows and Brownies showcased their history 

t h r o u g h 

speech, poem 

and song 

Flag Bearers 

representing 

B r o w n i e s , 

Guides and 

our Senior 

Section 


Save The Children 

On Saturday April 29th, during Save 

the Children Week, a bucket collection 

was held in Kilmacolm village centre. 

Thanks to the generosity of so many 

people, a grand total of £244.05 was 

collected and has been remitted to the 

Charity to assist them in their valuable 

work abroad and in the UK. 

May I take this opportunity also to 

thank people for their generosity 

in donating regularly through the 

collecting cans located in some of 

the shops in Kilmacolm. This money 

does make a real difference to 

disadvantaged children’s lives. 

Liz Finney 

On behalf of Save the Children, West 

of Scotland” 

Christine Haddock District Commissioner, Dawn Ewington Division Commissioner, 

Christine McLachan County Commissioner, Victoria Ridyard Kilmacolm Assistant 

Guide Leader, Kim Cowling Kilmacolm Guide Leader , Elaine Kelly Deputy Chief 

Commissioner of Girlguiding Scotland, Mar Rae former County President 

1st & 3rd Kilmacolm Guide Leader Mrs Kim Cowling receiving a Centenary Plaque from 

Elaine Kelly, Deputy Chief Commissioner of Girl Guiding Scotland 

kilmacolm & quarriers




Twinning News 

Kilmacolm welcomes French Delegation to the Agricultural Show 

Our twinning with Mérignies took another important step forward on the weekend 

of 12th May as we extended our welcome to the French Delegation, led by Mayor 

Francis Mélon. Despite arriving to typical Scottish weather, our Gallic visitors 

were knocked off their feet by the warmth of the welcome they received from 

everyone they met. 

An action-packed itinerary began with a highly-productive meeting in Quarriers 

Village designed to discuss current twinning projects and to draw up a shared 

plan for 2017-2018. 

Plans include an exciting language project between the respective primary 

schools in Kilmacolm and Mérignies designed to help the young pupils develop 

self-confi dence in their ability to communicate in simple French – ideas include a 

proposed monthly skype exchange between the schools. 

This was followed by a visit to the Agricultural show where the French Delegation 

got the opportunity to 

wear their wellie boots 

and discover the delights 

of the show, including 

the much-appreciated 

Aberdeen Angus burgers! 

Later in the afternoon, 

our French delegation 

attended a wine-tasting 

in Vin 13 organised 

by James Kelly. Our 

French visitors had the 

opportunity to try some 

of James’ wonderful 

South African wines. 

A highlight of Saturday was a memorable, Scottish-theme dinner at the Kilmacolm 

Golf Club, attended (among others) by Councillor Stephen McCabe and Stephen 

Hampson with the golf club being represented by Jim Hood and John McLeman. 

What emerged from the visit yet again was a shared vision of European friendship 

and the continued desire to maintain and develop sustainable linguistic and 

cultural exchanges between our communities. There is a strong enthusiasm 

for the projects we have put in place over the next year and a deep respective 

commitment to ensuring that we continue to build and strengthen the twinning 

process. 


A Huge Thank You 

Kilmacolm and Quarriers Christian Aid Committee wish 

to say a huge Thank You to the seventy fi ve volunteer 

collectors who walked the streets and supported Christian Aid Week 

during the annual house-to-house Appeal in May. We hope the fi nal result is ‘plus 

£5,000’, but every penny or pound is invaluable to help with the urgent work 

carried out in the poorest countries of the world where people still suffer poverty, 

disease, hunger and injustice through prejudice, climate change, terrorism, or 

wars. This month our country can be proud of its political democracy, but each 

one of us as individuals can be humbled by the generous giving to Christian Aid - 

Thank You to all who donated, and supported the work of Christian Aid acting for 

the thousands of people and children that do not have the superb qualities of life 

which we take for granted. The committee are in need of new members to help 

together on future fundraising projects - if you could give a little of your time to 

join us, please contact Jill Russell, secretary, on 01505 872393 

Thank You. 


Don’t forget our regular Outlook group which reaches out to the 

whole community in fellowship. The format is the same for 

most weeks – invited speakers offering topics of interest, 

community issues for discussion, shared activities, music, 

fi lms etc. Dates for your diary. Afternoon tea gives us all the 

chance to enjoy time with friends and to make new friends. 

The team provide a wonderful variety of home baking. A 

voluntary donation is collected, to be sent to the OUTLOOK 

monthly nominated charity. 

June programme is: 

Wednesday 21st June – Summer outing to Crarae gardens, with high tea in 

Inverary in friendship with the Kilmacolm Horticultural Society. Coach, entry, 

high tea: £35. 9am – 6.30pm 


St Colm’s Church Kilmacolm 

On Sunday 23rd April we were delighted to welcome Bishop John Keenan to St 

Colm’s to celebrate mass and bless our new statue of the Risen Christ. 

The music and liturgy were led by the children of the parish. 

Pictured are some of our children with parish priest Fr Vincent Byrne and Bishop 

John. 


Ardgowan Hospice and Kilmacolm Show 

Kilmacolm Friends of Ardgowan Hospice would like to thank all of 

you who supported their Bottle and Baking Stall at the Kilmacolm 

Show on Saturday 13th May. Grateful thanks also for the 

generous contributions of Bottles and Baking. Despite the 

poor weather we raised an excellent total of £1,834. 

Creative Masterclass Academy 

is proud to offer workshops and 

sewing classes. Learn a new 

skill, develop your creativity and 

meet like minds, we welcome 

you! Taught by specialist tutors 

we bring ‘pop up’ Summer 

Masterclasses to the Cargill 

Centre, Kilmacolm. 

Summer Workshops 

• Drawing For Textiles – 

- Summer Blooms! - 1 day: 22nd June 

• Silk Painting Masterclass 

– 1 day: 23rd June 

• Follow a pattern and make a 

Summer Dress! 

– 2 day: 22nd & 23rd June 

• Essential Sewing Skills 

– 1 day - 26th June 

• Creative Textiles 

– 4 day course: 27th – 30th June 

For more information: 

mwhitelaw@mcd-uk.co.uk • 01505 874404 (t) • 07917 221916 (m) 

www.creativemasterclassacademy.co.uk 


Kilmacolm Old 

Kirk 

Dates for your diary 

Sunday 4th June – Night Kirk 6pm 

Thursday 8th June – Sòlas 

bereavement group meets in 

the Kidston hall from 6.30pm to 

8.30pm. 

Thursday 15th June – 7.30pm Kirk 

Session 


Hall to Hire - 

Kilmacolm Guide 

Hut 

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. Anyone 

wanting to hire the Guide Hut please 

contact Roz on 07584 359007.


39 



Strawberry 

Afternoon 

Tea 

Summer Duplicate Bridge 

If you would like to play Bridge during the summer months 

why not come along to the Kilmacolm Community Centre 

on Monday evenings at 7pm for a 7.15 pm start 

Come with a partner or come alone and hope to fi nd one 

there. 

Further information Tel: 87 2345. 

St. Columba Church (Kilmacolm) 

Friday 16th June 

2.30pm – 4.30pm 

St Columba Church Hall, 

Bridge of Weir Road Entrance 

Stalls including: 

Handcrafts, Baking, Flower demonstration, 

and bedding plants from Parklea 

Entry £3.50 (includes afternoon tea) 


Kilmacolm 

Surgeries 

From Monday 

29th May 2017, 

PC Jamieson, 

the local 

neighbourhood 

offi cer will be 

holding a monthly 

surgery in the Community 

Centre between 10.30 - 11.30 

hours. Please pop in and see 

him if you want to share any 

concerns or need advice. 


St Columba’s School, Kilmacolm 

Join the St Columba’s Family 

If you missed Open Week at the end of May you are still welcome to visit to see 

our Early Years, Junior and Senior Schools at work and play. We provide an allthrough 

education for boys and girls age 3 - 18 and offer wraparound care from 

7.30am - 6pm. 

We also offer a wide range of Advanced Higher subjects to those who wish to join 

us for their sixth year, and are happy to discuss your options with you. 

To book an appointment for Junior School please call 01505 872768 or 01505 

872238 for Senior School and visit www.st-columbas.org to fi nd out more about 

us. 

Gala Day Fun 

We had a fantastic time at the 

Kilmacolm Show and Gourock 

Highland Games. Junior School 

pupils ran a stall with fun games - 

splat the rat, strong man, beanbag 

challenge and guess how many 

sweets are in the jar - with all 

proceeds going to Make a Wish, 

NSPCC, UNICEF and SSPCA. 

We will also be at Lilias Day on 3rd 

June, Lochwinnoch Gala on 10th 

June and Bishopton Day on 17th 

June. Hope to see you there. 

Place Secured at Royal Caledonian Curling Club Academy 


Village Memories 

I would like to say a big thank you to the generous 

local shopkeepers, who sold my book, Village 

Memories, namely Alda and Johanna at the Cross 

Café, Nadeem at Kilmacolm Newsagent, the staff 

in the Post Offi ce and W. Gibb Stuart. I would also 

like to thank people who bought copies of the 

book, and those who generously gave donations 

to the two research bodies, Ramsay Research 

into ME and research into Motor Neuron Disease 

to which projects all profi ts from book sales have been divided. 

Deborah Winters 

SEARCHING FOR SCOUTS 

Scouts Scotland is in the process of creating new groups within Ferguslie, Linwood 

& Johnstone and are looking for young people to join the new sections 

We are also looking for adult volunteers who would be willing to spare some time 

to join our youth movement. This is a fantastic project as it will allow the young 

people within the area to improve their social development, skills for the future 

and ability to access various opportunities by being involved in Scouting. 

Contact Gary Ward, Local Development Offi cer 

for Scouts Scotland on 

tel: 01383 419073 mob: 07534 658570 

email: garyldo@scouts.scot 

web: www.scouts.scot 

Congratulations to Lucy Blair (Senior V) who has been offered a place in the 

Royal Caledonian Curling Club Academy programme. Investment is only made in 

athletes who are fully committed to a development programme with the ultimate 

outcome of being able to medal at world level. Inclusion to the programme is seen 

as an ‘investment decision’ for future potential. An outstanding achievement. 

Early Years Adventures 

Our Early Years children enjoyed visits from 

Greenock Fire Brigade and HM Coastguard 

Greenock. The children loved sitting in the 

fi re engine and rescue vehicles and had a 

chance to ask lots of questions. 

kilmacolm & quarriers


houston, crosslee & brookfield 


Hero of the Month 

A Renfrewshire man 

has received our 

prestigious ‘Hero of 

the Month’ award 

in recognition of 

his unwavering 

commitment to 

cleaning up litter in 

and around Houston. 

Jake Fulton, the 

founder and organiser 

of the Houston Litter Crew, has worked for many years to help remove rubbish 

from his local area. As a result of his efforts, he has motivated a diverse group of 

local residents to regularly volunteer to tackle litter left on the streets, verges and 

public places in Houston. 

As a result of Jake’s efforts, his crew have now collected over 1,000 bags of litter 

alongside larger items from the River Gryffe - including old baths, ironing boards 

and prams! 

Jake commented: “Prior to the formation of the Houston Litter Crew I would 

occasionally go to my hometown, Maybole, to help the litter picking team keep 

their streets clean. However, when a violent storm hit Houston a year ago I 

approached the Community Council for permission to use their Facebook page 

to advertise an idea I had to organise a clear up. The response was very positive 

and, on 19th March 2016, the Houston Litter Crew was born. 

“To date, 1,070 bags of litter have been collected from the streets of Houston 

and many new friendships formed between Litter Crew members. Who’d have 

thought that litter picking could be such a sociable event? 

“I’m very grateful to Keep Scotland Beautiful for this award and I’m delighted 

that all volunteers that form the Houston Litter Crew are getting the recognition 

that they so richly deserve. They help keep the beautiful village of Houston 

beautiful.” 

Nicola Turner, Community Projects Offi cer said on presenting the award: 

“I would like to congratulate Jake for his commitment to keeping Houston clear 

of litter. As a result of his efforts he has managed to motivate local residents, 

young and old, to volunteer their time and make a signifi cant difference to litter 

levels locally. 

“Jake’s efforts have also had a positive impact on the wellbeing and enjoyment 

of Litter Crew members - helping them form new friendships, spend more time 

outdoors and instill pride in their local area.” 


Crafty Friends 

1st and 3rd Thursdays in the month at 

7.30pm in the Carrick Centre, Houston. 

No craft experience necessary. Tel: 

Lorna Cairns 612844 or Shirley White 

610721. 


Houston & 

Crosslee 

Our Macmillan Charity Evening 

on Wednesday 10th May was well 

supported and enjoyed by everyone 

who attended. The magnifi cent sum 

of £268 was raised for the Charity. 

Our fi rst meeting of the new session 

will be on Wednesday 13th September 

at 7.30pm when we hope to welcome 

Members, old and new, to another 

interesting “Rural” year. 


Brookfield Country 

Dancing club 

Thursday evenings from 7.30pm - 

9.30pm run by Aileen Craig (01505 

322684). New members are most 

welcome and as an introduction, the 

fi rst class is free. 


Houston & Killellan 

Kirk Beetle Drive 

Beetle drive tickets for Saturday 10th 

June from 6.30 - 8.30pm at the West 

Halls will be on sale on Sunday at 

Sunday Club and at the rear of the 

church. £3 adult, £2 child, £8 family 

ticket. They are sure to “fl y” off so 

“bee” quick. 


Houston and Killellan Kirk Carnival 2017 

Unfortunately the sun didn’t make an appearance but the stars and celebrities 

shone. The parade was led by our own 1st Houston Boys and Girls Brigade Pipe 

Band, the Queen and her attendants arrived safely at the West Halls ready to 

be crowned. The queen Amy Anthony was crowned by last years queen Megan 

Finn as were her attendants Keira McGarvey and Katie Allison all girls looking 

resplendent in their dresses and tiaras. The winners of the colouring competition 

and the fancy dress were announced and the prizes presented to the recipients. 

All stall holders had a busy afternoon despite the weather and a steady fl ow of 

customers helped swell the coffers. The amazing amount of £9,000 was raised 

and a sincere thanks to all involved. 

Carnival Prizegiving Ceremony - Prize Winners 

Colouring Competition: 

Nursery Winner Eve Mccrossan Nursery Runner Up Mia Mckinnon 

Primary 1 - 3 Winner Maya Keir P 1 - 3 Runner Up Imogen Barratt 

Primary 4 - 7 Winner Alannah Pollock P 4 - 7 Runner Up Beth Callaghan 

Fancy Dress: 

Individuals Under 5 yrs Winner Lily Adair U-5 yrs Runner Up Abbie Mckay 

Individuals 5 - 8 Yrs Winner Harry Adair 5-8 yrs Runner Up Lucy Dempster 

Organisations: 

Winner The Houston Brownies 

Runner Up BB Junior Section 

Best Decorated Stall Winner: Baking Stall 


Houston and Killellan Agricultural 

Society Annual Show 

The Annual Show will be held on Saturday 3rd June in Houston Public park. This 

is a great family day and a effort to be there would be appreciated. 

There will be a variety of stalls, bouncy castle and much more. Come along 

and watch all the animals being shown, the ponies jumping and not forgetting 

Houston's Got Talent - performances not to be missed. 

This year we are having a tug of war competition, so come along and support 

your team and support the Beat the Goalie competition, have a go on the bouncy 

castle or the gladiator. 

Have a wander round the show look at the different stalls, horse jumping and 

judging of the cows, sheep, horses and dogs. 

Not forgetting the Industrial tent where the crafts, baking and provisions will be 

shown. Schedules for the industrial section are available from the Paper Shop, 

the Post Offi ce or by contacting Isabelle Stuart 01505 613479 e-mail issistuart@ 

gmail.com 

All the classes children’s and adults are open to all of Renfrewshire, and we 

would welcome children’s entries as it is always nice to see their efforts. For 

any more information please contact Show Secretary Mo Lyle 07734 150445, 

houstonshow@hotmail.co.uk, or by visiting Facebook Page www.facebook.com/ 

houstonshow 

Looking forward to seeing you there for a fun day out to be enjoyed by everyone 

in the community. 


Following representation to me from constituents in both 

Houston and Brookfi eld I have had a meeting with Virgin Media 

Communications Staff in relation to creating a better chain of 

communication between the company, and local residents 

who are getting their pavements and service strips dug up 

as a result of the installation of faster broadband. Whilst we 

all want faster broadband, and it is impossible to make an 

omelette without breaking eggs, we should at least ensure the 

egg stays in the pan and that Virgin Media are forced to return 

the infrastructure to the state in which they found it. Virgin 

Media have told me they are having a public meeting in our 

area to promote the work they are doing to produce a better 

broadband service. 

Over the last month I was delighted to attend the Gryffe High School award 

ceremony and see the excellent work carried out by both staff and pupils with the 

presentation of awards to all age groups. Gryffe really is one of the educational 

jewels in the crown of Renfrewshire, and I am very proud that it is in my ward. 

My advice surgery in Brookfi eld is on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6.30pm in 

Brookfi eld Village Hall, and my advice surgery in Houston is on the 4th Thursday 

of the month in Houston Village Hall, at 7.15pm, excluding July and Christmas. 

But I am also always available to constituents who can call me on 07768 130935, 

or e-mail me at cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk.


41 


Brookfield News 

Sunflower Planting 

Many thanks to the 

group of children from 

the village who have 

planted sunfl ower seeds 

and will nurture the 

seedlings until it’s time 

to plant them out in the 

Millennium Garden at 

the top of Victoria Road, 

providing some summer 

colour following the 

Gardening Club’s tidyup 

and shrub pruning. 

SWI Success 

A team of three ladies representing Brookfi eld took park in the fi nals of the 

SWI Indoor Bowling event held in Falkirk on Monday 24th April. Twenty teams 

participated and it was a closely fought contest but the Brookfi eld SWI team 

comprising Helen Dobson, Gina Rae and Nancy Mullen were the overall winners. 

Well done ladies! 

New Classes 

We are delighted to welcome CoStep.Co to Brookfi eld who will be running classes 

in Argentine Tango, Ballroom and Latin for dancers of all levels from September 

2017. CoStep.Co also specialise in preparing couples for their Wedding First 

Dance. In addition to group classes, they will also be offering a range of private 

tuition options from July 2017, from a single session covering basics steps to a 

series of lessons to give a more polished performance. Please contact alldance@ 

costep.co for further information. 


H.O.S.T. The Carrick Centre, Houston 

(Houston Old School Trust) 

Monday to Friday, Woodlands Out of 

School 01505 615438 

MONDAY 

Yoga (Weekly) 1pm Mary Laidlaw 

01505 229112 

Galaxy 5pm – 9pm 

TUESDAY 

Paint Pot Tots (Weekly) 10am 

Dawn Campbell 07789 262 350 

Musical Theatre (Weekly) 4pm - 5pm 

Yoga (Weekly) 7pm M/s Lawson 

01505 613690 

Galaxy 4pm – 8.30pm 

WEDNESDAY 

Big Kids Little Learners 10am – 11am 

Janine Neil 07870 697010 

Councillors Surgeries 21ST 6.30pm 

Gryffe Melody Makers 7TH & 21ST 

7pm 

Community Council 21ST 7.30pm 

THURSDAY 

Gryffe Quilting Group (1ST, 8TH, 15TH, 

22N D) 1.15pm - 3.15pm (15TH - 10am) 

Primary Colours (Weekly) 3.30pm 

Dawn Campbell 07789 262 350 

Crafty Friends 1ST, 15TH, 29TH 

7.30pm 

Folk Club (weekly) 8pm iaintdawson@ 

gmail.com 07786 078952 

Galaxy (Weekly Excl 15TH) 3.30pm 

– 7.30pm 

FRIDAY 

Yoga (Weekly) 10.30am M/s Lawson 

01505 613690 

Big Kids Little Learners 1pm – 2pm 

Janine Neil 07870 697010 

Galaxy Dancing (Weekly Excl 16TH) 

3.30pm -7pm 

MP Surgery 9TH 12.30pm – 1.30pm 

SATURDAY 

Galaxy Dancing (Weekly Excl 10TH) 

9.30am - 5pm 

Houston Show 3R D 10am 

SUNDAY 

Baptist Church (weekly) 11am and 

6pm 

Booking enquiries to : 

Ian Simpson, 01505 612203 

Sandy Young 01505 331488 

Bill Haddow 01505 690693 

hostbooking@outlook.com or The 

Coffee Shop 


Renfrewshire Food Bank and the 

Houston Co-op Donation Bin 

Houston Co-op customers have donated 

614.24kg – 96 stone – worth of food and 

toiletries to the Renfrewshire Food Bank since 

the beginning of January 2017! 

An incredible achievement and one that the 

residents of Houston should be rightly proud 

of. 

1.2 million food parcels were distributed by 

The Trussell Trust Food Banks (of which Renfrewshire Food Bank is a member) in 

2016 and one third of these food parcels were distributed to children. 

If you would like to make a food or toiletry donation to Renfrewshire Food Bank 

then you can fi nd the Houston Co-op donation bin at the front of the store to the 

right of the tills. A list of ‘urgently needed’ food and toiletry items can be found 

at the donation bin. 

Wonderful to know that our welcoming wee village is helping those less fortunate 

in the Renfrewshire area... Many thanks x 

houston, crosslee & brookfield


kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie 

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie 

Kilbarchan Parish 

Church Tots’ Club 

The club takes place on Monday 

mornings from 9.15 - 11.30am in the 

hall, where there is a large variety of 

toys and a bouncy castle for the totsfrom 

birth-3 years-and coffee and 

friendly chat for the accompanying 

adults, cost £1 for each adult. The fi nal 

meeting of the session, the summer 

party “Teddy Bears’ Picnic” will be held 

on Monday 26th June at 9.45am in the 

hall and grounds (weather permitting). 

The club resumes on Monday 4th 

September after the summer break. 


Scottish Country 

Dance Classes 

Tuesdays in the McKillop Hall, 

Lochwinnoch at 7.30pm. 

We always have great fun and it's 

good exercise too! Phone Lorna Black 

01505 843048 for more info. 


Kilbarchan Parish Church 


Kilbarchan 

During the month of 

June, the group has 2 meetings, the 

AGM and a Car Treasure hunt which 

includes our partners and fi nishes 

with fi sh suppers! The group would 

welcome new members, we meet 

on Wednesday evenings in each 

other’s homes and enjoy speakers 

and discussions on a wide variety of 

topics. If you are interested in fi nding 

out more, please phone 703786 or 

see the website: www.nwr.org.uk. 


Knitting Bee 

Knuts4Knitting 

Meets fortnightly on a Tuesday from 7 

to 9pm at Knit Knax, 37 High Street 

Johnstone, also weekly Thursday from 

2 to 4pm. 

Contact details: Pamela 07743156738 

or email bknitting@hotmail.co.uk. 

Services continue at 11am each Sunday throughout June, conducted by Rev. 

Stephen Smith. On Sunday 25th, the Sacrament of Holy Communion will be 

celebrated at 11am and 6.30pm. 

Sunday School and the creche continue to meet in the large hall from 10.45am 

each week. The prizegiving for the crèche and Sunday School will also be in June, 

date to be confi rmed. Refreshments will be served after all services as usual. 

ALL WELCOME TO ANY or ALL OF THESE SERVICES. For further information 

about the church and the organisations, please visit Kilbarchan Kirk online: www. 

kilbarchan-kirk.btck.co.uk 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Midweek Fellowship continues from 10.30am for 

coffee, followed by a short service of worship, on Wednesdays in the small hall. 

Kilbarchan Parish Church-make sure you visit our stalls in the park on Lilias Day, 

3rd June, with home-baking, tombola and strawberries and cream. 

Water Treatment Works Completed 

A major upgrade of a water treatment works, which will benefi t more than 

84,000 people in parts of Renfrewshire, has been completed. 

Scottish Water has invested £16m in improvements at the Muirdykes Water 

Treatment Works (WTW), which provides water for homes and businesses in 

Renfrewshire, including Johnstone, Howwood, Linwood, Elderslie, Kilbarchan, 

Quarrelton, Craigend and parts of the south of Paisley such as Glenburn and 

Foxbar. 

The upgrade, which involved the installation of a new fi ltration building and 

process at the WTW near Howwood, will reduce the risk in the network of 

discoloured water caused by naturally-occurring manganese. 

Although it is possible that localised discoloured water might occur following 

issues such as a burst water main, the risk of widespread discolouration 

throughout the network caused by manganese at Barcraigs reservoir near 

Howwood in the summer months has been substantially reduced following 

the WTW upgrade. 

The completion of the project follows investment of £4m four years ago 

on more than 100 miles of water mains affected by discoloured water in 

Renfrewshire and the installation of a cutting edge piece of equipment called 

a Wears Resmix system at Barcraigs reservoir in 2012. 

The upgrade of the WTW, which was carried out for Scottish Water by 

contractors Black & Veatch, started in September 2015. The new secondary 

stage fi ltration process will remove oxydised manganese from the system 

before it goes into the supply zone and will be housed in a single-storey 

building constructed on the site of the WTW. 

Scottish Water had given an undertaking to the Drinking Water Quality 

Regulator to provide an effective manganese removal system for this area. The 

work was contained on Scottish Water’s site at the WTW and did not cause 

any disruption to normal services to customers or any road traffi c issues, other 

than some additional site traffi c using temporary access that was required. 

Some trees on the WTW site, which had to be removed to enable the work to 

be carried out, will be replaced following the project. 


Lochwinnoch Gala Day incl. Dog Show 

Saturday 10th June - Lochwinnoch Public Park 

This year the theme is Pirates of the Caribbean with the Parade starting at 

12.30pm from Auld Simon, and heading to the Public Park, with Houston 1st BB 

Boys & Girls Pipe Band. 

The Opening Ceremony will be held at 1pm by Lochwinnoch's 'Marathon Man', 

Mr Ronnie Brown. Come along and meet Captain Jack, Elizabeth and the Pirate 

Fairies. 

A great day to be had by all with Fancy Dress, entertainment by Pulse Dance 

Academy, our regular Dog Show, Bottle Stall, Infl atables, Ponies, Face Painting 

and many stalls. 

As part of the annual Lochwinnoch Gala Day there will be a dog show raising 

money for Dogs Trust Glasgow. The 1st Stevenston Guides will be helping the 

planning and running of the dog show for part of their community badge work. 

The dog show is open to all ages and breeds of dogs, but please no bitches in 

season, and please clean up after your dogs. 

Come and join us for a great, fun-fi lled day out! 


Thank you to everyone in Kilbarchan Howwood and 

Lochwinnoch who voted at the recent council elections and 

who have allowed me the honour and privilege to serve them 

for the next 5 years. I will continue to represent everybody and 

will work hard all year round 

I also want to congratulate Bill Binks, Andy Doig and Emma 

Rodden fellow ward 9 councillors on their success at the 

election. I regret that my colleague and friend Chris Gilmour 

will not be joining us as ward councillors. 

I want to place on record my thanks to Chris, not only for his 

support of me personally, but also for his tireless work over the 

last 5 years as chair of the Clyde Muirsheil Joint Committee, the Johnstone and 

Villages Local Area Committee, and his support of Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch 

Community Councils other village organisations. 

There will be many challenges over the next 5 years. At the moment the biggest 

is the threat to the green belt. The decision of Renfrewshire Council to reject 

the proposed development at Johnshill will therefore be welcomed. The 1,360 

objections from villagers spoke for themselves,and it is only right that these views 

should have been listened to and acted upon. This was simply a case of the 

wrong development in the wrong place. 

The appeal in respect of the Branscroft development in Kilbarchan is still pending. 

The Scottish Government are well aware of local feelings and the overwhelming 

opposition to this proposal. An appeal has also now been lodged in regard to the 

development in Milliken Road Kilbarchan which was rejected by Renfrewshire 

Council in March. Renfrewshire Council has also received notifi cation of a 

possible future planning application on land at South of the Holms. 

Old Howwood Road, Howwood - I will continue to keep a close eye on each of 

these planning issues and update villagers accordingly. 

Due to the changes in the ward boundaries I am having to change the details 

of my surgeries. I will continue to hold surgeries on the fi rst Saturday of each 

month except January and July at the following times: 9am in the McKillop 

Institute Lochwinnoch, 10am in Howwood Village Hall, 11am in the Steeple Hall 

Kilbarchan, all with effect from Saturday 3rd June. Meantime please contact me 

at cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 07534 156007. 


This is my fi rst message to you as your new Councillor on 

Renfrewshire Council. I will start by thanking you all for voting 

for me and giving me the opportunity to represent you on the 

Council. Over the next fi ve years I will work hard to progress 

the things that matter most to you and ensure that all of 

Ward 9 has a voice. Complaints have been lodged with me 

already about proposed housing developments at Branscroft, 

Kilbarchan and land south of the Holms, Old Howwood Road, 

Howwood, that also covers part of Ward 8 as well. Condition 

of roads within our ward, speeding in our high streets, litter 

and and anti-social behaviour are also the main concerns. My 

core aim will be to insist that the residents of Johnstone North, 

Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch are given more say in 

the decisions that affect each area. 

I am currently going through the motions of settling in and acclimatising myself to 

this new environment. The fi rst Council meeting takes place on the 18th May and 

the various positions of responsibility will be agreed and appointments made. 

From then on the work begins. The times of surgeries etc. have not been fi nalised 

as yet but I hope to have details for you in the next edition of the Advertizer. In the 

mean time my contact details are as follows. 

Email: cllr.bill.binks@renfrewshire.gov.uk phone: 0300 300 1423


43 


Lochwinnoch Arts Festival 

Old Pictures and Videos of Lochwinnoch 

Wednesday 19th April 7.30pm McKillop Hall 

A great turn out to this second showing by Dr Brian 

Smith of the old images of the village and many characters. 

There was a good mixture of old and young who thoroughly enjoyed the evening. 

Thanks to Brian, Pat and Crawford (For PA and sound). A collection was made for 

Alzheimer Scotland. 


I am delighted to have been elected as SNP Councillor for 

Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch. 

It has been a busy few weeks since the election and I have 

been attending Community Council and Local Organisation 

Meetings, getting to know some of the key fi gures in the 

Communities I now represent. With Gala season approaching, 

I look forward to meeting with more of my Constituents at 

these Community events. I will strive throughout my term to 

foster effective relationships with the people of Johnstone, 

Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch whatever their political 

persuasion. I am in the process of arranging my surgeries and 

details of these will be updated on the council website as soon 

as they are available. Until then, you can contact me by email 

on cllr.emma.rodden@renfrewshire.gov.uk or by telephone on 0300 300 1431. 

Myself and my SNP colleagues in local wards believe in an Inclusive Society. Having 

returned 11 women out of a total 19 elected members we are representative 

of the Communities we were elected from. We have a positive vision for the 

future of Renfrewshire and look forward to the challenge our Administration of 

the Council will bring. 


Six months at the Old Library Centre 

I fi nd it hard to believe I have been here for six months, yet, on the other hand it 

feels like I have been here a lot longer. It is such a welcoming place to work that I 

fi tted in very easily and have made many new friends. Ann, The Chairperson has 

been a delight and I have enjoyed hearing her stories about the past especially 

about being a Mod and being in a scooter club! Then there is Ian, our volunteer 

computer expert who I have had to call on his expertise many times. Isabel and 

Pam who come in regularly every week. Ann, our gardening volunteer has been 

working like a Trojan this week getting the garden in order. Hamish runs the 

Bridge Club, and along with Elaine and Ken are stalwarts of the centre and are 

often here doing general work around the building. Apart from this we have our 

support group volunteers, Stuart and Helen, who come in to set up and clear 

away we have events on. Not forgetting Betty who comes in twice a week to help 

out. 

Many interesting and colourful village characters drop in for a coffee and I’m 

always happy to stop my work to sit and have a chat. I would like to thank everyone 

involved in the centre for making my work here such an enjoyable experience. 

I work on Monday, Tuesday and Fridays from 10am - 12noon and 2pm - 4pm. 

I’m always kept very busy. It is a much busier place than what I was expecting 

it to be and have had to learn some new skills and brush up on old ones. I think 

I have now mastered all the different functions of the photocopier. Apart from 

straightforward copying I can now enlarge, reduce, do two- sided copying and use 

the scanner as well. 

All sorts of folk come in to use the computers (usually when there is something up 

with their own) with printing boarding passes being especially popular. 

The classes run here are very popular and I have started going to the Pilates class 

on one of my days off- just can’t keep away now. I have also joined the Book 

Group and been to a couple of concerts. 

Prior to working here I was an occasional user of the centre but I am really 

surprised at just how busy it can be and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. 

Helen Bell 

Brian and Pat Smith 

Silk Mill Pictures 

We are delighted to announce that over the Arts Festival 2017 a total of £474.16 

was raised for this very important charity. 

See more on ‘Let’s make Lochwinnoch a Dementia Friendly Village’ 

kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie


kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie 


Festival continues into June 

Lilifest, the exciting festival of events 

and entertainment that forms part of 

the Kilbarchan Lilias Day Celebrations 

continues this year until Saturday 17th 

June. 

Brookfi eld Knights bring more live 

music to the Performing Arts Centre 

with internationally renowned roots 

music from Chris Stout & Catriona 

McKay’s Shetland-inspired sound on Wednesday 7th June. 

On Thursday 1st June, Kilbarchan’s favourite 

son, Rev Ian Miller, returns for “An Evening 

With” event. Everyone who has had the 

pleasure of his company will know that Ian 

is a hugely entertaining raconteur with an 

Aladdin’s Cave of anecdotes and jokes. 

A special Lilias Day-inspired quiz takes place 

at The Trust the following evening, Friday 2nd 

June whilst on Lilias Day itself Habbies will 

host a family fun day with a bouncy castle and 

BBQ. On the evening of Lilias Day Barchan 

Mad Comedy present another of their 

ever-popular comedy nights at Kilbarchan 

Performing Arts Centre. 

On Sunday 11th June Village Voices & Kilbarchan Parish Junior Choir will present 

theirSummer Concert at Kilbarchan Parish Church. 

The festival climaxes with “Habbies Hoolie” 

family ceilidh at the Kilbarchan Performing 

Arts Centre on Saturday 17th June. One of 

Renfrewshire;s best-loved ceilidh bands, 

Clamjamfrie will once again serve up a 

rousing evening of music and dancing on the 

evening of the Kilbarchan Show. 

For more information about Lilifest and Lilias 

Day including full listings and online booking 

visit www.liliasday.co.uk 

LiliFest dates in June 

Thursday 1st June, 7.30pm 

An Evening with Rev Ian Miller 

Kilbarchan Performing Arts Centre 

Kilbarchan’s favourite son returns for 

“An Evening With” event. Everyone 

who has had the pleasure of his 

company will know that Ian is a hugely 

entertaining raconteur with an Aladdin’s 

Cave of anecdotes and jokes. 

Tickets £5.50 www.liliasday.co.uk 

Friday 2nd June, 8pm 

Lilias Day Quiz with the Quizmaster 

General 

The Trust Inn, Kilbarchan 

Free, prizes. 

Saturday 3 June 

Lilias Day Celebrations 

Kilbarchan - Park open from 12. Parade 

1pm followed by events in the Park 

Kilbarchan’s famous Lilias Day includes 

a historic parade followed through the 

village by decorated fl oats, pipe and 

brass bands. The parade finishes 

in Kilbarchan Park where a host of 

stalls, activities and events take place 

throughout the day to raise thousands 

of pounds for good causes. 

www.liliasday.co.uk 

Saturday 3rd June, All Day 

Family Fun Day at Habbies 

Habbies, Kilbarchan 

Bouncy castle, BBQ and much more. 

Free 

Saturday 3rd June, 7.30pm 

Barchan Mad Comedy Night 


This popular comedy night returns on 

Lilias Day featuring a great line up of 

comedians in a great venue. With your 

host for the evening, Graham Barrie. 

For more info / bookings email 

badhatcomedy@outlook.com 

Wednesday 7th June, 7.30pm 

Chris Stout & Catriona McKay 


Chris and Catriona have excited 

audiences all over the world with their 

own unique brand of music inspired by 

the traditions of their native Shetland 

Islands and Scotland. It’s hard to believe 

there’s only two people on stage as 

they weave their way between glorious 

soundscapes and music of breathtaking 

simplicity. 

“Clear and strong…always a startling 

freshness and spontaneity at work” - 

Five-star review - The Herald 

Tickets (£12.50) from 01505 706346 

or by e-mail@ info@brookfi eld-knights. 

com BYOB 


All Set For Lilias Day 

SATURDAY 3RD JUNE, KILBARCHAN 

If you haven’t yet been to Lilias Day, one 

of Renfrewshire’s biggest and longest 

running summer fairs, then make 

sure you come this year. We have 

an exciting line-up of entertainment 

including one of our biggest parades 

yet with 13 fl oats taking part this year, 

a battle re-enactment, a tug of war 

tournament, circus skills workshops, 

trampolines, archery, a medieval camp, 

music tent and the return of Radio Clyde’s 

George Bowie as guest compere. 

We also have our grand prize Lilias Day raffl e 

where one lucky will winner will leave the park 

£1,000 richer. The raffl e is drawn at 4.30pm 

on the day and tickets can be bought at the 

Lilias Day committee stall in the park. 

Each year we ask local artists to submit a design or art work to become the Lilias 

Day design for the year. This years art work, ‘Parade Around’ is by Kilbarchan artist 

Tracy Kyle and captures the true spirit of Lilias Day. Tracy said “In my painting I 

wanted to include aspects of the whole of Lilias Day including the historic parade, 

the events that take place in the park and of course the Steeple where Habbie 

Simpson resides. All encompassed by the traditional bunting”. Prints can be 

bought at the Lilias Day merchandise stall. 

As ever we are delighted with the support from the community and local 

organisations. Chair, Graeme Stockton adds “this year we have over 40 stalls and 

13 fl oats taking part, not to mention three pipe bands, and the biggest historic 

parade in many years and a fantastic food village. Thanks to the support of the 

village and all who take part in the event, tens of thousands of pounds are raised 

for charities and good causes. Come along and show your support on the day” 

TIMETABLE OF EVENTS 

• 12noon - Park opens 

• 1pm - Parade leaves Tandlehill Road and proceeds through the village to 

the Steeple 

• 1.50pm - Miss Lilias crowns the school queen 

• 2pm - 4.30pm - Park Entertainment - Battle Re-enactment; Inter school 

football Match and Grand Tug of War with Commentator George Bowie; Dog 

show 

• 2pm - Music Tent opens 

• 4.30pm - Lilias Raffl e draw – Grand prize £1,000 

• 7.40pm - Habbie pipes his way from the Old Library to the Steeple before 

returning to stone for another year. 

You can keep up to date on all the latest news on the brand new Lilias Day website 

www.liliasday.co.uk 

Find Kilbarchan Lilias Day on facebook or follow on twitter: @LiliasDay 

Sunday 11th June 2pm 

Village Voices & Kilbarchan Parish 

Junior Choir Summer Concert 

Kilbarchan Parish Church 

An entertaining evening of song and fun. 

Directed by the wonderfully inspiring 

Moira Gray both choirs are open to join 

to anyone interested, no experience 

necessary 01505 704948. 

Tickets: £5 / £14 family ticket (2 adults 

/ 2 children) available on the door 

includes afternoon tea. 

Saturday 17th June, 7.30pm 

Habbie’s Hoolie 


Kilbarchan Smile present an evening of 

rousing ceilidh music and much dancing 

with popular local band, Clamjamfrie. 

Demand for tickets is expected to 

be high so get yours early to avoid 

disappointment. It’s all for a good cause 

to reinvest in our lovely village! 

All proceeds go to Kilbarchan Smile 

to help continue with improvements to 

the village. 

Tickets £12.50 / £30 Family Ticket 

(2 adults/2 children) available from 

Bobbins, The Trust and Habbies or 

online from the Lilifest page at www. 

liliasday.co.uk 

Photos & Videos Wanted 

At the Advertizer, we are always 

keen to get updates for our 

website and with ‘Show Season’ 

through May and June we’re 

sure there will be plenty of great 

photos and videos taken by our 

readers. 

We love seeing all the fabulous 

and colourful pictures of events, 

and our readers enjoy looking 

through the images to see who 

they recognise, or even if they 

are there themselves! 

If you would like to see your work 

featured on our website or even as 

a cover shot, please send high res 

images to info@advertizer.co.uk.


45 

Saturday 17th June, 1-4pm 

Howwood Primary School 

The 2017 Howwood Village Fete is shaping up to be one of the best yet, so 

put the date in your diary and come along with all the family. Entry to the Fete 

is £2 (children of primary school age and under are free). 

Our theme this year is “A night at the Movies” and the afternoon will kick 

off with a fancy dress competition which is open to all. A prize will be given 

to the best costume in each category - pre-school, primary school, senior 

school and up. 

Stallholders will also have the opportunity to win a prize for the best decorated 

stall. 

As well as a variety of food & craft stalls, there will be loads to do for all ages 

including: 

Tug-of-war Tea Room Beat the Goalie Licenced Bar 

Bouncy Castle Photo Booth Children’s activities Circus Skills 

Face painting Ice Cream Van Pony Rides Paisley 2021 Culture Bus 

….plus we have a packed programme of entertainment including Johnstone 

Juvenile Pipe Band, Elizabeth Rose Addison School of Dance, Splash 

Productions and our DJ. 

And after all that, if you still have the energy, there is a Karaoke Disco in The 

Railway Inn at 7.30pm. 

New for this year is the baking and home craft competition. Over 12’s can 

enter fruit scones, sponge cakes, tablet or jam and the under 12’s can try 

their hand at a cup cake, a landscape picture or table decoration. The full 

schedule and entry form is available from any committee member, Howwood 

Village Store and by email howwoodrainbows@yahoo.com. 

Tickets for the Grand Draw are on sale now, available from any of the 

committee members. Prizes include an ipad mini, 6 months membership at 

the Bowfi eld, a meal for 4 at the Boarding House, a family photo shoot plus 

many more. 

For any Fete enquiries, please contact Lorna (lostar78@aol.co.uk) or Sarah 

(sarah.galloway@rocketmail.com) 


Howwood Community Council 

Meetings of the Community Council are held on the second Tuesday of each 

month at 7.30pm in Howwood Village Hall. Please feel free to come along - all 

welcome. 

IT'S AMAZING WHAT A 

CUP OF TEA 

CAN DO 

Registered charity no. 210760 and SCO38056. Established 1885. 

Join us for a brew and some cake 

There's still time to get involved in our Forces family fundraiser taking 

place from 19-25 June. Find out how to sign up for your tea party visit 

ssafa.org.uk/bigbrewup 


Following a very hard fought local election campaign I am 

delighted to have been re-elected as an Independent Councillor 

for the new ward of Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood, 

and Lochwinnoch, and for the fi rst time, to represent the 

people of Howwood. I would like to thank all those who voted 

for me and put their faith in me. In a spirit of humble service I 

dedicate myself to serving the people of Howwood, as well as 

the rest of the ward, and to continue to fi ght for the interests 

of the village without fear or favour. 

As one of only two Independent Cllrs in the whole of 

Renfrewshire it was quite a remarkable achievement to 

triumph against the established party political machines, and 

I was also very pleased to receive a message of congratulations from the former 

Independent MSP, Dennis Canavan, who was my MP for twenty years. I would 

also like to pay tribute to the work of my former civic colleague, Chris Gilmour, 

who sadly was not re-elected but who was a diligent and very conscientious ward 

Councillor for Lochwinnoch and Kilbarchan. 

I have already attended my fi rst meeting of Howwood Community Council, and 

took up issues relating to the use of the public park, parking in Kilnknowe 

Cottages, and prospective planning matters. 

My advice surgeries as follows: Howwood - 4th Wednesday of the month in the 

Howwood Village Hall at 6.30pm, Kilbarchan - 2nd Wednesday of the month in 

the Steeple Hall at 7.30pm, and Lochwinnoch - 4th Wednesday of the month in 

the McKillop at 7.30pm, all excluding July and Christmas. 

I am also always available to constituents who can call me on 07534 148224, 

tweet me on CllrAndy4Ward9 or e-mail me at cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov. 

uk. 


Bowfield 10K 

Join St Vincent’s Hospice on June 11th for the 

Annual Bowfield 10K. 

Join us at The Bowfi eld as they host their fi fth annual 10K race in aid of St 

Vincent’s Hospice and in memory of Grace Kissell. 

Walkers and runners are welcome to tackle our challenging and scenic course. 

Walkers start at 10am and runners at 11am. 

There is a £10 registration fee, and all sponsorship goes to St Vincent’s 

Hospice. 

For more information, contact members@bowfi eldhotel.co.uk. If you would like to 

register for this event, please visit: www.svh.co.uk/forms/form.php?formID=33 

See more at: www.stvincentshospice.co.uk/items/SVH-Events/bowfi eld-10k 


First of all, let me introduce myself as one of your four 

Councillors for Ward 8, Johnstone South and Elderslie. I have 

lived in Elderslie for over 21 years and Bridge of Weir before 

then. I feel that I should have a good idea of some of the 

issues that residents face. 

I would like to apologise to those of you, to whom I did not 

manage to deliver my election leafl et. Unfortunately, just 

before the election, a close family member died and I was 

away the week of the election. 

I would like to thank those of you who voted for me, whether it 

was because, you know me, or for the party I was representing. 

I look forward to being of service to you, regardless of political 

persuasion. 

kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie


St Mary’s Scottish Episcopal Church 

Johnstone Road, Bridge of Weir (car park opposite church) 

LOST PETS? 

If your pet has gone missing and 

you would like to place a notice in 

The Advertizer, please call 

01505 613340 or email 

∂∫∞€Ł@)( 

info@advertizer.co.uk 

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Pet Blog 

by PetVets 

Raving about 

Rabbits 

Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK. 

There are three main points to consider to ensure your rabbit leads a 

healthy, happy life: 

1. Rabbits are sociable 

Wild rabbits naturally live in large social groups. Pet rabbits should 

therefore be kept in pairs or groups. This provides companionship 

and allows rabbits to carry out normal behaviours such as mutual 

grooming. Rabbits that are kept alone suffer from loneliness, increased 

stress levels and increased health problems. The ideal pairing to avoid 

potential aggression between rabbits is housing a neutered male with a 

neutered female. 

2. Rabbits are active 

Wild rabbits cover an area equivalent 

to six football pitches every day. This 

means your pet rabbit needs plenty 

of space to exercise, a hutch or 

cage is not enough. Ideally rabbits 

should have free access to a run 

or enclosed area in the garden (or 

house if an indoor rabbit). 

Invite you and your pet to our 

Annual Pet Service 

On 

Sunday 11 June 2017 

At 3 pm. 

No creature larger than a dog please! 

More details? Call Revd Heller on 01505 872 961 

The Underheugh Ark are a local 

Animal Rescue based in the West 

of Scotland, we rescue all animals 

big and small from guinea pigs, 

rabbits and chickens to cats, dogs 

and even donkeys! 

The rescue was setup by a local 

couple with a love for animals, they 

both work long hours and on top of 

that deal with the rescue at same 

time. The rescue has grown so 

much in the past few years we now 

have several volunteers. 

We are a non-profi t organisation 

that relies completely on donations 

from adoptions and fundraising 

events so that we can ensure any 

animal we take in has full vet check 

ups, vaccinations, neutering etc. 

before being re-homed. If you 

would like to donate this can be 

done from our website, or in person 

at Abbey Vets in Greenock and 

Paisley. Food/bedding donations 

are also welcome! We’ve also 

recently setup a monthly lottery too 

for fundraising. 

To contact us, please call 07817 

646427 or visit http://underheughark. 

weebly.com 

As a general rule a hutch or cage should be large enough for a rabbit 

to take three hops and tall enough for a rabbit to stand upright in. A 

run should be a minimum of eight feet long (approximately four rabbit 

hops!). 

It is also useful to provide tunnels and toys within the run for your rabbit 

to keep them active and entertained. 

3. Rabbits eat grass 

Rabbits are designed to eat 

grass for several hours every 

day. Rabbits have continuously 

growing teeth and a complex 

gastrointestinal system designed 

for this high fi bre diet. The wrong 

diet can lead to severe dental and 

gastrointestinal problems in pet 

rabbits. 

The ideal diet for your pet rabbit is 

composed of approximately 80% 

good quality hay, 15% fresh leafy 

vegetables and 5% good quality 

commercial rabbit food, in a 

uniform pellet mix. Starting out 

with these three basic rabbit facts 

can make a big difference to the 

health and welfare of pet rabbits.


47 47 

Re-homing Pets 

Can you offer a home to any of our featured pets? 

Chancer - 12 year old female 

domestic short-hair 

Chancer was a stray for 9 months 

& the vets have estimated she’s 

at least 12 years old. She would 

Chancer 

appreciate a quiet home with no 

young children & no other pets. She’s used to getting outside so she will 

need a garden, not near a busy road, so that she can go out once she’s 

settled in her new home. 

Sylvester - 4 year old male domestic short-hair 

Sylvester was a stray & the vets have estimated he is 

between 3 & 5 years old. He’s FIV+ which just means he 

has a lower immune system & needs to be kept indoors. 

He should be fi ne in a home with older children, no dogs 

& could only live with another cat if they were FIV+ too. Sylvester 

Cardyke Farm, Langmuirhead Road, Auchinloch, Glasgow G66 5LD - Telephone 

0141 779 3341 

Lionel - male 

cornsnake 

Lionel is a lovely boy who arrived in our 

care through no fault of his own and is now 

Lionel 

desperately looking for a new home. He 

enjoys exploring his surroundings and chilling out under his hide or in his 

water dish. All Lionel wants is someone to provide him with a fun new 

enclosure and the love and care he needs. 

Smalls - male Terrapin 

Terrapins are a big commitment as they can 

live for over 30 years and this means they 

should never be taken on lightly. They require 

regular cleaning and tank maintenance, heat, 

Smalls 

light and feeding. Smalls would love an experienced terrapin owner to 

come forward and offer him a loving home. 

To contact the centre about any animals, please call 03000 999 999 or visit 

www.scottishspca.org/rehoming 

Bruce - 5 to 7 year old male 

Staffordshire Bull Terrier 

Bruce can be a little shy at first but 

very quickly warms to people. He has 

had a tough start in life so he’s looking for calm, kind 

and gentle owners to bring him out of his shell and 

build his confidence. Not much is known about his 

Bruce past so he may need housetraining and although it’s 

okay for him to be left for a few hours per day this may be something that 

needs to be built up gradually. He will require a fully enclosed private 

garden to enjoy pottering around. He can live with children of 10 years 

or older and would happily live with another dog but no cats. Having 

some experience with dogs would be beneficial but not necessary. 

Blu - 1 to 2 year old male Lurcher 

Blu loves going out for long walks and being made a fuss of! Blu can 

live with children who are 16 years old or over and needs his own secure 

garden to practice his training in. An active home who can give him the 

exercise he needs and loves would benefit him. Blu is ok with dogs but 

may need careful introductions. Someone who 

has owned dogs like Blu recently may benefit him 

and help him settle. Blu may benefit from a few 

meets at the centre to build a relationship before 

going to his new home. 

Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre, 315 Hamilton Road, 

Uddingston, Glasgow, G71 7SL. Open: 12noon - 4pm 

(inc weekends); 12noon- 7.30pm on Tuesdays; closed: Blu 

Wednesdays 

Rescue Centres 

Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue › 01505 502415 › www.hessilhead.org.uk 

Cat Protection › 0141 779 3341 › www.cats.org.uk/glasgowac 

Dogs Trust Glasgow › 0141 773 5130 › www.dogstrust.org.uk 

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. 

Johnstone Cat Rescue 

If you can help us with any 

fundraising or donations of either 

food or bedding, please call 

Sheena on 01505 337321. 

Thank you. 

Dogs Trust Glasgow Fun Day - Sunday 4th June 

This year we’ll be at Chatelherault Country Park, Ferniegair, Hamilton, 

South Lanarkshire, ML3 7UE on Sunday 4th June from 12noon to 4pm. 

Entry is FREE! 

There will be lots of attractions and activities including a Fun Dog Show, 

Dogs Trust Reunion Tent, a Variety of Stalls & Games for all the Family. 

*Please note all activities may be subject to change. 

All your family, friends and dogs are welcome. 

If you have any queries please call us on 0141 773 5141. We look forward to seeing 

you on the day! 

OPEN DAY 

SUNDAY 11TH JUNE 12pm to 4pm 

ADMISSION 

Adults £2, Kids Free 

Free Parking. Sorry, No Dogs 

Children’s Tent with Crafts and Activities 

Books • Games • Burgers&Teas 

Plants • Cakes • Guided Tours • Bric-A-Brac 

The above full day course will cost £20 for Hessilhead members and £40 for non members. Registration at 10.15, end 

approx 4pm. Please bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee provided. Will include practical sessions to give experience 

handling a variety of patients confidently and safely, with tips on how to examine and transport these patients. Also 

suggestions for feeding, housing and assessment for release. 

The above courses will run from 2pm till 4pm. £10 for Hessilhead members, £20 for non members 

This event will start at 8.30pm. £10 for Hessilhead members, £20 for non members. Bring a torch.


Wildlife Crime 

Liaison Officer 

These officers can be contacted to 

report crime or to seek advice on 

wildlife crime matters. Call Police 

Scotland on 101 to report a wildlife 

crime or email us at Contactus@ 

scotland.pnn.police.uk. 

Bridge of Weir Horticultural Society 

In May, Professor Stephen Phillips, semi-retired from 

Glasgow University’s Dept. Of Infection and Immunity, 

came to talk to us about Medicinal Plants. One of his 

specialties is the control of Malaria and he would donate 

his fee to St. Andrew’s Clinics for Children which works 

in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and 

Ghana supplying insecticide-impregnated bed nets to 

reduce the spread of the disease. 

Professor Phillips began his talk with a slide of a recipe 

for herbal Viagra! He then charted the history of man’s 

interest in plants that can ease his pain and cure his 

ills from the ancient Egyptians to the present. In the 

early 1900s, 78% of medicines came from roots, bark 

and leaves. Our modern interest in Medicinal plants 

stems from the Second World War when access to the 

Cinchona trees, from whose bark quinine is extracted, 

growing in Java was cut off by the Japanese occupation. 

The trees had been grown there by the Dutch for 

almost 100 years since they had bought the seed from 

Charles Ledger after whom Cinchona ledgeriana had 

been named. This species of Cinchona came from 

Bolivia and yielded much higher percentages of the 

quinine alkaloid than loxa, Peruvian or Jesuit bark from 

Cinchona officinalis. 

Plant extracts have been used as purgatives and emetics 

since man began writing about them. Rhubarb, castor 

oil, aloe and Senna are examples. An early document 

from Egypt – the Ebers Papyrus - mentions Acacia, Aloe 

vera, Belladonna, Cardamom, dill and garlic, the latter 

being given daily to pyramid builders! We are familiar 

with Aloe vera being used to treat skin conditions and 

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society 

Camomile being used as an anti-infl ammatory and 

a mild sedative. Comfrey has long been used for 

bronchial problems, broken bones, sprains, arthritis 

and gastric conditions. We may be less familiar with 

the story of the pill which came originally from the wild 

yam, Dioscoera villosa, which grows naturally in Central 

America. Professor Phillips also told us about aspirin 

first extracted from willow and known in folk medicine 

for 3,500 years. Hippocrates mentioned it in connection 

with labour pains. Hemlock, nicotine atropine, quinine, 

reserpine and strychnine are just a few members of 

the important group of chemicals known as alkaloids. 

Morphine is one of 25 akaloids present in opium 

obtained from the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum; 

codeine is another. The poppies are grown in 

Afghanistan and Pakistan and the latex from the seed 

capsules is collected. We were also informed about the 

discovery of the diuretic and heart stimulating effects of 

our common foxglove, Digitalis purpurea. So much to 

tell and such a depth to the subject. 

Our talks will resume in October with, “Rhododendrons 

at Kilarden” by Carol Rowe on 12th October in the 

Royal British Legion. Meantime we will be busy with 

the Plant Sale, working in our gardens and preparing for 

the Flower Show which takes place on 26th August. 

It’s great to see the Rhododendrons appearing on 

the cycle track. These are a welcome update to the 

selection planted by the Horticultural Society in the 

1950s, possibly for the Queen’s Coronation. Well done 

Brighter Bridge of Weir. 

The summer programme for the Kilmacolm Horticultural Society started with the 

Spring Outing in May to the Glenarn Estate at Rhu, with a colourful tour through 

wooded paths overflowing with rhodendron, azaleas, magnolia and camellia, 

with spring bulbs still in abundance. The Summer Outing on 21st June is an all 

day trip, featuring a picturesque coach ride to the Crarae NYS Gardens after 

morning coffee, in the afternoon there will be time to spend in Inveraray before High Tea at the George Hotel. All 

refreshments, coach hire, gardens entrance for inclusive price of £30. If you are interested, please phone Jill 

Russell on 01505 872393, for further details. Please make a note in your diary to keep Saturday 1st September 

free to attend the Annual Flower Show, in Kilmacolm New Community Centre, doors open to the public at 11am, 

with prizegiving at 3.30pm. Or why not consider yourself as an Exhibitor? Bring along your favourite homegrown 

flowers or vegetables, enter the Floral Art classes, or bring along a Summer Tub or hanging basket, on the Friday 

evening, for exhibit in the Show? Dr Ian Morrice, Chairman of K.H.S. Will be delighted to explain the simple rules 

of staging your exhibit, in Novice or Open Sections of the Show. Flower Schedules are available now, again from 

Jill, our Show Secretary PS: The Garden at the Cross is looking its best during June and July, take a moment if you 

can to admire the mature shrubs and greenery at the centre of our village, cared for by the K.H.S. Committee.


49 49 

Duchal House, By Kilmacolm 

Eighteenth century walled garden 

particularly well planted and 

maintained, entered by footbridge 

over the Greenwater. Species trees, 

hollies, old fashioned roses, shrubs 

and herbaceous borders with fruit 

orchards and vegetable garden. Also 

in the garden are azaleas and a lily pond. 

DIRECTIONS On the B788 one mile from Kilmacolm (this road links B786 

Lochwinnoch Road and A761 Bridge of Weir Road) Greenock/Glasgow 

bus via Bridge of Weir. Knapps Loch stop is a ¼ mile from garden. Well 

signposted from Bridge of Weir/Kilmacolm Road 

GARDEN OPENINGS Saturday 15th July 2pm - 5pm 

ADMISSIONS £5.00 

Ardgowan Hospice receives 40%, the net remaining to SG Benefi ciaries


Welcome to Scotland’s largest Regional Park 

Enter the BOG Stomp!: The 10km 

off road trail run is back for 2017 

on Sunday 3rd September. The 

event leaves Greenock Cut Visitor 

Centre and takes in a challenging 

(short but steep) Inverclyde hill, but 

you are rewarded with stunning 

views down the River Clyde. Enter 

via the Clyde Muirshiel website, 

price £20, £5 going to Erskine and 

includes medal & technical t-shirt. 

Look out your running shoes and 

get training now! 

Summer’s here! Outdoor activity 

courses are booking up but there 

are still spaces available. Why 

not keep your kids busy and give 

them a taste of outdoor adventure 

in the holidays, all courses can be 

booked using the online booking 

system. 

Pedal the Park Raises over 

£1,500 for CLIC Sargent: On 

Sunday 23rd April over 300 

cyclists took part in Pedal the Park, 

leaving Lochwinnoch and cycling 

100km around the Regional Park 

boundary taking in the beautiful 

views of Renfrewshire, Inverclyde 

and North Ayrshire. Missed out 

this year? Sunday 22nd April has 

just been announced for 2018. 

Clyde Muirshiel Munchkins: 

This month this Brand NEW Pre 

5’s Nature Club will investigate 

and make some cosy homes for 

wildlife. Meet at the Greenock 

Cut Visitor Centre on Wed 21st 

June, 10.30 - 11.30am, full details 

including booking can be done 

online. 

Pound & Pace: The annual charity 

walk is back on Wednesday 14th 

June, leaving Greenock Cut Visitor 

Centre at 11am, allow 3 hours. 

Donate £1 & Pace the 12km route, 

enjoying Firth of Clyde views. 

Keep Safe: Castle Semple Visitor 

Centre is now a ‘Keep Safe’ location 

to help people with a disability feel 

safe in the community. A window 

sticker lets folk know Castle Semple 

is a suitable place to come if they 

feel threatened or vulnerable. 

More information available at www. 

iammescotland.co.uk. 

Ride 63 Community Cycle Club: 

Report that Tuesday evening is 

the current ride night, meeting 

outside RT Cycles in Glengarnock 

at 6.20pm or at Castle Semple at 

6.40pm exact route depends on 

the weather and who shows up. 

The 2017 club ride calendar can 

be seen on the Club noticeboard 

at Castle Semple Visitor Centre. 

Contact the club on the ‘group 

style facebook page’ or email the 

secretary ridesixtythree@gmail. 

com for a membership form and 

ride info. 

Mondays (but not public holidays) 

Lochwinnoch Community Walks 

meet 10.30am at The Cross, 

Lochwinnoch. 

Weekly Volunteer Groups - 

Newcomers always welcome! 

Regular Events 

Thursdays 

Castle Semple Conservation 

Volunteers, Adult group, from 

12.30pm – 3.30pm. 

Saturdays 

Greenock Cut Conservation 

Volunteers, Adult group, 10.30am 

– 2.30pm. 

Sundays 

Castle Semple Young Volunteers, 

12 - 18 yr olds, 10am – 12noon 

Keep up to speed with events and activities taking place on the Park’s Facebook: facebook.com/ClydeMuirshielRegionalPark or 

Twitter @Clydemuirshiel pages and Instagram pages. 

Lochwinnoch Community Garden Update 

CALL FOR PLANTS FOR GALA DAY! 

We need plants for our stall at Gala Day on Saturday 

10th June - if you have any spare can you drop them off 

on 28th May at 1pm. If you want them picked up call 

Liz on 07966167025 or Morag on 07868752814 

PLANTING CONTAINERS IN 

VILLAGE SATURDAY 3rd 

JUNE WE NEED YOUR 

HELP! 

Some of the baskets have been planted that we will be 

putting out on the 3rd 

As with last year we are calling out for volunteers to help 

plant out the many containers we have in and around 

the village. Please meet outside the McKillop at 1pm 

on Saturday 3th June to lend a hand. 

KEEP PUTTING YOUR LOOSE CHANGE IN OUR 

TINS FOR FLOWERS THANKS!


51 51 

For more information about the reserve or any of our events, please call 01505 842 663 or 

email lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk. 

Whether you’re a dedicated photography enthusiast, an occasional snapper or a smartphone 

devotee, RSPB Lochwinnoch is a great place to take some truly beautiful photos. Could 

you capture the essence of spring and summer when the reserve is buzzing with action? 

Swallows darting acrobatically over the water, baby birds taking their first uncertain flights, 

spring fl owers and our wildfl ower meadow bursting into life, while insects take full advantage 

of the sweet nectar hidden within... 

Entries are now open for our annual photography competition – we would love to see your 

photos showcasing the fantastic variety of life and beautiful scenes on offer at our stunning 

reserve. 

Perhaps you’ve captured our gorgeous autumn colours or were lucky enough to visit when 

the reserve was covered in a blanket of snow? Whatever your subject matter, if you’ve taken 

a great image – or want an excuse to visit and get snapping – help us celebrate the wonder 

of nature on offer at RSPB Lochwinnoch by entering your best photos. 

We are accepting entries until Friday 14th July at 5pm, and all photos will be displayed in 

our visitor centre for a public vote throughout August. It’s a fantastic chance to share your 

passion for photography and nature, and there are some great prizes to be won too! To 

request an entry pack, pop into the visitor centre or email lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk.


The month of May is when we expect our gardens to come 

to life, and we were not disappointed: fresh green foliage 

and colourful flowers appeared as if from nowhere. This 

is a sign – not that we really needed it – that it is time for 

Colourful Kilmacolm to get active again. 

Our AGM was well attended and reports were given 

outlining a healthy financial position and a busy and 

successful 2016/17. Our secretary, Diane, retired from committee 

and was thanked for all her hard work. We welcomed Liz to the post. 

The layout at Market Place received a facelift, then our willing volunteers 

dug over the borders, removing any shrubs that were past their sell-by date 

and rejuvenating others. Fresh topsoil was then delivered by Inverclyde 

Council and our members helped spread it evenly over the area. New 

planting will follow shortly. 

June at Finlaystone Estate holds so much to offer a fun family day out. 

Not only do we have the play areas for children to run around but we have 

a variety of events for the family. Finlaystone’s magnificent tress of oak, 

beech and birch are home to an array of birds such as the song thrush, 

magpie, swifts and collared doves. 

The Garden is teaming with azalea’s, blossom trees and poppies. 

Up and coming events in June: 

Saturday 17th June - Falconry Day 1 - 3pm 

Visit the birds of prey and take a walk around their homes and get up 

close and personal with the winged hunters. Followed by a flying display 

(weather dependent). 

Sunday 18th June - Den Building 1 - 3pm 

Join the Rangers and see who is a budding Bear Grylls. 

Sunday 25th June - Scavenger Hunt 1 - 3pm 

Aimed at children aged 5 - 10. Use the clue sheet to find the answers. 

Prizes for completing the course. 

Tuesday 27th June - Woodland Art 1 - 3pm 

Join our Rangers and gather woodland materials to make your artistic 

creation. 

Thursday 29th June - Tracks and Trails 1 - 3pm 

Help our Rangers to track animals through the forest and identify the 

animal tracks you fi nd or even a Gruffalo. 

Gardening Report: 

Look out for the seasonal Azalea’s, Rhododendrons, Lilac, Magnolia, Cherry 

and Apple blossom. Also started to bloom is the beautiful Meconopsis 

(Blue Poppy). 

Tip of the month 

Help our pollinators by planting their favourite plants! Try Lavender, Lilly of 

the Valley bush, Yarrow and/or Jasmine. Get in touch for more information 

or come along to our Gardening events for more information. 

Cafe opening hours through June: 

The café is open every weekend, and additionally on 1st, 2nd, 5th - 9th, 

12th - 16th, 20th - 23rd and 28th June. Also open during School summer 

break Thursday 29th June till 14th August. 

A morning was spent removing bulbs from all our planters, a nursery visit 

allowed us to select plants for our summer displays and towards the end 

of the month all were in place. We look forward to a summer of colour and 

sunshine, even if the latter means more work for our maintenance teams. 

Anyone can join Colourful Kilmacolm. If you are able, you can choose to 

be an active gardener, helping when you can with looking after the displays, 

but we also welcome non-active members. The very modest £5 annual 

subscription supports our efforts. 

Membership forms can be downloaded from our website www. 

colourfulkilmacolm.org.uk or you can phone Peter (01505 872448) or Liz 

(07963973031). 

TOP 

GARDENING 

TIPS 

The ultimate garden treat for fun-loving felines is 

Catnip (Nepeta cataria). Not all cats are susceptible but 

70% of them will show great interest. Dried Catnip is available in 

pet shops but the fresh plant makes an attractive addition to the garden 

for both owner and puss. As it’s a member of the mint family, it can 

become invasive so is best confined to a pot rather than in the ground. 

Lavender is a great herb providing a bushy and attractive 

hiding place for cats. 

Cats love to lounge in the sun but can be prone to 

sunburn. Planting large shrubs gives cats the 

opportunity to seek shade while still enjoying the warm 

weather. 

Piles of logs make excellent areas for scratching claws, 

while low shrubs make interesting hiding places for 

cats to snuggle up in for an al fresco snooze. 

A full list of plants that are dangerous and best to 

avoid can be found on the International Cat Care’s website 

www.icatcare.org. Lilies in particular can be lethal if a cat ingests 

pollen from its fur after brushing against them. 

Ensure your cat is fully vaccinated before venturing outdoors to protect against diseases and parasites. 

Neutering is also vital to prevent unwanted kittens being born and to reduce roaming.


Kilbarchan & District Beekeepers 

The herbaceous plants are coming into their own at this time of year and 

the likes of alliums, cornfl owers, foxgloves, globe thistles, lavenders and 

flowering herbs are examples of plants that sustain growing colonies of 

honey bees. Sycamore and horse chestnut trees will have been providing 

pollinators valuable nectar sources in May to early June. To do your part 

in supporting wildlife, leave areas of you garden to allow the growth of 

wildfl owers, maybe an area of lawn free from mowing, so clover, daisies 

and dandelions can grow to feed honey bees and other pollinating insects. 

In June beekeepers continue to monitor the hives for signs from the bees 

that may be looking to swarm and take appropriate action to manage / 

prevent this. The colonies are growing substantially and honey production 

begins, weather and nectar sources permitting. 

How to Identify and Deal with a Honey Bee Swarm 

First, check if what you have are bees or wasps (this may sound obvious, 

but it is an easy and frequent mistake to make). Wasps and honey bees 

are about the same size, but wasps have alternating black and bright yellow 

body stripes. Honey bees are brown, with paler brown or dirty yellow bands 

on the body. Bumblebees are more rounded and ‘hairy’. See below pictures 

to help with identifi cation. 

Bumble Bee Honey Bee Wasp 

If you do think you have Honey Bees, and the bees 

have only appeared within the last few days, or are 

clustered in the open hanging from a branch of a tree 

or bush, then you have a newly arrived swarm (see 

picture of a swarm clustered.) 

While a local beekeeper will do their best to be helpful, 

there are situations when they can’t - particularly when 

bees are lodged in a chimney or wall space or very high and inaccessible 

– or when removing the bee colony successfully can be time-consuming, 

difficult and success cannot be assured. The removal of a free-hanging 

swarm in the open is usually much simpler however, and you are more 

likely to fi nd a local beekeeper who is prepared to come and remove it for 

you. They will not deal with wasps, solitary or other bees such as mining or 

mason bees or bumblebees. Also, do please bear in mind that beekeepers 

are not a free pest control service, or one that can always be with you 

in short notice, although they will try where possible. In some situations 

you may still have to call in a pest control company to deal with a wellestablished 

colony or one difficult or dangerous to reach. 

Details of Local Beekeepers willing to be called to assess and try assist in 

swarm removal are available via the Renfrewshire Council Website http:// 

www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ just search on ‘swarms’. We are also waiting 

for Inverclyde Council to also upload this information to their website – 

hopefully this will have been done by the time the article is in print. 

Please do not contact the K&DBA Secretary about a possible swarm. 

Apiary Visit 

The associations 1st 

Apiary Visit of the year 

took place Sunday 7th 

May, which was a very 

nice day. We were 

joined by one of the 

Scottish Government 

Bee Inspectors, who 

assessed the health 

of the hives and also 

updated members on 

the current threat of the Asian Hornet migrating to the UK and possibly 

Scotland. This was an opportunity for experienced, novice and potential bee 

keepers to go through hives as a group and deal with common honeybee 

management techniques essential in the summer months. There was a 

fantastic turnout and the group consisted of experienced and people new 

to beekeeping, hoping to gain knowledge and the possibility of having bees 

of their own in the future. 

If you are interested in beekeeping for yourself or the whole family, anyone is 

welcome. Contact Helena Jackson, the Kilbarchan & District Beekeepers 

Association Secretary via e-mail Helena.Jackson72@sky.com if you would like to 

know more! Alternatively you can follow K&DBA on Twitter @KilbarchanBees for 

general information about beekeeping and the association. 

Rock Group Rhodies 

Just over the old railway line boundary wall at the east end of Main Street, 

roughly opposite Lintwhite Crescent, is an embankment of grass-covered, 

rocky ground. Early last month, our volunteers planted a group of 

rhododendrons there. This was thanks to the donation of £150 from 

a number of local 

residents, members of 

The Bracken Book Club, 

who donated the funds to 

mark a special birthday 

of one of their members. 

The rhodies are a 

mixed bunch but are all 

specifically cultivated 

to grow no more than 

about 1.5 metres (5’) 

high. They will add 

quite a bit of colour to 

the surroundings. 

And just across the 

road, in the garden area 

behind the bus shelter, we planted a small tree, (an Amelanchier, for those 

who’d like to know). This will be an eye-catching feature in due course, as 

it flowers white in spring and summer, and turns red and gold in autumn. It 

should grow to about 8 metres (26’) tall, but that’ll take up to 20 years. 

Also, we’ve re-launched our JustGiving fund-raising page that we ran from 

June to August/September last year. It was a success then and it is a simple 

and secure way for those with internet access to contribute to our efforts. 

Any amount from £2 upwards can be donated with ease and donors can, 

if they wish, remain anonymous. You can find out more about this on our 

Facebook page (facebook.com/brighterbridgeofweir) and on our website 

(www.brighterbridgeofweir.org). Our website also has more information 

about us, what we’ve done and what we‘re planning to do, and includes a 

photo gallery and contact details. 

Lastly, we’re looking forward to Gala Day on Saturday 10th when we’ll be 

at Houston Road Park as usual, with our Strawberries and Cream stall and 

prize-winning opportunities. Hope to see you there! 

53 53


Local Schoolgirl supports 

charity with the help of UWS 

A recent charity initiative by local teenager Mirin Thomson (15) has resulted 

in bags of support for a needy charity. 

Mirin is undertaking the volunteering section of her Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) 

through her Girls Brigade Company, 1st Houston, which was supporting 

Mary’s Meals Backpack Project. 

The Project sends fi lled backpacks to children who do not have basic 

education or hygiene. The backpacks help to enable children to attend 

school, gain an education to help them escape from poverty as they grow 

up. 

Mirin, an S3 pupil at Gryffe High School looked at different ways to ask for 

donations. 

Mirin asked her mum Jacqueline, who works at University of the West of 

Scotland (UWS) as Insurance and Risk Officer if any of her colleagues might 

help. UWS colleagues supported Mirin’s efforts by donating an overwhelming 

range of items. 

Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS said: 

“The way in which colleagues from across the University have come 

together to support Mirin’s charity drive has been tremendous and refl ects 

the University’s ethos of supporting staff, students and members of the 

community. The work Mirin is doing is great and we all wish her well in the 

DofE Award programme.” 

Next, Mirin set up a Just Giving page for direct donations to Mary’s Meals 

from UWS staff, friends and family were made, providing enough to feed 17 children for a whole school year 

Mirin and her fellow Brigader Sophie Spence, made an appeal at Houston & Killellen Kirk. They asked the congregation 

to support 1st Houston GB’s Coffee evening where in exchange for some donated items, they were rewarded with as 

much tea, coffee and home-baking as they could manage! 

Mirin, said: “I would like to thank UWS, my friends, family and congregation for their generosity – their support has 

been brilliant. 

Kilbarchan 

Community Nursery 

The children have been out and about this month 

and have visited two workshops in Paisley Museum. 

The first visit was a ‘Creepy Crawlies’ workshop 

where they learned about insects and used 

magnifying glasses to go on a bug hunt. On the 

second visit ‘Space explorer’s workshop’ Adventure 

Ted helped the children to learn about space and 

planets. 

As part of our ongoing 

transition programme for 

starting school in August, 

all children now have a 

‘buddy’ from Kilbarchan 

Primary. The school 

children have visited the 

nursery as well as having 

playground sessions with 

the nursery children. The 

buddies will be there to 

lend a helping hand to 

settle the children into primary school in August. 

Summer term finishes with parties for all children on 

27th June followed by our end of term presentation 

on 28th June for all pre-school children. We wish 

them well in their new schools. 

Kilmacolm 

Playgroup and 

Toddlers 

As we come to the end of our year at 

playgroup, we would like to take this 

opportunity to say farewell and good 

luck to all our little stars who are 

leaving us to begin the next stage of 

their journey at nursery. Our Senior 

playleader, Miss Gorman will also 

be leaving at the summer holidays 

to return to University in August. 

We are keen to encourage anyone 

looking to start at playgroup to get in 

touch! We would love for you to come 

and join us on a Monday, Tuesday 

and Thursday morning between 9.15 

and 11.40. We take from 2 years 

4 months to 4 years. We learn lots 

and take part in lots of fun activities 

like painting, role play, messy 

play, physical play, jigsaws and of 

course building and construction! 

To fi nd out more information 

please contact our secretary on 

playgroupmembership@gmail.com. 

Wishing all our children and families 

a wonderful summer holiday! 

EVERY MO N D A Y 

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers 

McKillop Hall, 9.45am - 11.30am 

£2/family fee incl tea & children’s snacks. 

Kilmacolm Playgroup 

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm, 

9.30am - 11.40am 

Howwood Baby & Toddler Group 

Howwood Parish Church, 10am - 12noon 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, 9.15am 

- 11.30am 

EVERY TUESDAY 

Kilbarchan Tots 

Kilbarchan Scout Hall, 10am-12noon 

£2 contribution. Tea, coffee & biscuits. 

Bridge of Weir Toddlers 

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, BoW 

Pop along and see us from 9.30am - 11.30am 



9.30am - 11.40am 

Howwood Playgroup 

Howwood Church Hall, 9.45am - 11.35am 

EVERY WEDNESDAY 

Kilmacolm Toddlers 


10am - 11.30am 

For children from birth to 3 years. 

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers 

McKillop Hall, 9.45am - 11.30am 

£2/family fee incl tea and children’s snacks. 



EVERY TH U R S D A Y 

Houston Toddlers 

Church Hall, Main Street, Houston 

Pop along and see us from 9.30am - 11.30am 



9.15am - 11.40am 



EVERY FR I D A Y 

Langbank Playgroup 

Langbank Village Hall, 9.45 - 11.45am 

For 2.5 - 5yr olds. 

Contact Jen Burrows 07947 983025. 

Langbank Under 3’s 

Church Hall, Langbank, 10am - 11.45am 

For children from birth to 3 years 

Baby and Toddler Group 

Elderslie Kirk, Main Rd, Elderslie, 

9.30am - 11.30am 

£2 includes children’s snack and tea/coffee. 

Lots of different toys to play with. All welcome. 

Community Bookbug Sessions 

Livingstone Hall at St Columba’s Junior 

School, Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm. 

From 9.30 - 10am 

1ST & 3RD FR I D A Y 

Renfrewshire Inverclyde Twins Club 

McKillop Hall, Lochwinnoch, 

1pm -2.30pm 

£3. Bring a mug along for a cuppa.


Bridge of Weir Primary School 

55 55 

The last term of the school year is always one of the busiest and most 

exciting for our pupils, from fundraising, to inductions and goodbyes – the 

whole school has a great start to Summer ahead of them. 

Our children continue to help fundraise both for the school and for initiatives 

across the country. Annual fundraising for Red Nose Day brought in over 

£600 for the charity with donations from the whole school. Our Primary Four 

classes took part in a sports challenge to raise money for the British Heart 

Foundation, raising more than £230. Our dedicated parent council raised 

more than £300 from the Spring disco and also £1,500 from the book sale of 

which we have almost £1,000 to spend on new books. This is great news! 

All of these fantastic donations would not be possible without the generous 

support of our local families – thank you! 

Last month, Primary Four, Five and 

Six had a real treat when three very 

talented musicians from Feis Phaislig 

visited and performed. Playing a 

selection of traditional music on 

the accordion, harp and guitar and 

told the pupils all about the Feis 

workshops which are available in 

Paisley this summer. 

We were delighted to 

welcome to the school 

some of the children who 

will be starting Primary 

One in August 2017. 

They brought along their 

parents to try out our 

school lunches and met 

their Primary Six buddies 

and spent some time 

taking part in a range of 

activities in a Primary 

One classroom. It was 

hard to tell who had the 

most fun – our P6 pupils who did a brilliant job of welcoming the younger 

children or the nursery pupils who looked like they could easily have spent 

the day here! 

Once again our Primary Seven pupils 

had a wonderful residential week at 

Ardentinny Outdoor Centre in April. 

They all had the opportunity to take 

part in kayaking, abseiling, rock 

hopping and gorge walking. Team 

work, challenge and adventure are 

all part of the Ardentinny experience and after a week in the great outdoors 

everyone returned to school very tired but very happy. 

Looking ahead to our last month we have lots in the diary to keep us busy in 

one of our most packed terms in the school calendar. June will be full with preschool 

presentations for our nursery leavers, plus inductions for the Primary 

Ones. Sports Day on Friday 9 June is one of our most anticipated events, 

we hope for just a bit of sunshine and hopefully no rain! The summer term 

is also a very exciting time for our Primary Seven pupils with an emotional 

valedictory and fun end of term Dance to top off the last days at the school. 

Duchal Nursery 

It’s been fabulous to be able to enjoy our outdoor 

classroom with the wonderful weather we have 

been having lately. The children have been 

making the most of our garden area and we have 

been out and about in the park too. There has 

been lots of preparation for our annual Sports 

Day, hopefully it will dry for all our budding 

athletes! 

We had an amazing time at Fruin Farm near 

Helensburgh. There was all sorts of pond life 

to investigate, we planted seeds, fed and brushed the goats and even got to 

take the alpacas for a walk. Before we did all this we were very eco friendly 

and collected all the litter so the animals did not eat any plastic bottles or 

rubbish as we would not want them to choke. The children really enjoyed 

themselves and learnt so much. 

We have an action packed time at Duchal, learning through play in a friendly 

secure environment. If you would like to fi nd out more about what we do 

at Duchal please come and visit us one morning – please get in touch on 

874358 to arrange a convenient time, or keep up to date with all the latest 

news on our website duchal.com or on Facebook. 

Strawberry Field Out of 

School Care 

A busy few months with a number of activities from 

Chinese new year, a Burns supper to celebrating Easter. 

Over the Easter holidays we enjoyed several trips away 

to The Tall ship, Transport Museum, The Peoples Palace, 

Winter Gardens, cycling and various play parks. 

The recent good weather has enabled children to have 

lots of energetic outdoor play in our 5 acres of land, 

ranging from football, bouncy castle to making their 

own dens. 

Please feel free to visit us or alternatively give us 

a call or email for a brochure. Tel: 01505 690218 

Email: sam@sfnursery.com 

Photography Blog 

by Lauren Russell, Owner, Little Studio Kilmacolm 

Can your baby have their cake AND eat it? 

Well the short answer is YES, at a Cake Smash Photo 

Session. Which is when babies visit a photography 

studio to celebrate their birthday’s in style with a fun 

and interactive Cake Smash Photo Shoot, but for me 

a Cake Smash isn’t ‘just’ about babies eating cakes, 

they are simply a celebration of that baby’s first year in life. Who doesn’t 

want to scream and shout about how adorable, clever and cute their 

baby is on their first birthday and show them off in beautiful, professional 

photographs to mark the occasion? 

A combination of new tastes, textures and noises make Cake Smash 

Sessions the perfect way to celebrate your baby’s special occasion by 

doing what they do best….exploring! 

My Cake Smash Sessions always start with lovely clean portraits fi rst. 

Parents bring along a pretty dress or smart outfit and we take some 

adorable photos of the babies looking very grown up and smart. 

Next we move onto the main event, the cake smash! The set is creatively 

put together to tie in all the little details. Parents will choose from a 

fantastic range of specially made cake smash outfits. From pretty pastels 

to bright colourful sets, I have something to suit all tastes! 

Parents watch with delight as their baby explores a whole new world… 

CAKE! Some babies go straight for the cake, others have a play with the 

colourful balloons. Baby is free to explore, taste and play with the cake at 

their leisure, once they’ve had enough we move onto a bubbly and warm 

‘Tub Time’ where baby can splash around in a cute bath and clean up 

after all that messy fun! To round 

off a lovely photo session parents 

get to take away the remaining 

cake home to enjoy a slice with 

a nice cuppa. 

The Result? Super cute 

professional photographs to mark 

your baby’s very special first 

birthday. Parents truly treasure 

these photos as they symbolise 

how much their beautiful baby 

has grown in the last year.


Port Glasgow High School 

Inverclyde Malawi Schools Partnership – 10 Year Anniversary Celebrations 

PGHS has been partnered with Nguludi High School, Blantyre in Malawi for 10 

years. During this time, both schools have joined in educational and cultural 

exchanges, learning about life and experiences in two very different societies. 

PGHS have fund raised thousands of pounds to build and resource the library 

at Nguludi HS. The collaborative work of PGHS and Nguludi will be exhibited 

at Beacon Theatre from Monday 22nd May to Friday 26th May. Our Head Girl, 

Kirsten Irvine, will be guest speaker at the celebration on Monday 22nd May 

5 - 7pm. 

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Qualifying Expeditions 

The sun shone for the S3 pupils who 

were putting their navigation skills to the 

test on the Bronze Qualifying expedition. 

The groups passed their assessments 

with fl ying colours and are raring to 

get started on their Silver Awards. 

Well done to everyone who took part. 

Follow Inverclyde DofE on Twitter and 

Facebook 

BAE Systems – Boat building 

competition (by Emily Anderson S2) 

Two ambassadors from BAE systems came to our school to help us build a 

boat from different materials such as cardboard 

and paper. We also used waterproof materials so 

the boat would not sink. At the end of the course, 

we went to Strathclyde University to put our boat 

through five challenges which were weight, speed, 

cargo, sea keeping and survivability. The next day 

we went to Scotstoun for a tour of BAE system 

shipyard. Our boat went on display with boats from 

other schools to see who had won the competition. 

Unfortunately, our boat did not win but it was still a 

great experience. 

Girls in Engineering (by Megan Craig S1) 

The girls engineering event was a fun and interesting day which tested our ability 

in many different aspects. Our first task in the event was to build a boat. Once 

our bout was built and fully waterproof and the motor was taped in, we put it in the 

water to see if it would fl oat. The second task was to build a crane. Afterwards, 

we got the chance to ask questions to all the engineers. Then it was time to put 

our fi nished products to the test. We had to make our crane pick up some eggs 

in a plastic bag then lower it in to the boat. The boat then had to make it to the 

other side in the time limit. We did not win the event but overall it was a great 

experience and would do it again. 

Leavers’ Day 

Senior pupils took part in an action packed day on their last day. After meeting 

their guidance teachers and mentors, S6 pupils joined their parents for the leavers’ 

ceremony where they were presented with certificates and the all-important leavers’ 

hoodies. This was followed by staff versus pupil football, karaoke, dodgeball and 

primary school day games. Pupils and staff then enjoyed a Leavers’ Lunch and 

the day was completed with an informal pupil-led assembly looking back at six 

years of PGHS. A great way to end a great school experience! 

Follow us on Twitter @PortGlasgowHS and ‘like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook. 

com/PortGlasgowHigh 

Abbey Nursery 

By the time you read this we will have had our annual Marvel and 

Disney themed Family BBQ at the nursery and the children will have 

taken part in lots of activities as well as competing in the Sports 

Day Races and taking away a Commemorative Medal. Thank you 

to everyone who come along and enjoyed the fun and games and 

mouthwatering Hog Roast. 

Recently our Grasshoppers 

have been out and about in the 

community visiting Mosswood 

Care Home, Linwood to meet the 

residents as well as entertaining 

them with songs from the nursery. 

The children were then invited back 

to participate in their Easter Egg 

hunt and some nice conversations 

took place between the generations! The children also used this 

opportunity to visit the local Tesco to pick their favourite piece of fruit 

from the Healthier Kids, Happy Shopping Scheme. 

Following a spring theme, the Busy Bunnies playroom are currently 

exploring Mini beasts and the “I would like to learn” cards completed 

by children and parents, have given staff lots of ideas for experiences. 

We have been going outside on Bug Hunts, reading stories and 

using our magnifying glasses to look for worms, spiders and ants. 

Orla brought us in some tadpoles which we will watch grow and 

develop into frogs and a big thank you also to John Jackson and 

Eilidh Donn for bringing in some worms to 

help us complete our wormery and also to 

Sam for bringing in a caterpillar for everyone 

to see. 

Trips are always a fun activity at the nursery 

and whilst the Grasshoppers are off soon to 

Blair Drummond, the under 3’s have already 

had a great day out at Lamont Farm in 

Erskine where they 

could see, touch 

and learn more 

about a whole variety of farm and exotic 

animals. 

Continuing the outdoor theme across the 

nursery, the Little Ladybirds have enjoyed 

planting and learning about how we help 

little seeds to grow into big beautiful fl owers.! 

The children loved the opportunity to get all 

messy and are continuing to enjoy helping to water and take care of 

their seeds before they take them home to nurture as sunfl owers. 

Meanwhile the nursery continues to be busy with a very successful 

parents night recently and lots of lovely comments after reading the 

detailed Reports. There have also been visits from the local primary 

school teachers to meet their ‘new pupils’ and return visits by the 

children and then getting ready for their Graduation Presentation 

and then we move onto planning for our Summer Programme!! 

Finally, a number of our staff took part in the Race for Life 10k at 

Glasgow Green recently and we would like to congratulate them on 

completing the course and raising funds for charity.


Johnstone High School 

Kilmacolm Primary 

57 57 

Car Boot Sale – Saturday 10th June, 2 - 4pm 

Johnstone High School Parent Council would like to invite you to join us 

at our Car Boot Sale. It will be held on Saturday 10th June in the school 

grounds between 2-4pm. 

We would like to welcome the whole community to Johnstone High to enjoy 

some refreshments, games, music, raffle and more. 

A pitch for a car is £10, so you can support the Parent Council and make some 

money too. Those taking a pitch are welcome to come between 12.30pm and 

1.30pm to set up. How to pre-book a pitch online: just email jhspcfunds@ 

gmail.com for the Pay Pal link. 

All welcome - free entry – come and bag a bargain! 

TOOT TOOT AND SELL YOUR LOOT 

Football Success 

Johnstone High School’s Under 14 

and Under 15 football teams secured 

excellent victories in the recent 

Paisley and District schools league 

fi nals. Both teams have enjoyed 

successful seasons that culminated in 

victories over St. Ninian’s High School. 

The Under 14 side were unbeaten 

throughout the league season and 

defeated St Ninian’s 6-2 in the fi nal. The Under 14 side were victorious after a 

tense penalty shootout that they won 5-4. All the boys should be commended 

for their excellent attitude and sportsmanship throughout what has been a 

memorable season. 

Senior Graduation 

A huge congratulations to all of our S6 pupils who recently graduated and 

head off for their exciting new journey ahead. Mr Munro hosted the graduation 

ceremony in May which had the audience in laughter and tears as we looked 

back over their time at Johnstone High School. It has been a pleasure to 

watch them all grow into amazing young adults and we wish them all the 

very best. 

Houston Baby & Toddlers 

We will be enjoying the last few weeks of toddlers before our Summer break. 

As well as playing with our toys and enjoying our weekly snacks with friends, 

we will also be making Father’s Day cards and having a special day together 

on 22 June - with a chance to win a medal and enjoy a lovely picnic. 

Children from 0-4 years old, together with their parents/grandparent/carer, 

will receive a warm welcome. The children can have fun playing with our 

many toys while the adults chat over 

a cuppa. We meet every Thursday 

09.30 - 11.30 (closed for Summer 

break- 23 June - 16 August) in the West 

hall, Main Street, Houston, PA6 7EL 

(next door to the Carrick Centre) – 

welcome anytime. We look forward to 

meeting you. Sharon, Lesley & Fiona. 

(lesleyannjackson@outlook.com) 

PTF BBQ at Kilmacolm Primary 

Join us on Friday 23rd June 6pm to 8.30pm there will be 

a bouncy castle, face painting, a raffle, tombola, home 

baking, pocket money and tuck shop for the children 

and loads more! 

£10 for a family ticket which is 2 adults and up to 3 

children, adult £4 and children £2 and it is pay at the 

door. This includes a burger or hotdog and a glass of 

wine or a beer. There will be juice for the children. 

Recently, a nursery parent, 

Paul Higginbotham from 

Scottish and Southern 

Electricity (SSE), offered to 

organise a team of volunteers 

to build a remembrance 

decking area in memory 

of Jill Jones our previous 

Headteacher, via their ‘Be 

a Difference’ community 

initiative. Our thanks to 

Alan Milligan owner of AKM 

Joinery who worked across a weekend to build the framework for us and 

the SSE team who worked energetically throughout the project. The SSE 

team also cleaned up our picnic benches and tidied the Sensory Garden. 

Thank you to the PTF who donated £100 towards the project, Paul himself 

who raised £120, SSE who doubled the amount raised, Port Glasgow High 

School who made a plaque for the structure, and M&J Timber who helped 

to provide the timber. Jill’s daughter Megan visited the project and was 

delighted with our efforts. The boys and girls will find many imaginative 

uses for this area. 

P4 - 7 have been very busy rehearsing 

for our school show, ‘Rats the 

Musical’. Every boy and girl in P4-7 

is involved in the production and we 

are sure our parents will be delighted 

with the performances. We have even 

had an acting masterclass from Colin 

McCredie and Jane McCarry, two 

very well- known Scottish actors and 

friends of our school. Colin is better 

known as DC Fraser from Taggart and as Tig’s dad in Woolly & Tig. Jane 

plays the hugely popular Isa in Still Game and is also Granny Murray in ‘Me 

Too’ on Cbeebies. Their input was fabulous and the boys and girls had a 

fun time getting some acting tips from the professionals. 

P1 & P2/1 recently held a wedding ceremony 

in school, complete with brides, grooms, 

bridesmaids, ministers, music etc. The event 

was the culmination of lessons in religious 

and moral education. Being actively involved 

in this learning experience, either as part of 

the wedding party or as a guest, ensures 

the children have a good understanding of 

religious ceremonies, which is part of the 

primary curriculum. 

Many thanks to Mrs Bilsland for the wedding 

cake, it was delicious! 

Coming Soon! 

Introducing Lirico Languages, a 

private language school offering 

Spanish and Italian classes in 

various locations in Renfrewshire. 

Classes are run by a qualifi ed 

teacher. Fiona Haigh is also a fl uent 

speaker of Spanish and Italian. 

After spending six years abroad living and working in 

Andalucía Spain and Venice Italy, Fiona has decided 

to return to Scotland, using this experience and her 

passion for languages and for learning, to teach in 

the local area. 

Classes are available for all ages, children, teenagers 

and adults in both Spanish and Italian and, are 

adapted to suit ability and age. All lessons are 

carefully planned using tried and tested language 

programmes. 

For more information contact Fiona Haigh: 

Email admin@liricolanguages.co.uk 

Facebook and Twitter @liricolanguages 

Tel: 01505 614306 

Website coming soon


Gryffe High School 

Houston Primary School 

Awards Ceremony 2017 

Almost 600 awards were 

presented in a wide range of 

categories, all refl ecting and 

celebrating the endeavours 

of not just the pupils receiving 

awards, but of all Gryffe 

pupils. Several pupils spoke 

about their involvement in 

various rewarding activities 

within school – Fairtrade, 

YPI – the Youth and 

Philanthropy Initiative and 

the Buddy system. Awards 

were presented by former 

head pupils Rebecca 

Richardson and Angus 

Gane. Rebecca and Angus 

spoke of their journey since 

leaving Gryffe High and gave 

pupils an insight into their 

Special Category awards 

were presented by Steven 

Quinn who is the Assistant 

Director of Education / 

Chief Education Officer for 

Childrens Services. Current 

Head Girl Jodie Costello 

and Head Boy Jamie Muir 

gave the vote of thanks 

to a packed Games Hall 

of pupils and their proud 

parents and carers, with pupils also providing wonderful music to add to 

the evening. Thank you to EVERYONE involved in the preparation and 

organisation leading to a most enjoyable event........with a special thanks to 

Mrs Willbond and the office staff. It was indeed a night of Caring, Learning 

and Achieving. 

Nursery Disco 

The pupils, parents and staff had an amazing night out at Houston Bowling 

Club, raising funds to purchase new equipment for the Creative Area. They 

danced the night away and played traditional party games. A fun evening 

was had by all. 

Pet Assembly 

The pupils had a vote to bring in their pet in for assembly. We had a tortoise, 

dwarf rabbits, a ferret and an Australian labradoodle. All the pets behaved 

beautifully. Their owners shared lots of interesting facts and answered 

questions from the audience. 

Sports News 

Primary 2 and 3 are receiving football training and are working on dribbling, 

passing and shooting. Primary 4 and Primary 6 have been refi ning their 

gymnastic routines with Mr Milligan and Primary 6 and 7 took part in the 

local Cross-Country event with Jamie Newton achieving fi rst place for the 

P7 boys and Kassi Gribben achieving second place for the P7 girls. Well 

done to all who took part. P7 pupils are also taking part in an Olympian 

event at Gryffe High School. 

This year we plan to have our Sports Day on Thursday 1st June at Houston 

Park. Let’s hope the sun shines 

for us. 

Eco News - Tag and Track 

Next session we are going to 

be working in partnership with 

Clyde Muirshiel on their Tag and 

Track programme. This involves 

us tagging our very own seagull, 

giving it a name and tracking 

where it flies to. We are going to 

raise funds this term to purchase 

a special bird tracker to enable 

us to take part in this amazing 

project. 

Digital Day 

The whole school took part in our Vertical Learning Digital Day. The 

children learned how to take a good photograph from local photographer, 

Barry Hedges. 

St Fillan’s Primary School 

Whitelee Windfarm trip for S1 Pupils 

24 S1 pupils had a great day out to Whitelees 

Windfarm. 

With blue skies and sunshine, they were able 

to marvel at the 215 Wind Turbines on the vast 

site. 

They went into the labs in the Visitor Centre to 

learn about the best shape and ‘pitch’ for their 

Wind Turbines blades and were then able to 

make a model turbine to test their theories. 

After the workshop, they enjoyed a most 

informative tour of the Windfarm. 

They were able to stop right under one of 

the turbines. As well as the turbines, Scottish 

Power is very proud of the wildlife that they take 

care to preserve on the moor. 

The pupils heard many stories of the diverse 

range of animals found at Whitelees. 

The day certainly gave them a better awareness 

of the importance of Renewable Energy. 

The Primary 7 children in St Fillan’s had a great time away 

at Lochgoilhead on their residential trip. They took part 

in kayaking, sailing, climbing and other challenging and 

exciting activities. The first and perhaps one of the more 

challenging things they had to do was to make up their 

own beds! With a bit of team work they did overcome this 

obstacle and went on to have a fantastic experience. 

Our whole school are looking forward to visiting Paisley 

Museum for their Star Wars exhibition. Each class will 

take part in a Star Wars themed science workshop. 

Some of our older children entered the Gryffe Rotary 

Young writers competition and Chloe, Orla and Holly 

did very well winning £40 in total between them. The whole 

school are making the most of the recent good weather to 

practice for Sports Day.


59 

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club 

On Thursday 5th April the Ladies 

section at Ranfurly Castle Golf 

Club teamed up with ‘Looking 

Good For Golf’ and held a very 

successful fashion show. This 

showcased the outfits available 

from the Pro shop run by Tom 

Eckford and his wife Sarah. Over 

100 ladies from many local clubs 

enjoyed a fun evening, with the 

golf clothes being modelled by 

various lady members and friends. A glass of 

wine and some delicious nibbles were included 

and this added to the party atmosphere. 

All items can be viewed on the website: - 

loookinggoodforgolf.co.uk and can be bought 

from the Pro Shop, so if you were unable to 

attend you don’t need to feel left out. 

The Winter Greensomes took place on 29th 

March and this resulted in the first silverware 

of the season being won by Vivien Howe and 

Gillian Donaghy with 41 Stableford points. 

Samantha Parker, 

St Fillans Primary 

Samantha Parker (10), a pupil of St Fillans 

Primary school in Houston, is already having 

great success at her Highland dancing 

competitions this year! 

On the 19th March Samantha attended the 

SDTA championships held in the Lagoon 

Leisure Centre Paisley as a 9 year old and 

achieved her fi rst ever Open Championship line 

up coming 6th in the group. Then on the 2nd 

April she travelled up to Inverness to take part in 

the European 10 years pre-champs where she won the national section. 

The next trip North was to the Aberdeen city Championships where she 

won her 10 years highland pre-champs which was a huge achievement in a 

group of over 20 very good strong dancers! Samantha is now training hard 

along with her fellow dance students at the Maryann McCreadie school 

of dance in preparation for the World Highland Dance Championships at 

Cowal Highland Gathering which is held in Dunoon at the end of August 

every year! Samantha knows competition will be very tough with near 40 

other competitors expected in her group from all 

over the world. But dancing isn’t just about the 

winning and medals, she has gained excellent 

fi nesse, has learned about winning and losing, 

and most importantly she has friends all over 

Scotland whom all support each other. I 

couldn’t be prouder of what Sam has achieved 

already this year, and all I ever ask of her to do 

is dance her best. 

Samantha started dancing at 3 years old when 

we lived up in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, she’s 

never stopped dancing since! Samantha’s 

ambition is to one year win a championship, 

and to attend the International Championships 

which are held in N.S.W Australia! 

Perfect Pedalling for 

Pedal the Park 2017 

Allan McGibbon member of Ayr Road CC 

at Castle Semple Start (oldest Rider, 

from Prestwick) 

On Sunday 23rd April perfect 

weather conditions prevailed 

for nearly 300 cyclists to pedal 

a challenging 100km (64miles) 

route around Clyde Muirshiel 

Regional Park raising funds for 

CLIC Sargent in Scotland. 

As the photographs show the day 

started cold but calm, the wind 

did pick up making it harder work 

with not many tail winds however the sun did come out and the rolling hills 

and coastal landscapes were simply stunning. 

The event started and finished 

at Castle Semple Visitor Centre 

where all participants received 

goodie bags and a Pedal the 

Park medal for their efforts from 

Rachael Mclean, CLIC Sargent 

Fundraising Manager – West of 

Scotland. 

Rachael said “it was an absolutely 

pleasure cheering everyone over 

the finish line and giving out the medals, it was great to meet everyone and 

amazing to hear all the positive feedback from all the riders! Thank you 

to everyone for supporting our work with young cancer patients. We rely 

entirely on donations to provide our vital services that help stop cancer 

destroying young lives, and we couldn’t do it without you” 

The event was organised by 

Ride 63 Community Cycling 

Club in partnership with the 

Clyde Muirshiel Regional 

Park, participants were very 

complementary of their efforts 

with lots of 5 star comments such 

as: 

First riders to complete the route (L) Stuart Carmichael from Fairlie 

member of Inverclyde Velo, (M) Andrew Prenelle from Kilbarchan, (R) 

Paul McGonigle from Largs member of Inverclyde Velo 

“The Sportive was an excellent 

well organised event and I 

thoroughly enjoyed it. Some great 

scenery with the added bonus of good weather on the day. Will recommend 

it to our group to come along next year. Well done. Great effort!” 

“Cracking route - Cracking scenery - Sore climbs - Brilliant descents - Great 

vibe - Think I saw a Golden Eagle on the climb up to the Greenock Cut as 

well” 

“Great event, route was tough but 

the views made it! Thank you to 

all the volunteers!!” 

When doing a Sportive it’s the 

taking part that is important as it 

is not a race. Having said that the 

fasted folk to complete Pedal the 

Park 2017 did so in about three 

and a half hours, plenty more folk 

completed the route within four to 

six hours. 

Climbing over Fairle Moor with fantastic 

views, North Ayrshire 

George Sword (from 

Airdrie) completes 

the Fairlie climb on 

a recumbent bike – 

impressive! 

The well organised friendly event attracted participants from all over Central 

Scotland as well as Aberdeenshire and Essex, with the events growing 

positive reputation the date is already set for Sun 22 April 2018. 

Photographs, courtesy of CMRP


The Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club 

Beginners Coaching 

We have had an extremely successful start to 

our batch of lessons for adults who are looking 

to take up golf and aren’t sure where to begin. 

Suzanne Smith has led up the ladies coaching 

which has been attended by almost 50 golfers 

in the fi rst two weeks. Danny Dyer takes lead 

of the male lessons and he has seen just over 20 come along and take part 

in his. The lessons so far have consisted mostly of short game chipping and 

putting drills, with some work on mid-iron shots. These lessons are an easy 

way to get to grips with the basics of golf in 

a care free environment- there’s no pressure 

whatsoever. If you would like to get involved, 

please make contact with Suzanne or Danny 

directly, via our Secretary Martyn or through 

our social media outlets, facebook and twitter. 

Doubles Trouble 

Congratulations to Stewart Watt and Martin Clark who won the Fraser Innes 

trophy beating Andy Watson and James Sticker 2&1 in a keenly contested 

fi nal. Beaten fi nalist last year, they’ve gone one better this year- well played 

guys! 

Revenge is a dish best served cold!-Congratulations to Andy Watson and 

James Stickler who won the winter league doubles final beating Donald 

Laurie and Martin Clark after the 2nd play-off hole. Neither team could be 

separated over 2 rounds of excellent golf. Despite being 4 down after 5, 

Donald and Martin got it back to all square through 11. After halving the 

1st sudden death hole and with fading light it was fitting that Andy holed a 

20 foot birdie putt on the 38th hole to secure the victory. Well done to both 

teams getting that far and again congratulations to Andy and James who 

are deserved champions. 

Scottish Tour Winner 

Congratulations to our very own Aidan O’Hagan who 

produced some great golf over two days at Turnhouse 

Golf Club winning Scottish Junior Tour Under 14s with 

scores of 73, 71. By all accounts the course was playing 

tough with difficult conditions. Another great win for your 

development, well done! 

Heartstart 

The club are delighted to confirm that thanks to a 

donation from Heartstart Scotland, we now have our very own defi brillator. 

Two training sessions were held for members to become trained on the 

equipment. The defib is held within the main clubhouse and is easily 

accessible for members and local neighbours- hopefully we never need 

to use it. 

Annodata Championship 

The gent’s team were competing in the Annodata Championship at home 

against Clober Golf Club and progressed to the next round after a close win. 

The competition involves 5 singles matches being played with full handicap 

difference being applied. The Old Course team consisted of Martin Clark, 

Don Laurie, John Degnan, Kevin Thomson 

and Stewart Watt. 

With the match tied at 2.5 each it was Kevin’s 

duty to play the 19th and he managed to win 

the hole and take us through to the next round 

- well played guys! 

Time To Make The Move To Kilmacolm Golf Club 

With the Summer just around the corner, many of us start to think about 

getting outdoors and enjoying our leisure time participating in sport. 

Golf is one of our country’s most popular sports and has many benefits 

including fi tness, competition and socialising. Kilmacolm Golf Club is 

keen to welcome golfers whether they be new to the sport, wanting 

to move club or returning to golf after time away. With special offers 

aimed at all categories of membership, there should be something to 

suit everyone! 

Club General Manager, David Muir, told us, “This really is an exciting 

time to get into golf. Over the past few years there has been a real need 

for Golf Clubs to offer suitable membership packages that meet people’s 

needs and that’s exactly what we have done here at Kilmacolm Golf Club. 

We have our ‘Intro To Golf’ membership which gives members access to 

our incredible practice facilities and support from our PGA Professional, 

Iain Nicholson. It’s a great way to get into the sport or is also a perfect 

membership if you want to practise on a full driving range. In addition 

to this, for the remainder of 2017, to be a full member of our Club it will 

cost just £520. This even includes £50 to spend on food and drink in our 

outstanding Clubhouse. It truly is a fantastic price for one of the top 100 

golf courses in Scotland. A free Junior membership for under 14’s will be 

offered to everyone who takes out a full membership too. For anyone 

thinking of joining us in 2018, please get in touch now as we are able to 

offer an attractive package in advance. Our offers run for the month of 

June so if you are interested, just get in touch with me at the Club and we 

can arrange for you to have a tour of our facilities.” 

With the long summer evenings ahead, perhaps now is the time to make 

the move to Kilmacolm Golf Club!


Gryffe Valley Rotary 10K Run 

61 61 

The 2017 event was a great success with a record turn-out of 

109. We had a beautiful day but the warmer weather made 

the tough course harder than usual for the runners. 

The prize-winners were: 

1 st male Paul Monaghan 35.41 1 st female Ruth Fraser Moodie 40.13 

2 nd male Cameron Watson 37.00 2 nd female Elaine Eadie 44.12 

3 rd male John Hammerman 37.30 3 rd female Vivian Millar 48.22 

1 st Under 18 Cameron Watson 37.00 

2 nd Under 18 Erin Stringer 56.05 

1 st Over 60 Alistair Dunlop 40.55 

Best team of 4: Inverclyde AC 

Highest sponsored individual Peter Dickie £400 

Congratulations to Paul for a great time in first place, to Ruth for winning the 

female category – (both for the second year running), to Cameron for not 

only winning the U18 but also being 2nd overall, and to Alistair Dunlop who 

won the over 60 category. President Peter Dickie of Gryffe Valley Rotary 

won the prize for the highest sponsored individual on the day. A full list of 

times has been published on the website www.gryffevalley.rotary1230.org. 

Thanks are due to all the individuals and organisations that helped to 

make the 10K Run another success. At least 60 people were involved 

(Club members and friends as marshalls, Houston Hens at the water 

station, Scouts as Km markers, Rotary Ladies for the catering, St Andrews 

Ambulance, Police at the road crossings, Houston and Killellan Kirk for the 

use of the halls, and Kilbarchan Harriers for timing. This was all coordinated 

by Ian Jackson and the Rotary Community Services Committee (Chair 

Edwin Fisher). Funds raised (about £1,750) will be donated to DEBRA. 

Ranfurly Castle 

Welcome Quaich 

The welcome quaich was held recently at 

Ranfurly Castle where 32 new members 

took part in a stableford competition on 

Sunday 7th of May. 

On an excellent 

morning for golf and 

after breakfast rolls 

and coffee the ‘newbies ‘ were teamed up with a 

board member and sent out to enjoy the course. The 

scoring was excellent and Grant Whyte narrowly 

held off Alan Turnbul to triumph with 38 points. One 

participant Craig George hit his 2nd shot at the par 

4 18th straight into the hole to score a nett 1 and 5 

stableford points which certainly boosted his score. 

After the golf everyone was treated to an excellent 

3 course lunch and a light question and answer 

session was held to help bring everyone up to speed 

on all things Ranfurly Castle We hope all our new 

members enjoyed their day and they have many 

happy golfing years ahead of them at Ranfurly 

Castle. 

If you would like to get any information on joining 

Ranfurly Castle please contact our secretary Ronnie on 01505612609. 

Ranfurly Castle Ladies 

The Ladies at the golf Club have been enjoying the long dry spell of weather 

with several Trophies having been played for since the beginning of May. 

10th of May was the Lady Captain’s day and 32 ladies competed. Scratch 

winner was Sarah Eckford with an 80, Silver Winner was Anne Robinson 

(11) 72 and Bronze Winner was Vicky Rennie (28) 72. 

The Greenlees Team played the first match of the season at home against 

Loudoun Gowf and came out the victors by 6 matches to 3. 

On 17th May the Centenary Trophy was played for with Morag Cunningham 

the Winner and Agnes Williamson the Runner Up. 

The golf course is a manicured area of the countryside and, as such, it is 

tempting for people to walk dogs on the fairways. While the Scottish Outdoor 

Access Code gives everyone certain access rights, these also mean that 

they have certain responsibilities. Access rights only allow the CROSSING 

of a golf course, while not interfering with any golf games or damaging the 

playing surface. Dogs should be kept on a short lead and under control at 

all times. Access rights do NOT extend to anyone responsible for a dog 

which is not under proper control.


Tennis Camp 

Monday 10th - Friday 14th July 

10am - 3pm 

A week of tennis coaching, learning new 

skills and developing existing skills, in a 

fun, relaxed and social environment. Daily 

tennis tournaments as well as Wimbledon 

being shown live. Certificates and medals for 

each child attending. 

Booking in advance essential - £8 per day, £35 week (concessions 

available) 

Beith Astro, Meadowside Pavillions, Beith KA15 1BY 

The Old 

Course 

Ranfurly 

Golf Club 

Mixed Open 

Foursomes 

Tournament 

for the 

Ranfurly Rosebowl 

over 18 holes 


Prizes in scratch and other 

handicap sections plus other 

prizes 

Entry: £15 per couple 

Strathgryffe Squash 

Players Wanted - 

Houston United 

United are looking to strengthen the squad for 

season 2017/18 and would welcome any interested 

players to contact us via pm for more information. 

Looking ahead to our second season in the Scottish 

Amateur Football League the aim is to gain promotion 

after narrowly missing out this time round. 

With a change in the clubs management team and a fantastic sponsor in 

the Houston Inn, it’s an exciting time to be part of the club. 

A packed pre season will commence mid June and we welcome any 

enquiries to be part of it once it gets under way. If you are looking for a new 

challenge in your amateur football career, send a PM to the Facebook page 

for further details. 

https://www.facebook.com/Houston-United-Amateurs-1439342846325597 

Juniors star in Scottish Inter Regional competition. 

Five junior squash players from Strathgryffe were selected to represent the 

West of Scotland in the annual Scottish Inter Regional competition held in 

Edinburgh at the end of April. 

Ruadhri McDougall, John Meehan, & Calum Carswell who are all eligible 

to play for the U17 age group were promoted to the Under 19 team which 

finished 2nd overall despite winning all their matches. 

The fifth member of the Strathgryffe squad, Beth Moglia played her part in 

helping the U15’s finish just 2 points behind the group winners. 

Ruadhri’s young brother Findlay was part of the U13 team which fi nished 

3rd in their division just a handful of points behind the winners. 

Pictured 

are Calum, 

Ruadhri 

& John 

together 

with their 

U19 team 

mates 

EVERY MO N D A Y 

Adult Jazz Class 

Bridge of Weir, 10am 

Tel: 01505 690757 for further information. 

Adult Beginners Ballet Class 

Bridge of Weir, 11.30am 

Tel: 01505 690757 for further information. 

Kilbarchan Athletic Club 

On-X, Linwood, 7pm 

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990. 

5-a-side Football 

Powerleague Paisley, 6pm 

Tel: Jim on 01505 874215; or jimbretherton@aol.com 

Bridge of Weir Ladies Badminton 

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, 7.30pm 

Callanetics 

Brookfield Village Hall, 7.15pm 

Strathgryffe Motorcycle Club 

The Trust Inn, Kilbarchan, 9pm - 10.30pm 

Visit www.strathgryffe.org for details. 

The Shotokan Karate Club 

Woodlands Primary, Linwood, 7-8pm/8-9pm 

www.linwoodkarate.co.uk 

EVERY TUESDAY 

Bridge of Weir Walking Group 

Outside the Co-op, BoW, 10.30am 

1 hour walks. Call Senga on 0141 842 3000. 

Gryffe Badminton 

Strathgryffe Tennis Club, 8pm 

Football Training 

Johnstone High School, 6pm - 9pm 

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details. 

Taekwon-Do 

Johnstone Sports Complex PA5 0LD, 6pm 

Call 07951 365166 for details. 

EVERY WEDNESDAY 

Greenock Hockey Club 

Inverclyde Academy, Greenock, 6.30 - 8pm 

Contact Liz Baldwin, mobile 07944 607005. 

Callanetics 

Brookfield Village Hall, 5.15, 6.15 & 7.30pm 

EVERY TH U R S D A Y 

Kilbarchan Athletic Club 

On-X, Linwood, 7pm 

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990. 

Kilmacolm Walkers 

Birkmyre Park Pavilion, Kilmacolm, 10am 

David 01505 874192 

kilmacolmwalkers@talktalk.net 

Callanetics 

Brookfield Village Hall, 9.15am & 10.30am 

The Shotokan Karate Club 

Woodlands PS, Linwood, 7pm & 8pm 

www.linwoodkarate.co.uk 

Football Training 

Johnstone High School, 6pm - 9pm 

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details 

Taekwon-Do 

Johnstone Sports Complex PA5 0LD, 6pm 

Call 07951 365166 for details 

Baby Ballet 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm, Morning 

Call Gail Ashley on 07415 701667 for details 

EVERY FR I D A Y 

Callanetics 

Brookfield Village Hall, 9.15am & 10.30am 

Adult Tap Lessons 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm, Evening 

Call Gail Ashley on 07415 701667 for details 

EVERY SU N D A Y 

Birkmyre Rugby Club, Kilmacolm 

Youth Rugby Section, 11am - 1pm 

www.pitchero.com/clubs/birkmyre


Strathgryffe’s Talented 

Brother & Sister 

63 63 

Saturday 24th - Sunday 25th June 

After the thrill of it’s debut in Scotland in 2016, the Grand Prix of the Sea 

will return to Greenock in 2017! Don’t miss this great FREE event at the 

Esplanade in Greenock. 

Mixed in with the 

powerboat and jet-ski 

racing will be jet-ski 

freestyle displays, air 

displays and a wide range 

of stalls and interactive 

games afloat and ashore. 

For more information, visit www.p1superstock.co.uk 

Gleddoch Ladies Golf Club 

GOOD GOLFING WEATHER - at last! 

April has been a pretty good month weather wise, and the course is 

improving by the day. The April medal was won by Roisin Black(Div 1) with 

an excellent score of 77, and Mhairi Bryce won Division 2. 

Other Competitions: 

9th April: 5 club Stableford won by Roisin Black 

22nd April: Stableford Division 1 Roisin Black, Division 2 Sheena Wallace 

with a fantastic score of 40! 

29th April: 1st Round Championship: Division 1 Shirley Back, great score 

79. Division 2 Mhairi Bryce. 

Three teams from Gleddoch took part in The Ladies’ Open Tri am at Erskine 

Golf club, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable day. The course was in great 

condition, and the weather was kind. The team of Isabell Donnelly, June 

Lockhart and Elaine Thom won third prize. 

The pairing of Roisin Black and Margaret Adams won their first round match 

at Skelmorlie in the Daily Mail foursomes, then unfortunately lost a very 

close second round match to Kilmacolm. 

The fi rst West Renfrewshire league match was a comprehensive win for 

Paisley but it was a beautiful evening (if a bit chilly towards the end) and the 

Paisley ladies’ hospitality was very much appreciated. 

Gleddoch Ladies are a friendly bunch and welcome visitors and prospective 

new members. Contact Martin McCorkell on 01475 540704, or Gleddoch 

Hotel Reception. 

Sporting Blog 

by Lesley Handley 

Weight Training 

Whilst training one of my clients the other day, a friend of his approached 

us and laughed saying he could never do what my client was doing as he 

was too old for it... My client was 63 and was lifting a 30kg bar doing a chest 

press on a bench... 

Weight training in the gym has a lot of misguided beliefs surrounding it; 

women think it will make them bulky and elderly people think it will injure 

them. The issue is, these populations that think weight training is bad could 

be seeing massive benefi ts if implementing it in their training. 

The fact is, building muscle is hard work, and it doesn’t come easy to a 

huge amount of people. Many men struggle for years to build solid muscular 

tissue and this struggle is compounded more so in females; as females’ 

have 10x less testosterone than men, (a key muscle building hormone). 

You also need a calorie surplus when looking to gain muscle, so you need 

Well done to Strathgryffe brother and sister Megan and Liam O’Brien. 

Seven year old Megan competed in her first Grade 3 tennis tournament at 

Waverley, Edinburgh in April and never lost a game taking home the Girls 

8 & U trophy. 

Ten year old Liam moved into the 12 & 

U category in April. The same month he 

won the Boys 12 & U title at Whitecraigs, 

Glasgow followed by the Boys 12U Rogy 

tour at Mortonhall TC in Edinburgh. Liam 

has also been invited to attend a boys GB 

inter region training camp in Loughborough 

taking in sixteen of the best players in the 

UK in that age category. 

We wish them all the best for the rest of 

the season! 

For information on Strathgryffe Tennis 

& Squash Club Summer Camps please 

email:derekbrown@strathgryffe.net 

Simplyhealth Great Women’s Run 

were just some of the comments that 

we received last year and 2017 is set 

to be even bigger once again…so what 

are you waiting for…sign up to today 

and be part of something GREAT! 


The Simplyhealth Great 

Women’s Run is the largest 

women’s only running 

event in Scotland and is the 

perfect opportunity to get a 

team of friends together to 

take on the 10k or NEW 3k 

distances. 

Whether you walk, run or 

jog, you will all get that 

finish line feeling and be 

able to celebrate in style in 

the heart of Glasgow’s West 

End. 

“The new route was 

awesome”, “The atmosphere 

was electric” & “Amazing 

entertainment on course” 

to eat more than your body normally needs to stimulate new muscle growth. 

It is rare for a female to increase calories if they are health conscious and 

trying to improve their body composition. 

Muscle creates shape and many women want more shape, fi rm legs, toned 

arms, and to create the ideal body. Weight training is actually an essential 

path to creating that ‘look’. Weights, often heavy weights, need to be lifted 

to condition the muscles under fat tissue, and then reduce the fat tissue 

enough to see it. 

The elderly are another population put off by the apparent negatives of 

weight training. Often there’s a perception of a high injury risk with weight 

training in a gym, or perceived as being for the ‘young’. Strength in old 

age becomes important as the body naturally declines in overall function/ 

condition, joint integrity, bone strength and muscle flexibility. Lifting weights 

just once a week can protect against these issues. Strong bones, muscles 

and joints will dramatically reduce the risk of injury and comes from being 

active and resisting your body against heavy objects, such as weight 

training or other activities. 

Lesley 

For more information or advice on any aspect of Personal Training, or 

for a free consultation contact me on 0773 6274925 or e-mail Lesley@ 

fitsmartfitness.co.uk.


SITUATIOns Vacant 

Trades and Services 

Business 

MISCELLANEOUS 

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. 

CHILDCARE 

Houston registered childminders. 

For an informal chat to find 

your best childcare, call 

Elizabeth Waddell T: 614925 

Kilmacolm/Quarriers area 

registered childminders. P/ 

time or F/time vacancies for 

u-5’s and after school. T: 

873839. 

MUSIC TUITION 

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY 

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.


65 65 

PROPERTY 

HOLIDAY HOMES 

follow The Advertizer on twitter and 

facebook 

for regular updates 

t: @GryffeAds 

f: www.facebook.com/GryffeAds 

churches 

BRIDGE OF WEIR 

Freeland Church: Rev KN Gray BA 

BD. Morning Service 10.30am. 

Crèche, Sunday School, Lynx 

and Cornerstone. Evening 

Service 7pm www.freeland. 

org.uk 

St Mary’s Episcopal Church, 

Johnston Rd, Bridge of Weir, 

PA11 3EE. Our Services are 

held every Sunday at 10am. 

On the first Sunday each month 

at 6pm we welcome all who 

enjoy the beauty of quietness 

and peace at “Sanctuary” our 

Contemplative Service. All who 

seek God in mindful enquiry, 

in beauty, in quietness and 

service to others, all who are 

tired of life or full of it, all who 

are confident or all who are 

afraid - indeed whoever you 

are - you are welcome here! 

http://www.heartlandsec.org/ 

BoW/index.html Contact: Revd. 

Heller G.P 01505 872961. 

St Machar’s Ranfurly Church: 

Sunday services 10.30am, 

Junior Church & Youth Church, 

hearing aid loop system. For 

more information on activities 

and events find us online – 

stmacharsranfurlychurch.org. 

uk or Facebook. Come along 

– all welcome. 

Hope Hall: Sun 1pm Sunday 

School, 4.30pm Gospel Service; 

Mon 6.30pm Investigators for 

Kids, 8pm Bible Study and 

Prayer. 

ELDERSLIE 

Elderslie Kirk: Sunday service 

every week at 11am. Minister - 

Rev. Robin Allison. All welcome. 

Weekly meetings:- Monday 

Club every week from 12noon 

- 2.30pm. Light lunch and a 

varied activity programme. 

Midweek Fellowship will meet 

every Wed from 10.30am for 

Tea/Coffee followed by a short 

Service of Worship at 11am. 

COMMERCIAL 

PROPERTY 



HOWWOOD 

Howwood Parish Church. Minister 

Rev May Bell. Sunday Service 

and Sunday School. 10am each 

Sunday. Prayer meeting held 

at 3 Bowfield Way, Howwood, 

7.30pm on Tuesdays. 

HOUSTON 

Houston and Killellan Kirk Church 

of Scotland Charity no SC 

012822. During the ministerial 

vacancy the Rev. Ian Bell will 

conduct our services. 4th June 

- Morning Worship - 11am - 

Pentecost. 11th June - Morning 

Worship - 11am. Sunday School 

prize giving and family service. 

18th June - Morning Worship 

- 11am. 25th June Morning 

Worship - 11am. Sacrament 

of Baptism. 

St Fillan’s, Main St, Houston: Sun 

Masses: Vigil (Sat) 5pm, 9.30am 

& 11am. Weekday Masses: Mon 

- Sat 9.30am. Rosary: Tue, Thurs 

& Sat 9.10am. Exposition: Mon, 

Wed & Fri 9.05am. Confessions: 

Sat 10 - 10.30am and after Vigil 

Mass. Baptism: By arrangement. 

Parish Priest: Rev. Joseph 

Burke. Pastoral Assistant: Sr. 

Mary Frances Collett, RNDM 

(Tel 01505 613514). Address: 

‘Abbotsfield’, St. Fillan’s, Main 

St, Houston, PA6 7EL. T. 01505 

612046. E. parish@stfillan.org. 

uk www.stfillan.org.uk 

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 

July ‘17 Issue: 

• Deadline: 16 June 

• Delivery: 30 June 

August ‘17 Issue: 

• Deadline: 14 July 

• Delivery: 28 July 

KILBARCHAN 

Kilbarchan Parish Church in June: 

Services continue at 11am 

each Sunday throughout June, 

conducted by Rev. Stephen 

Smith. On Sunday 25th, the 

Sacrament of Holy Communion 

will be celebrated at 11am and 

6.30pm. Sunday School and 

the creche continue to meet 

in the large hall from 10.45am 

each week. The prizegiving for 

the crèche and Sunday School 

will also be in June, date to be 

confirmed. Refreshments will 

be served after all services as 

usual. ALL WELCOME TO ANY 

or ALL OF THESE SERVICES. For 

further information about the 

church and the organisations, 

please visit Kilbarchan Kirk 

online: www.kilbarchan-kirk. 

btck.co.uk 

KILMACOLM 

St Columba Church of Scotland: 

(charity no. SC007992) Morning 

Worship Sundays at 11am. All 

welcome. Coffee/tea served in 

the hall after the service. 

Grace Church Kilmacolm: in 

association with Downavale 

Free Church of Scotland (Charity 

No: SCO38274) - Sunday Service 

at 10.30am in Kilmacolm Guide 

Hut, Woodrow Avenue, PA13 4QF 

- all welcome. 

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 and 

Crèche available. Night Kirk, 

a short reflective service 1st 

Sunday each month at 6pm. 

Sòlas Bereavement Group, 2nd 

Thursday each month at 6:30pm 

in Kidston Hall. Thursday 6th 

April Sòlas Bereavement Group 

meets in the Kidston Hall from 

6:30 – 8:30pm. Mon 10 – Fri 

14 April – Holy week services; 

venue to be confirmed. Sunday 

16th April – Easter Sunday: 

9:30am: Holy Communion at 

Knapps Loch; 10:30am: coffee, 

tea, hot cross buns; 11am: 

Easter Worship with celebration 

of Holy Communion. 

St Colm’s Catholic Church, Smithy 

Brae Kilmacolm. Rev. Vincent 

Byrne. Family mass Sundays 

10am with children’s liturgy, 

followed by tea and coffee. 

Eucharistic service Thursdays 

11am. Rosar y Tuesdays 

6.30pm. Prayer group meets 

Thursdays 7.30pm. Further 

information and contact details 

www.stcolmsparish.co.uk. All 

welcome. 

Buddhist meetings: Buddhism 

of Nichiren Daishonin. Phone 

Margaret on 01505 871343. 

St Fillan’s Episcopal Church, Moss 

Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4DL. 

Services on Sunday at 11.30am. 

Wednesday: 10.30am Holy 

Communion. On the last Sunday 

of the month at 11:30am we 

welcome families to come and 

join us for our monthly Family 

Service. We are united by our 

belief in Jesus, who sustains 

and encourages us in all the ups 

and downs of life. Everyone is 

welcome to join us ! http://www. 

heartlandsec.org/KLM/index. 

html Contacts: Revd. Heller 

G.P 01505 872961 / Maureen 

Russell (Pastoral Assistant) 

01505 872905. 

LANGBANK 

Langbank Parish Church: Rev. Dr. 

Ken Forrest. Sunday Services 

10am with Sunday School, 

Crèche and young people’s 

group, the Welcomers. Tea/ 

coffee after the service. Church 

service starts at 10am. Come 

along and meet in the Hall 

from 9.50am. Charity No. 

SC015085. 

LOCHWINNOCH 

Parish Church: Rev. May Bell. 

11.30am Morning Service 

Sunday School and Crèche. 

Calder United Free Church: 

(Church Street, 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: Rev. Andy Lunn 

BSc, (01475 791282) Mount 

Zion Church, Law View Road, 

Quarriers Village, PA11 3FD. 

Sunday Worship: 10:30am, 

Bible Study and Prayer Meetings: 

Wednesday at 7pm and Friday 

at 10 am. “Mozzy” Youth Club 

Thursdays at 6:30 for young 

people of high school age. Half 

night of prayer: 7pm – midnight, 

4th Friday of each month. Feel 

free to come along at any of 

these times. 

‘The Gatherin’ is at 7pm on the 

fourth Sunday of each month, at 

Mount Zion Church in Quarriers 

Village. The Gatherin’ for people 

to come together who hunger 

for more of the presence of the 

Lord and to be fed from His word. 

Please come and invite others: 

all welcome! 

TRADES & SERVICES 

Black & White ads only 

Lineage: up to 20 words £13.00* 

Boxed ad: £7.50* per column cm 

PROPERTY & HOLIDAY HOMES 

CARS FOR SALE 

Lineage: up to 20 words £13.00* 

Boxed ad: £7.50* per column cm 

Photo: add £7.50* (colour) 

*all prices subject to VAT 

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 ST Machars Church Hall 1st Tuesday 

April 7pm. Bridge of Weir Primary School 1st Tuesday 

May and June 7pm (No meetings July and August) 

www.bridgeofweir.org 

BROOKFIELD: Brookfield Village Hall: 7.30pm 

in February, April, June, August, October and 

December on 2nd Thursday of the month. 

HOUSTON: Carrick Centre: 3rd Wed at 7.30pm 

www.houstoncommcouncil@yahoo.co.uk 

HOWWOOD: Village Hall: 2nd Tues at 7.30pm. 

www.howwood.com/community-council.php 

KILBARCHAN: Steeple Hall: monthly at 7.30pm. 

www.kilbarchan.info/community_council.html 

KILMACOLM & QUARRIERS: Last Tues at 7.30pm, 

Kilmacolm Cargill Centre (NB: No meetings: July or 

Dec) www.kilmacolmcc.co.uk 

LANGBANK: Church Hall: 2nd Wed at 7.30pm 

LOCHWINNOCH: Bowling Club: 1st Tues at 7.30pm 

community halls to let 

Bridge of Weir, Freeland Church. Tel: 612245 

Brookfield, Village Hall. Tel: 335562 

Houston, Carrick Centre. Tel: 612203 / 331488 

Houston, Compass Centre. Tel: 615441 / 612617 

Kilbarchan, Guide Centre. Tel: 702758. 

Kilbarchan, Old Library Centre. Tel: 706070 

Kilmacolm, Cargill Centre. Tel: 873994 

Kilmacolm, Brownie/Guide Hut. Tel: 874428 

Kilmacolm, Masonic Hall. Tel: 873059 

Linwood Masonic Hall. Tel: 07825 222944 

Please add your community hall details to our list - 

email to info@advertizer.co.uk 

local councillors 

Following last month’s local elections, the results are 

now in! We would like to welcome back all the regular 

faces plus a number of new ones. You’ll notice some 

new voices in our village news pages and we look 

forward to hearing more about what’s going on in 

the local area in the coming months. 

RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk 

Ward 8 - Johnstone South & Elderslie: Jacqueline 

Cameron, John Hood, Alistair Mackay, Andy Steel 

Ward 9 - Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood 

& Lochwinnoch: Derek Bibby, Bill Binks, Andy Doig, 

Emma Rodden 

Ward 10 - Houston, Crosslee, Brookfield & Linwood: 

Audrey Doig, Alison Jean Dowling, Scott Kerr, James 

Sheridan 

Ward 11 - Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank: 

Natalie Don, James MacLaren, Colin McCulloch 

Ward 12 - Erskine & Inchinnan: Tom Begg, Michelle 

Campbell, Jim Harte, Iain Nicolson 

INVERCLYDE COUNCIL: www.inverclyde.gov.uk 

Ward 1 - Inverclyde East (includes Kilmacolm & 

Quarriers): Christopher Curley, Stephen McCabe, 

David Wilson


Items For Sale 

Baby Equipment 

TINY LOVE Gymini Baby 

Padded Seat with hanging 

toys and calming vibrating 

motion. Suitable from birth. 

Exc. clean cond. Smoke free 

and pet free home. £24. Tel: 

01505 703172. 

BUMBO Floor Seat (Aqua) with 

play Tray combo. Suitable 

from 4 months. Very good 

cond. Smoke free and pet 

free home. £20. Tel: 01505 

703172. 

MYCHILD Coupe Car 2 in 1 

Baby Walker (red and black) 

with playtray steering wheel, 

lights and sounds. Good 



703172. 

FISHER PRICE Musical Lion 

Walker Push a long. V. Good 



703172. 

BABY ENSTEIN - Rhythm of 

the reef activity saucer with 

sounds. Good cond. Smoke 

free and pet free home. £30. 

Tel: 01505 703172. 

MAMA & PAPA - Lotty the 

Ladybird Rocker. All legs 

sensory and either squeak, 

crunch or rattle. Suitable 

from 9mth. Exc. clean cond. 

Smoke free and pet free 

home. £10. Tel: 01505 

703172. 

MOTHERCARE cream baby 

bath set with top and tail 

bowl, plus soap dish. Good 



703172. 

Clothes & Shoes 

Irish solo dance dresses 2 

for sale 1) Traditional gold 

& green with head set and 

pants age 8-10 years 2) 

Silver colour dress age 10 - 12 

years. £40 each. Tel: 01505 

612428 or 07780 527755. 

Jacques Vert Ivory Jacket, 

scalloped edge, size 12 petite 

- worn once. £60. Tel: 07947 

320690. 

Silk ivory wedding gown for 

sale, long train & adjustable 

lace up bodice, size 12. £150. 

Tel: 07786 984796. 

Household & Garden 

Solid pine table, 6 ft by 3 ft with 

6 chairs (2 carvers) £239. 

Also matching Welsh dresser 

£239. Will sell as set for £430. 

Must collect. Tel: 01505 

612428 or 07780 527755 

or farquharjj@aol.com to 

arrange viewing. 

Stunning dwell curved floor 

lamp with suede shade and 

marble base, as good as new. 

Cost £250 sell for £75. Tel: 

07557 564350. 

Dining Table, Glass top and 

4 chairs modern - can send 

image. Tel: 07791 688240. 

Bush/Grass Cutter Petrol - 

good condition, seldom used. 

£100. Tel: 07791 688240. 

Mini Electric table top oven, 

perfect working order two 

rings and fan oven clean. 

£50. Tel: 07791 688240. 

Flymo Mow n Vac 900w electric 

grass mower. 28cm cut, 15 

litre grass box. Lightweight, 

hardly used in very good 

condition. £25. Tel: 01505 

705066. 

Tree Pruner - Electric, unused in 

box. £49. Tel: 01505 612428 

or 07780 527755. 

Hedge Trimmer - McCulloch 

petrol operated trimmer - still 

in box, as new £49. Tel: 

01505 612428 or 07780 

527755. 

Hedge Trimmer - never used, 

battery operated, comes with 

charger. £20. Tel: 01505 

612428. 

Indesit IDF125 60cm 

Freestanding Dishwasher 

(white). Good cond. 3 years 

old. No longer needed. £35. 

Tel. 07847 210365. 

Black glass & chrome TV stand 

for up to 50 inch TV. Exc 

cond. £40 ono. Tel: 07740 

187171. 

Fire Fenders x 2 - Reconditioned 

Black Wrought Iron, in lovely 

condition, ideal for open fire 

or around wood burner. One 

is full size and one half size. 

Can sell individually or as a 

pair. £90 for both or £60 large 

and £30 smaller. Tel: 07940 

719828 / 01505 843485. 

Coleman Quadspace Family 

Tent - 3 bedroom/full height 

living space, sleeps 9 people 

comfortably. Comes with its 

own bag and has an extra 

set of poles. In very good 

condition. £100 or reasonable 

offer. Tel: 07940 719828 / 

01505 843485. 

Qualcast Petrol Mower with 

steel roller, as new condition. 

Cost today £625, accept 

£125. Tel: 01505 862609. 

Two seater Reids premium 

leather sofa in forest green 

in immaculate condition from 

non-smoking household. £99. 

Buyer to uplift. Tel: 07808 

091628. 

Cream Lamp with ceramic base. 

£10. Tel: 01505 613051. 

Hendersons cream mushroom 

shaped Lamp with brass base. 

£30. Tel: 01505 613051. 

Ikea white Basket Chair. £20. 

Tel: 01505 613051. 

Ikea Bookcase with glass 

doored cabinet and CD racks. 

£40. Tel: 01505 613051. 

Colonial Console Table with 2 

basket style drawers. £35. 

Tel: 01505 613051. 

Oak hall Console Table, 2 

drawers. £50. Tel: 01505 

613051. 

Glass mushroom lamps (2). 

Brass stands pinkish grey 

shades. £30. Tel: 01505 

613051. 

As new Breydon Fireside Chair, 

from Ableworld Paisley, Cost 

£299 1 year ago hardly used. 

Upholstered in tan/cream with 

light wood arms and legs. 

High backed and higher seat 

for easy access. Offers over 

£80. Tel: 01505 322758 or 

07767 144986. 

Trofast Ikea Furniture - (H)52 

x (W)94 x (D)43cm. Boxes 

30 x 42 x 10cm (small), 30 x 

42 x 24cm (large). £35. Tel: 

07419 998054. 

Single wardrobe, wood. Unique 

design, commissioned for 

original owner. Central mirror, 

with two sides engraved with 

Margaret McIntosh design. 

£199 must collect. Tel: 01505 

612428 or 07780 527755 or 

farquharjj@aol.com to view. 

Sofa - 2 seater navy blue, as 

new. £199. Must collect. 

Tel: 01505 612428 or 07780 

527755 or farquharjj@aol. 

com to view. 

Pair of two-seater cream leather 

sofas. Excellent condition. 

£200 for both. Tel: 01505 

614503. 

Electric recliner chair. Cream 

leather. Excellent condition. 

£200. Tel: 01505 614503. 

Nest of 3 tables. Dark wood 

with glass tops. Excellent 

condition. £70. Tel: 01505 

614503. 

3 seater Hampton & McMurray 

‘Diamante’ leather sofa by 

Bardi with 2 matching scatter 

cushions in Bordaux. Ex. 

cond. £400 ono. Tel: 01505 

703697 or 07514 656855. 

Childs Mothercare Pine Bed 

and Mattress, only used for 1 

week. Linen, duvet cover, 2 

pillow cases, fitted sheet. £35 

ono. Tel: 01505 690610. 

2 Pine folding small Tables. £7 

each or 2 for £10 ono. Tel: 

01505 690610. 

Stuva Ikea Furniture - White 

128(h) x 60(w) x 50(d)cm. 

£50. Tel: 07419 998054. 

Trofast Ikea Furniture - 93 x 30 

x 21cm depth. Boxes 20 x 30 

x 10cm (6 in total). £20. Tel: 

07419 998054. 

Trofast Ikea Furniture - 176 x 44 

x 30cm depth. Boxes 42 x 30 

x 10cm (2 of), 42 x 30 x 23cm 

(2 of), 42 x 30 x 36cm (2 of). 

£40. Tel: 07419 998054. 

Flymo Garden Vac Plus. Blows 

or vacuum with removable 

plastic blade. 40ft lead with 

adjustable shoulder strap. 

Good condition with original 

instruction leaflet and 9 spare 

blades. £25. Tel: 01475 

540714. 

Glass TV cabinet for sale with 

steel trim, 2 shelves. £10. 

Tel: 07786 984796. 

Oak effect TV cabinet for sale, 

£10. Tel: 07786 984796. 

MOVING - assorted household 

items including furniture, 

near new fridge freezer, 

sewing machine, assorted 

garden hand and electrical 

tools. Contact: Jean 07466 

676779. 

Stuva Ikea Cupboard - Wood 

effect doors - 64(h) x 60(w) 

x 50(d)cm. £30. Tel: 07419 

998054. 

Conservatory 2 seater settee 

and armchair, cane frame. 

£50. Tel: 01505 321691. 

Baytree Interiors white writing 

/dressing table and white 

matching chair. £30. Tel: 

01505 613051. 

Nancy Smillie four drawer chest 

of drawers with oval topped 

mirror. Two matching bedside 

tables. £60. Must Uplift. Tel: 

01050 613051. 

2 kitchen chairs. Blue and red 

check on seat pads. £20. Tel: 

01505 321691. 

DaVinci Brown Leather Suite. 3 

seater, 2 seater and footstool. 

Good condition from a nonsmoking 

and non-pet home. 

£200. Tel: 07736 887324. 

Camp beds, folding in good 

condition. £10 each or lot of 

5 - £40. Tel: 07977 986526 or 

01505 872192. 

Laura Ashley pair of bedside 

Lamps (cream shades). £15. 

Tel: 01505 613051. 

Electrical & Gas 

Nutribullet from Lakeland - 

hardly used. Retails £70 sell 

for £40. Tel: 07419 998054. 

Bang & Olufson 26” with digital 

box freeview, no remote 

amazing swivel stand moves 

round to suit you. £50. Tel: 

07791 688240. 

Visorblade Supertooth 

II Universal Bluetooth 

Handsfree Kit. Includes mains 

charger, car charger and a 

visor mounting clip. Easy to 

set up and use in car. £10. 

Tel: 01475 540714. 

Zyxel PLA4215 500 Mbps 

Powerline Gigabit with AC 

Pass Through Adapter - Twin 

Pack. The adapters are in 

Full working order. £30. Tel: 

01475 540714. 

Denon music system with 

amplifier & 2 B&W speakers. 

£80. Tel: 07786 984796. 

PC dual Windows/ Android 

systems, good working order. 

£50. Tel: 07791 688240. 

Pets 

Bi-Fold Pet Ramp, lightweight 

and strong, colour black. 

Skid-resistant tred even when 

wet. As new in original box. 

Supports a dog up to 200 lbs. 

(90kgs). 2.4” (6cm) raised 

sides size (ex) 61”L x 15.7”W 

(155 x 40cm) size (fold) 31”L 

x 15.7”W x 7.5”D (79 x 40 x 

19cm). 11 lbs (5kg). £30. Tel: 

01475 540714. 

Sports 

Bicycle 23” frame DUTCH 

Traditional hub brakes old 

Skool. £100. Tel: 07791 

688240. 

follow The Advertizer on 

twitter and facebook for regular updates 

t: @GryffeAds 

f: www.facebook.com/GryffeAds 

Golf Bag. Taylormade, Silver/ 

Grey, large size with six club 

compartments. Yours for a 

donation of £20 (min) which 

will be gifted to The Beatson 

Cancer Care. Tel: 01505- 

872717 

A set of Gents King Cobra 

golf clubs with Wilson golf 

bag. Well cared for £195 

ono. Contact Christine at 

c123gribbin@gmail.com or 

07905 259384. 

Selection of Home Gym 

Equipment: Body Sculpture 

Air. Elliptical Strider. Folding 

Everlast Weights Bench 

with accessories. Pro 

Fitness Weights Bench with 

accessories. Heavy Duty 

Stepper. AbSwing Pro. 2 

Thigh Exercisers. Rolled 

Exercise Mat. 35lbs of York 

Weights. All selling for only 

£145 for quick sale. Tel: 0845 

9002822 

Original Raleigh Chopper Bike, 

excellent condition. £150 

ono. Tel: 07881 734273. 

Large Nike Golf Bag, Ex Cond, 

Black Silver. £50. Tel: 01505 

324738. 

Ladies Cobra S2 Max Irons 

- Graphite Shafts - 5 To S/I 

- Good Condition - £75. Tel: 

01505 391026 or 07773 

713486. 

Toys/Games/DVD 

BMW S 1000RR Motorcycle 

ride-in for 3-8 year old, 

battery power, brand new in 

packaging. £100. Tel: 07856 

610671. 

Force land Jeep - does work 

but buttery could be replaced. 

£30. Tel: 07419 998054. 

Other Items 

Brand new steel car wheel 

6JX15H2 and new Jinyu tyre 

185/60 R15. Stored as spare 

wheel only. £80. Tel: 07736 

067169. 

Landrover Discovery original 

bootliner, brand new condition, 

£75. Tel: 07432 007163. 

Samsung S5 gold all sims, 

perfect working condition. 

£80. Tel: 07791 688240. 

Doogee Mobile Phone, dual sim 

high spec as new. £60. Tel: 

07791 688240. 

2 packs of solid oak flooring 

18mm x 150mm covers 4m 

square approx . £60 ono. Tel: 

07740 187171. 

Apple iPhone 6 Mobile Phone, 

perfect working condition with 

charger ready to use. £190. 

Tel: 07791 688240. 

Wall mounting locked letterbox, 

Black sides, lift up lid & 

silver front. Size W27cm 

x H25cm x D13.5cm (slot 

L25cm x W3.5cm). Unused 

in original box with two keys 

and mounting screws. £10. 

Tel: 01475 540714. 

Four wheel wine colour case 

L27” x W17” x D10” - £15. 

Flight Bag, wine & grey - £5. 

Tel: 01505 690610. 

Vango Exodus 400 Sleeping 

Bag - 3 season. Brand 

new. Ticket price £89.99. 

Sell for £50 ono. Tel: 07740 

600490. 

Vango Omega 400R Sleeping 

Bag - 3 season. Brand 

new £50 ono. Tel: 07740 

600490. 

Vango Voyager 300L Sleeping 

bag - 3 season. Brand 

new. £50 ono. Tel: 07740 

600490. 

Vango Dakota 300 Tent. Brand 

new. £100 ono. Tel: 07740 

600490. 

Blackberry PASSPORT perfect 

condition with box and 

charger. £190. Tel: 07791 

688240. 

HD Video drone 2.4GHZ 

quadrocopter with built-in 

HD camera NEW. £85. Tel: 

07856 610671. 

Gas boiler - Never used, still in 

box with instructions - SOLO 

boiler, Baxi 3 PFL Range. 

£195. Tel: 01505 612428 or 

07780 527755. 

Vintage binoculars 8 x 30 in 

a black leather case telstar 

coated lenses. £22. Tel: 

07856 610671. 

Rackz C10 Console Unit with 

C03 Head-Up Unit. 10U 

sloping unit with 4U under 

mixer mounting space plus 

3U add-on Head-Up unit. 

Selling for £80 or nearest 

offer. Buyer collects or 

arranges own shipping. Tel: 

0845 9002822. 

Brand new full size wheel & tyre 

- Mazda 3. Cost £180 - sell 

£90. Tel: 07740 281206. 

Aluminium Ladder, double 

extends to 24ft. As new - 

cost £115, accept £25. Tel: 

01505 862609. 

Mobility - Rollator, as new, 

red with seat and easy grab 

breaks. £30. Tel: 01505 

612428. 

Wanted Items 

Exercise bike wanted. Contact 

Christine at: c123gribbin@ 

gmail.com or on 07905 

259384. 

Adult bike, preferably hybrid 

type, for general recreational 

use. Tel: 07413 750 114 

Cash paid for Music CDs (a few 

or a lot). Tel: 0141 882 5594 

or 07765 115347. 

Local lily grower requires the use 

of a greenhouse/polytunnel in 

Kilmacolm area in return for 

light gardening duties. Tel: 

Vince 01505 872082. 

Old records Wanted 45`s & 

LP`s CASH Paid. Tel: 07710 

777571. 

Free Cycle 

Quality Wooden display unit with 

drawers, shelves and glass 

doors. Contact Christine@ 

c123gribbin@gmail.com or 

07905 259384. 

10 large uneven sandstone 

blocks. Free if uplifted. Tel: 

01505 612162. 

Air elliptical strider (exercise 

machine). Free to anyone 

who wishes to collect. Tel: 

07487 665778. 

you can contact us @GryffeAds using #Advertizer 

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

67 67 


Advertizers - A to Z 

by category 

sales & wants ad rates: 

ADVERTISING 

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. 

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 

WhatsApp 07731 923970 

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

Next Issue: (#274) July ‘17 

Deadline: Friday 16 June 

contact us 

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. 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 39 

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 48 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 15 

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 50 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 14 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 8 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 26 

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 

AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

AL Stewart - Driving Instruct . . 15 

Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 5 

Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 52 

ARC Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 37 

Ashes Hair & Beauty . . . . . . . . 37 

B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 5 

Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 16 

Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Board Ironing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 51 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

Bridge of Weir Dog Walking . . 46 

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 24 

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 16 

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 13 

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 33 

Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 

Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 4 

Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

CKD Galbraith . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 15 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Cloudy2Clear Windows Glasgow . . 5 

Cochran Dickie Estate Agents . . 27 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 7 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Conservatory Conversions . . . Bk 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 51 

Creative Masterclass Academy . . ,38 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Delta Electrical Services . . 33 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 30 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 48 

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 16 

Eclipse deep clean . . . . . . . . . 14 

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 15,6 

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 10 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 15 

G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 51 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,9 

Gibb Stuart Iron . . . . 14,15,49 

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 48 

GMH Chartered Accountants . . 29 

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 14 

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 31 

Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 

Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 

Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 3 

Husse Pet Food . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 

Accountants & Financial 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 26 

Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 15 

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 15 

GMH Chartered Accountants . . 29 

Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk 

Architectural Services 


Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Art, Gifts & Flowers 


Automotive Services 

AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

ARC Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 31 

Bathrooms 



Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17 

Bedrooms 


Blacksmith & Metalwork 

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 39 

Tennamast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

Building Services 


B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 5 

BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 51 



DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 


James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 43 

JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 

KC Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 18 

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 

MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 3 

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 43 

RM Contractors . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 

Rukeri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 14 

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 4 

Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 55 

Business Services 

Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 16 

Catering 

The Pavilion Tearoom . . . . . . . 14 

Cleaning & PowerWash 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 






Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Coffee Shops 



Computer, IT & Web 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 


Councillor 

Paisley Labour Party . . . . . . . 29 

Driveways 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Driving Instructors 

AL Stewart - Driving Instruct . . 15 

Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . 7 

Education 


Lirico Languages . . . . . . . . . ,57 

Electricians 

Delta Electrical Services . . 33 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,9 

JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Entertainment 

Sandy Cunningham Musician . . 21 

Fencing 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 


Tennamast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

Firewood & Logs 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 51 

Funeral Services 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 2 

Garage Doors & Gates 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Garden Service & Design 

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 48 

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 50 

Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 52 


Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 51 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 48 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 51 



J S Montgomery Ltd . . . . . . . . . 49 

M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 49 

MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 49 


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 51 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 50 

Gas & Heating Services 



GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,9 

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 10 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Glazier 


Cloudy2Clear Windows Glasgow . . 5 

Inverclyde Windows . . . . . . . . . 9 

JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 3 

TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Hairdressers & Barbers 



Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 37 

Health, Beauty & Fitness 



Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 10 

Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 45 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 11 

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Lifestyle Beauty Salon . . . . . ,9 

New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 35 

Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 37 

Home Hardware 


Home Improvements 

Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 5 




Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Rent A Bloke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Revamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 

Home Interiors 




Home Security 

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 24 

Joiners 


CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 33 



JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 


McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 




TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 14 

Kilt & Dress Hire 

Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 3 

Kitchens 







Laundry & Ironing 

Board Ironing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Leisure & Recreation 

Kilbarchan Agricultural Societ . . 21 

Kilmacolm Golf Club . . . . . . . . ,60 

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club . . 61 

Locksmiths 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Painters & Decorators 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 15 

Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 7 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Ian Livingston Decorating . . 18 

James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Pest Control 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Pet Services & Training 

Bridge of Weir Dog Walking . . 46 

Husse Pet Food . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 46 

Strathgryffe Dog Walks . . . . . 47 

Photographers 

Little Studio Kilmacolm . . . . 55 

Plasterers 


Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 4 



Plumbers 




GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,9 


JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 

Property, Sales & Let 

CKD Galbraith . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Cochran Dickie Estate Agents . . 27 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Removals 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 39 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Restaurant & Bars 


The Fox & Hounds . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Retail 



Roofing 













Solicitors 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 8 


Special Occasions 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 


Sports Clubs & Events 



Stoves 

Iron House Stoves Limited . . 7 


Taxis & Minicoach hire 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 31 

Tiling 

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 14 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Travel Agents 

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Tree Surgeon 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 


LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 51 

TV & Satellite 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 30 

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 

Upholstery Services 




P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 2 

Window Cleaners 




Matthews Cleaning Services . . 15 

Window, Consv & Repair 




TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 


Ian Livingston Decorating . . 18 



Iron House Stoves Limited . . 7 

J S Montgomery Ltd . . . . . . . . . 49 


James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 



JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 2 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 31 


Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 

Kilbarchan Agricultural Societ . . 21 

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 45 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 11 




Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 


LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Lifestyle Beauty Salon . . . . . ,9 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Lirico Languages . . . . . . . . . ,57 

Little Studio Kilmacolm . . . . 55 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 


M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 49 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Matthews Cleaning Services . . 15 


McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 


MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 

New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 37 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 35 

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 


Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 18 

P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 2 

Paisley Labour Party . . . . . . . 29 

Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . 7 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 49 


Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Rent A Bloke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Revamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 


Rukeri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 


Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 46 


Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 37 

Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk 

Strathgryffe Dog Walks . . . . . 47 



TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Tennamast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

The Fox & Hounds . . . . . . . . . . 23 


The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 


Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 51 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 50 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 14

68 

t: 01505 613340 07731 923970 e: info@advertizer.co.uk 





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